Solo [The Bronze Woods] The Calling

[Fallon]

53rd Fall 513 AV

I need to get out. I need to get out of those walls!

It was the needing cry of the mind that pushed her out. She could hardly think, every feeling almost reverberating off the cold stone of the citadel. A piercing cry in her turbulent mind. She had met her brother, her own flesh and blood, for the first time in her life. She had begun to question not only herself but her existence, her ego and being. And for the most part it left her only wanting to ask more. But the knights would not give answers, they wanted duty to come first above all else. For that was their way, their code. There was to be only loyalty to the cause. She only shook her head more as she called for her companion, the shaggy wolf Orvin who followed her about. Her head hurt, her pulse screamed, and in turn she found herself balancing upon the edge on what exactly it was she wanted to achieve. She gave a grunt as she discovered her flint and steel in her boot, and promptly thrust them into her pocket.

What was it she wanted? What did she desire? Markus may have been one thing, her lover, her partner and brother in arms, but that could not be all she wished to achieve. To stand by his side, serving as a knight to protect those within the walls. Not whilst there was so much going on beyond them. Her brow creased, her hands pulling at the buckles on her leather armour. She needed to get out. She could not stay restricted any longer. The tulwar came next, safely secured at her waist as the rest of her own personal equipment was donned, even the water skin was strapped to her belt – she did not know how long she would have to be out for after all. The articles that belonged directly to the knights was left behind. If anything for her own peace of mind. She gave an incline of the head to Orvin, her brow only briefly meeting in the middle. The scraping of paws on stone followed her as she made her escape. She did not even stop for Javil on the way. Her mind was already set on seeing the world beyond the walls, and nothing was going to get in her way.

She walked, escaping onto the Kabrin and heading northwards with a mighty stride. The quiver was on her back, the bow pulled across her with the taunt string pressing into her leathers. There was no time to waste; she had already decided that as she continued to push on. Her feet lead the way, leading her inevitably off the road. She was hunting a distraction, and if she could not find one she would simply make one with whatever was to hand.

Autumn was in full swing. The distinct smell of turned leaves and earth having filled the very air, the crisp sound of wood and growth crunching beneath her feet as she stalked between the flora. Her head remained low, her shoulders hunching slightly in. The low patter of rain struck against her hood, faint beat from the nature that surrounded her beyond from what was already visible from beyond the turned leaves. Eyes gave a low trace; her entire form crouched down as she studied the ground. Faint prints marked the ground, the small animals and creatures leaving their trails throughout the lower ends of the Bronze Wood. Her finger tip gave a trace of the print, small, worn and belonging to that of a rabbit – least that was what she thought. Her other hand in the meanwhile continued to hold fast around the grip of the short bow. Her ears gave a twitch, the blue green orbs turning up to the muted gold and green leaves that filled its canopy. Winter was indeed coming, meaning game and the like would become far fewer to the hunters. And so, people would turn desperate and needy.

In the meanwhile however, prey was still for the pickings. Giving a low whistle, Fallon turned her head to the shaggy wolf that was skulking about behind. Ears cocked, the bright eyes turning to his master at the response to the noise. She gave a gesture, a firm point to the ground next to her and a command on her lips, “Orvin, to heel.”

The wolf gave a pause, before slowly padding over, his great head low to the ground. There was a loud distinct snort as he sniffed, before his large eyes turned up once more to Fallon. Snapping her fingers together she drew in a deep breath and caught his attention once more. Her digits gave a wiggle before him; she pushed back the fur, gesturing to the ground below. Fingers gave a point down, working on grabbing the attention of the wolf, “Now boy. I know we haven’t done this in a while, but let’s give this a go shall we?”

