Completed Destiny's Call (Praetorian/Rue)

[Praetorian]

When the Nightlion finally decided that killing the two women before him was better than taking as many bites out of the meaty horse as he could before fleeing into the wilderness, only to return later. A low, rumbling snarl ripped from his blood-stained maw, his lips pulled back to reveal age-stained teeth. He wanted to rip their throats out, to feast upon this triple-kill, to sate his throbbing hunger. But they still had their glinting teeth, their stingers. He moved to swat at Arundel's spear, sitting back on his haunches, only for Rue's arrow to slam into his shoulder. He felt the tip of the arrow grate against the bone as he moved away from the pain, only to have it follow him. His snarl of pain was quickly overshadowed thunder. The ground shook ferociously beneath their feet, as if in the Sea of Grass was angered by the spilt equine blood. But alas, the reasoning was far from supernatural. Drawn by the screams of a horse in pain, a small group of horses had sped from Endrykas. Their herd instinct led them to forget about their own safety, focusing instead upon the danger that could come for their foals. Leading the charge was a powerful silver grullo male with a mane nearly as black as his eyes, but he was flanked by three other horses of various genders, coats, and ages. Like the wrath of Semele and Zulrav themselves, the herd descended upon the Nightlion, lashing out in unison, barring their teeth, attempting to even bite at the Nightlion's rear as it would turn to strike at the nose or rear of another horse. The sound itself seemed to rip through the grassland, causing some even in Endrykas to pause and wonder about such a noise. Abruptly, the grullo stallion cried out in pain as the monster's claw managed to catch him in the cheek, scoring the flesh there with four bloody marks. Instead of running away in pain, she took up a sentry position in front of the two women and Wildfire, head lowered and ears back in distaste. After what seemed to be bells but was, in all actuality, only a few ticks of ferocious fighting, the Nightlion disappeared into the grass, howling and growling in pain, suffering from many broken bones. That night, he would die alone and become a meal for a trio of wandering Glassbeaks. In a way that betrayed their intelligence, the Striders would then walk over to the now-glass-eyed Juniper and touch their muzzles to her wide cheek, snuffling gently before turning their attention to the two women and their kin. Dark eyes shone with curiosity and concern, nostrils quivered for the scent of blood upon them. But, they all remained a pair of paces away, for the stallion that had led them was standing closer to Arundel, head lowered so that his eyes were even with hers in a look so meaningful that any Drykas would recognize it in an instant. His large ears swiveled gently, seeking the sound of her voice as he shifted back and forth from hoof to hoof.

[Arundel]

Rue's arrow slammed into the lion's aged flesh, and the animal's scream startled her from her murderous trance. Arundel's shuddered as it stumbled away, fleeing from the arrow embedded in his shoulder. It scrambled across Juniper's massive body and into the grass flattened by their struggle. She wanted to run to the mare that was lying so horribly still, but before she could get her legs to cooperate the earth began to tremble under her boots. For a moment fear washed over her. What now?! She whipped around to look at Rue, seeing if her young companion was alright. The worried warning died on her lips when she caught sight of the small group of Striders galloping full tilt toward their gruesome scene. Awe struck her speechless, and she stumbled out of the path of their thundering hooves, watching as they converged on the nightlion with merciless efficiency.

It was horrible and amazing all at the same time to witness. Arundel pulled Rue back several clumsy paces, clutching the girl's arm like a lifeline. Horses reared, kicked, bit, and squealed as the lion tried to fend them off. Leading the brave charge was a big, beautiful stallion. The desperate feline struck out wildly, managing a blow to the side of its face. The sounds of the scuffle was almost deafening, and she winced when the stallion shrieked in anger. The Strider turned and charged toward them then, and instinctively Arundel placed a protective arm across Rue's front. But the big horse pivoted back to face the lion, bravely standing post in front of them. His silver body shone in the sun, black mane and tail snarled and tangled from the fight. He was magnificent.

