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 Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 10:13 pm
This quest is for Jacinthus who is striving to become a Hunter. As the first rays of dawn peeked over the edges of the world, a messenger, clearly weary from tracking, found his way to Jacinthus. He handed off a scroll to the Archer, before quickly making his way off without a word, back the direction he had come.  [These trials will consist primarily of short solos. Respond to the prompts however you see fit - feel free to be creative. Once Jacinthus reaches the indicated destination, he will receive the next message.]
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Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 2:25 am
Starting Out
Barely dawn and he was already getting messages he thought to himself as he looked down at the scroll that was handed to him, then watched as the messenger continued on his way without a word to him. He blinked a couple of times then moved to sit down next to the fire that he had been working on building up, "Wonder what we have here." He murmured, feeling the slightest touch of worry. What if this was about Takoda? He had brought a foreigner into the tribe, a male foreigner at that who he meant to make his mate, and it was difficult to say whether or not they were going to look favorably upon this. One would almost think it unlikely, after all Keilana hadn't thought to highly of the idea and she was his sister...
Sighing softly he took a starred down at the rolled up parchment in his hands before he finally set to unrolling the scroll, he couldn't avoid it forever after all. Looking it over he quickly realized that what was written in the note was nothing like what he'd been expecting, not in the least bit, and it didn't even mention Takoda much to his relief. Instead it seemed as though he were being presented with a challenged, one that was going to test the skills that he'd been sharpening since he'd left Tale to go on his journey to Sauti and Zena and then back again. The note spoke of finding the fang from the 'fierce canines of Tale' and that made him think instantly of the Witu. Those stupid mongrels had been more then interested in biting him in the backside the last time he'd run across them so he knew full well what sorts of sharp fangs they had as well as how fierce they could be. He couldn't help but to wonder though, if they had meant the Witu wouldn't they have said as much in the note? What if they were referring to something else? Something bigger and more powerful then the packs of Witu that roamed these lands? Something like that would be a worthy test of his skills since he would need to figure out what it was that he was hunting, track the beast down, and then take it down so that he could get that fang.
Thinking on it though it seemed a bit of a waste, to go through such a hunt for just a fang... then again it only said that those who were planning this challenge for him wanted a fang, surely that meant the rest of the beast was his to keep, yes? A nice hide to decorate their home, the rest of the fangs and bone to make weapons out of, the meat, and so on. Every last piece of any kill had its uses and a large, fierce canine would be more then useful to his growing family he thought to himself as he looked up at the tree house where Keilana and Takoda were still sleeping. He'd risen earlier so that he could get the fire going, could start a meal, and have things waiting for the two of them when they got to moving. It had been a long journey home and he wanted to let them sleep in even though he couldn't do so himself. He found himself wondering if he should wake them now given he was going to have to head out.
No, no it was best that he left while they slept else the both of them might want to come along and if he were going to be facing off against dangerous, predatory beasts then he would rather that they stayed home. This was his challenge after all and he would go it alone. The two of them though, they would remain home where they were safe... or at least safe from everything but one another, the pair seemed to butt heads a lot, didn't they? He would leave a note behind he thought to himself, one that would tell them what he was doing, that he would be home soon, and that he didn't want the two of them fighting because he wanted to come back to a mate, a sister, and a home that were each still in one piece. Perhaps if he asked nicely in his note they would comply at least until he returned home? That would be nice...
Rising to his feet he moved silently up into the home up in the tree that they were all sharing at the moment, digging around quietly to find what it was that he needed. A short time later he had a bag pack and slung over his shoulder, he'd retrieved his bow and arrows, and he'd left behind a note where the two of them would easily find it. Jacinthus went to his sister first, leaning to to kiss her on the forehead, "Be good." He murmured then went over to where Takoda was, giving him a kiss as well though one on the lips for him, "You be good too." With that the archer was heading out, leaving before the sun had fully risen, and as swiftly as possible. He didn't want them to try catching up after all, not when this was his journey to complete on his own. When he got back he was sure to hear more then an ear full from the both of them so perhaps he should consider trying to find some presents? It would be the best way to keep the two of them from killing him after all. What a shame it would be if he were to pass the challenges put forth before them by the tribal elders only to be killed later by a disgruntled sister and and equally disgruntled mate... that would unfortunate to say the least.
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Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 2:27 am
Keilana and Takoda,
Earlier today, while the two of you still slept, I found myself given a set of instructions by those in charge, within it was the first of what I think will be many challenges laid out before me. These challenges are mine alone to face, ones meant to test my skills, as such I ask that neither of you follow me.
I trust that the two of you can get along at least until I get home? It would mean a lot to me if you did as well as if you tried to get along? I know that you aren't exactly the best of friends but try for me, alright? Or at least strike up a truce until I get home? It would mean the world to me if I could come home to a home that wasn't burned to the ground.
Love,
Jacinthus.
P.S. No fighting, I mean it.
