Aira of the Tigers Maw

[Aira]

Aira of the Tigers Maw Music Race: Myrian Tiger Kelvic Age: 6, Born on the 25th of Winter of 504 AV Height: 5'10 ft Languages: Myrian (Fluent), Feline (Fair), Common (Poor)

[Aira]

Physical Appearance Human: In her human form, Aira holds the appearance of a lighter skinned Myrian woman, inherited from her Myrian mother. She stands at 5'11, not the tallest woman but most certainly not short. Shes is quite good looking, and were she to give a care about her appearance it might be something more. A series of simple tattoos are painted on her body, each one counting the death of a foe or the felling of a great beast during a hunt. Her eyes hold a near luminescent golden sheen to them, with an elliptical pupils, that hint to a feline nature. At night they reflect light back in the same manner cats eyes do, increasing her night vision and giving the appearance of glowing eyes. More often then not Aira is wearing a small amount of easily made and replaceable clothing. One her right arm, over one of her existing tattoos, are a series of smoldering blood red claw marks, the first gnosis mark from Myri the goddess of war. Myrian Tiger: It is in this form that Aira feels most comfortable. As a tiger, Aira stands at nearly 5ft in height, and reaches 14 1/2 ft long. Her body is composed of a series of lithe but well built muscles. The series of tattoos she has are unseen underneath her fur, but Aira sports her stripes in much the same manner as her ink. The claw marks on her right arm are visible in this form to, and seem to grow in proportions along with Aira when she changes. Character Concept Despite the fact that she was born from Myrian mother, was fortunate enough to carry Myrian features, and gifted with a Myrian name, Aira will never truly be a Myrian. She is almost ashamed of her lighter colored skin, feeling it is just one more thing that separates herself from the rest. At times she finds herself angry with her mother and deceased father for ever having conceived her, wishing instead she had been born to her half siblings father. For the most part though she is content with the place she has found, as a mount for the warriors. Being a Kelvic, it was only natural that she would wish to bond with someone, so perhaps it was not quite a surprise to her mother when she spoke of her decision to learn to carry riders. The loss of Zuuk to outsiders left in her a smoldering hate toward most non-myrians that is reflected in the blood red marks upon her right arm. Instead of impeding her judgment and making her a liability, this hate drives Aira to be ever more careful in dealing with other races. After all, she can not kill them if she is defeated. At the moment, the loss of her bondmate Zuuk had brought on a feeling of disconnection. More then anything she wishes to find another bondmate, preferably a Myrian Warrior and hunter whom she can carry on her back during hunts and battle. Skills & Lore Skills Skill Description Point Breakdown Unarmed Combat: [25/100] Aira, being able to at a whim change into a Myrian tiger, has little use for weapons in battle. [Starting Package - 25] Wilderness Survival: [12/100] The kelvic woman knows a few things about the wild jungle of Falyndar. [Starting Package- 12] Tracking: [11/100] Being able to track prey, whether animals or outsiders, is a useful skill for Aira. Her ability in this is compounded by her heightened senses. [Starting Package - 11] Hunting: [12/100] Because outsiders aren't exactly a common occurrence, most of Aira's time is spent hunting for food and and supplies. [Racial Bonus - 10, Starting Package - 2] Lore Mounted Combat For four years Aira was trained along side the other Myrian tigers in bearing riders into combat. Much less stressful, the woman can also carry a rider for hunting. Falyndarian Geography Having spent many days and nights stalking through the wilderness hunting, Aira has learned well the lay of the land. Gnosis Myri's 1st Mark

[Aira]

Ledger Possessions Bought/Given/Reward How #Item Description Value Bought Starting Package 1 Military Saddle Equipment -7 Bikka Inherited Starting Package Zuuk's Spear Weapon N/A Bought Starting Package Cloth top Clothing N/A Bought Starting Package Cloth Bottom Clothing N/A Bought Starting Package Boots Clothing N/A Ledger Bought/Sold/Given/Earned Item/Reason Plus/ Minus Total Sold Starting Package +200 Bikka 200 Bikka Bought Military Saddle - 7 Bikka 193 Bikka Total: 193 Bikka

[Aira]

