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 Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 7:08 am
Dragain  Brioso yawned as she trotted through the forest on her way back to the mountain. Light from the moon filtered through the canopy, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor as she cut through it. She could have sworn that she was baking in the sun during training, so she welcomed the cooler evening air. Ducking a low branch, the young mare picked up speed, afraid that her mentors would be worried for her safety... After all, she hadn't informed them how long she was going to be gone.
"Hopefully they won't worry," She mused out loud, frowning at the thought; being a rather new student, Brioso didn't wish to leave a bad impression... More importantly, she didn't wish to disgrace the stallion who brought her here in the first place. She didn't want him to think that his trust was misplaced.
Her frown deepened, and her trot turned into a gallop as the mountain came into view in the distance, peering from above the canopy. Syaoran-Puu  Kimi had been wandering through the forest all day, and so far it had not produced any prey of intrest, giving her a total capture of two small foxes and a bird of some description. The bird had been the most fun to hunt, she had a chance to spread her wings and swoop effortlessly through the canopy forming wholes in the trees above by disturbing the leaves. Exhilerating. Yet as she wandered now, all sences tuned in to the softest of movements she cast a thought as to why the forest was so empty, it was usually her faviourite hunting spot as it was easy to lure her prey away from a pack or herd so that she would not be disturbed in the process. Was there some sort of event going on? Or had the forest become acustom to her hunting habits? That was a disturbing notion indeed. With her sister gone on a journey she was left to hunt on her own, and often failed because of this, adding into the mix an unknown hunting grown with the possibility of other Skinwalkers was chilling.
Skinwalkers rarely tolerated each other for long, Kimi and her sister had been the exception, perhaps because although purity ran through their veins they were also considered mutants. It formed a tolerance, a dependancy for each other. Her sister would plan and pick the best candidates and the spot that they would meet before standing back and waiting while Kimi used her Angeni like skills to lure her prey with her, it was not difficult to trust a creature who came over so polite and kind. She had even heard rumours on the wind that some skinwalkers were actually gentle in nature.... how strange and taboo a notion that was to her. She was a killer, it ran through her viens so naturally that she dared not to fight it.
Half lost in thought Kimi nearly ignored it when she heard the faint patter of hooves on the crunchy earth. It had began to try from the intensity of the sun, rain would come soon to repair the damage and heal the land. The cycle. Just like Kimi taking the life of her prey. It was a cycle.
Standing still she concentrated solely on sound hooves and the movement of dirt. Each movement seemed soft and gentle, trained perhaps to make their path unknown to those around her.... that is to those who hearing wasn't as good as Kimi's. She stalked forward, her body low to the ground, and her wings tucked tightly to her side, she wanted to see her prey. She dared not venture to far or too close in this form, knowing all too well that she was more likely to be seen, especially since there appeared to be a fully grown mare before her. It was decided. Closing her eyes she changed into her eagle form, body wriggling and wraithing as the transformation took hold of her. She was larger than a normal eagle in this form, but it was less obvious than her normal form. Taking to the canopy she flew gracefully through the air, watching her prey. She would plan it well. Lure her at the right moment. Take control, and take her kill.
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Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:57 am
She galloped as fast as she could, dodging trees, ducking low branches and jumping over fallen logs. With every minute that passed, her temporary mountain home became more visible as the forest thinned. She panted, determined not to stop; training had taught her that if she did, her heart rate would be lowered suddenly and she would feel tired faster. However, as she rounded a bush, her ears twitched and she halted quickly, frozen on the spot like a statue. She was sure that she had heard something suspicious, but was it just the wind rustling the leaves after all?
Turning her head around, Brioso surveyed her surroundings, squinting into the darkness due to lack of light. However, the only living things that stared back were harmless plants. Was she really mistaken? Just a moment ago, she felt a sudden chill down her spine, as if she was being watched... It was a little like when Grencia himself came down to observe her training; she could feel his eyes on her, and it made her more nervous than usual. Only this time, she felt more fearful than nervous.