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Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 2:29 am
Jacin and the Beast
It had been some time since he'd started out on his journey, the sun had already made its way across the sky and it was starting to slowly grow dark, when he first heard the sounds of howling. For some time he had been tracking what he hoped was the best that the elders were sending him after, the prints those of a canine. From what he gathered from the trail, he was certain that it was similar to the Witu only it was on a scale that was vastly bigger. It's howl was a howl that he was sure that he'd never heard before in his time, making him that much more excited but he forced himself to calm down, reminding himself that he'd never been this far South before, had he? There could easily be creatures roaming this part of Tale that were far different from the ones that roamed near to where he and his tribe lived he told himself. He couldn't allow his imagination to get ahead of itself when he hadn't even seen what he was tracking yet. Jacin reached into his quiver for an arrow, sliding it out carefully and quietly, putting it between his teeth, once there he grabbed a second arrow, this one he notched before he started forward toward the sound of the great beast's howls.
He would be as silent as possible, as careful as possible, he had to make sure to stay downwind of the beast, and if possible see if he could sneak up on the creature he thought to himself as he moved along. He would have to get in the first shot, unnoticed if at all possible, if the beast that he was following was as big as the signs were saying it was. Already he was thinking about all the uses that he and his people would have for a beast as big as this one sounded. Again he tried to calm himself though, he needed to remember the reason that he was coming after this beast, because he needed the fang. Everything else had to be put second even though such a thought didn't sit well with him. Up to this point he was always thinking on what would be best for Keilana and himself, as well as his tribe, but now despite wanting to put those same people, as well as Takoda, ahead of himself he had to instead put the mission first. It was a strange sort of thing, to have to continue on a path that made him so iffy. Oh well, he would push aside his worry and he would continue forward. He had to get this task done so that he could move on to the next part, and any subsequent parts after that one, until he was finally able to go home.
With that thought in mind he lowered himself to the ground, creeping along now in a slow, shuffling manner, pausing when he reached a good sized cluster of rocks where the howling seemed to be originating from. Now this he didn't care for either he found himself thinking as he pressed closer to the rocks and moved alongside them, seeking a place he could see inside. The last time he'd dealt with canines it was in a small, closed off spot and it had gotten his legs bitten by the territorial Witu. He would rather not meet this larger, stronger beast within closed quarters, he'd learned from his passed mistakes. Instead he would force it to come outside where he would have more open space to dodge around while taking his shots. The duel against Enki had prepared him well when it came to dodging someone with sharp fangs he thought to himself as he reached a wide space between the rocks, either side looking as thought it had been rubbed against a lot in the past, bit of fur stuck here and there. Seemed like the entrance to a den if he'd ever seen one.
Peeking around the edge of one of the rocks he looked into the opening, trying to spot the one inside... when he suddenly found his gaze being met by one single, gleaming gold eye. Everything inside of Jacinthus froze, and the howling of the beast ceased, as the two of them starred one another down. The world was at a standstill, nothing moved, neither of them even breathed... and then the large beast was charging at him, throwing itself through the opening between the rocks, and landed a good distance away. Instead of fleeing though the creature spun around, teeth barred, it's good eye glaring at him. A colorful curse escaped from Jacin around the arrow he held in his teeth as he lifted up his bow, taking aim, before he loosed the arrow. The sharp tip buried itself deep in the large canine's side before it gave a snarl, charging toward him at full speed. It would seem the arrow had only proved to annoy the creature. Rolling out of the way of the charge best that he could Jacin took the arrow from his mouth, notched it, and sent it sailing toward his target. Once again it hit... and once again the beast seemed to be more annoyed then anything. Glancing down he did a quick count of his arrows and found himself hoping that what he had would prove to be enough.
What came next was a dangerous dance of sorts, the two taking their shots, Jacin shooting his arrows and, if the beast got to close clubbing it with the bow itself, while the canine attacked with fang and claw. The moment he'd seen the beast Jacin knew that he wasn't going to get out of the battle unscathed, and he hadn't. It was one of those battles that quite close, like the duel with Enki, only his life was on the line here and before it had only been his pride. As the last of his arrows was draw from his quiver the archer knew that he was going to have to make one impressive shot if he were going to stop the thing without it taking him down first. Notching the arrow while backing up he looked for an opening, for a weak spot, for a spot that he hadn't yet riddled with arrows... and it was as he was looking for it that the beast opened its massive maw, likely thinking on biting a chunk out of him that he saw his chance. His bow was lifted, he took aim, and he fired... the arrow zinged forward through the air and went straight into the beast's mouth, burying itself through the top of it. The creature snarled, threw its head from side to side, then lunged for Jacin... only to collapsed within inches of where he had thrown himself in his attempt to avoid the lunge. Starring at the massive beast he'd felled the archer let out a shaky breath, "That was... that was way to close..." He gasped out, looking himself over.
