Completed [The Bronze Wood] The Elk and the Horse (Jikadyn)

[Aoren]

15th of Autumn, 513 AV
8th Bell

Aoren had arisen that morning with the undying need to just get out of the city. He had been stuck within the high walls of Syliras for days without any reprieve whatsoever. It was driving him crazy. He was hardly a person to be content sitting in the shelter of stone walls without end. He needed to feel the light of Syna on his face. He ached to breathe in the fresh breeze that Zulrav made dance through the fields. He welcomed Semele's good earth beneath his feet and he was itching to be surrounded by Caiyah's green forest.

The dark, dank, unchanging stone walls of the Fortress City of Peace were beginning to become overbearing and intrusive. It was time to make a venture to the Bronze Wood. When he'd awoke that morning he had gathered what belonging he needed into his body pack. Aoren had dressed in his more comfortable clothing of linen trousers, a linen shirt and his leather vest as he pondered the long walk ahead. He'd pulled on his boots and tucked his trousers into them so that they wouldn't be sullied by the dirt and there was less of a chance something would crawl up his pants leg as he walked through the foliage of the forest. When he was all set Aoren pulled on a loose brown hooded robe then situated his body pack in place. He grabbed his quarterstaff then exited his home locking the door behind him.

As he made his way to the surface Aoren pulled the hood up over his head. The days were getting colder but not unpleasantly so. The slight warmth of the summer still lingered in the air but that would pass soon enough. It would be better for him to make a habit of going out with his robe on than to forget it at home. All in all, Aoren believed that in his present regalia he looked more wizardly than he ever would at any given time.

To look at him there were few who would suspect Aoren to be a practitioner of magic. He didn't appear to be scholarly in the slightest. Looks could be deceiving. Aoren had an inquiring mind. He was very curious about the world around him and everything it had to offer. When he was much younger it was obvious to those closest to him he wouldn't take to the sword very easily. So in their wisdom they had given him another tool to defend himself with. Magic. It had been difficult to find a teacher but when he did, Aoren had taken to it easily enough. It flowed with him more freely than any blade ever had.

Those years were behind him. He'd grown a great deal during his adolescent years. The growth spurts had made him appear lanky and gangly. He could still recall his closest friend frowning at him saying he was too skinny. She'd made sure that hadn't lasted long. For that, Aoren was thankful.

Aoren was mindful of his surroundings as he made his way out the main gates of Syliras. He was stepping out into the open world. A world that while it was under the immediate purview of the Knighthood, was still prone to danger for those unprepared for it. He shifted his pack so that it sat more comfortably then, leaning lightly on his quarterstaff, made his way north toward the great expanse of the Bronze Woods. The clearing he was thinking of wasn't terribly far but, every the cautious adventurer, Aoren always did his best to be prepared.

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It was a few bells later that Aoren found himself wading through the trees of the Bronze Wood. As he walked he could see that some of the leaves on the trees were beginning to take on the hue for which the forest drew its name. The Drykas had always believed that the forest was most beautiful during the Autumn season. That was when the nature of the forest made itself most prevalent. At least in Aoren's mind that was how it worked. He did not presume to know a great deal about the wilderness. He knew enough to survive for a few days but outside of that he would not last long beyond the walls of the Fortress City. He merely could not stand being inside the walls day after day, after day.

"Well, Aoren...what are you going to do with your time today?" Mistress Blackleaf had given him leave this day the day prior because he'd been putting in long hours at the shop. They had been petitioned for a great deal of orders in preparation for the season. He'd been doing everything he could to stay on top of things.

As he walked through the woods he pondered that question. He was mindful of his steps. He pushed wayward branches from bushes aside with the butt of his staff and stepped over the winding roots of trees as he made his way to the familiar clearing near the gnarled oak that bore no leaves.

"I think today would be a good day to practice my fighting style." He nodded to himself. He'd gotten into the habit of speaking his thoughts out loud when no one was around. Part of him labeled that behavior as crazy but he brushed it aside. He heard people natter to themselves all the time when they thought no one was listening. He was admiring the scenery when he came upon the clearing. Aoren was about to step into the clearing when he realized...something was standing there in the center.

It was a beast.

Not just any beast. At first Aoren would have labeled it a deer but it was far too large. By the antlers he could tell that it was male. There was no mistaking it. The Drykas crouched low as quickly and quietly as he could. He made a few leaves rustle, being no master of stealth, and he flinched inwardly afraid that he might scare the great beast off.

"By the gods..." Aoren had never quite seen such a magnificent creature. The pristine white fur as brilliant as Morwen's freshly fallen snow. Antlers that crowned an obviously proud head. The beasts movements were fluid. Graceful. It seemed to survey its surroundings with a dignity befitting its startling appearance.

Regal.

That was the word that came to Aoren's mind as he stared at the beast. What was it called? He searched his mind for the name by which he knew hunters described the animal before him. It wasn't a deer. He'd seen plenty of those. This was...it was...an elk! That's what it was. An elk! It was a stag and such a beautiful stag to behold. Childlike wonder and curiosity overtook Aoren. He lay down his quarterstaff, removed his body pack, then took off his robe leaving him in his normal garments. Rising slowly he stepped into the clearing making no attempt to hide himself.

The movement of course, immediately caught the attention of the great beast before him. He froze when he met the gaze of crystal blue eyes that gleamed with intelligence. He'd heard hunters speak of elk stags with a note of reverence before. They were not dumb beasts and were honored by a great many who traveled the forests trails.

Aoren held up his hands in a placating gesture of mock surrender. He didn't want to frighten the stag away. Having never encountered an elk stag of such grandeur before, and indeed only having heard stories of elk he had no idea to their habits. He didn't feel threatened by this animal though. If anything he wanted to draw nearer to it.

So that's what he did.

There, in the quiet of the Bronze Wood with only the trees to bear witness, Aoren stepped closer and closer to the great beast. He made his best effort to not appear threatening and when finally he was near enough he stretched forth his hand reaching for the elk's muzzle to allow the beast to sniff his palm.

