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[Cyna Redsun]

Cyna was a bit taken aback when Ardan bit into the raw fish and continued consuming it as if it was no big deal, but she knew little of the Kelvic culture and assumed this was natural. By the time he had rolled that log over and grabbed the raw fish she had just finished cooking the last fish. Sitting it to the side while she munched on the fish she had originally offered him. It had taken more than a few chimes to reply to the man’s question but she had no love in wasting food and was making sure she cooked the fish evenly. Remembering the man’s question and compliment Cyna gave her reply in a polite tone adding a sweet lingering tone when she spoke his name.

“Well Ardan, I was just out getting dinner and spending time with nature, as for bandits that is the least of my worries this close to town.”

She took another bite of her fish and grabbed the last fish she just finished cooking and jammed the stick roughly into the ground next to Ardan. It wasn’t the sweetest gesture, but for Cyna you couldn’t ask for much more as a stranger. It wasn’t long after that Cyna finished hers tossing the bones towards the river’s edge.

“Now Ardan what is it you are doing out here in these hills and why did you approach me?”

This time her tone was a lot less sweet and Cyna was a bit more upfront, she wasn’t fond of surprise visitors and she had gotten one. It was nice and sweet of her to offer a meal, but that didn’t prevent this man from slitting her throat when her back was turned. She didn’t have much Kina on her and even less valuables, but this man had no idea what her saddle bags where stuffed with and she wasn’t about to let him step through a pool of her blood to find out. Cyna hardly waited a chime for the man’s t answering her question before inquiring about the fish her sweet tone and politeness back.

“Did you like the fish Ardan?” She said with a sweet smile “If so I can teach you how to fish, I’m not the best but I seem to have come out better then you.” She giggled jesting at the man; Cyna didn’t mean to seem back and forth. She just really wanted to know if she could trust this man and hated being overly rude, but she needed answer and wanted them now.

A bell and 30 Chimes later,

Cyna had been enjoying their conversation thoroughly and could have talked the rest of the day and maybe into the night, but she needed to get back to fishing if she was ever going to hope for dinner.

“Ardan If you’re up for fishing lessons I have to catch some dinner you’re more than welcome to join” she gave a friendly smile and offered her off sword hand to the man. Cyna still didn’t fully trust the man, but she enjoyed his company and she could tell as long as he kept his words and his actions stayed true she could see a bond of trust in their future.

The lovely afternoon she was having, was just that a lovely afternoon; but with the sound of a roar that lovely afternoon was fated to turn into a dreadful evening. Cyna retracting her hand before the man could grab it, turned toward the roar drawing her sword and faced the sound. It stood in the middle of the river on all four its brown fur blending with the yellows and browns that sat in the back drop. Fall had brought those colors and this bear had smelt their fish. Cyna could tell that this wasn’t going to be an easy task; they could run she knew she could get away on her horse and was certain he could get away if he changed forms.

Cyna was fond of animals and she knew this bear was hungry and grumpy winter was coming and it need food to hibernate. Cyna glanced at the man giving him a soft smile that was almost like an apology, she wasn’t going to run if she couldn’t face an angry and hungry bear how could she ever hope to face the true monsters of this land. Using her free hand she grabbed the small steel shield off her back and quickly strapped it to her forearm.

“Ardan, I’m sorry. I need you to run; if you stay I can’t guarantee your safety. Oh and Ardan if you do something foolish like stay I’m going to need you to listen to me.” Cyna gave him another soft smile, before the bear let out another roar and began charging them. Cyna knew the bear could run her over and had no hope of stopping the bear but she planted her feet not to stop the bears charge. It was to get herself ready to roll out of the way in the hopes of getting behind the bear for a few good slashes.

[Ardan]

Ardan tried not to take offense to her insult to his fishing skills. She had baited a great deal of the fish away from him, making it understandably difficult to catch anything. He could not expect a human to understand his Kelvic mind, and how many of his pantherine instincts, including the seizure and consuming of prey, likely made him a more skilled fisher than she. Of course, he did not say such, lest he seem rude.

