Giving back to the environment
Kozel is freaked out after his shared choosing with Zharkov, and wants to return his totem, believing he has stolen from the forest. Zharkov accompanies him, shenanigans ensue.
(Kozel played by Soldier of Song, Zharkov played by Kamileunaire)
Post count: 38 (2.5 pages)
Kozel is freaked out after his shared choosing with Zharkov, and wants to return his totem, believing he has stolen from the forest. Zharkov accompanies him, shenanigans ensue.
(Kozel played by Soldier of Song, Zharkov played by Kamileunaire)
Post count: 38 (2.5 pages)
There were a lot of things Kozel hated, being the critical and fearful man that he was, and forests had to be right up there. But, for as high as it was on the list, it was still lower than feeling guilty, which was why he found himself in the Wardwood once more, even after he had sworn never to set foot in it again. He was here for the noble purpose of returning the... toy dog, was it? that he had taken from a tree here, which had weighed heavy in his pocket and heavier on his conscience since, but finding that spooky tree again had proven difficult. So difficult, in fact, that he was pretty sure he was no nearer to finding it since he had set out and completely lost instead.
And that was why Kozel hated forests.
His only comfort now, and really the only reason Kozel wasn't panicking, was that he had a companion, but even that brought more ire than anything. It had been Zharkov's idea to take a toy dog in the first place, then he had the gall to discourage Kozel from returning, and now he was enjoying himself entirely too much for Kozel's taste. At this point, returning the totem wasn't even the goal anymore; he just wanted to leave the Wardwood for good before he really did panic. Trudging along in a grim silence he just dared the other man to break, Kozel looked for any sign of... something other than trees. And rocks. And dirt. Forests were just awful, really.
~~~~
Enjoying himself indeed. Zharkov tried not to look too irate as he trudged after Kozel, though there was some amusement to be found in their situation. He wouldn't even had to have known the man to be able to sense Kozel's extreme distaste in their surroundings. Just like before, he could tell Kozel was uneasy and didn't have a clue over what they were doing.
"Still don't see why this is necessary. We will never find it like this." Zharkov grumped, leaning on the hefty stick he'd found. The cold didn't favor his old injury, and he wasn't going to hobble about like he'd done the last time they'd entered the mysterious forest. "It was a tree in the middle of the wood. No one owns it."
He'd tried to reason with him before, and couldn't fathom why Kozel thought it was stealing. Surely no one lived so far out, in such an eerie place. There had been no sign of a house or any people. The thought of giving his own figurine back, or even losing it, made him feel incredibly, strangely uneasy. He wasn't going to, even if they did find the damned tree.
"I'm not putting mine back, you know." He muttered, and heaved a sigh as he glanced about. Despite the circumstances, Zharkov couldn't help but admire the scenery. Unlike Kozel the City Boy, his own rural roots allowed him to appreciate the wild setting. Relying on Kozel to tire out, he simply tried to enjoy the walk and remained alert. Who knew, maybe they'd see something interesting?
Wardwood Mule
The forest is quiet; by now most of the birds have migrated south, and the only sounds you've heard for the past several minutes are the rustling of the breeze in the trees, the plop of acorns falling, the quiet scraping rustle as a leaf descends to the forest floor, and the occasional rasp of a squirrel gnawing on a nut's shell in the distance. It is peaceful — or, depending on your character's preferences, a little eerie.
The shrill, almost-human scream of a rabbit's death cry shatters the silence. Once you've taken a moment to recover (or, if you're a badass mofo, coolly evaluate the situation) you head in the scream's direction. It could be the work of a hawk, but there's still a good chance a fox is nearby.
The shrill, almost-human scream of a rabbit's death cry shatters the silence. Once you've taken a moment to recover (or, if you're a badass mofo, coolly evaluate the situation) you head in the scream's direction. It could be the work of a hawk, but there's still a good chance a fox is nearby.
Still, as hard as he tried not to listen, Kozel did hear that final, insolent mutter, and could take it no longer. Stopping in place and rounding on Zharkov, he finally burst out, bitter words made harsher by how wound up he was, "You like being a criminal. I do not. Do not expect my help again when—"
His diatribe was, fortunately, cut short by the sound of a scream cutting above his own voice, and Kozel inhaled sharply, nearly letting out a matching shriek of his own as he looked about frantically for the source of the horrifying sound. When nothing followed it, Kozel turned his watery gaze back onto Zharkov with unconcealed fear. That interruption managed to change his tune completely.
"Zharkov," he whimpered, still at least dignified enough not to move closer to him, and not just because he was frozen with fear. "What was that."
~~~~~
Zharkov didn't seem to care much about Kozel's silent response, but when his friend wheeled around to growl at him, he leaned back a little, a small, s**t-eating grin spreading over his countenance. Kozel could be so amusingly touchy, especially if he was uncomfortable or stressed out. He was almost guilty to cause such distress, but Kozel refused to heed the signs. It felt, to Zharkov, that they had almost been destined to find that strange tree. Did Kozel not feel the connection to the funny little toy he'd picked? Baffling though it was, Zharkov wasn't nearly as superstitious or paranoid as Kozel. He was about to make a smart-mouthed reply when the scream startled him as well.
"Sounds like someone's caught their dinner." He smirked a little, glancing off into the brush. "A rabbit, if I'm not mistaken." He said knowledgeably, not bothering to mention how or why he knew such a fact. He began to walk again, nudging Kozel as he passed by.