Frowning slightly, the young mare tried to shake the feeling. She took in a few deep breaths and took one last look around before returning to the task at hand - returning home safely in the shortest possible time.
Kimi found herself fascinated by the mares movements, she was observant at least it was lucky that Kimi could move fast or she would have been spotted for sure and then her cover blown, after all her plan involved her prey not realising her true form, her true intent. She was to more Angeni than Skinwalker, graceful and delicate without a bone of evil or hatred in her body, only then could she fool her prey. Taking advantage of the mares short pause Kimi flew ahead of her and hid amoung the bushes to transform back into her alternative form. Stretching her wings out she changes, her long black sleek legs appeared first with delicate claws upon her pawed feet, the only sign that would give her away but she had met other creatures with paws who had no sign of a skinwalkers nature. She would claim mutant Angeni as always. She shook her wings to check that the delicate red beads still hung there, perfect as always. Her wolf like tail was hidden amoung the feathers of her pelt although it was not a sign of a skinwalker, and could be used in case of emergency to prove she really was a mutant. Preparations were now complete, and just in time to see the mare start moving once more.... she didn't have long.
Suddenly her mouth opened, and a chirping melody was released, serene and delicate as always. "Help! Please help me!" She wandered forward, her role today was a lost and slightly injured damsil in destress. "I don't know how to get out, won't someone please help me?" Next came the water works, tears of silver trickled down her face and reflected the light beautifully. Her usual trick. "I can't fly through the canopy, please help me get out! I'm lost!" She continued to call her plea for assistance as she wandered in a lost manner towards the path the mare was taking, tears still rolling, her wings hanging low and limp as if possibly injured. Her trap was set, now she had to wait for the bite. After all no hero could resist.
The mare's ears picked up something again, and she halted to a stop, her hoofs digging into the soft soil; this time, there was no mistaking it! There was someone up ahead, and... She was asking for help? Brioso frowned, concern replacing whatever worries she had before - someone needed help right now, and she seems to be the only one around to provide assistance. Her mentors will surely understand if she returns late due to this reason!
"Are you alright?" Brioso yelled out in reply after a short pause, trotting towards the direction of the distress call. Although she tried to be cautious because of the possibility that danger might be lurking around someone in need, the young mare found herself approaching her target eagerly... After all, she doesn't get to help others as often as she would have preferred.
As she neared the source of the voice, Brioso found herself looking at one of the most beautiful Soquili she had ever laid her eyes on. She stared for a second, before blushing a little and giving a mild smile. Trotting closer, she peered at the other mare from a distance so as to not frighten her. In a gentle voice that she didn't even know existed previously, she gave a brief nod in greeting, "Hello there... Maybe I can help you?"
Kimi continued to call her plea of help as she waited for a reply, her movements slow and not intimidating to ensure she liked like no thread. Then as if on cue the mare spoke offering her assistance. Stage one complete.
Stopping a little dramatically on the spot she looked towards the mare, eyes opened wide as if scared and cautious, she would play her role well to the bitter end. A true actress. She eyed her prey, looking up and down at her delicate markings and the moon like image upon her pelt, she looked as if she would happily blend in with a vineyard at night.... curious. Had she considered the path of a skinwalker? No... She shook her head a little and lowered it, this mare would not make it that far through life for she was her prey, her latest kill. In a low voice she spoke, adding a tone of fear to each word but with the same chirping melody. "I am stuck here, something hit me in the sky and I fell through the canopy. I have tried to get back out but I can't...." she raised her head as if for affect and looked the mare squarely in the eyes, the silver tears still rolling. "...and I don't know how to get out of the forest!" She paused again and watched the mare for a while before adding, slowly and softly. "Can you help me?"
Brioso listened intently, nodding once in a while to show that she was listening. When she saw the other mare's tears, something in her woke up, and she remembered why she wanted to be a hero so badly; despite the fact that it started out more as roleplay during her early foal days, and only developed into a dream and goal much later, Brioso had always wanted to help others... She was born weaker than average, and knew how it felt like to be helpless in many situations.
