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11-08-2016, 07:45 PM
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tae
Although a small part of the ghostly mare might have wanted to claim the glory of challenging Sikeax herself, the rational part of Tae’s mind knew that Aithniel was the logical choice. The mare was stronger, possessed more magic and training, and of course, there was the fact that she was the daughter of the Sun God. Who better to be the champion of Gaucho’s herd, if not the daughter of the Sun, without whom, they would have nothing? And so as Tae steeled herself for what it was she had to do, there was no animosity or bitterness directed towards her (unknowing) half-sister. There was only pride and righteousness, tempered by a small prick of regret, that Gaucho was not here to witness what she was about to do. But then again, if Gaucho had been here, none of this would even be necessary. The only truly clever thing Sikeax had done since being promoted (perhaps it was the only thing she had done), was to promote Volterra. Tae disagreed with the choice of course - how could they expect an outsider, a wingless outsider, to protect their borders, when he didn’t even know their history, had never lived on the sands? He was strong, sure, but he was also the father of Sikeax’s child, and it was unclear in Tae’s mind which of those facts was the actual reason for his promotion. And so, for Aithniel’s plan to succeed, someone needed to draw the gladiator away from his post so that he would be unable to help his Sultana against Aithniel. But in order to do so, the mandible-marked mare would have to offer him a challenge that he could not just ignore. Something that he could not simply walk away from. His title. Despite her utter and complete lack of training, Tae was going to challenge Volterra for the role of Gladiator. The only thing that helped steel the girl’s mind against what would surely be the most utter and complete defeat she’d ever faced, was that beating Volterra was not what she needed in order to be successful. She only needed to last long enough in the fight to ensure that he could be of no help to Sikeax. Despite Ampere’s presence when the trio had devised this plan, the Mother of Companions was still fresh off of a challenge of her own, and was in no condition to fight. Besides, in the wake of all that had happened recently with Nephele's failed campaign for the position of Sultana, the chip on Tae’s shoulder suddenly felt enormous, and being the one to challenge Volterra certainly seemed like it would help with the weight. “VOLTERRA.” Tae screamed across the bloody red sands. Sands upon which he had lived for a season, and she had lived her whole life. She remembered him from when he was a younger man and she was just a girl, and their meeting in the woods. She remembered him saying his twin had let him down, and to not place much stock in the relationship with her own twin. Even then it struck her as a poor quality, that someone would so openly condemn their family. Recalling his words only solidified the righteousness flowing through her veins: he was not capable of defending her home, regardless of the muscles on his body. The Throat was about more than brawn - her Father had showed everyone that. The Throat was a family, and Volterra had already shown once how quick he was to forsake his kin. “I CHALLENGE YOU FOR YOUR RANK AS GLADIATOR.” Her voice, now womanly and strong, rang true on the delicate Orangemoon breeze. “I CHALLENGE YOU UNDER THE LAWS OF THE DRAGON’S THROAT. YOU WILL HEED MY CALL AND ANSWER. PROVE TO US ALL THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF YOUR RANK, FOR I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU HAVE DONE SO YET.” Part of her wanted to attribute the laws directly to Gaucho and the Sun God, but she stayed her tongue. She did not want to give the monochromatic stallion any reason to think her actions were motivated by her past grief, or by childish ideals. No, this was political. This was just. This was the way of the Dragon’s Throat. WC: Attack: 0/4 Setting: DT, noon. It’s unseasonably warm out with a light Orangemoon breeze. They are in the dune area of the Throat. Tae is challenging Volterra for his rank as gladiator. |