Giving a shake of his head he forced himself to his feet, moved over to where he'd dropped his pack, and got out what he needed to wrap his wounds. How he wished Takoda was here to help him out he thought to himself, making a bit of a face. No, no... he couldn't be weak about this. He had to continue to fight! Once his wounds had been tended to the best that he could tend to them he walked over to the canine, retrieving his arrows from its hide, before he moved to get the fang that he'd been sent for. Tossing it into his pack for later use he fetched a rope, tying it around the back legs of the beast, and the set to dragging it along. He knew he should be heading for the next destination but he just couldn't see this beast go to waste, just leaving it to rot, it was worth taking a bit of extra time getting it back to the village, right?
It would seem as though the spirit of Tale was on his side this day, smiling upon him and blessing him with great luck as he found himself stumbling across one of the members of his village who was out on patrol at this very moment, and he gave over the burden that was the beast to him in exchange for a part of it. Telling the man that he would divvy it up when he returned from his journey he was on his way quickly toward his next destination, pleased that the beast would make it back to Takoda and Keilana... though he was certain they were going to strangle him for leaving them with the massive job that came with turning the kill from nothing more then a dead animal into the various things that they could get from it.
He would be sure make it up to them later though he thought to himself as he continued onward, making sure to offering up a pray and his thanks to the spirit of Tale that had aided him in making such such a great beast wasn't left to rot away in the sun as he made his way to where the 'trees turned red' which was where the next task would be waiting.
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Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 1:50 pm
At the place where the trees turn red, another note could be found, tacked to one of the trees, a clear sign to any who might be passing by. Luckily, it had been left untouched, awaiting Jacinthus' arrival. The note read:
[After successflly tracking the smoke to the east, a group of dark, hooded mages can be found. Strung up in the trees are replicas of Takoda and Keilana... but will Jacinthus know that their images are only magic?
Only when all of the hooded mages are defeated will the replicas go up in smoke, leaving dolls made in the likeness of Jacinthus' loved ones in their place, the "totems" called for in the list.
You may control all characters. Respond as you see fit.]
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Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 9:34 pm
Afternoon Interlude
You have chosen a dangerous life which many people will not accept. In order to protect your family you must prove yourself to be both hunter and warrior. Follow the smoke in the ease when the darkness falls, protect your family, return with their totems, then you will find your reward.
So said the note that he found when he reached the area where the trees turned red. Upon reading such a note he couldn't help but to feel himself growling more then a little on edge. Protect his family and return with their totems? What did that mean? And what was it that he was to protect them from? He supposed that he wouldn't know until he got to the place indicated in the note, huh? So he had to hold onto this cryptic note and wait until nightfall, huh? That was easier said then done he thought to himself as he sat down under one of the trees, looking toward the East, eyes narrowing a little. He wasn't sure what was out there but it didn't matter, whatever it was would be punished if they were trying to threaten his family. Keilana and himself had lost their parents far too early in life, it had left a wound behind that would never heal, and it also made him that much more protective of those he called family. He wouldn't allow for others to mess with them he thought to himself, hand tightening on the note he held, then he gave a little hiss when he heard the paper crumple in his hand, "Ahh... oops." He muttered, trying to calm himself before he set about smoothing out the note.
While he didn't care for the waiting, not in the least, he knew that it would be good for him. He'd been wounded in the battle with the giant Witu, not to mention he'd been traveling for quite some time now nearly straight through without rest. He would take a rest here, a good nap and cook himself up a simple meal, then, once the sun set, he would start for the East using the smoke as an indicator as to where he needed to go, and he would see about dealing with... well, whatever it was that he was going to have to deal with. Would be nice if the note at least gave him a hint he thought to himself, the first one had told him all about what he was looking for, a large canine whose fang he'd needed to steal. A shame that this one wasn't so helpful he decided as he folded it in half and put it into his pack in the pocket that held the first note and the fang inside.
The archer pushed himself up to his feet, hanging his pack safely among the branches of the tree he'd been leaning against, to keep smaller critters out of it while he was gathering kindling. A small fire, kept on the small side, would be used to cook up his meal and then he would put it out once it was done cooking. He didn't want to risk being discovered by anything dangerous that might be prowling around after all, perhaps other Witu that were loyal to the giant one he'd defeated earlier. That wouldn't be any fun now would it? He had to admit that getting chewed on by anymore Witu today was nowhere in his plans. He might find himself resting up in one of these trees instead of just camping out under them for the rest of the day just to avoid becoming a chew toy for the hungry, vengeful Witu.
Once the kindling was gathered and tossed into a pile Jacinthus knelt down and set to digging a hole to build his fire in, one that would keep it from spreading, and soon enough he was setting about building that much desired fire, "Excellent." He murmured to himself when it sprung up, feeding it bits of wood before he moved to get the rations out of his pack, bringing them back to the fire and cooked up a small meal, "Hm... wonder what this used to be." He asked himself, looking the meat over as he skewed it on a stick and put it over the flame. It was a toss up, it could be something tasty like a beast that he and Keilana had hunted down, or it might be one of the insects that they had caught as well. Both were edible but one was from a source that was easier on the eyes then the other, that was for sure, "Ah well, even if this is the bug at least I can no longer tell that." That was a bonus.