"We should go and look. Might see something interesting." He didn't even wait to see if Kozel would agree, knowing that he would likely follow, for fear of being left behind. Zharkov would need the time anyway, to try and wipe the massive grin off of his face after seeing Kozel so frightened.
Wardwood Mule
(kozel)
You hear a hoarse panting noise above you. An injured hawk rests on a branch, visibly bleeding. It looks as if it's been abandoned by the hunter who owns it, though it seems alert and could probably be rehabilitated given some time and care. But coaxing it down might take a while…
(zharkov)
You happen upon a clearing. At the very center lies a fairy circle of mushrooms, unusually large, and within it several rabbits, which are all staring at you. Their gaze is unsettling. They seem to know something.
Zharkov's curiosity drew him further into the woods, and he stepped carefully through the brush to see if he could locate the source of the cry. Any complaints from Kozel would fall upon deaf ears; he wanted to see what had happened. It was probably the work of a weasel or fox, he figured, and hoped they would get a glimpse of the beast before it fled with its hard-won catch. He tried to move silently, but knew that whatever it was was probably already aware of their presence, probably already gone - but that wouldn't stop him from trying.
The scene that appeared before his eyes was starkly different than expected. Zharkov was almost taken aback as he stumbled into the clearing, only to find five sets of beady little eyes peering up at him. "Guh." he mumbled uneasily, glancing back, wishing Kozel would catch up so he could confirm he wasn't seeing things. Five fat rabbits, all conveniently arranged within a ring of mushrooms. Weird forest. Weird country. He stooped down and reached for the nearest one, watching as the others finally scattered, their fluffy tails flashing as they disappeared into the underbrush. Hefting the little beast by its scruff, he turned back with a triumphant smirk.
"Look at this, didn't even try to get away. No wonder we heard a scream." He snorted as he held up his prize for Kozel to see. "It'll make a nice stew, I think..." He frowned as a different sound came to his attention, and he cast another glance around the empty clearing. "Do you hear that?"
~~~~~
At any other time, Kozel might have been impressed by Zharkov's answer, and it came as something of a reassurance now to think it was just a rabbit, but what about the beast that had attacked it? What if they became its dinner next? So plagued by such terrifying thoughts, Kozel only stood numbly as Zharkov passed him by, hardly noticing the prod. This was feeling more and more like a mistake, but he was loath to admit such a thing as, sure, now Zharkov wanted to move on ahead and probably lead them to another mistake. Provided they came out of this alive, what would they leave with next? More toy dogs? Was there a tree with cats on it? Oh, Zharkov would just love that, wouldn't he. Fear finally giving way to indignation, Kozel obediently followed after his companion, his turn to mutter to himself now.
Despite his thoughts, however, Kozel hadn't actually expected Zharkov to take another trophy for himself from this forest. He even would have preferred a toy cat to this... this... "What are you doing," Kozel hissed as he stared at the rabbit Zharkov held up, incredulous by how casually the man could handle animals. Wild animals. "Put that back!" If the scream they had heard was from a rabbit being attacked, why would Zharkov think carrying another one of those things around would be a good idea? That was just asking to be attacked, stew or not. He would have babbled as much, but sure enough, as Zharkov had pointed out, another sound interrupted them.
"No," Kozel groaned, burying his face in his hands, "I hear nothing." But for all his wishing, there was no mistaking the sound of something in the trees past the clearing, and, dropping his hands to his sides in defeat, he was forced to admit "...Over here," as he crept on cautiously, ready to bolt at any moment if it really was the monster looking to take the rabbit. Speaking of, throwing a quick look over his shoulder to make sure Zharkov was following, maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to bring the rabbit along. Provided his companion could throw it quick enough, it would make a good distraction, also provided The Monster now firmly planted in Kozel's mind was truly more interested in rabbits than men...
To his relief, it wasn't a beast waiting for them in the trees, but a hawk. A hawk? A hawk! Kozel gasped; the relief hardly lasted, replaced with horror as he caught sight of blood on the bird. "Zharkov," his first thought, and quickly becoming an old standby, was to go to the other man for help dealing with creatures. "...It's hurt," Kozel finally managed, pointing out the obvious because he wasn't sure what else to do. He wanted to move on immediately, blood always a bad omen, sure that if they hung around they'd be next.
~~~~~
"Put it back! What a foolish thing to say. That would be wasteful." Zharkov was quick to readjust his hold on the little animal when he realized it wasn't trying to struggle away. Tucking it into the crook of his arm, he followed after Kozel, a concentrated frown creasing his brow as he too tried to locate the source of the newest sound. Where his eyes were focused downwards, Kozel's seemed to take the right course, and Zharkov blinked when the creature was finally pointed out. If it hadn't been for the blood, and a lack of prey, Zharkov would have thought the bird to be the cause of the earlier screaming.
"Poor creature. I wonder what happened to it." He clicked his tongue, noticing the way the bird peered down at them. He knew nothing of kingshawks or the country's customs surrounding them, but he was no stranger to the concept of falconry. Immediately he had the poor rabbit by the scruff again, holding it up so the bird could see it.
