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[Ashka Windrunner]

65th of Fall 517
Somewhere in the Sea of Grass

Already the heat of the coming day made itself present as Syna's rays caressed the back of the Drykas' neck like the stroke of warm feathers. Ashka rode her Strider at a slow pace, both of them keeping most of their energy for when they'll reach the end of the trail they were following. In the sun-bleached grasslands, between dried and yellowed stalks, tracks printed upon the desiccated soil were a god-sent lead, full of hope for the Drykas girl. After the excessive temperatures of the past seasons, the sun kept shining and depleting the land below, making hunting even more difficult and causing doubt and rumours to spread about the return of Morwen for the Winter. Ashka, among many others, feared that the balance of the seasons would not be restored in time, and that this instability would compromise the Drykas people's survival.

It was with concern in her heart that she had left camp early this morning, much earlier than her usual hunting times, with the hope that with the coolness of the night lingering in the Sea of Grass, land creatures would not have deserted the prairie yet. The redhead had stumbled upon a dry hoofprint a half-bell earlier by chance, and had clinged to the irregular trail with hope and determination since that moment. Bow and full quiver hung on her back while she rested her hands on the yvas handles, grey eyes scanning the ground for a fresh clue. A few chimes had passed since she last spotted a sign she was on the right path, and she began to worry she had lost her way.

Ashka sighed, feeling frustration swelling inside her. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly to gather herself and leaned back in the yvas, using her body weight and a sharp click of the tongue to bring her stallion to a stop. Lako took another couple of steps, slowing down gradually, and, feeling the continuing pressure on his back, halted. The Drykas dismounted and rewarded his obedience with a distracted scratch of his cheeks, and set her attention to her immediate surroundings. She walked slowly, eyes staring at the ground intensely like it could make a blinking arrow appear from the ground and point at a potential meal. Step after step, her gaze ran from dying bushes to dusty stalks to barren soil, with no luck.

After five chimes of walking in circles without finding any hint, any track, the girl let out an angry grunt, upset at herself for wasting precious time. Chances were she wasn't alone on this trail, and if another hunter – Drykas or animal – found its end first, she wouldn't have anything to do but begin a new search. Annoyed, she hurried back to her Strider and decided to retrace her steps. Lifting her eyes to the sky, she looked for Syna's bright shape; they had been travelling with her rays warming her back, so now they would have to walk in her direction.

Ashka asked her stallion to turn back, aiding her command by gently pushing his head and neck to a side and encouraging him with her voice. Although not completely awake, the claybank Strider obeyed rapidly and she could mount again. With a short whistle and a pressure of her calves against his flanks, she set their new course towards the Sun-goddess, silently praying for Caiyha to bless their outing.

- Thanks to Aladari Coolwater for the boxcode

[Samuel Longwell]

Samuel stifled a yawn, patting Dan goodbye as he left his camp. Fela followed at his heels, paws padding softly across the withered grass. He was glad she had come well trained, because his attempts to get Alice to follow commands had not been particularly successful. Fela already had the ability to hunt, which is why she was coming with him at this time in the morning. She would surely be an asset, helping the large man to catch something that he could eat. He held his bow loosely in his left hand, and his other hand brushed the hilt of the cold iron sword strapped to his back. Assured that it was secure, he headed out from the tent city at a slow jog.

It was a strange feeling entering the sea of grass on foot, but he had found Dan was often too noisy when hunting. It scared off prey and attracted dangerous predators, neither of which Samuel had any desire to do. He expected that the fact that his mount was a Tiaden didn't help, the great warhorse was far more rowdy than most of the Striders Samuel had seen. As he scanned the plains around him, he caught a glimpse of his sword hilt over his shoulder. The metal gleamed in the morning light, telegraphing his location to anything that spotted the flash. He stooped down, Fela stopping and cocking her head as she watched him. He grabbed a handful of dirt and rubbed it onto the handle, reducing its lustre. Now perhaps he could avoid detection more easily.