His hooves gouged the earth in an intimidating challenge and he shook his big head, snorting loudly in defiance. Muscle seemed to ripple with every movement he made. He then stilled, staring down their adversary with his ears pinned. It seemed like that was all the lion could take. It disappeared back into the grass, yowling loudly and dragging its broken body off to only the Gods knew where. And then it was over. Arundel looked at Rue, tears of both relief and barely controlled grief pooling in her haunted eyes. "Are you alright?" She couldn't watch as the Striders went to Juniper. She wanted to throw herself onto the mare and weep. But she couldn't move. Arundel noted the horses' movements out of the corner of her eye, gazing at Rue's shoulder but not really seeing.

Everything had happened so fast, and they'd been so unprepared. She had been unprepared. And now Juniper was lost to her. It was all her fault. Why didn't I bring medical supplies just in case? How could I be so stupid? she thought bitterly. Tears spilled down her flushed cheeks, and her breathing caught in the lump in her throat. She would never be this foolish again. May Semele have mercy on me. Her foolishness had cost a precious life. She prayed Juniper returned to the Web quickly, if she hadn't already, and found peace. Dark movement caught her eye, blurred as they were with tears. The stallion was still there, but watched her now. They were eye to eye, and she stood transfixed the second they locked. Arundel quickly blinked her tears away and took a shaky breath. The look he gave her struck right to her very core. Her lips parted and she inhaled sharply, as they stared intently into each other.

Never could she have imagined this outcome. New tears - tears of astonishment and shocked joy - swam across her vision. "Hello," she greeted him tentatively, almost shyly. Her hand reached out, fingers itching to close to distance between them. She touched his velvety nose uncertainty, but at the same time with more certainty than she'd ever felt. It was an overwhelming combination of emotions. Wonder drove her feet forward, and her other hand found his unhurt cheek. He sighed against her face, and the strong familiar smell of horse breath made her relax. He was glorious - everything she had ever wished for and more. Eager fingers ran through his dark - almost black - mane, catching on some tangles. Oh, but she would have time to groom those out. He was hers now and she was his, that much was so obvious. The look in his intelligent eyes alone was enough to help sooth the horrible pain of what had just transpired.

"Domero," she said simply. The name popped from her mouth before she could even think. It sounded right, just like he felt right. Swiftly she hugged him around his muscular, silvery neck. Arundel sniffed loudly, rubbing her wet cheek against solid horse flesh. "Thank you," she whispered into his hair. She wasn't sure if she was thanking the Gods or the stallion. Both, it felt like.

[Naiya]

Rue could have cursed at her luck as the lion reared back to strike just as her arrow reached him, embedding itself in his shoulder instead. The chance was stolen from her as the ground began to tremble beneath her feet, causing her to miss her draw of a second arrow.

She could hardly tear her eyes from the angry form of the lion long enough to see what it was that caused the earth to shake, but when she did she had to wonder if the stress of the situation had caused her to faint. Maybe, she thought, the lion had really attacked her and instead of meeting death proudly, she crafted an illusion to make her passing easier.

Arundel's grip on her arm told her otherwise as she dragged the girl back out of the way of the horses. It was like a well choreographed dance, watching the battle between the Striders and the lion. Hooves and teeth moved with startling efficiency never once falling anywhere but their prey. And it was prey, that the lion had become, despite his loud protests and biting claws.

The Strider that had led the charge fell out of the fight with an angry scream, pivoting on his rear legs to instead charge at the two awestruck Drykas. Arundel's arm slammed across her chest with such force that Rue wondered if her collarbones would be bruised. The disinterested musing only further evidence of stress. Just as quickly as he approached, the stallion halted, once more facing the lion, standing guard proud and defiant as Wildfire had.

Stillness fell over them as the lion retreated, the lion mangled and broken almost beyond recognition. Arundel spoke to her, but Rue had eyes only for the horses, each of which moved to the fallen mare, touching soft noses to her cooling cheek. Wildfire joined them, following last to nuzzle the mare, saying a last goodbye to the mare who had been his friend.

He returned to Rue's side, resting his head on her shoulder and chest as he watched Arundel and the silver strider. Rue wrapped her arm around his head, hugging him softly to her. Part of her was sorry for the loss of Juniper, and mourned for the mare and her friend, but the other part of her was just glad that it had not been Wildfire who had fallen to the night lion's hunger.

