Claws, Horns: An Arrow's End (Closed)

[Aello]

Timestamp: Winter 17, 511 AV Location: Middle of Nowhere People: Xavior, Ageru, Thalj, Nex, and Aello Aello's palm pressed into the tree. Its bark settling into her skin. Its rough nature. She could feel her fingers sinking into the dips. The diamond cut-outs which lined the tree, like the back of a larger snake. Aello's eyes fell into a squint as she peered around the side. As her grip tightened around her bow. She could just see over the rise in the land, the wall of trees she faced. Through the streamers of golden light cast by the sun. Now, now, where did we get to? Aello wondered, as she studied the lay of the land. Which part of this petching forest is this? In which direction lays the nearest stream? The nearest clearing? The nearest hint of civilization and humanity? Hardening her gaze, Aello studied the trees. The sort they were. Devoid of leaves. Of needles, of any life it seemed, this time of year. Sighing, tendrils of silver escaped her lips, her nostrils, as she drew in another breath. Cool air which caused her insides to burn. You know you all look the petching same after awhile, Aello thought. Can't make navigating yourself through this place easy on anybody now can you? Shaking her head lightly, Aello pushed her eyes back open and stepped away from the tree. She looked left, and then right, before sighing again. She had no idea which stretch of the forest this was, and worse yet, she hadn't seen her companions for awhile, the birds, which made her worry that they too, had gotten lost. "I hope you two are ok," the aurist whispered, as she thought of the sparrow and the bluejay. Fast friends, nearly inseparable it seemed. "Eywaat, watch over them for me, will you, please?" Aello asked, as she stepped forward, wondering too, what Nex had gotten himself into. Sighing one last time, the aurist promised herself she'd keep a tighter leash on her companions. Just to be sure she could find them again, alive.

[Xavior Silhouette]

oocThalj and Xavior's conversation were rped in chat. No god modding or anything going on in this post. This seems like it will be a fun thread! Xavior moved slowly behind Thalj. He attempted to mimicked the movements Thalj made through the forest. He stepped lightly to not make to much noise as the duo looked through the columns of trees in search for a large deer or even several rabbits to feed Thalj. Xavior however had no idea how to hunt or track but figured Thalj being an animal could handle a half a day trek into the cold woods. Xavior, despite the cold, continued to wear his usual revealing loin cloth. It was the only clothing he owned that could survive the transition between his Eth form and Zith form. Not that he minded it though, the freedom of clothes really allowed him to move just as gracefully as Thalj. "Have you caught any scent or sound that could be a deer Thalj?" Xavior's voice was low as he continued to follow Thalj at an arms length distance. Xavior could see Thalj take another sniff of the air. His face didn't seem hopeful, "Nothing that's within a recent time frame. A few days ago yes, but yesterday or even last night. Nothing yet, sorry." Xavior felt like he had hit a wall internally, though the day was young as they continued to travel. "No, don't be sorry. We still have another day before we return home. We'll stay the night out in the wild. Hopefully, we'll be safe," He paused, "Oh what am I saying, who would attempt to cross a lion?" He chuckled, "Just keep your eyes open." He heard Thalj chuckle in response; Xavior loved it when he did. He had to admit since they first met near the birth of winter he was inseparable from the man. "Would be easier if someone wasn't determined to play lord of the forest all the time." Xavior and Thalj both snickered. Thalj continued, "Remind me why you suddenly had a need for deer?" "Well simple really, meat is expensive, why buy it when you can find it in the forest. You're a growing man and I need to give you something to maintain your, Stamina." He grinned as he drew out the word Stamina suggestively. Thalj's groan told more then words, he almost missed the icy blue eyes as they rolled. He began to look away from Thalj's body and to the side of the forest. The crossbow he held had no bolts, the small missiles located in a quiver attached to the belt of his loincloth. Thalj had stopped suddenly and Xavior slammed into the strong back. He oofed as he felt like he had hit a wall, the crossbow clicked as the trigger was pulled toward the body of the bow. The string twanged, firing nothing but a light breeze of air. "Woops, guess I have a hair pin trigger." Xavior grinned over Thalj's shoulder. He stepped back as Thalj turned around. He watched as those hypnotic eyes traveled over his fuzzy front and lingered near his groin for a moment longer then the rest of his body, "so glad it isn't always so hair pin." Xavior grinned knowingly before Thalj continued, "I think we have either a spy amongst the trees or a very small creature near by." Thalj sniffed again and Xavior looked around in search. "I don't see anything, you sure you smell something? Where is it?" Xavior's deep black eyes strained to attempt to find what Thalj had found. "That way" Thalj pointed toward a thicker part of the forest, then added, "It sounds small given it's closeness to the ground." Xavior nodded and set the tip of his crossbow down onto the ground to redraw the string up to the little hook that held the string. Once finished he continued to follow Thalj to the newly discovered scent.

