Welcome to The Duality of Man, an original animanga role-play that features numerous supernatural creatures. Unfortunately, these various species have distanced themselves because of the war that occurred thousands of years ago, plaguing some with eyes that only see their dualism. While others meddle themself with their differences, two groups fight, each attempting to eliminate the other in for their definition of worldly peace. These two groups of the Terror Response Syndicate (TRS) and the Assembly of Phantoms (AP). With individuals fighting merely over their differences, it brings uncertainty to the outcome of this war.
We happily accept all role-players as long as they obey the rules and are capable of meeting our word count of 50. This does include those who are unfamiliar with this style of role-playing. The staff of The Duality of Man are willing to happily help those who are new to the role-playing world so they feel comfortable on site. Feel free to message the staff if you need help, they can be found here or in the site Discord and will gladly answer questions alongside calm concerns. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear them; guests may use the support board as a suggestion area as well. Should you decide to join, may I say welcome to the site and we all hope you enjoy your time here.
Yours Truely,
The Staff
season
Summer 2024
Heat has broken through into a glorious summer. The snow has entirely dried through the spring, leaving to the brilliance of the warmer months. Terror activity has risen as people are brought out of their homes, leaving the TRS in a position of consistent work. Each are attempting to maintain victory in the endless struggle for power.
Since the wonderful members of TDOM enjoy the site enough to play around on it, this thread is to assist with the site's tidying! Functionality is important and we want to make the site functional even if its activity will be minimal at best!
are we the plaything of fiends or merely the dreams that we're telling ourselves
[attr="class","aodmain"]
Safe. They’d gotten the news that her father was home safely the day before, but Haley still hadn’t really gotten the chance to talk to him. She plopped down on her bed only to get back up and start pacing again. It felt like she’d been pacing for days. She couldn’t help herself. Her dad could have been dead. He wasn’t, but that didn’t change the fact that many good men went off in the King’s name and never came back. Just because he came back this time didn’t mean he would come back next time. Or anyone else, for that matter. There were so many people in her life that she could so easily lose and she’d never cared enough to pay attention. [break][break]
Haley wrapped her arms around her waist, telling herself to calm down. She knew she was being irrational. She didn’t want to appear before her father that way. She didn’t want to appear before anyone that way. Panicking about nothing was ridiculous. She’d seen hysterical girls before and she didn’t want to be seen like them. [break][break]
When she was sure she had a grip on her emotions, at least temporarily, she left her room. She was restless and wanted to go somewhere, but she wasn't sure where. She definitely didn't feel like talking to her mother and her siblings were out of the house. [break][break]
Haley deftly navigated the halls of her childhood home, coming to a stop in front of her father's room. She knocked cautiously on the frame of the open door. "Dad?" she asked gently, peeking in and silently praying she wasn’t disturbing him.
[attr="class","ren"]HEROES MUST MARCH ON, THUS I MARCH!
[attr="class","peytonspeech"]Devastation ended days ago, yet, the image stayed vividly in his head. Replayed in his head similar to a play was the instant Oliana turned the sword to herself. When she sacrificed herself for the sake of his livelihood. The emotions had coloured him, anger, upset and a critical need to not leave her sacrifice in vein. If asked about his escape from the shady, arena compound, he would attribute it all to the brave, white-haired heroine. Strong enough to look death in his soulless eyes and spare the life of her friend and comrade.
Yet, as Peyton Hayes sat atop the wooden chair, staring down the letters sent detailing any guard changes, his focus lingered elsewhere. Desires of a different outcome haunted his mind, one where Oliana survived and together they returned to their beloved kingdom. She was, ever painfully, the woman he came to hold those truthful feelings of romance for. Alas, each emotion was shut away in the name of a nobleman's honours and the expectations of his father. His place was beside a noblewoman, acting as her husband and siring children to bring about future generations.
Hardly a word read, he leaned back, a sigh breezing through his lips. His return to the kingdom had been a sufferable journey as he stumbled through. Once he reached the outer towns, he managed to become more equip through the kindness of those people, but nonetheless, it was long. Portions of his body still ached from the strenuous efforts and from the situation alone, he was placed on temporary leave from the king's side. A positive given the distracted state of his mind... While his return was welcomed and he grinned through seeing everyone again, the effects of the day would haunt him.