Rue recognized the emotion of the moment, something great found in a moment of loss. It was beautiful, and as much as she hated to pull Arundel away from the stallion, she knew that she must.

"Arundel." She spoke the older woman's name, hoping to draw her back to the present where, despite their herd of Striders, the threat of glassbeaks grew with every moment the wind had to carry the scent of blood.

[Arundel]

Rue's gentle voice coaxed her back into the here and now. Arundel sighed, pulling away from her Strider. Hers. They looked at each other - green staring into black - and she mustered the will to move. "Yes," she murmured. "I know. We'll go back. Just let me say goodbye." She looked at Juniper as she spoke, lying so still in the grass. Arundel crossed the small distance to the Seme's body, and knelt by her head. Her eyes were open, staring at nothing. A chill ran up the Drykas' spine and bile rose in her throat, but she managed to push it back down. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, she pulled the horse's cool head into one final embrace. Their cheeks touched, and she whispered a small prayer. "May Semele and the Web welcome you home, and that we one day meet again." They had been together so long. Her chest ached from the loss, but Arundel was able to keep the tears at bay now. She leaned back on her haunches, straightened her shoulders and smoothed the mare's forelock down.

She would come back and pay more formal respects later. Tomorrow she may even build a cairn in the horse's honor. That felt right. Feeling new purpose, Arundel crawled around - trying to avoid the blood - and unbuckled the yvas from around Juniper's girth. Or what was once Juniper. This was just the body that her soul had been housed in. The mare had returned to the Web now. That thought helped to make her movements more sure. She felt rather than saw Domero behind her, standing watch over her like a guardian sent from the Gods. It was a bit of a struggle getting the tack out from under the mare's substantial weight, but after a few hard yanks the gear came free. She stood holding the yvas and its pad, which would definitely need some repairs thanks to the lion's attack. Maybe it would even need replaced. Her lips pursed, and she sighed.

Moving like a well oiled machine, she placed the pad on Domero's silvery back, then buckled the yvas around him. His skin shivered at the new sensation, but she reassured him with a calming hand on his muscular neck. Quickly she gathered her things from their pile of equipment - which had thankfully been set away from the scuffle - and attached everything to its respective hook. Finally her eyes met with Rue's over the top of Domero's back. They were weary, but also determined. "Are you ready?" she asked. Her voice sounded different. A little harder maybe. That would pass with the pain. Right now she just wanted to go home. Maybe she'd get drunk tonight. Getting inebriated sounded beautiful right about now. Arundel checked the tightness of the yvas - it was cinched up more than she'd ever had to with Juniper's wide body - but would do for now.

Grabbing a fistful of Domero's black mane, she swung up onto his back. He was the perfect fit. This was right. She smiled despite herself, and wanted to laugh. Excitement made the stallion dance to the side and toss his head up and down. He nickered quietly, stamping the earth with a hard hoof. Her hips shifted with him easily, instinctively anticipating his movements. She'd ridden her father's Strider, but it hadn't been anything like this. Arundel's heart swelled momentarily, threatening to burst with pride. She'd lost a beloved friend but gained so much. Domero pawed the ground, ripping up grass and dirt. It was effortless to interpret what he was feeling. Like a sixth sense. Arundel looked back at the other Striders waiting, watching with those intelligent eyes that saw so much.

"Let's go home, Rue," she murmured, turning back to her friend. The smell of blood would soon attract scavengers if it hadn't already. Tentatively, feeling like an excited child, she placed her fingers on either side of Domero's neck. "Home," she told him, gently squeezing with her thighs. Arundel could feel deep in her bones that he understood her desire. He complied, pivoting effortless toward Endrykas and coming off his two front legs. She hung on so much more easily than she would have with Juniper that it took her breath away. When his front came down, he surged forward with powerful flanks, rippling under her and taking off like a wind conjured by Zulrav. He knew she wanted to see him tap into the Web, and he wanted to show her. He wanted to show off as well as outrun her despair - to leave it behind, unable to catch up. He got pretty damned close.

