[aliyaah]

S E V E N.

The journey to this place had been difficult... But Seven's entire existence had been difficult, so what did it matter? This simply presented a different kind of challenge. And this time, unlike any other moment in her life, she had help. 

Seven had scarcely ever been outside of the realms of the Dark Kingdom and The Outlands. And even then, her time being an inhabitant of Lachlan Breck had been extremely brief before her mother had stolen her away once more. Her mother. Not wanting anything to do with her eldest daughter, yet possessive over her at the same time. She was a fucking crazy bitch, that was for sure. In any case, Seven's lack of experience outside of those domains made it extremely difficult to navigate their way to their goal - particularly considering several other issues at hand. The first, they were injured. Judas and Seven had thrown themselves into the fray alongside Lazorath, fighting off Sly and ensuring that the psychotic mare and her demon-daughter did not cause harm to the newly born babe. It had been trying, and likely if Sly had not been exhausted from birthing, they might not have succeeded. Seven did not know about Judas, but she herself was certainly no fighter... She had been held hostage most of her life, after all. Thank goodness for Lazorath - the brawny, brave hero of the day who was able to initiate the defence of the foal, and keep Siavash and Sly at bay until help had arrived. It had been an interesting scenario, however... While Seven had not known much about Lazorath, she had thought from hearing whispers within the caves of Oinaze that he was one of Sly's most dedicated allies. Sly thought her cavern system was so perfect for a prison, yet perhaps she did not know how well words echoed upon those rock walls... But yet, Lazorath had fled as soon as he had gathered that Judas, Seven and Citoc were out of reach of the Helkaer Commander, abandoning them. While Seven couldn't blame him for pursuing his own path, she wished that he would have stayed. Perhaps then he would have known the way to Mount Vigilum, and perhaps then they would have gotten here much more quickly.

The second issue, of course as mentioned, was that Seven had little knowledge of the outside world aside from Oinaze - and even then, she really only knew her cell. What knowledge Judas had was also muddled, faded by the fact that Judas too had not been outside of Oinaze for several years. This made traversing to Mount Vigilum difficult. They knew it was in the Lands of the Free, and they gathered a lone mountain would be easy enough to get to, but... It still took time, and they got lost every now and again. The problem with this was that they did not want to ask for help - if Sly was hunting them, it was best that they kept to themselves. So their progress was slowed by this matter, for whenever they lost their way, it was up to them alone to figure out where to go. And of course, they had to do so quickly... For with every passing moment, the colt's strength was waning. It was a desperate situation. If they wanted him to live, they needed to find him a nursemare and FAST.

When the trio finally emerged onto the slops of Mount Vigilum, Seven knew that they could go no further. The colt would not make the climb... Even the way that he laid down next to them now was of great concern. Not knowing what else to do, Seven blinked her viridian voids up towards the summit and called, "Please... help..." 

TAGGED - Indi with Judas, and open to any of The Vigilum.
MUSE.- good!
WORDS - 600+
NOTES - Judas, Seven, and Citoc after escaping Sly. 

[Indi]

Freedom at long last.

What an appreciation for all the simple pleasures in life came from having been denied those simple pleasures for such a lengthy span of time. Naturally, there was the downside of being on the run. And being injured. Turns out fighting a psychotic Helkaer and her demon-spawn of a daughter was not great for ones health. Especially not after having been imprisoned for what felt like several lifetimes. All the hard work he had put into training over the years had not been completely in vain, but he would be the first to admit he had not been fighting fit when he and Seven had burst out of the caverns and flung themselves into the battle started by Lazorath in defense of poor newborn Citoc. Still, Judas felt he had given as good as he got, despite the years of captivity.

Hide twitched in discomfort beneath wounds that kept reopening. There had not been time to really deal with the injuries. Judas was just glad that neither of them had suffered truly debilitating wounds. As long as they could keep moving, that was the important thing for the time being. The Vigilum were rumoured to be healers, in addition to their longstanding tradition of peace-keeping duties, so he hoped that once they reached their destination, perhaps some help could be found for their wounds.

