on the sidelines - Printable Version +- 'Souls IPB Archive (November 2007–October 2012) (https://soulsrpg.com/ipb) +-- Forum: Dead IC (https://soulsrpg.com/ipb/forumdisplay.php?fid=110) +--- Forum: Dead Topics (https://soulsrpg.com/ipb/forumdisplay.php?fid=21) +--- Thread: on the sidelines (/showthread.php?tid=28042) |
- Hati Catori - 05-19-2012 [html] Hanging out at the stables~ mouse over for translation! Word Count → 231
The sunlight was warm against the dappled flanks of the horses grazing peacefully in the paddock. Hati Catori watched them, a thoughtful light in his pale blue eyes. He had grown up around horses and had a fondness for them, though he knew little more than the basics of riding since he had not been shifting long. His brother Skoll not only showed great aptitude for horsemanship, but had already been given his own personal mount; it had disheartened Hati to the point he only tried riding the communal horse, Jolie, once or twice in private. He contented himself with reading books about them instead, learning of their herd structure and how heroes of yore would ride them into battle with armor and lances. The slim young Optime leaned on the fencepost, quiet in his observations. It was easy to pick out which of the steeds had owners; they were the sleek, well-groomed horses with defined muscle tone from frequent exercise. The unbroken stallions and mares were scruffy by comparison, grazing idly and casting a wary eye on the wolfdog watching them. .haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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- Alder - 05-21-2012 [html] i have a problem... i cant stay away from you o.o [/html] - Hati Catori - 05-22-2012 [html] ! I was hoping something at the stables might tempt you~~ Word Count → 367
Hati's dark fur easily absorbed the warmth from the sun, making him drowsy and content. Some of the horses seemed to react the same way, rolling around in the grass, showering themselves in dust and pollen. He giggled quietly at how ungainly they looked then, big round barrel bellies with skinny stick legs waving about. Horses were normally so elegant, but it was a treat to see them letting loose. Hati straightened quickly when he heard a voice hailing him, making sure his posture was proper. Appearance was important to him, as were good manners. "Hello, Marshall Alder," Hati replied politely, nodding his head in friendly greeting. The tall sandy-grey wolf with the dark mask over his eyes was a familiar sight, recognizable by his broad shoulders and scent intermingled with the horses he devoted his life's work to. He had seen Alder performing duties several times in the past, but it occurred to Hati that they had never really spoken one on one before. When he was a little pup, he spent his days shadowing his mother, meeting all the Courtiers and watching them from a distance. Now as an adolescent, he was slowly beginning to branch out and find his place on his own, but it seemed he had not made any friends with his reserved behavior. Everyone knew he was one of the king's sons, but that was all they knew about him. He wasn't sure yet if that actually bothered him, or if he preferred to keep them at a safe distance. The wolfdog stepped lightly forward, closing the distance between them, and smiling at the Shire stallion's eagerness to meet him. "I hope I'm not keeping you from your ride," he said with a nod towards the leather tack. He raised his pale-furred hand up for the horse to inspect, remembering that the book said horses liked to sniff them before initiating contact. "I was just watching the herd graze... they're very peaceful." Blue eyes raised to meet the taller male's expression, searching for any signs of impatience or annoyance. He did not want to disturb the stable master. He would stay out of the way, if his presence was a problem. .haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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- Alder - 05-22-2012 [html] ahhh, you know me well! [/html] - Hati Catori - 05-22-2012 [html] <333 Word Count → 315
Alder asked him a direct question, and manners dictated he answer promptly and honestly. "I do like horses, a lot," he admitted seriously, patting Hawthorn's muscular neck. Did anyone in the Court dislike horses? Many of his packmates had chosen personal mounts to train and raise, and he was aware they sometimes traded horses with neighboring packs, forging important alliances while strengthening their own stock. He would like his own horse someday, once he was worthy, of course. Alder was watching the herd over the fence, relaxed posture radiating confidence and patience. Hati knew he wouldn't be as tall or as strong as the Marshall when he was full grown, but perhaps he would find the same assertiveness, follow his own talent. "I like watching them, I mean, I... don't ride," he clarified, fingering the leather bridle that crossed the bridge of Hawthorn's muzzle. Skoll was good at riding, or so he had told his family, bragging about his lovely mare Hwin. Hati didn't want to compete when he knew he couldn't keep up. .haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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- Alder - 05-23-2012 [html] [/html] - Hati Catori - 05-23-2012 [html]