She wants the ability and skills to help those who somehow found themselves in these situations.
"Sure I'll help," She replied almost instantly, a grin on her lips to show that she was friendly, "I know my way around the forest pretty well, after all!" She paused, taking a step forward before gesturing to the looming mountains with a toss of her head. Looking back at the other Soquili, she continued, "I was heading home, and I know that the unicorns there will be more than willing to check you for potential injuries."
It was working so well that Kimi could almost taste the blood that pulsed through the mares flesh. The scent she gave off was delicious, like sunflowers in the rain. Rare, tempting.... but Kimi needed to take her time. Enjoy the hunt. She bowed her head again, a little lower this time although her eyes never truely left sight of her prey, the sign of a true huntress. She spoke again, this time her voice was more controlled but still rang with its gentle melody. "My name is Kimi, who may you be- my brave hero?" She added the hero part for affect, watching the impact her words would have upon the mare, curious to her reaction.
As the mare continued to explain the direction they would be heading more plans formed in her head, it was clear that once they left the forest her opportunity would be lost, so she must strike while still here. That would be stage three. Stage two was gaining her trust. As if stuck on each and every word she nodded and her expression bore one of interest and delight, after all she was being 'saved'! "That is very kind of you, I must admit that once we reach the outskirts of the forest I should be able to reach my herd. I am sure they will tend to any injuries so you need not worry." She could be patient. She had to be, after all delicacy was needed in such hunts.
Brioso's eyes widened at the word 'hero'; this was the moment she had been dreaming off, ever since she made being one her dream and goal. Nobody she had helped previously mentioned that word, but this beautiful Angeni... She had called her a hero! However, as Brioso recovered from the initial shock and joy, she started to realize something that felt a little "off" to her - the way Kimi kept staring at her. There was something unnerving behind those tearing eyes...
A shiver ran down her spine for the second time that night, and she couldn't help but recall her previous suspicions. However, she didn't let it show on her face; if she was just being paranoid, it wouldn't be fair to this mare who had asked for her help. If it wasn't mere paranoia and her suspicions prove to be facts, then it'll be best to keep the "enemy" thinking that she has the upper hand.
Her Islagiatt mentors will be pleased to know that she actually listens in class.
"Call me Brioso," The young mare replied briskly, a smile dancing on her lips. Pausing for a second, the female blinked, tilting her head to the left out of habit. Then, she continued with a curious look, "So, which herd are you from?"
Brisco, what an apitising name. She resisted the natural urge to lick her lips as salva begin to fill her mouth. She needed to be patient. Plan it well. The next question the mare asked was such an easy one she felt like laughing, she would lie of course but it was a lie that this mare would have no knowlegde of. Her 'brother' Maion was the guardian stallion for a herd known as the Miakoda, it was made up of a variety of breeds and welcomed all, except Skinwalkers of course, but what could he do to his own 'sister'? He felt the need to help her, part of the herd or not. "My herd is the Miakoda herd, it means under the moon for the founders met on a moonlit night a long time ago. The protector is an Angeni called Maion and my older brother." Apart from her claim to be apart of the herd nothing else she said was actually a lie. She paused for a moment and then looked around, she dared not take a step anywhere until the mare did, after all she was suppose to be lost. "Which way?" She spoke in her usual melody of a voice.
Brioso took in the information with a pinch of salt; she had heard of the Miakoda herd, but know virtually nothing about it... Not about its leaders, members and beginnings. Nodding with a small smile after Kimi was done talking, the mare replied in a concerned tone, "Ah, I see... We better get you back quickly then, in case your brother gets worried!"
Of course, she still has her suspicions about this angeni... It was better to be safe than sorry after all! Refusing to have her back to Kimi, Brioso gestured towards the mountain once again, "That way!" She trotted away from her previous position, her eyes never leaving the other mare; it probably looked like she was afraid that the female would get lost again, but in actual fact, Brioso just wanted to avoid being attacked from the back. As she trotted, she took the chance to take in Kimi's physical features, although it was quite dark in the forest. Trying not to make it too obvious, Brioso slowly managed to make out several rather weird features - Are those paws and... Were her wings actually joined to the pelt that she was wearing?