[Fallon]

Tapping the ground she pushed the head down slightly so he sniffed it, before pointing her fingers in the direction that it went. She continued to tap at it, or at least until Orvin gave a definite snort, her words continuing to fill the air, “We’re going to try and follow this trail right? Just for practice. And maybe lunch. I’m getting hungry again. Anyway, we don’t have to find anything. Just, well, so we get better. You hear me? Just practice.” She brought herself up from the crouch. It was easier said than done, the creature was easily distracted after all. With her free hand pushing him and guiding him along she kept her eyes low, narrowing down upon the tracks as she fought to pick out the distinct marks upon the earth. Little stopped her, quick feet working to be as silent as possible, her breathing working to be low and gentle. Nostrils flared with her hand occasionally withdrawing to point and direct her fury companion. And, after a long few chimes of them working forwards and heading deeper between the bronze trees. The ground became knotted and turned, thick with life and vegetation. But still the pair pushed on, blood pumping a strange excitement consuming and pushing. It was almost the call for a hunt, the primal urge to chase down and find what had been left. She gave a weave, shins rising, tendons contracting as she picked up speed. She heard the beat of paws, the pant of the wolf as he kept a steady pace next to her. It was easy really for such a creature, they were born to run and perform such tasks. It was their nature, their drive. As for the drive of human kind however, well even Fallon did not know the answer to that.

It was perhaps sharply however, that Orvin stopped, ears flat and his eyes staring ahead through the narrow slits in the leaves. She gave a slight stumble as she did, right foot being thrown forward to support her halting. And for a very long chime there was silence as the entire forest held its breath. Eyes turned down to Orvin, a gentle hand reaching out to pet him on the back of the head, whilst her eyes tried to seek what he had spotted. Eyes narrowed as she looked upon the turned ground, a look of surprise almost that she had managed to stumble across.

“Good boy. Heel… heel,” she breathed as she rubbed at his head. Fallon had seen wild rabbits before, their small lean bodies of bone, flesh and hide. She gave a brief glance, listening to the distinct ‘wheeking’ noise pricking on the wind. Lips parted as she exhaled, still looking on with a sense of wonder. It was without thought that she reached for one of the arrows, fingers gingerly pulling at the fletchings. The wolf only gave her a brief glance, his head lowering as he remained keen on his target, almost as if weighing up his next point of action. And it was there that they watched, still and near motionless as the rabbits continued about their business.

Fallon knew she was no hunter, and she also knew she was poor with the bow. Yet, temptation called her. It strived at her to challenge. What if she was forced into such situation that she needed to hunt? Or better yet, needed to use the bow against another being for self defence? Or in the name of the order? There was a swallow. Training with wooden swords, sweeps with the flat edge, shooting at targets – that may have taught her how to use her tools, her weapons. But to use them against another being, one that could be talked down if need be? She inhaled quickly, trying to push away the thought. It was just a rabbit, she had helped in killing a wolf before with her Kukri, and she had focused on saving others from the dangers of predators. Or tried to at least.

But rabbits just had to look so petching cute.

The squire steeled herself. Fingers nocked the arrow back against the string, her arm giving a tremble as she held onto the feathers. She knew she could do this, she knew it was necessary to know. She did not fancy the idea of starving to death whilst on patrol and out in the wildlands. And thus she had no choice but to learn to fend for herself even with the costs. Dealing with those who were more sentient however would have to wait. For now at least. Resting the shaft of the arrow in place, Fallon begun to raise the bow her focus on keeping it steady. Form low she straightened her arm out, string growing taunt as she lined it up. A rabbit was grazing a small distance away, rummaging through the leaves and occasionally raising its head to look at the world around it. Observing and keeping an eye out for danger. At the first sign of danger it most probably would bolt into the undergrowth, hiding away with the rest of its species in the burrows deep. She caught the glimmer of Orvin turning to watch, something having caught his eye. Teeth gritted as he did, an inquisitive glance in her general direction and then back to whatever he had seen.

Eyes peered down the shaft of the arrow, string growing tighter, her muscles straining to hold it in place. The tip gave a tremble, her throat tightening as she focused. She forced an inhale, the point lining up to the momentarily still animal. Her brow creased, hearing the faint whine of eagerness coming from the wolf. Fingers trembled around the flight feathers, before, finally she released it.

