|
Post by Dustan Sands on Jul 31, 2012 4:39:10 GMT 1
Dustan sat his nervous mount with calm determination. The animals around him that were mounted by other Haven soldiers all seemed nervous, prancing and snorting. One young soldier had already been thrown from his horse. Thankfully, he was alright. Everyone was armed with guns or swords, whichever they preferred to use in battle.
And a battle there would be. The children and elderly lay dying in their beds, burning up with fever, hands tied to keep them from scratching the rashes that spread rapidly over their bodies. They had long since gone through the ice but thankfully a water elemental was able to cool the moisture in the air of the building the sick were being cared for in.
Dustan knew the gravity of the situation. He looked at the front of the battalion that was saddled up and ready to go and saw their fearless leader with his top generals at his sides. The man could not even see and he was leading this expedition. Perhaps if the Admiral could speak to Thor, a fight would not take place. With humans being so fragile, Dustan knew that a fight would not bode well for the little army of survivors. But then again, if they raided in the daytime, the Vampires would not be able to join in the fray and the group of soldiers would return victorious.
Dustan watched as wives kissed husbands and husbands kissed wives, young lovers bid tearful and brave goodbyes with promises to return. Dustan looked down at the red sash around his waist and rubbed it gently between his thumb and forefinger. Thoughts of his lost love entered his mind and he sighed. No time for that...He looked forward again, ready to go on his Admirals command.
|
|
|
Post by alexiafallon on Aug 1, 2012 6:00:11 GMT 1
Alexia reached Haven only but a few days prior. However, when she arrived, she never expected to be greeted with the current predicament of the children and the sickness that ravaged through Haven. She had been helping out where she could how she could. It allowed her to not have any of the free time to worry and wonder where Cato was. He had not been at Haven where she arrived. Her only hope was that he was not lost somewhere in the wastes or worse. He was walking the wastes as an undead.
The chill that danced down her spine from that thought alone was enough to pull her back to the here and now. As people bustled about her preparing for battle. As she settled the horse, she was to use during this time. She couldn't be like the other women and some of the more worried men and women. Sitting still doing nothing but wasting on fear and worry. It ate at the pit of her stomach and made her sick. Part of her wanted to scream to hurt something or someone, but the other part of her knew there was nothing they could do but go and fight for what they needed. The creak of leather of the saddle and tack heard as she shifted one more set of rounds. She carried her guns and ammo for sure, but she was never without her trusty bow and crossbow. Bolts and Arrows had kept her up the night prior as she had scavenged and milled the ammo she needed.
Finally, she pulled on the old gatsby style cap and the fingerless gloves; she wore. Moving to swing up into the saddle with ease. "Shhhh" her voice gentle as the beast was antsy feeling the tension of the others around. He stomped his hooves tossing his mane in frustration. The feel of his teeth mouthing and chomping at the bit of his bridle furthered to tell her he knew something was up this day. Seeing the fearless leader she was in wonder as he was blind given, she heard the whispers through the crowd yet he sat ready to go out to lead them all to the fight for those that needed them here.
Her mount moved up near Dustan's in it's fidgeting state. Catching his movement from the corner of her eye. She glanced over and noted the brush of his thumb and forefinger to the sash he wore. The further the thought she watched as husbands and wives kissed, Young lovers bidding their tearful good-byes as the brave soldiers prepared to leave. Being a woman of few words, she said nothing at all but lifted her own hand to bring out the lighter she carried. A clear flick and click heard as she flicked open the lid of the old zippo. It's fluid having long dried up, and she found no more for a while. As she stared for a moment then flicked it closed. This doing in a very slow pattern her face thoughtful. Awaiting the orders as well to head out. Finally, she spoke. " No matter where they are, alive, dead or dying you can never forget them. " Her words were not really spoken to anyone in general but just loud enough to be heard. Before the final flick and click of the lid of the lighter were given, and she tucked it back in her pocket.
