Moonlight Sonata (Ruin)

[Vadim]

20th of Summer; 510 AV

There was ambivalence in the steely gaze of Valdred. A shuddering step accounted for the sharp whistle which rung soundly in its rigid ears and it neighed as it drew its gaze fearfully upon the glowing white orb above which cast ominous light to the dark grasses below. It saw, through keen directive not only the swaying grasses but the subtle lumps that traversed through them. It heard the resounding cackle of far off creatures that it shrank back to and neighed powerfully. Fear stirred a pace trot backwards, from the edge of an invisible boundary which threaded itself about the encampment. Security was within, but a step beyond created a dark emptiness the horse was uncomfortable to traverse in.

A pained sigh reverberated off of vocals and drew into a long assessment on part of Vadim. His dilated pupils did not seem to stir as they washed over a healthy gaze of the horse, but rather reverberated, slight tittering motions that expended no extra energy from the movement of the eye than needed. He saw no other option than to step from the shadows of the contrasting boundary and approach his horse, a hand snapping out to grasp its reins which provided anchor for him to swing upwards onto a plain leather harness. He proceeded with such swiftness and directive that the steed below him could not compensate, and so whinnied in defeat. A gloved hand patted the flank of the horse, and before his boots snapped against its sides he whispered comforting thoughts in a fluent Pavi. There the steed became still. It sputtered and caused vibrations to ripple throughout its frame, and then it walked.

"Fetig!" Vadim called out in a controlled rasp.

A white bundle scurried from a nearby tent, the flap not having a chance to fall before it had zoomed from it and to the side of Valdred, its muzzle prodding curiously into the air. In quick fleeting moments it realized the pacing horse and swung its body into full sprint to compensate for the distance already lost, bounding merrily against the lush grasses and embracing the cool breeze which whipped against his skin.

There were hushed whispers that caught the flank of Vadim, though he was hesitant to jerk his head back. In a dim view the shadowy silhouettes of a few Drkyas stepped warily from the comfort of their tent and assumed stern posture, looking towards the fleeting man in dismay.

[Ruin]

It was night, and as of lately, there were a few Zith in the area that have been spotted, especially that of a trio of brothers, Perish, Agony, and the one who saw himself as no less than the King of all Zith, Ruin. Ruin was, as he had been for several seasons now, crawling through the tall grasses of the fields simply known as The Sea of Grass, and its name was very fitting, as the grass itself was more than enough to conceal a majority of Ruin's body within it. Shadows too played a large part in this concealment as the Winged Humanoid slowly, and as silently as possible, crept through, he was searching for something, anything really. Lately his hunts have not been too productive, and that was why he separated from his brother tonight. He felt he could do better without them making such noise around him, and perhaps he was right.

Ruin did not have the desire to count time, but he knew it had to have been a while, slowly creeping, searching for something, and when he finally found something, his spirits lifted as his anxiety followed shortly after. He could hear them perfectly, and they were moving in his direction. Three creatures, and the heartbeat of one was a human. Ruin assumed it to be the local humans of the grassy plains, the Drykas, and he knew they were tough, for humans anyway. He was confident that he could take one on, and it was rare that they traveled alone. Glassbeaks made such actions difficult to perform without deadly repercussion, and tonight, it was going to be a Zith that made this man regret his actions.

Ruin continued to stalk around within the tall grass, waiting for the horse to bring the man closer. The closer they could get, the better chance he had to strike him dead before he even realized he was prey. Ruin couldn't contain his wicked grin, during the night, his dark brown hair looked nearly black, and with his wings folded around his body, there was little that could separate him from the shadows, it was his time. 'Come to me human, tonight I'll feast on your body.'

[Vadim]

Clomping footsteps ground lengthy grass into submission as the horse trotted along in silence, its head bobbing to the rhythm of its stride length and its bulbous black eyes switching to and fro every which way that they would manage. Its tail swooshed elegantly and lit up in a white glow as it whisked away small insects that seemed to cloud over the isolated group, hungrily assuaging their need to pester and gather around solid mass. Their presence did not stir or incite any other reaction or atypical movement except for the occasional shake of the long face of a reflexive shudder escaping across the body. Valdred seemed content to the deviating silence, and soon fell into calm serenity, moving at his master's whim.

