Joining the Hunt (Tiki)

[Growl]

Date: TBD by Player Kayin stared into the eyes of the Kelvic before him, considering everything he had just said. "A job as a hunter can be arranged," he said simply. "Although hunting in these parts is far more dangerous than you may be used to. For not only is the weather here brutal, with snow constantly falling and the winds never seeming to die down, but every animal that lurks in the wastes is a dire one. Nearly twice the size of what you may see elsewhere... that's simply the nature of Taldera." There was a slight pause as the man folded his arms over his chest. "Do you think you could handle that Tiki? Or would you prefer to search for work in another of the Holds... the hunt isn't for everyone, after all." Kayin would stop speaking and wait for Tiki to reply after that. If the Kelvic replied that he was not at all interested, he'd simply nod and kindly show Tiki out. If he showed his reluctance to begin, he'd ask that he'd come back another time, and if he said that he did not fear the animals that lurked in the waste, he'd ask for his job experience. How often he had hunted, if he considered himself more than a novice, and what he used to hunt. OOCSorry for the short post, and the awkward phrasing towards the end. I just wanted to be sure you had more than a few sentences to reply to. P.S. You are in the Frostfawn Hold.

[Tiki]

57 of Fall, 511 AV, Frostfaun Hold “It wouldn’t be my first challenge.” Oh how the naivety rolled off of his lips. He said it with a grin too, as if to mock whatever beasts Kayin spoke of. He continued on with a fair enthusiasm as kayin welcomed the kelvic’s courage, with wary of course. The hunt takes more than brawn considering the circumstances. If it were pure might which decided the victor, the Vantha may have died off long ago. The following questions did confuse him a bit. Clearly the perspective of hunting here was different than he was used to, however the experience he had was his own, and all he had if he hoped to make this work. “I’ve been hunting throughout my life. I only had the chance to eat a cooked meal since I arrived here…in Avanthal.” He seemed slightly nervous. The pressure of the interview made the air heavy and he choked on his words a few times. Sometimes he just stopped all together to rethink the thoughts; thankfully he wasn’t the rambling type. “I guess I’m more than a novice…I’ve been hunting my whole life, I mean. – I mean I just kind of…you know, with my teeth and claws, not weapons.” and soon Tiki’s true inexperience became something evident. While indeed a hunter by instinct and design gifted through Caiyha, his methods might not prove so efficient in this realm. More than a job, the monetary gain would be accompanied by training of sorts in the art of the hunt as displayed through the Vantha generations. The last question was too answered conveniently, and emphasized the gravity of his lacking. If he wanted to be safe from both beast and blizzard, he’d need to become something else, something contradictory or civilization in practice. He’s need to become a man knowledgeable of the spear, or other weapon, and soon thereafter use it for the very purpose he would use his own claws for. In a last effort he stood up nice and tall, the feral look in his eyes showing his need. Money makes the civil world go round, it is his hunt, and the fact he would hunt to hunt was ironic in that sense. But as he stood strong for this hunt he tried to appear strong and ready. He would learn what needed to be learned, and from there hunt what he would need to hunt for his own benefit, that of the hold’s, and that of Avanthal’s. Now, in Morwen’s name, he would hunt for her children the Vantha and all companions of his kin, should Kayin find him suiting. In a last moment before Kayin had room to speak he let out another bit of information, “I don’t fit in with the snow. I’m darker, much darker.” and then moved as if to strip down and verify his words. He hot no further than his cloak before looking back up whether to continue with Kayin’s approval.

[Growl]

Kayin raised a single brow as his eyes turned from a deep violet to a sapphire blue. He raised a single hand to stop Tiki. "Not here," he said simply. "No need to show what you truly are now. Now come, we will see if your true form presents a problem when hunting in the wastes." With that, he strode past Tiki and out the door. He made his way through several halls, which comprised the Hold, before reaching the door that led outside, into the cold. He stopped just before it, "you may wish to tighten the clasp on your cloak. It's a cold day. We can't have you freezing before we've made it to the wastes," he instructed, as he pushed the door open with his shoulder. A blast of icy cold air swept through the Hold, along with the occasional snow flurry as Kayin stepped out into the day. The sun was high in the sky, casting its rays down to earth, causing the newly-fallen snow to shimmer a pale yellow as the Hold leader's boots crunched into the snow. Pushing it down and leaving a trail for Tiki to follow. The man was heading south, into the wastes. "Alright Tiki, once we have made it into the wilderness, you will take the lead. I will follow you wherever you go, as you hunt for anything you can find. I will not help you, simply watch and wait for you to bring something down. If you are successful, I will know precisely where to place you. If you fail, well, you'll need to gain more experience before you hunt for the Hold," he explained. "My only request, is that you try to keep the animal fairly intact... that way we can use as much of the meat as possible," he finished, as he continued walking. They would be on the outskirts of town soon, now was the time for Tiki to ask any questions, if he had any.