[Fallon]

The rabbit screamed. It was sharp, piercing, an eerie wail that sliced through the air in an instant. Even Fallon could not help but recoil slightly after the shot. The others scattered, the arrow having found its mark within its rear. It continued its cry, the shaft having lodged firmly into its hide, a spasm of movement as writhed about in pain. Her eyes widened as she stood, the sudden movement of Orvin as he shot through the undergrowth and towards the squealing rabbit. It was a swift service after that, a distinct crunch as the wolf pounced it and broke the rabbit’s neck in between his jaws and the wrangled noise falling to silence. There was only the occasional happy yap from Orvin after that, her skin having gone pale as she stared. Swallowing, she sheepishly stepped out from the undergrowth, eyes looking upon the fresh rabbit corpse that Orvin was playing with in fascination. Her lips were wetted, her lips opening to produce words.

“Orvin,” the wolf turned his head to her, head cocking to one side. She gave a point to the dead animal then to herself, ”Bring it here.” There was a long pause as the creature looked upon her in a bemusement. She drew in a deep breath, ”Now Orvin.” The creature padded over, a distinct snort as he brought the kill over and dropped it. Fingers pinched at her brow as she inspected it, and where the arrow had managed to immobilize it from escaping. She gave a crouch, her fingers tracing the matted and damped fur, and then promptly trembled at the arrow shaft. The screaming of the creature was still in her ears, and sent a distinct shiver down her spine. She gave a swallow, hand gripping onto the body whilst the other gripped onto the arrow shaft. Jaw clenched as she gave the arrow a twist and pulled it free. Air escaped; relieved almost that it did not leap back to life.

It was most definitely dead.

She rocked on her haunches, twiddling the arrow in her fingers before smearing the blood off the tip on her trouser leg. She had to harden up, she needed to stop looking at things with such levels of worry; for even she said so herself in the past that it was survival of the fittest in the wilds. Kill, or be killed. She grabbed the rabbit by the scruff and looked down at Orvin. There was no use letting it go to waste, was there now? She could already hear her mentor’s words ringing in the back of her head, ”Respect the wilds, and the wilds will respect you. Never over hunt, and never let things go to waste.” There was an exhale, eyes looking the dead creature up and down as the wolf looked at her. She looked back to the trees, and then back to him, ”Let’s… get a move on shall we? See if we can try and deal this dammed thing.”

Shaking her head Fallon slid the arrow back and the bow across her. Her eyes turning round to see what was what. Might as well use what was available to her whilst she had the time. She gave a nervous tap at the undergrowth, her toes flipping a fallen branch protected by the leaves. Gingerly picking it up with the other she gave a glance round, looking for an open patch of ground untainted by leaves and damp. In honesty, she was simply going with the flow, practicing and remembering her skills from before. It had been a while since she last had to use them. And now was no different. She gave the earth a firm stomp, brushing aside the leaves upon the ground and kneeling down. Drawing the Kukri she gave it a gentle turn in the hand, remembering its use as tool as well as a weapon. She gave a whistle and pointed to the open space opposite her, ”Sit Orvin. And stay. Got it boy? Stay.”

[Fallon]