Thoughts were interrupted by a soft rapping of the study's threshold. A 'hmm' managed through his closed lips as he straightened in his chair. His eyes flitted over, face following to view the open door. The soft call of his second name from a familiar voice brought a gentle smile to his lips. From his chair, he could view the young woman, his daughter, peeking through the cracked open door. Her gorgeous blond locks and stunning green eyes a reminder of his wife and himself. A pleasant sight due to the familial love inside the household.
"Haley," he responded, gesturing for her to come in.
He abandoned all notions of reading through the letters. The distractions of his mind was already enough to keep him from making progress. It made conversing with Haley the ideal choice for the blond nobleman. A moment away from the sinister memories of his imprisonment and subsequent break out was welcomed. Rather, it was required given his recent return to his homeland. Reconnecting with family members was something he believed could softly shake him from his somber moods.
are we the plaything of fiends or merely the dreams that we're telling ourselves
[attr="class","aodmain"] Haley’s breath caught in her throat in the moment of silence before her father’s response. A warm greeting summoned her through the office door. There were papers lying on the desk before him. It hadn’t occurred to her that he’d probably missed quite a bit of work. She hated the idea of distracting him when he was supposed to be catching up and recovering, but it was too late to just walk away. [break][break] “Hey,” she began. “I don’t want to bother you if you have work to do. I just… wanted to talk.” The words were followed by a moment of silence. It was true. She wanted to talk. But with that initial statement out of the way she wasn’t sure what she wanted to say. [break][break] How rare it was that people stopped to talk in their world. Sure, there was plenty of meaningless blabber, but she found that the important thoughts always found themselves stuck in her head. Their place was not in some frilly conversation over tea, and even if they were thrown out they’d be overshadowed by the overall light nature of common conversation. Now probably wasn’t the time to express them either. She wasn’t even sure any of the thoughts swirling around in her mind were complete enough to be of any interest to him. He’d been through enough without having to sit through her stream of confused worries. [break][break] “I’m sorry, it’s silly. I shouldn’t be interrupting your day.” She shuffled back, suddenly lacking whatever scraps of confidence she may have had before. She’d been a fool to come here without knowing what she really wanted to talk about. Nonetheless, words continued to spill out of her mouth. “It’s just that we haven’t really had a chance to chat much since you got back…” Her voice softened, trying to avoid the sting associated with the past few days. She’d be happy to just move on and pretend nothing had happened, but it did happen and she was still shaken from it.
[attr="class","ren"]HEROES MUST MARCH ON, THUS I MARCH!
[attr="class","peytonspeech"]After days spent within the hellish environment, the features of his daughter's face was a welcomed view. The structure of her face framed by familiar blonde locks of hair twirling down from her head. The bright, green eyes peering from her well-remembered countenance an ever-enjoyable sight. These moments where seeing his daughter's face allowed Peyton to feel some easement. The faces of his family reminded him of his return home. That his surroundings were safe and the atmosphere a well-needed calmness.
Though the arrival of his daughter was met with an unexpected tone. While people rejoiced about his return to the kingdom, the circumstances of his leave were largely undiscussed. The traumatic connotations of a man kidnapped and forced into a fighting arena kept mouths silent. Therefore, Peyton was under the assumption his daughter was worried about the state of his mental health more than anything. Her starting words mentioned the need for a conversation; a method to avoid reading through the given papers.
If anything, Peyton craved a moment to pry his eyes away from the bouncy, cursive letters scralled on the parchment. While compared to others, his father's handwriting was clean and legible, a break from flowing pages of cursive was welcomed. Before a word of confirmation could be provided, his long-haired daughter spoke further on the subject. A stagger in confidence arrived with her words, uncertainty filling her mind based on the noticed body language. A gentle frown touched the nobleman's lips as he watched her.
Slowly, he stood from his seat, chair softly sliding across the floor from his movements. He approached her slow, a hand gently slipping behind her back to give a soft push into the room.
"It's not silly," he assured, his expression turning more neutral. "Come, Haley. You're always welcomed to speak. I think it is well overdue."
There was truth behind Haley's words and Peyton was well-aware. His return was greeted off the fanfare of horns as the people of his kingdom celebrated his return and the subsequent solving of the disappearances. Though, a proper conversation was avoided from the sensitive nature of his capture. Violence surrounded Peyton when he discovered himself stuck in the makeshift arena without a proper exit. Thus, discussions about it were spoken on the words of the hushed and behind his back. The woes deriving from his imprisonment were simply something people mythed heroics about, but never stated to the hero's face.