~~~~~
The effect was immediate, of course. The hawk was predator and the rabbit was prey and it did what came naturally, shooting out of the tree towards the proffered sacrifice as Kozel gave a cry of alarm, flinching and throwing his hands over his eyes, unable to watch what was sure to be even more of a bloodbath—to hell with the majesty of nature, he was mostly shocked by Zharkov's sudden heartlessness. For the second time, he could only blubber again, "What are you doing?!"
~~~~~
"Looks like it's not too badly hurt!" Zharkov grunted as he swiftly withdrew the rabbit and grabbed for the bird, yelping once or twice as he tussled with it. He was thankful for its injuries in a way, because Zharkov was sure it would have put up a much fiercer fight if it were in better shape. "Take this, Kozel. My hands are too full." he said, shoving their poor bait bunny at his friend as he struggled to quiet the upset hawk. "I think it might be lost, or someone left it here. It is too tame to be wild." He nodded sagely, gripping it by its feet and tucking it under his arms to keep its wings closed once he had both hands free. "We should take care of it. Maybe someone misses it."
~~~~~
Kozel wasn't even given a chance to protest as the rabbit was thrust upon him, not that he could have said anything anyway, struck dumb by Zharkov battling with the bird. He actually... alright. Kozel took the bait bunny, not even able to muster up enough of his usual distaste for any and every animal to give a token fuss about it. It was only when Zharkov had the hawk finally under control that he could give a weak "You call that tame?"
But he would put up no other argument, as much as he would have liked to give up both useless creatures, turned as docile as the rabbit in his arms. Zharkov obviously knew what he was doing. This forest venture was turning more eventful than their last one, and he could only guess at what they might happen upon as the continued.
"...I would like to see you wrestle a bear, next."
~~~~~
"Da. Look, it is settling." Zharkov looked down as the bird finally gave up the fight, its crest flattening against its head as it resigned itself to being captured. Zharkov looked quite smug at the whole situation, stooping to pick up the walking stick he'd dropped in order to capture the hawk. He was a bit scratched up, but had managed to avoid the bird's beak and was no worse for wear. Kozel's comment made him laugh shortly, and he cast a sly grin over at the man.
"Who knows what else we will find...if you plan on continuing your search, that is." He peered at Kozel, interested in his answer. He would have turned around right then if he hadn't had reservations about leaving the meek-hearted Katchian in the woods alone, but he knew he wouldn't be able to. Who knew what kinds of trouble he'd get himself into?
"Maybe we will find more rabbits if we look. Keep hold of that one, I still want to take it home." He couldn't help but huff a soft breath of laughter at the sight of Kozel holding onto the little creature, both appearing similarly shaken.
~~~~~
"Of course I plan to continue," Kozel answered too-quickly, trying to look resolute but only looking, yes, fairly shaken instead as he shifted a wary glance between man and bird. He didn't trust the hawk wouldn't suddenly explode into screeching and flapping, trying to go for the rabbit again, the one he held in his arms now, and quickly turned away, terrified of provoking another attack. Also, he didn't want Zharkov to see him flushing at his laughter. Kozel almost wished he would leave, oblivious to his pitying, charitable thoughts, but he had to admit he was coming in handy for animal wrangling.
"Ugh. We do not need more rabbits," he grumbled, cautiously picking his way forward again, though he did take the chance to look down at the one he carried. If not for its twitching nose he'd think it was dead, but that suited him just fine. If only more animals could be so agreeable. "And the hawk? Do you really intend to keep it? This is ridiculous." Kozel was keen to make his disdain clear enough, but he thought back to what Zharkov had theorized. If that hawk did belong to someone, they would be doing a fine thing for themselves by returning it to its owner. Despite his nasty tone, Kozel felt himself cheering up a bit at the idea. He was the one who had found it, after all.
Wardwood Mule
(zharkov)
You hear the loud pop of a branch breaking deeper in the forest. After a moment of consideration, taking in the dense bluish mist rising from the forest floor, you set off in the sound's direction. It could be nothing, but it's worth investigating… as long as you're careful.
(kozel)
You hear a frantic rattling sound accompanied by a stream of musical but panicked warbling. When you investigate the noise, you find a bright blue and white fairy wren struggling inside a bramble-bush; one of its wings is caught on a thorn. You manage to free it and it flutters away, lands on a bare, gnarled branch, fluffs up all its feathers, and begins preening. You feel strangely lucky afterwards.
Today was not a good day to be a bird, it seemed. If not for Zharkov accompanying him, Kozel likely would have left the injured kingshawk alone, too intimidated by its size, fierce claws, and that beak to do anything for it, but even Kozel couldn't possibly be afraid of what he would find next. Once he heard the struggle and the bird's cry, with a startled look, he dropped deriding Zharkov and instead blurted out an anxious "What now?"
As Kozel picked up the pace and followed the sound, hugging the rabbit just a little closer to himself, what now turned out to be a fairy wren trapped in a bramble-bush. It was a pitiful sight that Kozel would have liked to dismiss with a scoffed 'animals are so stupid!', but he found himself instead kneeling before the bush for a closer look. What was this—Kozel turning soft?
Well, it gave him a chance to put the bait bunny down and accidentally let it escape, that was his rationale as he focused on helping the poor thing. With gentle hands and murmured reassurances really more for his own benefit than the bird's, Kozel managed to free its wing and only winced a little when it took sudden flight. But, as he watched the wren resettle and begin to preen, he couldn't help but smile slightly in relief. That... that actually wasn't so bad.