[Tiki]

With Kayin’s word the cloak was replaced and he followed out towards the hall. Through the hold he was checking left and right for anyone else. It was odd to him to see such a large place to empty; then again, if the Frostfaun were to be doing their job they wouldn’t make much progress at home, now would they? Old the door Kayin went, Tiki lagged before a moment to adjust. In this weather, he might be a bit distracted from his actual task. It was funny actually how Tiki stepped into the footsteps Kayin left, or at least it was to him. He found warmth in it, smiled, and laughed to himself. He checked back to Kayin who seemed all but amused, though his back didn’t say much at all. There wasn’t much conversation at all really, though Kayin had received a nod or two, another day on the job Tiki assumed. He hoped losing people on the try outs wasn’t so normal to his routine as well… Dire animals, this would be a new experience. With Kayin’s instructions in mind he was preparing himself to go back into the cold. He tried to breathe faster, move a little more, all in an effort to warm up. Once he started, the only thing what’d be between him and the icy air was his fur, skin, and whatever fat hang onto his full body. The wastes were before them, far off but close enough in sight. The music of Avanthal faded into the silence and wind that wisped through their beings now. It was foreboding, as quiet as it was that only made it worse, as if nothing and no one would hear your screams or cries for help. Tiki looked back to Kayin to make sure he was ready as well. Now at the end of their boundary, Tiki took the lead as instructed. He had no questions the whole while, and the looks between them communicated much already. Warmed up as he was now, he’d have to change quickly to keep the heat under his fur coat. He was stripping quickly, and once the last cloth was off he transformed in an instant to the black cat he was. He wasn’t terribly large, but had grown a few pounds and maybe an inch since he had arrived first in Spires. The travel and hunt had done a swell job on his body. He was, after all, a growing boy; perhaps no longer a cub even. He looked back to Kayin with his golden eyes, his own paws together in the snow so cold. With the layers he had on, he’s only last a few hours before frostbite turned for the worse, and that’s only if he were to keep his form. The practicality of her hunting mannerisms was out of the question, as efficient as he was in self satisfaction, he’d need to change in the future before he could provide everything Kayin requested. For now he’d show what experience he spoke of. He stopped in that instant and heard anything Kayin had to say, any words of wisdom or luck that he would pass on to another entity of the hunt, such an interesting part of the life cycle. In the last of any words he paused and looked back to the wastes. The storm seemed typical as of the moment, though if the wind were to pick up his time frame would dwindle, rapidly. His nose flared lightly, like the little flickers of a candle so slight yet telling of something around it. There was something on the air, but being so close to the scent of Kayin and Avanthal was a distraction. He would try to keep south, with Avanthal right behind him and his things for a getaway. Maybe Kayin would even be as kind as to carry such items in the cloak like a sack. But that was for later, and as of the moment the quest lay before him in all literal sense. Tiki walked off into the snowy wilderness of Avanthal’s reaches. His steps along the ground were quiet, only accompanied by the wind and whatever trees cracked under the weight, or howls in the deepest parts of the wood. Unblinking, Tiki was being overly cautious, unsure of how large these dire beasts Kayin spoke of truly were. His nostrils wiggled again, something was near, and though it smelled unlike anything he was familiar with. Whether a different breed of animal or different species all together Tiki knew little of, but it seemed…big; the odor itself certainly was of strength to match great mass. He followed it, his blackness being lost ahead as the snow covered over him. Morwen herself worked against him in this test.

[Growl]

Kayin glanced away as Tiki shifted, not out of embarrassment, but out of respect for the other hunter. "I'll carry your things until it is time to turn in for the night," Kayin explained when Tiki had finished, and he had gathered the Kelvic's belongings in his arms. He stuffed them into his pack, and quickly followed after the panther. Making sure to trail no more than a few feet behind at any given time. "You should have a good few hours to work with before it gets too dark, and the weather worsens," he explained with a quick glance up at the sky. "And with the wastes being rife with wildlife, you shouldn't have a problem finding anything," he added with a small smile, as a strong gust of icy cold wind swept over the snow, brushing the top-most layer away as he continued onwards. OOCAgain, I apologize for the incredibly short post.