[Thalj]

Thalj hadn’t understood why Xavior had wanted to go hunting in the middle of winter, after all they could have just traveled to the nearest city and purchased some deer meat given the Kelvic did have a pouch filled with a good chunk of golden Mizas hidden away back at Xavior’s house. But when a master wants something then it was the servant or pet’s job to get it, so the kelvic had dressed befitting the weather even though he would have rather stayed indoors right in front of a roaring fire. After all Thalj had never really grown up in weather that was common around the Wildlands and the Sylira Region. ………………………………………………………………. Not feeling comfortable with his fighting skills as an unarmed man, Thalj stopped while Xavior readied his crossbow and disrobed out of the clothing he had adorned his body in that morning before heading out. Folding them up, he tossed the garments back at Xavior and shifted from that of his ‘mortal’ looking body into the form he was actually more comfortable in, a young almost adolescent looking white lion. After all being only four and a half years old, his mane hadn’t fully filled in just yet but it was clear with time and maturity the lion would have a rather impressive mantel of mane. “Hold those.” He had told his Master and chuckled as he was rather good at getting his pants to land on top of Xavior’s head, before shifting forms. Placing his nose against the winter coated ground, he did his best to ignore the temperature that was radiating up from the soil and grass, but couldn’t help but wonder why it had to be so cold out, he could already see the tendrils of ghost like air that was exhaled from his mouth and through his nostrils, as he sniffed the ground trying to locate the origin of the scent that had briefly floated toward his nasal passages upon the breeze. As he moved toward the trees, he would slowly cautiously raise a paw then set it down a few inches in front of where it had been. And like a typical lion his next paw followed closely behind the first one as to mask his trail as easy as possible. Stopping in front of the tree, not realizing that there was someone (Aello) behind it, Thalj sniffed near the base of the trunk, slowly moving up along its bark. However as he got about to the middle of the tree’s lower half, he began to move around to the right hand side. His tail hung low in a stalking position as his head peered slowly around the width of the tree. It was here that he froze as he came face to face with the thing that had filled the air with her scent. Tilting his head to one side a little, eyes bluer then the crisp morning sky gazed at the young features of what he guessed was a child. Was she lost? What was a child doing out in the woods of the wildlands and in the dead of winter? Thalj didn’t move as he didn’t want to frighten her but how else was he to let Xavior know that it was a child and not some beast… then again in Mizahar one never knew when the cover of the book was the true story or nothing more than a mask to what lie beneath.

[Aello]

Aello could feel the lion's deep blue eyes upon her long before she looked into their expanse. The icy orbs which seemed to speak volumes. "Oh, hello," the aurist said simply, as the lion came into the light. A deep red, so common of the animals in the forest, and yet, there was something more. The dark shadow of a man lurking behind him, and another winged creature, with a far darker aura. Whose edges carried the color of the moon. His figure too, carried a shadow. An even deeper shadow. Of night and stars. "Lion who is not a lion, and zith who is not a zith." The girl chuckled, her eyes sparkling in the light, as she extended her free hand towards the lion's nose, wondering if she could pat it without him trying to bite it off. "It's strange to find another set of travelers in such a desolate place," Aello whispered. "Especially those who hide themselves behind a mask." The girl paused, considering her words as the auras flickered. Reaching for each other. Slender tendrils, snaking around each other. Circling, always, endlessly, as they rose into each other. They must have just bonded, or be in the process of it, Aello thought, which can only make lion boy here all the more dangerous, should he feel his bondmate threatened. Sighing inwardly, Aello wondered where her own bondmates had gotten to, to counter the over-sized house cat. "But it's no matter. You're welcome enough in this neck of the woods," Aello wore on. "As long as you don't try anything too stupid, of course," she added, as she eyed the lion warily, and then cast a moment's cursory glance at his companion. She could feel her grip tightening around her bow as she moved herself away from the tree. From its support, thinking it more than unnecessary considering how she knew precisely what they were. Considering, she was entirely in her element, and both of them, didn't seem to be. "Anyway, what brings two strangers to the forest?" Aello asked. "Surely a lion finds himself out of place, as does a half-Zith." Aello chuckled. "Trying to commune with the crows, and become their new lord? Or perhaps, scare them all away?" There was a slight pause. "No... no, that must be too ridiculous, even for your sort. Surely, you're up to something... if you brought a lion with you, you must be searching. With its nose... you're definitely... searching..."

