the Rift


[JUDGED] KILL V. MAIM [Rank Challenge v. Raeden]

Toulouse Posts: 146
Aurora Basin Impersonator atk: 8.0 | def: 11.0 | dam: 4.0
Gelding :: Equine :: 17hh :: Six HP: 74 | Buff: ENDURE
Boomslang :: Green Ratsnake :: Paralyze Neverrmind
#1


Toulouse had his claws in her title the day he arrived in the edge and, still, she hardly knew he existed. Would she wonder what she had done to deserve this kind of ‘betrayal’ as if he had ever known her more than another pretty, bruised face? Readen’s teeth were more dirty than his, having conjured the Great Herb Bag Saga. Or did that credit belong to dear Queen Alysanne? The Mountain? (or whoever that gosling was)
They should write songs about that.
How a World’s Edge sneak left enough hints behind that the Monarch of another land had decided to invade theirs and scrap with their King.

Darling, what a night.
Is that what she said to her mister when she curled up to sleep? Was there any lament for what she did, or ever does?
Probably not, and this was what caused the gilded man to smirk in the snow and glare just as coldly ahead. The greyscale ocean seemed so foul this evening even with the pretty picture the lunar butterflies painted as they became ensnared in his thick mane and found their homes in the canopy.

It’s nothing personal Honey.
Because ultimately the only negative feelings this serpent held towards the specter involved how silly he thought her to be, and he wouldn’t be surprised if she thought exactly the same of him - it was not an opinion she would be alone in harbouring anyhow, much like his own of her.

Frankly, they were much too similar… only he was far more handsome, far more charming, far less silly, and a much better sneak.

Wrenching has gaze away from the swell below, Toulouse marched forwards into the grove nearby. Framed by a charming view of the ocean and a however-million-foot drop to the rocks and ocean below, the snake chose this as their battleground and declared it with a stomp of his right hoof and a daring call to all nearby. The arena was dotted with a small number of conifers though was mostly cleared, snow splashed and muddy. The iced puddles would be a worry, but it was more the slushy mud he was concerned about.
But oh, How would his hair survive?!

Finding the highest point in the arena - a small space between two trees - Toulouse took his place, his throne, and once again let out another booming call.
“Raeden! Specter of the World’s Edge!” The gelding began, flanks outstretched and nostrils up high. “You tarry, flirt and meddle your way through your role as specter! It is an insult to the work of the Sleuths and the King and Queen you serve. For the benefit of the herd and the Sleuths I Challenge you for your rank!”

A deep-lunged snort erupted from his nares, echoing from the surrounding arbors. Fun and fury caused his brows to furrow while his fanged lips twitched into a smile, icy eyes looking ahead.
“Neither of us are fighters, let alone warriors Darling! Answer this challenge yourself or I shall accept your forfeit and you will be labelled a coward!”
His next words came daring and resonated throughout the forest, pale hooves quaking and stomping with his agitated calls.

Sweetheart, come to the show!
It’ll be fine!
And we don’t always get what we want.
Do we.

ooc; 0/4 (You can go first if you like!)
word count: 552
setting: It's right on the cliffs, about 80% of the border of the
"arena" is made up of trees, but one side is the cliff! It's very very muddy, some snow patches and frozen puddles. There are some conifers dotted around the battleground to watch out for also!
summary: Toulouse challenges Raeden for her rank as Worlds Edge Specter by calling out, stomping his hooves about and making lots of noise. Does not attack, 0/4.

notes: Would like to note that it's absolutely nothing personal dear Dressy! and nothing Toulouse thinks is what I think! xD Have fun, this will be epic!


@Raeden

you gave up being good when you declared a state of war


lunarblues
I AM THE KEY TO THE LOCK IN YOUR HOUSE—
DO NOT CRY OUT OR HIT THE ALARM
YOU KNOW WE'RE FRIEND TIL WE DIE—

EITHER WAY YOU TURN, I'LL BE THERE
OPEN UP YOUR SKULL, I'LL BE THERE
CLIMBING UP THE WALLS

SO LOCK THE KIDS UP SAFE TONIGHT
CLOSE THE EYES IN THE CUPBOARD

Raeden Posts: 188
World's Edge Specter atk: 7 | def: 11 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.3hh :: 5 Years 3Months HP: 66.5 | Buff: NOVICE
Tin :: Plain Cerndyr :: Earth Spirit Dressy
#2
 Have you ever noticed how every hurricane gets its name from a girl like this?
You're gonna wish you had a storm warning; you're gonna wish you had a sign.
</style>



Bright teal eyes opened and looked to the world around them. The weather was quiet, and the lands were peaceful. Raeden's cream hooves reached out from under her, and the specter stood from her slumber. The small deer looked up with bright green eyes, and he jumped with eager to start the day. His tall antlers reached well above his skull and their sharp spikes cut the air with every movement. The pair was like a beautiful poisonous plant. Long locks fell to the ground, a delicate spiral horn reached to the sky with a razor sharpness, vibrant teal, and silver eyes glimmered with the sun rays. Nothing looked threatening about the mare, but her attitude was the gasoline, and her body was the fire. Her tongue is laced with toxic venom filled words.

Today they started the day with a patrol, it was typical for the pair to remain in the shadows. Some of the herd members acted like the pair was never present in the herd life, but what is the point of a Specter if she was always in plain sight? Raeden lurked in the shadows for a reason. The mare did not flaunt herself and parade around calling all attention on herself. That would be the exact opposite of what she really should be doing. Then there is the great bag dispute. If others in the herd believe for one moment that she left hints behind, they were wrong. It had been many seasons before the bag was found, and the word does get around. The Mountian did not know what Specter stole it, only that the Queen had it in her possession. Some would say Raeden was caught red-handed, but what facts prove that? She would love to be informed.