With another glance over his shoulder to check his handiwork, he set off at a run once more with Fela close beside him. He had grown used to the lighter armour he currently wore, and was glad of it now that he was running. The plate mail he had worn in Syliras drained his energy extremely quickly; leather was far better for stealth and for intense physical activity. He did occasionally miss the security that plate afforded though. But at that moment, with his breaths coming in short gasps, he couldn't imagine wearing plate. After he was a decent distance from the city he slowed to a walk, a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead. He took several deep breaths and let his heartbeat slow down.

He ruffled Fela's ears then carefully gave the sign for track. The Luvanor put her nose to the ground and started to attempt to find a trail. Samuel moved away slightly, scouring the ground for signs of prey. He kept an eye on Fela, wanting to make sure he noticed if it seemed she had found something.

A few chimes later, a flicker of movement to his left caught his eye. Turning, he saw a mounted figure riding towards him. He couldn't tell exactly, but the horse seemed to be a strider. It was reassuring, Samuel trusted Drykas more easily than outsiders. He smirked, understanding the irony of such a thought. He was an outsider himself.

“Fela.” Her ears pricked up, hearing Samuel call in his rough Pavi. “Come.” He wanted her to be nearby when the newcomer arrived. But she ignored him, either his command was garbled by his accent or he hadn't been forceful enough. Sighing, he stepped over to her and stood beside her as horse and rider approached.

Many thanks to Prophet for the box code.

[Ashka Windrunner]

It had been just a few chimes of riding back before Ashka spotted the tall silhouette searching the grasslands ahead. From the height of her stallion's back she had noticed what seemed to be a man, alone with his dog. Strangely no horse accompanied him, which inclined the girl to think he was no Drykas; none would leave the safety of the city behind them without their swift mount to run away from the dangers they could encounter in the Sea of Grass. The stranger happened to be on the girl's path, so she decided to keep her course set, try to find her trail again, and if he showed any hostility, Lako would carry her to safety in a hoofbeat. As a precaution, Ashka took hold of the shortbow hanging on her back and drew an arrow; she didn't nock it, instead holding the weapon pointing down, although clearly visible when she approached the unknown figure. The Drykas wasn't the strongest archer but hoped the sight of the bow would be intimidating enough should the man revealed to be a threat.

She tightened up her legs around her Strider's flanks to ensure a better stability if they had to flee, and continued her ride with her eyes set on the tall man. But as the pair rode closer and the Drykas managed to get a better view of the man's features, all suspicion vanished from her mind, replaced by relief as the girl put away her bow and waved; tall stature, beard and shaved head, she hadn't recognised him at first because riding towards the sun meant the rays had obstructed her vision, but this man was no stranger. He happened to be the Syliran Knight who had trained her in combat the past season. Ashka remembered his name to be Samuel and, from a short distance, signed a greeting to the foreigner.

The redhead squeezed a calf to the right flank of her stallion, prompting him to approach Samuel, and the grulla Strider obeyed rapidly. They covered the distance separating them at a brisk trot and once a few feet away, she demanded he halted with a sharp click of the tongue while she leaned back in the yvas. Soon enough Strider and Drykas had stilled, and Ashka could dismount and repeat her greeting as she faced the taller man.
"Surprise, nice to see you. What are you doing here, alone? It can be dangerous out there," she said simply, curiosity tinting her words and signs. Her grey gaze lingered a tick on the dog at his side; the pointy ears, the general shape of its body, the markings on its coat, she recognised without a doubt a Luvanor grassland hunter like the one Idathi owned, and the thought crossed her mind that Samuel was very likely on a hunt, trying his luck like many other hungry residents of the Tent City.

"Are you hunting?" the girl asked pointing at the canine. "I was on a trail as well, but I lost it a few chimes ago. What about you – tracking, any chance?"