For the first time in what seemed like forever, she felt like she was in a dangerous position and fear appeared in her heart - she had met others who are 'mutants' of their race, but... This felt different from the other encounters that she had. There was still the chance that she was being paranoid, but everything seems to add up, and the training and lessons she took only seem to help confirm her suspicions further.
Kimi might be a skinwalker.
Beginning to sence that Brisco had cottoned on to the truth she looked away and happily started to hum as she trotted down the path that the mare had pointed, she looked not at the mare now but the road, making sure to listen for her heartbeat and breath. It would seem more natural, less like she was hunting, but of course her ears were just as good for keeping track of things as her eyes if not better, after all sometimes your eyes could play tricks on you.
She wanted to continue their conversation, after all that was the best way to earn trust and to make someone feel more comfortable about their situation. Paranoid or not. "So what is in these mountains of yours then?" She knew a little about the mountains, but tended not to venture past them. On one of her rare journey's there she had noted an intricate formation of caves higher up, with some strange glowing white flower that only seemed to be there at night. But the sounds she heard terrified her when she was alone, they sounded like many and that usually signalled a mixture of mares and stallions. Most stallions she could handle, but the larger more powerful ones scared her, for it was only ever stallions that caused her harm. Maion himself had struck her when he thought that she would injure his precious children- how pathetic. And the other occasion was when she went on a blood feast with her sister and slaughtered a herd of unicorns, of course it took both of them (Kimi and her sister) to bring the beast down. If memory served one had escaped her grasp, if she ever saw her again she would be sure to finish the job.
As Kimi carried on walking, slightly behind Brisco so that the other mare was leading her rather than following she turned her head for a moment to look at her, a softness hidden within her eyes as she spoke, "I wish one day to go to the forbidden caves of Talisakha" She had made the name up for she knew not the reall one, but she had heard of a cave that was suppose to hold treasure untold, perhaps that would interest this strange little mare and hopefully help her to lower her guard? Giving a little giggle she shrugged and turned her head back towards the road, making it look like her attention was no mainly focused on the birds and insects of the forest as the breeze gentle blew sending them flying and buzzing around the canopy above her. It was interesting to watch the behaviour of other creatures, after all the better you knew them the better you could hunt them, but she dared not indulge her educational desire now, not while she was on the hunt.
"The mountain?" Brioso echoed, blinking at the question and wondering how to answer it. She probably shouldn't say too much, seeing that Grencia had warned her before that the herd has secrets that were not meant to be shared with "outsiders" - even Brioso wasn't taught everything, because she is just a temporary student and not an actual herd member. Maybe revealing some of the more obvious information about Islagiatt will keep Kimi contented at least... After all, Brioso still needs to figure out if her suspicious are true.
Giving a smile, the young mare continued, "Its a mountain full of warriors, mainly stallions, who train in the art of offense and defense from foal-hood." She paused, and chuckled softly, "Of course, mares are allowed to pursue the path of a warrior as well... And I guess from what I've seen, they are strong in their own way."
Her interest was piqued at the word 'forbidden', but she tried not to show it; what sort of Islagiatt warrior gets tempted by thrills so easily? Trying to appear as nonchalant as possible, she let out an "Oh?" before pausing, adding a minute later, "Well, I guess its forbidden for a reason."
Warriors and stallions..... that was what she had predicted, it was clear to her now just how important it was to finish this task quickly. Which was good since it was beginning to bore her anways. Small talk often left a bitter taste in her mouth especially when she longed for blood and flesh. Just a little longer and she would make her move. Until then she needed to play it calmly, take her time, pick the best moment. That meant her act needed to continue a little longer. "That sounds interesting," she smiled and looked at Brisco, she had muscles that much was clear but they seemed to be hidden under her thick pelt. "I imagine you are just a warrior yourself." Once again she smiled and looked to the path again, perhaps now was the moment to remind her prey just how 'weak' looking she was. "I have never been one for fighting and strength," she began, her words calculated and well thought out, "I prefer to fly free above the clouds. I am just so happy there was someone here to help me in my hour of need."