After a short walk along the border, the mare decided to move deeper into Edge. She moved through the trees like a shadow. Her movement was one with the surroundings. Hooves tread carefully through the slick earth to ensure she would not slip. After traveling for a few minutes, a ruckus stirred about the cliffs. Stomping and screaming like a child stood the snake-like man. Well, he was not a man, for he had no balls, literally. She almost chuckled at the pitiful thing trying to look intimidating. He then started to tell her about how she was not doing her job properly. Cream tresses shook with a rolling laugh. You say that I have been absent, well where have you been? What makes you think you're so deserving, what have you done for this herd, Toulouse? Please enlighten me who I have been flirting with, enlighten me about it all. Tell me all about myself since you think you know me, better than me! Her voice snapped at the pathetic creature that was throwing a temper tantrum. Oh Darling you would never make it as a Specter, you call too much attention to yourself. If I meddle my way through, then why did Iona and the King both agree to promote me? Hmm. Her sentence ended with a rise of her brow. Her heart rumbled with anger towards him. Ears flattened against her skull, and she was going to show this petty little fool how much she "did'nt do."

The man seemed to have more strength and speed than herself, but she could hopefully use agility and endurance to her advantage. He was much taller than herself, and she could play that role to her advantage. Razor sharp teeth were hidden under his lips as he spoke, and bright orbs took note of this mutation. Unfortionally the land was not very well set up for a spar or challenge. Mud filled the flat spots, and the slush would prove to be very slippery. Taking note of her position and his position between the two trees she plotted her first attack. How stupid was the man to stand between two trees? Silver orbs flared like fire and rage as the mare carefully entered into a canter. Delicate hooves picked their way through puddles and conifers guiding her attempted attack towards his right flank. Teeth exposed as she grew closer, and the mare attempted to bite at the soft area of his stomach. In case she was lucky enough to hit her mark Raeden also slammed her horned skull in a downward motion. She hoped and prayed that either her teeth or her horn would slice through the petulant little man. Hooves carefully moved ensuring that she did not slip.

words

Image Credits


-------------------------------
Word Count :: 761/800
Attack:: 1/4
Damage :: none
Summary:: Raeden accepts the challenge and attacks by trying to bite and cut at his right stomach area.

@Toulouse

Toulouse Posts: 146
Aurora Basin Impersonator atk: 8.0 | def: 11.0 | dam: 4.0
Gelding :: Equine :: 17hh :: Six HP: 74 | Buff: ENDURE
Boomslang :: Green Ratsnake :: Paralyze Neverrmind
#3


The music of the ocean, the crashing waves below and their placid threats only caused the geldings smile to widen and his stomps to grow in urgency. Impatiently he stood, gaze watching the trees for the pale maiden to step forth and answer to him to what she had done. Was it the fact she was so unlike most women that annoyed him? Most mares spend time looking back and wishing for change while stallions only ever looked forward; running constantly from bad decisions and responsibility.
Turn around Raeden. You’re just not quick enough.

A laugh escaped the serpents velvet lips when the doe appeared and, as usual, only offered idle bickering and chatter. Toulouse clenches his eyes and clean teeth cut against the horrible sound of her voice, wishing more than anything there was a way to close his ears and protect them from further exposure to the sounds escaping her own mouth. “Love, You didn’t even attend the sneak meeting” the gilded one hissed, interrupting her rather abruptly. His voice would not cease for hers, not ever.

“In less than two seasons I have disrupted patrols from other herds, infiltrated the Dragons Throat to retrieve important information about their shocking excuse of an empire, conducted patrols of my own with fellow sleuths - that’s significantly more than you have done in a whole year is it not?”
Giving a snort and yet another stomp his crystalline eyes narrowed on his opponent once more.

“Not to mention that disgrace you caused for the King with your clumsiness. It’s almost as if you orchestrated it with that ‘Mountain’”
These were the last words he spoke before he stepped forwards, meeting the woman face to face. “Not another word. I so despise the sound of your voice and talking won't do you a single favor”

Hardly a second later the attack came, but it was not as if he didn’t expect it - he had done quite a fine job of provoking her. Her straight teeth aimed for his off side and landed on his stomach - how lucky he was that she was not equipped with the fangs he owned. Turning his neck and nose the gilded gelding attempted to return a fanged bite of his own or do anything to fend off her attack, though she had already begun another attack. The sword embedded in her skull managed to graze him, though it had been her teeth to inflict the most damage. Leaping away, foot falls lancing precisely amidst the mud and slush Toulouse swept his bloodied bodice around in a slinking motion, low to the ground in an attempt to make himself smaller and therefore a smaller target. Cat-like; that might be how one would explain his actions. The teeth had hurt, but perhaps it was the shock of her feisty approach that did the most damage. The fight was on.
“Is that the best you can do?”

Bowing his crown, the tendril of horns adorning his poll threatened his opponent with a sharp ram. Leaning back onto his haunches the man took in a tremendous inhale, his fury entering through the nares and holding within his body until he powered forwards in an attempt to slam Raeden against a dead conifer that stood lonely near the cliff's edge. Caring not if the trunk broke or if he sent her down into the water below, the stag gave quite a lot of his power into that one blow, and, upon his horns’ meeting with her body came the next attempt at a conjoined attack.

Slipping his off side front hoof under the near side of Raeden, he aimed to trip her completely. How easy would this fight be if he could strike her right down and take her off her feet?
“I'm having fun, are you?” the pale one growled into the girl;s ear, pale eyes watching her own with a strange kind of desire. It was the kind that wished for blood, for turmoil and chaos.
Certainly not for her.


1/4 ; 671 words!
summary; toulouse takes raedens biting attack and the strike of her horn by trying to return an attack and then shying away - he then attmepts an attack of his own by ramming her against a dead tree and then trying to trip her by trying to sweep her front feet out from under her.
damage; bruised, bloodied teeth marks on the right side of his stomach, minor graze on his back from horn.


you gave up being good when you declared a state of war


lunarblues
I AM THE KEY TO THE LOCK IN YOUR HOUSE—
DO NOT CRY OUT OR HIT THE ALARM
YOU KNOW WE'RE FRIEND TIL WE DIE—

EITHER WAY YOU TURN, I'LL BE THERE
OPEN UP YOUR SKULL, I'LL BE THERE
CLIMBING UP THE WALLS

SO LOCK THE KIDS UP SAFE TONIGHT
CLOSE THE EYES IN THE CUPBOARD

Raeden Posts: 188
World's Edge Specter atk: 7 | def: 11 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.3hh :: 5 Years 3Months HP: 66.5 | Buff: NOVICE
Tin :: Plain Cerndyr :: Earth Spirit Dressy
#4
 Have you ever noticed how every hurricane gets its name from a girl like this?
You're gonna wish you had a storm warning; you're gonna wish you had a sign.