[Jikadyn]

Jikadyn awoke earlier than normal. Arising to the fourth bell of the morning. Tired, but alive he looked through the dark of his windowless apartment. The giant stone walls surrounding and suffocating him. He could swear the castle would be the death of him.

Standing next to the bed. He pressed his arm out to stretch only to be met in return by the cold lifeless stone. There his hand rested as he let out a sigh. So much was happening this season. The trees would begin to fade from the beautiful rich green color to a more sophisticated orange and red mix. The rut had begun. He had become filled with a stronger urge to find his bond-mate. One could say this was merely the testosterone speaking, but Jikadyn felt it was more due to the tiredness brought on by loneliness.

Closing his eyes while still graced by the lifeless stone. He imagined the world in perfection. The noble being standing by his side, as they enjoyed the countless joys of life. The scent of the tree's danced through his mind. The taste of the ever vivid and wild berries graced his tongue. It was a dream, but one he would never want to fade. There sitting next to him completing the dream. His mate, friend, lover, but most of all eternal companion.

He relished in the thought of the dream. His hand slowing forming into a fist. As his entire body began to feel warm, and his chest began to throb. Joyous tears formed in his eyes. Slowly they ran down his rosy cheeks. Where they would then bless the floor with their sweet embrace. Swaying in slight back and forth movement trying to make the dream last as much as could.

He could stay in this keep not a second longer. He raced across the stone floor to the chest on the other side of the room. Quickly he threw open the lid and yanked out his simple linen pants throwing them on. He raced to the door grabbing his beautifully crafted white jacket with an elk head on the right shoulder. The jacket ran from his shoulders down to the middle of lower legs. It was made of an elegant silk and was ever so soft to the touch.

Racing through the cold stone street of Syliras. Jikadyn would not wait until he could feel the warmth embrace of the soil beneath his feet. The way the dirt climbed up between his toes and embraced his every movement, or the pure joy of lying on the forest floor embraced by the giant tall trees of the bronze woods. The mere thought of the sensation sent shivers down his spin.

Racing through the crowds of people that filled the streets of Syliras. Jumping from side to side to avoid running anyone over. The crowds here were worse than large pack predators. It seemed as though people had the unending urge to all converge in the same place.

Finally, he reached the beautiful pristine gates of the massive fortress known as Syliras. "Freedom at last" He whispered to himself. Looking out over the horizon the sun was just barely raising. He couldn't believe the sight. The beautiful clouds reflecting the partial sun light creating an after glow affect and lightly illuminating the area. The sky looked like a sea of paint all mixed and swirled together.

Falling to his knees from the beauty of the sight. He closed his eyes and thanked the Caiyha, Kihala, Dira for this beautiful blessing, and asked for a safe journey through the day. He rose ever so slowly and walked toward the forest that lay before him. He had a mission. Honey. He wanted fresh honey.

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Entering the woods filled Jikadyn mind with a fragrance one cannot begin to describe. The simple joy of beathing in the fresh forest air was only increased more by the crisp cold feel that morning's embrace added. The dirt under his feet slightly damp and cool, but did it ever feel so magnificent.

The trees surround him and embraced him. Almost as though they were calling to him. Why he ever left this place for the city was beyond him. Though he knew the reason. Curiosity and a drive to find the perfect being. He looked through the woods for his beautiful honey nest.With any luck he would find one within the bell, but if not he would likely search the whole day for it to find nothing.

He toke off his pants and robe and placed them in a tree he was very familiar with. It was an old oak tree that had been barren since he had lived in the woods, yet it still lived. Shortly after placing them away a beautifully bright light surround Jikadyn. As his body began to feel slightly warmer and then within a blink stood a massive white elk bull. He would cover more ground in this form.

He would then also be able to show off his antlers. They were his first full set, and he was extremely proud of them. The large brown colored crown that he wore on his head. It excited him much to think about it, but he was on a mission. The honey.

Spending many bells searching for a bee's nest he came up short-handed, but at least he found a very interesting clearing. Jikadyn had stumbled upon a very beautiful and vibrant clearly. It showed the great complexion of the forest, and had the most serene feeling to it. One could feel at peace with anyone here. The per beauty denying violence upon its grounds.

Hungry from his day of searching he began to graze on the sweet grass that lined the floor of this everlasting locale. The taste was far more amazing than he had thought. There was a sweetness to the grass here. It was as though one had sprinkled the ground with sugar many a times over. The gallant beast stand there head sunk to the ground gracefully enjoying the sweet grass.

A rustle alerted Jikadyn. His head rose high, and eyes widen as he stiffly rotated his ears and listened to the surroundings. He could hear nearby birds singing songs, and the sound light steps being pressed into the soil. Turning he spotted a man standing the clearing. Jikadyn had no words to describe the man as he looked him over.

The man brought no weapons with him. In fact he did not even have a pack so it would seem. Jikadyn lowered his head slightly and got ready to make a bolt into a nearby opening should he need to, but for now he would see how this man acted. Not many humans have ever approached Jikadyn before without weapons. This brought great curiosity to him as watched the tall man dressed in leather walking toward him.

The man appeared very fit, yet he carried no weapon. Again it was another puzzle that Jikadyn could not figure out. Most of the fit/buff men in Syliras were knights carrying swords or the like. Then to shock him even more the man began to hold up his arms in a gesture of mock surrender. Jikadyn shook his head trying to figure this all out.

Upon looking up again there he was. The man was standing directly in front him with a hand out stretched. Jikadyn couldn't think. What to do? What to do? Here this man stood holding up his hand and standing there staring at him. He didn't know what to think. So he leaned his head forward and sniffed the mans hand. He could smell no fear on him, or will to harm him. Still confused on what to do. Jikadyn lowered his head and slightly stepped forward. He was trying his hardest to be mindful of his antlers.