Character History Aira's birth was not a common thing, but nor was it unheard of in Taloba. Kelvic's who sought lives in the city were respected for the hunting prowess and physical strength, garnering respect most outsiders never got even a chance to earn. Aira's mother, a widow at the young age of 30 who already had three daughters and a son, became infatuated with one such Kelvic. He was a tiger kelvic, not a Myrian tiger, just a simple tiger. She first noticed him when she was caring for some of the Myrian Tigers, seeing to their needs. It seemed he had been conversing with one of them. Despite his smaller stature and lesser strength the kelvic would often join a rider or two on a hunting expedition in order to give what assistance he could. Though he had no bond mate yet, he was respected for his skills and the tiger's saw in him a brother, perhaps one on the smaller side but still a brother. It was on one such hunting expedition that Aira's mother, Feila met the kelvic Artemis. It seemed he had also, from a distance, begun to feel a similar infatuation for Aira's mother. It was on this trip that Aira was conceived. Nine months later when Aira was born, the parents knew immediately from whom she had inherited what. Her features appeared much like her mother's did, with only a slightly lighter tone that hinted at more to her heritage. However it was her eyes that told the two that the girl was a kelvic. Golden elliptical eyes stared at them as they looked down upon their child. Aira's short childhood was filled mostly with alienation from those her age. The adults had enough sense to respect kelvic's for their skills, but children only saw someone who was not like them. The only comfort she ever found was with her mother while she cared for the great and fierce Myrian tigers. When the adults were not around to berate them, a few of the children would gang together and begin harassing the kelvic girl. It was during one such assault that Aira first changed into her animal form. The spot she chose to hide was with a small group of Myrian tigers. In a flash of lights Aira disappeared amongst the great beasts. One of the children tried to get a little to close to the group of animals. Perhaps realizing the intentions of the cruel little boy, the tigers stood up and circled themselves around Aira in a manner that could not be mistaken as anything but protection. It was then, on the day she first shifted into her animal form, that Aira found the place she truly belonged. Amongst the Myrian's she was an oddity. She looked Myrian, but at the age of only one she appeared to be a young girl near to her teens. An oddity to be sure, and one that would never be truly accepted. However amongst the Myrian Tigers she was simply another one of them. Perhaps a bit smarter, but such a thing didn't seem to matter to the large creatures. From that day forth Aira spent most of her time with the Myrian Tiger's. At the age of three, nearly fully grown now, Aira decided to pursue the life of a mount, one who would carry Myrian warriors into battle and on hunts. It was the natural course for her. What better way to be with the Myrians then where the Myrians were most at home. This both satisfied her want to fit in and her need as a kelvic to find someone to bond with, though the latter was more of a subconscious thing that never really crossed her mind. Having raised Aira around the tigers, her mother was not surprised by this decision and wholeheartedly supported her. She was happy her child would find a way to be happy that would not waster her abilities. Like the other tigers who had reached the appropriate age, Aira met with the warriors who had passed the trial's. The first to step forth was a short younger man, perhaps in his twenties. He stood only at 5'5, but even with his short frame the man's physical strength was evident in his muscles. He looked amongst the other tigers till his eye's fell on Aira. Without a hint of his intentions the warrior moved around the others who had passed there test, careful to avoid getting to close to the tigers as well, and stood before Aira. At this time, none knew that Aira was a kelvic, but for an instant the girl wondered if perhaps this man somehow knew and that was why he had moved to her. On some deep level a connection had been formed the moment there eyes had met, Aira felt this connection and put aside her suspicion. For several moments the two simply started at each other, each studying the others features. The man had a squared face that suggested solidarity, his shoulders were perhaps a bit wider then average, and every inch of him was muscular. It was not the prim muscles of an obsessive body builder, but instead hard earned muscles come from jobs such as construction or fighting. Finally the warrior broke the silence. "I am Zuuk of the Poisoned Arrow clan. Will you hunt with me? Will you fight with me?" The question hung in the air, somehow sounding pleading without sounding desperate. Aira had already decided to say yes, but her mind was occupied with thoughts of how to convey her willingness to bond with him. Finally she decided on the easiest. In a flash of lights Aira changed