#sso firgrove woods

[mysterysoulrider]

I would like everyone to meet the amazing Maizey <3

[rowan-ravenlake]

not sure if I've posted about this before but I'm GONNA DO IT AGAIN

I wish sso would change the way you upgrade your stable. like maybe you CAN still pay it with star coins if you want (but for the love of god lower the pride 249 for two stalls is SO BAD) but maybe you can do like a week long questline with the carpenter guy instead if you want like how we used to upgrade the bridge to the harvest counties

[starbornsoulrider]

Forests of Jorvik

Hollow Woods - Firgrove -Tailtop Village - Wildwoods - Mistfall - Greendale - Hussar's Drop - Goldenleaf Forest

can the designers of sso forests just design every video game forest ever PLEASE

[centeris2]

just played the update so you all get to suffer my thoughts

Gonna preface this with I fully support and want SSO to reuse and recycle events. I love when SSO went "we're decorating the mall and Silverglade Village again for Christmas! Not changing the quests even remotely!" I loved that, I loved the feeling of 'tradition' (or something familiar to look forward to) as it happened year after year. Not to mention it made things easier on the team.

Okay, now that is out of the way:

Camp Western

I'm sorry Camp Western but you were at a disadvantage because I was not in a mood for an event, I feel like we just finished the Spring Event and I'm so tired and do not have time or brain space for an event. I also have no inventory space so anything giving me player items is not something I want to do right now because my backpack only has so much space left. But I overall really liked the western event last year, and I was like 45 XP from hitting level 27, so gonna do it.

(Yeah, level 27. It's mind boggling, idk what happened.)

I am relieved Camp Western looks to have nothing new added to it, other than new gear (which I will skip due to the "no inventory space" thing.)

Now to the actual stuff:

I feel like all the stuff that made Camp Western really cool last year isn't there anymore. Which is hard to believe because nothing changed about the event.

Coming off the Spring Event where races gave you 800 horse xp, not having anything comparable feels... lacking. I'm sure their logic is "Camp Western has unlimited Horse XP because of the gold!" which is true.

But if I wanted to run around in circles getting 2 hxp per shiny thing, I could do that in the Hollow Woods, without the threat of things attacking me. There is also wisps, rune tablets, and crafting plants to pick up.

Want to grind gold for shillings? Also not Special anymore, I can do that in Hollow Woods harvesting light or around the map picking plants without being chased. Not that being chased matters for me right now, I ended up with like 70+ beast repellents last year somehow.

Want something to do with mini games for as long as you feel like being in game? Hollow Woods, again! Or anything in game that triggers a 'cut scene' now has the same basic mini game.

300 horse XP for collecting the horses around Firgrove? Ehh, why do that when I can repeat the races around the ranch, Firgrove, or anywhere else that doesn't involve getting chased by things. 300 horse xp isn't a lot anymore when you can repeat a race, or when past events gave 800 horse xp in a single race. 800 horse xp in like a minute, or 300 horse xp that requires trading an item (albeit one that isn't hard to get) and finding the horse and dealing with dangers and leading it back? Ehh it just...

Idk. I don't want to say past events were too generous and too easy in terms of rewards, but it doesn't feel as rewarding, ya know?

Additional caveat: I have like over 3k gold from last year and over 1k summer tokens because I did all the activities and token exchanges every day, so I am rolling in tokens. However! This is exactly WHY I did that! So I could go "ehh, I don't have the time/energy/interest in this event, I got enough tokens and gold to buy what I want if a pet comes out, and I can be on my merry way."

I do like that they've increased the stack sizes for things, so all my gold can be in one stack now (and I could condense my lures and beast repellents). I also do like that it is basically a repeat. Yes, I am still calling that a net positive.

I had other complaints but they were mostly bugs unrelated to Camp Western, like hot keys not working.

Oh I'm really glad they've just gone to "season tokens" rather than having every event every year have a unique currency. That was annoying. That's not new I'm just happy about it.

Also what is this weird black cloud thing that we can hide in. I don't understand it. Do the wolves lose interest if we pass through it, do we have to stay in it, does it only work if we aren't detected already? Why does SSO insist on having like 5 different versions of a stealth mechanic and they are ALL different.

TL;DR - The neat things they tested out with Camp Western last year they added to the game permanently, which makes Camp Western not feel special anymore because you can do basically the exact same mechanics elsewhere (possibly for better/easier rewards too oopS)

[starshinedragon]

SSO: LIFE WARDENS The magic trees of Jorvik

Main tree: Jordrassil in the Jorcrater -> The Crater is where the first pandorian contact happened, Aideen met the centaurs -> She combined the 3 magics (Light, Earth, Pandorian) and fought Garnok. -> Jordrassil is the first tree, manifestation of Aideen’s life powers. -> Also the place where she dispersed, gave up her light and souls to the creatures of the island -> Master portal- planted many other trees on the island, so she can get around quicky in the war. -> Jordrassil has the strongest hints of Aideen’s light (other than MC) would be a top prize for G to corrupt

Life Wardens: Primeival trees -> Fast travel system, their roots for portals after saying the right incantation.  -> From Jordrassil you can fast travel to ANY (living, friendly) tree -> From other trees only to the next in the network -> Guarding and strengthening any magic: Aideen’s or Garnok’s if corrupted. -> They can be awakened and speak, have different personalities.

1. Harvestlands: -> Sleeping Widow: Forgotten Fields. Helped Lisa, 1st one we meet. Wants to reconnect with the other Trees. Protective of the little one also growing in the Forgotten fields. -> Golden Lady: Scarecrow Hill. Grows Golden Apples, which are pure Aideen/Light power. Neighbors and best friends with the Widow. -> Ancient Sentinel: Wildwoods. Protected by the Wild Horse tribes. There is a pandorian rift underwater in the lake, through which Pandorian magic seeps through, infects the area. We close it when Garnok fully corrupts Pandoria and manage to prevent the Sentinel from being corrupted. -> Singing Yew: South Hoof. Helped Justin. Slumbering in the fields, the winds blowing through the branches make a song. -> Silent Poplar: Firgrove Mountain. Very mysterious. Turns out a hundred years ago he was corrupted and almost lost to the darkness, but they used the cleansing ritual to save him. -> Hidden Willow: Fort Maria. Hiding underground in a cave, guarding the library. The first place we go when we unlock the Tree Portal fast travel system. Guards the knowledge about the Life Wardens.

2. Winterdale -> Fire Glory: Ashland. Red pine, likes the warmth there, very lively, constantly talks about how much she likes the warm and finds the fires and the volcano beautiful. -> Glacier Heart: Dino Valley. Sister to the Ashland one, likes the cold. Constantly annoyed by Fire Glory’s neverending chitchat about Ashland, which she can hear. -> Astral Crown: Starshine mountain. Next to the Secret Stone Circle, protects it, she is why the DRs can’t come close to the circle. -> Silver Runebark: Rimefang woods. Silver leafs, revered by the Kallters, likes them, his bark covered in glowing azure runes. -> Wise Leaf : Anvil woods. Helped the druids protect the forest from DC, gives them advice. Talks in verses, metaphors and tales.