[Tiki]

OOCNo problem just give me some feedback from the environment as well as Kayin ASAP. I don’t want to hijack nature’s natural workings. xD The great cat growled in response, almost a sort of low and harmonious purr. Tiki understood very well what Kayin meant. Turning back to the wilderness, he flared his nose once more; the scent was weak, probably skewed from the northern winds. He began south, the city being directly behind him should all go poorly. What started as a smooth prowl through the snow soon picked up to gallop over the banks with soft, quiet landings. He was onto something, hopefully nothing overly large for him. The scent itself was growing stronger, and the sensations of intimidation. Was it merely the cool air settling upon him, or some other stabbing and stinging of what was to come? When he reached the target, the scent fully concentrated, it became apparent both were adequate reasoning. In a clearing some several yards away, the changing fur of a magnificent buck clashed against the snowy white of the wood. It was enormous in comparison to Tiki, at least twice the size of the norm he was used to seeing, even preying upon. Stags of his usual match were challenge and wearing enough. He would begin with the approach and go from there… He observed the landscape…trees tall and fallen littered the area here and beyond, most covered in the snow. Everything was covered in snow in fact, even the top hide of the buck to an extent. The deer was also facing away from him, so the moment was that of the opportune. He watched what he could of his feet the first step. Into the cold frosty white he shifted, the snow trustworthy of his presence. From then on in he was focused on the stag and where he would step up and down. He began through the snow in a slow prowl toward the trees adjacent its hind side. He started off slowly in hopes the terrain would not betray him.

[Growl]

Kayin had to run at his full capacity in order to keep up with Tiki, and was more than thankful when the creature stopped, having caught sight of a buck. The Hold leader's heart was pounding in his chest as he fought to regain his breath. His throat was stinging, now that he was rapidly drawing in cold air. It felt dry too, as though he hadn't had anything to drink for quite some time. Kayin sighed, as he crouched down in the snow, so as to help Tiki with his hunt. After all, if the creature saw either of them, he would surely become alarmed, right? "Good luck, and may Morwen keep a watchful eye on you," Kayin whispered. "May she protect you from harm," he finished the short prayer with a smile, as he watched Tiki move out ahead of him. Several flakes of snow were falling from the sky at a slight angle. It wasn't falling quickly, or heavily either. If anything, it seemed to flutter to the ground, like a feather that had been set free from a bird, or a crisp, orange leaf in the fall. The snow seemed to dance with the wind, swaying lightly on the breeze until it reached the ground, or settled on something or someone's fur. Clinging to the matted strands, before slithering between them, and melting slowly. Kayin blinked several off his eyelashes as he watched and waited. He could hear the wind whistling softly, as though whispering its song to anyone who would listen. It floated over to the ears of the buck, carrying Tiki's scent, which had been reduced by the precipitation which clung to his dark fur. Although his scent had been dampened, the elegant creature would begin to pick up on it soon enough. It would begin to sniff the air, wait for Tiki's movements through the snow, to vibrate against its whiskers. His large eyes would glance all about, looking, in caution, and perhaps even some level of fear for the source of the smell. After all, it wouldn't be one he recognized, the scent of a panther kelvic. The creatures not being native to this portion of Taldera. Thus, that may give Tiki a moment's advantage. The element of surprise, in the sense that his scent provided a bit of mystery. And yet, if the deer were ever to realize what he was, it would be off in a heartbeat. Scurrying across the snow to safety, and not leaving the hunter with so much as a moment to catch up to it. Perhaps then, it would be best for Tiki to act quickly, if he did not wish to go out in search of another animal to bring down.

[Tiki]

