It's The Little Things in Life[Private]

[Kayiri]

Everything around him was a blur. Sights, sounds, smells, everything simply blended to create one giant smear on a canvas, one so interwoven in its design that not even a knotwork scholar could decipher what each individual strand of color meant. All he knew was three things. The first was the most important to him. He was getting out of that cave. Not more than a few feet behind Eldon and his burden, he hobbled on folded legs, careful not to injure his hand. That was the second thing he knew, the searing pain that still racked his hand in sharp intervals. The third was something that took him a while to decipher. His uninjured hand had brought the precious waterskin up to his head despite the dazed state he was within, and no matter the state of his fingers, he managed to find the cork and loose it from its place within the neck of the skin. Before he knew it, its bottom was raised, and the precious liquid was pouring down his face. That was the third thing he was feeling. It was the feeling of cleansing, of the taint that had been spread over his face being swept away. He aided in its removal with a few swipes of the sleeve of his tunic. He didn't care that blood was still flowing from his nose. That was trivial. All that mattered to him was that Raylin was safe, his hand was still attached, and his face was clear.

Oh Gods. Raylin. He had seen only the beginning of the proverbial shykestorm with Eldon's reactions to her wounds. That smear suddenly faded into ordered thoughts, straight, direct lines of painting. Her situation-- the wounds that riddled her form-- it was his fault, his entirely. He had barreled down the tunnel in his anger, and when she had tried to stop him, that must have been when she received the injuries that she now bore... and they would all scar her for life, if the caltrops were uniform in size and depth to the one he had gotten a glimpse of. If she wasn't treated properly, she might not be able to walk! Guilt wracked his heart, tearing it apart from the inside, a frown and a look of strong sadness claiming his face, from which beads of water still dangled.

Finally, he was free of the cave, able to stand again, something which he did not hesitate in doing. His legs extended to their full length, and he stumbled away from the mouth, holding his injured hand close to his gut for no other than the fact that it comforted him. It wasn't long before he collapsed to the ground, waterskin still clutched in one hand, while caltrop emerged from the other. Eyes bored into his skull, digging into his flesh. They were watching him, probably because of the mess he had caused. Vanator was soon at his side, scolding him sharply, but the words didn't process in his tired head. All he wanted was to be rid of the caltrop in his hand, and to sleep. Sadly for him, not only would his companions not allow this, his enemies would not, either. They emerged from the ground-- quite literally, one spawning a spire two or three times taller than his own height. More spilled forth from the cave, leading to a frightening sight indeed.

None of that mattered to him after one thing was spotted, though. His bow. They brought it forth from the depths of the cavern, and Kayiri did not hesitate for a moment to reclaim it. Before it had even hit the ground, he was back up on his feet, sprinting across the plain, nimbly weaving between his companions. Before he knew it, he was there, and his uninjured hand was wrapping around the precious wood of his bow. Never would he let the creatures touch it again. Never would he let them claim it. It was his and his alone.

How he had missed it, despite the fact that it had only been away from him briefly. If Vanator's eyes, or anyone's eyes, for that matter, passed to Kayiri, all they would see is a giant man cradling his long lost possession, while keeping a semi-cautious eye towards those who had taken it.

[Sama'el Sunsinger]

Once he had recovered his scimitar and made sure the Pycons hadn't done anything to it, he slung it to his hip. It seemed Dymphna had the repair of wounds taken care of, so he walked over to Vanator when he called, though he kept close enough hear if Dymphna needed his assistance, and he had a special eye out for Eldon because he would be damned if his cousin fell on his watch. Not sure what else to do for the time being, he kept an eye on everything and everyone, hoping they wouldn't have to hogtie Kayiri to keep him from becoming the aggressor that started more violence. "Yes, Van?"

[Raylin Sunsetfeather]

"Better." she said to Eldon when he came over to check up on her. A small smile surfaced on her face as a sign of appreciation for getting her out of the cave. She listned as Vanator said his point of view on the matter, as well as Eldon's. "Well either way I can't move for now so I guess im the neutral one again." Her small smile became bigger. She slowly looked over just in time to see Kay acting like a child with his bow. She had to bite her tongue to stop herself from laughing. It was odd to think that the once proud warrior could be reduced to a child so easely by a object.

