Closed Keeping the Balance (Rhy/Serrif)

[Gianne Basete]

40th Day of Fall, 512 AV Dawn The Sanctuary & the Sea of Grass She tugged Gill's cinch tighter; he grunted and swayed toward her, trying to expand his gut but sadly not fast enough. With a sigh he looked at his rider, an accusing look in his eyes. But Gianne was in a grim mood today. Her mouth was set in a stern line and it seemed that her brows were permanently drawn together. Today she had to go hunt and kill a very troublesome wolf. Normally they wouldn't travel alone, but this one was different. The beast had become rabid and somehow survived on the Sea of Grass long enough to make it dangerously close to the Sanctuary. How, she did not know, but all that mattered was that the animal needed put down. Already it had been mindlessly killing other animals. Rabbits, deer, kevats, and even a traveler on their way to Riverfall. Word had come to her through the birds. News traveled quickly between the raptors. Nothing escaped their keen eyes on the Sea, especially not a sick animal pushed over the edge of sanity. Her theory was that the wolf had been bitten by another animal, either a pack member or some other creature, and become infected. The original carrier would surely be dead by down, killed by its horrible disease. Rhy would be going with her on the hunt to provide her tracking skills and strong senses, but also because they had become nigh on inseparable after bonding earlier in the season. She'd sent the girl to give note to someone of their departure. They would be gone all day and return later that night. The raptors had said that it was making an erratic path west and was about half a day's steady ride to the northeast. If it was allowed to live only Caiyha knew what could happen to the animal population. The disease could easily spread like wildfire, or just as simply end with this wolf until the next case appeared. There was no reason to take that chance though. Gianne turned to look around for Rhy, frowning when she didn't see her yet. The longer they took the closer this animal would get to domesticated herds. It might come across the path of some striders. The thought of a Drykas's astonishingly fast mount becoming infected with the foaming mouth disease was a gruesome one. Nothing would be able to run away from it, and the idea of killing a Drykas horse was not a nice one in the least. So while she waited she went over the plan in her head, paraphrasing for speed's sake. Track down the wolf. Take stock of situation and its condition. Lure it away from water sources. Kill. Of course, she didn't expect it to go as planned. Only a fool never worried or assumed something wouldn't go wrong.

[Rhy]

Rhy has a note rolled up and delicately inserted between her long white teeth, her black lips pulled back to look like a snarl so that she can deliver the letter with the least amount of saliva possible. The note is not destined for anyone in particular, for it would take an exhaustive amount of time to track down any one person in a place this big. Rather, the first person she comes across will be given the note. Just so at least someone knows where the ridding instructor and the hunter went. The note reads like so: "Heading northeast after a rabid wolf. Will be back tonight. Taking Rhy with me. -Gianne" Gianne feels the need to kill a sick wolf. A calling from her goddess given gnosis. Something Rhy does not adequately understand, and doubts she ever will. The thought of being so strongly compelled by a higher power in such a way makes her fur itch. And something else is too. She stops her march and glowers over her shoulder, sure she's being watched. And sure enough the creepy pale eyes of Gini, the two year old Ghost Dog bitch, is hugging the shadow of a remodelling overhang. The dog realizes she's been spotted, and instead of giving up the game, she prances over with a question sitting in her eyes and the way she tilts her head. Rhy brandishes the note in answer, not losing her folded snarl of a look. The bitch fails to be impressed by such a simple task, and instead demands to know why Rhy is leaving the compound. For that is much more interesting. Not only is Rhy's face stuck in one expression, and therefore hindering her ability to communicate, she has not the time or the energy to go into such details. Especially such grim ones. But Gini's dancing, snapping and overall enthusiasm over such exciting stories quickly wears on the Kelvics patience. Until finally, setting the scroll aside, she acts out in the shortest, vaguest terms what she is going to do. To the extent of: "find the sick dog and kill it". Gini's playfulness dies into a curiosity, her head cocked and her unblinking eyes bright. She wonders over this development. This place heals the sicknesses of the dogs, why would they want to kill one? But Rhy is already gone. Note back in her mouth and face worked back into the no-lipped grimace. She wouldn't have been able to answer her anyway. It does seem like such a cruel thing to do. OOC : Serrif, if you'd like you can go ahead and assume Rhy found you first and gave the note to you. I'm just not sure where he was so I left it out.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

The normal days activities began early as usual. Even before first light he could hear the door to Gianne’s room open and shut…But it wasn’t her normal timing…no it was a little earlier than usual. Was she having trouble sleeping again? Well she hadn’t come to him with any questions on the subject so he had assumed she was doing fine. He heard Rhy stir some in her dog form as he could hardly hear her padded footfalls on the Sanctuary stone floors.