3. Springvalley -> Royal Cedar: Blossom woods. Majestic and reliable, he has been guarding the Blossom woods and Springvalley from the storm in Winterdale. -> Everbloom Elm: Everspring plateau. Covered in various flowers, she’s very proud of them. Gives you some random herbs every day if you go say hi to her. The tree is so full of herself, she’s basically giving you an autograph, don’t worry about it. -> Sun Queen: Suncrown lake. Cleansed from corruption by MC and SRs. Protects the Von Blyssen manor and vineyard. -> Twilight Oak: Morrinweald. The source of the valas’ power. Was corrupted by dark powers, later cleansed by MC and SRs.

4. Summerplains -> Restored Guardian: The Great Clearing. Was cut down long ago. We grow it back, like the one in Forgotten Fields. -> Elder Witchwood: Old Morass. She liked to watch the rituals the witches did in the swamp. Quickly becomes best friends with Pi and Mrs Holdsworth. -> Shadow Chestnut: Claymore mountains, hidden. He was tasked with keeping an eye on the Claymores- they have been serving evil for a long time. -> Aspen King: Lone Star canyon. Yellow-golden leaves, huge tree. Likes the Lone Star Cowboys, who bring gifts (anything from horseshoes to elk skulls). 

The New Fast Travel System: -> Advantage of using the trees: you pay for the trailer rides, but you use the tree portals for free. -> With all 4 big areas unlocked, you will need to cover great distances. You have a lot of choices: 1, Trailers (costs money, but most accurate, quickest) 2, Tree portals (free, but less accurate, takes a bit of time) 3, Pandoria portal in-between shortcuts (free, jumps great distances, but least accurate). -> Trailer rides now cost more money the farther the distance you go. Prices: 25 JS:  if you travel inside a great area (e.g. staying inside Harvestlands). 50 JS: if you travel to another great area next to you (e.g. from Harvestlands to Winterdale) 75 JS: travel to another area second next to you (e.g. from Harvestlands to Springvalley) 100 JS: travel to third next area (e.g. from Harvestlands to Summerplains) -> [Keep it in mind, that by our game design the JS cap has been raised to 100.000 and you earn more money, via reworked quest rewards.]

[horsegamesins-old]

Just a story with my sso oc and her horse, I might continue this but no promises

The sun rose over the tall trees of Mistfall, warming the dewkissed grass and mossy stones. Songbirds slowly broke the early morning silence with a ballad for a new day, and soon again the woods were full of life. I had always loved mornings like this, when I could just sit in silence until the world caught up to us again.

The kettle let out an angry wheeze, signaling the water was ready for coffee. A brief stretch later I got up again and took the kettle off the campfire, then put my frying pan on the grill. "Now.. What to make for breakfast", I muttered to myself, trying to remember what I had remaining from last week. "There's a few eggs left, perfect."

I had just finished my breakfast when the static of my radio hissed on. "Sparrowhawk. Sparrowhawk, do you copy?" I fumbled a little trying to get the walkie-talkie off my belt, "This is Sparrowhawk, loud and clear sir. Over." "We have a report of a lost rider and horse somewhere in the deeper Wildwoods. Can you help us on the search? Over", I grabbed Quicksilver's neck rope and my bags while he was talking. "Copy that, where were they last seen? Over", I respond. "According to the source, they left Firgrove yesterday afternoon in order to cross the Northern Gorge before nightfall. They were headed to a town east of Wildwoods but she has since lost contact with them. Over." My heart dropped when I heard that. I hesitated a little before responding. "Copy that. Sparrowhawk, over and out." Two long and two short whistles, our emergency call. Hopefully Quicksilver would show up soon, but while I still had time it was best to restock my saddlebags. My gut told me this was gonna be a long ride.

After packing extra rations I heard the sound of familiar hoofsteps approaching. Quicksilver rustled out of the bushes just as I turned to greet him. "I came as soon as I could", my friend said. It was obvious he was a bit out of breath from galloping here on such a short notice. "Thank you", I pat him on the neck and offer him an apple, "Sorry to wake you, the rangers called me. It's serious". Quicksilver perked his ears at me, busy chewing on his apple. "Someone's lost in the woods, they might be at the Northern Gorge." I could see him stiffen as I said that. "You're kidding, right?" Quicksilver whispered and finished his treat as quickly as possible. Meanwhile I fetched his tack from the fence and laid the saddle on his back "No, we need to leave right now", I muttered while tightening the girths. Once I was done Quicksilver walked over to the rocks to wait while I put my jacket on, and I wasted no time getting on. "They left from Firgrove, let's see if you can find their tracks." "On it, boss!" he snorted, and we took off. part 2

Sidenote for anyone who read this far, I am open to critique about my writing but please keep it civil. This is also the first time in a long time I have written anything that isn't either Warriors rp or Hetalia fanfiction so I have no idea what I'm doing.

[sso-bow]

Hello there!

I'm not new to Tumblr, but I decided to start a blog for my sso account. However my personal blog is a secret hehe....

----

Info

Name: Rei Overbow

Server: Unicorn Forest (UK)

Current level: 21

Started playing star stable in: around 2017- but I've only had this particular account since 2020

Club: Firgrove Jumpers 🌲

Favourite horse: Bramble

Current HS: New Hillcrest Stables

Favourite area of Jorvik: Western Epona <3

Least favourite area: the new Silverglade Village (specifically Steve's farm)

----

What I Do

Training. All the time.

Lots of RRP lessons and competitions with my club

> most of my horses are mainly showjumping

I used to do a ton of SSD, but not so much anymore. I still know my fair share though! Sometimes I give lessons to people on global if i feel like it.

I also love trail riding through Hollow Woods and Epona 🌳🌳🌳

Even though I hate its new look I do hang out at Steve's quite alot too

----

My Horses

Coco- my starter horse, a chestnut Jorvik Warmblood gelding.

Acey- Soul Steed gelding I got for free (SSO 10th Anniversary) that I really do love but often forget about...

Bramble- my club horse; a dun Lusitano gelding. Literally the cutest. His show name is Iron Maiden.

Crescent Moon- black Gen 2 Fresian Sport Horse mare. Infinitely beautiful.

Clover- Dapple grey Trakhener gelding. My lovely long-legged showjumper.

Paladin- a dark bay Belgian Warmblood gelding. He's an absolute angel <3

Skywalker- palomino gen 2 Haflinger stallion (yes, I may have named him after a certain blonde Star Wars character...)

----

Some Photos

[sso-emotree]

I finally got to meet someone from the tumblr community in-game! @sso-viktor and I took a trail ride through Hollow Woods and up into Mistfall. What started as an escape from club invitations ended in glitching through walls we probably shouldn’t have. Rip in peace.

[writingonjorvik]

Can We Discuss Factions & Dynamic Reputation?

I guess I’m writing this before my hiatus because it’s bothering me. So, let’s get right into it.

To start, I want to talk about a game called Pine. And while I do highly recommend you play it or watch a let’s play (I might be doing this on stream), let’s talk about the core mechanics of the game I want to discuss and why I think using this game as a case study for updating SSO is really interesting.

So, Pine is an action/adventure game that in a lot of ways is a Breath of the Wild inspired, indie game. You run around an open world collecting supplies, completing puzzles, and upgrading your equipment as you look for a new home for the other humans. However, this gets interesting when you start get to Pine’s core mechanic: it’s dynamic factions. Because the humans aren’t the only sentient creatures on this island. There are many other races that populate the island, and your relationships with them matter. Much of the game is trading, bartering, and fighting these other races, because while they are stronger, your character is cunning. You can create treaties to bring certain races together, or to call war on others, or you can create battle plans to bolster or undermine their villages. And it’s this mechanic that I think would be very interesting in SSO.