[Baku]

At Vanator’s inquiry, Alliria’s column of earth soon started to descend until finally becoming ground level once again. “The beast is large, coated in white fur. It has powerful legs and long, sharply sensed ears.” “I will show you.” Alliria then offered as she began moving off towards the west, her small clay legs carrying her slowly. As the medicine was applied to both Kayiri and Raylin, the soon found the pains being replaced by a small tingling feeling, and soon slight numbness as the bandaging was applied. This would allow them some means to still join in, should they still wish to. The drawback to such, however, would be whether or not they tried pushing themselves too much, and opening wounds further. It would not hurt if they did during a battle, but they would soon feel it harshly the next day and their time for healing would be lengthened some unless finding a healer. For those that would follow, Alliria lead continued to lead them west for about two miles, by way of Pycon steps. In actuality, their trip was only a quarter of a mile as they soon began nearing another cave. Alliria motioned for them to get low, shield their presence within the tall grasses. Vanator would immediately notice the lack of any web line in the area. “It lies within there, but comes out often.” Alliria said, pointing at the cave for eighty-one yards away. “All of you should prepare yourselves should you choose to engage it. It will be a difficult hunt, even with big ones such as yourselves.” “Look, it comes.” Another Pycon then exclaimed silently. As all eyes focused on the cave, Syna’s light beginning to show at the edge’s of the horizon, they were all likely greeted with a sight they didn’t expect. Coming out of the cave, the group first noticed the white nose and long whiskers along the side of it’s mouth. The black beady eyes searched for signs of danger as its long, furry white ears twisted and turned, listing to its surroundings. Then finally was the short white legs and extreme coat of white fur. The Pycons all around stepped back a couple of paces, taking collective gasps. Truly, a terrifying creature to the small clay people.

[Eldon Sunkiss]

OOCDoes anybody else get the "Monty Python: Quest for the Holy Grail" scene about to happen? Eldon was in a sour mood. Vanator had somehow found it in him to trust these little creatures after they beat up Kayiri and Raylin. All Eldon wanted to do was stomp as furiously as a madman on each and every one of their heads, crushing their bodies in satisfying little crunches. He wanted to pick them up and hurl them as far as his arms could manage for stealing his spear. Nevertheless, he had elected Vanator as leader, or more so allowed it in his head. He was the eldest, most experienced, and even Eldon in his angry mood could tell he was probably the clearest mind and soundest of thought at that moment, so Eldon continued to follow him, who was following the Pycon. Eldon made the trek fairly easily, walking along side of Vanah, his strong and healthy Strider, until they reached sight of a cave. Eldon felt a knot twist in his stomach as he realized something serious could really be there. The Pycons, even though it was shameless of them, proved to be strong opponents for the Drykas. Their defenses were sound. They took down Kayiri, who was certainly strong. Then he saw it, as if the first sight of Syna moved in perfect unison with the beast, they appeared at the same moment. Eldon slowly exhaled, realizing now that that he had been holding it in anticipation and anxiety. The rabbit, that's all it was (perhaps dire, who knows), crawled out from the cave. He looked around, trying to judge if what he was seeing was real. Slowly he shook his head and climb up on Vanah's back. "Vanator, I'm leaving. I'll greet you all when you get back to Endrykas, but I will not tolerate these stupid walking toys any longer. My patience is gone. Raylin, do you need to ride with me?" Eldon looked back at the Half Blood, she was looking much better now that she got patched up, but he would still feel better if she took his offer and rode with him to Endrykas. "Sam, try not to get yourself killed." It was a joke obviously, his smirk was dry, and it was obvious that he was seriously contemplating allowing his violent maelstrom of emotions release onto those miniature people. It would be best for everyone if he separated himself from them immediately.

[Sama'el Sunsinger]

Before they left camp again to follow the Pycons -- and he was hoping this wasn't another ruse to take what was left of their things -- Sam gathered some more of his gear, not knowing what would be necessary in the ensuing reconnaissance. As they walked warily with their new allies -- or at least they had an armistice -- he wondered if things got dirty, whether Eldon could melt the clay people with his water mastery. He pursed his lips and indicated his thought to Eldon via grassland sign. It never hurt to take precautions. "It's a bunny," he said when the little beast showed its face. Glancing around, the party seemed to be pulling itself apart. "I have a trap unless someone can take it with one arrow. Otherwise..." Well, he wanted to get Dymphna and stay with Eldon, but he wanted to see the job through, as well. Vanator was an Ankal and it would be terrible not to impress him.

[Raylin Sunsetfeather]

Once she was on her own two feet, Raylin packed up her things and patted Sabela to indicated for her to start following the clay figures. At the sight of the cave she thought that a great beast might live there. Her expectations were shattered though when a rabbit came out. A rabbit. A bunny rabbit. she thought to herself. She looked at the small clay figures then back at the cave then at the rabbit again. She repeated this process two more times before she let out a sigh of defeat. "Eldon I think I will be joining you. But i'll ride on Sabela." she said slowly monting her horse. With one last look over her shoulder and a sigh she began to ride off. (OOC: Does anyone have a holy hand grenade of aniox?)