Most importantly, of course, they needed sanctuary. And above all, a mare who could provide sustenance for Citoc. The poor boy was looking increasingly unwell. Which made Judas' uncertainty with regard to locating Mount Vigilum more than a little frustrating. He was sure he had known where it was. In the Free Lands. He was almost certain he had even been there before. Alas, it had been too long ago since last he had been to the Land of the Free, let alone set hoof anywhere near Mount Vigilum itself. Funny how time could fade some memories like that. And of course there was no stopping for directions. Judas was not too proud for such things, but the risk when Sly was likely hunting them was just too great. He had tried praying for direction, hoping for guidance from Utopia, but he had heard nothing from Utopia since that vision which led him to Seven and out of the labyrinthine prison of Oinaze to save Citoc's life. Which might be concerning, but he was trying not to think too much about it for the time being. Who knew what kind of drama might be occurring that, cut off from the world as he'd been for the most part -- other than the echoing conversations overheard in the caverns of Oinaze -- he simply did not know about.

At least they had finally found Mount Vigilum. It looked familiar, at least, so Judas was mostly certain they had arrived. A glance towards Citoc as the colt laid down drew a worried frown to the red dun's lips. Poor kid was not looking well at all. Judas himself was not feeling so great either, but he was not letting himself dwell on such things. As Seven called, casting her gaze and voice towards the summit, he wondered if he should push on. Leaving them unguarded at the base of the mountain did not sit well with him. Yet if they did not get help quickly for Citoc... The thought of that climb was excessively daunting, but if they had no other choice...

Scanning, hoping to spot someone, he then glance at Seven as he noted, 'If no one comes in a moment, I'll head up and see if I can find anyone.' His limbs threatened to tremble at the notion of such a climb when pain and exhaustion already threatened to pounce the instant he lost focus on ignoring them.

Character;; Judas
Tagged;;
aliyaah w/Seven & Citoc
The Vigilum
Notes;; <3
Timeline;; 5 yrs old; after escaping Sly

[Pippin]

Cassian

To say that Cassian was worried about the state of things brewing within Wild Equines would be an understatement. He was down right terrified. It seemed everywhere he looked trouble was growing, a pressure building and building. And sooner or later that pressure was going to burst. He and the other members of The Vigilum had been doing what they could to try and ease things but he feared there work was falling short of being actually helpful. When he had joined the order Cassian hadn't envisioned that his job would involve quite some much politicking. Of course he had know they where peace keepers, but the extent of that role had not been so obvious from the outside looking in. Not that he was despairing about his role, he loved helping others and lived for that purpose. He just wished that the powers in place where not attempting to make his job so hard lately. This all ran though the spotted stallions head as he took this brief moment of quite before the day was to begin in earnest to inventory what herbs they had in stock on the mountain and what they would need to go out and collect more of before winter arrived.

Suddenly one of the birds that served as the eyes and ears of The Vigilum appeared at the mouth of the shallow cave Cassian stood in. He looked up at the shape sound the bird made. Horses approached the mountain, and by the looks of them they where hurt and tired and in need of help, and they had a youngling with them. Cassian abandoned his task and quickly started down the long winding path down the mountain. He traversed the path as quickly as he dared, sensing that time was of the upmost importance. Soon the trio was in sight, though they may not be able to see him yet as he was still a few switchbacks above the three. He slowed and took this time to look them over before he was in view. As he looked the voice of the stallion came to him, heavy with pain and exhaustion. 'If no one comes in a moment, I'll head up and see if I can find anyone.' That stallion was in no shape to make such a climb but it spoke to the desperation of the horses. That spurred Cassin to pick up his pace once more and in a moment he was walking out into the open, trading the cool shade of the mountain path for the bright sun of the valley at its foot.