A slight breeze shifted the strands of her dark black locks against her cheek and neck that had escaped from beneath the old cap. As she briefly closed her eyes and tried to calm her mind as it ravaged in several directions at once. The past, The present and the future all toying with her this day.
|
|
|
Post by Jericho Greybear on Aug 2, 2012 1:20:19 GMT 1
Jericho looked around at those who had gathered for the raid, answering the call of their Admiral and their community. What they were attempting here was going to be dangerous; it was likely that many of these faces would not be seen again. All around him were the tearful eyes of parted lovers and strained voices saying last farewells. Jericho was too temperamental, too unpredictable to have anyone hanging on his arm, afraid he would never return. There was far too much emotional investment in this fight; it made Jericho uncomfortable.
He glanced over at where his brother sat, mounted up and fastidiously prepared as always. He had been more involved in the planning stages than Jericho, being closer to the Admiral's staff than Jericho would ever be, and the two of them had fought bitterly about every decision and every detail. Sinjon was a meticulous, flawless planner but Jericho was a pessimist and though few but his brother took the time to see past his volatile nature he was actually quite brilliant.
The two brothers had barely spoken a word to one another since dawn, in truth they didn't need to. Each knew what was at stake here. The children were dying; Haven was dying. Without the children life was nothing more than a slow death. Jericho turned away from his brother, soothing his fretful mount for which he had more empathy than any of the people around him. There were no goodbyes to be said between Sinjon and Jericho; there were no adequate words. They would live to see another dawn or they would die fighting and far from home, but they would do it together.
|
|
|
Post by Jorge Norton on Aug 6, 2012 15:14:06 GMT 1
Jorge lingered off on one side of the gathering force. He looked about him from face to face wondering, who else here was a parent? It was not like Jorge to volunteer for a raid; he hated raiding, he hated violence, but this was different. The future of Haven hung in the balance. He prayed silently that these people were not mired in the noble notion or trading their own lives for their children's. That wasn't how they were going to achieve success here.
As usual he maintained his calm and quiet demeanour though internally today his emotions were in turmoil. Lillian was not here to bid him farewell, she was in the medical centre with their youngest daughter. Arvid and Julia it seemed had proven somewhat resistant to the virus that was threatening the lives of the town's future generation but just this very morning his wife had expressed her fears that their youngest child Paula had begun showing symptoms.
The news had shocked Jorge more than he had thought possible. He was not close with his children but he was only human and there was a connection there whether he encouraged it or not. Somehow it had not occurred to him that this could affect them, that it could affect him. He had himself never been sick a day in his entire life. Their first two children likewise had breezed through their early years without suffering the usual childhood ailments. Jorge had become complacent, believing that nothing could touch them, but this... this had put knots in his guts at the thought that it could happen to his children.
He nudged his horse forward, joining the main throng, trying to work his way forward somewhat towards where the Admiral sat stoically with his generals. Niko was their last hope of pulling this off without a massacre and that meant he had to be kept active at any cost. Jorge knew his own failings in an attack, but when it came to defending his team he was indomitable. Nothing was going to reach the Admiral today while there was breath in his body.
|
|
|
Post by Nikolas Breyden on Aug 16, 2012 20:21:57 GMT 1
Niko sat his horse who seemed to be the calmest of the lot. Leave it to the stable master to make sure he was safe. He could tell someone had the halter in his hand, held fast but he was not sure who. It was probably Justice, Max, Sully or Jorge. There had been a huge argument about whether or not he should come at all but everyone knew that if any of them could reason with Thor, it was Niko, the only one trained in diplomatic relations. He knew his little army had no chance at all if they met the Vampires at night. He wanted to make sure they got there two hours before sunrise so he could send in a messenger and meet with Thor before any blood was shed. He could feel the hot summer sun beating down on him. It was beating down on them all but they were used to it. Niko could not see much farther than three meters again but then he could only see images. He was glad that he could see the difference between night and day again. He had not seek Kris since she had decked him and ran off. Everyone was tactful enough to pretend she simply never existed, he liked that. He never asked where she went; he didn’t even want to know. “It’s time.” He told whomever was next to him. He knew it would be his generals, they never got too far from him these days.
Niko’s horse was turned so he faced the crowd of brave soldiers who were willing to jump into the mouth of the lion for the sake of their children and loved ones. The elderly were all mostly dead while the children were fighting. The first of the healthy adults had only just begun to show symptoms of the fever that raged like a wildfire through his settlement. He could not let them die. “Everyone quiet! The Admiral is going to speak!” he heard Justice shout and a hush came over the crowd.
