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Post by Aagha "Pack-Runner" on Dec 14, 2022 11:23:17 GMT -5
Aagha had very quickly come to find that tracking beasts was a labor. Beasts were not predictable. This was going to be his first successful track of the hell hound, he could feel it in his bones. He was crouched low and dragged his fingers gently across the ground. There was a barely notable indentation in the ground and it was quite a bit hotter than the rest of the earth around it. Yes indeed, this was it. Cane as well as Boromir had begun to sniff at the spot of ground Aagha had managed to find. They both fanned out slightly, the wolf to the left and the lion to the right. The soft sounds of the two of them sniffing were the only thing that could be heard out here other than an eerie crackling as though a fire were always burning but quietly and about as far away as it could be from hearing range.
He continued forward looking for a more noteworthy indent in the earth, but instead what he found was as he passed the next dry tree were claw marks, but no blood. Perhaps the hellhound itself did not realize that it was being hunted as it seemed to have a hunt of it's own. This was going to be convenient enough for the small group. The eerie crackling was buried by the sound of Cane, who had gone off roughly thirty yards now, letting out a very soft howl to signify he had picked up the trail. It only took moments for Boromir to double back for Aagha, then the mighty dawn lion burst into a sprint quickly after Cane. If the hellhound were not distracted, perhaps they would have to be concerned about losing their beast.
"I'm going to put this scroll to good use this time!" Aagha could hear the ringing of the bell as Cane brought himself also into a sprint after their target. The redwolf couldn't out pace the lion. They were headed up a path where the trees were seeming to break. He took in a deep breath. He wouldn't be able to fire his long bow on Boromir's back. Cane came to a rigid halt as did Boromir causing Aagha to nearly lose his balance on the beast and slide softly forward but he managed to regain his composure and slip himself off gently. He drew his bow. He was very well aware why they were stopping here. The tracks here were much more notable. The ground within the prints was charred even more so than usual. This was definitely what they had been searching for. Aagha rose his hand, turned it over, and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He pulled forth a water skin to take a sip in preparation. Finally, he shook the sandy mess atop his head a bit and sighed gently. His hands were trembling softly with anxiety from the trial that would be just ahead of them.
"Don't worry Aagha.. you can do this. You will do fine. Remember, if it comes to the worst scenario, you must immobilize the beast to capture it within the scroll. Let your aim be true and take your time. There is no rush when it comes to this practice. You have kindness and mercy in your heart. Keep that, and so will your arrow." Boromir spoke as though he had already thought of every worry Aagha could've possibly ran over within his own mind.
"Yeah listen to Boromir. Besides, we both know we're your true first beasts anyways. You didn't need the stupid scroll for us!" Aagha could hear a bit of.. pride? Spite? Disdain? Did it matter? Hearing the wolf jest and poke fun was no less usual than any other day the three of them spent together. He looked onward toward the track as they continued anxiously awaiting any sight of the soon to be capturee. What sort of temperament would this beast take after being bound to him through the scroll? Thankfully his necklace, gifted to him by the odd man of stars just like Boromir, allowed for him to not only always remember what he came from, but also understand beasts.
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Post by Shitakibo on Mar 24, 2023 21:40:24 GMT -5
It had taken some time for Taki to prepare herself to travel to the Deadwood, her typical work and clients telling her of rumors from the far away places they'd sometimes visit. One such tale had told of a fancifully hued creature that was part goat, part sheep. It was said to have escaped into the Deadwood some time ago, lost on the way to market along with a few others. Many hunters had attempted to corner or prey upon the small herd of creatures, yet having no luck thus far... always the groups would be leaving for home, to catch a glimpse from far away of their wary quarry.
The woods had become their home, and it would be no simple challenge to track, pace and out maneuver a wild animal in their own home. She had her heart set on finding even one, had been communing every day, giving offerings of spiced, flowery incense and other small gifts to the spirits for their guidance. Any stories she came across, she noted on simple wooden tablets she marked with charcoal, using the glyphic language of her tribe. These thin planks were harvested from trees that grew near the border of the Bamboo Forest, where she would harvest the straight limbs and branches that fell from the great trunks. She was especially fond of the bright pink petals the flowers made in spring for a short while, then fall like delicate snow for a few days.
