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Name: Yazhi
Gender: Female
Role: Physical – Descender
Origin: Fringe Trees

An older no-nonsense female that will take you on if you give her any sass.

Yazhi has been doing this Descender business for a long time, surviving when many others have perished, so you had better show a bit of respect. She seems completely devoid of humour, is incredibly blunt to the point where someone’s feelings are always going to get hurt when she’s around and is fierce in both appearance and nature. She does however have a spiritual side inherited from her mystic mother, never leaving for the forest floor without visiting her cousin Elki for a blessing first.

History: One upon a time a young female fell in love and left The Grandmother Tree to follow her chosen mate to Fringe Trees. Before long she gave birth to three offspring that she adored with her whole heart. One of the three was more impetuous than the others, inclined to getting into trouble and who loudly voiced how tough she was as often as she could. It was no surprise to anyone that when she was old enough, she became a hunter. What she lacked in size, she made up for in tenacity. Years later and she took the next step, taking on the title of Descender-in-training. When she finally made her way to the Below, she was forced to prove herself again and again. Over the years she was hardened into a creature that has seen far more than she ever expected. There was never any love in her life, only her task and she is well known across the forest as a female not to be messed with.

RP: open
Breeding: closed

Other:

“… may the spirits keep you safe.” The mystic’s last words echoed in her mind as she dropped the small gap to the soft, loamy earth of the Below. She was struck, as she was every time, how different this world felt. No matter how many times she made the Descent, Yazhi always had to take a moment to adjust. Here, she felt small; a feeling she did not enjoy. Perhaps it was why she continued to challenge this world; proving her worth over and over again. The myriad of confusing scents, the darkness, the feeling of being smothered; she refused to let them scare her back into the safety of the trees. She ignored the frantic beating of her heart and set forth.

There was purpose in the way she moved, following a trail she had traveled before. The occasional rustle in the bushes would make her halt, as still as stone, listening until some small creature had skittered away. Not all the creatures Below were dangerous; in fact, many were harmless. They showed little interest in her. On one occasion she had come across a great beast that had looked right at her with big brown eyes. She had been frozen to the spot, fearing that this was her death, but it merely nibbled on a nearby bush and walked calmly away. She had sensed no malice at all.

That was also the day she had seen the monster for the first time. This was beast that, although smaller than herself, chilled her to her very core. Its lithe body was quick and deadly, striking faster than her eyes could follow. She had watched from her hiding spot, the death of one of the gentle long eared creatures. The monster had struck suddenly from the shadows, teeth snapping around the throat of its prey. A twist and snap and a fine spray of blood. Then it was gone, retreating back into the darkness with its prize.

Why it fascinated her so much, Yazhi didn’t know. But she needed to see it again, face to face. This would be her greatest test: to look the monster in the eyes and come out again alive. In a strange way she had also found the monster beautiful and there was much to be learnt from the predators of this world.

In the end, it found her.

Later Yazhi would spend a long time reliving the moment. Staring into nothingness as memories washed over her. It had all happened on what felt like the blink of an eye. One moment she had been alone, resting and pondering her next move, and then it had been there.

It stood tall on it hind legs, long sleek body held taut. She held her breath and held as still as she possibly could. Their eyes met and she could clearly see its curiosity. It was, she thought, deciding on whether or not it could take her on. In response she squared her shoulder and stood taller, daring it to take a shot. Understanding appeared in its gaze. They were not enemies.

The tilt of a head, dark eyes blinked, and it was gone.

Yazhi let out a pent up breath and smiled. She felt a kinship for this small but ferocious beast and wished it luck in its fight to survive.

No longer would she allow the Below to frighten her; this world was hers to conquer.

FYI, the Monster is a Stoat! I also found this awesome display of their hunting prowess here! Warning: rabbit death within