[Flashback] Bringing Home The Bacon (Aira)

[Hania]

Time Stamp: 42nd Day, Fall, 509AV

Dawn was a strange time in the Faylndar jungles. It was a brief gap of time where almost nothing moved except to nestle down into their beds after a night of furious activity, or blink away the sleep in their eyes as a new day was about to start. Mists rose off of the forest floor in hot plumes, dew falling from leaves high above to balance out the cycle of evaporating water. Numerous birds cautiously tested out their singing voices between long intervals of silence creating a slightly spooky atmosphere among the trees. Likewise the Myrian night watch was changing out with the morning crews and exchanging reports as they passed along the watch ridge. Hunters from the night came in, some with kills, some without, but all with news and sightings of game; exchanging the information with new groups of hunters heading out.

Hania was already waiting just outside the gates of Taloba grabbing any bit of intelligence he could on the movements and whereabouts of worth while prey from the returning parties. A number of other hunters were doing the same thing he was, many already in their own groups but gathering information separately, and then setting off after deciding what the best choice was. They told the other hunters what they were tracking down so no two groups went after the same prey, unless it was a competition. It was just bad tactics for one group to hunt down a single animal when many smaller groups could each bring back a kill; more food for the people. By the time the small stream of traffic had died down to a trickle there wasn't much left for Hania to do but sharpen his spear.

He asked anyone heading out if they needed another hand, some replied no, but it turned out two women were also looking for a group to join. He told them about the possible choices for hunting that hadn't already been taken. The man wanted to hunt down a small group of chimps who had bedded down in the same area for the past three nights; chances were good they would still be in the area for the morning. The woman preferred to track down a rogue boar, big in size but long in tusk. Hania was willing to take a gamble and follow up the rumors of light activity on the Charoda front. The Charodae might abhor violence but he knew they weren't stupid either, hiding their presence had become one of their main defenses, if anyone saw anything it usually meant they were around. The three decided to wait for another member to join their group and be the tie breaker, finalizing the prey of choice. It was some time before anyone else passed through the gates and when they did Hania was a little happy to see that it was a Rider. He didn't know the man personally, since he had removed himself from that elite circle, but he kept track of their names and faces. He raised a hand in greeting while slowly approaching. "Are you up for a little hunting exercise? We need to fill in the rest of the party," a thumb gestured to the other two party members ,"....we have the choice of a chimp family, a bull boar, or possibly Choroda. Interested?"

[Aira]