He just kept on talking and talking. His voice was like nails on a chalkboard. There was something to say about everything. Anger and rage burned deep into her soul. How dare he disrespect her like that! It made her want to maim him. Raeden wanted to make the snake man into a pile of blood and rubbish on the muddy ground. The specter would gladly stomp every inch of this worthless man into the cold, fridged, dirty slush that, they battled on. He knew nothing about Stealths and the inner workings of them. Why would she stoop to his level and explain herself to him? This snake man thinks that he can be a better Specter, but he does not even know how to stealth. Toulouse does not understand the art of stealing. Why should she explain it to someone who is stepping on her toes?

Then pristine white teeth scrapped against the man's stomach, and the mare took deep pleasure in this attack. Blood rimmed her maw like a bright red lipstick; her sharpened horn ran down the side of his soft flesh. Tin watched carefully with bright green orbs taking in every movement of the snake man. Screaming in Raeden's skull told her to move away from him. Teal orbs flashed with the whites of her eyes. The mare jumped away from the man's attack causing her to land in a mud hole. Muck and frozen slush flew and clung onto her pelt like leeches. The shock of the cold water almost caused her to lose her train of thought, but her orbs met the green eyes of her bonded. Raeden quickly departed from the mud hole, and thankfulness flooded her mind. She knew someone was looking out for her. Tin would do anything to protect her, and keep her out of harm's way; she would do the same for him.  

Smartass remarks were thrown back at her "Is that the best you can do?"  Her eyes narrowed upon the ridiculous creature, and her hooves moved carefully in the slush filled lands. Tin stood on the side anxious to plunge into the battle, but Raeden just shook her head. You must wait until the time is right . Raeden kept on assuring him over and over. The Cerndyr paced along the sidelines; concerned eyes observed as the battle unfolded. Following with silver flared in Raeden's eyes, the man jumped to the lower ground. He tried to make himself a shorter and less of a target to her athletic frame. Then sharpened horns peered through the long locks of his mane. Giant legs sprung back like a spring, and he launched towards her. Tin saw everything unravel, and there was no hesitation to use his magic to aid. With a blink of an eye, the specter disappeared from the scene. Her pale golden body blended and morphed into the surroundings.

The attack grew closer and closer, and she could hear the thud of his hoof fall echoing in her skull. Keep your timing, wait for the right moment.  Tin attempted to guide her through his attack. Now!! The scream was loud and definite in her mind, and the mare darted forward. Luckily only her left flank caught the last of the ramming. Crimson blood ran down her haunch. The cut itself started in the middle of her hip and moved to her tail, but it was not deep. There were no crippling effects other than the burning and stinging of the cold, fresh air.  Raeden looked behind her to see the man trying to trip her, but she was able to evade that attack. Toulouse said something along the lines of how much fun he was having. A snort came from her muzzle, and she did not feed into his amusement. Tin never let his magic rest. He still cloaked their bodies from the pale eyes of their opponent. With the thought of his skull still being close to her haunches, the mare attempted to lash out both rear legs. Muscles contracted and sprang backward with a powerful double barrel kick, aiming for his right temple or cheek. Raeden hoped to kick some sense into his brain, or kill him; either would work for her. Front legs were steady on a somewhat dry piece of land to help ensure she would not slip.


words

Image Credits


----------------
Word Count:: 732
Attack:: 2/4
Damage:: Superficial Cut from her left Mid-hip to near her tail 
Summary:: Tin uses his magic to camouflage Raeden and himself from visible eyes then raeden attempts to double barrel kick Toulouse in the right temple/cheek area.

Toulouse Posts: 146
Aurora Basin Impersonator atk: 8.0 | def: 11.0 | dam: 4.0
Gelding :: Equine :: 17hh :: Six HP: 74 | Buff: ENDURE
Boomslang :: Green Ratsnake :: Paralyze Neverrmind
#5


Magic, how he despised it. It was something only magisters and mongrels conjured, and during a fight!? In his opinion this was the pinnacle of slanting. What a cheat, of course Raeden wouldn't fight fair; how could he expect anything else. His attack had managed to hit her, wound her, and send a blood flood down her side; that was all that mattered to him in the end. The torrent that poisoned the woman’s pale flank managed to stain his own face and, for a moment, the vampire could only stand in utter shock and reverence for the perfect substance that now littered his face.
Just… a taste… quickly… just.. one…

A mistake, his first and hopefully his last.
A painful thwack landed on his jowl and a gasp escaped his lips, eyes clenched shut in protection of his sight. How very like a mare to double-barrel herself out of the way. How very like Raeden to use magic to do so.
The wound was deep, deeper than one might expect anyhow, though it was the bruising that resonated over his jaw and caused him to let the smallest of agitated groans escape his maw. He’d never admit it, but that one had hurt more than the first.

A number of heaving breaths were wrenched inwards, eyes only hooded by his skull as he stood licking the drips as they ran down his nose. Should he compliment her on how wonderful it tasted? Perhaps not, it might get to her silly little head and there was nothing worse than false confidence.

But that magic… it kept her cloaked! A ferocious, frustrated roar fell from the lips of the gelding as he spun in the mud to search for his opponent.
“You cheat!” was his angry call, not giving a single glance to the flock of birds in the canopy that squawked and flapped away from the deafening howl. He could not attack what was not there!?
“I should have expected this much from you, witch!” was a slightly calmer growl, gaze now searching desperately for any physical or auditory sign of his opponent.

Flat feet extending through the mud, Toulouse for the first time in this fight felt fear creep over him - he didn’t think it ever would while fighting someone like Raeden. Here he stood slinking through the mud in search of an invisible target who could be right behind him with her claws right out for all he knew.
He needed a slip, a snap. Just a sign of some sort.
“If you’re behind me with your horn aimed up my anus, please know I will deeply enjoy it!” the brute grumbled, hoping to trigger some sort of response be it disgust or laughter.

There!
Not a few paces away the mud looked like it was being disturbed, slushed and splashed about. There was no controlling the twisted smile that emerged on his face, watching what he hoped was the exact place Raeden and her little deer had harboured themselves. He could see her footprints, the mud sloshing away from movement. A potential location had been pinpointed and so, like a tiger, the serpent crouched and gathered his power within one great breath.