“You all know why we are here.” Niko shouted over the sound of the wind blowing across the hot, dry desert. “Our loved ones are dying because some bureaucrat in New Vegas denied us the medicine that would cure this disease.” His horse stomped but was quickly brought under control by Justice strong hands. “We have suffered so many losses, we cannot afford to lose more.” Justice cleared his throat and Niko turned his head in his direction, knowing he had something to remind him of. He paused as Justice leaned over and whispered in his ear. Niko nodded and turned back to the crowd. “Many of our generals have fallen recently, one has deserted us.” He began, “The following soldiers will come forward and take your places by my side. Sullivan Maxfield, for his steadfast devotion to his duties and exemplary performance of his duties, Jericho and Sinjon Greybear, because without their tag team style performance in the field many lives would have been lost on many occasions, Jorge Norton for saving my life during a Worgen attack and Dustan Sands because without his timeless wisdom, most of us would not be here today.” He paused after each name as the little army’s fists flew into the air with a cheer with each promotion. “Gentlemen, take your places.” He called out.
As he waited, he began issuing his orders. “We will gather in the basin outside New Vegas and send a messenger in to let Thor know that I desire an audience. If he will see me, I am sure that I can come away with the vaccine, if he does not, then we will take it by force during the light of the sun. The VSF will surely put up a fight but none of the ancients will be out in the daytime so we will have a chance. No one will fire a shot until the order is given!” He paused a moment to let this sink in. “Know this, we will come home with the Vaccine or we will die trying to retrieve it, for without the vaccine we are all dead anyway!” he stopped and put his fist in the air, “For HAVEN!” he shouted. Pride filled his heart to hear the shout repeated by his little army of survivors. This was the greatest example of true human kind.
|
|
|
Post by Sullivan Maxfield on Aug 24, 2012 16:12:29 GMT 1
Sully left early the morning of the raid. He wanted to scout the area ahead of them and be sure that the path was clear. He took his time, knowing that he would most likely be bringing up the rear so he didn’t get to far ahead of the others. He liked not being in the spotlight and kept to himself most of the time. That’s why he liked Jericho’s company. He didn’t ask questions and accepted things for the way they were. He didn’t have to talk to Jericho to understand him. He was on his way back and the cavalry was in sight when he saw a man on a horse running up to him. “The Admiral wants you over there now, you just go promoted to general.” The out of breath man informed him.
“What? There must be a mistake. I…I’m just a soldier.” Sully stammered. Why would he be made a general? He never did anything less than what he was physically able to do but then hardly anyone else did either. Either way, the Admiral gave an order and he would obey it. He kicked his horse into a fast canter and rode him up to the crowd. He wasn’t really sure where to go until one of the other generals motioned to where he needed to be. He listened to the Admiral talk as other generals joined them. He noticed one of the other men who was like him. They often had to wait for their snack rations at the same time. They never talked other than the name exchange the first time they saw eachother but a simple nod seemed to be all the communication they ever needed.
Sully as and waited until the Admiral was finished speaking. As was customary, he raised his fist and echoed the Admirals cheer along with everyone else. It was a rallying cry that was inspirational to all who heard it. He felt inside that the Admiral a great man and to lose him would be to lose more than an Admiral, it would be to lose all that was Haven. He gripped his reigns and turned his horse so he could look out into the desert, scanning for any movement.
|
|
|
Post by Dustan Sands on Aug 25, 2012 7:48:44 GMT 1
Dustan was lost in thought until the Admiral began to speak. He had heard Alexia's words and it saddened him just a little that her words were so sad. He always remembered those he loved with fond and happy memories. People did not grieve for their lovedones, they grieved for themselves, they grieved for their own loss. That wasn't a bad thing but he felt to honor someone who you had lost, their memory should put a smile on your face. "Grieve not for the loss, but rejoice that they blessed your life."
He was lost in thought on the matter but Niko's voice raised his eyes to the enigmatic man. Dustan found him to be a bit of a puzzle. There was so much strength and intelligence in that man. It seemed to flow like a fountain and it never ceased to make Dustan wonder where it came from. He never felt that Niko's father was that intelligent. He was more of a fighter than a thinker, but then, at that time, it was what the people needed. However, he must have had some intelligence to know that by the time Niko took over, they would need the brilliant strategist that he was.