See, most games do factions and reputation like SSO. And in most games, that makes sense. However, in SSO, where character relations takes more priority since there is no combat, having a dynamic faction system would make a lot of sense, not to mention add a lot of additional content with mostly AI additions. Here’s what I mean.

There are a couple different ways I could see factions being really interesting in SSO, so let’s start with arguable the easiest, despite its scale, because it’s really just an AI influenced economy. Let’s say that every major city reputation group becomes a point on this AI. Collecting data from players, the AI’s algorithm can modify three factors on quests in an area based on how many players did quests in those areas. If players did a lot of quests in a region, then the shilling rewards go up, but the reputation points and horse exp from that region go down. This simulates a place having a lot workers, so there’s more in their economy and can pay better, but your face doesn’t mean as much, thus lower rep. Conversely, in areas where a lot of people didn’t do quests, the inverse is true. Rep and horse exp have higher returns, showing greater appreciation from the locals, but lower funds to pay you back.

The reason these two need to be inversed is so there’s always an equilibrium between the two. People who want more shillings will be drawn to the more populated areas, but people who just want to train or grind rep will be drawn to the less frequented ones. This also means that these towns can always change, making sure people are always moving around the map and making it feel more alive. And depending on how often this reset, it could keep the map dynamic in any given day as well, particularly if this were to eventually effect other things, like the chances of spotting wildlife or dynamic events spawning.

The other major way I can see reputation being updated is doing something like Pine’s system directly, though groups may need to be clustered into parent groups. Things like region or occupation.

There are two very obvious examples I can think of. One, you could have an easy mode of this system so to speak with farmers. We’ve seen a lot of farmer rivalries, if not very serious, around Jorvik. Doing chores for the Sunfields then should hurt your reputation with the Goldspurs and vice versa. There should be “allies” between them, for instance, Steve is friendly with everyone and shouldn’t care who you’re helping. But Barney and Marley would be bothered if you helped the other, and so helping one brother should hurt your reputation with the other. This means that also there’s always something to work on, as you’re never going to max out any one faction, giving you something to work on.

Not with a suggestion like this, I think once quests have been unlocked, those rewards should stay unlocked, like races and areas. However, this should affect clothing, making getting clothes, one of the core draws of SSO, just a touch harder and more engaging because you’ll have to do a little work to get back to the right rep level to get the equipment you need.

This is also because my other example for this kind of system is a semi-evil route option with your reputation with the G.E.D. and Dark Core. Doing reps for the G.E.D. should hurt your reputation with the locals. It was something that bothered me at the Harvest Counties release and it still bothers me that there are no consequences for helping the G.E.D. in Harvest. That should change, and it should also include helping Dark Core with your reputation with other factions. Even if the quest is introduced as a “spy” mission in story, there should be larger consequences for being the bad guy in game. It’s nothing permanent, but there should be something.

Generally it feels like these changes would add a lot of background content to the game as well, either passively changing the world or actively giving you something to do when you want to buy new equipment. And add that into other major systems, like crafting and being able to get resources from certain factions, and this kind of system only gets more dynamic with more content to work on. Imagine choosing between grinding for wood to upgrade your house or doing a couple missions for the G.E.D. and being able to buy their backstock, but then you have to get back in good graces with Firgrove to upgrade your house there. Yeah, I can see it being a little tedious, but it’s at least something to work on and SSO needs more of that.

[ginnyzero]

Completely Harmless Ch. 40

Completely Harmless An SSO SilverGlade Re-imagining Story (Or Fix it Fan Salt fic) By Ginny O.

When Lily and her friends wanted to buy horses and were directed to the Silverglade Manor and its myriad of problems, they didn’t expect to start a revolution. They were just a bunch a stable girls. Completely harmless. Right?

A/N: Things are only canon if I say they’re canon. Pre-Saving the Moorland Stables compliant for the most part. Posted in its entirety on my website. Posted in 2000 to 4000 word bits here. Rated T for Swearing Word Count 177,577

Chapter Forty Onward to Firfall!

Lily nodded at the foreman of the North Link site and looked curiously past him at what they were doing in the hills. It looked like a tunnel. Hadn’t there been a perfectly fine road around here? She pursed her lips and shrugged. There was too many boxes and debris for her to really tell what was going on.

“What do you want now?”

“To give you payment for work with actual permits,” Lily said. “And cookies.”

The foreman’s brow furrowed. “Are you trying to bribe me?”

“Fresh baked cardamom cookies,” Lily opened the box and waved them towards him. “I mean, I can eat them all myself.” She reached into the box.

“No!” The foreman shouted and then flushed catching himself. “What do you need?” His eyes strayed to the cookie box with longing.

“Bulldozers and excavators. We’ve got skips on route from Jorvik City. We need equipment.”

The foreman rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t keep loaning you our equipment.”

“Then no cookies,” Lily pouted and shut the box getting ready to tuck it back in her saddlebag.

“Where?” The foreman barked.

“North of Dundull,” Lily smirked. She had him now. “The road to Firfall has had an avalanche. We want you to help dig it out for shillings and cookies.”

He plucked at his lip and eyed the box of cookies. “That is more than one box of cookies type of job.”

“How many boxes?” Lily asked.

“Ten,” the foreman said firmly.

“Done,” Lily grinned. She handed over the box in her hands. “We’ll lead your men there. Linda, come give this guy half his payment!”

Linda was on the phone with the Baroness. She handed over a sack of shillings to the foreman. “Other half on completion of the work,” she said as she nodded to whatever the Baroness was saying.

The foreman took the shillings, juggling the box of cookies into his other arm.

“Do you want your cookies now, or would you like to wait until we stop for lunch?” Lily asked. “Ten boxes of cookies is quite a bit.”

The foreman bit his lip. “I’ll wait,” he said as he rummaged in the box and ate half a cookie in one bite. His eyes rolled upwards. “I’ll go get the men together,” he said around the cookie and jogged off.

They made quite a parade as they left North Link, turned east at Silverglade Village, and crossed the bridge to get to the Fire Path to head towards Mistfall. The Silver Drakes on their horses were in front and to the sides of the machines. The Baroness’ car and Bjorn’s truck followed in the rear.

Meeting the Flying Foxes near Dundull, they turned North up what was little more than a logging road. At the site, there were several Rangers. They weren’t happy to see the G.E.D. uniforms. But there were several skips already in place for the debris.

Agnetha got out of her truck and revved her chainsaw. “Girls, latch onto the bushes and drag them away as I cut,” she said.

The girls took ropes out of their bags and the work began. The bulldozers treads were able to get up and over the broken stones and dirt and pushed it towards southern Mistfall. From there, the excavators picked it up to dump it into the skips. If there were bushes or brambles, Agnetha and Bjorn took them with their chainsaws, while the girls dragged them to the skips and dumped them in.

They broke for lunch. The Silver Drakes brought out the promised cookies for the G.E.D. workers.

After lunch, they went back to work. By evening, the Baroness was able to drive through Rovar’s Gap. The lights of the car hitting the forest trees on the other side.