Zuuk was calm when he woke up. They resided in one of the Poisoned Arrow clan homes. The rest of the people in the building were already bustling about, readying themselves for a day of work. For some culture this might be a depressing thought, but for most Myrians it was life, and a good one to. Aira, at the foot of Zuuk's bunk in her tiger form, realized she had never actually seen the man be anything but calm. Three years they had been training for this moment, their first hunt. And yet he was calm. In his movements, in his unhurried way of getting ready it showed. Aira herself was a bit nervous. Not about bringing in anything, whatever they chose to hunt Aira was confident in her ability as well as Zuuk's. After all before they had started training together, even during their training, they would often go out on hunts with others. It also had nothing to do with Zuuk's view of her. She already knew that he cared for her as much as she for him and whatever happened on the hunt, be it good or bad, wouldn't change that. It was more of a nameless fear, one that alluded understanding. Even as she thought to focus on it the thoughts on the topic seemed to slither away from her grasp. Apparently she had made a noise of frustration because Zuuk moved over to her side. He was dressed now in simple hunters gear, mostly leather or cloth. A dagger in his belt, a quiver on his back, a bow over his shoulder (unstrung), and spear in hand showed that he was ready for the day. With his free hand Zuuk proceeded to scratch her behind the ears. scratched behind her ears. For anyone else it was the closest thing to fool hardy that one could be, some myrian tigers did not take kindly to such treatment. For Zuuk and Aira, it was simple how it was. Aira immediately felt the nameless fear being banished form her mind as contact with Zuuk seemed to calm her mind. She let him continue for one more second after that before shaking his head off and giving him a look of warning. Even for Zuuk there were limits. Unfazed by being dismissed Zuuk moved from his spot next to Aira toward one of the walls near the door. Hanging from it was a saddle, designed specifically for Aira and made to hold both Zuuk's bow and spear comfortably. He took it and moved outside through the door leading out. Aira followed suite, as calm now as her bondmate was. Despite her large frame, she was after all a full grown Myrian tiger, she moved through the door frame with an almost slinking grace. Outside, Zuuk took a moment to fit the saddle to Aira, taking a few seconds longer to make sure it was comfortable. He needn't have worried so much, the tiger had grown used to the feel of it. When he was done he set his bow in a sling on one side and his spear in a similar sling on the other. Aira lowered herself for a moment and Zuuk leaped on, somehow doing it with almost as much grace as Aira displayed. Without being directed Aira moved toward the gates. As she moved Aira noted the mist the begun to rise of the forest floor, taking sight of anything further then a few hundred feet, but otherwise being unobstructive in its presence. Hopefully it would give way to the day as time passed. A few myrian's noted their passage, some looking from Aira to the claw mark's upon Zuuk's chest. Most were used to the sight, but for some of the younger ones it was an interesting thing to see. One person glared at Zuuk, Aira recognized him as a Myrian around the stables who had failed his trial and had been denied a tiger. A small rumble from her throat came out and the look of anger in his eyes changed to one of surprise and fear. It didn't change his features, but he quickly moved back to whatever he had been doing. As they reached the Gate Zuuk stepped down from Aira's back and looked to the Myrian who had spoken. Aira turned her attention to the other two woman with him. She didn't know either of them personally, but had seen them at the barracks once or twice. They were competent fighters, perhaps with the potential for more. As she studied them Zuuk spoke up. "Choroda would be interesting game to be sure, but if any of you would rather hunt for the bull boar I would not object." His voice carried the same calm feeling about it that his actions did. He looked to Aira for her opinion, but the tiger simply shifted her shoulders in a very familiar shrug. Choroda would be interesting to find, a bull boar fun to bring down. She was happy with either choices. Turning from Zuuk Aira's eyes finally settled upon the male before her, the one who had first spoken up. Compared to Zuuk, who was perhaps the epitome of Myrian normalcy, this male seemed like he had been a dire animal's chew toy. For anyone else it might have seemed a bit intimidating, but Aira had once seen a Myrian turned into an actual chew toy by a Tiger he had inadvertently insulted. Despite the unique appearance he had, Aira did not recognize this man. The tiger looked to Zuuk, who was barley a head taller then her, and she realized from the look in his eye that he didn't know the hunter either. It didn't seem to concern him though. OOCGreat post!

[Hania]

Hania let the tiniest smile flit across his scarred face before it settled back into it's usual grim countenance. "You said Choroda first, they'll work for the purpose." The man had an oddly placid quality to him, at least in Han's eyes, and he took a few seconds to gauge the Rider. It was very rare to find someone so calm within the Myrian race. Everyone had a passion they believed in, a reason to fight with all of their heart, and aside from self pity their emotions were usually very apparent. This man seemed as if nothing effected him. For a fleeting stretch of time Han wondered if the man cared at all, about anything.

Quickly though, Han remembered his place and realized if this, Zuuk if he recalled right, was a Rider he'd earned the position; and the tattoos to prove it. Only time and moments of decision in his future would tell of his character. Hania stepped to the side creating a clearer view of the two women hunters, now heading towards them. "Mei and T'al. I don't know them but I've heard good things on both. Many of the parties that went out were already paired, this is a pick up group. I hope you don't mind." He looked from Zuuk to the Tiger and back waiting for any objections.

The pair looked fit and proud. The sense of community was strong within Taloba but superiority still existed. A few were elevated higher than the rest in rank, others rose to power by clan name, and then their was everyone else. All Riders were respected but some didn't share the same mentality as Hania had and lorded their position over others, though rightfully earned as it was. It wouldn't put him off either way, it's just the way things were. "The sightings were a good distance away in that direction." He pointed southwest with his spear. Here he also shifted his focus from the man to the big cat, averting his eyes ever so slightly away from her's. "We'll keep pace as long as we can on foot, and hopefully, we won't slow you down too much." Regardless of an understanding of his words he'd always found it prudent to address them direct, and respectfully. He might be stepping on the Rider's toes by not asking permission to talk to his mount but he would rather risk the Riders displeasure over the Tiger's any day. "If your ready, I think we've collected our things. We'll move when you do."