When he heard his name, he closed his eyes and sighed. This was exactly what he didn't want. The spotlight. But he knew Niko was right. They did need him, on may occasions. Their innocense and naivity sometimes threatened to get them into predicaments that only Dustan recognized before hand. After all, he had been raised in the desert and lived there most of what would have been his time, had he not lived beyond the years of a normal man. But he still didn't want to be in the spotlight.
There was nothing he could do about it know...He sighed and nudged his horse forward to take his place at the Admiral's side.
|
|
|
Post by alexiafallon on Aug 26, 2012 17:16:01 GMT 1
Sentiment was something that Alexia kept within her not the grief of their passing but the happiness that they would no longer share. Yes, it saddened her. Hearing Dustan's words, she glanced to him and smiled. It did take some of the dread she was feeling away and made her shove past the sadness that popped up if only, for the moment. Gone but never forgotten were the family members and friends of her past.
She had gone back to make sure all things were settled that her bow was secure so that it was easily able to be pulled if need be. When the Admiral started to talk all her busy work faded as she gave him her complete attention. He was something of a surprise to her with his blindness seeming to have affected him hardly at all. His courage inspiring in the face of such an adverse moment.
As Niko started his speech, she looked around only briefly taking in the effects it had on the people around her. Knowing full well what the loss would mean to Haven. Alexia found a reason in her to push on to help those there and to hopefully succeed With words from the very wise Admiral and the people that were counting on them this day. She did not want to think of losing another place that had started to become her home. Even in a few short moments. When the names were called for the new promotions, she cheered with the rest of them. Glancing over to Dustan with a soft smile but not lingering on him to long as to make him feel uncomfortable.
With that the orders started to be issued, and she moved where she was directed falling in place with the rest of the crowd as she nudged her mount towards where she would be needed the most. Lifting her hand in shout with the rest of them all as she called out. "FOR HAVEN!"
|
|
|
Post by arianagrey on Aug 29, 2012 17:21:17 GMT 1
Ariana had fallen in with the other soldiers around her, trying to keep her mount quiet. Hearing whispered words of goodbyes to love ones around her, she felt sullen. For she had not had anyone to miss, besides those gone from her life. That was the past, she needed to worry about the present and future. They were on a mission, and she planned to devote her whole being to that mission, whether she died in battle or not. She had pledged her life to helping Haven, and making sure she was her best at it. Now was the time she was needed most, though she liked staying out of the lime light. Distancing herself was what helped her concentrate on the situation at hand, though she did feel for the people who were dying and sick in the compound.
She adjusted her weapons, making sure they were well placed, so as to reach them better. Her mount was restless, and she smoothed the horse’s mane down, calming the creature. She was a bit nervous about their approach, but knew Niko had good intentions, and would be able to handle the situation. He was a man of great stance, whom proved time and time again that he was well equipped to handle situations. She took a deep breath and calmed herself, Don’t worry Ariana, you knew this would be happening sooner or later, and it seems to be sooner, she reprimanded herself.
As the Admiral started speaking, she focused her whole attention on his every word. He was an intelligent man, who had his battle plans well laid out. She smiled at his words, when he instructed a few of the men to stand by his side as new generals. She fisted the air along with the other soldiers, glad that the army was well endowed. She knew the men would do their duties, just as she would do her duties no matter what. She looked around at the men cantering forward on their mounts to stand beside Niko. It was a very noble group.
Everyone had settled as the Admiral had started to speak again, telling his battle plans. She nodded, it was a wise plan, and she knew they would die trying or retrieve the cure. Seeing a few others nod as well, she couldn’t wait to depart. The Admiral put his fist into the air and shouted, “For HAVEN!” Every soldier, including herself thrust her fist into the air and shouted it back with him. She was proud to be there and to fight for every human in Haven.
|
|
|
Post by Jericho Greybear on Aug 30, 2012 13:18:01 GMT 1
Jericho listened to Niko's speech with rapt attention. He truly believed that Niko could pull this off, he had to believe that. If he hadn't... well the bottom of a bottle would have been good company, always presuming he couldn't find another worgan to have a slugging match with. He hadn't always seen eye to eye with the Admiral; truth be told he had once gone all out to try and beat the man to death... but that had been an age ago for reasons he barely even remembered now.