Most of her outfits, while simple, were also vibrant colors made from the extracts of wild flowers and other plants. She had learned this skill from her grandmother, who was a seamstress and matchmaker for their tribe. Her father's older sister had been the tribe's spiritual leader, and taught Taki about the ways of shamans, their connections to spirits and nature, and nurtured her love of such things in spite of not fitting in well with the tribe. She continued to practice those skills, as well as learning many others, including how to handle thrown and ranged weapons. The tribe had exiled her upon her coming of age, many of the other leaders having not been impressed with her ambitions, goals, or interactions with others.
Taki had the spirits, the animals and plants, the wide world of places to explore and examine, to experience life in a fashion she thought vibrant and iridescent as her bright blue scales. She lived on her own, helped others when they asked it of her, and tried to further the bond between people and the rest of nature's beauty. It was her calling, in many ways, to pursue greater understanding and form bonds with the wild and wonderful creatures. This taming would be one of her greater challenges, not only elusive, the few scholarly writings on the creatures stated they were observed to be fairly intelligent and capable of defending themselves. Once the muted outfit of greys, greens and brown had been done, she tested that it fit snugly and covered the majority of her scales. It would take some getting used to, and be her first attempts at being truly stealthy.
Having spotted her first signs of the pack's grazing only a few short days after arriving, Taki foraged as she worked her way about the boughs and darkened undergrowth. Their pattern was not easily discernable as of yet, but once or twice she had caught a glimpse of the creatures down a hill, or ducking into the brush across a clearing. Days passed, and while she knew she was making progress, it was slow going. A few times, deep in the gloom of the dark nights, a low growl and what appeared to be the glow of a torch or flame of some kind could be seen in the distance. The spirits of this place were restless, and the usual nightly cacophony of spring seemed muted at times, as if a hushed perimeter for this flickering flame was to be heeded by all.
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Post by Aagha "Pack-Runner" on Mar 25, 2023 5:28:01 GMT -5
Aagha, Cane, and Boromir each continued down the path toward their capturee. Soon, the silence was broken by a loud howl, one much deeper and voluminous than those cane had produced previously. This caused the trio to burst into a sprint in order to get just over a small ridge, and from the top they could see it; their prey in question. The beast was truly magnificent. A large wolf was inching toward what appeared to be some sort of horned fluffball. He had heard something of a name for them, but currently, that was the last thing on his mind. His eyes met the wolf with fur of flame and eyes of embers. They went unnoticed as it was far more focused on the horned creature. Aagha drew his bow. Cane and Boromir wasted not a moment to launch themselves forward and land down below sliding slightly, enough so that they would get noted by the charred earth wolf.
The beast truly was magnificent. It didn't occur to Aagha quickly enough what the creature's howl was, but he realized soon as he heard something stalking up behind him. He managed to turn just in time to let out an, "Aaah!" as he was pounced on. Boromir and Cane were caught off guard both turning to try and see what would happen. They had went over this before. It was a bad idea to worry about Aagha in the middle of all of this because hell hounds were nothing short of violent and angry. Aagha found himself pinned beneath a large hot paw, but he was quick to pull out a throwing knife and begin to jab the best he could at the beast. There didn't seem to be too much of an effect at first, but when the beast attempted to snap at Aagha, he managed to shift himself just enough and punched it square in the nose. Aagha was by no means super human, but the beast didn't take kindly to the punch. It did hurt his fist a bit. The beast was certainly sturdy. One grace was that the punch was enough to get the creature to back off just enough for Aagha to scramble off. He grabbed his bow as he ran and this time, while the beast shook it's head, Aagha launched a throwing knife at it. There was a solid 'klink' as the knife made contact, but neither Aagha nor the beast were impressed. It began to run after him with a fury he hadn't seen yet from another creature.
"Aagha!" Cane shouted, though to any incomers it would've came out as a slight yelping sound. Cane began to sprint around and try to find an area where he could make it up the short ridge again to try and help Aagha. In the mean time, Boromir charged and tackled the hell hound that had suddenly split to chase cane. The creatures seemed to be relatively simple minded. Calculating the moves of multiple prey at once was certainly not their strong suit. The battle began between Boromir and the hound, claw for claw, paw for paw, and noises coming from each.
As Aagha ran he turned back to analyze the oncoming aggressor. It was made of charred rock and fire itself, but there were parts where it seemed there were gaps in the stone in order to support joints for movement. Aagha finally had a target he could reliably aim for. Early throwing it at the beast's head was a mistake while it's mouth was shut. His punch and now bruising hand should've been a hint to that. Finally, just as the beast was making it's last bound to catch up, Aagha suddenly halted and made his way back toward the beast. Next throwing knife in hand, he jammed it hard into the beast's shoulder catching it off guard with the sudden shift of movement and change of attitude from prey to hunter. The knife sank in causing the creature to gripe and back off slightly.