[Aira]

Zuuk gave a respectful nod of his head to both Mei and T'al as they neared. Both seemed fit enough, and they carried what weapons they did with obvious confidence. Aira briefly glanced once more at them, but having already studied them from afar didn't see anything new she had missed. One of the two, Aira guessed it was Mei, gave her a once over as well. The scrutinizing ended when the Myrian woman realized the tiger was looking right at her. Instead of averting her gaze as most do, the huntress met Aira's gaze with one of her own, somehow conveying both respect and strength at the same time. Aira already liked her. Instead of being insulted by the hunters following words, Zuuk simply looked bemused at Hania's attempt to speak to Aira. Perhaps some of the more arrogant riders sought to control such things, but Zuuk had learned with experience that Aira had a will of her own, as do most of the Myrian tigers. He looked from Hania to Aira calmly, waiting for an answer as well. The tiger, without lifting her gaze from the male before her, seemed to ponder for a moment his words before turning away. Zuuk gave a private smile to the kelvic, the way he was facing it was doubtful anyone saw it, before turning back to Hania. "I don't think she has any problems with your plan." Zuuk once more turned back to Aira and pulled himself back into the saddle. The tiger didn't lower herself to make it any easier, as he was already up by the time she noticed. "We'll try and restrain ourselves. As you say we may be a pick up group," Zuuk paused for a moment and for the first time an emotion seemed to breach his calm exterior, though only showing itself in a subtle change of voice, "but we are still Myrians one and all." It was in that last word that the emotion was most evident, but it was also in that last word Zuuk once more became his ordinary calm self. The huntresses, still a few feet away, did not even seem to notice the subtle change. Aira, once more competing in a staring contest with Mei, did not even seem to hear the words he had spoken. For a moment a quite settled on the group, only to be broken by a yawn from the now bored tiger perhaps a few moments in. Zuuk looked to her with move forward. Aira, realizing that she would have to moderate herself for the others, moved at a slow walk. At the moment it didn't concern her to much, but perhaps that might tame as time dragged on. Mei moved nearer to Aira, who was once more watching the Myrian woman intently, while T'al followed from off to the right. Zuuk look to Hania to see if he would lead, as the rider himself had only the gesture with the spear to go on for direction. "You seem unfamiliar to me hunter. Have we not met before?" A tinge of curiosity could be heard in Zuuk's voice. He wouldn't be arrogant enough to say that he knew every Myrian hunter, but in his life he had met a great many of them. It was n odd feeling for him to come across someone he had not so much as had a glance at before.

[Hania]

Han tried to restrain himself and move with the group, he really did try, but they were so slow. He steadily passed them as they entered the outlying trees around Taloba mumbling something about a pretty speech on his way by. Hania had the unfortunate luck of an extremely dry sense of humor which made people think the jokes he made were earnest remarks, and half off his remarks odd attempts at dark humor. And while he was muttering, which was a fair bit of time, any laughable comment was lost in a deep voiced stream of unintelligible words. But Zuuk had made his point which was one Han was willing to respect.

Thankfully for the sake of conversation there wouldn't be much to worry about in the jungle so close to Taloba, and their quarry wouldn't stray all that far away from water. Talk, it seemed, was all they had to do for a good while yet. "We haven't met face to face before. But you're a Rider, I'm sure several people knew your name before you knew theirs." He finally slipped by the tiger and trotted ahead a short distance. The ground was always his first thing to focus on since it could tell him so much. Myrian footprints led off to the right where a game trail started it's long, winding, path through the area. With so many trails to remember it was hard to keep track of which one's went where but he was almost positive this one was going the same direction they had set. Time and effort would be saved by using a clear path. Han doubled back to the other four in his group, looking at the sky through the canopy but he couldn't read the trees as well as the ground.