- Thanks to Aladari Coolwater for the boxcode

[Samuel Longwell]

The red-headed rider drew an arrow from her quiver as she came in range, Samuel's hand twitching towards his own quiver. He relaxed slightly as he realised her bow was still held by her side, there didn't seem to be an imminent threat of violence. Then he grinned, recognising the young Drykas as one of his previous students. He paused a moment, trying to recall her name. Was she a Dawnwhisper? No that didn't sound right. His lips pursed slightly as he racked his brain. He hated it when he couldn't remember people's names after he'd taught them.

As the young woman came closer, it became evident that she was still suspicious of him. Her face suddenly brightened, a flash of recognition crossing her features. He returned her wave and stepped forward to greet her as she dismounted. The sound of her voice sparked his memory. Ashka. She's called Ashka.

“Hello Ashka,” he replied, smiling warmly and signing a welcome. “Yes, I'm out here hunting. Was hoping to find something but luckless so far.” He signed track carefully to Fela once more, who began to search the area once more. He looked at Ashka and shrugged. “I don't know if I'm doing it wrong, I have not hunted much with any dog.” He glanced hopefully at the Drykas. “Perhaps we could try together? I am a good bowman, but it is difficult to find any animals out here.”

A soft yip from Fela caught his attention. She looked expectantly at the two humans, then started off away from them with her nose to the ground. Once she gotten another 15 paces away, she stopped and barked again. His hands shaped a question.

“It seems like she has found something. Should we follow?”

Many thanks to Prophet for the box code.

[Ashka Windrunner]

"Yes, let's search together!"
The invitation from Samuel was welcomed with enthusiasm, Ashka signing a enthusiastic agreement in answer. "I have hunted with this kind of dog only once or twice, personal experience, but they are the best breed for tracking, I've heard." Reputation, confidence danced with her words, marking the Drykas' trust in the dog's ability. She smiled at the Syliran, pleased to have his company on this outing. Perhaps she'll get the chance to learn more from him; she knew too well her own skill at the bow were not quite at the level expected from a Drykas, and she scowled herself for her lack of training more often than not. Plus, maybe she'd get to hear some good stories about Samuel's homeland. She wasn't sure about the way to go to satisfy her curiosity but hoped to figure it out slowly when spending more time with the knight.

The dog's bark had her attention turned to the animal. It seemed the Luvanor had caught a scent and was inviting the two hunters to follow her lead. Ashka didn't hide the impressed look in her eyes: she had not expected the canine to pick up a trail so fast; the dog certainly seemed well-trained and efficient.
"Agree, let's follow her" she replied to the owner's suggestion. "Let me just get Lako... He's going to need some convincing."

The Drykas girl jogged back to her stallion who had been eyeing the hunting dog cautiously. Lako never really got along well with other animals, particularly hunting companions like dogs, birds and big cats. She appeased him with reassuring words softly spoken in Pavi, coaxing him into trusting their new four-legged companion; an almost routine procedure to go through these days when meeting and working with predator pets. Once the Strider had calmed down, she grabbed his mane in one hand and the yvas in the other and pulled herself onto his back. With a short whistle she set him in motion and guided pressure with her legs steered him behind Samuel's dog, ready to follow Fela when her master would give the signal to be on the way.

oocApologies for the delay! I am now back in the swing of things

- Thanks to Wymez for the awesome template

[Samuel Longwell]

“Good, extra eyes to search for prey.” Samuel grinned and signed contentment to Ashka. He was glad that she had heard good things about the breed, clearly Jasmine had helped him pick well. He hoped that Alice would get to the same level of proficiency at hunting as Fela eventually, it would be a shame for a Luvanor Hunter to grow up unable to hunt after all. “I will wait till you are ready,” he said, signing his agreement as Ashka went to get her horse.

Samuel waited for the Drykas to mount up, as she calmed her strider with soft words and a gentle touch. The warrior wasn't sure whether it was him or Fela that the stallion was unsure of, but eventually Lako settled and Ashka rode over. Samuel turned and started walking towards his dog, who turned and started to follow the trail that she had found. His eyes traced the horizon, reminding himself that he was in hostile territory. He needed to be ready to respond to a threat if one appeared.