"Ouch! Foolish flesh mound! We will consume you, the dawn lion, the canine, and the wooly horned thing and anything that gets in our way!" The snarled threat echoed in the immediate area around Aagha and he pulled out a second knife. "Yeah, I've heard that before." He and the beast gently padded in a circle facing one another, each waiting on a strike from the other.
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Post by Shitakibo on Mar 28, 2023 7:41:04 GMT -5
Another clearing, this one surrounded by a hill on one side, showed signs of the shaman's quarry. It also revealed that something else was one step ahead, leaving scorched tracks and jagged, seared markings as it passed through the brush. A deep, resonant growl filled the valley, followed by the sounds of clashing and animals fighting. Taki moved through the open area, ducking behind brush for cover until she'd come upon a group engaged with a flaming hound. Not far from this desperate struggle was her own target, a ball of fluffy wool with curling horns trying it's best to blend in as the clash above went on.
Taki slid in beside the creature, carefully approaching it with an outstretched hand and offerings from her garden back home. She kept one eye on the creature, not wanting to be trampled or rammed, the other watched the pursuant group. Knives spun through the air, then bounced off the fire beast's thick rocky hide. A man, working together with the other pair of animals (as best she could tell) harried the creature and kept it from it's prey. She would have to thank him later, once she'd completed her own task and tamed the somewhat skiddish, fluffy creature beside her.
Caught up in watching the struggle above, the Woolful rubbed it's head on Taki's side, nearly toppling her over. She gave a small chortle and fed it a few more veggies, reaching out to run her hands through the thick, fuzzy wool of it's body. Her hands came away covered in soot, debris and a mossy green from the creature, having built up the layers roaming the Deadwood. Underneath, the Woolful showed a bright pink spot, not all that different from some of the spring flowers she loved to see in the fields along the roadside. She would have to be careful cleaning the creature down, and wait til they were at least away from the current situation.
Having spotted the bright colors, the Hellhound shifted it's focus. It honed in on the bright spot like a beacon to feast, having gotten distracted by the onset of it's own hunters. Taki braced herself, but drew none of her weapons, knowing it could not only exasperate the hound, but her own efforts could get wasted as well. She stepped out of the cover of the brush, pulling back the tightly wound layers of fabric on her arms, head and stomach to reveal her own brightly colored scales. This further confused the hound, who locked eyes with the shaman.
Her crimson orbs stared into it's obsidian depths, unflinching as it stood confused and unsure what to do now. The wooly creature behind her bleated softly, trying it's best to blend into the world like any other bush. This creature must have isolated it from the herd she'd been tracking and lost it in the brush before all of this chaos broke loose. Entranced by the bright colors and slight swaying motion of the shaman, the Hellhound stood it's ground, wary of it's surroundings.
"Now is the time to act." She said calmly, her accent thick as her focus remained on the hound. Hoping the other group understood, she backed away, inching slowly towards the Woolful behind her.
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Post by Aagha "Pack-Runner" on Apr 4, 2023 8:29:07 GMT -5
Cane seemed to be desperately trying to reach Aagha, but ran into the next hell hound in the meantime. Though he knew rescuing Aagha was important, the boy had shown the wolf recently that he was growing to be at least a little more capable as of late and knew all too well how angry Aagha would be if he was prioritized over the innocent and sheep like creature. Cane let out a frustrated snarl, catching the last enemy's attention just before bulldozing into it. Cane had caught Aagha attacking the joins and while he had the creature surprised, he took the opportunity. Massive swings of his claws drew blood from where the joints ought to be, and he bared down on the creatures neck with his maw, but it was still too tough to break or bite through.