[Vanator]

Vanator nodded to the small pycon leader, and with a glance and a shrug to his companions, he followed the tiny clay army further into the grass. The going was painfully slow, the humans forced to cut their stride to small, slow steps. Ax still in hand, Van kept a careful eye out, as he knew the others would as well, for not only the hoary beast they sought, but for the myriad of other dangers lurking in the tall grass. The horizon began to glow with the approach of dawn when they stopped short. The Drykas stared at the rock opening in the distance, waiting for a sighting of the pycon's dreaded monster. When, awestruck, the little beings pointed out the creatures appearance, Vanator had to squint. When he saw the rabbit, he stifled a laugh. Glancing at the others, Van saw the frustration in their faces revealed in the growing light. Eldon had had enough, and turned to leave. Raylin agreed to join him. "Wait Eldon." He spoke in Pavi. "I know you are frustrated, and that you are annoyed by these things. But in the Grass, any ally should be welcomed. If we befriend them, who knows what boon they may afford us in the future." Hearing Sam, he turned towards the man. "I believe Kay is the most skilled archer among us, but a trap would do as well."

[Kayiri]

Kayiri simply observed the events that unfolded before him with an impartial gaze, perhaps a little too dazed from the shock of his failure and the blood loss from his wounds. The impartial, removed gaze continued until his name was called by Vanator. Silently, he looked up at the older man, making eye contact with him, his face somewhat pale. It took him a few long moments to piece together what was going on, but when he finally did, he nodded ever so slightly, rising to his feet with a grunt or two, careful not to put too much strain on his injured hand. "Aye, no doubt, Eldon can confirm that I am the best at a range among us," Kayiri shot a smug smirk over at Eldon, but it seemed half-hearted, as if he was too distracted by his thoughts and his guilt to put any more effort into the transaction. Without another word, nor another thought to it, he reached his hand to the small of his back, taking the unstrung bow out of the quiver. With practiced movements, he stretched the bowstring and tied it to both ends of the wood ever so quickly, stringing the bow in under twenty seconds.

With the bow strung and ready, he rose back to a standing position, reaching his drawing hand back to his back once more to draw forth an arrow. Once it was secure between his fingers, he quickly brought it up to the string of the bow, making sure the carved notch on the base of the arrow connected perfectly with the string. Once the connection was achieved, he tugged back evenly until the bow was at its full draw. He was always amazed by how far wood could bend, and just how much energy it could transfer to a projectile. However, now was not time to be overtaken by such childish amazement. Now was the time to focus in on the target, to guide his arrow into the target in such a way that it slew it in a single blow and rid them of any difficulty. Eyes, now alert with attentiveness, quickly calculated the distance. He lifted his bow so that the arrow would arc into its mark. Feeling a light breeze upon his cheek, he shifted the bow a little to the left, only a quarter of an inch or so. He was still over the rabbit with his shot. Now, with everything ready and his muscled arm beginning to tire from the strain, he released his fingers, watching as the arrow streaked quickly through the air.

He could only pray to the Gods around that the arrow struck true.

[Baku]

As Kayiri’s arrow flew through the air, something strange began to occur as the rabbit that came out of its hole simply froze in place. Soon, others began to see small bulges along the fur, as though something were crawling around inside of the rabbit itself. A curdling how then echoed out of the rabbit as Kayiri‘s arrow impaled the rabbit‘s foreleg, the squeak they would normally make lingering through the air in a lower tone and much louder. The arrow didn’t seem to penetrate deep, however, as only half of the head pierced flesh, causing a small trickle of blood begin to slide down. Slowly it’s body began to expand as the hollow sounds of bones breaking and reforming, skin being stretched, muscle growing all reached the party’s ears. Feet and paws grew exponentially, fur grew shorter and the tone of muscle beneath was becoming more visible. Soon, the rabbit itself was the size of a Nightwalker as reddened eyes slowly turned towards the party, narrow black pupils staring over all of them as drool began to leak from the corners of the creature’s mouth. “The beast has emerged!” one of he Pycon shouted as a couple began to scatter, trying to seek shelter. A loud echoing roar called out its aggression to the group, the arrow Kayiri had previously fired dropping out of it’s leg and to the ground. Hunching down, the creature kicked out with its strong back legs as it flew over thirty feet up into the air before landing along the ground with a heavy thud behind the group, the impact causing the ground to shake beneath there feet slightly as its back legs suddenly kicked out, one nearly slamming into Vanator’s chest. Again it leapt through the air, landing off to the side. This time it leapt forward, sharp teeth and front paws lunging for Sama’el before a column of earth suddenly rose from the ground in its path. It crashed into it, the earth crumbling around it as it fell to the ground shaking its head to rid itself of the sting. Beside Sama’el, Alliria stood, her eyes glowing green as a pain expression crossed her features. “Do what you can to slay it,” Alliria said as she suddenly doubled over, a hand resting along the ground, “I can not summon another magic like that without irreversible damaging myself now.” Their true hunt, now began.