Closed Play Nice, Hunt Well (Savacea)

[Loda]

LODA
Denizen of Black Rock
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Timestamp 30th of Summer, 515AV

Monsoons had been raging all over the Black Rock, drenching the whole of the island it seemed. Loda had waited just about long enough. The clouds looked like they were about to break and give them some sun back, even if the island would likely be covered by fog eventually. It still would enable him to hunt at the least. He knew any tracks he did find would likely be some form of beast that had been out and about since the rain.

A few more chimes had passed and the man seemed almost ready to brave the storm. He was in the dormitory standing next to the doorway, spear at the ready. The ground he stood on was damp from what little bit of rain had blown its way under the door as the wind whipped it around the crag. Loda was wearing a bit of something different. He was wearing cut off pants with his white linen shirt. He did look like he was ready to go for the hunt though and was decorated as such.

Previously in his room he had taken charcoal from the fire and painted his face with spittle and did up a ferocious look. One that made a few people unnerved at him standing at the door while they talked in the common room. Him not leaving meant the scary looking Myrian was still there, fangs and all.



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Other's Words - My Words - My Thoughts

[Savacea Jovellana]

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The rain was a lulling like a soft lullaby, the sun was dimmed by the clouds, and it was perfect to just lay in bed being lazy. At least that was Savacea's excuse for doing such. She gave a brief yawn as the rain outside started to slack off, her alibi for being lazy slowly ebbing away. With much more effort then she realized, she swung her legs to the side of the bed getting up from her comfortable haven. Quickly running her fingers through the few tangles that had appeared, she stumbled out of the door. Savacea had hoped that she could attempt hunting today, but with the rain she was not sure if such things were possible. She gave a small sigh, shrugging her shoulders as her feet pushed her forward although her mind was screaming to go back to the bed.

Savacea made her way to the common room, her head down as she walked. Her shoulders were slumped, making her appear smaller then what she already was. There was a deeper silence then what was usual to the place, she did not look up though and figured that perhaps it was due to the rain, maybe they too were being lulled by it's music. She vaguely rubbed at her Symenestra Torso armor, as her bare feet padded on the damp floor. Savacea adjusted the Crossbow not familiar with the weight just yet, sighing. She had bought this with the intention of hunting, but had yet to do so. What with the rain and be preoccupied with work and dance, not to mention spending time with her friend Loda...it became lost in the midst of everything. Today though she was determined to try hunting, she had never done it before, nor used a Crossbow, but life was about trying new things she supposed.

Stifling a nod she finally looked up and saw a familiar figure close by, she gave a wide grin as she came up beside him taking in his features. Her Myrian friend had shorts and a shirt on today, different from the loincloth he normally wore. Admittedly she was disappointed not to see that body of his, but she dismissed those thoughts. His face was painted fiercely as he looked even more ferocious the the night at Black Marsh. She cleared her throat, still grinning widely, "Well you are looking sexier then normal today." She said with a wink, chuckling let him know she was being playful although she was indeed serious, "How have you been Loda?" She asked this casually, the last time they saw each other it was a little awkward, what with him leaving. Though it made his feelings clear and how she was only a friend to him. Her heart was a bit broken by the realization, she did not want to accept it at first and became depressed for a short while. Then she decided to enjoy his company while she could before he had to leave, keeping it platonic and friendly between them so nothing more awkward could happen.

Common | Symenos | Thoughts

[Loda]

LODA
Denizen of Black Rock
-----------------------------------

Not many would have the gall to approach him like Savacea did, so when he heard her throat clear, immediately he considered that someone wanted out of the door that he was nearly blocking. It would likely have been a woman by the sound and most likely a Myrian by the sheer boldness. He stepped off to the side and looked behind him.

The whipping sound of the rain and the shaking of the door had concealed her approach and he was almost surprised at her voice. Though as what she said came through his mind, was translated, he knew who it was.

“Oh I am am I” he widened his eyes to give her a scary face and held out his tongue to complete the look. He then returned to his normal face and chuckled with her. As she asked how he had been he looked out toward the door, cracking it open a slight bit. As he did a large slew of water peppered his face and he said in a displeased voice.

“I’ve been unable to do my hunting, but other than that...I’m doing well.“ Now that his face was peppered with water, the charcoal it hit was running down his face. With a slight hint of annoyance, he wiped it off so that his face was normal looking once more; his hand now black in color. He turned back to her and looked her over to see she looked as if she was going with him. “You look like you are ready to kill something. Where are you going with that thing?” he nodded to her crossbow.