It was in moments like this that the humanity within him slipped away into the darkest recesses of the mind and the full empowerment of Caiyha poured forth in the deadliest of forms. He was on the prowl, and his prey was just within reach. The only misfortunes forthcoming were his position on the ground, and the precipitation. His golden stare was fixated on the buck. Shades of white and gray began to blend against the snow, only to be outlined by the remaining dark fur. His own shadowy form was such a sharp contrast. He’d need to be quick, precise, if not he would certainly lose out. His next movements were crucial. His paw shifted lightly, its speed mimicking that of the falling snow. As if slowed in time it arced through the air and came closer to the white ground. Thank Morwen for this day’s weather, for as he compressed his paw with the ground hidden no squeak was made. His padded foot was too gentle for such subtle movements in the jungle. The dual precaution assured he’d make contact at the least. This motion was repeated for a number of steps until he was in the clear path for its hind legs. He lay in wait. The jaguar’s already stocky legs brought him low, and lower yet in his prowl. Ears jutted backwards for his spear-head. Unblinking eyes zeroed in on the perfect spot; he wanted the neck. His bite was unmatched even amongst the polar bears of the north. In years to come such a claim would become fact with proper growth of the young cat to a full grown beast. In his low prowl he took final cautious steps forward. Again, he lay in wait. The deafening silence settled. The furred battering ram crouched for the perfect time, the breathing, the movements, all had to match perfectly. His slowing movements came to a halt. He was stone. With what little friction the padded snow and earth below it could provide his hind legs snapped to their fullest and he pounced forward. Quietly his padded paws shifted through the snow, his hind legs kicking snow up. He must have leapt at least five feet into the back of the buck and sank his talon like claws into the meaty shoulders. He was hung off the left side, and slipping. The whole while there was silence save for the stomping of the buck and the thumps of his body against it. The buck snorted and mooed. Falling back he sank his claws in deeper and jumped back to the top, only to shift his weight and that of the buck’s to the side in hopes of toppling the tall standing mammal. Should his strength prove of worth the next move was simple and quick. By repositioning himself on the head, claws dug in, and the full of his weight being pushed down on the buck’s neck and upper body, he would have a clear shot to kill. As welcoming as the neck was, he knew well enough of the fur’s thickness already. Perhaps it was better to break his skull, he rationed. He’d bite by the ear as he had seen long ago. He’d sink those dagger fangs into the flesh and bone and crush it under the pressure. It was the simple part. The difficulty was always getting that far for the little jaguar, still only a juvenile.

[Growl]

The deer's ears twitched as it raised its head and looked about. Frozen in place. The dark eyes seemed to peer over Tiki, before they turned away. Allowing him to breath once more as the majestic creature took a few steps away from where the jaguar was waiting. It finally lowered its head again, and resumed its grazing. Its tailed twitched, and before the creature knew it, Tiki was upon it. Its fur ripped a little by the shoulders, spreading to release a thick, crimson red blood, that sent an intoxicating metallic scent into the jaguar's nostrils. Causing them to flare, and long for more, as his whiskers twitched. The jaguar seemed to salivate all the more as he threw himself at his prey, the creature bucking frantically. Extending his hind legs in an attempt to get Tiki off his back. It groaned with the effort, finally loosing the jaguar enough to hit him squarely in the chest with one of his black hooves. Tiki's claws came off the deer's fur, as he was thrown back a few paces, allowing the deer enough time to paw at the ground, and begin its escape. Its hooves pounding against the white snow, now stained pink in some places, only to be covered by the flurries it sent up in its flight. It was darting away from where the hold leader watched, wondering how the Kelvic would handle this set-back. Wondering if he was truly hurt. Knowing that such a blow to some, could be deadly, he crept forward steadily, keeping his body low to the ground. OOCSorry, but I figured it was only fair since Tiki is not the strongest hunter. Slash, who wants an easy hunt anyway? That's no fun!

[Tiki]

Those classic moments, great tales of battles between heroes and monsters, all of them share the trait of triumph and undying courage. Even in stories of old where that monster, that shadowy devil, was in fact a spawn of Caiyha’s. It might have been a bear, or a wolf, but the story stayed the same. If anything, it made the tale the more relatable. And after it was all done, you’d hear of the great deeds and victory. The unscathed hero be praised, hurrah! If only that were the truth. Rather than victory cries, Tiki took the force of the hook square on. Underneath his pitch pelt there was blood, something cracked, and surely an oddly shaped bruise was forming. The force of the kick was intense, sending him back into the powder white with a muffled thud. There was a low grown, and the sounds of a buck trampling over the fresh snow. Tiki was quick back onto his feet, already having wasted so much energy. Now was not the time to leave go of some maimed prey. The blood-scent drove him while endorphins flooded his body in response to the damage already done. Now back on all fours, the hunt was back on. Something was pulling inside, something blotted out by the rush. The scent was still strong, and the odor of blood filled his muzzle. Sanguine claws stomped the earth in his prowl tracking the uneven tracks in the snow. He saw the deer, not too far off, but hot on the move. It was time to catch up. The tracks made by the deer made such a task easier by far. The mounting snow was tossed aside from the buck’s hurried movements leaving ideal space to place his own paws and push with the maximum velocity viable in such weather, such terrain. The shot to the chest was starting to fade back into the mind, but the need for a meal was over powering still. His breathing, still overshadowed by the growls, roars, and purrs, was starting to become struggled. Regardless, the clear path and flow of adrenaline pushed him forward for death’s content. The final feet were coming close; he’d attack on the side and maim those damn legs that kicked him so. At the mid leg, the joint, that was sufficient enough, but he’d have to get them both if not break one. When he could get close enough on a straight path, he’d made the strike again, try to down the monstrously sized buck, and cut its throat. A cup of crimson to the gods for the kelvic’s victory to be held, Lhex willing, and triumphant roars.