Linda paid them and it was another odd parade back to North Link.

The Baroness insisted on inspecting the North Link work site herself. After being given cookies, and being paid a fair amount for a day’s labor, the foreman couldn’t refuse her. Not that it was wise to refuse Baroness Silverglade. They were right next to her lands and if she cared to not look the other way, they’d be gone like the oil field was gone. And they well knew it.

The road continued northwards as it should while G.E.D. were digging into the mountain towards the west. Their equipment and the debris from the tunnel blocked the road more than their excavations did.

The Baroness gave the foreman a look and ordered him to keep his workings to one side of the road so people could pass and put one of the trainees on directing the traffic. She would send someone back to make sure her orders were being obeyed.

The foreman didn’t bother trying to bluster. He hung his head, nodded, and that was that.

It had been an interesting day. Maybe they’d get some answers tomorrow about what had happened by the Weeping Widow. But no one was betting on it.

--

Pauline made a schedule about who was to take care of Techno each day. It was another addition to their daily chores. Not that any of them minded. Techno was a friendly dog who enjoyed the horses’ company.

The contractors were setting the walls up onto the footings they’d put into the concrete floor when they’d poured it. This apparently required a small crane. Things were moving right along and the Riding Arena hadn’t been vandalized for the second day in a row.

The grapes took priority over Firfall though. They spent the morning helping Agnetha spray the moldy grape vines (masks on, safety first) and planting roses at the end of each row of grapes. Like Agnetha had explained to the Baroness, the roses were more sensitive to fungus and rot and the like, so they’d be affected by any blight before the grapes. They’d just have to be inspected.

“Like everything else,” Elsa drawled.

Once the grapes, the Manor’s livelihood, were done. They took the transport to Dundull so they could ride up to Firfall with the Flying Foxes.

The road was long and littered with logs.

“We’ll have to clear those,” Sonja said. “If we want traffic between the towns.”

Lily nodded.

The road went between two lakes and between those lakes and another one to the north, they found the town of Firfall nestled in a fir forest. It had stone houses with large logs as bracers. In fact, it reminded Lily of a mix between Valedale and Firgrove architecture. Though it had a Tudor flair to it that those two villages lacked.

There was a stable of course.

The stable master waved at them and introduced herself as Genevieve Goldtooth. “Welcome to Firfall! You’re the first visitors we’ve had in an age.”

“That’s what happens when Rovar’s Gap has an avalanche over the winter,” Sonja said. “I’m Sonja, this is Luciana and Rania. We’re of the Dundell Flying Foxes Riding Club.” She gestured at the rest of them. “And these are our friends the Silver Drakes Riding Club.”

“Lily,” Lily said and held out her hand. “I’ll let the others make their own introductions.”

“My, there are a lot of you,” Genevieve murmured looking at them all dazed.

“Well, we’ve never been to Firfall,” Lily said cheerfully. She sobered. “Actually, as much as we’d love to explore your village. I’m here on a job from the Baroness. Dark Core has an illegal mine site to the mountains north of here. We’re worried that their dumping is putting toxins into the water. I’m here to take samples for Professor Hayden.”

“Oh, you must see our Medieval Faire first and we’ve got a pub with great food and a bunch of little shops and even a medieval market. We also have Irish Draught horses if you’re interested.”

“That sounds great,” Pauline said.

Genevieve was happy to show them around. Lily slipped away and took her samples and the north and southern sides of each lake. She capped them and labelled them for Hayden and snuck back in time for chips and burgers at the pub.

There were a couple of farmers around, Gary Goldtooth was the biggest and he kept pigs.

There wasn’t a lot of arable land around Firfall. So they relied on keeping animals like sheep, pigs, cattle, and chicken, for which they traded for grains. They kept vegetable plots of course and there were berries in the woods. Along with truffles, that’s why Gary kept pigs.

They all nodded.

“Central Jorvik is Jorvik’s breadbasket,” Genevieve dropped the information casually.

“That makes sense,” Lily said.

They thanked her for her time and rode back to Dundull.

“Well,” Luciana said. “That’s all very interesting.”

“I bet it won’t take long for word to spread that there’s a stable open in Firfall.” Pauline grinned.

“And I’m not going to take that bet.” Lily rolled her eyes.

“Why not?” Pauline pouted.

“You’re emailing pictures to Linda. I’m off to Valedale.” Lily smirked at Pauline and caught the first transport to Valedale.

Linda and Alex were talking with Professor Hayden as she approached. Starshine, the white and grey stallion, huffed alerting every one of her presence.

Linda smiled up at her. “Lily!”

Lily leaned down and passed her water and soil sample vials to Hayden. “Samples from Firfall, Professor.”

He grumbled but took them. He set to work checking them both for contaminants. All the while he muttered that he loved bugs and this wasn’t his job.

“Yes it is,” Lily said. “I’ve watched Bones.” She paused and tilted her head. “Okay, maybe he had more than one degree, but he was a bug and dirt guy and you have to know whats in the water and dirt because that’s where your bugs live. Healthy water and soil, healthy bugs.”

Hayden glared at her. “Young whippersnapper, don’t tell me how to do my job.”

“I wasn’t telling you how to do it. I was merely pointing out contrary to you whining which is very unbecoming, that it is in fact your job.”

“No respect these days, none.”

Lily sighed dramatically. “You have a valid coping mechanism in place for it. Who am I to stop you from complaining?”

Linda and Alex restrained laughter.

Hayden finished and slapped the new reports onto Linda’s clipboard. “These are for the Baroness. Not that she’ll know how to read them.”

“Then write notes in proper English so everyone can understand,” Lily looked up at the sky as if she could read the future in the clouds.

Hayden grabbed a butterfly net and stomped off.

“You shouldn’t be so mean to him,” Linda scolded.

“I’m barely being mean. He rants about youth all the time and wants us to respect him.” Lily snorted. “He’s a grouch. If he was nicer, I wouldn’t poke at him so much.”

Alex glanced about for Avalon and lowered her voice. “Is there a place that’s secure where we can all meet?”

“All?”

“I guess, we want to talk to all the riding clubs.”

“You do know that’s close to 150 girls at the moment. I’m not sure even the Council house in Silverglade can hold that many. Let me get on the phone.” Lily pulled her phone out and sent a President wide text about places to hold a meeting that was secure and could hold everyone.

Ingrid volunteered the Flea Market building in Firgrove. No one was using it at the moment and it was big enough to hold over two hundred people.

“Okay, when?” Lily asked.

“Is now all right?”

Lily sent out more texts. “Now seems good. Though Loretta says she’s got an argument in Moorland about which thirteen girls are forming a club in Firfall.” Lily muttered. “Handle it, Loretta. No. This isn’t my fault.”

“Are there any campers left?” Linda asked and cocked her hip.

“I’m not sure,” Lily rubbed her forehead. “I mean. Mr. Moorland could be replacing them as fast as they go.”

Alex chuckled. “Maybe.”

Lily’s phone kept buzzing and presidents checked in with saying they’d bring chairs or snacks or drinks.

“There isn’t room for almost two hundred horse at Firgrove,” Lily muttered as she texted exactly that.

The Timber Wolves were already on it setting up a temporary paddock out near the Fire Trail past the mine. They had rolls and rolls of fencing and poles.