Quietly, he guided her towards the second chair inside the room. His hand hovering over her back after the initial push. Whether she seated herself or not would be Haley's choice as Peyton retreated from her side. Long strides guided him towards the wooden door, his hand slowly pushing it close. From the hinges a soft squeak reached his ears, denoting the lack of quality in the hinges. Once the door was secured, he left its stead, returning to his chair for the aforementioned conversation his daughter requested.
are we the plaything of fiends or merely the dreams that we're telling ourselves
[attr="class","aodmain"]
She nodded as he guided her to a chair. "Of course." she said, more out of politeness than actual agreement. She did think people should speak their minds more often, but that didn’t mean that there wasn’t a time and a place for such things. She just wasn’t so sure when that time and place was anymore, especially when everyone seemed to be insisting now wasn’t it. She wasn’t blind to the way people were content to whisper among themselves and walk on eggshells around him, but she wanted quite the opposite. She hated the idea of pondering behind her father’s back and listening to everyone else’s thoughts on the matter. If she was condemned to that path he may as well have still been absent. [break][break] The questions bouncing around the community weren’t the same ones she had, either. Everyone seemed so caught up in the heroics of it all. What a brave soldier he must have been to escape from the enemy’s pits and return home all on his own. The story that had been spun made a glory seeker out of a victim. She liked fairy tales as well as anyone else, but there was a fine line between reality and stories and she was far more worried about what might be slipping through the cracks. [break][break] "Feel free to cut me off if you don’t wish to talk about this." she began timidly. There was no reason to be afraid of talking to him openly, but she couldn’t help but consider what her mother would think. "The thing is, I thought you were dead. And I was afraid." She glanced down at her hands as she fidgeted with the fabric of her dress. She wasn't sure whether it was insensitive to say that when he'd surely had far more to be scared of than her. [break][break]
She forced herself to return her gaze to his as she went on. "Why did you come back?" Her words hit her ears wrong as she realized they conveyed a much different message than they had in her mind. She hurried to correct herself. "I mean! That came out wrong. Obviously everyone is very glad you’re back, especially me, but they say people fight best when they have something to fight for. Were you fighting for anything in particular?"
[attr="class","ren"]HEROES MUST MARCH ON, THUS I MARCH!
[attr="class","peytonspeech"]Waterfalls of whispers changed the rippling tides beyond his control. A man returned from the chilling, gruesome arena where fanfare roared about the spilling of red and claiming of lives. Never would his mind revert entirely to the way he originated. Through his years, he alleged seeing the underbelly of earth’s beast, alas, it was a falsehood. Cloaked in shadows, hiding in the pits of despair, there was always something worse. Nonetheless, the unfolding circumstances manifested a hesitance in bringing forth the disparages of recent happenings.
The blond understood it. Complete comprehension of the thoughts of others as worries of crossing the invisible line entered their minds. Nobody wanted to be the one who summoned the upset. Therefore, people avoided the topic and anything related to brief and connected to requirements of rest. Yet, the cavalier wondered if he was prepared for the discussions about everything that happened. From the blood spilling to the twisted methods of forced fighting, the circumstances were detestable and ultimately diabolical.
Though, the challenges of a discussion related to the incident surfaced in the instance. The timid begins spoke the volumes of the issue... It needed tackling inevitably... Directly, the situation affected him though it spread from the center point and rippled to affect others. Circling thoughts invaded his mind as Haley continued, mentioning the notion of death then later his return. His eyes wandered at her explanation, caught off-guard from the contents. The reason for his revelations and subsequent return a shroud in the darkness of his situation.
"Ah..." The sound breathed from his parted lips.
He paused a moment as an inhale was sucked deep into his lungs. He never expected it to resurface until his return to the guard where he would recount the stories of escape... and of her death. A cold, emptiness entered his stomach as his heart skipped a feared beat. However, he shoved everything down, his eyes returning to his blonde daughter.
"Well... I wanted to come home, as I would hope you know," the nobleman started. "You, your siblings, your mother and your grandfather are all here, Haley. Anywhere else pales. Additionally, that place could not continue operation, less we risk more of the guard and loyal soldiers to them, along with anyone else swept up in the crosshairs."