into her human form and spoke. "I am Aria of the Tigers Maw. I will stand with you in hunts and in battle." The change brought on surprised reactions from all of those who had passed their tests, all accept Zuuk. Across his features ran not surprise but something akin to relief. It was clear he had no foreknowledge of Aira's true nature, but it seemed not to matter to him the least. Despite the quickly formed connection, the two had a tough a time as any learning to fight with each other. Aira had much to learn about carrying someone while she fought, and Zuuk had much to learn about fighting from astride a mount such as a Myrian tiger. Still their relationship was only tempered by the fires of adversity and their understanding of each other grew ever deeper. Despite what some people thought, what some people still think, Aira's and Zuuk's relationship was completely platonic. The two were friends, the two were siblings, the two were partners, but never were they lovers. It just wasn't that kind of connection, and neither felt any regret that it would never be such. Three years to the day since she had chosen, three years to the day since they had bonded, three years to the day since they began their training as rider and mount. Zuuk was the rider she had been paired with. They had gone on three previous hunts, all of which had been successful to one degree or another. This was their first time encountering outsiders though. Form a vantage point on a small ridge above the road, Aira and Zuuk could see the relativity small group. Three armed, mounted men, riding horses that looked almost ill. What would have been a task of simply following them and watching their movements changed when Aira picked up the scent of blood in the air. At first hidden from sight by the bulk of the sickly horses, a series of movements as the men moved on their way again revealed the still form of a Myrian lying in a pool of blood. Beside the body lay a shattered bow. In wordless agreement, the pair began stalking the group, waiting until the men took a break. It wasn't long, the poor conditions the horses were in forced them to halt only an hour later. Zuuk pulled himself onto Aira's back and readied his spear, an easy to sue weapon from atop such a large animal. Just as the group sat down Aira and Zuuk burst forth from the brush. The horses, seeing Aira, attempted to scatter despite their weariness. Unfortunately they had not the strength to pull themselves free of the tree they had been hitched to. The men reacted differently. Without hesitation they stood as one and drew there weapons. The element of surprise was on The Myrian's side though. Aira was already atop the nearest human before his weapon could clear his scabbard, her jaw's closing on the man's throat as her claws impaled his chest. Zuuk's spear impaled the second enemy in the throat before he could bring his sword to his defense. Still clinging to the human's neck, enjoying very much the taste of her enemies blood, it seemed Aira had left her neck exposed to an attack from the third human. He attempted bring the sword down upon the exposed area in hopes of downing the largest threat. What he had not been expecting was the quickness in which Aira could move, even as he brought the blade down Aira was already backing up. As she did so Zuuk leapt of her back and onto the man, who had lost his balance in his failed attack. Just like that, the fight was over. With the foolish outsiders dealt with, Zuuk moved to investigate the bodies to see if they had any of the items from the fallen Myrian. As he did so Aira turned her attention from the bodies to the horses, still to weary to pull themselves free. Horse's were one of Aira's favorite food, but she rarely got to have any since the horses in Taloba belonged to other Myrian's. She barely heard Zuuk's warning to remain alert as she moved to have her snack. About a half an hour later, though they were no longer trailing someone the pair decided to remain in the brush, they once more came upon the fallen Myrian body. Without a pumping heart to move the blood, the pool beneath the body had not grown much in size. Despite that, the smell was enough to fill Aira's senses. Their was a certain difference in it though that made her angry, not hungry. They had dealt justice though, all that was left was to bring the body back for a proper ceremony. As Zuuk climbed off Aira's back and moved to get the body, the kelvic got a chance to study the features of the fallen Myrian more closely. A tattoo across his neck, inked in the color of blood, suggested perhaps he was of the Slitted Throat clan. The bow was of fine quality, and only a moment of searching led Aira to the brush where he had been hiding in wait, with a quiver near filled with arrows and some carefully packaged meat. A hunter like