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Post by Soren Forberg on Oct 19, 2011 7:23:24 GMT -5
((Private RP between me and Brooke for the moment )) It seemed like the only place he felt at peace these days was in the woods. The forests beyond the north of Windfall Manor were comprised mainly of beech and ancient oak with a smattering of birch groves here and there. The leaves had finished changing colours, predominantly gold and brown, and were now falling at the slightest breath of wind, spinning and dancing in the shafts of morning sun that slanted down through the thinning canopy. Rapidash's iron shod hooves made little sound against the leaf and loam covered path that snaked through the autumn wood and her rider seemed grateful for it. Soren kept his head low and the reins slacked, letting the mare wander where she will. Despite the sun it was a cold day and he was thankful he'd had the foresight to wear his greatcoat over his usual ensemble. Ahead the trees thinned, revealing a boggy clearing and the end of the path. Soren frowned – he'd never come across such a place before, but then again he usually never was much in his right mind when going for a ride, it was pure escapism after all, trying to erase images of breathtakingly blue eyes and a cast aside rose from his mind. Still frowning he skillfully turned his mount, intending to head back down the path and perhaps try another direction when the mare seized and refused to move. Soren gave the reins a firm flick and squeezed his booted heels against her sides. “Come on Maria, you can't go back we can only go -”He was cut off by a loud snort from his mount and her sudden balk backwards, dangerously close to the edge of the bog where the ground became muddy and soft. The Rapidash stomped her front right hoof three times, huffing and grunting whilst tossing her head, coal black eyes rolling back in obvious terror. “Easy Maria, easy,” Soren said, trying to rein her in and patting her muscular neck comfortingly. “Calm down girl!”A low unbroken growl from the trees had Soren tensing in the saddle. Five Mightyena came slinking through the trees, licking their chops aggressively. The gym leader swore as his mount let out a bellow and started to rear, lashing out with her iron shod hooves. Unlike their wild cousins, domesticated Rapidash, born and bred in the comfort and safety of a stable were notoriously skittish around predatory pokémon and Maria was no different it seemed. Maria reared again as the canines came closer, higher this time and Soren threw his weight forwards to try and stop her from stepping backwards or, Lugia forbid, topple over. He'd been caught under a falling horse once as a boy and it was not an experience he wished to repeat. Still, as good a horseman as the eldest Forberg was the draught horse had a great deal more weight to throw around and she staggered back too far onto the bog. She didn't get far before the soft ground gave way under her bulk and she sunk up nearly to her hindquarters. Soren made a hasty dismount, tumbling over into a clump of bracken to avoid his terrified mount's wildly flailing hooves as she fought to free herself. He cursed and hastily unclipped a pokéball from his belt, calling out his Absol. The disaster pokémon made short work of scaring away the pack of Mightyena before wisely returning to her pokéball so as to not frighten the Rapidash further. With one threat taken care of Soren heaved himself up and approached his Rapidash who was still struggling to free herself. Ducking those lethal hooves, though earning a thin cut across his cheek from her horn, he managed to snag the reins and started to pull forwards, giving her the necessary leverage to plant her forelegs onto more solid ground and heave herself out of the muck in a few awkward jumps. Wisely Soren stepped back and dropped the reins, allowing the still frightened mare to stomp out the rest of her fear as she ran swift circles around him still bellowing and whinnying. When she started to quiet down Soren snatched up the reins again and pulled her to a halt. She squealed and balked for a little while until he managed to get her in close enough to start patting her sweat dampened neck, murmuring soothing words to her. Once calmed enough Soren removed her saddle and bridle so he could wipe the mud from her ivory hide. A sharp crack in the trees made him whirl around and he heard a nervous nicker from Maria behind him. “Is someone there?”((aaaand cue your entrance girl ))
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Post by Brooke Verity on Oct 19, 2011 8:22:00 GMT -5
The lab felt claustrophobic, so Brooke decided to take a leaf out of Lorna’s book and decide to go out into the field to go and do some research. Her associates had asked her if she was alright, she brushed it off, insisting that she was absolutely fine. Admittedly, Brooke’s behaviour had become somewhat irate over the past few weeks and no one truly understood why. She only seemed comforted by her Pokémon, which was why she needed to be out with them today. She had been out a few days, having just moved from the desert and down into the forests of the southern wilderness. On either side of her were two Pokémon; on her right was her Axew; who had been in need of training anyway, so Brooke made the most of it. On her left was Sapler, she figured it was about time for the little grass type to get back into the wild and not cooped up in the lab.
The three made a good team, so much so that Brooke was considering going out to do field studies more often. Axew and Sapler worked well together and trainers she met along the way had remarked on how amazing it was that new Pokémon were being discovered on the island; she was grateful however, that no one wanted to challenge her to a battle. She had made it clear she was working; she didn’t need the bothers of getting tied up with a battle – although it would probably help her blow off some steam.