The sound of rain on the door began to lessen and the light that crept in around its edges became slightly brighter. “Finally…” He opened the door and very little rain was falling now. Ocean storms could come upon you in no time and leave just as fast it seemed. He stepped outside into the puddles of rain on the edge of the crag and it even seemed the wind had died down, yet in the distance of the island he could see it was still falling hard. “Did you want to come along? I’m sure two people can hunt better than one and I would like your company.” he nodded firmly, showing it was a fact, not just a whimsical emotion he was feeling and that he wasn’t sure. Slowly he dropped down to a crouch and washed his charcoal covered hand in the water of a puddle, making it darker in color, then rose once more.

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Other's Words - My Words - My Thoughts

[Savacea Jovellana]

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The man for what ever reason did not frighten Savacea. Perhaps it was because she knew him a little better with every passing day. How ever, if she were to meet a man dressed as such with a painted face, she may have had a mixture of desire with a good dose of terrifying. He opened the door slightly and they were attacked with the water that come forth. She laughed as his painting began to run, trying to conceal it behind her hand. Loda mentioned that he was hunting today and she could not help but perk up a little at the thought. She did not necessarily want to hunt alone, as she was not used to using the crossbow or even hunting, so perhaps with someone else it would be easier, especially a friend.

She watched with almost disappointment as he wiped the painting off of his face, his hand turning a weird black color. Turning back to her he observed her slightly, then asked where she was going with the crossbow. She chuckled lightly, "Well.. I was going to attempt some hunting and learn how to use this thing to be honest." Savacea said with a smile. She had her throwing knifes but she wanted to learn a new weapon, a better one as well. Savacea thought that perhaps the light crossbow would be a good choice for her. As she would need to take a shot at someone or something from a distance and perhaps she would be better at it then the knives.


The rain receded slightly and with it dim light glimpsed through the edges of the door. Loda seemed to be happy about that as he said 'finally' while opening the door. Savacea walked out, looking around wondering which place she should go to try and hunt. There was not exactly a forest in Black Rock so that option was not going to happen, before she could decide Loda spoke up piercing her pondering, asking if she would like to come as he would enjoy the company. Briefly shock appeared in her eyes but was just as quickly extinguished and replaced with a bright happiness. "Actually.. I would love to as I do not even know where to begin. Besides, hunting solo does not seem to be beneficial." She gave a small laugh then bowed her head, saying in a half-playful half serious tone she said, "So where do we go oh knowledgeable one!?" Savacea kept her head bowed so he could not see the cheesy smile that spread across her face, muffling her laughter slightly as she covered her mouth.

Common | Symenos | Thoughts

[Loda]

LODA
Denizen of Black Rock
-----------------------------------

“Ahh I see” said Loda to her wiping, off the rest of his charcoal water from his face. Evidently hunting was on her mind as well. “Where did you get the crossbow? Here on the island, or did you have it from before?” He wondered if it was an heirloom or something. It seemed every time he saw Savacea there was more about her that he didn’t know. Such it was getting to know someone he figured. It made sense that she could buy it from the Svefra though. They often had crossbows and harpoons on their ships for ship to ship battles.

As they both headed out and he washed off his hand he could now see the construction of the crossbow in her hand. He didn’t know much about them, just pull the trigger and aim it like a spear. He was a little nervous being in front of someone who had never fired a crossbow before and made sure she didn’t have a bolt in the thing right now ready to fire. Upon her acceptance of the offer to hunt, he wondered just where they could hunt right now? Most of the birds and snakes were hidden, and wouldn’t come out until the storms were over, yet perhaps there were some rodents taking advantage of that fact. Her playful bow to him caused a scoff to be heard from his lips and he rolled his eyes.

“Well, dramatic theater aside…” he paused, flashing her a grin, whether she was looking or not.”We should head down to the flatter parts of the island where the water will come together. Perhaps we will see something if we are very still.”

If she agreed to the journey he would begin to lead her down along the edge of the crag, holding tight to the edge just incase the wind decided to pick up once more. Eventually they got away from the crag without issue and began to head to the north toward the Northern Docks where most of the Svefra were. He would keep her at his side as they walked, just as precaution that had been ingrained in his mind from youth. People who don’t know how to throw spears should be in the front or on your side.

“We want to stay away from the Svefra. Animals won’t likely be near people.” He pointed ahead to a place where water from the slopes of the rocks seemed to be pooling. They could likely get sights on something up there above the area and shoot down when something came to get a drink of fresh water.