“Usually we only convene the Presidents,” Lily explained. “And Vice Presidents.”

“We want to clear the air all at once.”

“Then if you want to get there first, we better go now.” Lily tucked her phone away.

They took a transport over to Firgrove and got their horses settled with Felicity at the stables. She looked baffled. “Are we having a convention?”

“Yep,” Lily said.

“Huh. Well, I’ll have Ma Anna send pastries and a bunch of hot drinks.” Felicity smiled at them.

“Thanks,” Alex said. “You think anyone will bring Cheetos.”

Linda rolled her eyes. “You and your Cheetos.”

The Firgrove Flea Market was a huge log building among all the different cottages. Ingrid waved them inside. “The others are walking up. We’ve got more chairs coming and we put up some tables for refreshments.”

It took a bit for everyone to arrive and actually get settled. Most of them goodnaturedly help set out chairs and made sure there were enough cups for beverages.

Ginny apologized to Lily that Elise Kemball couldn’t make it. She hadn’t yet moved to New Hillcrest to join the Club.

“You can fill her in later if you need to,” Lily said. “I’m not sure what Linda wants to talk about anyways.”

Alex did get a bag of Cheetos. Maya had sent them with Tan.

Linda clutched her clipboard looking slightly nervous.

“Okay ladies,” Lily spoke up. “Welcome to Firgrove. Thank you Ingrid and the Timber Wolves for hosting all of us. And there are a lot of us. Horse girl power!” Lily shook her fist.

The girls cheered at that and laughed.

“Now, I understand that there are going to be more of us soon as the road to Firfall has opened up and more girls from Moorland Summer Camp want to form a club near its pristine lake and quaint medieval style town complete with it’s own medieval fair and tourney! Which all sounds very exciting to me.”

The girls clapped and cheered more.

“More girls to join our horse army!” Lily gestured. “But, we all know that were stable girls, completely, perfectly, prettily, eh, mostly harmless. We’re a sisterhood that while we compete with each other, when push comes to shove, we ride together. Now, this isn’t my meeting. May I introduce to you, the lovely Silverglade Equestrian Center Manager, Linda Chanda and her friend Alex,” Lily paused.

“Cloudmill,” Alex supplied in a low voice.

“Alex Cloudmill, whose little brother James is part owner of Fort Pinta stables. But she’s the better sibling.”

More laughter.

“Linda, Alex,” Lily gestured and stepped to the side.

Linda cleared her throat again and shuffled her clipboard and book holding them to her stomach. “When Lily said almost 150 of you, I didn’t expect it to look like so many.” She shifted up her glasses. “Um, I should have prepared notecards. I guess we need to start at the beginning and there are a lot of different groups you’ve noticed on Jorvik. You’ve no doubt run into G.E.D. or Dark Core or the Keepers of Aideen as you’ve been working or riding about. They aren’t hard to miss.”

The girls settled in and nodded.

“So, um, you might not know that G.E.D. stands for Global Energy Domination. Not very subtle, pretty much what they say on the tin. They’re trying to take over Jorvik and the rest of the world’s energy resources. So, they’ve been mining and searching for things around the county and probably all around the island.” Linda fiddled with her clipboard.

“Like in Hillcrest,” Ginny spoke up. “They’ve got the entire town barricaded off.”

“They’re searching for things around Jarlaheim too, crystals,” Josefina said.

“And we chased them out of Moorland and the Silver Fields,” Lily nodded.

“They have dump sites all over too,” Ingrid added.

“They’re currently digging west into a mountain by North Link,” Lily said. She crossed her arms. “They barricaded of the West Jorvik Highway northwards. The Baroness has ordered them to keep one lane free going forward to restore traffic to the North Golden Hills Valley area.”

Loretta spoke up. “So, I’m going to have more girls fighting over making clubs up there next?”

“Probably,” Lily said dryly.

“G.E.D. are easy to spot. They’re as unsubtle as their name. The other group that has been causing trouble is Dark Core. Especially on the Moorland South Beach and South Hoof Peninsula North Beach, and in Valedale. Their motives are murkier than G.E.D.,” Linda said and shifted again. “Before I explain more about Dark Core, I need to explain the Keepers of Aideen.”

“The druids,” Melissa said sourly.

“The Keepers of Aideen aren’t druids in the way that other cultures understand druids. They don’t worship nature in that fashion though they are supposed to be fiercely protective of it and the horses of Jorvik.” Linda bit her lip.

Alex snorted. “Supposed to be.”

“What the Keepers are, are the protectors of the knowledge of Aideen, the Goddess of Jorvik. I’m sure you’ve seen her statue in Aideen’s Plaza if you’ve gone to Jorvik City. The Keepers of Aideen believe that Aideen gave life to Jorvik and that she bestowed magical powers upon her chosen ones and they are her Soul Riders.”

FOR THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGES PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE MY WATERMARK AND CONTACT INFORMATION. THANK YOU. I get it. Some of you might get excited and want to see this stuff in the game, especially the clothes, tack, and pets. However, the only way I want to see this in the game is if I get paid for it. If I see it in the game and I’m not paid for it, there will be hell to pay. You think I’m salty. I’d be angry. Personally, I’m not going to send this info to SSO. If you do, leave my contact information there! Don’t give them any excuses to steal.

Now, I’ll know you haven’t read this note if you leave me comments about how ‘salty’ I am about the game and if I hate it so much I should do something else. I am doing something else. It’s called Mystic Riders MMORPG Project. Mystic Riders however is a very baby phase game. You can check out our plans on the game dev blog. (Skills, Factions, Professions, Crafting, Mini-Games, 25+ horse breeds!) If you know anyone who would be interested and has money or contacts about game making, direct them to the blog.

[juni-ravenhall]

writings about juni as an oc

30 questions about Juni (with unnecessarily long answers), from this SSO OC asks posts except i just filled it all out in one go. i want to try developing her into a more detailed character just for fun so this seemed like the best way to start! i hadn’t decided anything about her besides “non-binary and pan” until starting to fill this out hahah, i just tapped into my jorvegian feels and went along with what felt right.

this is already stated on my “about” page but, to be clear, Juni is some kinda persona/OC thingy and not “me”, while having some traits and details inspired by my real self. (you can definitely get to know about me by reading this, but, it’s not me me.)

BASIC CHARACTER INFO (remember her details are not mine!) Name: Juni Ravenhall Age: around 18-20 i guess, don’t wanna make her too old to fit with the other characters in the story. Gender: non-binary / genderfluid?, but more or less OK with her female body, and she’s fine with any pronouns. Sexuality: panromantic pansexual.

1. What is their home stable in-game? Why?

South Hoof Peninsula (headcanon:ing that there is a home stable there, obviously) because it’s her home. While travelling she makes use of stables and accomodations anywhere, so some people know her in the places she stays over a lot (Valedale, Moorland, others).

2. Where do they actually live in Jorvik?

Her home is on South Hoof, although she doesn’t stay there for long periods of time anymore with all the travelling and adventures going on. She was born in Valedale, but was taken to South Hoof as a small child. (My headcanon is that there’s a few more people living on the peninsula than what’s shown in-game.) It’s worth noting she’s an orphan (or is she...?! *dun dun dun*) so she grew up without a biological family. (btw, that’s not just to be dramatic... I’m from an abusive home and parents mean nothing to me, so I wouldn’t be able to relate to her as much if I gave her some kind of normal, caring parents, I don’t know that stuff. I’d much rather she has no parents / doesn’t know her parents, than that she has to grow up with awful ones.)