The three had begun to track a pack of Mightyena near Gamboge city, staying silent as they followed the pack and studied their movements; listening to the way they cackled and howled at each other in communication. Brooke tried to ignore that they were close to Windfall Manor as they traced the Mightyena back deeper into the forest, but Axew and Sapler kept her mind busy. Eventually, Brooke saw how the pack suddenly caught wind of something interesting and her heart leapt; a hunt. It was going to be exhilarating she knew; the three prepared themselves as the Mightyena made a move. They lost them for a little while, but Sapler held their scent and led the way. They were catching up, but that’s when the distinctive cry of a Rapidash in the distance. Not a herd, a single one.
Brooke frowned, that could be a rider; a herd would have made a charge to protect the herd. This couldn’t be good. Brooke and the two Pokémon broke into a run in the direction of the cry, only to be faced with the pack running back towards them with their tails between their legs. Brooke paused, a perplexed look on her face. They were frightened; it was as if they didn’t even notice the three as they fled. He saw the flash of a curved horn disappear back through the brush; Brooke didn’t need to be told that it belonged to an Absol. They moved forward, quieter, back in tracking mode as they followed the path the Mightyena had followed on their run towards the Rapidash.
She stepped on a twig and cursed, but then heard a voice and nearly turned to flee herself. Instead, her feet carried her forward through the brush and into the open; Sapler and Axew on either side of her. Her attention was not however on Soren, but instead on the distressed Rapidash. A small gesture told the two Pokémon to stay where they wear as she moved forward, “Oh sweet heart. Those Mightyena gave you a shock didn’t they?” Brooke would make slow and deliberate movements so not to startle the beast further, moving her hand up to press her hand against the mares muzzle.
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Post by Soren Forberg on Oct 19, 2011 8:44:47 GMT -5
Soren wasn't sure whether to be relieved or terrified when Brooke walked out of the trees, Sapler and Axew following by her side. The Professor all but ignored him (for which he was strangely grateful for) and approached his frightened horse. The Rapidash stomped her hoof and snorted, clearly not liking the presence of the two strange pokemon, but she allowed Brooke to touch her, if only just. Soren took the opportunity to start cleaning the mud from the horse pokemon's ivory coat in slow, methodical movements so as to not spook her again. He spoke to her, using those strange words his father had whispered to his horses to calm them and his father before him. Riding had always been a favourite pastime of the Forbergs, but it wasn't just a sport - it was something deeply rooted in their blood. "There, no harm done eh szépségem?" he murmured, rubbing a hand along her neck and taking care not to brush against Brooke's hand or get close to her at all. He spoke to her without looking at her - no doubt she'd try to berate him in one way or another or fuss over the cut on his face. At least Maria had finally calmed down to the point where she wasn't liable to kill anyone with a wayward blow from her hooves or horn now. "What are you doing all the way out here?"((szépségem is Hungarian for 'my beauty' btw ))
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Post by Brooke Verity on Oct 19, 2011 11:04:06 GMT -5
The mare was still suspicious and Brooke didn’t blame her, the Rapidash whickered as Soren began to remove the mud from her coat. Brooke pressed her lips together when she heard Sapler growl softly with jealousy, the pup had grown very attached to her and it was time that Brooke began to wean the little grass type off of her affection and get him to start liking the trainer that she had set her eyes on to take care of him. Axew chattered back assuringly to the grass type and Sapler quietened, Brooke was pleased that he understood that the mare was in need of the attention today.
She avoided Soren’s gaze, focusing on the mare as she gently ran her hand over the muzzle again; not risking the neck for a burn if the mare didn’t trust her enough. “Field work,” She uttered in reply, casting him a sideways glance that didn’t last more than a moment, “how did she end up like this anyway?” Brooke knew the answer already, the mare had obviously been spooked and stumbled backwards because of the Mightyena; but it was conversation or that unbearable silence.
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Post by Soren Forberg on Oct 19, 2011 11:13:53 GMT -5
"Pack of Mightyena spooked her and we ended up on the bog," Soren said with a half-shrug as he pointed to the slowly filling in hole in the mud where the mare had sunk down, leaving out the obvious fact that he'd pretty much been thrown from her back. He patted the Rapidash with a wry grin. "Bigger than any wild Rapidash and twice as skittish."