Springing forth the warrior attempted to plunge his fangs into whichever part of her body he could (though if he could see her it would be the throat) before he raked them downwards, thus aiming to wrench the muscle, the skin and even bone from the carcass he fought against. A growl erupted from his throat as he tried to latch onto her, breath escaping as a vapour and fangs latching on like a parasite.



ooc; 2/4 - words; 617
summary; Toulouse is distracted by raedens blood on his face (tranferred upon his attack to her) and takes raedens attack to the face. Then searches for her and sees movement in the mud, leaps and attempts to pin his fangs into her neck and wrench downwards to create a grizzly wound.
damage;  
-bruised, bloodied teeth marks on the right side of his stomach,
-minor graze on his back from horn,
- nasty gash on his jowl, bruised jaw.

you gave up being good when you declared a state of war


lunarblues
I AM THE KEY TO THE LOCK IN YOUR HOUSE—
DO NOT CRY OUT OR HIT THE ALARM
YOU KNOW WE'RE FRIEND TIL WE DIE—

EITHER WAY YOU TURN, I'LL BE THERE
OPEN UP YOUR SKULL, I'LL BE THERE
CLIMBING UP THE WALLS

SO LOCK THE KIDS UP SAFE TONIGHT
CLOSE THE EYES IN THE CUPBOARD

Raeden Posts: 188
World's Edge Specter atk: 7 | def: 11 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.3hh :: 5 Years 3Months HP: 66.5 | Buff: NOVICE
Tin :: Plain Cerndyr :: Earth Spirit Dressy
#6
 Have you ever noticed how every hurricane gets its name from a girl like this?
You're gonna wish you had a storm warning; you're gonna wish you had a sign.



Cream hooves clashed with the skull of her opponent with the powerful thrust. For a moment she thought she could almost hear Toulouse's brain rattling around. With a gentle thud, her rear hooves landed on the soft ground of the battlefield. Digging into the sponge-like earth back legs bolted her body forward, and away from the man behind her. Again the fool just kept on talking and talking. The snake man blurted how "You cheated " by using magic. Her body shuddered slightly, not with fear, but from the sheer loudness of his roaring voice. For a moment she glanced away watching the birds fly off wishing, they would carry him away with them. God if only he could see himself. A light huff of aggravation rolled from her mouth. Did he expect her to fear someone that complained so much? If anything the words of hate and anger just fueled the fire in her chest more.

The lanky man slinked and slithered through the mud and slush. Her head tilted with a slight smile twisting on her face, and a wink of her eye to Tin. Tin's green eyes watched from a distance, and his focus remained on keeping them hidden. Raeden's sharpened horn followed the prowling man waiting for his next attack.  Teal eyes rolled as the man spluttered provocative words poking for a response, a giveaway, a falter in her silence. Raeden remained soundless waiting. Then....

"What are you DOING?!" "Why are you just watching?!" "They're hurting each other! This isn't funny! Stop it!"

Focus broke, and her attention flooded to her son, her only child. Why was he here? Someone had to take him away, comfort him, explain to him what was happening. Her heart shattered, and she forgot about the title Specter of Worlds Edge and remembered the title of a mother. The one who gave life, and would give her life for her son. Tears wanted to form in silver flecked eyes, and emotion washed over her. One cream hoof stepped forward, and it was clearly enough for her opponent to see. Tin tried to warn her; the companion screamed in her skull to move! Tin told her that the snake man couldn't see her, there is still a chance. Raeden was Frozen in time. Orbs locked on her son; she never saw the creature coming. When her attention snapped back to reality, it was too late.

The towering man almost leaped on top of her. His sharpened teeth stretched like a snakes fangs towards her shoulder. Burning, tearing, stinging, and puncturing overwhelmed her. Raeden out a deep guttural sound that ripped and clawed out of her mouth. The sound flew through the air like a demon claiming the lands, leaving no soul untouched. Pain rang though Tin's mind, and he shuttered with the feeling of his bonded, then his concentration fell. They faded in and out like a specter trying to from in front of everyone's eyes. Suddenly she was visible; blood leaked from the ripped flesh on her right shoulder. The pain almost took away the feeling of the scrape on her flank. It was pounding throbbing, but she had to fight through the pain. She was going to take down this lanky mutt. From what teal eyes could pick out breed wise, Raeden knew she could not out-run him. She could out maneuver him, though. Andalusian and Arabian blood coursed through her veins; making the mare a tad agiler.

Cream hooves shuffled in the muck trying to compensate for her shoulder. Her powerful rear legs dragged her pale body backward to look the snake man in the eyes.  Shut the FUCK UP !! The words spat at the man and exploded through the air. Raeden had enough of his words and mocking. She was going to fight this fucker and put him in his place. She was also going to be strong for her son.   I am Fine Gawen, go with Tilney Please! A loud voice pleaded to the boy. Tin encouraged Raeden to fight and push on; Tin pushed for her next attack. Golden ears pinned to her skull, and the mare reared into the air.  Her sweat-drenched neck lunged forward with a snake-like motion. Pearl white teeth attempted to reach his upper throat with a powerful snap of her jaws. Being shorter has its advantages.





words

Image Credits



------------------
Word Count:: 731/800
Attack:: 3/4
Damage:: Superficial Cut from her left Mid-hip to near her tail, Muscle deep bite on the right shoulder. 
Summary:: Raeden and tin re-appear, She tells her son to go with Tilney, then rears and tries to bite his upper throat.

Toulouse Posts: 146
Aurora Basin Impersonator atk: 8.0 | def: 11.0 | dam: 4.0
Gelding :: Equine :: 17hh :: Six HP: 74 | Buff: ENDURE
Boomslang :: Green Ratsnake :: Paralyze Neverrmind
#7


Metal and iron; the strength and fight that resided within her blood caused yet another fearsome growl to escape his throat as the plasma from his bite lashed along his teeth. The T’detan was no connoisseur, but he could now begin to pick from the fire in her blood and the obvious curvatures of her bodice that she was, like him, of the desert born breeds.
Was she build to endure as long as he? Would her fire burn out as quickly? The towering akhal did not tire quickly and nor did the fearless (or cocky) Arabian within his opponent. It was easy to see that she was less of a match to him in strength - perhaps this would be her one downfall, for all else they seemed evenly matched more or less.