3. Who is their favorite NPC?

Hmm, I would make up some OCs for her proper personal story, but out of the NPCs that exist..... (these are not all my favourites, just some of them that I think works well for her story.) - She knows everyone at South Hoof to some degree since she grew up there, I think she’s especially close with Jonas as a parent-figure of sorts, and of course, Madison. She helps the hermit and is on good terms with him. When Hugh moved there, she started making friends with him, I imagine they’ll get close as Juni really cares about animal rescue. - She's fairly close to Conrad, mix of mentor, friend and parent-figure. (He’s taught her more than what’s shown in canon, and she visits him anytime she’s staying in Moorland.) - She likes helping Agnetha and Björn with their garden projects so they have a friendly relation, though casual. It’s the kind of thing where she’ll stay over and help them for a few days, and at the end of the day they have cozy outdoor dinners outside the house, watching the sunset view from the cliff and smelling the roses. They probably get some great fresh food from around Silverglade. - I think she's somewhat friends with Ed at Wolf Hell Inn (or stays over and sees what crazy stuff he’s up to often enough). - She definitely likes Rania and like going out for rides with her, whether there’s a special cause or not. I forget the name of that crazy ranger girl... but she likes her and Alonso too. - She likes hanging out with Mario, and they’ll have picnics on the mountain or on top of the observatory after she’s been helping him out, watching the stars together (platonically). - She’s a wary friend of the Bobcats and Justin, like, they could be friends (since she’s at Moorland often enough) but they aren’t quite. I think she gets along with Josh (pole bending guy). - I was going to write about the soul riders and druids... but I think in my made-up headcanon, Juni's situation and role in the soul rider team would be different. I’ll have to think more about it.

4. Who is their Soul Steed? What breed are they? Do they have any markings or look different in some way from the in-game appearance you could give them?

Winterborn, a Jorvik Warmblood stallion (here’s his tag on my blog). He’s a brave and loving companion, thoughtful sometimes, a bit silly and spoiled sometimes. His bond with Juni is very strong. He probably does look a bit different in my headcanon but I’d have to draw/edit it to make a decision, so let’s leave that in the air for now...

5. What is their favorite location? (Ex, Hollow Woods, Greendale, Silverglade Manor Library) Why?

- South Hoof, as her adopted home, and because of the ancient and “wild and free” energy it has. She feels relaxed and at home there, and somehow connected to the magic of the land (even before she learns about magic). - Valedale and the surrounding areas like Hollow Woods, where she feels a nagging sense of nostalgia and belonging, a tingling mysterious feeling (similar but not the same as what she feels on South Hoof). She loves the flowers, buildings and nature there. - Moorland Forge, for Conrad. - Agnetha and Björn’s gardens. - Wolf Hell Inn, she likes it there and (as mentioned) she likes seeing what weird stuff Ed is up to. - Dino Valley, she loves the winter, the solitude, and the challenge of survival (she’s an adventurer after all). - Crescent Moon Village, just for how cozy it is, and the Mirror Marshes, for its beauty. There’s a lot of spots around New Hillcrest and Epona she likes in general too. - Goldenhills Valley, she loves the autumn colours and the ruins, and takes an interest in the witchcraft that she sees, starting to wonder what’s good and bad magic. - Cape West, a cute little village to visit now and then. - Jarlaheim, as a place to hang out and shop / rest, after a day of helping out with farm chores around the area. - Greendale, where it seems like faeries might pop out if you’re quiet enough. - Ydris’ circus, because she can’t help but get curious about it. (I love circus / fairground aesthetics personally... I’m one of those people who’s always loved clowns and everyone else is like “what?! clowns are creepy man!”) - Mistfall and Firgrove are places she likes both for the nature and buildings, but she doesn’t tend to stay there long. - The Observatory, and other spots high up with great views, like the shortcut between Firgrove and Valedale, and the secret path up the mountain in Firgrove, too. - Aideen’s Plaza in Jorvik City, a cozy and fun place when you need a break from the countryside, especially if there’s an event / festival / market going on. - Pandoria? -- there’s certainly something about it...

6. Who’s their favorite horse? Why?

I’m going to say Juni doesn’t own any other horse than Winterborn, at least at this time. (Obviously I have lots in-game but for this OC story it doesn’t really make sense, so let’s say the rest aren’t canon, haha. Maybe they’re horses she’ll own later in life.)

7. What are their powers? Are they stronger with one Circle over any of the others?

Hmm... I dunno, I have to think more about this one. I probably want to draw some pictures to figure out more about her relation to magic and Pandoria and all that.

8. What’s their usual style? Any favorite tack sets or color themes for them?

She likes all colours and likes putting together new outfits and tack sets of various styles, but some particular favourite colours are red and purple, and overall her style tends to be bold and graphic rather than soft or gentle. She can do soft and gentle too though, when she feels like it!

9. Thoughts about Jorvik City? How do they feel about Rania’s petition for a horse-friendly Jorvik City?

She likes it there (especially Aideen’s Plaza as mentioned), but definitely thinks that there’s such a thing as “too much city” and has to retreat to nature after some time there. A horse-friendly city would be nice, as Winterborn would probably really enjoy getting spoiled with treats at the Plaza on a warm evening, getting petted by nice strangers.

10. Thoughts about Justin? (I’m sorry, I’m curious, he shows up so much)

She pities him in a kind way, thinks he’s sensitive and immature. She wouldn’t mind being friends with him once he starts growing as a person. She also likes lasagna, so they could organise a lasagna party together with the Bobcats sometime.

11. How do they feel about the magical horse race at the circus? Did they enjoy being a horse?

While she doesn’t like how Ydris treats people, she thought it was really interesting and insane, and had a lot of thoughts about what magic is / what magic can do after starting to come into contact with all its different types (Pi, Ydris, the soul riders and druids, etc etc). Maybe being able to turn into a horse at will and gallop around with Winterborn would be really cool!

12. Do they trust the Druids? Or how do they feel about them?

Once she starts getting to know about them, she trusts them as soon as she knows Conrad is involved with them, because she trusts him. Of course she doesn’t trust them 100%, due to all the weird stuff that goes on, but she trusts that they have good intentions even if it doesn’t always come out right, or maybe the right people aren’t in charge.

13. Least favorite NPC?

That’s a tough one... let’s just say she doesn’t like when people use or abuse others. However, she believes that anyone can change and become a better person, it’s just exceptionally hard for some people (and nobody is entitled to forgiveness). (Honestly it’s just difficult because I’m an open-minded person and I appreciate villainous *fictional* characters for their roles in a story, just as well as I appreciate the heroes and background characters. I don’t see a point in being pissy about fictional villains, they’re just part of a story, and in fiction everyone has a chance at bettering themselves. Plus, the victims of their actions are all fictional... nobody really got hurt. I wouldn’t think IRL people like Tr*mp is going to change for the better, plus even if he did he’s caused a lot of people a lot of harm, so IRL is another thing. but I can accept any character’s change and redemption in fiction because... it’s fiction, a fantasy.)