Purposefully unmentioned, the white-haired woman he lost was dropped from the tale. A life-long family friend he avoided mentioning for the pains inflicted on his heart, alas, another motivation. In his chair, the nobleman had started leaning forward, elbows resting on his thighs. A hunched position unusual for the man who cared his status with notes of pride. A man who long sat or stood tall, though, thoughts of haunting days greeted with fighting, death and cruelness gripped with painful claws.
Exhibiting strength in the category of his abduction was difficult alongside his captivity. A slow exhale escaped his lungs accompanied by a punctuated barely audible sigh. His desires to comfort his daughter drove him to explain in spite of the freshness of the images engraved in his mind.
are we the plaything of fiends or merely the dreams that we're telling ourselves
[attr="class","aodmain"]
Haley wasn’t always the best at reading people’s emotions - or caring - but it would be hard to miss the change that came over her father. The heavy breath, the change in posture, the lack of some fundamental strength she’d always associated with him. Something in her heart twisted at the sight. She shouldn’t be questioning him like this. She should have waited until… Until when? She wasn’t sure what the proper amount of time was for things like this and she hated the idea of her thoughts remaining trapped in her mind forever. But her father didn’t turn her away, so she supposed she hadn’t gone too far past any lines. [break][break] "Oh." she muttered. His explanation was so cool, so logical. She had hoped there was something more. Something other than the words that had been floating around since he’d gotten back. ‘Your father’s a hero.’ ‘Braver than most men would dare to be.’ There was nothing inherently wrong with heroics and bravery. She enjoyed the fairy tales they made. But in those stories, the knights never knew when to give up. It was by the blessing of some god that they managed to make it out alive. She didn’t want the real people in her life to come so close to death that they survived on luck more than their own skills. [break][break] In a world where dying for your country was an honor, she should have come to terms with it long ago. She’d never let herself consider how close every one of the king’s soldiers came to death until her father went missing. "And you intend to fight still?" she asked gently. She didn’t know how they could ask him to. He’d already been through enough in someone else’s name. The anger that welled up in her was wrong, so she put it aside for the moment. "I suppose it’s selfish to wish you wouldn’t return to the battlefield."
[attr="class","ren"]HEROES MUST MARCH ON, THUS I MARCH!
[attr="class","peytonspeech"]Thoughts of his holding haunted him. The twisted images of people barely visible between the iron bars as guards marched down the stone hallways. The exchange of murmured words as others decided the fate of those locked away in the cells. Trapped without an option, stuck between the bars and frightened of the world he was introduced for. However, Peyton was always considered a fighter from the moment he was trained. A man focused on the ideals of chivalry and heroics as taught by the Hayes family through the years.
Nonetheless, Peyton was determined to discuss the topic despite his personal feelings. After everything that happened to the cavalier, the father, his children deserved an explanation when they requested one. The circumstance dragged upon everybody because of the connections in his family. Despite wishing to remain humble, the truth was Peyton was considered a puzzle piece inside the lives of his family. Without him, the picture would not be completed. A single piece missing, perhaps crucial or not, but absent.
The soft 'oh' that slipped through his daughter's lips resulted in Peyton's eyes peeling off. He was uncertain if his answer was satisfactory to Haley, it was difficult to confirm. People desired different outcomes or comforts, but honesty was the truth required. Though the following inquiry brought his eyes back to Haley, the brown hues taken on sorrowed darkness. A request to leave the battlefield was difficult to listen to... His eyes drifted again as he turned to a moment of silence.
"It's not..." He murmured before taking a deep breath. "But, my place is the battlefield, Haley... It's my duty to the country."
A man built to fight in battles, Peyton was somebody who fixated on defending those around him. He never considered himself anything else, but a soldier. He was a cavalier and an individual built for the realm of combat, it became what he stood for.
are we the plaything of fiends or merely the dreams that we're telling ourselves
[attr="class","aodmain"]
Haley had been raised by the codes of chivalry. She knew exactly where they stood, invisible but surprisingly sturdy walls that could never be crossed. Usually she avoided going anywhere near those walls. Usually she didn’t have any need to. But now, for this one? She found herself wanting to tear it down. It was so unfair that her father was expected to fight and put herself at risk. Meanwhile, what was she supposed to do? Have children so she could send them off to fight too? Standing by and watching the people she loved get themselves killed didn't seem like a real purpose. [break][break] "Surely you have gone beyond fulfilling your duty to the country!" she snapped before really considering her words, "What of your place as a part of this family? Your duty as my father?" It was easy to be angry and not think about consequences, but the matter went deeper than just her own selfish desires. Guilt flashed in her eyes and she glanced away. "Sorry, I know you're right. I just hate it." she muttered. She didn't like the feeling sitting wrong in her stomach, especially as it began to claw it's way up her throat and sting at her eyes. She would not cry. Just because she wanted her father to stay didn't mean she wanted his pity. [break][break] "I suppose it would also be pointless to ask you to be careful." she said slowly, careful to keep her voice even. Caution on a battlefield was a lot like minding your step walking on glass. No matter how careful you were, injury was nearly inevitable. War was a terrible thing, but once it was started there was no way out. Neither side would be willing to give up, so she didn't see how there could be an end. The fighting that had gone on since before she was born would have to be continued long after she died.