Arundel clutched his mane tightly, holding two big fistfuls of hair. She didn't trust the strength of the yvas right now. Her cry of pure joy was caught up and ripped apart by the wind, lost to their ears. She glanced under her arm, seeing the Striders and Rue not far behind. "Let's see who makes it first!" she called, a smile threatening to split her face in two. It hurt her cheeks, but she didn't care. Arundel's heart pounded with the thunder of Domero's hooves, and she hunched further over his neck. "Faster!" she pleaded him, squeezing urgently. Her worries were just a the tip of his tail, trying to catch up. She wanted to outrun them, and feel this amazing for the rest of her life. He was so easy to ride, it made her feel like soaring. Maybe they could touch the sky if she ran hard enough. She could tell this was what he loved to do, and he responded excitedly to her request, know she needed it. His body stretched and flattened, hooves reaching for the earth and the Web beneath him.

She squealed in delight, feeling the rush of air increase, making her clothes and hair dance wildly. He snorted with each stride, galloping for all he was worth. Arundel could see Endrykas ahead, and started to ease her weight back by small fractions. Domero threw his head, looking grumpy at the idea of letting up. But he did, albeit slowly. He was still going too fast as they approached the first tents of the city, and she gritted her teeth for what she knew was coming. Arundel let the others pass them - the Striders and Rue - as she leaned back and braced. "Easy! Stop now, whoa," she demanded. His butt went down and his head went up. The two of them skidded and slid to a stop in a cloud of dusty between two large pavilions. She wasn't able to stop her momentum in time, and smacked right into the back of his big neck. Her nose and breasts took the brunt of the hit, smarting instantly and making her eyes water.

Domero danced forward several yards once he righted himself, neck arched and head shaking. He twisted around to look at her, having the grace to look a little sorry. She patted him, squinting against the burning of her nose. "I'sokay," she mumbled to the stallion. Lesson learned.

[Naiya]

Rue did her best to give her friend a private moment with her long time friend, calling Wildfire to her with a silent signal and packing her things back upon his back. She unstrung her bow, recoiling the string with the other in her bag before hanging her bow from the yvas as well.

Wildfire shifted uncomfortably under her hands, standing tall and tense. He gave no signs of danger though, and Rue decided that he would settle after they moved from this place. She turned to check on Arundel and found she had already tacked up her strider and seemed to be waiting on her. She nodded to the other, answering her question silently rather than take in more of the copper tinged air than she absolutely had to.

That was probably what had wildfire spooked. The tangy copper taste of blood in the air. It would do them all good to get moving. She mounted Wildfire, a process that had become far less awkward as the two had adjusted to one another, and turned once more to Arundel. The other woman hardly noticed with the excitement she was feeling. She looked full to bursting, emotion that Rue had been feeling not so long ago when Wildfire had found her.

They took off towards Endrykas, the silvery black stallion pulling ahead right away. Rue grumbled softly at the challenge, not sure if Wildfire was under control enough to tap the web as the others so obviously had, but as always her seemed to understand her so much better than an animal should and she felt the tingle of awareness spread as he pulled energy from the network beneath them. He whinnied loudly, jumping forward to chase the the other two. They moved like blurs across the grasses, moving at speeds Rue had only ever experienced on the back of a strider.

Her hair whipped around her as Wildfire stretched to his fullest, spending more time in the air than with his feet on the ground. She bent low over his neck, her chin almost resting in his mane.

All to soon the Endrykas came into view, and Wildfire let go of his connection to the web, slowing to a regular gallop, then as Rue sat back, using her weight to cue his motion they stepped down into a canter and then a trot. Ahead of them, for they had lost the race undeniably, Arundel and her strider still seemed to be going full speed. She heard her voice call something and then they stopped, from full out run to a dead stop, and she watched as Arundel pitched forward into the neck of the stallion. When she reached the two, she was still laughing so hard she could hardly keep her seat, and Wildfire made a sound that Rue had come to recognize as his own horsey version of laughter.

"Well done." She teased the two lightly, slowing to a halt beside them.