Aagha was not counting on Cane making it in time. Aagha was counting on being able to end this right here. Quickly he dashed forward with the hound. The hound made an attempt at Aagha's own throat, but it was to the creatures' detriment as Aagha knew what kind of hunter the stone canine was. The same kind of hunter cane had been. The same kind of hunter Aagha had been raised to be. Aagha embraced the creature ducking below it's maw. He drove the throwing knife yet again into the other leg join bringing out a yelp. This time, Aagha held on for dear life the creature not being able to clear a bite at Aagha, but still managing to dig claws into flesh and tear it away. Aagha felt the searing pain, the frustration of the creature, his own frustration. "I'm not letting you go! Claw as much as you want! Struggle however you will! You're mine. Submit to me. I will show you a world where you don't have to be this way!" The beast struggled. It was not that the boy was stronger bodied. That was incorrect. The boy was displaying something the hell hound actually valued. It's intent to kill slipped a moment and the scroll began to glow. "I will show you the entire world beyond the ashlands. I don't wish to kill you. I wish to take you to see something better. Something with more hope than here." That was all the energy aagha had left between trying to hold the creature and maintain consciousness. The glow from the scroll enveloped the hell hound. "So be it, but waiver even a little and you will be food once again flesh mound." The hell hound almost seemed to smirk slightly and Aagha let out a sigh. "Its Aagha.. though sometimes flesh mound isn't a bad descriptor." With that, the beast was drawn into the scroll. Aagha's blood dripped onto the thick rolled paper and the contract was sealed. With that, aagha fell back huffing and quickly took out his own first aid kit to get his bleeding to stop.
Boromir had managed to actually over power his enemy, though he had not come out woundless. His jaws were sore, he had been clawed in the belly, though not deeply enough for it to matter, and he had definitely fractured a couple of ribs. His breathing was rigid, but he made it past Cane and the final hound to Aagha. He laid there breathing harshly as Aagha fixed what he could of Boromir's wounds. "The onlooker and Cane should be more than enough for the last hound. If not we still have a job to do." Boromir peered at Aagha who was in worse shape than the lion himself and pondered a moment. "I have more work to do. You rest Aagha. You have done well." Aagha finally fell back onto his bottom, but if this final creature was stubborn enough, he would attempt to release the other from the scroll. No. He couldn't force the creature to fight one of its' own. Aagha was definitely far more human than killer.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 4, 2023 11:14:54 GMT -5
Sensing the spirit of the last hellhound, it's intent to destroy, Taki drew her bow. While short, it's many layers of strong, flexible materials and recurve construction made the seemingly light weapon pack deceptive punch. The arrows she carried with it weren't usually broadheads, favoring bodkin or target tipped arrows unless hunting very large game. She nocked a bamboo shaft, flighted with brown feathers she harvested while caring for several molting birds back home. Relaxing, she focused her mind on the task at hand, though it was one she often struggled with.
To protect a life, sometimes one would be forced to take a life... This was nature, the harsh cycle of one life sustaining another, and Taki was another vessel caught in the tide. Focusing, the glinting tip of the finely made arrow helped her aim at the cautious hound's chest. A quiet twang, and the soft whistling of an arrow in flight followed. As the string of her bow sang a melancholy note, the arrow pierced the hound's chest. It howled, enraged by the violating projectile. Clawing and biting at the shaft protruding from it's body, it crashed through the brush, gnashing it's teeth and snarling. Taki watched but didn't go after the creature, it had been given a fatal wound and would succumb to it.
It was a difficult reality for Taki, who wanted to preserve all life whenever possible. Turning back to the fluffy creature behind her, she knelt and wiped gunk from it's eyes. The pair just sat quietly staring at each other for a few moments, before the creature shuffled forward slightly and lay it's horned head on Taki's lap. With one hand, she pet it's mounds of fluffy wool, while another drew the magically infused scroll she learned to make. Whispering the incantation written on it's surface, in a hissing, almost surreal voice, the Woolful was bathed in a soft glow.
"A guide to guide you, a life to share, this pact of spirits I hereby declare." She said after completing the ritual, then sealed the contract's magic. She stood, tucked her bow away over her shoulder, and walked into the woods. Only a few meters into the thicker brush, she found the hound she'd shot earlier. The arrow was destroyed, chunks of it strewn about as the beast had struggled with the offending protrusion. She salvaged the tip, then lay the dead to rest and thanked the spirits for those who survived. It wasn't fancy, or proper by her estimation, but it was the best she could do. This trip had been unusual from the start, but at least it would be a successful trip... albeit marginally.
Taki walked over to the young man and his pair of companions, holding her arms out to the side. Examining the group, there were many injuries, though it seemed most were not threatening. She had some concern for the broken ribs, but it didn't seem to be much more than a nuisance.