It had not gone how he planned though the attack had still managed some grievous damage. Peeling away from the victim of his slash, the gilded one slinked through the trees with his head and spine low like a wolf, noting his opponents footfalls.
But they weren't moving, nor any other limb.
She had frozen completely still and stared at the gathered bundle of onlookers and gave her gaze only to a bleating babe. How darling; the wench had a pup.

Pale orbs switching from the feathered colt to his shell-shocked mother, Toulouse daren’t strike. Perhaps someone like Raeden would take advantage of such a distraction though it was the gelding who inhaled deeply and stood up proudly and straight to glare at the boy, hoping to stare him off somehow.
This was no place for a child. He knew the traumas sustained this young were the ones no one recovered from. “Remove the boy!” was Toulouse’s panting bellow.
He had a soft spot for the young and helpless, that was all. The grown and hopeless were the ones he cared not a penny for.

The vibrant language that strange from Raeden's mouth caused Toulouse to crane his head backwards and blink incessantly; he wasn’t shocked, simply amused at her choice of words. Did she think a squeal could ever hush him?
Standing with his chest puffed high and strong the pale man watched her with a colourful, red grin all the while she glared back ready to explode; it seemed he’d done the most perfect job of winding her up, and it wasn’t long until the most vibrant of cackles escaped his lips. This was first class entertainment for the vampire; nothing beat this. She had become his play thing.

The little one, the one named Gawen was taken away by that ginger who loved the beauty in the meadow and once again the serpent felt the game truly beginning again. The pot was heating and he could feel the specter's poisonous gaze set on him. It would be too easy to attack, too boring.
Why not allow her the honours?
“Come on then!” was his giggling holler “give me your best shot”

The snake spoke with a twinkle in his eye, blood dripping off his fangs as he stood in a braced position low to the ground in anticipation of her attack. When it came he merely leapt out of the way with yet another ripple of laughter. The alacrity of her attack had done enough to land her a bite at his whither, which paired with his other wounds presented a daring twinge of pain - one he tried to pretend didn’t exist. His footsteps took him pacing away from the woman, dancing over the mud. Although he had begun to tire, the intermission Gawen had brought had been most welcome.

The most recent bite twinged and pulled at the skin on his whither as he stepped, and so without much hesitation he plucked the amulet he had stored around his neck and clasped it between his teeth. How was it activated? he had no idea, but impulse told him it was to be crushed. Tossing it into the mud and slamming his hoof into the gem it held, toulouse watched as the Kaos blood flooded from it and met with his wound to provide instant relief.
Fixating his sights on his opponent, the serpent gave one more gleaming grin. Leaning back onto his haunches he noted their proximity to the cliff’s edge.

And so it was with a final cackle that the gelding struck his feet forwards in a strong, collected canter towards the doe. That golden crown remained bowed and aimed for the entirety of his stride towards her, and, upon his attempt at impact, the brute pushed his weight downwards and into the mare in an attempt to send her forwards off of the cliff all the while giggling no less than before.
“Hold on!”



ooc; 3/4 - 795/800
summary; Toulouse lols at raeden a lot, takes her attack on the whither and then uses his Kaos amulet to heal it. Then attempts to ram her over the cliff!!
damage;
-bruised, bloodied teeth marks on the right side of his stomach,
-minor graze on his back from horn,
-nasty gash on his jowl, bruised jaw.
-small bruised bite on whither - healed with kaos amulet.

@Raeden

you gave up being good when you declared a state of war


lunarblues
I AM THE KEY TO THE LOCK IN YOUR HOUSE—
DO NOT CRY OUT OR HIT THE ALARM
YOU KNOW WE'RE FRIEND TIL WE DIE—

EITHER WAY YOU TURN, I'LL BE THERE
OPEN UP YOUR SKULL, I'LL BE THERE
CLIMBING UP THE WALLS

SO LOCK THE KIDS UP SAFE TONIGHT
CLOSE THE EYES IN THE CUPBOARD

Raeden Posts: 188
World's Edge Specter atk: 7 | def: 11 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.3hh :: 5 Years 3Months HP: 66.5 | Buff: NOVICE
Tin :: Plain Cerndyr :: Earth Spirit Dressy
#8
 Have you ever noticed how every hurricane gets its name from a girl like this?
You're gonna wish you had a storm warning; you're gonna wish you had a sign.




The ball-less man tantalized her with a few words. It started to come to the point that all she heard was gibberish from his mouth. Raeden did not care what he had to say, or what he was saying. Then her teeth just grazed his skin, only taking a small layer off. Mud splattered and clung to her front legs as they landed into the soft ground. Raeden pinned her ears as pain shot through her right shoulder. She took a small moment to hold her right foot off the ground to relieve the injury. Teal orbs rolled as the man continued on slinking through the woods. There was so much she wanted to say to him, but her maw remained quiet. The specter remained stoic to the watching eyes around them. Deep down burnt different feelings of emotions. She was to the point that she was so angry she wanted to cry, but teal eyes burned with a dark silver fire. Her heart was crushed and shattered from Gawen. She never let the heartbreak leak through the cracks on her golden face. She was silent and stone-like.  

Emotions that she felt filled in Tin's heart. Green orbs watched his bonded with sadness in his eyes. He knew that there were so many things coursing through her mind, but he had to encourage her to push forward. "You can do it, do not worry about Gawen.He will be safe.  Fight your heart out, push yourself harder than ever before. Show this annoying creep what you are made of!" Tin sent much-needed words of encouragement. Thankful eyes looked to the small deer with a nod of Raeden's golden skull. When deep teal eyes looked back to Toulouse, he had started his next attack. His golden ram horns aimed at her, and he was going to try to push her towards the cliff! Raeden's heart dropped, and a deep sinking feeling settled in her stomach.  He was trying to kill her! Raeden turned her body so the man would T-bone her left side. Silver-flecked eyes watched as a bay pegasus leaped from the ground. His large wings expanded, and the man jumped from the cliff. Maybe he would try and help her? The specter was not sure of the man's intent, but she would be thankful.

Then in a blink of an eye golden ram horns impacted her left ribs. Cream hooves got thrown towards the cliff's edge. Maybe if the ground was just grass and not filled with snow, mud, and ice she could have stopped her sliding body. Raeden tried digging into the ground, but the slush and mud just gave away. Then it was like a gift from the gods telling her that it was not her time. Pale gold ribs slammed into one of the many trees that scattered the battlefield. She could feel a rib crack and splinter deep within her side.  Her sweat filled chest gasped for air, nostrils flared, and her mouth heaved the air from her lungs. The tree was very close to the edge causing just her right rear hoof to slip over the side. Below she could hear the sounds of plummeting earth and rocks striking the water.