Vadim was not so deadened in sense. With apprehension he tightened the reins of his steed and jerked his head to examine curious movements by his fox, subtle intricacies that few would be able to gather as anything other than quirky gesture. He noted the forcible rise of the muzzle and its claws digging through the grass and into the ground below, his nose pushed in and smearing. For a minute these strange rituals continued before its white frame stilled, its tail cocking back and a soft grow emitting from its black lips. The cunning canine seemed more aggressive in transcendent movements, its fluffed fur not taking the semblance of sharp white daggers that cut into the thick of the muggy environment. All signs pointed in the general direction ahead.

Valid suspicion forced Vadim to tear his javelin from his holster, holding it properly and underhanded in anticipation of a sudden need to cast it against another. His pale eyes checked the grass that was in front. Limited by human sense he could not decipher awkward movement from the wind touching grass and so he failed to pick up any trace of sentient being. Though, as he gazed upon the still rigid frame of Fetig he was assured of something more sinister than a passing breeze. He spoke flatly and without fear.

"Rise if you've a mind to understand my words! If not then I shall proceed to thrust my spear into every inch of this plain until you are dead!" Vadim echoed in his broken common tongue, a very heavy accent embellishing that particular linguistic.

[Ruin]

Ruin was caught, as he assumed, one of the beasts was able to sniff him out, the only sense that was unmistakable on such a night as this. What a shame. Anyway, Ruin could have a few moments of fun with this. He stood up slowly, he was a good twenty yards in from of Vadim, almost directly in front of him. His large wing were firmly wrapped around his body, making resemble very closely to a human with a cloak, and thanks to the darkness of the night, he only looked more like one, he responded in common, which was rough, somewhat like Vadim's, but his 'accent' was very different, he was not a Drykas, and not even the night could mask that trait in the voice.

"Hello." Ruin grinned as he was standing tall now, he did not move towards or away from Vadim, his twenty yards was a comfortable position for him, gave him room to jump into the sky before he had a flurry of madness around him. "What are you?" Ruin spoke in short phrases, obviously using what little common language he knew, which was simple at best. Perhaps appearing peaceful would help throw the Drykas man off guard.

Ruin would stand there for a while, watching his target, but soon he decided to alter his plan. Why the need to deceive when you can easily kill him without deception? Ruin nodded to himself and unfolded his wings, which would have made it very clear now what he was. Zith. He waved his wings a moment or two before they pulled him into the sky, and his darkened colors against the deep dark blue night sky was difficult, at best, to see. However, for Ruin, who had perfect pinpoint accuracy with his ears and wicked night-adapted vision, was in his zone. All advantages was his, except for one thing, the weapon Vadim had. It gave him both reach and lethality advantage, Ruin saw and recognized this, and he would have to be careful not to get poked.

The first part of Ruin's plan was simple, as usual, circle the Drykas, flying at a comfortable leisurely pace, and wait for him to either lose him, try to run, even even try to make an attack at the airborne Zith. Any move Vadim would make would leave an opening, most likely, and Ruin would try and utilize such human error.

[Vadim]

The shift in debilitating light was so immediate a change that Vadim faltered in his stony complexion. His heart wrenched as it struggled to maintain a beat that came only from the failure of his deluded senses. His weakness gripped him veritably, and his cold body grew still as the other approached. Jarred with a curiosity and apprehension, he lifted his gaze above the arching neck of his horse and leaned forward in examination. Dismayed only by slowly passing silhouette he relaxed upon his steed and drew his heel inwards against its belly, inciting action which forced it to shift ninety degrees so that its flank was exposed to the other.

"We both know the question to that, -Zith-. It is a noble thought that you could breathe in these plains without raising the attention of an Ankal." Vadim retorted with a fiery wisp accentuating his speech.

He conceded silence only in the midst of abrasive action. His confidence grew in the fading deep hues of the sky. Clouds which shielded the evanescent moonlight from above would pass as they always have and leave Ruin painted as a zipping shadow instead of one that sought to blend seamlessly. He cursed his inferior ability and shaking hands, lest he had thrown his javelin in expert manner to have slain the flying rat. Minimal advantage forced the gaze of Vadim to fall upon a more talented predator, Fetig's eyes which gleamed resiliently and followed the shadow with distinction of its crooking neck, indirectly giving accurate direction of Ruin.

"Let us get this over with then so that I may present your head as a prize to Ankal Asim."

[Ruin]

Ruin listened to the Drykas, a smile curling as the words he uttered were almost humorous to the Zith. He was threatening the Master of the Night! Surely he did not understand the predicament he was in. Ruin was a hunter, these Drykas were limited to their sight during the day and by their inability to travel without the assistance of another creature, and Ruin was able to notice, the help of the smaller creature was almost his sight. Either using smell, sound, or sight (or a combination of the three) it was able to watch him. Perhaps Ruin would present the small dead creature to Perish. He'd surely find some use for it. Or Agony, probably would like a new set of bones to carve.