A short time later Jacin was eating the mystery meat while kicking dirt into the fire pit, making sure it was out before he sat down under the tree that had his pack hanging in it. Once more he was starring East, munching on his meal, and only when it was gone did he let his eyes close, "Just a bit of rest and I will be on my way." He murmured to nobody in particular... and when his eyes opened again the sun had set and he found himself starring directly at the smoke that was supposed to lead him to his quarry. Instantly he was on his feet, finding that he felt much better, the rest well appreciated by his body and mind both. Grabbing his pack out of the tree to sling it over one shoulder, his bow over the other, and after doing a quick count of his arrows the archer hurried on his way. Time to close the distance between himself and whatever had built the distance fires, so that he could see about dealing with them and whatever threat they might pose to his family.
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 3:34 am
The Seven Dark Mages
"What in the name of Tale...?" He muttered to himself, inspecting the strange group of mages, seven of them in all, that were standing around the fires. Just that alone was intimidating, given that they were so many of the magic users, but then to add in the fact that they were nothing like the other tribes that he had run into to this point. He would say the closest thing he could compare them to were the Alkidike women, but only because both groups had a vaguely insect like look to them. While the woman warriors had their antennae they guys seemed to have a strange sort of pincers on their heads and seemed to be covered in strange, glowing markings that may or may not be some sort of body paint. As the slipped along closer and closer he couldn't help but wonder what it was that they were up to... he tried to listen in to their low chanting but couldn't even make out a word of it. It wasn't quite words, was it? At least none like the language that Jacinthus spoke that was for sure. Must be something that was for the people alone... of course that left him a little uncertain how to deal with them, or maybe he could just avoid them entirely? He hated the idea of trying to dance around so many mages in search of the totems, especially when he had no idea what they might look like, but it might be his best bet.
Glancing around the camp he found himself thinking, 'Where to start? Where might they keep totems? And why was I warned against them when it comes... to my...' His thoughts seemed to suddenly hit a bump, tumbling over themselves, then just went 'poof' as he found himself starring at Keilana and Takoda, tied side by side, hanging by their wrists from one of the trees, "What the...?" He dragged in a shaky breath as he moved closer to them, trying to figure out if they were still breathing. Had these magic wielding bastards harmed them? He didn't see any visible wounds, at least from where he was, though he was sure the way they were hanging must be hard on their wrists, arms, and shoulders... it was likely painful just hanging there, something that was enraging to him. Why were they holding the two hostage? Why had the person that wrote him the note done nothing about it? Was this some sort of sick opportunity to them to test him? Most importantly how had these two been caught? They were fine when he left... did they try to follow him despite his requests for them not to? He got a feeling that it was fairly likely... Keilana was fairly hardheaded, if she saw a note telling her not to do something it was good odds it would be the first things he did. What of Takoda though, would he follow her? Possibly, if he didn't want her to come after him on her own or if he didn't want to be left behind in a Leaf Tribe village on his own. Either way he would scold the both of them once he'd rescued them, which he would damn well do.
He made another quick count, just to make sure. Alright, he had seven people to deal with down there and twenty arrows in his quiver, three arrows for six of them, two for the last one, and that was it unless he was somehow able to retreive some of his arrows in the midst of battle. It wasn't something he would count on but would see it as a lucky bonus were he able to do so. Now, to figure out how exactly to deal with them. No matter how good he was seven on one would never work, he had to try to figure out how to better his odds. He would need to stick to the shadows, would need to stalk them, to make sure that something like with the giant Witu didn't happen here. If he was spotted it would be the end, they would all turn on him at once, and all of their magic would come flying his way in one large mass that would likely be it. He couldn't allow that, if he fell then who would save Little Kei and Takoda? Surely not the one that sent the note to him, that person had the chance to do so a while ago only to just tack a note to a tree for Jacinthus to find, leaving the two of them in the clutches of these muttering bastards. He'd deal with that person later he thought to himself, hands itching the pummel the one who had been sending the notes...
For now though he forced himself to focus on the mages he had to clear out and not on Kei and Takoda, though it hurt not to just rush in and save them. He wanted to, but he couldn't. Instead he was moving around the edge of the camp, his movements as sleek and silent as possible, watching and waiting, knowing a chance would spring up... and at long last one did as one of the mages, broken away from the group and moved away from the fires that they were chanting around. Seemed as though he was on a mission, off to fetch something, perhaps? Or maybe he was going to relieve himself in the bushes? Either way he was moving away from the group which was going to prove to be his undoing... notching an arrow as he followed along behind the unsuspecting mage. He didn't want to kill people, but was this creature worthy of such respect? He had kidnapped a member of the Leaf Tribe and a member of the Shifter Tribe, both at the same time, and were holding them hostage. It was a declaration of war against two tribes, one that Jacinthus wouldn't ignore. In this moment he couldn't be weak, he had to strike!