Word Count → 330
"Do all horses like apples?" Hati asked curiously, glancing to Alder for confirmation. He knew horses ate grass and hay... and he supposed vegetables and fruits, if they could find them. It was a good thing they had a stable master who knew so much. And perhaps it was lucky that their horses were mostly captured from the wild rather than captive-bred, so they knew how to feed themselves already. Hati returned to showering attention on the big Shire stallion, entranced by the handsome steed. Walk, trot, canter, gallop. Those were the gaits he had read about; Alder was referring to one of the faster ones. He quickly shook his head no, that was far too advanced for him. He didn't even know how to saddle up a horse, since all the tack looked so complicated and he hadn't wanted to ask for help. He knew his mother's horse, Asagi, and had worked with her when they cleared the field for the Amphitheater construction. But even that had been more plow work than anything, and he did not feel comfortable asking his mother permission to borrow her chestnut mare for riding lessons. "I'm not sure I have a talent for riding," Hati said, more softly. "I didn't connect with Jolie the way you and Hawthorn do. And she's supposed to be the easiest to ride, so doesn't that mean I can't do it with any of them...?" He asked with a frown, doubt shadowing his pale eyes. He didn't want to stress the horses by forcing himself on them, not if they didn't want him there in the first place. Wasn't there supposed to be something special between horse and rider, a partnership? Alder and 'Thorn embodied that perfectly. His father had told them the story of Nádherné, the stallion who followed him home one day out of the blue. Horses chose their rider, not the other way around. That was how it was supposed to be... wasn't it? .haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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- Alder - 05-24-2012 [html] ^^ [/html] - Hati Catori - 05-25-2012 [html] =D Word Count → 249
Hati studiously filed away the useful tip; once apple harvesting season rolled around, he could treat the horses here and get them to trust him more. Knowing Alder didn't mind him hanging around and watching the herd grazing gave him a little confidence -- he could visit the stables more frequently now, perhaps let Lottie tag along. He watched the leather saddle being loosened and removed, waiting a moment for the next statement to sink in. "Wh... Right now? With Hawthorn? Erm, I don't think that's such a good idea," the Catori boy stammered, his calm exterior disintegrating. He didn't want to be humiliated in front of someone as respected as the Marshall, someone with so much experience and knowledge over him. But still, the desire to ride on horseback was such an elusive freedom... It was the one thing he looked forward to most about shifting, and he had to wait longer than either of his siblings to reach this point. Being slower to develop made him self-conscious, and being called a 'late bloomer' was not much comfort. He needed to catch up to Skoll, and Alder was the best possible teacher. Conflicted, Hati frowned, finally edging closer to Alder. "But... if I'm not keeping you from your duties, I guess... I would appreciate a lesson," he mumbled, hoping he didn't come across as churlish. Hawthorn was the most magnificent horse he had ever seen, and it would be an honor, even if he ended up falling off. .haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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- Alder - 05-30-2012 [html] [/html] - Hati Catori - 06-08-2012 [html] I hope you're having fun on your trip! Little powerplay here, just to get him on. Word Count → 312