He raised his fist in salute as Sully's name was called out. He had to admire the man's stamina and dogged determination. He had partnered the man on patrols and there was none more diligent to his duties than Sully. Doubtless he would make a good general and he already had Jericho's respect. It was Niko's next announcement that had Jericho baffled and reeling. “Jericho and Sinjon Greybear...”
It must be a mistake, or a cruel joke... otherwise why could Niko possibly want Jericho on his staff? Sinjon was the clever one, the planner, the officer type. Jericho was just 'the other one', the screw-up who was always starting arguments and getting into fights. He looked to his brother in confusion only to find him grinning back at him like a lunatic. Jericho was instantly angry; it wasn't funny.
The crowd erupted again into cheers and Sinjon held out his hand toward him. Slowly is began to sink in, Niko was serious and Sinjon was waiting for him. He knew then that if he didn't move forward to accept this then Sinjon wouldn't either and his anger subsided again leaving him simply puzzled. He nudged his horse forward and clasped his brother's proffered arm, he even managed a small smile. Sinjon just nodded to him and the two brothers made their way through the crowd side by side to take their places beside the Admiral.
Still in something of a daze, Jericho didn't recognise the next name called and hardly knew the last but he went through the motions of cheering anyway. The sooner they got under-way and people stopped staring at him the better. In unison Jericho and Sinjon echoed the Admiral's rallying cry, “For HAVEN!”
|
|
|
Post by Jorge Norton on Sept 3, 2012 10:22:20 GMT 1
Jorge had still been trying to make his way through to the front of the crowd when the Admiral began to speak. He winced inwardly at the mention of the 'deserter'. It felt dangerously wrong that no-one had spoken to Niko about that, but at the same time he knew that the man needed to keep a clear head to see them all through this. It was not as if the woman deserved to be remembered fondly after what she had done, but Niko had a right to know the truth. When this was all over Jorge resolved that he would tell him himself if no-one else did.
He raised his fist in salute as the new Generals were named. Sullivan he recognised, he had seen the man around; he was one of the quiet types like Jorge himself and they had often nodded in passing when collecting their extra rations. The Greybear brothers he knew only by reputation; it was a good reputation on the whole, though he had seen first hand the outbursts of violent temper and self destructive behaviour that dogged the troubled younger brother. When Niko called his name out Jorge almost panicked.
What was Niko thinking of to single him out like that? Jorge was still convinced that Justice deserved the lion's share of credit for Niko's escape from the worgan; it had been he who actually killed the beast after all. As the crowd parted easily now to let him through he realised that at least now he wouldn't have any trouble sticking close by Niko during the raid and as the last name was called out Jorge found it almost funny as he realised that each one of the new Generals looked as bemused as he was by the sudden promotion.
Perhaps, he mused as he took his place beside the Admiral, that was how it should be; such responsibility had to be thrust upon one as no man who could bear the burden of it was foolish or prideful enough to seek it out. His deep admiration of Niko's strength of will to carry the hopes and fears of all of Haven swelled. Jorge knew that if it came to it he would die for that man. He raised his fist and his voice to join with those who shouted their salute, “For HAVEN!”
|
|
|
Post by The Narrator on Sept 10, 2012 9:12:36 GMT 1
Posting order: If a week goes by without a post, even with an away notice, next person please post.
Dustan Alexia Ariana Jericho Jorge Nikolas Sullivan
|
|
|
Post by Nikolas Breyden on Sept 16, 2012 11:55:06 GMT 1
Nikolas waited for his generals to fall into place. It was time to leave. They needed to get to New Vegas before the sun went down but not leave enough time for the Vampires to attack them if they decided upon war.
He wrapped his hands around his reigns and turned his horse away from the milling crowd. There was no way he was going to be able to see the way but he knew it like the back of his hand. Still, he needed to have someone lead his horse because he could not see the trail. "Jorge." he called softly, "Take my horse's lead, please." he would feel better with him close to him.