Whether or not he behaved was missed by her, for already she was working upon the wood. Carefully she picked at the bark that covered it, fingernails pulling at the edges and peeling away pieces here and there. From there she piled it up on the autumn earth, a gentle movement of the wrist as the keen edge of the Kukri carved on through, hitting and snagging upon pieces here and there. Her arm gave a jerk, the slithers of tinder piling up before her. She scrapped it together, her eyes only occasionally turning to the dead rabbit she had gingerly placed beside her. If she wanted to even consider eating it, she would have to get through the process of trying to skin it first – something that would inevitably prove more interesting when she attempted it. In the meanwhile though, getting a fire and fuel was much more important at present. Fumbling for the flint and tinder, she rotated her wrist and dragged the steel against the flint – slowly at first as if she was trying to work out the angle. From there it grew sharper, firmer, and of a quicker speed as sparks came from the smooth edge. The low clicking sounded out, a dulled beat of surfaces before, finally a spark nestled upon the tinder. She blew upon it gently, hands cupping around the edge of the tinder and preventing it from blowing away. It crackled and sparked into a tiny flame in need of feeding. Quickly, she tucked it back away into her pocket. Taking up the kurki she grasped the remained of the branch, and gave a hacking slash with it. The cold iron edge met the bark, gouging into it. Orvin gave a flinch at the first strike, ears raising and pricking in alertness, before settling down once more. There was a second swing, slicing deeper this time. She gave a wrench, wriggling the blade free, before setting both hands onto the wood. She gave it a twist, muscles straining as she tried to pull the damaged wood apart before she took up the blade to hack against it once more. When she managed to finally break a chunk off, she fed it to the burning scraps and tinder, and let it ignite. Of course she would need more for it, and so scrambling up to her feet Fallon sent herself rooting beneath the leaves nearby whilst Orvin continued to watch the flickering flames – bemused almost as to how the human managed to conjure up such a thing.

Fingers grasped and pulled at branches and twigs, pulling them out and exposing them to the air. Her arm wrapped and pulled the bundle close, thin spindles and thicker pieces mingled in together. She even claimed a particularly straight one with the intention of using it on the rabbit. If, she could bring herself to dealing with it. With a definite foot fall, she returned to feed the small fire, before turning once more to the dead rabbit. Her brow creased as she stared at it, before sheepishly picking it up. The first thing to deal with – she decided – was the head. She could not look at it properly any more with its large, dead, eyes. She grasped the Kukri once more, her grip tight around the hilt as she pulled the rabbit over and closer.

Just get it over and done with. Then you can pat yourself on the back for doing a good job. But it doesn’t mean it’s easy…

It was with a strong swing of the Kukri that she beheaded the creature. She gave a shudder, shaking off the clawing feeling that grasped her for a tick before she raised the blade away. She gave a stare down at the removed head, before sheepishly pushing it into the flame. There was no changing what was done, nor was there any going back. Orvin gave a turn of the head as his master continued to work upon the rabbit with a distinct frown upon her face. Flames crackled as she continued to feed it on occasion, but for the moment she was staring down at the rabbit. The next task would be skinning it, which left her for the most part stumped. Gripping the fur she ran the tip of the kukri up the belly to where the head would have been, and revealing the tender flesh below. Shoulders rolled, the hand moving up to the paws. It hovered there for a moment, making aim before she brought it down once more upon it. She repeated the process again for the other paws, these much more bearable to deal with than the head. She repeated as she did before, a swift hack down with the broad end of the blade before prodding them once more into the flames.

[Fallon]

Her brow had turned into that of a frown, her teeth chewing at her lip. Wriggling her fingers she against the meat, she gave a wince as she tugged it. There was a distinct ripping noise as she did, followed by a firm shudder of movement. Orvin however continued to stare at her, head tilted and his eyes large upon her then darting down to the rabbit, curious almost as to what she was doing. Her rose, and gave a pad over to her as she finally pulled the skinny carcass free from its fur. It was a mess to say the least, the hide flopping to the floor the remains of the rabbit in one hand, marred with clear scratch marks Orvin gave earlier. Head cocked to one side he gave a reach for it, before the squire promptly shooed him away, ”Get out of it Orvin. Not yet. Not until… I ruin it more.” The wolf gave a snort, followed by a second press. Rolling her shoulder before it she pushed it back and away, her eyes turning to meet him with a harshness, ”No Orvin.”