What little joy he might have felt disappeared quickly, however, as Kozel glanced down and saw the rabbit still at his feet, having taken only a lazy hop or two, no effort at all made to disappear into the brush as he would have liked. Scowling, knowing full well Zharkov wouldn't let him just leave the mindless beast, he scooped it back up and straightened to give his companion a snotty, self-conscious remark, "I hope you did not want to keep that bird, too," heartwarming moment over as quickly as it had begun.
~~~~~
Zharkov had graciously allowed Kozel to take the lead again, seeing as it was -his- little expedition, and had fallen silent as they pressed on. The bird under his arm had quieted completely, and even seemed to close its eyes from time to time, perhaps relieved from having to support itself in the tree with its wounds. Knowing it would do no good to grump at Kozel, Zharkov instead tried to pay attention to their surroundings, not really wanting to get lost and be forced to spend another night without shelter or supplies in the forest.
When Kozel stopped, however, so did he, and the reason for it quickly became apparent. He stood by in silence as he watched Kozel perform his good deed without a word, though he tensed up when the rabbit was set down. He was sure Kozel had done it on purpose, too, but was satisfied when it didn't try at all to flee. The whole scene garnered a huge grin from the usually gruff Okrainan, leaning on his staff as he watched the little wren flutter away once it was freed. He'd have never guessed Kozel would do such a thing on his own, and it was just as endearing as it was heart-warming.
"Maybe -you- did." He jeered playfully at Kozel's nastiness, before turning his head to the cracking sound of a breaking branch. Wondering if Kozel had heard it, he nodded his head in that direction.
"Let's go check that way. This area looks a little familiar, does it not?" He asked, trying to trick his friend. Really, he was just curious, because it had sounded like something big.
Wardwood Mule
(kozel)
You happen upon a clearing. At the very center lies a fairy circle of mushrooms, unusually large, and though the clearing is abandoned you experience an eerie sensation of being of watched.
(zharkov)
The footing is poor here, and you trip over a root hidden beneath several years' worth of fallen leaves. You manage to catch yourself against a tree before you fall, but the rough bark leaves painful, stinging abrasions across your palm. This may put you at a slight disadvantage.
Just as easily riled as he was flustered, Kozel drew himself up with a hard frown on his burning face and readied to tell Zharkov off as harshly and as seriously as he possibly could while still delicately cradling an adorable bunny, but his embarrassed anger was tamed immediately, replaced by a spark of hope, once the other man remarked on the area. The trick worked.
"...Ah, now that you mention it, this does look familiar," Kozel answered in lighter spirits, looking to where Zharkov directed, and he may very well have believed in his own lie. Every other part of the forest looked exactly the same to him, after all. "Very well! Do try to keep up," he taunted cheerily, moving on ahead at a bit-too-quick pace just to spite his injured comrade.
Kozel's confident striding brought him straight into a clearing, and he would have cut on through and continued his childish ditching if not for a sudden, peculiar feeling settling on him and slowing him down. He paused, maybe just a little spooked, when the usually unusually-docile rabbit suddenly came alive and started kicking in his grasp.
Choking back a surprised cry, now thoroughly spooked, Kozel turned quickly on his heel and rushed out of the clearing, nearly crushing the rabbit with how hard he was hugging it to himself in an effort to keep it from escaping. Realizing his mistake, he shamelessly fled back to Zharkov, trying not to look too rattled once he was back in his sights. "No, not that way, my mistake!"
~~~~~
Zharkov's brows had lifted as he watched the man puff up angrily, biting back a grin as he braced himself for an angry little lecture, no doubt one that would detail the foolishness of taking animals from the woods. Thankfully, his own comment would be the one to rescue him from Kozel's agitation, and he chuckled softly as the fib inspired a bit of renewed hope.
"Da, pretty familiar. We might be close." He observed, lying further and watching Kozel tromp off through the brush. "Do not get too far ahead, or you will have no one to protect you!" Zharkov taunted back, following carefully as he slipped past the bushes and trees. It was hard to keep his eyes cast downwards to watch his step, because the mist in the trees was quite the interesting sight.
That would be his downfall, unfortunately. He picked his gaze up for only a few steps before it seemed that both his walking stick and feet had become tangled, and he stumbled with a grunt of surprise. He lost hold of the stick, and cursed as he half-slammed into a tree, just barely catching himself. The hawk wriggled in his grasp for a moment, offering up a quiet keen in its momentary distress before being shushed by the man.
"That was close." Zharkov huffed in exasperation as he looked at his hand, all scraped up from where he'd caught himself. At least he had not fallen and injured the bird. He stooped to grab his walking stick again, and peered off through the trees for Kozel.
Wardwood Mule
(kozel)
You spy a splash of blood on a single yellow leaf on the ground. When you examine it, the blood looks fresh. Strangely there are no trees in the area with such distinctly golden foliage, but this is still excellent evidence of an animal's trail… isn't it?
After some time of continued searching, however, you are forced to come to the conclusion that you've been waylaid by a prankster — or an unnaturally clever fox.
(zharkov)
The earth is damp and in some places unstable. When you are forced by the dense, thorny undergrowth to step near a creek-bed, the ground gives out beneath you and you're dashed painfully against the rocks. It takes you some time to pull yourself upright and sort out your wet and muddy clothing. A salamander watches you the whole time.