She was alive.

 Her pointed skull hung low for a moment to catch her breath. Tin was along the sidelines heaving in pain like his bonded. Then his voice spoke to her subtle and soft. Use the amulet Raeden looked over to the petulant creature called Toulouse. Her drenched forelock hung over her eyes like spider webs.  Picking the  Kaos amulet from her neck, the mare summoned the power coursing deep within the stone.

Kaos blood poured from her maw and trickled down absorbing into her body. The amulet shattered causing her to twitch with a bit of pain, but the amulet did its job. Quickly it mended some of her wounds, and the mare was ready to attack. With a robust leap forward the pale specter shifted away from the cliff edge. Her body moved tenderly to face the man's left side. Lowering her sharpened skull with precise movement, she aimed at his left rear flank. Carefully she cantered forward. Her shoulder burned with pain, ribs shuttered with each breath, and her body was starting to tire. Raeden pushed against the pain that burned in her body. Lowering her horn, she attempted to pierce muscle or slice a ligament in Toulouse's left rear leg. Hopefully, it would slow the lanky man down.



words

Image Credits


-----------------------
Word Count :: 756/800
Attack:: 4/4
Damage:: Superficial Cut from her left Mid-hip to near her tail, Muscle deep bite on the right shoulder, Broken right rib/ bruising. 
AMULET USED:: Kaos 
Summary:: Slams into a tree VERY close to the cliff, right leg slips off the side a bit, Uses Kaos amulet, darts forward, attempts to slice or puncture Toulouse's left rear leg.

Toulouse Posts: 146
Aurora Basin Impersonator atk: 8.0 | def: 11.0 | dam: 4.0
Gelding :: Equine :: 17hh :: Six HP: 74 | Buff: ENDURE
Boomslang :: Green Ratsnake :: Paralyze Neverrmind
#9


To say the serpent was disappointed when his opponent was crashed into a flimsy conifer rather than the spine-splitting rocks however-many-thousand feet below was a vast, horrific understatement. A grunt escaped his pale nares, nostrils flared to reveal the blood and flesh pulsing within his septum; His work was not done and the fight would continue it seemed. Perhaps it was best he didn’t throw his former master over the cliffs edge - it wouldn’t make for a good impression on his first day as the new specter would it?

Ah, he had forgotten this was the land of the living and breathing, dreamers and hopers, the youthful who died in pure infancy. Mere bards compared to the relics found in his homeland. This was not T’det - it was not a land where creatures lived into their thousands upon thousands of years and saw whole ages come and go. Here they harboured themselves in moss and caves but it was in T’det where they constructed the greatest pyramids and gilded statues known to any living creature and wore jewels a Helovian could go their entire meek existence without ever dreaming of beholding. Perhaps that was Helovia’s problem? They wanted so little. There was never a goal.

Wrenching himself away from the beaten body of his opponent, Toulouse spat some mud collected in his mouth away from the pair as he peddled backwards to the treeline surrounding the arena. Those turquoise eyes remained ever-watchful of Raeden and how she stood, noting that he had lamed her quite horridly with that last blow.
The gilded gelding watched and waited, his heavy breaths remaining ever so slightly out of control as he stood braced in the mud. He truly was tired now but not beyond exhaustion. One final push to claim victory would be sharp and short but Toulouse prayed it would be just enough.

Noting her use of a similar, if not the same kind of amulet he had used only a number of minutes earlier the brute gritted his teeth at the idea she had now claimed another advantage over him; first the little disappearing act and now a trick with the amulet. He thought he’d had that up his sleeve and his only. It was not a moment later that the current specter’s daggering hooves struck the mud and she began powering strides in his direction. He tried his best to slink sideways and underneath her attack, holding his breath as he watched her horn strike his left leg.

Not a cry or a growl could escape, just an exasperated gasp as he slid away and pinned his ears to his neck. Those marble hooves crept softly away, ignoring the hoots from the gathered crowd as he crossed each foot with precision. Perhaps two attacks more could be managed but he couldn’t rush around striking at her all day; the fire within him would surely burn out before too long. The strength residing in his muscles were waning, aching; All the while his opponent had just slashed open his rump.
This ended now.

With yet another great growl the gelding lunged forth, springing from his hocks and digging his every hoof into the earth and bringing it to his command. The man of whispers and lies begged the ground, the mud, even the wind to his side as he thundered towards Raeden, fangs at the ready and muscles waiting for their last release.

This time he would not ram her - Instead, he aimed to leap upon her as he would his prey. Consider a deer and how a vampire such as Toulouse might hunt it; with his hooves to stone it, pin it, and his fangs to wrench its trachea from its throat.
The serpent sprung his hooves into the mares side in an attempt to pin her downwards against the trunk of a naked fir, fangs delving for her throat.

ooc; 4/4 - 655 words
summary; Toulouse takes raedens attack by trying to slink out form under her and failing, collects a slice in his rump from her attack. Attacks Raeden by leaping onto her in an attempt to pin her against the base of a tree and going for her trachea.
damage;
-bruised, bloodied teeth marks on the right side of his stomach,
-minor graze on his back from horn,
-nasty gash on his jowl, bruised jaw.
-small bruised bite on whither - healed with kaos amulet.
-slice on rump.

you gave up being good when you declared a state of war


lunarblues
I AM THE KEY TO THE LOCK IN YOUR HOUSE—
DO NOT CRY OUT OR HIT THE ALARM
YOU KNOW WE'RE FRIEND TIL WE DIE—

EITHER WAY YOU TURN, I'LL BE THERE
OPEN UP YOUR SKULL, I'LL BE THERE
CLIMBING UP THE WALLS

SO LOCK THE KIDS UP SAFE TONIGHT
CLOSE THE EYES IN THE CUPBOARD

Raeden Posts: 188
World's Edge Specter atk: 7 | def: 11 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.3hh :: 5 Years 3Months HP: 66.5 | Buff: NOVICE
Tin :: Plain Cerndyr :: Earth Spirit Dressy
#10
 Have you ever noticed how every hurricane gets its name from a girl like this?
You're gonna wish you had a storm warning; you're gonna wish you had a sign.