them, perhaps on a solo hunt for trial. It was a disquieting thing to see one of their own fallen. A sound behind her, perhaps best described as a thwap, caught her attention. The Myrian tiger turned to find Zuuk standing over the body of the other Myrian with an arrow protruding from his chest. The expression on the warriors face was not one of pain, but simply one of surprise. He looked to Aira knowingly, then fell forward onto the body on the nameless Myrian, adding to the pool of blood with some of his own. Aira was so stunned by the turn of events that her emotions, nay her very thoughts seemed to be suspended. The tigers head turned from her fallen bond mate toward the direction the arrow had come from. There, kneeling on the ground, was another human. He held a crossbow in his hands, and was busy trying to reload it. Behind him was a horse with an empty saddle, and behind the horse were five more mounted humans. Each of them also had a crossbow, and were readying their weapons even as Aira turned to look at them. She met the eyes of the human on the ground, and suddenly the bottled up emotions burst forth in a roar of anger. So loud was it that it even seemed to shake the tree's nearby. Even with the distance between them the sound easily startled the horses carrying the human's, sending one sprawling and causing the rest to put a hold on loading their crossbows and try and steady their mounts. Despite her anger, no perhaps because of it, Aira turned from her fallen bondmate and into the brush once more, leaping out of sight. There were to many to take now, especially when they were ready for her and with such distance between them. The emotion she felt was beyond anger now, which would normally burn within her with a fiery rage. The feeling she now felt in her chest was something new, cold, and calculating. Hate. Where anger might let her attempt a suicide run at the enemies and die in good conscious, this new feeling would not pass until each and every one of the outsiders was dead. To do that she had to retreat now, so that she might live too fight another day. Or night. That night the outsiders cautiously made camp. Throughout the night they had three people standing guard, half their numbers. Aira knew this because she was watching them the whole time from the nearby brush. She did not act though, as it seemed they were waiting for a relation. Her chances of success were to low. Instead, Aira spent her time picking off any animals, some smaller predators and what not, to ensure that the group had no trouble. The next day Aira caught perhaps two hours of sleep before moving to catch up with the group. As she did at night, during the day Aira ensured the outsiders remained unmolested by the local wildlife. The harm the small predators that ventured toward the human's would be minimal at best, serving only to keep them on guard and giving no opportunity for Aira to strike. The next night they posted three guards once more, and once more the time passed by without incident for them. By the fifth night, having had no trouble the outsiders began to grow confident in their strength and luck. They posted only two guards. Aira watched, and she waited. Ten days had passed when the group, having encountered no issues other then difficult terrain, posted only one guard. It was the opening Aira had been waiting for. She waited through the first watch, and the second watch. An hour into the third watch the Myrian tiger stalked forward into the camp. The horses, having grown used to her quite presence following them and guarding them, did not awaken as she silently moved passed them. By the fading moonlight and the dimming embers of the outsiders fire, Aira ended the life of the one on sentry on watch, coming up from behind him and crushing his throat to keep him from sounding an alert. When that was done she moved from tent to tent, inflicting the same wound on each of the men in them. Each time she would hold on until she felt the heartbeat slow, the blood flow come to a halt, and the life fade away from her victims. When the first sign's of dawn crept over the tree's, only one remained. This one was the very man who had taken the shot that had ended Zuuk's life. Aira had something special planned for him. He awoke late into the morning, perhaps he depended on the others to awaken him, to the smell of blood and death. As he cautiously stepped outside his tent, holding a short sword in one hand, he was met with a grizzly sight. Sometime during the period between Aira's taking the life of the second to last human and now, she had a snack. What was left of the horses was a gruesome sigh to be hold. The sickening image caused the outsider to look away. He quickly moved to inspect the tents of his allies. The sight within the tents were more contained, but nonetheless