Fortunately, the rabbit calmed as soon as Kozel had left the clearing, and he relaxed a bit himself once he realized it was no longer struggling, even smoothing its fur down a bit in apology. "We will be out of here soon enough," he continued sheepishly as he neared where he had spotted Zharkov. "It was just one wrong way, but this area really is familiar..." Sounding a little less sure, but at least feeling safer rejoining with the Okrainan, Kozel made to call out to him once he felt more composed, then promptly lost his nerve again once he saw his companion stumble.
"Zharkov!" He hurried over, and although the other man had already recovered himself, Kozel couldn't help but fret. "Zharkov, are you alright?" Ah but, he had to admit, rather impressive he hadn't even let the hawk go as Kozel probably would have. He realized he was petting the rabbit anxiously again. "Honestly, I cannot leave you alone for a moment," Kozel tried instead, liking a good old ribbing better than this worry as he began walking ahead again.
Feeling rather sorry even if he wouldn't say it, the high-strung man focused on his, ugh, filthy shoes stepping over the curiously thicker brush and tried not to notice how soft the rabbits ears were in his fingers, hmm! It was only because of his sulking gaze that he noticed a bloodied yellow leaf on the ground, and he hesitated. Picked it up, why not. Studied first the stained front, then the back, keen on how the rabbit squirmed. Looked around at the conspicuously non-yellow trees in this wetter area. And finally, Kozel announced his verdict: "I do not like this."
He looked back at Zharkov with a frown, almost, almost wanting to tell him that this was a bad idea and a mistake and okay, they could abandon the mission to return his toy dog, then thought better of it. He could just imagine the I-told-you-so he'd get, if not worse. Exasperated, he dropped the leaf and pushed on, trying to recall if there was a creek last time they had been here. Was this still familiar, really?
~~~~~
"I am fine, do not trouble yourself. Just a few scratches is all." Zharkov reassured, turning to glare at the spot that had tripped him up. Honestly, he didn't think -any- of it was familiar, and was trying not to feel too fed up over tripping. "We need to watch our step. The roots get tangled beneath the leaves in some spots." He warned, ignoring Kozel's jab and following after him quietly, keeping his eyes down in order to see where he was going. They didn't need any more trip-ups.
Zharkov couldn't help but smirk to himself, however. He'd -seen- the way Kozel had been petting the rabbit, and he wondered if there was more to it than just being anxious, subconscious actions. He didn't mention it at all, knowing Kozel might go off on him again, and almost bumped into Kozel after losing himself in such thoughs. "What? What is it?" Zharkov asked, peering down over the man's shoulder.
"This forest plays tricks." Zharkov said simply as he watched the leaf fall back to the mud. It had been a long time since he had encountered such a place, and certainly, the magical presence was much stronger here than in any forest he'd chanced to enter back home. Not necessarily a bad thing, but he had his doubts about whether Kozel would be able to handle it much longer. And that was a good thing!
Zharkov shrugged as Kozel looked back at him, a vague grin on his face to show that there was nothing they could do, and continued on as Kozel did. Try as he did to go slower, he was carefully edging around a thorn patch when misfortune struck again, and the crumbling dirt near the edge of the creek bed sent him tumbling down. A loud cry and a string of curses pierced the silence of the woods as he fell against the rocks, losing his stick and letting go of the bird in an attempt to prevent it from being crushed.
The tired hawk fluttered up in a panic and landed on a rock nearby, fluffed out and startled as it watched its captor fall. Zharkov groaned, splayed over the rocky creek bed. "Dammit all. Kozel! Where are you..."
Wardwood Mule
(zharkov)
You stop to examine a leafless buckthorn shrub covered in eggplant-colored berries. Some of its lower branches have been bent and broken, but these branches appear to have been dead for a long time, so there's no telling when the event occurred. This is poor evidence of an animal's trail, but it's better than nothing.
(kozel)
You happen upon a blood-spattered branch, but there is no sign of the creature that once sat there. Investigating further, however, you find a few tattered hawk feathers lost among the leaves. This scene tells a story you will probably never know.
This forest played cruel tricks on man and animal alike, that was all Kozel could conclude as he next happened upon a branch splattered with blood. He did not linger on this scene long once he noticed the feathers scattered below, instead simply shielding the rabbit from the sight and hurrying past, pulse picking up along with his pace. There was suddenly too much blood about for his liking and he dreaded finding any more, unable to keep his eyes from darting about anyway.
He was so focused on not finding any more blood that he had forgotten Zharkov again, until he heard what could only have been his companion crying out and, why, such language! Kozel froze, feeling a chill run down his spine, then whirled around quickly, horrified by the idea that he should see his companion's blood spilled next. He hadn't even considered the Monster that undoubtedly existed would be bold enough to attack Zharkov, monolithic and invincible man that he was, but what else could it be?
Naturally, even when Kozel almost slipped a few times himself in his hurry back, he hadn't thought to consider anything other than a gruesome scene would be waiting for him. Once he arrived, he could have laughed in relief as soon as he saw the other man had only taken another spill again. Could have, if he wasn't breathless with fear and struggling to keep the upset rabbit in his grip again, and also if he wasn't immediately taken by guilty concern.