"I try to spend as much time as I can out here, outside of Taloba. When I am home I only stay with my sister on rainy nights. But home is such a big place is it strange we haven't met? Clan lines get cloudy like rivers in the rain. Some don't want to be associated with a different clan. Or small clans like mine aren't known well in the military. What about you, and your Tiger? Where have you been to avoid our meeting?" A sidelong glance was cast towards Zuuk and then around at the others. Come to think of it, after a quick tally of all the people he knew, he didn't really know anyone outside of his clan. It seemed kind of pathetic....he immediately began mentally stabbing himself. Friends and acquaintances come in extremely handy at times so no doubt he needed more.

[Aira]

Zuuk looked ahead, seemingly calm as ever with only a twinge of anger in his eyes as evidence of something beneath the surface of tranquility. "You speak much truth that saddens me. To think some clans would treat others as such. Such should not be." His hand briefly moved across the mark on his chest that signaled he had earned the right to be a rider. "Perhaps being a rider has afforded me a bit of recognition, but that is not what this mark is about for me." He left it at that, deciding not to explain further what the mark was actually about. As Hania moved on ahead Aira looked back and forth quickly in an attempt to recognize where they were in the jungle. In her short lifespan she had traveled many times through these woods and had long ago learned at least the basics of the lay of the land. The closer to Taloba the more she knew and was able to recognize. They were nearing some game trails that should lead in the direction of their target for at least part of the trip. Zuuk continued when Hania returned as if the short lapse in conversation hadn't occurred. "When I'm not hunting I'm usually at the barracks training with Aira, or practicing my weapons skills. There's is always room for improvement after all." They reached one of the trail's Hania had found in a few moments. Zuuk and the other Myrian's agreed that it would be quicker to travel along the path until it turned away from their goal. Aira didn't care either way, still able to enjoy the walking. Zuuk and the two huntresses picked their pace up here, having a trail to follow mean less a chance for getting separate. Mei remained close enough to the tiger so she could still glance over to the beast every once in a while. Though Aira did not continually stare at her, Mei's eyes always seemed to be met by Aira's gaze every time she turned. In truth most of Aira's time was spent studying the track's beneath their feet, looking for any irregularities suggesting another being's use. This close to Taloba it mostly appeared to be humanoid sets. A few minutes passed with this increased pace before Zuuk spoke up once more, "Can you tell me what the rumors say of the Charoda? Was there any indication of their numbers?"

[Hania]

"We are Myrian. We thrive on conflict," He paused in his speech to look at a string of broken fern stems on the ground. The tracks were faint, old, maybe three days old and not recognizable to his eye. "Without struggle I think we all might go mad. It's in our nature, it's only expected that we clash with one another. Though we are lucky Myri keeps the squabbling to affiliations only, and not blood feuds." He looked at the rider with his good eye wondering where his ideals sat in relation to reality.

In their world reality was both a friend and enemy. If you wanted to survive the reality was you had to do what ever you could, dirty or honorable. On the flip side it was rare for anyone to reach the limit of their race's age; nearly everyone died early and usually painfully. If you were wounded and crippled the people had no use for you other than an artisan or something else. And for Hania, always a hunter, and a warrior, the change to an artisan would be too much. Many of the warriors felt the same way and maybe that led to the high mortality rate but it wasn't a matter he was desperate to figure out. They were where they were and that's what mattered.

Han clambered over a log, doing a rather undignified dance on the way down so he didn't step on a nasty looking bug. When he was sure there was no danger of being attacked by the fist sized bug he scooted back onto the trail. "So far there have only been sightings of their footprints in the river banks. But when the hunting party went back to check their nets they hadn't caught anything. The area is good for fish so their catch was set free. They tried to poison the water with different plant saps but nothing turned up. Usually it means nothing, but they said the banks have been scuffed up the last few days. I've seen the Charoda muck up a bank like animals would to hide their prints. With that much activity I'd guess it's a family of them, or a gathering party." He looked at the others with a grin. A successful hunt of that size would benefit everyone for a time to come. "Your Aira will be able to help sniff out numbers when we get closer, I think. Unless this is her first hunt?"