14. How do they make their money?

Before travelling she made them by doing odd jobs around South Hoof, now she does odd jobs around Jorvik. Often she’ll take a trade and do work for food and someplace to stay for the night instead of getting paid. She sells things she’s found and things she’s made now and then (having some skills in crafts).

15. How many horses do they own?

Same answer as before, as an OC she only owns Winterborn (right now).

16. How many pets do they have? What kind? What are their names?

I don’t think I want her to have any at this time, I might change my mind later. She loves the farm animals and the wild horses on South Hoof, of course, and helps take care of other people’s pets when needed. (I love my baby seal in the game though.)

17. How do they feel about the Soul Riders? Do they trust them? Feel like an outsider? Are they closer to some over the others?

I’ll have to decide on her role in the story and relating to the soul riders before I can answer that, so I’ll leave that for now. I don’t think she’s very close with any of them, if anything it’d be a somewhat good relation with Linda and Alex, I think.

18. Do they believe something mystical, magical, or otherwise strange really exists in Dino Valley? How did they feel about the leaving of the Kallter and the roar/scream/screech in the Valley?

There’s absolutely something strange about it, and her heart beats at the idea of more adventures there. The Kallters must have had a reason to leave.

19. Thoughts about Jorvik Wild Horses?

I think for headcanon OC story purposes, Jorvik Wild Horses and Starbreeds are probably the same thing? Just like, I’d go with that there’s a one type of magic horses with Jorvegian magic (or Pandorian) flowing through them, but then they can look different from each other. In the headcanon there wouldn’t be random Jorvik Wilds running around or anything, it’d be super special rare stuff like the Starbreeds are.

20. Do you think they are a Wild Whisperer? Or are they just bonded with their Soul Steed?

I’m not sure, leaning towards that she’s mostly just bonded with Winterborn. Maybe she has some level of whispering abilities but it’s definitely not one of her strongest skills.

21. What’s their favorite Jorvegian holiday or celebration?

All holidays, any excuse to celebrate, although she prefers peaceful and homely celebrations over parties or high-tempo events. Life is precious, so she celebrates every day to some degree (like I mentioned... sunset picnics, enjoying nature).

22. What do they think or feel about Pandoria? Have they or do they visit outside of the quests (using the rifts)? If they have or still do, why?

I think at the time I would place Juni’s story, she’s only starting to learn about Pandoria and is still confused and thoughtful about the different types and uses of magic. So what she’s going to think of Pandoria and what she’ll do about it would be something to figure out.

23. How has their visit(s) to Pandoria affected them? Do they have scars? Has it affected any of their life views?

See above. But also, since I want to explore Juni’s relation to magic, I’ll say I think the magic (or something else about Pandoria) might start to eat at her, and maybe she starts losing herself a bit the deeper she gets into those thoughts and the magic itself. (Hint... I think it’ll have to do with being an orphan and feeling alone and depressed.)

24. Would they ever consider working for Dark Core or believing their side?

No, I can’t imagine she would unless there was some very specific reason.

25. What or who is Garnok to them? A dark presence? A squid-like monster? A child with a ridiculously complicated jumping course (fuckin @’s Lizzy)?

I love Lizzy’s course lol, but maybe Garnok did have a hand in it... Anyway, I don’t think Juni knows anywhere near enough to have an understanding of Garnok at this point, so it’s just some vague thing the druids aren’t describing enough.

26. Do they ever go to the Disco? If they don’t, would they ever consider going? What would it take to make them go?

She goes sometimes, but she quickly gets tired of both dancing and socialising in crowds and has to wind down afterwards, maybe just sitting down at the disco balcony to look at the ocean, or heading down to the beach to lie down and rest. The evening ride back to her home on South Hoof (or to a place to stay in Moorland if the ferry stopped running) is a moment of winding-down, too.

27. Disco or Moorland Beach party?

The beach party is probably a little more chill, which suits her.

28. Are they interested in helping with archaeology or fishing?

She likes trying to do archaeology, and finds ancient (or just old) things really interesting, but she’s not necessarily the best at it. It’s something she does from time to time, or when someone asks for help. Fishing is something she’d only do when hanging out with someone else.

29. How do they feel about Igor, the waiter/manager of the Dino Valley cafe, and whom seemed interested in your horse for… “culinary reasons?”

She hopes he was joking, and appreciates his efforts in starting up the café since the Dino Valley crew is so small, and everyone needs each others’ help to survive and explore there.

30. Do they like the perpetual winter of Dino Valley or the perpetual autumn/fall of Goldenhills Valley, or is it strange to them? Do they prefer one over the other, or neither?

She likes them both, but she’s curious about what they’d look like if the seasons did change.

[mysterysoulrider]

they're perfect to me <3

[heretic-altias]

Late night conversations result in some weird stories. Me and Z meet a dragon horse hybrid thing. Probably kinda poorly written because I’m dead tired lol.

@sso-zelda-dusknight

I trotted into Moorland stables, my friend Zelda just behind me. We took monthly riding lessons down here as part of the camp here.

“Lesson is in the paddock today, there’s a new girl. Her horse is… special so keep your distance” Thomas Moorland told us when he saw.

“What do you think he means?” I asked, turning to see what my friend thought.

“I dunno, it’s probably just aggressive” Zelda shrugged, picking up a trot again towards the paddock.

When we got there we saw what he meant.

“Ok… that’s strange” Zelda said, halting her Frisian outside the gate.

“Agreed” I replied with a nod.

In the arena, with two other random riders there was a white horse with a dragon’s head. It kept growling, only calming when the red haired girl on it scolded it. It opened it’s mouth wide in a snarl and the bridle it was wearing snapped.

“That’s the twelfth one!” The rider complained. Somehow she could ride just fine without it.

Loretta then walked up near us.

“That horse is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen” Loretta announced loudly.

The creature’s eyes focused on her, and when she opened her mouth to speak again I nearly fell off of Midnight covering her mouth.

“Loretta means that your horse is beautiful” I quickly said. Loretta tried to protest but my hands still covered her face.

“Shut up” Zelda whispered to her.

When I moved away she was quiet. It seemed she’d finally gotten the message.

The lesson itself was interesting. I was taking jumps, when suddenly the dragon horse thing halted in front of me.

Midnight squealed yelling out

“Whoah!”

Only soul riders could understand what he said though, so everyone other than Zelda and I just heard a frantic neigh.

The dragon horse suddenly seemed to transform, and in an instant, a full dragon turned and snapped at Midnight. He leapt backwards, and the dragon moved to strike again but suddenly a voice called out “No!”

The dragon froze and turned to face his owner, who’d been the one bold enough to yell at him.

“We just moved, please don’t get us kicked out again!” The girl yelled.

The dragon reluctantly returned to it’s weird part horse form.

Midnight was breathing heavily.

“Umm… I think I’m done for today if that’s alright” I said looking at Thomas. He nodded, seeming just as startled as I was.

Zelda followed me out.

“What is that thing, it just nearly killed us!” I exclaimed trotting through Moorland. We were now looking for Justin, as Zelda wanted to see her boyfriend while we were here.

“I have no clue!” She responded. We found Justin about ten minutes later. He came running up to us.

“Have you seen Loretta? Her horse just came bolting into the stables!” Justin shouted before we could even say hello.