They proceeded to have a wonderful conversation that lasted nearly two bells. Unfortunately, it was cut short by a rather... unwelcome visitor. A bear had walked just a tad bit too close for comfort, letting out a territorial roar. Ardan had seen this particular bear before around this area. The claw mark across its snout verified it. The panther had fought the beast before, and barely escaped. The bear was strong. Very strong, and fast for his size.

He did not want to see him die. He was a worthy foe, and an excellent hunter. It would be unfortunate for him to be killed in his own territory. As a fellow predator, Ardan would not allow this pointless violence. No predator encroaches on another's territory without reason. No predator kills another without reason. Herbivores were free game, at the bottom of the chain, but those higher had no cause to fight.

"Cyna, if I may persuade you to avoid fighting this beast. He is only giving a warning to leave his earned territory. Should we not heed it, and leave? There is not cause to take what is his." He was frustrated by her ignoring his advice, and warning him to leave.

Can't guarantee my safety, can you? Like I need your petching protection.

The bear began to charge, and Ardan did the same. His clothing had been tailored loose to allow for shifting without harm, and it came quite in handy in times like this. The combination of lights, surprise, and a powerful roar made the creature stop in his tracks.

Bears were mighty beasts. Strong, unpredictable, and grumpy this time of year. It was getting closer and closer to winter, when they would be hibernating. He would not be pleased with two humans (or one human and a Kelvic) strolling into his territory at such a time.

Ardan knew of one way to kill the beast, although he hoped to avoid it. If he could sink his teeth into the bear's throat, it would be nigh impossible to stop him. Whatever he did, it would need to be quick. The bear's bewilderment would not last forever.

x

[Cyna Redsun]

Cyna watched in amazement as Ardan changed forms into the dark beast he had introduced himself as. It stunned even Cyna for a tick, she had never seen anything like it before. It had happen so fast it was incredible, but she could think about that later. Cyna had a problem at hand in the form of a grumpy brown bear that according to Ardan thought we were encroaching upon its territory. Cyna smiled to herself and followed Ardan for the charge apparently she wasn’t the best leader he had failed to heed her warning. She needed to face the danger of the woods, but she had no wish to drag someone else into it.

Cyna’s speed compared to Ardan’s in his beast form could be called nothing but slow. She felt she could hold her own against Ardan, but it wouldn’t be a thing she could come from unscratched. The bear had regained its composure by the time she had caught up to Ardan, its gaze seeming fixated on him more than her. Cyna had to figure out how to get the bears attention and quick, was it the flash when Ardan changed or his roar that made the bear fixated on her.

“Hey!! Bear!! Over here!!! Come on you ugly fuzzball!!” Cyna screamed at the bear smashing the flat of her sword against the steel shield to create a bunch of noise in the hopes of distracting the bear and gaining its attention. Her tactic seemed to work a little too well, the bear not only turned to face her but began charging toward her.

“Ardan do something!!”

Cyna didn't have time to yell out everything, but she knew if the kelvic man was on her side this was a great chance while the bear was distracted. In less than a handful of ticks the bear was on, a single swipe of the powerful bears paw was all it took to knock her to the ground. The small steel shield had stopped the bear’s claws from ripping through her flesh, but now she felt a dull ache in her shoulder and forearm. Cyna rolled quickly avoiding another paw that slapped against the ground where she had just rested followed by the snapping of the beast jaws. After another clumsy barrel roll on the ground Cyna makes her way to her feet and faces the bear.

[Ardan]

As Cyna rolled out of the way, Ardan knew he had to act. He had to choose. If he attacked the bear, he could not allow it to live. However, Cyna was a living, sentient creature. The bear was just an animal, no matter how noble or mighty. They were not the same, and his choice was clear.

Ardan dashed forward, leaping atop the massive creature. Without a second thought, he latched on to the back of its powerful neck, sinking his teeth into it. It let out a powerful roar, and the panther's mouth filled with blood. He could feel a tugging on his fangs as the mighty beast tried to shake him off, but he held firm. He did not like killing the bear, especially in such a brutal manner, but at least it would die fighting. A noble death. More than what would likely be said for the Kelvic, one day.