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Other's Words - My Words - My Thoughts

[Savacea Jovellana]

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Loda wondered where she got the crossbow from and she laughed a little, "Well I bought it on the island in hopes to learn how to hunt and use it. Though I have been preoccupied with other things and have yet to do so." She replied honestly. Savacea had meant to use it and go hunting not too long after arriving on the dead island, but other things caught her interest and she absorbed herself in her job more often then not. Loda pushed the drama aside, making her head come up and seeing his grin. He mentioned going to the flatter parts of the island, that it may have something there if they were to be still. Savacea wondered how long she was going to be able to be still though, hoping she did not mess it up. Being still for long periods of time was not her forte, she liked to move constantly. Though she figured she would at least give it a try, learning how to hunt after all was what she wanted to do.

Loda began walking down along the edge of the crag, holding to the edge. When they moved away from the crag and started towards the Northern Docks he made sure to keep her at his side. She was unsure why he did this but mentally shrugged it off, perhaps her walking behind him with a weapon unknown to her was making him nervous. It would make sense and she would be feeling the same way she supposed. The warrior mentioned staying away from people, as he pointed ahead to a place where water was pooling. There were slopes they could possibly climb to look down at the water. "Sounds like a plan." Savacea said with a nod as they headed to where he pointed at. They climbed up so the pooling water was below them, Loda still seemed to be at her side. "Now we wait?" She asked in a whisper, not wanting to talk too loudly and trying to still her body. Although she kept fidgeting with something, she was trying hard to be still, to become one with the rock and not move.

Common | Symenos | Thoughts

[Loda]

LODA
Denizen of Black Rock
-----------------------------------

Calmly and silently they snuck up to the edge of the vertical slope they were going to sit upon. There were some bushes up top and he moved them behind one of the bushes so they would have some kind of cover. The slope was a loose gravel slope that led down into the water of a pool about twenty feet in diameter. As the rain had just stopped, water was still filling it.

In the distance the masts of ships with their sails tied up could be seen, riding out the storm in the shelter the island provided for them. Down before them a small group of trees rest and even more importantly low hanging plants and bushes.

“Now we wait. See over there? An animal would likely come down this way and drink from this water. So load your bolt now and be careful where you aim it. Wait until the animal has begun to drink to aim, and when you do be very silent. Be careful of the edge too. It looks like it is loose gravel and you could slide down it if you aren’t careful.” He continued silently, “We are in a good spot because we don’t need to judge the angle of our throw, or your shot very much. If we were below and looking up, It would be a harder shot or throw. If you shoot and miss, I will throw my spear and hopefully we’ll get something.”

The weather continued to brighten almost to the point that the sun was seen through the layer of fog that presented itself, however the heat only added a thicker fog to the cool wet that covered the island. It was getting harder to see, but after about twenty minutes he swore he saw something small come to the water. It looked like a lizard of some kind and he silently used his fingers to signal Savacea to aim at it as he readied his spear.


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Other's Words - My Words - My Thoughts

[Savacea Jovellana]

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Loda explained how an animal would likely come for a drink down at the pool. This made sense and she made a mental note of that, as it could come as useful if she ever had to hunt alone. Savacea placed the crossbow stirrup on the ground, placing her foot through it to hold it securely. She grabbed the string on either side, placing her thumbs along the barrel to help guide the string. Keeping her arms straight, she stood up, exerting pressure evenly on either side, pulling the string back. It took a little more effort to get the string pulled then she had realized as she pulled harder and finally got it back and locked in place. As she was doing this Loda was still speaking, telling her to be careful of the edge, she looked over and noticed it was more gravel and that she would most likely slip if she ventured too close. He then explained how this should be an easier shot, since they are above what ever creature decided to get a drank of water. She was thankful for this as it was her first time, easier the better, for now anyway. She nodded her head as she had to still load the crossbow.

She placed one of the crossbow bolts into the barrel. Savacea made she it was nocked securely, that her strings were even, and making sure there were no obstacles ahead of her so she did not hurt her or Loda. She was becoming impatient as the time ticked by, the fog of Black Rock thickening leaving little eye sight available. She found she did not like waiting for things, she thought she would go out and find something right away to shoot and kill. That of course was not the reality, as the reality was that they had sit there for ever, being still, not talking, and just waiting.