Zelda still managed to get a quick hello in for Justin before we agreed to help. I felt kinda awkward with the couple, almost like a third wheel, so I just kinda stood off the to the side for a moment while they caught up. It was brief because of the situation at hand.

“I’ll check the paddock if you guys can just check if the horse calmed down. She hasn’t gone anywhere since the lesson so she can’t be far” Justin told us before heading off.

We were in for another surprise in the stable.

The girl from before was trying to wipe something off the dragon horse’s mouth with a towel. When she ducked away to grab something, we saw the red all over the creature’s face. Zelda and I exchanged a silent glance, thinking the same thing.

“Midnight, you speak horse, can you talk to that thing?” I asked him in a whisper.

“No, it doesn’t seem to speak horse. I’d guess it speaks dragon” he replied.

“So we can’t just ask if it killed Loretta then” I whispered, trying to think of how to find out.

“Maybe if you’d both be quiet, you’d hear it’s owner speaking to it” Zelda’s horse, Phantom, pointed out. As he had said, the girl was talking to the dragon horse.

“You can’t just eat people like that, you’re lucky nobody saw! You’re going to get us in trouble. You know I was going to feed you" she scolded her horse.

We exchanged another glance before walking over to Loretta’s horse so we weren’t just standing there. The gray gelding seemed calm now, but was warily eying the stall two down from his, the one with the dragon.

“Hey, have you seen Loretta?” I asked the dragon’s owner, to see what would happen.

“Who is that?” The girl asked.

“She owns this horse. Always wears a pink jacket. Kinda rude sometimes” I told her.

“Oh, um, sorry I don’t. I’m new here, so I don’t really know her” the girl said, her voice faltering a little. She the moved to change the topic.

“My name’s Myra. Who are you guys?” She asked.

“I’m Jacky” I told her, not wanting to give anything more then my first name. Zelda then saved me from the conversation.

“If you see Loretta let us know. We’re gonna keep looking” she told Myra, guiding me and Midnight back outside.

The moment we were away we looked at each other.

“That horse freaking killed Loretta!” I quietly exclaimed.

“Definitely” she agreed.

“We have no proof though, nobody will believe us” I sighed.

“I guess we should wait until we can prove something” Zelda agreed. So we never told anyone what we found. Over the next few weeks, posters about the missing girl went up all over. Jorvik News even covered the case. The whole area had a glum mood to it. Through all of it, the two of us were the only ones who knew the truth.

“There’s gotta be something we can do” Zelda sighed as we rode down a trail a few weeks afterward.

“I don’t think there is, nobody would believe us if we told them” I said.

“Someone magic might. We could get Ydris, he’s right near Moorland, or the Druids if we really need to” she suggested.

“That could work” I agreed. I didn’t know Ydris all that well, but I did know Jack. Zelda definitely knew them both better than I did though.

“If you really want to keep going with this, you can tell Ydris and Jack sometime and call me when you do. I don’t really want to get the Druids involved unless we have to, it doesn’t seem like something they’d find important” I told Zelda.

“Alright I’ll do that when I next see them” she agreed.

After she left, Midnight spoke.

“Are you sure you want to keep trying to figure out this horse? It could be dangerous”

“You and I both know Zelda won’t stop, the thing is at Moorland right where her boyfriend lives. I’m no expert on dating, but if I was dating somebody I wouldn’t want them to get mauled by a horse with a literal dragon head” I pointed out.

“That doesn’t mean you have to keep looking into it” my horse pointed out.

“Well I’m not gonna let her do it alone! Besides I’m kinda curious myself, how does that thing even exist?” I told him.

“It really is a freak of nature” Midnight agreed.

“Good thing we’re far away from Moorland right now” I said with a laugh, gesturing to the Firgrove woods around us.

Yet what neither of us noticed was a pair of gleaming eyes that disappeared into the trees.

[that-sso-raven]

What Do you say about the new area?? On the sso side they said something about it and pictures i fell in love with it! And new hair and cloths with physics and longer clothes !! Imagine an cloak or a long dress and hair moving in the wind or something ! 😻

it looks really good!! id grown kind of attached to the name ‘firfall’ by the point the news came out but i can understand that they maybe changed it to distinguish it further from Firgrove.. whats there looks nice though! im getting a good vibe from the previews.. hoping theres a little more to it than monotonous Big Woods but honestly even if it was just that id be pretty pleased with it

& id love cloaks! thats honestly the first thing i thought of when they mentioned new clothing articles.. i wonder if theyd actually do something as drastic as to redo the character models all that significantly too. because they already have tops and pants that conform to the shape of the old model and i imagine adjusting each of them or their textures even minorly would be. an undertaking

[centeris2]

7. Woods (SSO Winter Prompts)

Lisa and Starshine explore the forest by Starshine Ranch. On AO3 and Wattpad

In all the time spent on Jorvik, Lisa hadn’t explored around Firgrove. She had been in the area, but never for a quiet ride with Starshine through the woods. Starshine Ranch changed that, and once she was settled into her new home she decided to check out the surroundings.

“There were wolves here,” Starshine snorted to her as they headed into the forest.

“Recently?” she looked for signs, worried.

“The smell is old, the ranch must deter them,” the stallion guessed, turning down a path covered in fallen leaves.

“That’s good, but I’ll warn Josh and Dad about possible danger for the livestock,” Lisa decided, saying it out loud to remember it better. The worries of predators faded away as the pair trotted through the forest.

The branches above them were bare, except for the occasional evergreen, making the woods a grey brown landscape except for the pines. It wasn’t the prettiest time to go riding, but Lisa didn’t want to wait for snow or spring, and she didn’t need beautiful spaces to ride with Starshine. The leaves crunched underfoot, the air was crisp and clear. There had been a frost the night before, and they could smell the lingering cold. 

“Another early winter,” Lisa muttered. It was so different from her Texas childhood home, but it was nice to experience real White Christmases like in all the songs and movies.

“It’s been early the last few years, I think it’s a trend now,” Starshine pointed out, thankful his winter coat was growing in.

They rode in silence for a time, surveying and learning the landscape around them. Lisa knew it would be a gorgeous trail to take most of the year, this was just the brief window when the forest looked dead before the snow would make it shine once more. But it made it easier to see, and Lisa scanned the woods around her, picking out notable features. They stopped and watched some birds fluttering about. Lisa dismounted to inspect a fallen tree, covered in an interesting fungus. Starshine smelled the air and commented on what inhabited the woods near their new home. Frost crept over the ground and up the trees by the time the pair headed home, the night setting in. 

“We should check out the northern trails tomorrow,” Lisa suggested, but Starshine tossed his head.

“I think we should explore the woods to the west,” he countered, making Lisa laugh.

“You mean the apple grove?”

“It warrants a thorough investigation!” he insisted, making her laugh again. But she agreed they could start with the apple woods to the west of the ranch the next morning. 

[bearer-of-embers]

Gonna be on SSO for the rest of the night

I'll be levelling my haflinger so if anyone wants to join or just say hi, I'm Haley Swiftriver on Wind Star! If you want an easier time finding me, my training route is Moorland>Jarlaheim (including Greendale)>Riding Hall>Winery>Marley's>Steve's>Bunny Race>Windmill>Hollow Woods>Valdedale Lake>Firgrove>Fort Pinta>South Hoof I might also be doing champs, so look out for me there!