Something was going on; he scooted back from his desk just in time to see Rhy moving down the hall Gianne leading the way. She however wasn’t dressed for a day of Sanctuary work. She was carrying her bow with her, which was unusual. However he figured if something was to happen one of the two girls would tell him. It seemed however that they were moving right along. Maybe they were going out to spend time together? That was possible the two likely wanted some time alone. So he went to do his usual tasks around the Sanctuary. Since he was awake there was no sense in wasting the time.

He dressed in his normal pants with a loose fitting top and made his way to the lab where he usually went in order to check up on the daily happenings of things. He wanted to know what Kavala needed to perform her duties that day. One never knew what would strike the Sanctuary next. And as the season moved along it became apparent that things would become more and more interesting with every passing day. He thumbed through the book and there was really nothing that moved up on the priority list so far. He stretched a little. It seemed there was nothing pressing for him to do yet. Well right now anyway.

It was in this moment that Rhy burst in and offered him a letter then moved along. Seemed that the two were settling out for something.

Heading northeast after a rabid wolf. Will be back tonight. Taking Rhy with me.

-Gianne

Had she forgotten the last time her and Rhy encountered wolves? Usually the animals didn’t move alone, and this one even if rabid likely wasn’t alone…and was very dangerous. And any other animals with it were likely equally as dangerous…By the letter Gianne thought that it would be just her and Rhy; as if she wasn’t going to ask him to join her? Why not? It would be very beneficial for her to bring a healer with her incase things went wrong. The truth was he needed to go. If for no other reason but to feel like he was part of Gianne’s life. They never really spent that mush time doing anything the other really enjoyed. Was this part of Gianne’s duty to the grasslands? Was that why?

He pulled a pen and added to the note.

I am going as well-Serrif

He left the note on the log book assuming Kavala or Elem would come in sometime here soon. He knew Elem would likely come in looking for him to assist in the days making of medicines…well looked like he would be on his own today. Or Kavala would come in to update the medicine list for them. Either way one of them would see it. And that was the good part of it. Knowing that they would be away for awhile Serrif grabbed his leather satchel and put a few medicines as well as scrolls in it just incase things went south. He had learned medically it always paid to be prepared…always. He also packed a few pieces of fruit and such for energy throughout the day.

After those things had been packed away he went to his room and fit his scale mail. He fit it on over his clothing and then tightened the straps some over his body. So it fit well over his form, armor could be important here depending on how things played out. He would need some of his winter clothing to keep the cool sweeping grassland wind off of his body. So he added on his long winter cloak as well as his long white scarf that he would scarf around his face if need be. On his chest he wore his two daggers on his harness and his cold steel gladius on his right hip. Below that he had his climbing quiver affixed to his thigh strapped tight full of arrows. With his longbow in his hand he walked toward where Gianne would be saddling up to leave.

He entered and knew right off the start that the atmosphere here was different. He could read Gianne’s body language alone and know she was very serious. He didn’t speak, no he merely gave her a silent nod indicating he would be with her in this endeavor. He didn’t need to tell her; no she would know. He fit a saddle on Hasmere and then looked to Gianne. He would follow her lead and answer any questions she had. He would assist her in her in any way he could; he didn’t plan on staying here while she ventured out into the wilderness with Rhy, even if she was one with nature…nature could still turn on you.

[Gianne Basete]