[Arundel]

Arundel smiled at Rue, thoroughly embarrassed as her friend guffawed at her riding mishap. For a moment she could forget the tragedy that had happened not even a bell ago. The Drykas laughed with her younger companion, smoothing down Domero's windblown mane. Her hair didn't look much better. "Not bad for our first ride." There was a hint of sarcasm laced in her words, but for the most part she meant it. It had been extraordinary. Her muscles sang with adrenaline and her heart was pounding with what could only be pure joy. She felt complete. When the sudden realization actually hit, it almost knocked her off Domero's back. He snorted and looked back at her, panting sides slowly calming from their run.

Her eyes locked back on Rue and the smile that split her lips was radiant. "I am truly Drykas now." After twenty-seven years she could get her Windmarks. Arundel could already imagine the proud looks on her family's faces. They would have a bountiful dinner to celebrate, like they always did when a Dinos bonded to their Strider. There would be enough food and drink to make someone sick. "Come! I need to take you home." She grabbed two fistfuls of Domero's mane, but before she could cue him with her heels he broke into a steady trot. It took her off guard momentarily, but she quickly recovered her posture. Arundel raised her eyebrows at Rue. So this is what it's like, her smile said as clearly as if she'd spoken aloud.

Arundel let Rue take the lead since her companion was obviously more familiar with her pavilions location than she was. It didn't take them long to reach the large tent. They were both of the Amethyst Clan, so their families lived in the general proximity of each other. She dismounted with Rue - swinging a leg over his neck and sliding down his side - though didn't want to get off Domero's back. Her fingers itched to touch him. He was so new to her - it was like receiving a priceless gift. To distract her hands Arundel placed them on Rue's shoulders and gave them a squeeze. She searched her friend's face, seeing the strain there. She felt the same, and it was beginning to show again. Tears pooled in her eyes, but she blinked them away.

Swiftly, she pulled Rue into a quick, fierce hug. Her own shoulders trembled, but she clamped down on the ugly grief. Arundel wasn't going to cry again yet. When her family slept tonight, only then would she continue to mourn. There were plenty more tears to shed. Releasing her friend, she held Rue once more at arm's length. "Thank you for being with me today. Expect me again within the next few days. My pavilion will have a celebration over my bonding and I'd like you to be there." Her smile was unsteady, but she squared her shoulders and took a deep, calming breath through her nostrils. "Be safe," she ordered. "I have to get home. I know this is sudden."

Quickly she returned to Domero and up onto his muscular back. He danced to the side, but her hips moved easily with the pitch and yaw of his body. Arundel placed a soothing hand on his silvery neck, murmuring a praise. With a final smile at Rue, she spun her Strider with pressure on his flank and nudged him into a brisk canter. He seemed very sensitive to her legs, so she'd have to experiment with what he liked. She turned her head and waved behind her before the two of them disappeared around a bend.

OOCI took a bit of an initiative with this post, I hope you don't mind. Feel free to reply one more time and I'll go ahead and turn this bad boy in!

[Taylani]

Arundel

Skills :

+3 riding
+1 Land Navigation
+4 Socialization
+1 Leadership
+3 Observation
+1 Weapon: Short Spear

Lores :

Keening Wail of Grieving Mother
The Duty to Protect
Strider: Meet Domero, Arundel’s Bonded

Rue Nightsong

Skills :

+1 Wilderness Survival: Cyphrus Region
+1 Weapon :Short Spear
+2 observation
+1 Weapon :Long Bow
+3 Riding
+3 socialization

Lores :

Wilderness Survival: Staples to Bring to Sea of Grass
Weapon Shortspear: Too Tight of Grip is Hard to Handle
The Stillness Between Breaths To Aim a Bow

Notes :

Lovely read. I have to say I was particularly moved by the Bonding post that Arundel wrote. Made me want to bond Taylani..which yeah not now! Was excellent read. I suppose I should say something to the effect that Arundel gains a strider, but will let Praetorian deal with that if that has to be something formally posted. PM me if you have any questions or concerns, and don’t forget to delete or edit your grade request 