Unfortunately, the Bear was smarter than anticipated. In their last bout, Ardan had not been going for the kill. Only an escape. Thus, he had never gotten the full measure of the beast's intelligence. Instead of shaking like an idiot, the hulking creature charged forward, Ardan still attached, toward a tree. He meant to smash the thief against it.

The shyke's plan backfired, however, as Ardan knew he would not survive such an impact. So, he let go of the bear's neck, jumping off. It continued its charge, oblivious, and ran right into the tree. Ardan hoped it would be knocked unconscious, but alas, it was not. No, Ardan's trickery had only served to further piss him off. The bear turned, roaring once more.

"Perhaps now is a good time to run?" Ardan would have suggested, were he human. Unfortunately, the speech came out as a growl/hiss, instead. So, he instead slowly backed away. It came as a surprise when the bear could not step forward. The impact had broken one of its legs, and it seemed to wince in pain each time it tried to step.

x

[Cyna Redsun]

Cyna was relieved when Ardan jumped on the bears back biting into it neck, she was sure it would not have been a fun evening if he had not been there. Though Cyna watched the two beasts fight she did not just simply sit there and wait. She popped the clasp of her shield letting the now deeply scratched shield fall too the soft ground below, before clasping the hand and half hilt with both hands and readied for the first opening. It wasn’t long before the bear had gotten the idea of slamming itself against something to rid itself of the unwanted rider. Cyna was glad that her new found friend was smarter than the average beast otherwise she would have been skinning and burying a large cat.

Her opening came when Ardan jumped from the bear’s back as he slammed into the tree before turning back toward the Kelvic cat giving off a roar which Ardan returned with a growl/hiss. This was Cyna’s chance and it seemed like Ardan was ready to end this fight as well, with that thought in mind Cyna looped her finger over crossguard placing it on the ricasso and took several steps toward the distracted bear and thrust her bastard sword toward the bear’s side in the hopes of piercing its heart. Her sword did bite into the bears flesh but had not penetrated deep enough to reach the heart her attack had cause the bear to thrash opening up the wound a bit more before the blade came loose. Cyna had retreated a few steps when her blade had been shaken loose by the bear, it was at this time when she noticed that the bear was limping and its leg appeared hurt or broken. As she stood back holding the sword with both hand again in front of her, she watched as the bear seemed to try and limp away from the two attackers.

Cyna was sure the bear wouldn’t survive the winter now, and was sure that putting the animal out of its misery would be the best outcome. Cyna was about to follow through with this action when she recalled what Ardan had called out to her right before he changed. She remembered that he had no wish to kill the beast and with the threat being subdued. It now came down to whether they wanted to let the bear take its chances or put an end to its life. Cyna had started to become fond of the Kelvic man and did not want to ruin a friendship before it started.

“Ardan! Change back, I think we need to finish the bear off. I don’t think it will survive the winter. What do you think?” It was uncommon for Cyna to ask peoples opinion on a subject, she normally did what she wanted and dealt with the drama that ensued later; but this time she wanted to start a friendship after all it had been two years since Landon had passed away. It was time to start anew.

[Ardan]

Ardan winced when Cyna stabbed the injured creature. He might have had a chance at survival before, but now... Killing him would be a mercy. The blade had not pierced his heart, but it had certainly come close, and the bear had given up. It whined like a cub, its legs crumbling beneath its weight, leaving it completely vulnerable. The beast did not deserve death, but it would receive it. No sense dwelling on it.

Ardan shifted once more, relieved that his clothing was not torn. A benefit of being a panther near the size of a human, he was able to shift whilst in loose clothing with almost no problems. After adjusting his outfit a bit (it did not tear, but also did not remain comfortable), he solemnly walked forward.

Wordlessly, he yanked Cyna's sword out of the bear, earning a weak whine of pain. The kelvic closed his eyes, hating what he was about to do. Without showing any emotion, he pulled out his dagger. He kneeled to the bear's level, noticing its weak attempts to bite or roar at him. The claw mark on his snout was almost healed, but would scar.

There was no reason for any of this. No reason for one predator to kill another. Bears and panthers were at the top of the chain in the wild, and were not meant to fight like this. There was a lot of wild in Mizahar. Territory disputes were causeless. Of course, most other animals did not seem to agree with the panter. This bear, for example.