[attr="class","ren"]HEROES MUST MARCH ON, THUS I MARCH!
[attr="class","peytonspeech"]Blindsided by the expectations of honour and molded by insistent requirements, Peyton transformed into a man of duty. Instilled in his birth was an understanding of his future expectations forged by the fires of nobility. Similar to his father, the blond male's path led him to become a soldier of their kingdom. In his youth, the notions of chivalry were preached at a constant and it exhibited itself in his reactions. His brain was hardwired to be a fighter, a man following the rules of chivalry and determined to fight for his country.
Alas, those enforced values allowed for other things to be placed on the backburner. Throughout his fatherhood, Peyton prided himself as a soldier, his service was a shining example of his capabilities and heroism. His blindness to everything else was obvious when he heard his daughter snap at him. The blond man's eyes furrowed, his brown hues locking onto his daughter. The worry crept into his expression at the words she stated. Unfortunately, the duties for his country never ended alongside those pledged to his family.
The man sighed gently, his arm reaching back to scratch the back of his head. Heavy were the duties of a father and a warrior.
"Don't worry about it," he murmured as he rose from his seat. "I will be home for a few days yet, how about we do some things together?"
The father was hoping he could provide something to make his daughter feel better. A gentle sigh breathed through his lips as the frown settled on his face. There were persistent threats against the blond's life because of his position, it was inevitable. His daughter had every right to despise the concept and he could easily comprehend the reasoning behind it. Nonetheless, Peyton was determined to return to his family no matter the circumstance or difficulty. He was a soldier by duty, but a father by blood.
"I'll do my best to not take any unnecessary risks, I promise. I don't plan on leaving you and everyone else easily, Haley," his voice was soft with a reassuring cadence.
Wounds on a battlefield were to be expected, however, Peyton knew he could avoid becoming morbidly injured should he show caution. Alas, he was bound to his duties as a soldier, a man suffocated in notions of chivalry and honour he believed he could never break.
are we the plaything of fiends or merely the dreams that we're telling ourselves
[attr="class","aodmain"]
Haley was raised to smile and take things as they came. Most concerns could be kept to herself, and when they had to be stated there were more tactful ways of doing it. She may have not had the same duties as her father, but there were still codes of educate she was supposed to follow. Today she had pushed aside those lessons. She knew her father wouldn't mind as much as her mother might, but it still felt wrong. [break][break] She chewed at the inside of her cheek as she listened to him. She shouldn't have let herself snap at him without thinking first. He'd been through enough without her anger directed at him. And it wasn't anger he deserved either. He'd survived more than most people could claim in the past few months. As much as she hated all the whispers and people walking on eggshells, he really did deserve the praise he got. [break][break] She didn't think his promise really meant anything, but she refused to keep protesting. Pressing the subject would only get her in trouble. Nonetheless, she couldn't meet his eyes. If someone was trying to get themselves killed they could easily manage it day one on a battle field. The only way he could really stay safe was to avoid the fighting altogether. But she wasn't a child. She couldn't just beg that he shunned duty. That would get her nowhere, and she wasn't sure she'd really want him to change his beliefs. They were who he was. [break][break] Instead of expressing any concerns, she nodded to his former statement. "I'd like that," she said. "Would you like to go out horseback riding sometime? I think- I think the horses missed you too. They were a lot quieter than usual." The stables were one of Haley's favorite places in the world. She was pretty sure it was where she had spent most of her time while Peyton was missing. When she wasn't at her own place, that was.
[attr="class","ren"]HEROES MUST MARCH ON, THUS I MARCH!