Drawing back he took careful aim at the retreating mage, and loosed the arrow... there was a dull 'thud' as it hit the creature's back between his left shoulder blade and his spine, burying itself deep. Jacinthus expected a gasp of pain, a spurt of blood, for the creature to keel over... but instead he just vanished in a puff of smoke leaving nothing behind but the dark robe that he had been wearing moments before, "What in the name of Tale?" He muttered once more, creeping forward, wondering if it were some sort of spell that he had used to escape from the one that had attacked him, to return to where the rest of the mages were to alert them, but even after going talk still, waiting for sounds that the other creatures had been alerted there was... nothing? His lips turned for a moment into a smile before he hurried forward, grabbing up the dark robes, and continued on back into the shadows. The cloak would prove useful, it would mask his scent just in case those things could track in such a manner, it would help him to better blend into the shadows, and it would allow him to better stalk after his enemies.
Once he had the robe wrapped around him, obsurring him from view, he set to creeping along ago, back to where the other six were still going about their chanting. He knew now that if one hit them in a manner that proved to be either painful enough or fatal, he wasn't quite sure if what he'd done was a killing blow, that they would just vanish. As such he would just have to see about dealing with them in such a manner. He didn't want to kill them but at the moment he had to deal with it one step at a time, dealing with them in small numbers, and if he were lucky perhaps he could capture one of them to bring back home for interrogation by the guards of the Leaf Tribe? The problem being he wasn't sure if they were able to speak the same language that his tribe did, their own crude language sounding more like grunts, growls, and hissing to his ears. No matter, if one wasn't useful for interrogation then perhaps they could learn something else about them just by studying them? He'd worry about that later though, provided he could take one alive. If not then it was all the better, he'd of cleared out a hive of them that was threatening his family and encroching on their land, neither something he could allow...
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Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 2:57 am
Culling The Group
There was something that was both a little frightening, as well as exhilarating, about what it was that he was doing at the moment. To have to stalk along after the dark, insect like mages, trying to find a way to find a way to pick them off one at a time. After taking out the first one of their group he was left to watching them for a while, waiting for them to react to the loss of their cohort, so that he could get another easy shot at them. It was odd, it seemed to actually take them a while to realize that their seventh member wasn't going to be coming back... finally they seemed to take a pause in their chanting, looking around, one of them calling out in their weird sort of language. When there was no response given from the missing mage the one that he was guessing was the leader, due to bigger pincers and more ornate body paint, was suddenly giving orders to the others. It seemed to be the time that Jacinthus was looking for as a couple of the mages broke away from the group, both going in the direction that the first mage had gone.
Alright, two them, huh? It would be more dangerous to have to deal with them in a pair but if he were careful enough then perhaps he could deal with them both in quick succession? All he had to do was wait for them to get a bit further away from the main group, maybe as far as the first had been, before he attacked. While he knew that the moment that he took a shot at the first of the two mages that the second one would cry out to others. Due to this he would need to take out the second one fast, and then be on his way back into the shadows before the others showed up. If he could do all of that quickly, one shot after the other and then back into hiding, he stood a chance. So long as that worked then that would leave him with four more of them, one of which was their leader and likely tougher then the rest. Now those four would come running to the spot of his attack and he should be able to take out one of them before the other three figured out what was going on, from there though things were going to get magically messy...
Creeping along after his targets, drawing two arrows one of which he put between his teeth, he waited for them to get to where they would be at a distance that was far enough away from their group that he would be able to deal with them in a swift and brutal manner... or at least a brutal as one could be with a species that seemed to disappear into a puff of smoke when shot. One of his long ears gave a twitch when one of the insect mages gave a chittering sound, running forward to where it was that the first mage had been shot, before kneeling down to inspect the area. There was nothing left behind there, at least not as far as Jacinthus was able to see, but it seemed that they were able to see something he couldn't... damn it! He hadn't counted on this. When the mage inspecting the place stood up, turning around toward his companion, he loosed the first arrow which collided with the mage's chest with a dull thud... and the creature went 'poof' before hitting the ground. He'd been able to stop that one from crying out, but as he'd suspected the moment the second realized what was going on he turned toward where the other mages were and let out a warning cry... a cry that was cut off half way through when an arrow hit the mage's throat, effectively silencing him. Three mages down, two arrows lost, and four incoming.
Pushing away from where he had been hunkered down he rushed forward, moving himself away from where he'd been shooting from. He wasn't sure how smart they were but he knew damn well that even if they were as dumb as rocks standing still wasn't the way to keep himself from being pinned down or captured. As he moved along another arrow was drawn from his quiver, notched, and put at the ready... and the moment the group of insect mages arrived, all of them this time instead of just a few at a time, he took another shot to take down yet another of them... and while the arrow hit it didn't kill, instead burying deep in the creature' shoulder. Three arrows down, still four more mages to go he thought to himself as he continued to move, hoping that the shadows and the dark cloak he wore would continue to mask him from their sight, though he knew it would only help for so long.