"You have found The Vigilum and help." Cassian spoke, he had to work to slow his panic, to put on a brave face for the ones seeking aid. This was his first experience of something of this nature and he feared screwing it up, causing more harm than help. "Who is hurt and how bad?" He asked stepping closer, making sure they could see the brand of the Vigilum on his left hip so they knew he was not trying to trick them. He worried about the small colt as his Hazel eyes fell on the small body. "I am Cassian." He spoke his name as an afterthought, feeling that it was secondary to helping the three but understanding they would most likely feel more at ease knowing the name of the one who helped.                  



Tags: aliyaah Indi
Notes: Cassian here to offer aid. <3
Words: 569
Muse: Lacking 

_{Image by Fleur-De-Liason}

[+ ebonite +]

casimiro

Casi was standing on one of the high paths of the mountain, taking time to admire the view. It was something he found himself doing more and more. It helped to clear his mind. There was so much on it lately that he was having trouble sleeping. Admiring the view helped give his mind a break, if only for a few moments. The few moments of tranquility that he had were broken by the sound of Sol approaching him, with more urgency that she usually did. She quickly began to talk, using motions, gestures, and a variety of chirps to convey her words. It was a language system that they'd both come up with together. She told him that there were horses who'd come here to see the Vigilum and they looked to be in very rough shape. Refugees. It had been a while since the group had taken anyone in. Not since Respira, perhaps, though he felt calling her a refugee was stretching it a bit. He gave himself a shake and made his way down the mountain, Sol perched on his shoulder. Despite the urgency he felt, he made himself take it slow. He would be no help to anyone if he took a tumble and injured himself.

He could see the horses from the path now - two adults and what looked to be a child, laying down. Whoever they were, they were running from something. He did not recognize any of them, at least not from this distance. Eventually, he made his way to them, noticing that Cassian had beat him there. Hopefully Duramus would show up soon after him. He approached the group at an even pace, taking care not to rush at them and scare them any further. Now that he was close enough, he could see that there was a stallion and a mare - both injured - as well as a very, very young colt laying on the ground. He looked to be a newborn. Immediately, his mind ticked away, trying to piece together their story from the scant information that he knew, but he dismissed it. There was no use in making assumptions when he could just ask them. Something he was sure Cassian had already done before he arrived. "Hello, I'm Casimiro, another of the Vigilum. You are safe here," he said to them, his tones calm and reassuring. Whoever they were running from, they were protected here. Many horses could be summoned from the mountain to defend them from any attackers or pursuers. Casi couldn't see anyone nearby, however, nor had he seen anyone when he'd been on the trail. Hopefully whoever they were running from had lost them.


tag aliyaah indi Pippin Sunfrost

"Speech"

[Sunfrost]

DURAMUS

Duramus sighed as he perused the area around the base of Mount Vigilum. He’d ranged a bit far today in search of herbs to replenish the Vigilum’s storage. Autumn and winter were coming. The plentiful rains of the summer had ensured a lot of growth among the plants the Vigilum used for healing physical injuries, but there had been enough rain that he was actually worried the plants themselves would get too much water and die. The bay draft mix was also not a fan of rainy weather. It clung to his coat, weighed him down, and he already felt weighed down enough with concerns about how things were going in Wild Equines. There had been a lot of turmoil, more than usual, and Dur found himself increasingly concerned. He wished for more stability and peace, as always, and it seemed every faction in the realm was content on ensuring there wasn’t peace.

Holding in another sigh, Duramus checked that he had a secure hold on the herbs in his mouth and the ones he had laid carefully along his back. Said herbs were almost dropped, though, when a few of the Vigilum birds winged their way over to him, chirping anxiously. Listening carefully, Dur discerned that there were horses needing help at Mount Vigilum. Of course it would be the one day when he was further from the mountain. Picking up his speed, Dur retraced his steps carefully, slowing as he drew within view of several horses clustered around the base of the mount. He recognized Cassian and Casi easily, but didn’t recognize any of the other three – a mare, a stallion, and a young foal who looked almost newly born. The adults looked injured, and all three looked exhausted.

