[Flashback] Where the Grass Meets the Sea (Nel Sayo)

[Vanator]

Vanator was a bit surprised at the vehemence of Nel's reply, and the sudden pressure of her back against him belied the fear she was grappling with. He carefully slipped his arms around the Konti's waist and clasped his hands over her stomach. As Vanator directed Zura in a leisurely pattern around the campsite, the Drykas pondered the pirate's question. "Asking one of the horseclan why he liked horses is like asking an Eypharian why he liked having extra arms. You never think to ask why, they have always been a part of you." The two riders swayed slowly as the Strider made her rounds. Van tried to find words to explain the relationship between Drykas and Striders. "It is said that the Zulrav once raised his voice in song and combined it with Semele's in a spectacular chorus. From that was born a beautiful colt. At the place where that colt first ran, his hooves flattened out the land and grass sprung up, creating the Sea of Grass. From that colt sprang the rest of the Cyphrus Striders – the finest breed of horse to set hoof to earth." The horseslord tightened his embrace of Nel for a moment as she seemed to teeter a bit. "That stallion, Rakivas, chose a rider, Serifal Drykas. From that time forward, Striders have been choosing Drykas riders. Our Striders are family, for they take us wherever we go, speed us away from harm, and carry us charging to our enemies. They are one with us, and without our horses, we would not be Drykas. Zura is as much my sister as...well...my sisters. That is why I like horses so much."

[Limey]

Vanator Skill and Lore Rewards Skills Lore Observation 5 A Strange Sea... Of Water? Riding 2 So That's A "Ship", Is It? Rhetoric 5 Nel: Part Fish (Apparently) Investigation 2 Keeping A Promise Teaching 3 Trying New Things (That Scorch Your Throat) Sword 1 Of Glassbeaks And Zith Nel: Cheerfully Piratical Rapier: Skinny Lil' Thing Deciding On Terms Such An Awkward Weapon... Or Wielder The Basics Of Riding Lore: The Legend Of Striders Additional Notes : Nel, if you ever do come back, PM me and I'll give you a grade for this. Damn, boy, I'm amazed you let this one hang around for so long! Had some free time to get through it all, hope you liked what I dished out. Shame that Mel vanished. Overall, I liked this, especially Vanator's helpful streak. I especially liked his first appraisal of the ocean and that strange thing called a "ship", and the final story about Striders? Wonderful! Any questions or queries, please PM me.