[Xavior Silhouette]

Xavior took a moment to step into the area that Thalj had moved into. His black eyes studied the young woman, just as she seemed to be doing to them. He didn't say a word and instead took the time to study Aello and the way she spoke. The people who had met Thalj usually would show at least a bit of hesitance. However, Aello didn't show any at all. It was curious to Xavior, it either meant the young woman was crazy or she felt confident if Thalj or himself were to do harm they'd be on the receiving end of casuals or even casualties. Not that he'd feel like doing any direct harm to the person. But he did stay on the tips of his toes alert and ready just in case she was a lure for an ambush. Even still he moved the strap to his crossbow up and over his shoulder. His expression expressed a bit of shock, or mild disgust when Aello suggested that he or Thalj used a mask to hide behind. Though that look was brief, soon he returned to a small inviting smile. He set his hand on Thalj's broad shoulders standing next to his partner. "I am glad we are welcomed in this neck of the woods. Is it your neck of the woods?" He drew out the question. Not in a sarcastic way but more in the line of a joke. There were questions that lingered at the back of his mind but he held off. He noticed Aello's cautious eyes study the strong lion, "This is Thalj. Don't let his size deceive you. He is quite the kitty cat," he paused a moment while he stroked Thalj's head, just behind an ear, "a house cat around friendly people of course." Xavior reached to his pack on his back and rummaged around for a moment before coming out with a large chunk of dried meat. He brought it to Thalj's snout and waited for him to take it. "We are out exploring a bit. I'm new to the area," Xavior flexed his wings a bit, "I needed to get out of the house, so to speak. Now I'm making my way back home to Lhavit with a little extra package." He punctuated what he meant by patting Thalj's side. "Though I can't help but wondering the same about you. Why is it that a young woman is out here alone? There aren't people in the trees waiting to steal what little we have aye? Because I assure you, we do not have much in the line of financial." Xavior then followed Aello cautiously while signaling Thalj to follow. "You are interesting. How do you know I'm actually half of anything? Don't you think it would be more polite to consider someone as a whole?"

[Thalj]

The words of the small looking human confused Thalj, especially since she had addressed him as a lion that was not a lion. If he was not a lion then what did that make him? Surely she could see that he was not a kangaroo or a glassbeak. And he grew even more curious at how she had in turn addressed Xavior, so much so that he turned and looked back over his shoulder at the Eth male whose other form was actually a Zith. His ears moved from a forward position toward that of one where they were laid back in warning, it was clear Thalj didn’t trust this ‘girl’ one bit as she smelled one way while she looked another. As the girl went on about masks and hiding oneself behind them, Thalj began to sniff the air around the female. This one was stranger than any other human or two legged species he had met, which was not many different species. Thalj was struggling with his thoughts as he tried to figure this mortal being out, should he bite her? Should he be on guard for some sightless attack? And what about his friend Master? Was she one that might hurt him? The white furred Kelvic was about to growl a warning to the little one, when he felt the familiar touch of Xavior’s fingers diving the pathways of his fur upon his shoulder this caused the lion to relax a little. If his master felt he was safe then maybe just maybe it was okay for Thalj to not be so on guard. When called a kitty cat Thalj gave a look that was as close to a frown on a giant feline as one could get. And then to be called a bit house cat, even if it was true but then again what was wrong with a bit of luxury like steaks and even sneaking a bit of cream here and there? He backed up a bit so he was behind Xavior’s leg and then took a step forward pushing his head into the back of Xavior’s leg as if to say ‘Am not!’ However when his sight and smell caught focus on the meat, his eyes grew large and his maw opened in excitement of food being presented to him. Quickly snapping the meat up he lowered his head to the ground, using his front paws to hold the piece still while his sharp canines ripped and shredded the dried tissue. His back legs folded under him as he relaxed on the cold ground enjoying his little snack. Okay so he would forgive Xavior for calling him a puny house cat… this time. He would let Xavior handle their discovery since Thalj was now busy with his snack.