Blood dripped from her sharpened opalescent horn. A wicked smile fell across her maw as she came to a halt. Her shoulder shivered with pain, ribs ached deep within the soft tissue, the cut on her rump was the least of her worries. Sweat dripped from her darkened honey coat; cream tresses were dreadlocked and drenched in blood and sweat. Her breathing was heavy and muscles were sore, but the battle was almost over.

Toulouse slid away from her like a creeping snake. His lean legs crept, and his long golden back slithered. Teal orbs watched the curled ears of his Marwari Bloodlines. They were a hardy breed, and he did seem to keep up with her Arabian and Andalusian blood pretty well.  Keen eyes finally picked out why his speed was a bit greater than her own. There was a glimmer of metallic that is custom to the Akhal Teke. A slight huff left her nostrils expelling warm air.  Those traits explained why his speed and strength excelled a tad past her.

Tin watched from the side still. He respected his bonded wishes for him not to get hurt or harmed in this challenge.  Of course, he would help her when it was needed, but he would not attack the slinky man. Tin could still feel Raeden's heart beating out of her chest. The last attack rattled her, and Tin knew it even if she did not admit it. In her mind, he could tell that she was still pissed and burning from the disrespect the man showed towards her. There was a slight sense of relief when the Cerndyr looked to see Arah with Gawen. "Arah with son, she calming him" .  Tin knew that those were much-needed words to help calm her nerves. He also knew her eyes would not have picked out that detail because her sight remained fixed upon the snake man.

  Raeden quickly turned her crowned skull towards Toulouse. His hooves rumbled and thundered in the muck and slush. Finally, he stopped talking! Maybe he realized how ridiculous he sounded. Silver flecks flared as Toulouse grew closer to her sweat drenched frame.  When he sprung from his hooves, Raeden launched forward with her agile body. Carefully her front legs splattered into the mud. She had to make sure that a lot of her weight did not land on her right shoulder.  When she was clear from the attack, Raeden realized she avoided all harm. Not a single scratch nor bruise christened her honey coated pelt. A heavy exhale flooded from her maw due to the pain throbbing in her ribs.

It was over. The challenge finally ceased.

Her pale gold skull hung low to the ground. Deeply pained breaths exhaled with slow controlled steadiness. Teal eyes glanced to the crowd that had gathered. She felt mixed emotions as her companion finally dashed over to her side. Tin placed his soft nose on her chest You are going to be okay .

Lifting her sweat covered skull she looked at the snake man. Silver sparks still flared deep within the teal depths. Her winded voice spoke It's about time you shut your fucking mouth. Raeden shook her dreadlocked cream tresses as she turned her back and walked away. She hoped that she did enough to keep her title of Specter, but she was worried about something else right now. Mud covered hooves walked towards the crowd to find a healer, some of the herd members, and more importantly her son.

words

Image Credits


OOC:: Wonderful challenge Never!
-----------------
Word Count:: 607/800
Attack:: 4/4
Defense:: 1/1
Damage:: Superficial Cut from her left Mid-hip to near her tail, Muscle deep bite on the right shoulder, Broken right rib/ bruising.
AMULET USED:: Kaos ( post 4/4)
Summary:: Raeden avoids Toulouse's attack and heads into the crowd to find a few people hoping she won the challenge.

Official Posts: 847
Administrator
Stallion :: Equine :: ::
Official
#11
By my verdict: TOULOUSE is the winner!
Toulouse gains 1 VP and Raeden's rank. Raeden earns 1 EXP.

RAEDEN
Realism [+1]
You do a good job mentioning breed/stats and surrounding throughout the fight, but it’s extremely minimal that you ever utilize them. In fact in one scenario you state being shorter can be advantageous, while trying to kick Toulouse’s head, which to me seems like a case when being shorter is less helpful since it’d be harder to reach a taller horse’s head!

You fail to react to Toulouse’s attempted bites in post 2. Your companion’s magic to make you vanish was clever, but a better explanation would have helped as I wasn’t sure what magic was being used (I assumed rank magic as she’s a sneak so I was surprised when I looked it up and she had lie detect instead of chameleon, which proceeded to cause me to have to look up a few records). You mention you don’t trip in the mud but don’t say how!

“Blood rimmed her maw like a bright red lipstick…” He did not say he was bleeding. Mild powerplay.

In your third post you received a damage roll of 5 so your injury to your right shoulder and your subsequent explanation of the damage doesn’t seem nearly enough.

“Her powerful rear legs dragged her pale body backward to look the snake man in the eyes.” Would be attempting to look him in the eyes. Mild powerplay.

I liked the way you took the critical hit and Toulouse's attack in your fourth post, which was also clever use of scenery to have a tree stop her from going over the edge. I also liked you mentioning your companion echoing her pain. I’m surprised by her canter-attack so quickly after fracturing her rib, maybe more explanation of pain would have made it more realistic.

In your closing defense you evaded his attack nicely, but fail to mention any other injuries, most notably her fractured rib which I imagine would have flared up with her evasion. You then walked away from the fight which resulted in a significant penalty.

Overall you have a good eye for attacks and defenses, but need to incorporate your injuries sustained throughout the fight better and detail the damage more thoroughly. You do well mentioning breed/stats and surroundings but need to actually use them more (i.e. she was able to evade him because as she jumped the mud slid under hoof and carried her further away).


Emotion [+1]
Your emotion improved as the fight went on, especially when she heard her son on the sidelines, but I still rarely felt a connection with what she was feeling and what she was going through. I was frequently told she was mad or annoyed or upset, but I never really got a depth to her feelings or the true relationship between her and Toulouse and their ranks and this fight - nothing aside from surface level insults and anger at being challenged anyway. What was motivating her to fight so hard? Is she fighting for honor, pride, the herd?


Prose [+1.5]
You posts seemed to improve as the fight went on, but sometimes they didn’t flow very well or have captivating imagery. Sprinkle in more detail to really set the scene and grip the reader!


Readability [+0.5]
I was extremely confused by your mention of her son and later a bay pegasus flying to save her. Only through further reading into Toulouse’s posts and connecting the dots with the challenge watching thread did I determine that you were reacting to events happening in the watching thread. That’s fine to do, but you must clearly explain yourself. You were responding as if Gawen and Thranduil had posted to the challenge thread themselves and that was not the case!