Watching the man intently still. He had brought his head down as a sign of peace and conformation that he bared no ill will toward the man. Stepping forward was so that the man may feel the soft pristine fur that rests atop Jikadyn's head, and it allowed him to better show off his antlers. Letting out a small huff upon doing so.

[Aoren]

For a moment Aoren thought that the elk would bolt. The way its head dipped low in preparation to dart off into the woods made the Drykas freeze. He didn't want to scare the beast away. He was...curious about it. That was the proper word for what he felt. He was curious about this beast. From what he'd managed to observe about it the great stag was certainly alert but it was not skittish.

"Easy there." He offered up his hand. A small smile touched his lips when the stag huffed and shook its magnificent head. There was hesitation there. Such a thing was natural from an animal. They were wary of humans. They were right to be that way. Humans hunted animals such as this. For the great slabs of meat that could be cut away from its haunches. Aoren estimated there was enough meat on the elk in front of him to feed a family for many, many days. But he was not interested in such measures. Aoren viewed this as the perfect opportunity to get closer to his own roots. He made a few gestures and spoke carefully in the words of his ancestral heritage as best he knew how.

"Not hurt. Friend." His hands were as animated as his lips. The language of Pavi being both a bodily one as well as verbal. Aoren only knew sparse bits of his ancestral tongue. He had learned a bit from a passing Drykas in the woods some seasons in the past. Before that he had met a warrior and his son trading at the Mithryn outpost who had been kind enough to show him a few of the basics. What little he knew beyond that had been only gleaned from travelers. There were fewer and fewer Drykas to be found making their way through the Stormhold Citadel with each season that passed.

When the stag stepped forward Aoren grew hopeful. He kept himself steady. He did not want to give the stag a reason to suddenly become hostile and gore him on those great antlers. That would have been a very unfortunate situation. Aoren could envision it.

"Aoren. Gored by an elk. What a way to die." He gave a slight chuckle. Both at his thought and at the display from the elk in front of him. The beast seemed to be having its own internal debate about whether to flee or to allow Aoren to touch him. A debate what soon answered. The stag leaned forward first touching Aoren's palm with its nose then rubbing its head against his hand. Aoren relaxed. He allowed his fingers to trail through the soft white fur. It was silken in touch when he moved stroked the brilliant coat in the direction of the fur but was a bit stiff and coarse when he rubbed against the grain of the many fine hairs.

"There we go. See? I'm not much of a threat now am I?" He laughed softly and stepped closer though his movements were still slow. He ran a hand over the elk's ears gently rubbing the thin membranes before petting the stag on the brow with a smile.

"Such a magnificent beast. Don't you know there are hunters in these woods? It is not safe for you here." He shook his head. He marveled at himself. He was talking to an elk. An animal. It wasn't as if the creature could understand him. Though he swore for a moment as he stared into those crystal blue eyes that there was a hint of intelligence behind them. Aoren just attributed it to his imagination.

"You don't care do you?" He gently ran a hand over the stag's muzzle. "Your life is concerned only with the forest. You live each day foraging for food knowing only the comfort of your heard and the danger of the other predators that may seek you. Such simplicity."

The Drykas man sighed. There was a heavy weight upon his shoulders and an envious look in his eyes. His words were tired and his expression even more so. It would appear to any observer that he had a great deal on his mind. There could be no mistaking that.

"Are you going to keep me company while I meditate?" He chuckled and gently pat the elk's large side before stepping away from the majestic beast. He gave the snow white stag a slight bow then walked to the other side of the clearing where he had lain his pack, cloak and staff. Picking up those objects he brought them to the into the clearing not too far off from the stag. He half expected the regal elk to have left. A smile touched his lips when he saw it was still there. Still watching him.

Aoren leaned against a tree and removed his boots allowing his bare feet to touch the soft grass with a relieved sigh. There was something to be said of letting your feet touch the bare elements of the earth. He reached down tugging the hem of his shirt up over his head and depositing it with his boots then went to sit at the center of the clearing. Folding his legs beneath him he assumed a meditative pose. Taking a deep breath he held it for a moment before exhaling. Aoren bundled up all of his stress, his tension, his aching muscles and angst from the days of being pent up in the citadel into the next breath. He inhaled deeply and then held it briefly. Once he was satisfied he'd drawn in enough air he exhaled slowly willing all of those things to flow out of him with the breath.

With that he closed his eyes and tried to focus on nothing and everything at the same time. It was a very confusing and difficult mindset to obtain. One he seldom achieved but was very much worth achieving in the rare occasions that it visited him.

[Jikadyn]

Watching the man's movements with ever gazing eyes. Jikadyn stayed alert and ready to bolt a seconds notice. He didn't enjoy taking chances and rarely did so. Though he did favor a good soul every now and again.

Jikadyn watched as the man began to speak and wave his arms around. He figured that he must be forming some sort of language, but was rather confused by it. Tilting his head slightly to the right as this person kept waving their arms around. Jikadyn eventually came to the conclusion he was doing some sort of interpretive dance with his speech.

Suddenly the man began to chuckle to himself. Confused and worried Jikadyn didn't understand what was going on. First the interpretive dance and now he was laughing to himself. Still very hesitant though he did still bring his head forward toward the crazed dancer.

As Jikadyn leaned forward he was meet by the hands of he who stood in front of him. The feeling of Jikadyns hair being ran through was amazing. He understood now why so many household animal enjoyed being petted. To have someone else touch and rub your hair gave of such an extreme feeling of just general joy. It was as though the warmth of the sun itself had reached out and embraced you in the middle of a snowstorm. The words to describe this feeling were lost to him.

The word hunter slipped from the mans mouth. Suddenly and without warning Jikadyn's head shot back, his ear circled around, and eyes open wide. He was on high alert, and rather terrified. Looking closely one could see his hair standing on end, as well as, a slight shake to his body. His gaze fell upon the man in front of him. "Was he bait to lure me into a state of unawareness. So they could kill me." Thoughts raced through his head as Jikadyn remained fixated on him.