Lifting a hand up Jacin had to bite down on the side of his hand to keep from crying out when a massive ball of flame hit the spot that he had been but moments ago, the leader of the group of dark cloaked mages seeming as though he wasn't screwing around. Gulping down his fear and surprise he continued to move, preparing to take a second shot at the injured mage, wanting to cut down on their numbers as quickly as he could. With that on wounded it made it the ideal target and the one that would deal with first...
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Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 5:44 am
A Rough Battle
The woods were ablaze... well, ablaze in some spots at least, looking quite water logged in others, the ground thrown off kilter in yet others, and the leaves stripped from a few trees, all the results of the battle with the mages. How much time had passed? He couldn't say that he was sure exactly, but he did know that the sun was starting to rise, starting to flood the area with light, making it more difficult for him to hide. It was due to this that he had abandoned the dark cloak, something that had started to drag him down due to its weight and how tired he was starting to get... not to mention that the magic had also taken it's toll on him. He'd been tossed about by the earth magic that was causing the ground to dance under his feet, he was soaked by the water magic, singed here and there by the flames, not to mention knocked around by the wind... regardless of all of the bumps and bruises though he wasn't going to allow himself to slow down, not for a moment, he wanted to keep going, wanting to stay on his feet, wanted to save his family. If he gave up then they would be once more at the mercy of these creatures...
Well, creature technically. The long fight had allowed for him to take care of the weaker mages, leaving behind just their leader, and already he had a trio of arrows sticking out of him in various places but he just refused to fall. Looking down at his quiver he realized he was running low on his arrows again. They had started to get wise to his method of attack, using their wind magic to deflect his arrows, as well as using their flames to just burn the arrows up while they were still in the air. Not only did he have to figure out how to defeat the leader with so few arrows once he was done, and before he was able to hunt again, he was going to have to make a whole new set for himself. Giving a grumbling sound he continued to move, stumbling here and there, as he tried to contend with his wounds, the messed up terrain, and the mage that was still stalking him. He couldn't help but to wonder if the creatures ever ran out of fire power, perhaps they did, perhaps they didn't, either way he couldn't chance slowing down in hopes that the insect mage was as tired as Jacin was at present. He had to continue on assuming that he was fine despite how many spells the creature had tossed his way and how many arrows he'd taken. Better to think too well of him then too little of him he thought to himself as he took one of his last three arrows from the quiver, notching it, aimed at the creature's head, and fired.
Jacinthus held his breath, hoping against hope that it would be the arrow that ended it. Instead though the creature turned toward the arrow and it hit one of the insect mage's pincers, sticking into it. The archer stood there, eyes wide, then gave a hiss and the ground at his feet exploded, throwing him backwards, shard of earth cutting into him, causing him for a moment to draw his knees to his chest, arms wrapping around himself, a hiss coming from his lips. Pain flashed through his body, overwhelming his senses for a moment, and when he was able to open his eyes again the creature was upon him, pulling back a foot and brought it forward and into Jacin's ribs, sending the archer rolling.
As he came to a stop, hand making a grasping motion, he realized that he no longer had his bow, "Ah... eh?" He looked from side to side, then forward to where the mage was just in time to see it bring it's foot down, shattering the weapon with drew a cry of surprise and anger from him, "You stupid bug! That was important to me!" He raged, dragging himself up to his feet. Damn it... the arrows could have been replaced, easily enough, but his bow... his bow wasn't as easy to replace. He had gone through so much to be blessed with such a weapon from his tribe elders and now it was gone, and he felt more pain at the loss of the weapon then from the various wounds that he had been given. He took a step back as the mage stalked toward him, not even caring about the bow or the Leaf Tribesman and his complaining, lifting a hand to prepare his next spell. Blinking a couple times he went wide eyed, "Ahh... damn..." He gasped out, looking from side to side, trying to decide his neck move, and then his eyes landed on the last two arrows in his quiver. He starred at them for a moment before he grabbed them both from his quiver, one in each hand, then lunged forward and brought his arms together, burying the arrows into the mage's neck.
The mage gave a hissing sound, lifting a hand up, slapping the archer aside, hissing at him... then lifted its hands up to grasp at the arrows, pulling them free... then there was a flickering around the creature before it vanished, seeming to have ended itself by tearing the arrows free from its own neck without thinking about the consequences. Jacinthus looked up where the mage had been, starring for a long, confused moment before he slumped back on the ground, his entire body going limp, everything going dark around him...
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Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 6:01 am
Totems and Red Trees
There was the sound of hooves clicking by him, the sound of an Aldabuk, as it clicked by where the archer had fallen. He shifted in place for a moment, a groan escaping from his lips, and he forced his green eyes open to turn to look over at the creature that was snuffling around near to where he was. His movements caused the creature to turn and look his way, their eyes met, and then the creature was running off at top speed. Blinking a couple times the archer forced himself upright, "Ugh... I feel horrible..." He gasped out, a shiver running through him head to toe as the various wounds from his battles seemed to act up, leaving him aching all over. Looking up at the sky he realized that some time had passed between when he'd been knocked aside by that final mage and now, "Damn." He muttered, dragging himself up to his feet with much effort, stumbled from side to side, then forward toward where he thought that he had first encountered the mages. Alright, all he had to do was free Keilana first so she didn't get too mad at him for being slow and then Takoda and then the Healer would be able to see to his wounds he thought to himself, wanting nothing more then to curl up in his lap and just rest for a while... well, more like a week but he wouldn't allow himself to be as lazy as that.