[attr="class","peytonspeech"]The contrast in the manners genders was raised possessed a stark contrast. Since birth, Peyton was taught to value his nobility and carry out chivalry no matter the circumstance. Constantly clinging to the blond's back were those beliefs, each being strapped down and hefted by expectation over choice. Meanwhile, girls were expected to appear beautiful and revered in the aspects of peace and love. Even during the melancholic breakdowns, a sad smile was believed to withstand the flood of tears wishing to breakthrough.
The ramifications of his decisions to uphold the values of nobility merely gained strength with Peyton's words. The path ahead of him possessed snaking, thorny vines stretch across the ditches around the road he followed. A single stray and the sharp barbs of disappointment and failure to bear into the depths of his flesh. A single leave and his blood would show his failures clear as a warm summer's day. Nonetheless, Peyton promised what was feasible. He would avoid danger when possible and taking risks that could potentially claim his life.
His eyes remained trained on Haley, the hazel hues analyzing her visage. The lack of eye contact suggested everything Peyton was required to know. A daughter worried and disappointed by the actions of a father who faced death's grips times aplenty. Gently, he reached out, his hand gently rubbing his youngest daughter's arm.
"It will be alright," the blond reaffirmed.
Fortunately, the promises centred around spending time with Haley appeared to lift his daughter's spirits. A soft smile stretched across the nobleman's face as his hazel eyes glinted with joy. The mention of the horses only improved the father's spirits further. The notion of riding horseback alongside his daughter was a marvellous opportunity to promote health for the horses and allow for father-daughter bonding. A natural stir of excitement entered Peyton as he pulled away, his hand leaving her arm as he straightened to his full height.
"I think that would be a wonderful idea," he happily acknowledged. "How about we visit them right now?"
Gradually, the male angel's footsteps carried him towards the doorway. A simple twist of the doorknob allowed for the threshold to open, granting them leave from the room. After the sorrowful circumstance of their conversation, Peyton held wishes to lightened the mood. Everything that happened had manifested a gloomy atmosphere in the Hayes household, and it became time to bring forth the light.
are we the plaything of fiends or merely the dreams that we're telling ourselves
[attr="class","Haleyaodmain"]
It would be alright. Her father's words sank in, and she wanted to scoff. Of course it would be alright. She'd been taught how to act in any situations, but even in her extensive repertoire, there were no lessons on true change. The world twisted around them, but part of her job was to adjust. To keep acting proper even when everything in her screamed things wouldn't be ok again. As if by smiling and playing a role she could ever mend a hole in her heart. No matter what came, eventually it would be alright. [break][break] She kept the thoughts to herself and dawned a tight smile instead. "For now, it is. That's what really matters," she said. As long as things kept being alright, she should push it out of her mine. After all, the only thing worse than dwelling on the past was dwelling on the future. [break][break] She nodded as her father started towards the door, standing and straightening her skirts before following. She wasn't exactly in riding garb, but the dress wasn't the worst for the occasion. Like many times before, she followed behind her father towards the stables. There had been a time not so long ago that she'd thought she'd never see him in the stables again, but she pushed that thought out of her mind too. If her worries kept persisting she'd bring them up later, but for now she was determined to let them settle a bit. [break][break] "If we don't visit them now they'll probably forget you altogether," she teased in a rather matter-of-fact tone. She didn't believe a horse ever truly forgot a face, or perhaps they just held onto the intonation of voices in their memory, but that wouldn't stop her from poking fun.
[attr="class","ren"]HEROES MUST MARCH ON, THUS I MARCH!
[attr="class","peytonspeech"]Mending the previous sorrows opened from his absence hastily became a necessity. Despite the misfortunes that befell him, Peyton made an effort to smile around his worried daughter. In the aftermath of his kidnapping and torment, it resulted in the melancholic ripples casting out. Nobody, but the perpetrators, could be blamed for the twisted actions Peyton was forced to suffer through, but nothing ceased the torrent of concerns. Fortunately, the calm concept of tending to their horses was something that inspired easement for the nobleman.
Through the threshold the pair crossed, heading into the main of the house and to the exit. The nobleman decided not to bother with the traditional riding garbs of proper britches and strap-covered riding boots. After his long absence, Peyton wished to provide the horses with some attention before perhaps taking them on a short trot around the Hayes property. The nobleman pushed through the front door and entered the glorious day outside. From above the sun shined, embracing their home with pleasant warmth and prompting the buzz of wildlife around them.
A teasing joke managed to reach Peyton's ears, prompting a gentle chuckle. After years of caring for the docile beasts, the male angel was adamant they would not forget him easily.