"Merci, Marshall Alder," Hati recited quickly, pale eyes looking down on the tall masked male for the first and probably last time he would have this high a vantage point. He released his tight hold on Hawthorn's mane, patting the stallion's muscular neck in silent gratitude for not bucking him off. It was a strange sensation to be so high off the ground, and to have a living breathing creature underneath him. The position was unfamiliar too, his legs splayed so far apart as he straddled the horse's back. It was uncomfortable to stretch like this, but he shrewdly suspected that he would get accustomed to it. His plumed tail curled anxiously against his back as he sat stiffly, remembering that this was as far as he had gotten before. "What... do I do now?" he asked with uncertainty. He did not know how to communicate with a horse, with his movements or his voice. Watching other riders, it always seemed so intuitive, as though two beings had become one. Would Alder let him in on the secret, or was he failing to grasp something obvious to others? .haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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- Alder - 06-25-2012 [html]so sorry for the wait! [/html] - Hati Catori - 06-27-2012 [html] I just hope you are feeling better now. You can always take as long as you need! Word Count → 307
.haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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- Alder - 06-29-2012 [html] [/html] - Hati Catori - 07-12-2012 [html] /is a slowbro Word Count → 438
"Marshall Alder, if... I wanted to be a stablehand, what would I have to do?" He asked suddenly, peering back over his shoulder. He could be helpful, couldn't he? He didn't want to spend all of his time merely watching from the sidelines anymore. In exchange for Alder's lesson, he would gladly groom the horses, muck out the stables, carry hay bales, whatever menial task was required of him. He would just have to be shown how to do all of those things, because he was utterly inexperienced. Maybe someday he would be rewarded with the ability to ride on his own. He swallowed nervously, twisting his fingers in Hawthorn's mane. .haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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- Alder - 07-12-2012 [html] [/html] - Hati Catori - 07-17-2012 [html] maybe wrap this up soon? :> I will poke you with an idea I had! Word Count → 379
"I..." Hati faltered, wanting to give an honest answer but needing to find it first. He loved to learn new things, whether by reading every book he got his paws on, or by moments like this when an experienced teacher was willing to pass on his knowledge firsthand. And horses drew him in so magnetically; he wanted to be around them, to help them and make them happy. But the thought of immersing himself in this path made him balk -- for what if he failed? He still had no talent for riding, still could not connect with the horses in that intangible way Alder could. And physically he knew his shortcomings -- he did not have the strength and endurance for manual labor, and did not know if he ever would. He seemed to be growing lean and lithe as he neared his adult height, looking more like his svelte wolf mother than his heavyset dog father. "I don't know if I'll be much suited for it," he finally admitted, bowing his head. He had to be honest -- he respected Alder too much to try and muster a false bravado. "If you think I could be helpful to you, though... I would do my best." And that was the truth he found within himself -- a tiny spark of ambition, so fragile the slightest setback could extinguish it. He did want that path, even if he did fear it would be too challenging for him to achieve. .haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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- Alder - 07-17-2012 [html] sounds good! [/html] - Hati Catori - 07-18-2012 [html] fade to black? Word Count → 301
"I... I'll be there," he added in a calmer tone, trying to sound more mature. Of course he took this seriously -- this could be his future co-rank, the way he served his birthplace and repaid his family for investing in him. But only if he was successful, which was still to be seen. How would he ever sleep tonight, knowing what he had accomplished today and what awaited him tomorrow? The youth gripped Hawthorn's mane tightly, trying to focus his scattered thoughts. He was still enjoying his first ride, and he did not want to waste the time they had left together. However things turned out, Hati would always be grateful that Alder took a chance on him. .haticai1 {background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/2QMTC.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:top center; background-color:#af9479; width:520px; margin:0px auto; text-align: justify; padding:210px 0px 5px 0px; color:#4e4032; font-family:georgia, serif; font-size:11px; line-height:16px; border:1px solid #858484;} .haticai1 b {color:#e0c9b1; text-shadow:#272011 1px 1px 2px; letter-spacing:1px;} .haticai1 p { text-indent:0px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px; } .haticai1 p.ooc {font-style:italic;} .haticai1 .wordcount {letter-spacing:0px;font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dotted #846e3e; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;} </style> Table by Cait!
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