Spreading out the hide so the fur was against the ground, Fallon placed the meat down and looked upon it. Now, she was at a state she could deal with. She had seen plenty of roasted and raw creatures in her life time, all in various forms of being boned or otherwise. Cocking her head to one side she looked upon it once more with curiosity, before taking up the Kukri. Wiping the edge on her sleeve she looked down the length of it, considering on how exactly she was going to gut it. She gave a glance to the crackling flames, and quickly threw a few more of the twigs and branches she had gathered onto it, before once more returning to the rabbit. The tip hovered above it as she considered where to gut it. It should not be hard, right?

Slitting it up and along the stomach once more, Fallon gave a wince, head turning away as she shakily continued to deal with the creature. Lips pursed and her brow creasing slightly as she did, her finger giving an inquisitive poke to the organs that existed there, curious almost as to what existed within. She gave a prod with her finger to one of them, her lips curling slightly, ”Is that it’s lung?” There was chuckle, before she continued to pull it open and rip at the insides. Messily, to say the least. Fingers pulling them out in bits she turned her head to Orvin before finally offering it to him, ”Here, go on.”

Offering the blooded mess to him, the wolf hesitated for a moment, a nervous sniff upon it as he considered taking it, before giving a firm, definite lick. In a flash he snatched it from her hand between his jaws. Taking the offal from her grasp she watched her companion chew at it away from her, nose brushing against it and wasting none of it – even the bits that fell to the floor. She wiped her hand upon her sleeve, eyes looking down to the bits that remained. Flesh, an empty carcass. Feeding the fire with what she could she took up the straight stick, in her grasp and begun stripping the bark from it, revealing the soft wood that was beneath. The kukri was used once more as a tool, the sharp edge used to carve the tip into a point. Or at least as well as she could. Brushing the shavings onto the fire she took up the rabbit once more, gave it a final glance. She skewered it through in a swift movement and angled it above the fire before digging the other end into the earth. Certain it was stable; she backed away from it and admired her torn and mostly ruined mess with creased features. Well, for a first attempt it wasn’t bad, was it?

Turning her attention to the fire she clambered up once more to her feet and looked about herself, breathing in the air and searching for more fuel. Orvin was still busy with the offal, the broad tongue licking at his jaws as he released a healthy, satisfied yawn. Picking her way through the fauna, she grasped upon the stray twigs and branches once more, whilst the wolf continued to keep guard. If it could even be called that. He was quite content with sprawling himself across the floor it seemed. Fallon shook her head, and threw down the branches, and once more continued to feed the fire. Now it was time to see how long it would take her to burn it. With a steady addition to the flames, the fire roared up once more, licking and grasping onto the damp and bark. With the smoking fire, Fallon moved around and out of the wind and taking beneath the branches of a tree, picking up her bow and kukri before securing them to her person once more. She plucked the string on a few occasions, studying and checking the anatomy of the smooth wood before sliding it down. After those few long chimes she retreated to rubbing at Orvin’s fur with her eyes staring thoughtfully into the fire. The mind drifted, consumed in a silent thought. She had gotten out of the city; she had received a momentary reprise. But how long again would it be before the walls closed in once more? Shaking her head she tried to push the thought away, it was best to think on the present.

”I don’t know Orvin,” she gave a sigh and scratched at his chin, ”I want to do the right thing. I want to be able to stand up and fight with them. But… well I’m a coward really. Even you know that. And I have a hard time fighting back. So if I’m not a coward, I’m just damned weak. Liability you know?” There was a long pause, ”Can’t fight well. Can’t wear the plate armour. I ask too many questions, and don’t think… well like a mindless puppet. Always have to have an answer.” She muttered a curse, ”Petch it all. Can’t do a lot of things right except stay out of the way and out of sight. Or just be a nosy bugger.” Her head tilted up to the canopy, eyes watching the autumn birds gather and swoop to and fro in the sky. Winter was coming all too soon, and it was not about to wait for her to be ready. She glanced down upon her hands, fingers flexing as she gave a snort. With her shoulders slumping, she lowered further and rested her head in her hand, ”Maybe, I’m not destined for a knight. You know, staying cooped up in the walls, guarding the weak from outside forces. I belong out here, breathing the fresh air, feeling the na-“