She shrugged at Briscos reply to the caves, she would not press on it any longer.
Part two as much in place as she dared to try, she still believed there was a flicker of doubt in the mare but she needed to act now and act quickly for she could not afford to allow them to get too close to the edge of the forest out of fear that another may come to her aid. Which form to take? Her current one was best, no messy changing which was usually time consuming anyways, strike and be done with it. She licked her lips a little, the huntress in her taking over, she could hear Brisco's heartbeat. She could feel her warmth. She wanted her kill. Her challenge. Her meal.
In a flash her features changed from kind to almost mad, as she turned towards Brisco fully and sped towards her, clawed feet beared forwards as she leaped towards her prey.
Inches away.
Getting closer.
Her prey was so close now that she could already taste the blood dripping down her throat. Yum. "Come to me my pretty" her voice was also distorted, wicked and no longer gentle sounding, infact it sounded more like a hissing snake.
"A warrior... Well, not really," Brioso answered; it some ways, it was true. She hadn't even learnt half of the things most warrior-trainees of the herd her age know. In some ways, she was barely at "adolescent" level when compared to a true Islagiatt warrior... Of course, she will take her whole life to catch up if needed. The young mare grinned to herself as she continued trotting, her eyes never leaving the other mare... Wait, did Kimi just start dashing - lurching - towards her?
Brioso bolted - that was the first thing that she did the moment her brain registered that she was being attacked. She left wind at her hind leg near her hoofs, where Kimi's claws had barely missed her. In fact, she wasn't sure if the other's claws had drawn blood. There was just no time to check, and she doubt that she will be able to feel any pain for the time being. Her heart beat sped up, both due to fear and her bolting; she could feel the murderous intent behind those eyes, the hunger. There was no mistaking it - the "angeni" is actually a skinwalker!
She frowned to herself as she galloped away at full speed towards her mountain home - if only she could reach the edge of the forest. In the open, where there might be warriors out patrolling. Yes, that was her only choice. Despite being confident in her skills and training, Brioso highly doubt that she'll stand a chance if she tried to take on a skinwalker.
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 2:31 am
Kimi came crashing down on her front paws only to realise that she had been too slow, but not by much, she was sure that there were rubies of blood dripping on her claws already. That was only motivation to take hunt. He eyes glowed red in the darkness as her hunter side took chase once again, she ran with all her strength and power in her legs, the muscles rippling and dancing within her body making it seem like speed was such an effortless thing to her. In truth it probably was, a killers instinct, but she gave no thought to it. No, she only thought of Brisco, her kill.
Her eyes watched each darting movement, this mare was indeed trained to some degree, dogding and doing her best to avoid the predator hot on her tail. Kimi was already closing in, she swung a mighty paw at her back legs but missed causing only Brisco's tail to swish and move with the force. "Nevermind" she hissed through grinding teeth, she would catch her soon enough. Until then she intended to 'play with her food'.
For a moment she closed her eyes, her body wriggled and changed almost instantly into her eagle form, the four mighty wings flapping on command as she took flight. It would be easier to hunt a grounded prey from the air. She licked her beak, feeling its sharpness, she flexed her claws. The hunt was truely on now as she swooped and swished through the forest effortlessly.
Brioso focused on the mountains ahead instead of on the pain in her legs and injuries on her body, panting hard as she fought to stay alive. There was no way for her to win if she was forced into close combat, so for now, all she could do is run. Dodging under a low branch in her way, the mare suddenly realized that the forest was silent again - although Kimi had been rather silent during the chase, she was still able to hear the predator behind her, pursuing her... However, there was only silence now.