Seeing that Maria had relaxed enough to be left unattended with the Professor Soren decided that it would be safe to re-saddle her. Without even thinking the gym leader pulled off his heavy greatcoat, so that it wouldn't hamper his movements, and draped the garment around Brooke's shoulders. Being nearly a foot shorter than he the heavy outer coat was practically a cloak to Brooke rather than a coat. "Hold that please," he said offhandedly as he stooped down to retrieve the saddle and slung it over the Rapidash's back, expertly cinching it before slipping the bridle on over her head. Maria bobbed her head a few times to adjust to the feeling of the bridle again and nickered, clearly feeling better. With that done Soren turned to Brooke fully for the first time since she'd come out of the trees. "Field work? I realize you tend to get lost in your work Professor but I didn't think you'd risk coming within a hundred leagues of Windfall."
Mentally he winced at how bitter he must've sounded, but better to keep things short and courteous for the moment...he wasn't really in any state emotionally to handle anything else.
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Post by Brooke Verity on Oct 22, 2011 2:02:48 GMT -5
(Sorry for the delay, had late shifts for the past two nights and I'm out for today, but I will post when I get home!)
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Post by Soren Forberg on Oct 22, 2011 15:23:18 GMT -5
((haha no worries girl, I understand - I've been absolutely friggin swamped with work too))
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Post by Brooke Verity on Oct 23, 2011 13:29:39 GMT -5
Brooke nodded, slowly the mare was growing used to her presence, able to discern that the professor wasn’t a threat. She offered the mare a sitrus berry, which she accepted after a short while of suspicion. “There’s a good girl.” Brooke whispered to the Rapidash, patting her neck softly. "Field work? I realize you tend to get lost in your work Professor but I didn't think you'd risk coming within a hundred leagues of Windfall."
Her gentle expression turned bitter, her lips formed a tight frown and she shot Soren a sharp glare. She abandoned the mare and took a step back, “Well. If that’s what you’d prefer.” Brooke said, her words clipped and made to sting even for their simplicity. She turned on her heel, back towards the way she came. “Axe, Sapler. Let’s go.” She grumbled.
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Post by Soren Forberg on Oct 23, 2011 14:14:40 GMT -5
Soren growled and cursed himself even as he reached out to stop Brooke from leaving. His hand clasped around her wrist, firmly enough to stop her from leaving but loosely enough so that she could break free if she really wanted to. He pulled her back a few steps and met her angry cobalt gaze with a frigid glare of his own. "You know very well that's not what I prefer," he growled. His expression was angry for a moment before it melted away into one of weariness. Sadness entered his pale eyes. "Brooke you confuse me; you wish for me to stay away and yet you appear here before me only to run off again. Do you enjoy tormenting me like -"
He stopped, barely biting back the 'like Elizabeth' he'd almost uttered - that wouldn't have helped either of them. He sighed and released her, turning and walking away until he came to a large oak and sat down between two of its massive roots, resting his back against its mossy trunk. "You know very well I would not wish to be parted from you," he said quietly. "But do what you want Brooke, I know you will anyway."
Soren wanted to retch as soon as the words left his mouth - this was far too similar to a conversation he'd had with Elizabeth in the past. He felt the colour drain from his face as he looked away, hoping that if she was going to leave she'd do so quickly so he could attempt to compose himself.
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Post by Brooke Verity on Oct 26, 2011 6:50:58 GMT -5
She scowled at him, “You make it sound as if I go out of my way to find you.” She shook her head, waving off his unfinished remark as she scooped up Sapler when it pined for her attention, “Easy now little one, it’ll be alright.” Brooke was certainly going to do what she wanted, and as such she was about to leave him alone; but Axew was frozen solid, staring off across the bog.
Brooke glanced back to see the little dragon staring so intently, “Axe?” After no response she crouched down beside the Pokémon and used her free hand to run it over the dragon’s head. “Come on pal, we need to go find those Mightyena.” The Axew shook its head, now pointing in the direction across the bog. “Is something over there?” Sapler’s sensitive ears perked up on whatever it was then too, the little grass type suddenly clambered up onto Brooke’s head, prompting a surprised cry from the professor. “Calm down you two!”
Axew and Sapler both begged that they should investigate, “Alright, alright. We’ll check it out.” Brooke turned to look at Soren, sitting down by the oak, a brief expression of concern washed over her, but was quickly dismissed. “See you around then.” She said uncertainly, she drew out a Pokéball to reveal one of her team that didn’t often get the lime light, Brooke’s Steelix. The large metal beast roared in delight that it was getting the chance to come out and knew instinctively what to do, so that they needn’t go around the bog, Steelix would use its long sturdy body as a bridge. “Alright, let’s go!”
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Post by Soren Forberg on Oct 26, 2011 7:43:36 GMT -5
Admittedly Soren was mildly curious at what had stirred up Brooke's pokemon, but he was quite content to let her be, he'd dug himself into a deep enough hole as it was...still he couldn't help but feel slightly concerned as she climbed onto the back of her Steelix and started crossing the bog.
