It's The Little Things in Life[Private]

[Baku]

The particular watering hole they approached was a frequently visited place in the Sea of Grass, not only by the local wildlife, but by travelers as well, both Drykas and other. The edge of the watering hole held several tracks within it’s muddied surface, as holes filled slightly with water from the rippling waves of water licking the shoreline were plentiful. So much, in fact, that between the numbers and the water that licked the shore, it made determining which tracks were most recent a little difficult, much less the type of animal that left them. Along the northern side of the watering hole, one tell tale sign was spotted, as dried blood coated the tall grasses and lingering pieces of severed flesh clung to parts of the ground with a small path of parted grass suggesting whatever was killed was dragged away. The cleanly severed pieces of flesh, along with certain gouges made along the firmer, more dry earth further away from the shore held suggestions of a Glassbeak attack for those he had encountered the predatory bird before. In the end, it lent weight to the fact that even getting a quick drink of water in the wilds could proved deadly if one didn’t keep aware of their surroundings. Further up from the shore, trampled grass and small divots in the ground offered several tracks for the group to follow. Only Sama’el was vaguely able to differentiate the several tracks thanks to prior training he received before coming to the grasslands. Of the tracks he was able to recognize, two were deer, one was an elk, three were of a canine of some persuasion, and one was something that he thought could have been an Antelope, but just could have easily been an elk, due to passing time and other animals causing the track to fade somewhat. The most recent of the tracks was one of the deer, which appeared to have passed by the watering hole not more than one bell ago as the track itself still contained signs of water dragged up from the shore.

[Vanator]

Vanator slid from Backlash's yvas onto the soft ground at the water hole's edge, joining the others who examined the track laden mud. Van was not a good tracker, he would willingly andmit, but Sam'ael seemed most comfortable studying the marks left by the grassland denizens. The grisly signs that suggested a glassbeak attack drew Van's sober attention, adn he moved to study the area more closely. He had indeed encountered the ravenous creatures before, having once narrowly escaped a flock while swimming with Pygmy and Khiara, and again escaped injury while stealing glassbeak eggs, though Hex had suffered a grievous wound during that escapade. Seeing no immediate signs of glassbeak danger, the rider drew a sighting lens from a pouch on his belt and scanned the horizon. The device came from some northern city, given to his father by a grateful trader, then handed down to Van. It was not like the more powerful spyglasses, so he had heard, but it did help to get a closer look at subjects in the distance. As he peered through the thing, he no sign of glassbeak, or herd animals for that matter. After hearing His fellow Sapphire clansman describe the tracks he found, Van looked up at the other hunters. "Maybe we should consider the deer as our prey, since it appears they were the most recent visitors, hopefully they belong to a larger group." His tone was not dictatorial, he was sincerely asking for the others opinion. The Denusk looked back at Sam. "I don't know how difficult it is to determine the deer's direction, but if you can, and knowing they left about an hour ago, I could tap into the Web and maybe locate where they are now." His eyes lifted again to the others, gauging their reaction and waiting for their thoughts.

[Raylin Sunsetfeather]

Raylin looked away from the carnage that the glassbeak had left. She had never seen one before and the blood and pieces of animal made her want too less and less. She didn't go out of her pavilion much, this was one of the few trips she had went on.

She looked at the people around her, they were all talking and trying to figure out where the tracks went. Raylin had a rough idea where they might be, but didn't want to end up wrong and steer them off track.

[Sama'el Sunsinger]