Taking a risk, she half-turned her head to look behind her, dreading the sight of the skinwalker hot on her heels... Only to find that the skinwalker was gone! Could she had given up...?
No. Brioso was quick to push the foolish thought to the back of her mind; there was no way that a skinwalker would give up her prey so easily. However, if that was the case, where could she had gone off to? Brioso looked uneasy as she rounded a tree in her path, eyes darting around to observe her surroundings - there was no way Kimi could be in front, right? She had been behind just a moment ago, after all!
Kimi swooped high in the trees as she attempted to out manoeuvre Brioso to the forest exit, after all she had to complete this BEFORE they left or it would all be over and for nothing. Using that as motivation her eyes flashed red and a sudden burst of energy rippled through her feathers and form as she flapped with an mighty unknown strength, the air around her rippled and caused the autumn leaves to rustle softly in her wake. How she loved this, the thrill of the hunt.
Desire.
Blood.
They were the two things that consumed her; she had found herself a worthy piece of prey, fast and strong despite her injury. How interesting. How unusual. Most of the mares she targeted were weak and cry-babies. Pregnant mares where the best -after all they actually attempted to defend themselves in an effort to help their babies- pathetic creatures.
Forcing herself not to laugh (or rather squawk in her current state) she pushed forward until finally she overtook Brioso and revealed herself in front of her.
Current objective - push her back into the forest.
And so, enthused with anticipation of the kill she darted towards Brioso like an arrow. Beak sharp, with a small droplet of blood dried upon it and glistening in the sun that pieced the canopy. Eyes never blinking as they watched her prey loom closer and closer. A small voice whispered through her beak, "You're mine!"
her throat felt dry and her head was starting to hurt; in normal circumstances, she would have stopped to catch her breath. However, these were not 'normal circumstances'. Stopping might mean certain death at the paws - claws - of a beast. She has to make it out of the forest; she might lose her cover, but chances are, there will be at least one of two guards on the border of the huge herd... They're well-versed in the art of battle. With any luck, that will deter the skinwalker and drive her away! That might be her only shot at surviving this ordeal...
Panting heavily, the female was almost at her limit; in the distance, she could see a faint light through the bushes... She was so close to the exit! A smile tugged at her lips as she galloped towards the light, desperate to live-- No! Her eyes widened at the sight of an unusually huge hawk in front of her. That must be the true form of the beast! Brioso, however, didn't stop galloping towards the destination she had in mind; the moment she is driven back into the forest, she would lose the fight... Since charging straight towards the monster was just as risky, she might as well go for it.
Readying herself for impact, the female let out a loud cry; yelling out had always helped when she needed extra energy during training, so why not in a real life situation? Just as they were about to meet, the female sprang to her left, using her powerful hind legs to make a quick and sudden change in direction. She felt a sharp pain on her side where she had probably been pierced, but lashed out with a swift kick at the skinwalker as she passed by her, letting out another loud cry.
When she landed, Brioso used that same momentum to push herself off the ground again, towards the light in front of her. Her muscles were aching, and all the wounds given to her were burning, but there don't matter right now... What matters is to get out! More determined than ever now that she had literally stared death in the face and survived, the young mare sprinted out of the forests and towards two figures in the distance.
"Skinwalker! Help!" Was all she could manage as she ran towards the two stallions in a last bid for survival, "Help!"
Kimi continued plunging towards the creature before her, claws held out before her as her temper raged. This was the time. Her kill was directly ahead of her, claws extracted she prepared to dig them deep into the mares pelt.
Yet at the last moment the mare moved from her grasp, her claws merely scraping the surface and removing strips of flesh and blood. She was sure it tasted divine yet as she turned to continue her pursuit she noted how far ahead Brioso had got.... the forest edge was insight and she dared not venture there. Drats! Switching back to her horse form she let out a might roar that sounded like a wounded animal. How could she have let such an insignificant creature literally slip through her claws? HOW?
The End!
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Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:59 am
*pokes the thread*
Thanks for logging the RP Dragain.
Finished: 13th October 2009
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