He spoke to Jikadyn again, and from what he was saying Jikadyn assumed he could not be bait. "Forage, food, and not care. Is this all he thinks I am really concerned with. Life in the wilds for more than simple, or just about living to eat." Stepping back a small distance as he looked down on the man. Jikadyns eyes showed his disagreement quite clearly, but upon looking on the man he appeared in deep thought and concerned.

Jikadyn' kindness began to kick in."Should I comfort him? Would he even be okay with knowing I am a kelvic? Maybe I should just leave? Argh I don't understand what to do? Run? Help? Argh." The thoughts racing through his head began to set him off focus. They just kept coming as though they were a predator hunter his prey. Each one hitting harder and faster. He wasn't even aware the man had left to collect his belongs. Though he did remember something being spoken to him in the midst of all his thoughts, but alas he could not remember.

Jikadyn looking back watched as the man leaned against a tree. Removing his boots and shirt he got into a very strange sitting posture. His legs were folded under him as he sat. He watched as the man took in a deep breath and exhaled it. Then a second one he inhaled ,but this time he held it briefly before exhaling it out.It appeared he was trying to focus his eyes were closed and he was not watching.

Jikadyn decided to mimic the man. Maybe it would calm his racing thoughts, or bring the man comfort. Stilled he worried himself if this was a smart choice, but he slowly stepped toward the man sitting in the middle of the clearing. He approached the right side of the man.

Placing his legs under him he lie there. He breathed in deeply and exhaled. The second time he focused his breath in and held it breifly. Then exhaled it. He had already begun to feel calmer. Though the thoughts were still very prevalent, but he was also enjoying himself. Now to close his eyes. Though he was not sure what he was trying to achieve, and not to mention it was against his very instinct to.

He fought with himself mentally about it for awhile. Constantly trying, but everytime any little sound would make him feel alerted shooting his eyes open and a glance in every direction would ensue. "This is much harder than I expected. Why does he do this? Doesn't he know this is dangerous, and yet he was talking to me about hunters? Hmpph cougars could have their way with him easily now." Here the racing thought of death came upon Jikadyn again, and he was just about ready to give up on this endeavor.

This was not the end of his attempts though. Jikadyn tried again and again. Until finally he had managed to keep them shut for a whole minute. He let out a giant sigh of relief after he had accomplished this. He nudged his companion next to him. Then realized he was focusing and went back to his attempts again. With hopes of doing better.

[Aoren]

"What? You disagree?" Aoren laughed softly at the stags blatant dislike of his statement on the nature of life in the wilds. The Drykas wasn't naive. He knew he wouldn't last more than maybe a day or two alone in the wilds. If that. His outings into the Bronze Woods were hardly frequent in number though. Part of him regretted that. The other part simply knew it as common sense. He wasn't skilled enough to go adventuring out on his own for prolonged periods of time. The last time he had been outside the walls of Syliras he'd nearly been killed by a pack of wolves. That didn't lessen the mans need to get out of the citadel any less though.

"Shhh, there is no need to fear me. I am no hunter." He absconded from using Pavi as his last attempt had only seemed to confuse the beast. As Aoren sat in meditation he was interrupted by the distinct sound of someone, or rather, something sitting next to him. He opened his eyes and was amused to find the white elk mimicking him. The gentle nudge made him laugh.

"Hey! Alright, alright." Aoren reached out and gently ran a hand over the stags alabaster fur before shaking his head. He wouldn't be getting any meditation done. Not with his newfound animal friend. The Drykas man stood up going to his pack. He withdrew a small bundle then unraveled it revealing some cherries. He sat down next to the stag and indulged in the bittersweet snack. After another nudge from the stag Aoren chuckled.

"Would you like some?" He offered a cherry to the stag. They were a deep dark red, plump and ripe with sweet juice. Aoren kept his palm open being mindful not to get his fingers nipped at. He bit into another cherry spitting out the pit. As he ate them he observed the elk. The beast, for what it was worth, seemed to bear above average intelligence. Though, having no experience with the creatures perhaps such intelligent behavior was normal?

"Well, since you're obviously not content to let me meditate. What shall I do then?" He smirked at the stag then shook his head. It wasn't as if the animal could understand him. He picked up his shirt and pulled it back on. He likely wouldn't be practicing his unarmed skills either. It wouldn't do to frighten the stag nearby. He did not want to sit around engorging himself on cherries all day though. Running a hand through his hair he sighed. He furrowed his brow in thought as he pondered on what he could now occupy his time with. If he was going to be honest he was appreciative of the company the stag offered. Even if the conversation was entirely one sided.

"Do you have family?" He picked up his quarterstaff and twirled in his fingers. "You probably have an entire herd of family." He sighed withdrawing a jar of ink and a light brush from his pack. With patient diligence he dipped the brush into the ink and began painting on the back of his hand. There was only one thing he would be painting. The only thing he had any artistic skill in: a glyph.

"You're lucky. To have family." He glanced up at the elk. Aoren was certainly aware that he was talking to an animal but he just felt the need to talk right then.

"I've often wondered what a family is like. I've never known mine. I had an idea once." He traced the lines of his veins without touching the brush to skin then drew his glyph around them. He was still very unskilled in making glyphs. The one he was drawing was focused on simply deflecting Djed. He paused as a memory ghosted across his consciousness. Aoren was still. He looked at the white elk without really seeing it. Sadness touched his features before he returned to drawing the lines of the glyph upon his hand. What Aoren did not notice was that lurking outside the clearing was a mountain lion.

The silent predator was hunched low in the underbrush. It's eyes were focused on the elk situated next to the human. Being an expert model of stealth it surveyed its prey with the feral eyes of a determined hunter. When the time was right the mountain lion would strike...

[Jikadyn]

Watching as the man walked to his pack and removed a small bundle from it. The white beast watched in wonder as the one before him began to unravel the bundle. Revealing plump red cherries. Being a creature of the forest the beast knew what there were, and remember the sweet succulent test that had graced his lips last time he ate them.