"I am called Shitakibo, do you have any injuries that need tending? As old as I am, it never ceases to amaze me the boldness of youth... your companions fight well, you should reward them when you can. What brings you out here, so far away from the world of men?" She inquired, nearly tumbling over as the Woolful nudged it's head (and horns) against her back. Side stepping, the mass of wooly creature set itself down on the edge of the group as Taki absently pet it's fluff.
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Post by Aagha "Pack-Runner" on Apr 11, 2023 21:03:43 GMT -5
"Shi-Ta-Ki-Bo.." Aagha muttered it a few times. It was different than most he had heard before, though he supposed not as different to some as his own. The guttural pronunciation was known well within the valley of those who had once been. He took time now to carefully look over Boromir. He knew well that the beast would not complain in the slightest even if he were suffering immensely. His fingers trailed gently, though with intention, bringing about a growl from the Lion when he did run over where it wasn't pleasant. "It is fine if nobody touches it Aagha." Though Boromir let loose more than one sound of displeasure and word of 'tis only a flesh wound', Aagha made sure to tend to the creature thoroughly as best he could in his state after the blood loss. He would definitely need some rest.
"I am Aagha... the tenth son." Though, the last part of the words he said were almost whispered. It had been quite some time since the last time he formally introduced himself to another with title and all from his lineage within the valley. Perhaps this beating had gotten to him more than he thought when he found thoughts of the path once treaded creeping up into his brain only to be pushed back again once Cane made his way from just below them panting slightly, but pretty unharmed. Cane had heard the boy introduce himself honorific and all and it had made him wince slightly. Hearing such things uttered from the boy was difficult even still. The formality did not suit the normally lofty and unaware Aagha.
"What, did something bump your head?! You haven't introduced yourself with that much dismay since we left the valley. Raise your chin when you speak of yourself so boldly. You must commit to the choices you make Aagha!" Boromir this time snapped toward Cane. "Enough! Leave him alone! He has done well for today. There is no need to batter the boy with nonsensical criticisms when he chose a different path all together. Don't mistake my broken ribs for inability Cane."
Aagha finally sighed and brought himself over to Cane, doing the same gentle touch check to ensure there wasn't anything in particular wrong with him and it appeared as though he would be just fine. The two of them, realizing aagha was paying no heed to their quarrel, gently calmed themselves. "So that's it then? We have done what you came to do?" "It wasn't meant to be ceremonious. We've been tracking this fire mutt for weeks! I'm exhausted! I just want a nap but between the bickering from you two and the constant self doubt I don't know which is keeping me up more!" Aagha then gently sighed and let himself fall to sit on the ground before Shitakibo and the ball of wool. "Please forgive me.. I promise I generally am able to conduct myself better. This has been a long journey. Have you been following the other creature for awhile as well?"
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 11, 2023 22:14:14 GMT -5
"I have indeed, trailing the herd this one got separated from. This forest is not the kindest of places but these Woolful are resilient and tenacious. I find it strange that your hound and his ilk were able to separate a member from the herd, but such is nature and life." Noting the man's exhaustion, as well as their companion's injuries, Taki gathered a few herbs and plants from the forest. She made a simple poultice using a flat rock and a stick she rounded against it's course side to pound it all together. Using a wide leaf, she covered the lion's injury carefully, dabbing the mushy aromatic substance into the wound as gently as she dare. One hand rested upon it's tawny side, doing her best to console the creature.
Once she was done with that, the remaining bit was tossed into a small kettle and brewed into a soothing tea that was filled with herbaceous flavor, a hint of mint and even a citrusy aftertaste. Pouring it into a pair of lightweight cups that had been inside the kettle, she handed one to Aagha.
"Drink up, it will help you regain your strength. I am not the most skilled of healers in this world, but I do understand enough to keep most animals and plants thriving. If you or your companions ever have need of care or a place to rest, rejuvenate yourselves and refresh your minds, ask for either myself or Spirit's Retreat when visiting the Crescent Isles." Taki said, taking a sip of the warm, soothing tea. She covered the small fire with sand to put it out and set the kettle to cool down. After a few minutes, she poured the remaining tea into the other side of the stone she'd used earlier. It's concave underside acted like a large, flat dish, allowing the animals to finish the tea and recover themselves.
Cleaning up and packing everything together when it was done, Taki gathered her things, coaxed her fluffy companion up and made ready to head home. "Safe travels Aagha, may you and your companions be well." She said as she departed, eager to get back home and to her day to day life.
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