terrifying for the outsider. Frantically he ran from the last tent to the edge of the camp, but before he could get to far he tripped over something and fell face first into the ground. He glanced at his feet, where he found the body of the sentry where Aira had left it. In words she didn't understand, the outsider cried out. He searched for anything to anchor his sanity to, anyone who might still be alive. This was when the outsider finally noticed Aira. She had moved into the center of his camp just as he attempted to run. To him, the striking tanned woman wearing no clothes was a godsend. It seemed he was to frightened to notice the blood on her lips or hands. What he did notice was that she looked unfettered by the wilderness surrounding them, and indeed seemed to be quite at home in it. He moved to her with relief written on his face, until something caught his attention. It was her eyes that warned him all was not as it appeared. The outsider recognized the elliptical eyes, almost glowing in the dim morning light. Before he could stand and raise his weapon in defense Aira was upon him. She did not change to her tiger form, preferring for this one to done by the hands of a Myrian for an atonement of sorts for letting Zuuk get killed. It just felt right this way. What followed was a merciless beating that was designed as much to inflict pain as it was to cause lethal damage. Once in a while he got in a good strike, cutting an arm or nicking a leg, but all in all it was a one sided battle. Whether he was simply an inexperienced warrior, or the smell of death hanging around him was to much, the fight quickly came to a close. Bloodied and bruised, but still alive, the outsider finally dropped his weapon to the ground and fell to his knees. He did not speak the words of surrender, for indeed he was breathing to hard to speak at all. Aira was not there for his surrender though. She was there for his life. Without shifting to her animal form Aira stepped forward and bit into the man's neck. her sharper then normal canines teared flesh easily enough, and the taste of blood stated an inner hunger the inner hunger that had driven Aira to hunt these fools for ten days. It was over. She had succeeded in her goal, and the coldness within her began to dim. It did not entirley fade though. Aira wasn't sure if she would ever stop hating outsiders for what had been done. Not remembering very well the lines of prayer, religion had never been something that could hold Aira's attention, the kelvic took the dropped sword and cut open the man's chest. Reaching in she took the still heart of the outsider and raised it to the air for a few moments before bringing it to her mouth to devour. Finished with the heart, Aira stood up. Before she could change into a kelvic, a shift in the wind revealed a new scent that caught her attention. The scent was eerily familiar, but something that Aira had never taken in before. Instead of making her feel uneasy at having just noticed a new presence near her, the smell comforted her in a way that she hadn't felt since she was young enough to be held by her mother. Aira slowly turned around to find a tall imposing Myrian standing before her. The woman was clearly physically capable, but beyond that Aira thought she could feel something far deeper, a well of strength that had nothing to do with the physical world. Upon the striking woman's face was a small smile as she surveyed the tents one by one. Some of the flaps were open enough to see the gore inside, most weren't. Aira felt though that no details escaped this beings notice. When she was finally done surveying the tents she looked to the body at Aira's feet. "Well done Aira of the Tigers Mawclan, you have proven your worth. For your sacrifice," the being nodded to the open chest of the dead outsider at Aira's feet, "As well as for the cunning and ruthlessness you displayed I will award you a gift. Use it well." The figure reached forth and grasped Aira's arm for a moment. Then she was gone. Upon the kelvics arm where the striking figure of Myri had grasped her, over one of her tattoo's, were four claw marks. They glowed a dark red, matching the color of the blood that stained both Aira's hands and mouth. Finished with her task, Aira returned to the spot where she had left Zuuk's body. It took perhaps three days of running before she finally reached the dried pool of blood that marked the location. Of the bodies there was no sign, but whatever had taken them had left behind both the shattered bow and Zuuk's spear. Aira took both weapons and returned to Taloba. To this day she still posses Zuuk's spear, though it is little more then something to look upon since she has no training in the weapon and has shown no desire to learn it. The spear was Zuuk's weapon of choice, Aira preferred her claws.