The person before the beast seemed to be offering one to Jikadyn. Holding out his hand with a cherry in the center. Most certainly to avoid getting his fingers bitten. The stag slowly and elegantly walks toward the man. Bringing his head down and ate the cherry in a single bite. The sweet flavor of the dark red berry was amazing. Small dribbles of juice slipped from the elks mouth as he chew the cherry before swallowing it.

Then he remembered the grass here was very sweet in flavor. Maybe he should share with his new found companion. He grabbed some of the grass within his mouth and walked it over to the man. Setting it down in front of him. As to tell him to eat it.

At that very moment the sturdy figure made a question about family."Family." The single word was just the same as being pierced by an arrow. His family killed recently by hunters. "Entire Herd. I have nothing." The massive beast head dropped. It was apparent he was depressed with the thoughts in his mind, but he didn't want that to deter him. Quickly he brushed the thoughts aside. Though they lingered in the back of his mind. Waiting for the next moment to strike.


Though Jikadyn's heart throbbed and hurt. A pain that is physical yet has no cure. It felt as though a hole was placed right where his heart would be. Removed forcefully and brutally. There was nothing there, but the sensation that something should be.

Then this man began to speak of luck. Luck for having a family. "Luck. Luck. You are the lucky one. Having never known your family. You don't have to worry about them, don't have to be protected by them, and most of all have you can have no fear of getting them killed." As these thoughts raced through his head he stumbled and fell over onto the ground. The pain in his chest was even more prevalent. Tears began to form in his eyes.


This sight was so not becoming of a proud and powerful creature, but he was still young and the death of his parents still fresh on his mind. As the elk looked up he could see the sadness in the mans eyes, and despite his own pain and sorrow. He simply could not leave him like that.

Struggling to stand Jikadyn wobbled over to the man who was now drawing on his hand. He brought his head down on top of the mans head. Tears dripped from the eyes of the great beast. As he sit there comforting a person he hardly knew, and yet it felt so right. Jikadyns heart went to the man. He would understand the pain. The loneliness, sorrow, and ever powerful need to know.

The beast heard a rustle in the distance. Though it was quiet. The elk immediately went into high alert. Head flying up, ears rotating outwardly, and stiffing as he listened. The beast knew he hadn't been on his guard for awhile, and that many predators stalk these area's.

Stiffly he walked forward between the man and the woods. While he did not know this man very well. He had no intentions of letting another die protecting him. Scanning the area over and over again with his eye's he could not find the predator, or what made the noise. Stopping to think for a second. Jikadyn realized that it could have been a simply bunny. As such he stood there for a little while longer to look out for anything unusual.

Turning his head to check on the one behind him and make sure he was okay. Was a mistake that Jikadyn would not soon forget. The moment his head was turned a lion pounced out from the trees aiming to cling onto the beast shoulders while biting at his throat.

Luckily for Jikadyn the beast which is used to hunting deer and not elk miss calculated its first jump and ended up not getting a good enough grip on both sides. Though it did leave a massive claw mark in the right shoulder of the elk. Turning his head quickly. He watched as the mountain lion began to circle the both of them.

Anytime he would get to a point where the man was in front of the stag. The stag would hobble in front of the man as a means of protection. The mountain lion then ready for his second strike. Jikadyn knew should the predator connect he wouldn't be as lucky as the last time.

[Aoren]

"Umm...thank you?" He smirked as the elk deposited some grass at his feet. He construed it as a means of repaying him for the cherry. So as not to offend his new found animal friend he reached down toward the grass. He plucked a blade from beneath the pile deposited in front of him and nibbled on it. It was...not what he was expecting. While it certainly wasn't habit forming the taste wasn't unpleasant. It was bitter and well...grassy. As he continued to talk he noticed the elk grow sad and it occurred to him that perhaps the reason this particular elk was out in a clearing alone, with no companions was because it didn't have any.

"Is your family gone too?" He was about to reach out to pet the elk when suddenly it was nuzzling him. He chuckled and reached up to pat the regal beast on the side of its muzzle. Apparently he was better at animal handling than he would have ever initially thought. There was something about this animal though that struck Aoren as different.

"Hey, it's alright. At least we've got each other right?" He ran his fingers along the length of the elk's fur. It truly was very soft to the touch. He was reminded of a lord in mourning as he witnessed the great beast shed tears. Knowing nothing of elks Aoren didn't think this odd. As a person he also had virtually no experience in dealing with Kelvics either so the thought never truly crossed his mind that this might be one such being. The moment was lost however when suddenly the elk reared its head back and turned its attention to the woods.

"What is it?" Aoren ceased trying to paint a glyph on his hand and gripped his quarterstaff. He was no fool. He knew that there were less benevolent creatures that stalked the forest. He got into a crouched position and watched as the elk padded forward on high alert. He rose to his feet, worry touching the features of his face. The great beast looked back at him as if to reassure Aoren that it was there. It was watching. Such a strong message from an animal made Aoren's chest tighten. It was touching to say the least.

"Go. You should--" Before he could even finish the sentence a mountain lion leaped from the bushes and pounced upon the majestic elk. The cry that tore from the throat of the elk was something that Aoren did not enjoy hearing. It was pained and pitiful but the regal animal dislodged the mountain lion quickly. Aoren watched as the white elk proceeded to place itself firmly within the path of the mountain lion and himself. Without even giving it much thought Aoren dropped his quarterstaff and began focusing. He would only have a single shot at this.

Reaching within himself he took a deep breath. He could feel the currents of the air, the subtle caress of the autumn breeze and it gave him a clear idea of what he needed. He willed his Djed to refocus. The breath within his lungs was given new purpose as he exhaled a cloud of Res gas into his left hand. At the same time he expelled a sphere of Res gas from his right hand. Bringing his hands down to his sides he planted his feet and aligned himself with the mountain lion as it paced back and forth watching both Aoren and the elk. With a shout the Res in his right hand was ignited into a ball of fire while the Res in his left was transmuted into a sphere of wind.