Many instances of sentence structure issues and some tense changes as well as typos. Please re-read before posting to find errors and read aloud to catch choppy sentences that may need grammar assistance.

P1:
...jumped with eager to start... (eagerness)
Her tongue is laced… (tense change)
...with toxic venom filled words. (toxic, venom-filled words)
...day with a patrol, it was typical … (patrol; it was)
...there is the... (tense change)
... move deeper into Edge. (the Edge)
... "did'nt do." (didn’t)

P2:
...dirty slush that, they battled on. (don’t need that comma)
.. nothing about Stealths and the inner workings of them. (stealths should be lowercase)
...white teeth scrapped against… (scraped)
Tin never let his magic rest. He still cloaked their bodies from the pale eyes of their opponent. With the thought of his skull still being close to her haunches, the mare attempted to lash out both rear legs. (because you were just referring to Tin, going on to say “him” makes it seem you’re referring to Tin. Use definitive language.)

P3:
...blurted how "You cheated "... (lowercase you)
For a moment she glanced away watching the birds fly off wishing, they would carry him away with them. (incorrect comma placement)
Raeden was Frozen in time. (frozen should be lowercase)
...a snakes fangs towards… (snake’s)
Raeden out a deep guttural… (missing a word)
...he shuttered with the feeling…. (shuddered)
...making the mare a tad agiler. (more agile)

P4:
“..not worry about Gawen.He will be safe.” (need a space after Gawen.)
“...ribs shuttered with each breath…” (shuddered)


Finally tally: 45.5+(4*2)= 53.5 HP - 10 HP for leaving the fight! = 43.5 HP

*******************************************

TOULOUSE
Realism [-4]
Your realism greatly suffered due to powerplay and lack of detail or explanation. I think you have a good sense for correct fighting, but you don’t explain or word things properly so they come across incorrectly or lacking, particularly when it comes to you explaining injuries. In most cases you say you are attacked, but don’t go on to explain the damage, nor seem to have your body affected by it (aside from the occasional blood), which makes it seem like you didn’t sustain proper damage and gets you greatly marked down.

In your first post you don’t explain why her horn only grazes his side instead of completely puncturing his stomach. Was he moving away at the same time? Then in your second post you take her double barrel kick to your face, your face, and not only do you not really explain that it hurts, you don’t seem to have any injuries because you go straight on talking and attempting to bite her. Taking a kick to the face would have very likely broken his jaw, and it certainly would have made him very head shy and unlikely to use mouth related attacks.
On the topic of your mouth, although you have your fang mutation, be aware that you still have the jaw strength (and shape and teeth location) of a horse, so be cautious that you don’t pretend he’s a wolf now able to rip flesh from bone!

“These were the last words he spoke before he stepped forwards, meeting the woman face to face.” Be cautious with your wording. Raeden has already written past this point so you cannot assume they were standing face to face. Mild powerplay.

“...upon his horns’ meeting with her body came the next attempt at a conjoined attack.” This wording makes it seems like his horns do meet her body, which you cannot decide. Powerplay.

“Slipping his off side front hoof under the near side of Raeden, he aimed to trip her completely.” You word this in a way that makes his leg sliding beneath her’s a definite thing, which you cannot decide. Powerplay.

“There!
Not a few paces away the mud looked like it was being disturbed, slushed and splashed about.” Raeden ended her post directly after her double barrel and specified she was on dry ground, so you cannot say he found her splashing in the mud. Powerplay.

“The serpent sprung his hooves into the mares side in an attempt to pin her downwards…” Your wording makes it seem as if his legs hit her side regardless, and only her being pinned or not is the part where she can choose. Powerplay.

You mention some breed differences a couple times and incorporate a little bit of the scenery, which is good but do it more! In your third post you do this best, but in that same post you have very poor timing. Raeden saw her son then was bit by you, but you write as biting her then pausing as she looks at her son.

Overall be mindful that you always word things as attempting or trying to do action upon another character, and provide more detail to explain what you’re doing, especially in terms of sustained injury.


Emotion [+1]
Your emotion started off well but then seemed to taper off as the fight went on. I rarely felt a connection with what he was feeling and what he was going through. I was frequently told what he felt, but I never really got a depth to his feelings or the true relationship between him and Raeden and their ranks and this fight - nothing aside from surface level insults anyway. What was motivating him to fight so hard?

“ “If you’re behind me with your horn aimed up my anus, please know I will deeply enjoy it!” the brute grumbled, hoping to trigger some sort of response be it disgust or laughter. “
Loled at that line!


Prose [+1.5]
You started off with some really great style and prose. Your writing flowed and you had great imagery. Yet as the fight continued you got so caught up in the action and responding to attacks that things fell very flat and simple and I was often left wanting more detail and more setting.


Readability [+1.5]
You table is hard to read, I always had to highlight the font to see it. You have a lot of grammar issues in each post, please proof read beforehand as many of these could have been avoided.

P1:
The music of the ocean, the crashing waves below and their placid threats only caused… (doesn’t read correctly, missing a comma or some form of break)
...the geldings smile… (gelding’s)
... the serpents velvet… (serpent’s)
Toulouse clenches his eyes … (tense change)
...clean teeth cut against the horrible sound of her voice… (what does this mean?)
...infiltrated the Dragons Throat… (Dragon’s)
...before he stepped forwards… (forward)
...won't do you a single favor” (favor.”)
Slipping his off side front hoof under the near side of Raeden, he aimed to trip her completely. (this was confusing to understand their positions in relation to each other)

P2:
He could not attack what was not there!? (is not a question, no question mark)

P3:
“Was she build to endure…” (built)
“...gilded one slinked through…” (slunk)
“..noting his opponents footfalls.” (opponent’s)
“Pale orbs switching from the feathered…” (tense change)
“...advantage of such a distraction though it was…” (needs a comma)
“The vibrant language that strange from Raeden's mouth…” (strangled? came?)
“give me your best shot” (lacking punctuation)

P4:
“...the cliffs edge…” (cliff’s)
“...the brute gritted his teeth…” (grit)
“...current specter’s daggering hooves…” (dagger?)
“...the mares side in…” (mare’s)


Finally tally: 45+(0*2)= 45 HP


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