Ever since he had put the elders in their place and took away their powers, everyone had been happier. He was informed that 7 same sex couples were now free to be together and were donating to the invetro program willingly. He loved how Max had gotten the supplies so easily. It meant that he could be with Jorge, like he wanted to. It also meant that Justice and Max were finally happy. Jorge had been his inspiration. He reached a hand out towards his familiar scent that he had gotten to know so intimately of late and let the corner of his mouth turn up in a shy smile.
He gave the order and nudged his horse forward, knowing Jorge would make sure it stayed on the trail and keep him safe. His eyes would spot a herd of zombies quicker than any of his other generals, save Sullivan. He felt safe as they headed out into the desert.
|
|
|
Post by Dustan Sands on Sept 21, 2012 9:14:12 GMT 1
((Skipping Sullivan))
Dustan moved into place and watched as the others joined them. He made a mental not to speak with Niko about letting him stay on in the training facility and work his duties from there. The young people needed the wisdom he could give. But, for now he would be where he was needed even more, at the side of his Commander.
He noticed Sully was silent as always. He had often watch this man from afar and knew there was something different about him, he was the same as his son, Raun. It was something natural and good. He knew that mankind needed to evolve and from his point of view, the ones that had low sugar but performed more efficiently than anyone else were that evolution in progress. One day he would turn the sands over to one of his children and let his life cycle come to completion. He would marry and live out his life until the end but he had yet to have that trust in any of his children. Raun held potential but for now he was very far from ready to take on the responsibility.
He felt as if he could fall in love with Alexia and it seemed proper to do so with his most recent intimate yearnings for her. He looked over at her and smiled. "Be safe." he mouthed the words to her. He hoped she would stay close so he could protect her since the sands could not be used on her. As much as he could love her, the fate of the human race was more important than his love for her. It would be very selfish for him to use the sands on her then lose the Commander or a General. The needs of the many outweighed the needs of the one...Suddenly he wished she had stayed behind.
He nudged his horse forward, falling in behind the Commander but ready to protect him at any moment. He had 15 minutes worth of time in his dagger just in case. He hated to use the sands but Niko must survive, that much he knew. He would use the sands only to save the life of his commander or one of the generals. It pained his heart to think of letting any of the others die but he had to reserve the sands for those most vital to the human race. His hand rested on his dagger, stroking it's hilt as he thought of it. He noticed he was not keeping up and nudged his horse into an easy canter to catch up.
(Tag Alexia)
|
|
|
Post by alexiafallon on Sept 23, 2012 1:16:53 GMT 1
Alexia watched as the men moved into position with the other generals around Niko, she even glanced at the people behind her those watching as they all headed out. The ones left behind that depended on the Commander and all of them. She could not let the future of human kind fall on the shoulders of the men leaving, and so she had felt it was her place to come along. She was good at what she did even as her metabolism raced, and she quickly had eaten the apple a young child had given up as she passed by. " Thank you darling." Her hand gently brushed the child's cheek in thanks. Since Dustan had shown her the children, and she had found hope here she had thought about something more for her future than just the passing time. Even now Cato was a fading memory, and she would eventually stop looking for him altogether as more thoughts of Dustan had been filling her mind. He definitely was different than what she was use to.
In fact, there was a pull to Dustan that she found harder and harder to deny. Her gaze shifted to him, and she smiled. Seeing him mouth the words to her 'Be Safe', She was unable to keep the response from her lips. " You Too. " Her hand touched upon her bow. " I'll be close and watching. " Letting him know that no matter what she would be watching his back and the commander's too. She wasn't a general nor was she anything of that important and should she have known what he could have done to save her if she needed it. Alexia would not have let him; she knew that the Commander, and the others meant more to the saving of the human kind than herself, but perhaps someday she would settle down and have children do her own additions to helping keep humans alive.
She hated to think that they were all going out but only a few would be coming back. As she reigned in her mount and moved to keep close as she had mouthed to Dustan, she would do everything in her power to help as many of them come back to Haven as they could. With a steady resolve in her heart and her mind determined to finish and carry out this mission she fell into the March of the others and allowed the sands from the desert they entered to start harboring them towards New Vegas. There would be blood on the sand and on her hands, she was sure of it before this day ended.
((TAG: Ariana))
|
|