Bringing his hands together he wove the patterns of Djed together as quickly as he could. Fire began to mingle with Air. The constant swirl of the wind lapped at the flames twisting within the burning sphere and a new energy began to take shape. Aoren rotated his hands bringing them to his side together as the acceleration of the fire began to crackle as the added currents of the wind changed its Djed.

The mountain lion, seeing that the elk was hobbling and thus easy prey crouched low. Aoren was not quite shielded by the great beast. It was trying to place itself in the path of danger but it was moving just slow enough that Aoren could take his shot. He needed to time this perfectly or things could go disastrously wrong. He watched the mountain lion with calm clarity. The beast crouched.

That was his que. Without hesitation he thrust both hands forward releasing his hold on the Res propelling the culmination of fire and air forward with little more than willpower.

Lighting, pure and blinding, speared forth from Aoren's fingertips. Like a javelin from the heavens it rocketed forward breezing past the elk by mere inches as it tried to hobble its way in front of Aoren. The mountain lion was hit square in the chest by the lightning bolt. The high pitched roar of agony that was rent from its throat was not a sound that Aoren enjoyed hearing either. He did not delight in the pain of other living things but he would not leave himself defenseless to the dangers of the world because he was a naturally peaceful man. The wild feline was thrown backwards and slammed into the trunk of a tree like a leaf suddenly caught in strong wind.

The mountain lion twitched but it did not get up.

Aoren rushed over to the elk catching the regal beasts neck just as it was collapsing. The panting and pained noises it was making brought sadness to Aoren's heart. He ran his fingers through the blood stained fur.

"Shh, shhh, it's okay." Aoren cursed himself for not thinking to bring medicines of any sort with him on the outing. He grabbed at the hem of his shirt and tore with all of his might. Within short order he had a makeshift bandage ready. There was only one problem...Aoren had no idea how to apply it to an injured elk.

"Everything is going to be alright. Shh, friend." He pat the elk's magnificent head gently. "I...uhh..." He had no clue how to treat the injuries of animals. He was somewhat familiar with human anatomy. He worked with poultices, medicines, and tinctures designed to treat human injuries every day. Animal husbandry? That was an area Aoren knew nothing about.

"J-just lie still." He lay the beast's head down gently then turned going to his pack to retrieve his waterskin. The least he could do was wash the wound. He knelt with his back to the elk and rummaged through his pack as quickly as he could in search of his waterskin.

[Jikadyn]

Watching the stalking creature. As it looked for its next oppportunity to attack the elk or the man standing in the clearing. Jikadyn knew he was at the disadvantage, but he couldn't allow anything to happen to the man who had joined for the course of the day.

Then the great white beast noticed something stirring around the worried man. He held out his hands and strange gas began to formulate. Coming out of them. This sight struck the elk as very strange. What the human had intended he wasn't sure, but he felt that it was something strange and powerful.

Then suddenly flames burst forth from the man's right hand, and wind appeared in his left. Jikadyn knew this was far from normal. Humans don't just create fire or wind. He was worried what if this man doesn't know what he is doing, or maybe he even intends to be rid of both the elk and the mountain lion before them. When one's life is put into question people do extremely uncharacteristic things to save it. This was something Jikadyn was aware of and it worried him greatly.

Upon a little more thought he had remembered a discussion with his parents about something called Djed. It was the ability that some used to do things that would normally be considered out of this world. While many and most fall to the temptations of such a power. Falling into madness and losing everyone they knew including themselves. His parents spoke of people who wielded this power with benevolence and used it to aid those in need of help or assistance. Jikadyn could only hope this was what the man behind him had intended to use it for.

The elks thoughts were cut short as he quickly noticed the stalking beast ready for his second attack. As the beast began his pounce. The man behind him wove the two elements together, and from his hands shot out a bright light. Blinding the elk to the events that would progress shortly after.

When his eyes opened the man was holding him and the predator lay motionless on the ground near a tree. Whatever the man had down it had killed the predator and furthermore scared Jikadyn. This power while it could be used for good could easily be used against Jikadyn to make a quick meal out of him. Trying to move though proved rather futile as the wound had severely messed up his right shoulder. Moving in this form would be near impossible.

The man assured him everything would be okay. As he was trying to form what Jikadyn thought would be a bandage for his wounds, but even Jikadyn knew nothing of treating injured people or animals. So there he lay helpless and motionless. Weak and unable to even protect a single person, and on top of it all now easy prey for any predator. Even the one helping him.

The told him to lie still as he got up and walked toward his pack. Jikadyn knew not his intention, but had decided to trust him. If he had such a great power and intended to make Jikadyn his next meal he had plenty of opportunities. So that must not be the case. Though he still played it cautious. Being safe came first and foremost, or else his life would be short lived at best.

Here the great beast lie watching the limp dead body of the mountain lion before him. Watching the creature the elk couldn't help but feel sad for it. 'No one deserves to die like this.' The elk thought to them self. The poor beast was just hunting like any normal predator would, and getting caught by one was just a simple part of life. Jikadyn knew in his heart he couldn't just leave it here. As it was just following the natural cycle of life. They to needed to honor it in some way. Either it needed to be used to feed the human who had killed it, or they needed to bury it.

Being biased in this decision. Jikadyn decided that burying it and giving it a funeral was the best option. Switching to the human form he could also bear he began digging a hole with his left hand. The cuts ran from the back of his right down under the right arm. His stomach was untouched as well as the torso, but the back was pretty well destroyed. At this point Jikadyn wasn't even sure if he could move his right arm.

During all this the man stood behind him trying to find something in his pack. Jikadyn could hear him rummaging through his things. It seemed as though he might be getting slightly frustrated at being able to find what he is looking for. Then Jikadyn spoke to the man. The reaction he would get from the man Jikadyn was very unsure of, but he couldn't bury this beast alone after he could barely keep his eyes open due to the insane pain and blood loss in his right arm.