The glassbeak signs sent a quick shudder through Sam before he pushed it away, kneeling in the grass to get a closer look at the tracks and thinking of how good venison tasted rather than how fear had tasted in that cave when the glassbeaks had fled the same storm. This was a different situation. His party was stronger and they had the wide spread of the Sea of Grass for escape should it prove necessary. And they would hunt cloven-footed prey animals if he had any say about it. "Two deer, one elk... maybe another elk, but it might be an antelope," he said, glad Jaeden wasn't there to witness his indecision on the one set of tracks. He had pointed out differences between tracks to help Sam learn how to identify them properly. "Three dogs or wolves or something. I'd have to track them for a while to see if they're hunting any of the larger animals." He nodded to Van, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes when the older man spoke of Webbing. Someday Sam was going to have to learn to do that if he wanted to become an Ankal. But he didn't know Van well enough to ask, so he just kept that little tidbit in his back pocket to think on later. Holding his hand near a bit of deer leavings, he felt a bit of heat and decided the deer was the latest visitor. "I would say the deer would be the easiest," he agreed. Dohaina snuffled at his hair and he stood, putting his hand on her shoulder. While Horse had required a deal of effort to overcome old training and make him fit hand in glove with Sam himself, Dohaina seemed to intuit what he wanted, or even anticipate it. She was even wise enough not to trample the tracks he had been checking out. "The deer were here last, and they might lead us to a herd. Even if they don't, it's a good start." He wasn't exactly speaking like an autocrat either, but as the person who seemed to have the most knowledge in what they were doing -- frightening thought! -- he felt it incumbent upon him to point out what he felt was the wisest course. Perhaps that was leadership, after all, and if they deferred to his judgment, then he would be the de facto leader for the time being anyway.

[Dymphna]

The chiding to calm down didn’t get a reaction from the young woman. It wasn’t as if she didn’t realize that she needed to, but calming down on command was about as easy as lighting a fire by rubbing two wet sticks together. She had enough confidence in herself to know that if something was to happen, she’d be able to keep a clear enough mind not to muck anything up for others. Survive immediately, crumple to the ground screaming and flailing afterwards – That was how she went about her business. She looked to the blood and bits of flesh before turning her head to look about at other things. Almost cheerfully she pointed out, “If their bellies are full they’re less likely to come after us. And if they do, they’ll fight slower.” Twisting just a touch, she leaned down until she could get a closer look at one of the taller grasses seeding. There was some sort of rot growing on it. She moved to pull one of her sickles from her side. With blade in hand, she started to remove the pods with tender motions. The seeds that would still grow and produce healthy plants were dropped down, insuring that the plant would return in the spring. As for the mold-covered pieces, she was tucking them away in a pocket – They made for good poison.

[Kayiri]

"Pretty sight," Kayiri commented towards the gore-spattered area, a jovial sarcasm ringing in his voice. Even as they stood there, looking for the signs of prey, he was alert. He could not afford letting his guard down for a second. If he did, the group may pay for it. Seeing something coming in the Grass could mean the difference between life and death... or just between dying knowing what killed you and everything going black. He would take the former of both sets of choices without a moment's hesitation.

"All right then. If it is not too much work on him, I think Vanator should follow the Web and see what he can find when it comes to the Deer. It will let us know if they are worth pursuing, or if another group has found them-- Drykas or otherwise," Kayiri threw his thoughts into the communal pot of ideas and opinions, letting them mingle with the ideas that followed. "If they are still running free on the plains, then we can follow them, and we may claim a few as our prey. We will eat well tonight!" the Drykas laughed, obviously finding enjoyment in this hunt. Hell, Kayiri found enjoyment in anything that held risk. He was a thrill seeker, what could he say?

"Comforting, if something does attack us," Kayiri mentioned, his voice taking on a much calmer tone after a few deep breaths and moments of silence.

[Eldon Sunkiss]

Eldon remained moderately silent as he followed Vanator, a few horse-paces behind him. Upon approaching the bloodied area, Eldon merely pointed towards it (not that he was the first to spot it) and offered a simple remark. "Something shares our ideas about this watering hole. Perhaps we should have arrived sooner." Eldon felt that their chance at hunting something might have dwindled due to whatever small massacre had already occurred here. The deer probably could be followed, stalked, and hunted efficiently, but if they were a part of the bloody mess, chances were they were already dead, or running with all their might to get away. Still, they seemed like the best bet. "The Web." Eldon nodded in agreement with Vanator and Kayiri, but there was a subtle concern in the back of his mind. Everyone seemed more concerned with the deer hunt, but Eldon was more focused on what had already killed. It may not have been logical, but Eldon found himself assuming it was a glassbeak attack. Glassbeaks, oh how he hated them. They seemed too unnatural to be part of the natural life of the Sea of Grass. Running with the Striders, besting the best of Drykas men, violence that could not be squelched. "I hope they aren't too far. I'd rather hunt than play chase."