"Zharkov, are you hurt?" he panted uselessly, hanging back because don't think he didn't see that hawk there, probably just waiting to pounce on the rabbit nearly slipping away from him. Too harried to be gentle, he settled with smothering it possessively against his jacket on one hand, the other extended to Zharkov as he edged cautiously over, babbling with worry. "Here, here, get up already, you look awful—m-maybe you should take my coat; you'll catch cold, all wet like this." Then, remembering their considerable size differences, "No, ah, never mind." But he still didn't like the idea of his friend continuing on and, concern overriding pride, Kozel gave him a pleading look. "We should stop."
~~~~~
Zharkov was already sitting up by the time Kozel came hurrying back, looking up and managing a half-hearted laugh. He had cursed in momentary panic, of course, but he could only imagined that he must have looked ridiculous sitting in the creek bed like he was. He was merely thankful that the creek was not running at full capacity, or he might have been soaked through. "I am fine! I think..." he grunted as he rubbed his back, making a distasteful expression at his sleeves and pantlegs, which were now wet.
"Kozel, it is alright." He said sternly as he took Kozel's hand, and pulled himself up carefully (avoiding pulling Kozel down with him instead). By then his face was red with embarrassment over both the fall and Kozel's worried banter. It was not as if he had called the man's name for need of help...why, he just hadn't wanted Kozel to run off on his own, for the same reasons as before.
"I am sorry for causing a ruckus, it was just a little slip-up, nothing more." He said, trying to play it off as if it were no big deal. And really, it wasn't; he was probably lucky not to have broken anything, though he was damp and muddy, and...
The hawk. Zharkov looked over and sighed, wasting no time in moving over towards it. He was greatly relieved when the bird only hunkered down to the rock it was sitting on as he reached to scoop it up again, and he tucked it under his arm like he had before. It must have been quite tired, all the fight leeched out of it from its injuries, no doubt.
"Stop? As in go back? Why would you want to do that, there's plenty of daylight left." He said, almost sarcastically. "Maybe, Kozel, the forest does not want us to find the tree again." He wondered if that thought had ever entered the Katchian's brain. Superstitious a thought as it was, the natives swore on the spiritual nature of the forest, and he had more reason than ever to believe the things that were said of it.
Wardwood Mule
(kozel)
You spy a splash of blood on a single yellow leaf on the ground. When you examine it, the blood looks fresh. Strangely there are no trees in the area with such distinctly golden foliage, but this is still excellent evidence of an animal's trail… isn't it?
After some time of continued searching, however, you are forced to come to the conclusion that you've been waylaid by a prankster — or an unnaturally clever fox.
(zharkov)
The footing is poor here, and you trip over a root hidden beneath several years' worth of fallen leaves. You manage to catch yourself against a tree before you fall, but the rough bark leaves painful, stinging abrasions across your palm. This may put you at a slight disadvantage.
If Kozel noticed how flushed Zharkov had suddenly become, he was kind enough, or at least wise enough not to saying anything of it. He wouldn't have guessed his companion to be embarrassed, anyway, seeing only a poor old man over-exerting himself now—and Kozel was definitely wise enough not to say anything along those lines, either. Deeply ashamed, he only felt his guilt worsen when Zharkov apologized. Why had he allowed him to come along? Not, and they probably both knew it, that Kozel could have stopped him.
Relieved at least that Zharkov was up and unharmed and, best of all, back to securing that horrible bird, Kozel remembered his own cargo and relaxed his grip on the poor, manhandled creature, taking great care to keep his back to the other man as he patted its mussed up fur down and uttered a hasty apology. In the back of his mind, yes, Kozel realized this trip into the woods must be getting to him worse than he thought if he was saying sorry to a rabbit they'd be eating anyway, but it seemed to appreciate the gesture enough to stop trying to escape and, wait, did he really just think just now that a rabbit could appreciate something? Ugh.
Still frazzled, even if Zharkov seemed to be recovered already, Kozel glumly went to pick up his friend's walking stick and return it to him, frustration written all over his face although he tried to keep his voice level. "Yes, as in go back, because you are in no condition to keep going." What he meant was obvious, of course, so much for being wise enough not to say anything of it. Despite how supposedly keen Kozel was to stop, however, he began heading on again. Slower, at least.
"Don't be ridiculous, Zharkov. A forest cannot want, or not want, or whatever it is you are trying to scare me about." But for as skeptical as he tried to sound, Kozel couldn't help but shudder. The blood he kept finding, and Zharkov's bad luck, and these useless awful animals okay maybe that last one didn't make much sense but could there be something to it?
...No. Absolutely not. That was silly, Kozel tried to reassure himself as he dutifully returned to Zharkov's side, the side without the hawk. He'd spotted another bloody leaf on the ground and refused to acknowledge it, nope nope nope there was nothing at all to the idea that the forest could possibly be trying to keep him from returning to small dog trinket he had stolen because why would it do that?
~~~~~
Kozel's thoughts about summed up Zharkov's embarrassment and fears, as he didn't want to appear as some frail elderly person who needed to be helped along every step of the way. There was some amount of consolation in Kozel's silence, and he reassured himself that the Katchian wasn't silently judging him. As if he cared anyway! Anyone could have taken a spill on that loose patch of earth; it wasn't because he was physically unsound or weak.