"This beast..... need...burial....or needs.....food...you" Jikadyn strained as he tried to manage those words. He knew his strength was fading, but he wouldn't accept help until the beast was buried, or the man agreed to take the beast as food. He knew his speech was broken, but he was trying to use as little words and strength as possible to speak, and he hope greatly the man had understood what it was he was trying to say.

Through all this he continued to dig with his left hand. There a small hole resting in front of him no bigger than his fist and only a few inches deep, but he kept going. It was as if he was possessed by a ghost and had no will of his own. All he could think about was the poor beasts death, and how much this could impact the whole of the forest. At least the burial allows it to return to the ground feeding the forest and returning to the great cycle of life.

[Aoren]

"Ah! Got it! Okay, buddy. I'm--" Aoren turned around to find instead of a pristine, white, regal injured elk there was a swirling mass of bright light. When it dissipated in place of the beast there was now a man. He stumbled back away from the man wide-eyed. The man and the beast were obviously the same as the man bore the same injury over his shoulder and down the right side of his upper back.

"By Avalis! What on earth!?" Aoren was dumbfounded by what he'd just seen. Having no knowledge of Kelvics and knowing nothing about the Discipline of Morphing he had no logical explanation for what had just happened. He certainly attributed it to magic. He just didn't know what kind of magic had played out before him. It was both unnerving and a little beautiful to behold. The lights hadn't been garish or harsh. They had been a kaleidoscope of colors that swirled with the winds evoking a sense of gentility and peace. Thus far he had witnessed nothing but the same qualities from the elk...man. When he finally regained his wits enough to notice what the man was doing Aoren rose to his feet.

"What in Avalis name is that elk..err...man...umm...man-elk doing?" Aoren approached the man a bit more cautiously now under the impression he wielded some form of magic unknown to himself. He had barely taken three steps when suddenly the man was looking at him. Aoren froze not quite sure what to do from there.

"This beast..... need...burial....or needs.....food...you..."

Aoren quickly came to the man's side as it was very apparent he was straining to get just those words out. The Drykas was surprised he wasn't doubled over with pain. A slash from a mountain lion certain wasn't anything to scoff at. Even from here he could see that the wounds went deep exposing the first layers of muscle to the open air. They were not so deep that they couldn't be mended in a timely manner but they would need stitching and would most certainly leave scars. At the very least the man now had anatomy Aoren was a little familiar with.

Speaking of anatomy. The man's was very much on display. He nodded to the white haired man making a few placating gestures with his hands.

"Okay. I will give the beast a proper burial. First I need to treat your wound. And...uhh...cover you." What had started as a mad rush to try and help a wounded animal now had turned into a slightly awkward situation. There was still the rush to help though. Aoren went and grabbed his robe along with the makeshift bandages from his own shirt. He draped the robe over the man's left shoulder.

"This is going to sting. A little but not a lot." He wished he had brought some medicines with him. That would have aided in the process immensely but his primary concern was to get the wound washed of dirt then bandaged. Aoren removed his shirt so that he could fashion more linen strips from it. Uncorking the waterskin he gave the man a pointed look. With a slight furrowing of his brow out of worry for the brief stinging that would follow he poured the water over the open wounds allowing it to run for a few seconds. He grabbed one of the strips he'd made from his shirt and dabbed at each wound for a moment before repeating the process.

"I know it hurts but you'll thank me for it later. It will help stave off any sort of infection." That was what he'd learned working as an apprentice apothecary. Having spent hours pouring over books on medicines, potions, and techniques one of the most prevalent lessons in treating an injury was to keep it as clean as possible.

"Okay, I'm going to have to bandage your chest and your shoulder." He barely waited for a reply then set to work on tearing his shirt into longer strips. Gingerly, with one arm he helped support the injured man-elk...person...and with the other he began wrapping the strip around the man's chest. He didn't tear the strips off of the ruined shirt completely. He did his best to keep them attached in a successive line so that all he had to do was tear more when he needed more length. Aoren was certain to keep the wrappings tight but loose enough so as not to complicate breathing. The man would need plenty of air. After a minute or so of just wrapping and tearing the man's chest and shoulder would be in rudimentary bandages.

"The pressure should stop the bleeding for the most part but I need to get you back to the city so we can get you properly treated." He helped steady the man then stood up. He chewed on his bottom lip for a moment still very concerned but he'd made a promise to give the beast a burial. Aoren didn't have anything that would work as a makeshift shovel. He also didn't possesses any skills with Earth Reimancy so shifting the earth to create a hole in the ground was out of the question.

It also seemed wrong.

Seeing that he had killed the beast with magic it wouldn't have seemed right to bury it using magic either. That seemed more like a continuance of death rather than an honoring of it. The only thing Aoren had? His hands. So that was what he used. It would need to be a large hole to accommodate the beast.

He set to work.

Digging into the ground with one's bare hands was no simple feat. The dirt was not welcoming. The ground unwilling to yield itself. He pulled at the dirt and grass getting muddy and dirty. But he'd made a promise and Aoren didn't break his promises. Not if it was within his power to keep them. He kept digging.

He dug.

And dug.

And dug.

Until finally, with arms that were shaking from the effort, hands that were blistered and most definitely bleeding in a few places from being rubbed raw after exerting so much effort he pulled himself out of a hole that was big enough to put the wild cat in. The sun was low in the sky. It would be night soon. Aoren knew he would have to get them both to travel as quickly as possible at night to make it to the main road and back to Syliras. They had at least two bells before they reached the gates. That was at a steady pace. He didn't think the man would be able to keep that up.

With a sense of quiet reverence he approached the wild cat. It had not moved since it was struck with Aoren's lightning. He hated to take any life but it would have killed them and Aoren was still rather fond of living. With a grunt he tucked his arms underneath the body of the mountain lion. It was heavy. Very heavy. All of it dead weight. Literally. Rather than try and pick it up he scooted it toward the hole inch by inch until it rolled off the edge and into the bottom.