"Then we better go visit them," he answered with a broad grin.
Briefly, Peyton lifted his hand above his brow to gaze upon the familiar trees and dirt trails around them. The gorgeous gardens in the front yard frequently admired by his wife and the stone fences and gates designed for elegance. He missed every inch of the place he referred to as home. A gentle sigh left his lips as Peyton's arms returned to his side. His hazel eyes followed the dirt path, noticing the stable where the horses resided. The nobleman started down the dirt path, each step carrying Peyton closer to the stables.
He pushed through the doors, his ears opening to the gentle snorts and whinnies of the horses. A soft smile played across Peyton's lips as the scent of straw-filled his nostrils. Slowly, the nobleman walked down the halls, his eyes crawling across the many stable pens.
"It's been so long since I've seen them," Peyton breathed out.
The blond approached the first stable pen and offered his hand to a brown and white mare affectionately named Feather. Gradually, his hand approached, rubbing down the horses snout with a broad grin.
are we the plaything of fiends or merely the dreams that we're telling ourselves
[attr="class","Haleyaodmain"]
On the walk down to the stables, Haley could tell Peyton was happy. She usually took the beauty that surrounded her for granted. After all, it was what she’d grown up around. The gardens and the house were as solid and constant as anything else in her world. She couldn’t imagine living far enough away that she’d be unable to visit whenever she wanted.
[break][break]
A slow smile spread across her face as she watched her father approach Feather and stroke her fur. This was where he belonged. Her mother and siblings would always be important to him, but the stables with the horses were where she thought of him as the most at home. Happy without thoughts of duty or honour. At least, that’s what Haley saw in him as he tended to the horse. It was a feeling she herself was familiar enough with. Among the horses she didn’t have to worry about other people but she was also never alone. Horses didn’t care how she held herself or if what she said was proper or any of the other tripwires she had to avoid in society. As long as they were fed and cared for, they wouldn’t have any grievances with her whatsoever.
[break][break]
“I kept an eye on them while you were gone,” she said, approaching a stall further down with a dappled grey mare. “Hey Bluebell” she cooed, placing a gentle hand on the horse’s nose then trailing it down her flank as she walked further into the stall. “Well, when I could, anyway,” she added, returning her attention to her father with a rueful smile. “Feather was particularly cranky.” As if in response the brown and white mare by her father huffed. Haley stuck her tongue out. Feather had never particularly liked Haley, especially not when anyone else was there and able to feed and groom her.
Do not use drama to get attention in the chat. Nobody appreciates it.
2
No advertising, we have a perfectly fine board for that.
3
Please try and keep swearing to a minimum in the chat.
4
All chat usernames should be PG-13 and not break the ProBoards ToS or site rules.
5
A Chatango account is not required, but it is encouraged.
6
Please avoid spamming the chat; accidents are understandable.
7
You may use the in-character chat prior to acceptance.
8
Be respectful to anybody who enters the chat, including guest, fellow members and staff.
9
Guests may speak in chat at anytime to ask questions or get a taste of our community~!
resource sites
affiliates
credits
The skin is created by Wolf of Adoxography and Gangnam Style. The thread and conversation remodels are by Kagney. The Strange Reality board list, Heal My Soul info center, I Remember Now mini profile and Electric Requiem profile remodel is made by Pharoah Leap. The Who's That Member member list remodel was made by Tictactoe. The Cbox.ws Shoutbox remodel was made by Trinity Blair. All templates used for claims, information sheets, applications, etc are credited to their owners; credits for these can be found in the threads the templates are use on. Images that are used on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners, however, they have been edited by Zac with a few being edited by Chibi Magician. The plot, rules and various other information pieces for The Duality of Man are written by Chibi Magician with the assistence of her co-admins, Finnegan and Dremulf, alongside other unlisted people who were kind enough to give their input. The TRS, AP and face claim were all created by Fleur for specifically the use of TDOM. All plugins used on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners. The templates my members use are credited to their maker, if you find a template that belongs to you, but is uncredited, please speak to Chibi Magician or the member themself. Characters created on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners and should not be used elsewhere without the creator's permission.
Special thanks for the members of TDOM who make suggestions to help make this site better. Even though we can not accept all suggestions, we immensely appreciate it. Thus, we give credit to any additions that you thought of and were later implimented by the staff, because we are glad you give us these excellent ideas.