Ardan decided to honor the unfortunate creature with a name. Something to remember him by. No life should die nameless. Ardan may have been a rogue, but he was not entirely without honor.

A name...

"Rest in peace, Scar," he whispered, before stabbing his dagger into the beast's eye. After a few moments of spasms from the large animal, it finally lay still, dead. Ardan removed his dagger, sheathing it, and walking away. He walked towards Cyna, regarding her with a sad smile.

"I suppose some things can't be avoided. He was a noble beast, and died fighting." How very sentimental of the thief. Perhaps he was growing soft. Or maybe growing a heart? Bah, it mattered not.

After a few moments, the panther felt a stinging on his left arm. Rolling up his sleeve, he noticed a gash in his forearm. Chuckling painfully, he looked back at Cyna. "I don't suppose you have any bandages?"

x

[Cyna Redsun]

Cyna was glad the fight was over and had no wish to waste the bear, but another matter was at hand. Her new found friend had approached her; his shoulder gashed from the recent battle and was asking for bandages. She sheathed her sword and ran over to her horse checking through the saddle bags, after a few chimes she didn’t have good news for the man.

“No bandages, but hold on one second we need to close that wound up.”

She hated to do this to her new Kelvic friend, but it was necessary. She hadn’t actually done it before, it was something that she had heard about and was certain it would work. She pulled her cloak off dropping it next to the fire before running back to her mare and pulling out her eating knife. She then proceeded to shred a few strips of cloth off of the bottom of the cloak giving it a torn appearance. When she finished making the strips of cloth she held placed the blade of the knife in the flames letting the hilt sit outside barely.

“I’m going to have to burn the wound close, it’s going to hurt. So bite on this.”

Cyna handed him a soft branch that she had collected earlier for the fire. She gave him a soft smile as she wrapped some of the cloth around her hand before carefully collecting the blade from the fire. Cyna looked Ardan in the eyes giving him a look that said I’m sorry as she grabbed his arm with her free hand to keep him from thrashing and causing accidental burns. After all it was only instinct to pull away from pain; gripping the kelvic man tight she placed the searing blade against the gash and scorching the skin. In the hopes of cauterizing the wound to prevent any infection and slow the loss of any blood that was trying to escapes the confines of the Ardan’s body. After a several tick which Cyna would most likely describe as agonizing she tossed the blade to the side and grabbed the strips of cloth she had cut wrapping them around the wound and pulling tight. She wanted to keep pressure on the gash just in case it tried to open back up; she knew this was only a temporary fix. The wound wasn’t life threating but she knew they would need to get back to Lhavit before night fall or risk an even greater risk.

She still needed to skin the bear and store the meat; there was no need in wasting an animal. That had been slain; she refused to let the corpse sit and rot.
“Ardan, we are going to go to Lhavit soon. We need to get you to some medical care, but first I want to put that bear to good use. It would be an insult to let it just sit and rot.” She secretly hoped Ardan approved “If you are feeling real bad, I can fashion a mask shift sled to drag the bear back to Lhavit with us”

[Ardan]

The Panther could not hold back a pained growl as she burned the wound. It was absolutely agonizing, and his bestial fear of burning only increased the pain. Of course, he had done this before, having been cut across the side in a failed burglary back in Syliras. It never felt any less painful, though.

Once that was over, the thief took a few chimes to recover, barely able to hear Cyna over the thunderous beating of his own heart in his ears. Cauterizing was a rare pain, and had hoped to keep it that way. All he had really heard was Cyna's suggestion to carry it back to Lhavit. The panther, howeverm, had no interest in remaining out here for much longer. "Perhaps not. I'd recommend just skinning him and being done with it."

He felt bad about killing the beast, but Ardan was not naive. It was pointless to drag the bear back to Lhavit. Besides, Cyna having to drag the massive carcass all the way to the city on his account was not an appealing idea. He was in no state to help with such a task.

However, he would be able to aid in skinning the beast, one of the perks of being ambidextrous. So, he went to work with his dagger, cutting into the creature while being careful not to get any blood on his shoulder.

x

OOCSorry about the short post and long reply time. I've been a little short on freetime for the past week.