When he got back to where he'd first found the mages, their fires having died down, he looked around for a moment, panic rising up in him when he realized that Keilana and Takoda were gone! Where... where were they?! Had more of them appeared after he'd been knocked down? Had those mages taken the two away? Rushing to the tree that they had been tied at he nearly tripped over his own feet when he saw the two items sitting on the ground under the tree, starring at them, "W-What?" Kneeling down he reached out, picking them up, watching the bit of magic that still clung to them fade, and then he glared at them, "You have got... got to be kidding me!" He raged, hands tightening on the two objects. These... these were the totems, weren't they?! It was these things that he had been searching for, two little things that were based on his family, magical in nature it seemed, and those stupid magics had been using them to mess with him?! He was rather glad one one had that he had dealt with the lot of them... but on the other hand he was completely frustrated. Had he knew it wasn't Takoda and Kei that they had in their grasp he'd of slipped in, took the totems, and slipped out. He could have gone home, got a hunting party, and came back in force to deal with those things. Instead, thinking those that he loved were in danger, he'd stayed and fought to the very last bit of his strength.
"Ugh... add those buggy bastards to my list of most hated creatures..." He spat out, deciding that they were above even the Witu. At least the Witu hadn't gone around screwing with him for the fun of it, they just liked to chew on him because he appeared so delicious or something. Muttering to himself he dragged himself to his feet, making his way slowly to where his pack had been left, still sitting there waiting for him which was a small miracle. He tossed the totems into the pack, muttering all the while, and dragged out the crumpled up note, "Hn... Return with their totems, huh?" Return where? Home? Or to where the red trees grew? Well the red trees were between his current position and home so he supposed that he would go there first he thought to himself. Stuffing the note back into his pack, slinging the thing over his shoulder, he started on his way. This was going to be one painful and grating journey he thought to himself, spending most of it muttering about how much he missed Takoda, how he wanted to see the Shifter, and how he hoped that Takoda would have mercy on him and heal him even though he slipped off, leaving him alone with Keilana.
"Please be merciful, Takoda... I love you..." He muttered as he made his way toward the red trees where he had found that second note directing him to find the totems. He hoped whoever he was looking for was there and if they weren't he was still going to take a small break there before continuing on to his home village to get healing and sleep.
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Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 6:55 pm
Enlil was sitting where the trees turn red, his back against the tree on which Jacinthus had found his second note. The usually light-hearted mage looked serious, his brow furrowed in thought.
The class tests were often very personal, sometimes very tragic. Many times, those who were tested did not make it back; they couldn't handle the challenge. Enlil understood the importance of testing the tribe's up and coming warriors so seriously, but he still couldn't help it... he didn't entirely approve of the methods. Usually, he left Enki to take care of these tests, to wait and see if the person being tested would succeed. This time, however, he had been assured that his skills would be needed.
Although it was a test, these mages... from what the leaf tribe could tell, they were harmless enough, but this was not the first time that they had been found messing with magic, interfering with other people's lives. It irritated Enlil even more that the elders would incorporate these people... or things... that they knew so little about into the tests. But alas, here they were...
Set up carefully on short tables made of sturdy twigs tied with vines and leaves were several shallow bowls. Each one contained a mixture of lotion consistency, antiseptics and salves for burn wounds. There were also several large leaves, often used for wrapping wounds. He wasn't sure how badly injured Jacinthus would be, but he had come prepared.
Nearby, on the ground, a small bundle of totems lay, all similar to the ones that Jacinthus had retrieved, all representing someone living in either Jauhar or Tale, the western territories. They were soaked with some sort of concoction that smelled strongly of something akin to fermenting sap. The rest of the bottle stood nearby, no doubt awaiting the final two figurines.
The man exhaled deeply, glancing at the sky, hoping that Jacinthus would make it.
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Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 7:58 pm
It was strange how the trip from the red trees to where the mages were felt as though it had taken infinitely less time then the walk back, then again given he'd had to stop a few times, staggered about a bit, and other wise was feeling like death warmed over he could understand why it was that it was taking so long to get back. No matter, he had what he had been scent for, he had the fang and the totems, and if they wanted him to fetch anything... well, they would have to give him a bit of time to rest and recover, to see about getting a new weapon to replace the last one that he had lost. A bit of down time was really what he needed... though even if it were what he needed it was still something difficult for the archer. He wasn't the sort that liked to sit still, didn't like to appear as lazy, and as such he was likely only going to seek healing from Takoda, maybe take a day to rest, then he would be back to doing all he could for his tribesmen as was usual for him. To say that he was dedicated would be the understatement of the century but the way he was feeling currently he really did feel like he could sleep for a week... at the same time he guessed that sleeping was likely a bad thing. He'd already had a bit of unconscious time and didn't want to waste anymore it, at least not during this leg of his journey that was.