[Fallon]

There was a high pitched whistle followed dulled thunk. Eyes turning up she looked upon the quivering arrow, the vibrating wood within the bark. There was a blink, followed by a mad scramble up to her feet. A second came, sliding into the floor next to her as she made a hasty escape. There was a shout, thick and loud, followed by a distinct curse. Not that she waited to find out who or where it came from. Bow in her grip she leapt on through the undergrowth, Orvin in tow an adrenal forcing her onwards. Legs stretched as she broke into a full out run, weaving between the thickening trees. She gave a stumble over roots, arms rising around her head as she dived into the thick brambles and into the hollow space within. Her hand went to the tulwar, her eyes looking back through the brambles. Shadows danced within the trees, the distinct crunch of leaves hovering there. The voice came again, a muttering curse, ”Petch it. Got to find ‘em now, you and your shyke shot.”
“Can’t help it she ducked!”
“Oh shut it the pair of you,” came a third, ”We got a babe in the wood ‘ere, and we need to get hold of her before she goes squealing to the knights. Else we’re gonna have problems. Got to keep this quiet work after all. Don’t want trouble for us or them. Come on, can’t be far.”

Ears twitched, her form reaching up into a crouch. She could not see Orvin or where he managed to bolt off too, but she could not exactly shout out or call for him. It would draw attention to herself, and her hunters would simply find her sooner. She gave a duck as the shadow of one of them passed overhead, her eyes following it round. Leather groaned, her legs readying to spring out and fight if need be. Her grip tightened the edge of the hilt, the steel gently being slid forward out of its scabbard. Ready just in case.

The shadow passed, a low sigh escaped her lips. That was too close for her comfort. But she could not help question on who they were, or what was it they wanted. Bandits? Rogues? Slavers? Or something else? She gave a swallow. Any of those would be trouble to the people and to the order. Meaning that she had to try to alert them. It was something that needed to be dealt with after all, swiftly and quickly. Then again, not knowing where exactly they were coming from was also an issue – if the source of the problem was not discovered then they would continue to terrorise the Bronze wood, no?

A hand shot through, grasping her tightly by the collar of her leather armour. It was hard not to let out a yelp of surprise as she was pulled face to face to a rough looking man. She did not waste that much time after that. Craning her head back, she brought it swinging forward to head butt him. There was a cry, followed by a release as his two companions spun round to the source.

”Well, Petch,”

Steel sung as she drew the tulwar, feet quickly working on aligning themselves and for some space to be made. The other two reacted in like, reaching for their own weapons without a moment’s notice. The one who had previously grabbed her – ‘grunter’ she mentally named him – was clasping onto his nose with pain, his eyes having set to watering. There was a charge from one, a pot bellied fellow with an axe – quickly dubbed ‘Fatty’ – giving a broad swing. She gave a quick step back, eyes wide in surprise that he could move with such grace and swiftness. The tulwar came up, side on and hooking beneath the head of it. She needed speed, she needed precision. This was the real thing.
”Don’t stand there!” Fatty gave a shout, ”Get her!”
The other, a smaller man – ‘Tiny’ – quickly became animated, swinging in close with a club and forcing her to leap back. Defence became vital, the clink of steel and iron, as weapons struck each other. She clenched her left hand tight, a look of fury upon her face as she tried to push back. Her fist went out in a jab, skin striking skin. Fatty, recoiled, but not before the shaft of the axe met her gut. There was a gasp for air, her vision blurring for a tick. A hand grasped her tightly by the hair, a kick to the back of the shins sending her knees to kiss the ground.