He gave Kozel a nod of thanks as the stick was returned, and carefully climbed back up out of the creek bed, snorting softly. "Could have happened to anyone. I am just a bit damp, nothing more." He reiterated in a tone that had a very slight edge of warning to it. It wasn't outright nasty, but he wouldn't take being told what sort of 'condition' he was in and they they ought to turn back...even though that was exactly what he'd wanted in the first place. He frowned lightly as he realized it, and sighed softly, resigning himself to following his friend.
"If you really want to keep fooling yourself, go right ahead." Zharkov teased, the corners of his mouth curling into a vague grin. Of course, he wasn't completely convinced himself, but a tree covered in tiny carved dogs was awfully strange. Regardless, it was still fun to tease Kozel, and he wondered what it would take to get him to want to seriously give up the hunt. He was about to say something further when he took another tiny stumble, ramming his fist into a nearby tree to steady himself and avoid dropping his walking stick.
"Was it this treacherous the last time we were this far in?" He wondered out loud, scowling a little at his scraped up hand. They had been in for way longer the first time, but Zharkov didn't seem to remember being so clumsy. Perhaps they had been more distracted then; he couldn't quite recall. Whatever was happening, he had the keen and uneasy feeling that their surroundings were somehow against them.
Wardwood Mule
(kozel)
You pause for a moment to get your bearings and cannot resist taking in the breathtaking beauty of the autumnal wood. Even with the weather overcast the vivid scarlets and yellows of the foliage are as rich as dyed velvet against the gray sky and the black trunks of the trees. Gazing into the infinite reaches of the forest is like looking into stained glass…
When you turn back around an enormous fox with a luxurious pelt is standing directly in your path, watching you. Its eyes seem amused, somehow. It quickly dashes off into the undergrowth before you can react — but at least now you have a pretty good idea of where you should be heading.
(zharkov)
Mist began rising from the damp forest floor not too long ago; now it's all around you, muting the autumn colors behind a ghostly bluish veil. You can still see well enough to stick to the path you've chosen, but as you walk or ride on you begin to catch glimpses of something white showing through the sparse yellow leaves of a buckthorn hedge.
You investigate.
Unfortunately it is only the skeleton of a large stag, stripped of flesh but otherwise almost perfectly intact; time has bleached its bones to the stark paleness that distracted you. A single wild rose has grown up through one of its eye sockets.
Zharkov's next stumble didn't help Kozel's rapidly deteriorating conviction, and although his tone was chiding—"No condition at all, you see?"—he put a steadying hand on his companion's arm as he stood before him, brow knit with worry. 'Do not try to imagine up a tricky forest to blame for your own clumsiness' was what he wanted to add, but he couldn't deny the thought was growing in his mind, too. He took a quick look around their surroundings, pointedly avoiding where he had seen the blood, and it almost did seem possible that this forest could be alive, each breeze stirring the leaves a massive breath, unnaturally cold and all right Kozel was shivering again time to stop thinking like that.
"It only seems to be getting worse," he admitted quietly, returning his uneasy gaze back onto Zharkov. But with that came another idea, and Kozel drew himself up, sounding suddenly more sure. "If it is as you say, and the forest really is trying to keep us from finding the tree again, then we must be getting closer. The forest grows desperate with its tricks!" Emboldened by his clever logic, Kozel almost could have smiled. He would soon be rid of the shameful trinket after all, so long as they kept at it.
"Come along, Zharkov," he offered his arm ever-so-graciously, prepared to walk the man the rest of the undoubtedly short way. Kozel would not stumble, nor would he stray, bloody foliage be damned. But, as these things seem to happen in the Wardwood, he hardly got the chance to look forward to his new, dogless future and take a step before a new warning made itself known. A fox, though with how ignorant of animals Kozel was he probably would have called it a wolf, appeared for just a moment and then was gone.
Just a moment was all it needed, anyway, to earn a startled yelp from Kozel and send him into a panic. "A wolf!" Ah, there it was. With how quickly he stumbled back to cower behind Zharkov he nearly took a fall himself, hugging the rabbit protectively as he blubbered. "This is it, we are going to die here, killed by a wolf, a wolf."
~~~~~
"I am in top condition!" Zharkov snapped, raising his voice and scowling over at his friend. The fretful way Kozel was looking at him threatened to cause the heat to rise to his face again, and he huffed out a soft, exasperated breath. "It is only getting dark, and the things under the leaves are hard to see." He reasoned quickly, though it was nice to stop and take a breather for a moment as they stood in the midst of the dimming woods with the breeze at their backs.
"Da! There, you see. I am...certain, that we are almost there." Because once they got there, they could do what Kozel so badly wanted to do and -get out-, and back to the nice warm inn at Oldcastle. Zharkov almost felt ashamed to think in such a spineless fashion, but was it really spineless to want to be warm and secure and not stuck outside in a creepy forest all night, completely unprepared? Probably, but he tried not to dwell on it, sighing as Kozel gave the call to press onward...
Zharkov's lips pressed into a thin line at the proffered arm, and he gave Kozel a look that was part question, part warning, before ignoring it altogether. He had the succinct feeling that Kozel was trying to mock him somehow, but decided against giving the man a good slug in the shoulder since his hands were full anyway. Best to give him the benefit of the doubt.
He wasn't looking in the right direction to see what had caused Kozel's yelping, and the claim set the hairs on the back of his neck on end. "A wolf? Surely not...how big was it?" He asked, and sighed again as he shoved Kozel forward. "We are going to be -fine-, Kozel, now keep going. If we continue to dawdle we will -never- get back before dark, and..." The breath left him as he trailed off, and he stared down at the sight that met them on the other side of the clearing he'd shoved them both into. The skull of the massive deer stared right back at him, and he shuddered, unable to control himself.