[Aello]

Aello chuckled. "Hardly, just the portion we both find ourselves in at such a late hour," she replied, as her grip tightened around her bow, as she studied the lion's eyes, and then the Zith's. Her weight shifting from one foot to the other, as she idly eyed the strip of meat in the Zith's hands. So, he doesn't know how to control him yet... or perhaps he does. Surely though, this makes him all the less wild, and all the more like a puny house cat. Aello's eyes glimmered with a shard of irritation. Pity. It's so much more fun when they retain a portion of what they are. When man, or monster, doesn't try to beat their true nature out of their hearts. Strip their souls from their bodies. The girl's mind came to a sudden halt, as she listened to the lion's chewing. The way it smacked its lips, as the succulent, dried strip, passed over the length of its sand-papery tongue. The rises on the light pink expanse, dripping with saliva. The taste buds growing, as they absorbed every ounce of flavor. Inwardly, Aello cringed. She hated dried meat. But she'd eat it sometimes, nonetheless, just to maintain her strength, if nothing else. Swallowing the clump of saliva that had gathered in her throat, and doing her best to hide her revulsion, the girl's eyes passed from the lion to the Zith. "Trust me love, anyone with the slightest sense of understanding for such things, for such places, could tell," Aello commented under her breath. "You don't belong in the forest." Aello made no mention about Lhavit. About having been there, about how she thought the boy would be shot, if he wasn't more than he now appeared. If he didn't take to another form, as soon as night came down upon the world. Or perhaps, how he'd be shot anyway, for having a seeming in the form of the vile winged beasts. For simply existing. For believing that a Kelvic was a "package" and not a friend. Although, she did also think that Lhavit was a better fit for him. Closer to Leth, to Syna, the stars. Being so high on those peeks. Without so much to hide behind, or bring him down. He could fly free, blot out the stars, if only, he felt no need to carry anything more. Sighing, Aello tilted her head, allowing her long brown hair to flow along the length of her side. "Now whoever said that stranger?" Aello asked, with a small chuckle. "There are others around. The animals that follow me around, much as the lion here travels alongside yourself. But, they won't be helping me to take your things. Considering, we don't want them. Useless stuff we can make, or otherwise, get ourselves..." Aello's voice trailed off for a moment, as she gestured for the two to follow her. She moved slowly, turning, and then heading off through the ring of trees. "That's not at all what was meant. You're not half of anything, but, you do have more than one face. Just as your lion does," she commented. "Now, do you have any idea what that means?" Aello asked, as she held a low-lying tree branch aside, so that she and the others could pass safely. "Or do you have to have everything spelled out for you?" she asked, as she pulled her hand away from the branch, and continued on through the forest, padding over an uneven bed of earth, that caused her heels to sting a bit as she trod, digging them in for better traction. Moving along in silence, Aello couldn't help but wonder where Nex and Alenias had gotten to. She missed them, and the fact that they made for far better conversation than either of the two travelers.

[Xavior Silhouette]

Xavior looked at Thalj and shrug as he remained quiet while Aello spoke. He followed after Aello and looked back every now and then to see if Thalj had followed. He understood what the woman had said, however something just felt off about her. It wasn't his prejudice, it wasn't judgement, but something deep in his body warned him that Aello was a friend on some level of existence. He thanked Aello as he stepped through the forest as she held a branch for them. "No, no need to explain further." He paused, the way she conducted herself ground on his patience. The way she spoke seemed as if she had a bit of self entitlement. "Since you were able to deduce our dual natures, I'd assume you know what I am as well as Thalj?" His question may have sounded silly, but he wanted to see if Aello knew of Ethaefals and learn more about their existence. "But creatures like Thalj, are they kept as pets?"

[Chevalier]

Aello

LORE

• Seen one tree, seen them all

EXPERIENCE

Skill	XP Earned
Land Navigation	1
Interrogation	2
Observation	1

Thalj

LORE

• Frowning as a feline

EXPERIENCE

Skill	XP Earned
Observation	1
Intimidation	1

Storyteller Notes

Secret :

Well there we have it. Time to close this one down it seems. Any questions feel free to PM me!