As he got closer to the red trees he started to catch the scent in the air of something that smelled a little off, the various scents of... medicines? His heart skipped a beat as he caught that scent, wondering it if was because he was really longing for something that would help to ease the pain that he was feeling in every inch of his body. He would bet that even his ears hurt at the moment... he would deal with it though if there was really medicine waiting for him amongst the trees. He forced himself to continue forward, limping a bit, and then nearly tripped over his own feet when he saw the man that was waiting there for him, "Huh?" That wasn't what he expected, he'd almost thought there would just be some medicine and a note waiting for him there, another task for him to do, and instead he found another member of the Leaf Tribe waiting for him.
He couldn't help but to smile as he got closer, "Hey, didn't think anything more then a note would be waiting for me." He said, his long ears giving a twitching as he walked toward Enlil, not allowing himself to slow down, stumble, or fall. He just wanted to get closer to him, to the one that had come out here to meet with him, and while it wasn't Takoda it was far better then nothing, "You are a welcome site, I'm Jacinthus." He didn't think that he knew this one by name, having never met with him face to face, but at this point after all he'd gone through until this point, he was eager to call this new comer 'friend'.
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Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 3:58 pm
Enlil was on his feet before Jacinthus had reached the trees. He seemed just as pleased to see the Archer as Jacinthus was to see him, his smile bright and unwavering. So relieved was he that the man being tested had made it that he had to consciously refrain from reaching out and embracing the stranger. When Jacinthus spoke, a laugh bubbled out from between his lips. He was coherent, completely sensible… nothing had driven him mad.
”It’s a pleasure. I’m Enlil. I believe you’ve met my brother, Enki.” He motioned towards the small bowls. ”Are you hurt? I have plenty of medicine.” The man’s eyes caught the small pile of totems, lingering there before returning to Jacinthus. ”The items that the notes asked for… did you get them?”
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Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 4:16 pm
So his name was Enlil was it? He gave a bit of a chuckle, which was followed by a wince, before he said, "His brother, huh? Best watch out then, my sister might find you as handsome as she does Enki." Best he warn the guy just in case Keilana got bored crushing on Enki and decided that his brother was just as good. Both of them weren't bad on the eyes after all. It was a thought he instantly shoved aside, not even wanting to think about that for a moment more. There was no way in Tale that he was going to check out the same guys that Keilana found hot, that just seemed... too weird. At the mention of medicine he gave a nod of his head, "Medicine sounds wonderful, I could use a whole bunch of that, please." Of every sort for every type of wounds from where he was bruised to where he was singed he thought to himself.
"Huh? Oh yeah, a fang and some totems." He said, digging into his pack, deciding that medicine could wait until he got the stuff dropped off with this guy. He handed off the fang first, "Wasn't sure what sort was needed, it just mentioned that it had to be big and canine... hope this is alright? Got it from a massive witu down South a ways." He wondered if Enlil had seen it, he'd set the rest of it back to Takoda and Keilana after all, not having wanted to waste any of it when all that was called for was a fang. Next he dug out the totems, "Then then there are these... eesh, I don't look forward to fighting any more mages any time soon... I'd just rather they be nice and heal me." He said with a bit of a chuckle. He preferred them all friendly and cute like Takoda he thought to himself, before he set his pack down, shifted in place then asked, "Would it be alright if I sit?" he was trying to keep his feet, really he was, but he wasn't sure how long that was going to last...
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Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 4:42 pm
”…your sister?” Enlil looked skeptically at Jacinthus for a moment, trying to remember if Enki had mentioned any girls lately…
The man laughed at Jacinthus’ request for medicine. ”Right.” He took the totems and fang as he was handed them, clearly not expecting the size of the tooth that he was handed. The Archer was clearly more skilled than he had expected… then again, he had made it out alive, hadn’t he? ”Good. Oh! Yes, yes, please, sit.” Enlil made room for Jacinthus to take a spot where the trees might be able to provide him with some sort of support. Then, without hesitation, he began to treat the injuries that he could see with the various medicines he had at hand.
”Here. Keep applying. Use this for burns…” He explained, indicating the different lotion like substances ”…and this for any other magical damage. This last one is for any other scrapes and bruises; things not caused by magic.” Having laid out his instructions, the man took the totems and doused them in the remaining fermented sap liquid. He proceeded to stab each of the little figurines with the fang of the giant Witu, causing each of the small dolls to ooze trace amounts of purple liquid. Finally, Enlil threw the bunch of totems onto a small fire smoldering nearby. As the dolls began to singe and burn, thin wisps of purple smoke rose from the fire.
Enlil sighed, eyeing the fire. ”Done…”
The man turned to Jacinthus, smile lighting up his face once more. ”I think your assistance has certainly earned you a reward… a new rank, perhaps?”
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