She had been checking saddlebag ties and a d-ring she feared might be becoming loose when she spotted Serrif approaching. It lifted her mood some until she noticed he had donned his armor, along with his medical bag and longbow. Her heart sank. She met his eyes, sighing as he gave her a nod that spoke more than words. He was definitely going along. Gianne would never be able to talk him out of it. She pretended to mess with a strap, readjusting it an unnecessary amount of times. He tacked Hasmere up and seemed to be awaiting instructions. She had to admit, he was a dedicated man. He didn't have to make such a gallant effort, traipsing off into the grasslands with her to take out a single wolf. But he was, and she did appreciate it, even if she wasn't really supportive of it. She fought with herself a few long moments before finally giving in. She slipped around Gill's hindquarters, a hand on his rump to keep him aware of the movement. Didn't want a stray hoof coming out and clipping her in the knee. Then where would they be? She crossed the few yards separating them, a brittle smile on her lips. "I see you saw the note." A short pause. "I know that you know you don't have to come, and I appreciate that you are. Coming along, I mean. I don't really know what to expect. Like the note said, there's a rabid wolf out there, and I wouldn't bother to go after it except it's getting too close to the Sanctuary for me to be comfortable." Her mouth turned down with distaste. "Rabies is a sad thing. I just hope it hasn't spread to any other animals. I didn't get a lot of details, just general location and condition of the animal. So we're more of less in the dark." Gianne shrugged, as if that would lighten the situation. It didn't. What else was there to discuss? She looked up at him thoughtfully, allowing the silence to stretch. Serrif was willing to go out into the wilderness on a whim, following her into what might possibly be a dangerous situation, without a moment of hesitation. She sighed. How did I get so lucky? He was a good man, one any woman would be blessed to have. She felt the sudden need to show her thanks, but in a more forward way. Quickly she motioned for him to bend down to her level. He was so impossibly tall it was almost comical. Gianne was an average sized woman, but Serrif was about a foot taller than she was. It made her feel petite, which was an unfamiliar feeling she hadn't gotten used to yet. When he bent down she was overcome by an awkward wave of shyness. Swiftly, she pressed a kiss to his cheek, brushing the corner of his mouth. She'd meant it to be on the lips but missed. The beginnings of stubble on his skin scraped her jaw and cheek pleasantly, and when she pulled away her face was burning with color. "Thank you for coming," she mumbled quickly. It sounded something like 'Thanfurc'ming'.

[Rhy]

Rhy is back before Serrif makes his appearance. And she sits her rump down in the centre of the gate to wait for Gianne to finish doing whatever she has to do before she can ride out with Gill. Its a terribly long, complicated process to ready a horse and human, she has learned. So she is ready to wait for the long haul. But her dark mood lifts from her body like a steaming pot of water, and it feels like she's marinating in it. She wants to get going, kill the beast, and slink off to nurse her guilt and sorrow in private. And just then Serrif shows up, and she can hardly feel surprised. Of course he will come with them. Thats what he does. But his very presence is excessive, almost crowded, and her black cloud swells. Execution is hardly a spectator sport and she is capable of taking care of Gianne on her own, thank you very much! She should have taken the extra time to find someone else. As they fix up their mounts Rhy lets her mind drift off. But like a tether it keeps coming back to the job at hand. Why does she feel so strongly about this? She has fought wolves before, killed them even, she's ran them out of her territory and away from her food. They are rivals. All of them. Or, well, most of them. Some packs tolerate her, some of the lone ones can be considered friends, in the loosest way. It just seems like a cruel chance of fate that this animal is slowly going mad. It will not die because it has lost to something greater, it will not gift the victor with its flesh, to become part of something stronger. It will die because it has foam on its lips and madness in its eyes. And then they will burn it. Making sure it has no gifts of bone, fur or flesh to give back to the wild that fed it in turn. Rhy sighs deep in her mind, dragging herself back to the present. And she startles to find her bondmate blushing and fidgeting, grazing her lips against Serrif in the softest of kisses. Rhy's ire doubles. Ears pin back and a high, angry barking issues from her throat like the harshest of tirades. How dare you! This is not a date, a game or an adventure, Gianne. Do not take this lightly, and save your affection until the body is cold! she yells internally. Oh, the self absorption of humans! Gianne would not be acting so if it was a person and not Rhy's kind they were to hunt down and murder. Her maw snaps shut, her point given in the most canine of ways. She gives her bondmate a look of deep disgust and snorts at Serrif like an angry horse. Her anger at Gianne eclipses her frustration with Serrif's yet another interjection into her life. But it still sits heavy in the back of her mind and burns in her eyes as she stares at him. Deciding that they are leaving, whether the humans are ready or not, she gets up and heads out of the open gate. Dragging her dark mood with her like a leash to her sanity.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

He was glad to see that Gianne was going to accept his company here…even if Rhy was a little edgy about the entire situation. He didn’t need to bring up the past with the two of them. Nor tell them how the last time they encountered wolves it didn’t end up very favorable for either of them in the end. That didn’t need to be brought up because he knew Rhy felt an intuitive need to protect Gianne on her own without his help. And his edging in on this expedition would likely be seen as edging in on Rhy’s territory.