About the time she was ready to give up, Loda signaled with his fingers at the pool. She looked down so some kind of lizard. Her heart raced with excitement and it took all she had not to yell "Finally" out into the air. She brought the crossbow level pointing and aiming at the lizard. She breathed in and out evenly as she waited for a little while, adjusting her aim slightly. She pulled the trigger and the crossbow let the bolt fly. Unfortunately she had not pulled the string back as evenly as she had hoped, the aim was off a little and the bolt flew over the lizard. She gritted her teeth, wanting to curse the petching lizard for being so stupid. Although it was not the lizard's fault, but her own as she was still learning this crossbow and how it worked.


She brought her attention away, hoping Loda was able to get the thing with his spear, as she cocked her Crossbow again. This time she stood up more straight, placing her foot inside to hold it to the ground, she placed both hands on the string at either side, holding her arms straighter she pulled up with a force, making she she was pulling both sides equally. Once the bow was cocked, she did not put a bolt in, it was safest to not do that just yet she thought, as she looked over at Loda with a half-smile, apologetic at her lack of getting the lizard, seeing if he was any more successful then she was. "Sorry... still learning." Savacea said faintly, still keeping her voice low so nothing around could hear her.

Common | Symenos | Thoughts

[Loda]

LODA
Denizen of Black Rock
-----------------------------------

Loda didn’t really pay much attention to Savacea while waiting, nor did his spear move from his shoulder. He didn’t know much about hunting, but he did know how to be slightly stealthy, and he did know that animals were skittish. It was common sense to a man who throws a spear that elevation was important, and he knew that all animals came to water. He didn’t know yet even what all was on this small island, but he was determined not to miss anything.

Sweat was upon his hand from holding his spear so long without moving and even upon his forehead, yet it may have been from the fog. Either way he did not wipe his brow and as Savacea was about to give up, his prey came into sight. He managed to get her attention and watched the beast, trying to anticipate its method of flight if she missed. A loud twang was heard and the bolt flew next to the lizard, scaring it half to death. It turned to run from the water and Loda let his trained spear fly.

As always he threw with strength and it sailed swiftly ahead of the beast. As the two came closer he knew it would be a hit. The spear sliced right into the tail of the lizard and cut it clean off instead of pinning it. Lizard’s had that ability to lose their tails when caught by them, though Loda didn’t know that. He grinned over at Savacea who was reloading, or at least prepping her crossbow.

“It’s okay. Do you know how many times I’ve missed with my spear? Come on, lets get it.” Once she was ready, he would slowly move to the edge and began to scoot down it, letting the loose gravel act like a nice slide. The gravel dead ended into the water and he jumped down into it, retrieving the bolt for Savacea from the mud. The water was only a few feet deep at the deepest part and so he began to move forward toward his spear, holding out the crossbow bolt that didn’t exactly look damaged at all for her to take.

As he got to his spear he could see the tail still moving and he yanked it from the ground. “No blood”, he said, which he thought was very strange. How could it not have blood on it or leave a trail? He looked puzzled to Savacea and shrugged, putting the tail in the small sack on his side. “Let’s look for footprints then, and we will need to be sneaky. He will be on alert.”



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Other's Words - My Words - My Thoughts

[Savacea Jovellana]

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She let out a relieved sigh that Loda was not angry with her, that he too has missed plenty of times as well. At least he was not mad that she had missed the target, but she was just getting accustomed to using this weird Crossbow, wishing she bought a regular bow instead. It could not be helped though, now was the time to focus. Loda used the gravel as a slide into the water. It did not look deep so Savacea followed him down. The gravel slide into the water was actually fun and she gave a soft laugh at it, "That was fun." She commented brushing some debris off of her. She retrieved the bolt Loda handed her, "Thanks." she said as she took it, looking it over. Savacea was not sure, but it did not seem to be damaged so she kept it.

Loda picked up his spear, investigating the lizard's tail. Savacea was a bit grossed out at the fact that the thing was still moving, even though it was detached from the body. She gave a shiver, "That is so strange." She said to the wiggling tail as well as the fact that there was no blood. Loda placed the tail into the small sack at his side, telling her they should look for footprints. She nibbled her lower lip and nodded. She was not good at tracking anything, as she had never done so before, but she could at least try.

She walked to where the lizard had scurried away from being frightened. Trying hard to keep her foot steps soft and quiet, so she did not make much noise. She looked around at the moist sand and saw what looked like tracks, though she was not sure if it was or not. Savacea gestured to Loda and pointed at the indention in the sand, that lead away from the pool of water. She did not say anything or move, just pointed waiting for him to examine the things. Once he moved to look she would put her arm back at her side, bending down to look closer as Loda examined the indention. Savaea did not have a trained eye for such things, so she hoped that Loda did and could tell what it was, if anything at all.

Common | Symenos | Thoughts