The gentleman gym leader rose and walked back over to his horse, stroking her nose absentmindedly as he watched Brooke's retreating figure. Maria snorted and butted her head against Soren's chest, gesturing in Brooke's direction with a shrill whinny. "...Fine we'll keep an eye on her," Soren growled as he gave his horse one last pat before mounting her. "We'll have to go around so watch your footing."
Maria bobbed her head before launching into a fast trot, weaving through the trees as they loped around the bog, slowly gaining speed until they were near a gallop and all the while Soren kept his pale blue eyes focused on Brooke as she walked across the open space on Steelix's back. 'Be careful Brooke...'
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Post by Brooke Verity on Oct 27, 2011 7:25:30 GMT -5
Brooke gently placed Sapler on Steelix's back so she could focus on her balance. She knew the massive steel pokemon wouldn't let her fall, but her smooth metallic back hadn't seen much battle, so with no battle worn chips and scars it didn't do well for grip. Brooke stumbled a few times, but never really lost her balance. Eventually the three made it across and Brooke thanked her pokemon before returning her back to her pokeball. Pocketing that, she'd let the two smaller creatures lead her through the forest. She still had no idea where this was going, but she wouldn't question their instincts.
Eventually, they found it. "A burrow?" Sapler was yowling now, as if calling to whatever was inside. Brooke felt somewhat out of place, Axew had stepped back and Sapler was right at the mouth of the burrow; which admittedly Brooke would have missed entirely if it weren't for the little pokemon. It was hidden beneath an exposed root of a large beech tree. "What's in there Sapler?" Brooke asked, crouching down to examine the burrow. It was larger than she had expected, much larger. A Luxray could easily go into it and with plenty of room to spare. Sapler cried out again, its little voice echoing off the walls of the burrow.
After a few moments, a low growl echoed back. Brooke gulped. It was getting closer.
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Post by Soren Forberg on Oct 27, 2011 15:24:00 GMT -5
Maria wove through the trees with surprising agility given her size and breed. Together she and Soren made short work of loping around the bog and were almost to the point where Brooke had stepped down from Steelix's back when the mare brought up solid with a loud snort and refused to take another step. Soren immediately dismounted and called out his Absol as he hastily ground tied Maria and told her to stay put. "Come on Alexis," Soren commanded quietly as both he and the disaster pokemon set off through the trees as quickly and as quietly as possible.
He could see Brooke through the trees now, standing at the foot of an oak tree in front of a large burrow. A low growl sounded and Soren tensed at the brief look of fear that flashed across Brooke's face. Alexis' lips skinned back over her fangs and her mane bristled but she didn't yet utter a sound at her master's behest. "Come on Brooke move away from there!" Soren hissed under his breath.
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Post by Brooke Verity on Oct 29, 2011 5:12:16 GMT -5
Brooke started to slowly back away, but neither Sapler or Axew seemed threatened by the growling that grew ever louder as whatever was approaching from within the burrow got closer. Axew laid a hand on her leg, stilling her. She glanced down at the dragon and it gave her a toothy grin, as if it was going to be alright. Brooke trusted her pokemon, but her instincts were telling her to get out of there and run.
A pair of sharp looking eyes appeared in the dim light of the burrow, Sapler meowed in delight and stepped backwards. A moment later, a large green feline beast stepped out of the burrow; Sapler sat beneath its belly as the lion looked around. Brooke knew what it was the moment it had stepped out; large leaf main, purple diamond on the neck, long whip like tail with a leaf like scythe. This was an evolution of Sapler and judging by its size and Sapler's response, probably the last evolution. An adult and... a parent?
Sapler mewed and the lion leaned down to snuggle with its child, Brooke realised then what was going on. "Of course... You two got separated didn't you." Sapler had been alone when he was brought into the center, that poor pokemon was probably looking for its cub ever since. She relaxed then and knelt down, holding a hand out to the lion timidly; with Sapler and Axew here she held no fear. "So, your son is Sapler. So what does that make you...?" She asked herself more than the lion before her. It yowled its call and in turn its name; Leochlor.
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Post by Soren Forberg on Oct 29, 2011 16:32:26 GMT -5
Soren inhaled sharply when a large feline padded out from the burrow with a low rumbling growl. He'd nearly called out for his Absol to attack when he noticed Sapler cuddling up to the large green beast. Of course - the two looked so similar. A gust of wind rattled the branches and Soren was suddenly aware that he was standing upwind of them and sure enough the larger lion like creature turned in his direction, hackles raised and teeth bared. The gym leader pressed himself flat against the back of a massive oak tree as Absol ducked down between the roots out of sight. Soren cursed silently and prayed that Brooke's curiosity wouldn't be able to rout him out.
She'd give him absolute hell for following her that was for damn sure.
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