However he was in dog terms a large alpha. Maybe not head of this place; maybe not extremely intimidating but he was able to hold more than his own. None had seen just how much yet. But it was apparent that he had gotten those scars through no fault of his own. He had seen more than his share of violence, most of it suppressed held back in his mind. He kept himself together well…for an ex slave. But there was more to him than most would know.

Gianne’s reaction was favorable; her gentle kiss reassured him that she appreciated him here. However Rhy’s reaction was quite different. Even though he didn’t understand dogs that well he did know that Rhy seemingly was fed up with him already. His very presence seemed to peeve her. He didn’t understand why, they had worked together well in the past, finding Gianne came to mind. He didn’t understand her mentality. But Rhy’s mind was a simple one to understand usually. And he felt like she was likely angry that he was trying to be part of this.

“You are welcome. We’ll manage.” Those were the only words spoken to Gianne as he shot a competing glance to Rhy as if to tell her to get over herself because he was indeed coming along. He wasn’t going to put them at risk just so either of them could feel good about themselves. No; he was a practical man.

He didn’t need to keep contact with Rhy long, he knew she would be able to read his body language well enough…she was good at that. He was dead set in joining them; because he wasn’t going to let them go into something dangerous alone. One never knew what they would find out in the grasslands. Heck there were times where he saw roving bands of Glassbeaks who seemed to be to preoccupied to kill him that day…thankfully.

He didn’t need to put up with Rhy’s little angry fit. Honestly while he understood there were other things they needed to concentrate on here. Like finding the wolf that Gianne spoke of since it seemed that they only had a meager lead to its current location in the grasslands. It was likely very important that they hunt this wolf down; why else would Gianne and Rhy do such a thing? He couldn’t think of any other good reasons for doing so.

He sat upright and fixed himself in the saddle. He checked his gear one last time to make sure everything was in the right place. He had some poisons with him, they would be humane enough for the job at hand. They would numb the animal completely before killing it by stopping the heart. The wolf would go numb and then likely drop to the ground, and gently lose feeling across its body. It was as humane as he could get with the poisons he already knew. If needed he would use his daggers but he much preferred his bow and arrow, so he could put some standoff distance between him and the target.

He didn’t fully understand why Gianne felt the need to kill this animal. Maybe he would talk to her about this; he didn’t know if she felt a call for this wildland area or what. But she did seem to want to protect it’s well being and preserve the balance of the entire ecosystem. She seemed to be it’s caretaker of a sort. And he knew that the wild was indeed like a giant live animal. And when a part of it was sick it did have a trickle effect on everything. One part being out of balance wasn’t good for the whole.

Even if he didn’t have to come he did feel the need to come. If for no other reason than to just keep Gianne and Rhy safe. Having another pair of eyes and hands could always prove more than useful. He was sure the two could hold their own, but he didn’t want things getting too dicey for them. And he believed he could tilt the scales in their favor if need be.

Rhy headed off almost as if she was discarding the two of them entirely. Well it looked like she was ready to go…and in a relatively foul mood. But she was Gianne’s issue now it wasn’t his place to try and deal with Rhy. He would likely only make things worse. And that wasn’t what he wanted. With a gentle nudge Hasmere headed off following Rhy as best he could. He kept his eyes peeled looking for anything out of the ordinary among the grasslands. If anything stuck out he would focus and see what it was.

He wasn’t that good at looking for signs of wolves, but he knew that Rhy would be able to track this animal well. And it seemed Gianne would be able to better discern where this mad wolf was. Another skill of hers that he still did not know very much about. She had been acting strange ever since she had been marked by her goddess. But then again he didn’t know anything about her goddess, nor the powers that her gnosis mark carried. He wanted and needed to find out more; but now was not the time. They had things to do; and a wolf to find somewhere in the grasslands.