Ruin continued to circle around Vadim until he was at the Horse's back, then he would swoop, flying quickly over and past Vadim, he did not strike, nor even came within ten feet of the man, but was trying to make him flee. If he could force the man to run or charge, he would have an advantage, a greater one. Ruin could already hear his heart though, it had picked up, the horse too now, it was beginning to realize the situation, or at least comprehend it was dangerous. The creature probably realized it was something similar to a Glassbeak attack, except in this situation, the Zith was even more formidable than a Glassbeak.

Ruin very slowly lowered himself until his wings were keeping him only a few feet from the ground, knowing full well he was armed. What Drykas come out of their home without proper weaponry? One more foolish than this one at least. Chances aren't exactly impossible that a thrown or shot arrow was soon to come, which is what Ruin was trying to bait. Better yet, a full frontal charge with the horse would give him time to do something, for now, he would just stalk his prey some more.

[Vadim]

Indeed the heart pumped vigorously against the broad chest of Vadim, and indeed his vulnerability enticed new emotion. The breadth of his experiences had taught patience and a steady hand, however, and even in the panic of deadened senses and an insatiable creature his complacency fell back to a rhythm that occurred so seamlessly from fear he'd imagined Ruin estimated wrong. Adrenaline now seized his veins and every muscle in his body were drenched in euphoric feeling and indescribable life. His pupils shrunk and his awareness heightened. The concerto of flapping wings separated from the whistling of wind through the grasses. Vadim saw vicariously through his fox. Fetig's arch of the neck which swiveled in a linear motion from Vadim's backside did not falter and no trajectory assumed sudden descent.

Subtle, intricate movements of the palm against the shaft of his javelin were made in the deluding pitch of night. In confidence Vadim slipped his right palm to the butt of his spear and swiveled his head back to catch a glimpse of the floating shadow. While depth could not be judged accurately he examined a dangerous proximity to test. Closer and closer Ruin came and more elaborate were its features revealed in the glimmering moonlight until finally. . .

Vadim sprung forth, first driving the base of his right foot of his stirrup and transferring powerful momentum to his hips. In turn the forward swing of his hips attributed to a quick snapping extension of his right shoulder which drove the tip of his javelin forth, guided by the palm of his right hand at its very end. A gleaming blur in the opaque moonlight occurred in such voracious manner that it was inevitably intended for the beast to see quite clearly. Though its exact distance above the man was unclear, the true distance of an extended one handed thrust combined the eight and half feet of his javelin with the two and half feet of Vadim's arm to at the very least frighten the creature if not catch upon its body by some lucky happenstance. With a roar to follow, Vadim cried into the night.

"I do not play games, creature! You have destroyed your only advantage and now we meet on equal terms. Face me now and waste no more of my time!"

[Ruin]

As Ruin passed overhead the Drykas, he felt an interesting sensation in his leg, which only moments later registered as pain. The spear had managed, even if only barely, to tear into his skin. It wasn't deep, but it was enough to enrage Ruin into a fierce frenzy, he quickly turned and charged straight for Vadim now, his voice exploding with the volume of a loud shrill screech, and expecting the man to hold out the spear and simply allow the Zith to impale himself, Ruin ducked lower before he was within range, putting his flight somewhat closer to the ground, from which he would claw at, not the man, but the horse's side, hoping to either force the beast down to the ground, or cause enough pain and terror to force it to run off, either taking his master off in a surprised and unexpected retreat, or possibly even leave him on the ground stunned. Either way it would be advantageous to Ruin to have the horse panicked, since Vadim was quite comfortable on it.

As Ruin soared past the legs of the horse, he was forced to fold his wings and hit the ground, tumbling several times before kicking out of his roll and leaping into the air once more. The folded wings and rolling was meant to keep his wings from being exposed to Vadim's spear, and to keep said wings from being drug across the ground or the horse, which would have downed the flying Zith anyway and with less grace as well. Assuming his fake kept him from being scratched, or even worse impaled, he would once again be in the air, watching his target with maddened eyes, but he was still silent. If this plan failed, he would have to go after Vadim's eyes, the small fox.