Concerned that they had been through a traumatic experience of some sort, Duramus neighed a soft call through the herbs clustered in his mouth, alerting them to his presence and hopefully not taking them too much by surprise. He curved around their right side, coming to a stop alongside his fellow Vigilum, dropping the herbs to his feet and letting his gray eyes take in their condition and injuries more fully at a glance. I’m Duramus, the third member of the Vigilum he introduced, his tone the soft and calming one he used for those who were the most traumatized. May I treat your injuries? He privately thanked whatever power there may be that he was already carrying some herbs that would be of use – though the foal could be a concern. He looked young enough to still be nursing. Is anyone pursuing you? he questioned, tone still soft. He knew the Vigilum birds would let them know in advance if anyone of hostile intent approached, but he’d rather be prepared rather than surprised.


tagged// aliyaah Indi Pippin + ebonite +
notes// Thank you for your patience <3

[aliyaah]

S E V E N.

The trio stood for several silent moments as Seven's plea crossed the mountainside. It was too quiet, which was concerning. Their gazes searched their surroundings desperately, as if almost willing the Vigilum to appear. Judas seemed to feel the same as she did, and even went so far as to make the comment, "If no one comes in a moment, I'll head up and see if I can find anyone." She nodded in his direction, though did not dare tear her optics away from the horizon, in case she might miss someone who could help. They would have to split up if one of them needed to search further, considering the child likely would not be able to manage any more. That was less than favorable, particularly considering they could be found by Sly and her lackeys at any moment. And if they did while separated... They would most certainly be done for.

Thankfully, they would not have to separate. Only a few minutes after the struggling equines had waited, did the first of the Vigilum make their appearance. The spotted beast came towards them at the pace of an active walk - admittedly, Seven felt slightly irritated that he had not come faster, considering the way she had hopelessly called out for aid. "You have found The Vigilum and help." He commented, stepping forwards towards them, a mountainous brand worn upon his left hip evident. "Who is hurt and how bad?" Again, irritation flashed through her. This was likely a result of exhaustion and pain more than anything else - clearly, the three of them were distressed and suffering, and she should not have to explain that. "I am Cassian." He then revealed, but Seven kept her own mouth shut for the moment - the pleasantries could wait.

A bay turned up next. Heavier set than the first, but bearing the same symbol upon him. "Hello, I'm Casimiro, another of the Vigilum. You are safe here." The second brute attempted to reassure them. Were they? That was a bold statement particularly considering who it was that they were trying to escape from. Seven did not have much time to think on it further, however, before the neigh of another drew her attention away. It was then that a third stallion, once again flashing the same symbol as the other two, approached them. He fell in line with the others, and deposited a mouthful of greenery at their hooves before he introduced themselves, "I’m Duramus, the third member of the Vigilum," Looking them over, he inquired, "May I treat your injuries?" Finally, a sensible comment. "Is anyone pursuing you?"

Still not feeling as though now was the time for small talk, the flaxen women stated her name in an almost blunt manner, just wanting to get it out of the way. "Seven." In response to the third stranger's inquiry, she motioned towards her half-brother and elder companion, stating just as simply, "Help them." The wounds she wore now were nothing compared to the ones she had endured before. She would heal. She was unsure of how injured Judas was, but if he was being offered help, he could accept it without needing to worry about her. It was the child she was more concerned about, however. Looking down at the colt, she then stated, "He needs food. Badly." Then, wanting these rescuers to realize the severity of the situation, she explained, "Yes, we are being sought. Helkaer. Sly, if you know who that is." She did not know how well, or how far, her mother's influence reached. But if they did know, then surely they would understand the danger that Seven and her companions were in.


TAGGED - Indi with Judas, and open to any of The Vigilum.
MUSE.- good!
WORDS - 600+
NOTES - Not one for chit chat xD