[Gianne Basete]

Gianne was mounting Gill when Rhy decided to throw a hissy fit and storm off. Once settled in the saddle she looked toward the horse gate, searching for a sign of her bondmate. There was none. She frowned and urged her gelding to follow Serrif and Hasmere, then passed him by once she cued him into a canter. They went through the gates and she halted him quickly, turning to look down the road. Again, nothing. "Rhy?" she called. Annoyance bubbled deep in her gut, making her face pucker. Why did she leave? Gianne scanned the tall grass growing by the side of the road. A tail flicked up between the blades like a little flag and she could see the grass was moving in a steady path, leading away from the road. She huffed and tapped Gill's flanks, sending him trotting after the Kelvic. "Rhy!" Her voice was sharp and held a note of anger. "Why didn't you wait? You're supposed to be helping me track, not wander off." Though, they were moving in the general direction that the wolf was supposed to be in. Gill dipped his nose lower to examine Rhy's furry hindquarters, snorting uncertainly when he caught a whiff of her mood. Gianne frowned at the sound a pulled off of a glove before placing her bare fingers on his neck. Through the contact she could tell he knew that her bondmate was in a dark mood. "Why?" she wondered aloud before she could catch herself. At a little of a loss, she turned in the saddle and searched for Serrif, exasperation showing on her face. Looking back to Rhy she urged Gill ahead of the Kelvic and stopped him. Her bondmate was faced with a wall of thick horse legs. Now that she could see her face, even as a dog, Gianne could see the upset there. She frowned uncertainly, not understand what had caused such a sudden change. "What is wrong with you?"

[Rhy]

So much for storming off on the high and mighty. Rhy is forced to stop her onward march when faced with Gill's long legs, followed by Gianne's leather clad knee, her firmly set shoulders, and finally her angry, smouldering face. Her lips posing a question: what is wrong with you? The Kelvic makes an angry mewling noise and looks away as guilt washes over her. She yelled at her bondmate. She's never yelled at her bondmate. She's never even been angry with her. But guilt does not pale the fact that she has every right to be angry, at least in her own mind. Rhy checks over her shoulder to see Serrif catching up on his beautiful white stallion. No guilt is felt over him. She's always liked the healer, he's counted as a good friend, but thats not what this is about. She doesn't see a helping hand, another layer of protection, like she should. She sees an impenetrable wall she can't cross. A physical barrier between herself and Gianne, cutting straight through what is rightfully hers. And now this. The Kelivic looks back at Gianne, sweeping her face for something. And seems like she's found what she wanted to find, for then she lets out a breath and steps forward as a naked human girl. Arms folded across her narrow chest in lu of her warm winter fur. "Whats wrong with me? This is wrong", she snaps, gesturing wide. "I had a strange conversation with Gini today; she's confused as to why we are killing dogs. And frankly, I am too." Gill tips his ears in the spitting Kelvic hounds direction, but seems to be taking this rather well. The two get along quite well and he's used to her, due in part to Rhy smuggling him sugar and carrots when Gianne isn't looking. Rhy strokes his nose with long fingers, digging in her distress to find the words she needs. "I'm so tired, Gia. Remember when I met you, and we were attacked? We killed three of them that day. And we had every right to do so. But this is different. Cant you feel that? We gain nothing from killing him. We will not eat him, keep warm with his fur, we won't even leave him to Semele to take back as she will. Its senseless. Worse then that, its petching murder. And you are taking this way too lightly." The Kelvic works on a canine's sense of logic. She kills small animals for a living, but a predator is different. Its a layer of respect and necessity that runs through every canine and she is sure she is betraying it. And she struggles to put it into words. "It's like... its like the difference between killing someone to protect your family and dirking someone in the back because you can't..." She roars in frustration as words fail her again. "We live in a fortress full of healers, for the love of the gods! He", she points to Serrif without turning, "is a healer. There has to be something we can do!" She's never seen rabies, at least not up close. A colony of Snarlwings from a cliff near the beach were infected when she was young, and she remembers coming to the shore every day to see whole swarms of them flopping pathetically in the water as they drown themselves. But thats all she knows of the ailment. And the thought of another canine submitting to the same fate makes her hackles prickle. What if she got sick? Would they kill her off too? "And you", anger rekindled she wheels on the healer. "If you're not going to cure him, then why are you here? Are you going to play the firing squad? Gillotine? You have no right! If you're determined to be a passenger on this execution then stay out of the way. We don't need you." Strong words coming from a shivering, spitting girl that barley meets his shoulders. And all through her long speech she is expecting a smiting hand to clout her across the face, someone to tell her 'bad dog' and send her back. No one at Sanctuary has ever treated her that way, and she would be shocked if they ever did. But then again, she's never tested boundaries like this.