Ruin was able to pick up early on the reliance of Vadim on his companions. The fox for sight, the horse for speed and reach advantage, but what if they were taken away? Drykas were born into the saddle and raised on the back of a horses, perhaps if they were half horse it'd be convenient for Vadim in this case, but Ruin found it as a weakness, since it would be the equivalent of throwing shards of glass in his eyes and slicing his hamstring, restricting both sight and the ability to flee. There was also one more advantage that could be had if Ruin went for the fox. Vadim would surely come to its aid, perhaps Ruin could make a trap out of it and go for the kill. Wouldn't that be pleasant.

[Vadim]

The smooth friction of sharpened metal sliding against Ruin was a momentary victory indeed. When resistance of the two impeding forces could no longer hold the shaft upwards it fell, a burdening descent to which the normal strength of a forearm could not manage. Essential seconds dripped away as Vadim recovered at a slow pace from his attack, managing balance atop his fluttering horse and gaining control of his javelin once more with the aid of a stabilizing left palm. His gaze now fell upon an enraged beast whose pace had quickened and with lack of control hurtled forth. Instinct and reflex pushed him to shove his javelin outwards past the side of his steed's neck to resist the charge, but it was for naught.

The silvery blade sunk only into air and pushed onwards by the leverage of its white shaft which easily gleamed in the disheartening darkness. A moment of resilient peace alluded to utter chaos. In one swift motion Vadim was thrown from his steed, ushered by a powerful thrust of the rear and a neigh which called to the heavens. The grinding of nail against exposed flesh mixed with the fading cry of Ruin and all at once the extreme assuage of his senses melded into a sickening crack as he fell upon the plains below. For a moment a ringing darkness fell over his vision. His javelin tumbled limply from his fingertips and his body fell to a peace.

He awoke only moments later to the piercing whine of his steed who prominently tracked the ground with abrasive footsteps. It whinnied as blood poured from a clean gash at its side. Fetig had scurried to his masters side as fast as he could manage and now the three were suddenly vulnerable. Groggy eyes and sore, the Drykas fell into footsteps that were less than promising. He seemed entranced in drunken fervor as he stepped wildly about the plains in delusion and fear. He waved the edge of his javelin about in every which way he heard the whistle of wind, yet never struck the mark of the Zith above. Still he seemed solvent in voice as he cried angrily to the skies.

"Honorless cur! You would force me from my steed to sate your own twisted humor? Consider yourself fed and have me as I am! If you've a speck of dignity within that black hole you call a heart step down from the skies and meet me!"

The sharpness which lorded over the man's tone did no justice the contrasting weave of his figure. Even as he stood in speech his body faltered and his eyes flitted rapidly, watching only the reflected silhouette of Ruin fall over the light of moon and pass back into shadow.

[Ruin]

The Drykas's heart was racing now, and even though it was difficult to hear from the horse's frenzied antics, he was able to pinpoint the sound, the beautiful, rhythmic thumping of a hastened heart. Fear, a word Ruin almost chosen as his own name long ago, but a relative of his had already claimed, and he wanted to be original of course. A fierce grin manifested on his shadowed face, his prey was weakening mentally, which was often times worse than physical exhaustion itself. How wonderful. Ruin continued to bask in the moonlight, half of the time hidden by a little extra cloud, half the time just the basic night sky. The man was frantic now, swiping and swinging blindly into the sky, this posed as both an advantageous moment to strike, and a disadvantageous, as he would be unpredictable.

Ruin allowed the man to cry out words in either his Pavi tongue, or the Common Language, either way his words were mostly falling on deaf ears, as the Zith knew none of the Drykas speech, and common was very basic. Words like 'cur' and 'honor' were lost on him. It wouldn't have helped much anyway, since Ruin was just that, honorless, wicked, a hunter stalking his prey. Nothing more. This was not a duel to settle disagreement, this was the cycle of life right here.

Ruin threw himself again, as the clouds had just placed a thin layer over the moon, his body soared through the air towards Vadim, straight and true. His claws were ready to shred the throat, rip away at the skin on his face, tear the muscles in his arms so that he could not raise up weapon in defiance, whatever he could grab onto and cut with his razor sharp claws was likely to be targeted and shredded. However, it was a large risk because Vadim, and his wild swinging, was not yet disarmed of being dangerous. He still had the ability, with one lucky perfectly aimed thrust, to not only pull the Zith from the sky, but to strike him dead. Ruin knew this, knew it was probably too big of a risk to go for the kill now, but he was enraged, not thinking clearly, as wasn't Vadim. Their emotions were similar, anger, frustration, fear of death, desire to kill the other, rage. The only differences now were choice of weapons, sight, and mobility. It was difficult to say which would come out on top.