[Baku]

And so the group surveyed the area of the watering hole. Tracks were found, suggestions were made and the group mulled over the possibilities. In one aspect, Sama’el knew what one of the tracks were, how long ago they had made, and what direction they were heading initially. It may have taken the group a certain amount of time for them to follow the tracks to their source, but it was unknown as to whether or not they would find fruition when they did reach the deer. Especially considering the fact that Sama’el knew from hunting in Syliras’ Wildlands that deer were not a herd animal. Perhaps grassland animals would be different, but he had only seen that single set of tracks originally. On the other hand, Vanator could use his ability with webbing and scout ahead in a way. Such might reveal where the deer had passed and when, as well as any other creature that may have stepped along a similar path. This included predators that may have been already stalking the deer itself. As well, Vanator connecting to the Webs woven over the grasslands carried their own risks. Sometimes, however, there was no reward without risk. So now a decision would have to be made by the group. Should they pursue the deer, using the skills and abilities at their disposal, or would they search for other prospects that could be found by searching farther. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

[Vanator]

A brisk fall breeze blew through the small group of hunters, tugging at the small bronze banded braids on either side of Vanator's face. He listened to the comments voiced, the men all valid points. Vanator also noted the silence of the two females. Raylin looked as if she had something to say, but Vanator respected her choice not to speak...yet. Once he finished searching the Web, he would encourage her to speak her mind. "The deer would be a smaller group, less opportunity for kills than a herd of antelope or elk, but perhaps closer. Let me walk the Web. I offer no guarantees, I am not as skilled as my father with the Web. But maybe we can see if suitable prey is near..." his eyes trailed to the gory remains of the suspected Glassbeak attack, "...and gather what else might be in the area." Webbing certainly was not without risks, especially if there were predators around. Van would have to rely on the others to protect him while he searched the Web. The webber paused, concentration knitting his brow as he focused his attention on the landscape around them. Unseen to the others, faint, glowing strands appeared across the grass, aged threads of woven djed. The watering hole was a stopping place for humans as well as beast, and surely at some point someone put a tap into the web here. Indeed, one passed close by. His gaze turned to the other Drykas around him, they too would know what happens when one stalked the Web...his body was left helpless. His eyes spoke of trust he was giving each of them, resting on his friend Kayiri. "I know you have my back brother." Vanator strode a ways into the grass, stopping abruptly and lowering himself to a seated postion. He placed his hands on the ground, in contact with the strand of Web. His eyes slid shut, his breathing quieted, and he force himself to ignore the world around him, against everything a prudent Drykas was taught. After a long moment, and with some effort, came the unnerving disconnection, and he traveled into the web, leaving the shell of Vanator behind, as if asleep.

[Kayiri]

The Drykas thumped his chest proudly. "No harm shall come to you as long as I draw breath, brother! Haaooh!" Kayiri grinned, urging his horse onwards silently. He spoke as he appraoched Vanator, his voice calm and serious. "While other brother is defenseless, stay alert. Talking to a minimum. Form up in a circle around him, defend him at all cost. Legend says spirits can not be released if their bodies die in the Web. No Drykas should ever suffer this fate-- even if his brothers falls preventing it," he didn't know if this legend was true or not, he only recited what he heard. His bow was removed from his back, his eyes watching the ever-swaying sea of grass before him. For a brief moment, his eyes fell upon Vanator.

He slumped in his seat as he watched him. The older man was now out and about. Kayiri gave a wave-- he didn't know if he could even see him-- and then returned to his vigilant glance. An arrow was removed from the quiver, and lightly nocked onto the string of his bow. "Dymphna, get in the center of the circle, with Vanator. If any of us go down, I want you to dash out and do your best to help us. You are the only chance any of our wounded have," Kayiri didn't break his watch as he spoke.

It may seem to the party that the Drykas was being overly cautious-- and not to mention ever so slightly bossy-- but if they did not remain vigilant, did not continue their endless search for threats in the rolling plains and high grasses, they could very well perish brutally. There were too many ways to die out in the grasses to risk any sort of inattentiveness. Luckily, he thought, he hadn't had to learn that the hard way like he was certain soem other Drykas had. A frown crossed his face. Those Drykas had paid with their lives for their mistake. He would not follow them.