Twisting sharply she gave a broad swing. Teeth gritted and her head spun. A foot pressed up beneath her, the adrenal roaring in her ears. She threw her weight against the one who had grabbed her hair, brute force to struggle and pull free. There was an elbow to the face. She slashed in retaliation, a distinct, wild growl clawing up from her stomach. Get them away. Fight back. Now. Arm brought across her, she gave a thrust with the tulwar, the tip digging into flesh. There was a cry, Grunter falling back once more. He had doubled over in all his yowling, but at the moment, that was the least of her concern, ”You little bitch!”
It was with a crack, that the club clipped her around the head. Staggering away, the world pivoted round, the pain blooming there. She received another kick, the tulwar being wrenched from her hands. A hand grasped her once more by the collar, hauling her up to her feet so she met the face of Fatty. He spat something, an angry face with his lips moving in rage. Not that she could exactly hear him; a distinct ringing had taken over. She felt the press of the axe edge against her cheek, a rising consciousness sifting through the dizziness. Eyes rolled, lids blinking as she looked upon the scene. So this was it? She was going to be bested by three bandits? What a great way to go.

Her eyes rolled up to the sky. So weak. Could not fight back. Could not defend herself. Failed in the end.

[Fallon]

There was a howl, followed by a growl. Teeth bared; the scream of Fatty as a white blur locked onto him. She gave a stumble away, the savage snarling of an angry beast upon him. The others themselves backed away, as she herself was released. A hand pressed against the floor, fingers swiping at the tulwar. Head still fumbling she gave a stagger, forcing movement and urges. The call to run and escape reached her, and she wasted no time. She gave a glance back, Fatty now upon the floor screaming loudly. Orvin was upon him, angry, ravaging and with all intentions clear. Her lips parted, a whisper escaping, ”Good wolf…”

A gurgle split the air, the bandits retreating back at the sudden appearance of the beast. Orvin pulled back, muzzled blooded, fur bushed out as he gave a bark at them. Or at least until they came at him again. He forced his own retreat, a firm grab of Fallon’s sleeve between his jaws as he did – a distinct sense of urgency in his movement. It did not matter where they ran, as long as they did it fast. She took to his demands quickly, firstly uncertain steps, then strides and staggers. The tulwar was sheathed, her aching head screaming. Run. Flee. Escape. The light blurred, hands grabbed and grasped as she pushed on through the trees, her companion dragging and pulling. He led the way, and in her state she would have to trust him. He hurried her on, ears cocked, eyes glaring back and those they were escaping from. There would be the occasional yap, a piercing sound through the white noise that had consumed her mind.

Chest labouring she surged on, an age in her mind set only to run. Instinct controlled, the tight heat around her lungs. The foliage closed in more, the earth changing beneath her feet. She gave a scramble, her toes slipping and snagging on the roots, before finally she gave a stumble into a ditch. Among the gnarled roots she laid with her head upon the cool soil, the distinct taste of blood within her mouth. Her jaw ached, her head was worse a tender lump already rising there. She heard the pant of Orvin in her ear, followed by a whine and nuzzle of his nose. A shaky hand petted him, a pale face and glassy eyes watching carefully. She could not stay still, not for long. She dragged herself up, hands grasping the roots, every muscle straining as she did.

Gods it hurt. She needed to stop. She needed to rest. But right now there was a more pressing matter. She needed to get her bearings. Panting she reached the top of the ditch, her eyes glancing about before she pushed on. Petch, petch it all. At least she had Orvin with her, right? The mind gave a turn, before she staggered and slipped into the same great tree. Toes kicked the mighty roots, her hand gingerly resting on its surface. Orvin, of course, was still on guard, a distinct watchful gaze over the area. Slipping down beneath them she bent her head and held it. Gods this was wrong, so wrong. She gave a swallow, inhaling deeply as she tried to slow her breathing. There was not much she could try and do now. Not in this state at least. She gave a wince as she rubbed at the swelling against the side of her temple. Being out in the Bronze woods was a dangerous business, least she was armed and had a fighting chance. There was a blink, before she looked once more upon the wolf.

”Thank you Orvin,” she gave a half smirk, whilst the wolf gave a distinct snort.