“How has Fall been for you Ashka?” he asked, glancing at the Drykas before resuming his lookout for trouble. “Mine has been... fairly eventful compared to my time in the Summer. I met many interesting people, fought monsters, and had my fortune read.”

Samuel ground to a halt, stopping by Fela. The dog was circling round, an almost quizzical look on her face. It seemed like the trail had run cold. The warrior scratched his head, he didn't know much about tracking but he hadn't heard of a trail just disappearing in the middle of the plains like that. He pursed his lips and frowned, glancing over at Ashka to see if she had any input.

“That's strange,” he said, signing his confusion. “Fela cannot find the trail. How's this happened?” He shook his head, exasperated at his own inexperience. He hoped the young Drykas would have an idea of what to do next, because was feeling unsure of how to proceed. “What should we do now?” He rubbed his face, and signed his confusion once again.

Many thanks to Prophet for the box code.

[Ashka Windrunner]

Ashka rode by Samuel's side, her gaze going from the hunting dog to the grasslands around them, looking out for any sign of either prey or danger. But nothing seemed to move in the sun-dried plains. A year ago, she would have heard the rustle of small animals in the underbrush, the calls of songbirds or even the roar of a stag in the distance, but since Morwen had given up on her duty, life in the Sea of Grass was not the same. After the sweltering heat of the past seasons and the ensuing drought, it was as if most living creatures had deserted the grasslands, maybe in search of a more favorable habitat.

The Drykas was pulled from her train of thought by Samuel's voice and she drew her eyes on him as he spoke of his time in Endrykas this season. Ashka noted how casually he spoke of monsters and fortune reading; it seemed he was already used to the rough lifestyle of Cyphrus.
"My fall has been nowhere as eventful as yours," she answered in a thoughtful tone. "More of a struggle. Disease...Heat... A lot more difficulties for the Pavilion, with water becoming so scarce. It's lucky most our horses are from the desert in the south. But you know, same than for everybody else. Some years are just harder than others," she added with a shrug. She paused for a tick, considering the man, before curiosity made her voice rise again. "But tell me, what kind of monsters was it that you fought? And how do you find life in Endrykas? I bet it's nothing like the place where you come from" the redhead added, eyes gleaming with eagerness to hear the man's stories about his birthplace.

The Luvanor's behaviour cut the conversation short for a moment: the dog was walking in circle, visibly confused, and soon the master reflected the same feeling. When Samuel shared his confusion, the Drykas brought her Strider to a halt with a sharp click of the tongue and swung a leg up to dismount. Once on the ground, she proceeded to carefully inspect the dusty soil in search for a trail, a sign, anything that could help their hunt, but their was nothing more than days-old hooved prints in the dirt, the morning winds slowly blowing their edges away. Ashka stood up from her crouching position and sighed, disappointed with her find – or lack thereof. She turned to Samuel, hands conveying her own perplexity. "I don't understand... How can the dog lose the smell of a trail?"

Ashka looked around for a moment, eyes going to the horizon, the sun-bleached bushes nearby, the cloudless sky, like she was expecting a sign from the endless blue above to direct her search.
And she more or less got one.
To the east, close enough that she could spot it among the morning rays, a winged silhouette described circles over the grasslands, seemingly watching over a spot invisible to the two hunters. Ashka almost jumped up in excitement and pointed the direction to her companion as words poured out of her mouth frantically.
"There!! Look!! There is... A raptor, hunting,bird, it has found something! It doesn't look too far... Let's go, let's see! If it found something hopefully we'll find some preys as well!"

The girl then rushed to her Strider and leapt onto his back hurriedly, before she turned to Samuel, expectancy in her posture, awaiting the Syliran's decision.

- Thanks to Wymez for the awesome template