Kneeling he caught his breath. Aoren was no stranger to manual labor but this was certainly a lot more than he'd done in some time. He made a mental note to build up his strength more after the events of the day came to a close.

If he made it back safely to Syliras that was. He hoped he did. He prayed to the Goddess of Seers that he did. But fate did not always play in the favor of mortals. After that brief reprieve he pushed the dirt pile on top of the mountain lion finishing his work.

Syna was even lower. They had even less time.

Wasting no time Aoren went to his body pack, ignoring the protests from his aching shoulders, grabbed his quarterstaff, and fastened his waterskin to his belt. He knelt next to the injured man. He hated to get the man dirty when he had open wounds but there was no avoiding it. From the man's left side he wrapped an arm around the man's waist and steadied himself.

"Can you walk?" Aoren's cobalt eyes searched the man's features. He glanced over the man, preserving his modesty as much as possible, but also did his best to try and keep an eye or ear out for any more threats that may have been in the area.

[Jikadyn]

As he sit there in the dirt Jikadyn watched the man. He seemed shocked to Jikadyn as a man, and it appeared he was slightly embarrassed at the fact that Jikadyn had no clothes on. Though the man didn't seem to care about the clothing while he was an elk. Did it really make that much a of a difference now.

The man spoke to the injury man sitting there. He stated he would bury the beast and give it a proper burial. This brought about a great reassurance to the injured man. After all, he was well aware that he himself could never bury the beast. The pure joy of the words brought tears of joys to the crystal blues that would forth at the man making such a promise.

The man also made mention to getting Jikadyn covered up. Once again as though he was embarrassed by this mans lack of clothing. Did it really matter that much to have one clothed. Not to mention the immense amount of restriction that is bore to ones body by clothes. Plus this man himself was ripping apart his own shirt to try and aid Jikadyn. Then a robe was placed over the left shoulder of Jikadyn leaving his right shoulder open to the air.

From here Jikadyn heard the man speaking about something stinging, but that it shouldn't sting much. Then suddenly knew what what he was talking about. He could feel the cool water running down his back. It felt like tiny needles pricking him all along his shoulder and back. It was almost more of a unique sensation than a stinging, but as soon as the water stopped flowing. He could feel the stinging. This must have been what the man was speaking of, and indeed it did sting.

Jikadyn was in a daze at this point. He understood the situation he was in, but everything around him seemed so hard to comprehend. His back slowly began to hurt more and more. The chemicals that the body produces in instinctual moments such as this had begun to wear off, and the immense pain was slowly starting to form at the site of the attack. He could hear a man speaking to him, but the words were hard to comprehend. He wasn't sure what to do so he just tried his best not to move.

Then this man began to warp pieces of something around his chest. Jikadyn wasn't sure how to react to this. What they were for escaped him, but he couldn't find the strength to ask. The wrapping around him didn't seem to hinder his breathing so he didn't have to fear the man trying to kill him, but they were tight and uncomfortable. They made his back and shoulder sting, and Jikdayn didn't like them. Once though he couldn't muster the strength to even attempt to remove them. So he just went with it.

Then Jikadyn watched as the man had begun to dig. He contuined to dig until he had dug a hole large enough for the dead beast. Jikadyn remember that the man had made a promise to give the beast a burial and he was following through with it. The joy that was wrought in him was almost like s second wind. Jikadyn knew it was getting dark, and they needed to leave. He had to at least make sure the man got out of the woods safely. After all, he went through all this for Jikadyns sake he couldn't ask him to give up his life for him to.

Then the man approached him. Jikadyn wasn't quite what the man was asking of him, but he knew that he needed to stand. He needed to walk, and get out of the woods. As it seemed this man was not content with leaving Jikadyn. Even if Jikadyn were to plead with him to do so. As such was the case Jikadyn mustered all the strength he could to force himself up. The man wrapped his hand around Jikadyn in an attempt to aid in keeping him up. With that stance Jikadyn began to walk with the strength he left. The man to his side helping him.

The steps got harder and harder to make the further they went. Each step seemed like it hours to get through. The forest terrian itself made matters worse. The roots, rocks, holes, and tress all just aided in making things more and more difficult for the elk-man. His strength was fading or he was getting heavier it was hard to tell, but he knew that he had to go on. This one thought was he repeated in his head. Constantly forcing himself to go through the motion of step after step. The speed at which they were moving seemed near impossible for one to obtain. Though it was certain they were not moving at near the speed Jikadyn felt they were.

A bell had passed, and the large gates that stand at the front of Syliras were just coming into sight, but the wounded mans paced had slowed greatly from when they first started. At the current without anymore slowing they would make it to Syliras within another two bells, but that is if the injured man could keep up his current pace. This seemed like an unlikely situation as he seemed to be growing ever weaker by the moment.

The sight of the gates entered Jikadyns sight. He spotted the large gates that lead to the castle-city of Syliras. His home. It seemed so far away, and yet so close. As though he could just reach out and touch it. The sight brought hope to Jikadyn. Maybe making it was not an impossibility. He strained with all his might to push forward. Forcing everything from his mind except the simple thought of home. With this his speed seemed to pick up a small amount, but how long it could last no one could be sure of. Strength was such a fleeting thing and it was nearly impossible for one to gauge.

Pressing on with his support matching his steps. They moved at a rather decent speed for one injured such as he. The sweat poured from his brow. It had already completely soaked the bandage and the robe from the man. It dripped from him like rain in a vicious storm, but he kept pushing forward. The dirt beneath him conforming to his steps. The light in the night sky was almost gone, and yet the night seemed so wonderfully beautiful. To sit and gaze at the stars was such a wonderful thing to do, but on this night. It would surely mean his death to do such a thing.

He pushed forward walking at the same decent speed since he had seen the gates to Syliras. At this rate they should arrive at the gates just as the last of Syna's rays were snuffed out by the darkness that pursued her. His walking support seemed to stand by his side unwavering to the fact he might be caught in the bronze woods in the dark.