[Fallon]

Looking up to the canopy of leaves. Already the sky was beginning to change, reds and purples dancing across the sky. A predicament if any, for it left her with only two choices. The first was to try to stagger back in her state and risk facing the scouting bandits once more. The second would be holing herself up somewhere and wait out the night. To gather her strength, assess the damage and crawl back whilst the light was on her side. She gave a swallow as she looked at Orvin, ”You’ll always be there, right boy? Ah, petch it.”

Wincing she forced herself up and into standing, a moment of nausea consuming her. Fingers rested upon her water skin. At least she could keep herself hydrated, she mused between her sluggish thoughts. Today may have not been her day, but she was sure as damned well going to get through it, ”Come on you. Let’s… try and find somewhere safe, eh? I think it’s gonna be a rough night for us. Maybe we’ll run into some of the patrolling knights… if we’re lucky.” Although she was not sceptical on the military power of the knights, she was on how far or well they actually patrolled the Bronze woods. If Bandits had managed to lurk about in there, then who knew on how safe it was?

The squire glanced back down to the ditch she had previously stumbled into, her brow briefly rising as she regarded it. Giving a point she pushed herself off from the tree and gave a stagger, eyes searching the area. Although it was not the best place to consider making shelter, it seemed the driest and most immediate. She picked up a long stick and gingerly placed it across the gap. It would have to do. Ticks turned into chimes, and chimes turned into a very long bell. Laying a collection of branches and sticks across the ditch she brought it snug against the tree, or as snug as possible. She even went as far to try and press the ends into the earth and smother the top in leaves. Wincing once more, she let herself slide down into the ditch and into the cosy hollow she had made. She gave the ground a stamp and press, hands brushing up and picking the leaves away and securing the stick and branch roof that lay horizontally above a firm tap every now and again. She would get through this, she had to. There was a final glance to Orvin as she grasped some of the straggling branches. Certain that it was a fire that attracted their attention before, but she knew she needed it. It gave hope, it instilled a sense of security, and it would deter animals.

A shaky hand grabbed the kukri once more, the process of creating a fire repeating itself. Tinder, twigs, fuel, air, wood, spark. She gouged a hole in the ground this time with assistance from the flat edge of the kukri, a couple of inches deep at most and as wide as her outstretched hand - she did not want a big fire. Lining it with thin, spindly twigs she began her racing against the dying light, her mind working on shredding down the bark with shaking hands. The fingers gave a tremble, a weak clack of flint upon steel. She willed it to spark, a moment of fear and desperation almost pressing against her mind. She needed light, and fast.

”Come on… come on. You didn’t do this to me earlier,” she muttered under her breath. A spark glided through the air, settling down upon the shreds and holding steady. She scraped the surfaces together again, a second and third gliding off and striking the source. Smoke wisped into the air, the bark and shavings catching a light into flames. She blew upon it, applying the last few twigs and letting the tiny light grow. Releasing a sigh of relief she gave a tired gaze to Orvin, followed by a cracked smile, ”It’ll be alright. I know it will be.”
The wolf gave a snort and laid himself down the other side of the fire, his head resting upon his paws. He had his own thoughts obviously, not that Fallon herself could understand them, ”Never mind. But… it will work out. Always does for us. One way or another. Always.”

[Taylani]

XP Award!

Fallon:

XP Award:

• +2 Hunting
• +2 tracking
• +2 animal husbandry
• +4 observation
• +1 short bow
• +1 wilderness survival : Forest
• +1 Stealth
• +2 butchery
• +1 Running
  

Lore:

• Claustrophobia
• Rabbits look too cute to hunt
• Wilderness Survival: Bark for tinder
• Fear of cowardice
• Saved by Orvin

Comments :

Good job RPing your skill level There were a lot of little skills picked up Feel free to PM me with any thoughts or concerns. Don’t forget to edit/delete the grade request..

TAYLANI