"We should hurry."
Wardwood Mule
(kozel)
Either due to luck or your own tracking skills you discover a fine hair caught low to the ground on a branch, almost invisible against the mottled loam of the forest floor. This is good evidence of an animal's trail.
(zharkov)
You happen upon a clearing. At the very center lies a fairy circle of mushrooms, unusually large, and though the clearing is abandoned you experience an eerie sensation of being of watched.
Any other time, Kozel would have been outraged by Zharkov literally pushing him around and being so dismissive, but seeing as he was on the verge of a breakdown, he gladly let himself be herded away even if he couldn't understand how the other man could be so calm at a time like this. Nearly wailing as he clung to the dazed rabbit, he tried to describe the enormous proportions of the wolf, all jaws and teeth, he totally saw its teeth, and its eyes they were so cold you don't understand... Yes, it was possible Zharkov didn't understand, as Kozel had since turned to speaking frantically in his more familiar Katchian tongue, so close to Zharkov's own Okrainan language and yet, as any native from either rival country would be quick to tell, distinctly different. Or maybe that was just the stammering.
Mercifully, Kozel fell silent once he realized his friend had also abruptly stopped, and foolishly followed his gaze to see why. Even more mercifully, he managed to choke back the shriek building in his chest and the bile rising in his throat at the sight of the skeleton. Never mind that it was obviously not fresh—he knew that "wolf" he had seen had done this, and they would be next if they stuck around. So, he took Zharkov's suggestion, 'we should hurry,' and ran with it, literally, tearing out of the clearing without looking back. He didn't get very far, however, the forest apparently determined to lay the warnings on thick as he found himself stumbling, but not falling!, skidding instead to an ungraceful halt as he doubled over in breathless sobbing.
He didn't even care if he looked cowardly, in fact admitting it loud and proud as he declared his surrender. "No more, Zharkov, I can't take anymore. I want out of here, I give up, forget the tree I just want to leave." Tears fell onto the dazed and confused rabbit's fur, who only ever wanted some more mushrooms, uncomprehending of the foreign curses Kozel slung at the Wardwood. But, as adrenaline wore off, he began to collect himself again when he spotted a hair snagged on a branch. Terror giving way to indignant anger, he stalked over and snatched it up.
"The wolf! It was a playing tricks on us," he sniveled, dropping the hair and petulantly crushing it underfoot for good measure. "I have had enough of these games. We are leaving." He tried to sound sure, but embarrassment obviously tinged his words as he was unable to look at Zharkov, instead settling his gaze back down onto the rabbit as he stroked its back.
~~~~~
Zharkov had scoffed and rolled his eyes at Kozel's quivering description of the so-called wolf, and began to scold him as he babbled on, so that their voices were a cacophony of upset blubbering and snapping. When the sight of the skeleton finally rendered both of them silent, it took a short time for Zharkov to gather his thoughts...but by then, it was too late. He almost fell over as Kozel tore off through the brush, and let out a growl as he watched the man flee. Yes, just leave me here, I will surely be able to fight off the 'wolf' when it comes to get us. Even his thoughts were steeped in sarcasm, even though he didn't think it was a wolf that Kozel had seen. He started off after him, as slow and careful as he'd ever been. "Kozel, slow down, you fool!"
He was glad when Kozel stopped, amazed that he hadn't fallen down in his flight. "Kozel, it was dead! Long dead!" He called, as if he thought it was calm the man's nerves. When he finally reached his friend's side again, he was panting softly and still had a little scowl on his face. However, as Kozel announced his resignation his eyebrows rose in surprise, and relief. The sight of the tears on Kozel's face was startling, too, but Zharkov decided to be charitable and say nothing of it. "It certainly took you a long time to come around." he murmured slyly, unable to resist at least a bit of ribbing as the Katchian was distracted by his newest find. Zharkov tilted his head as he watched the other slink over to retrieve it, brow furrowing once again.
"Kozel, I am sure there are no wolves. They are much noisier than you think, and we would know if they were here." He tried to reason (with a bit too much confidence) as he watched the Katchian stamp the fur into the dirt. "That could be any fur." He mumbled, and allowed the conversation to fall into silence after the man's final announcement. "Let us go, then. I am sure it won't take us all that long to find the way out." He responded agreeably. The light in the forest was plenty dim, and he knew it would take some doing, but he hoped to find the way back sooner rather than later.
Zharkov readjusted his hold on the hawk and waited a moment for Kozel, smiling weakly to himself. He was tired and cold, but there was no denying that their misguided trip through the woods had been somewhat entertaining. "Are you going to be alright?" He asked in a quiet voice, glancing back, and not being sarcastic, for once.
Wardwood Mule
(kozel)
You happen upon a blood-spattered branch, but there is no sign of the creature that once sat there. Investigating further, however, you find a few tattered hawk feathers lost among the leaves. This scene tells a story you will probably never know.
(zharkov)
You hear the loud pop of a branch breaking deeper in the forest. After a moment of consideration, taking in the dense bluish mist rising from the forest floor, you set off in the sound's direction. It could be nothing, but it's worth investigating… as long as you're careful.
