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Post by thenarrator on Jul 14, 2014 20:27:44 GMT -8
The first night at the newly settled town was quiet and peaceful. Nothing stirred, no fresh disasters appeared to rob the humans of their slumber. All was well.
The second night an unknown shadow roamed over the town that night. No one awoke, but the human's dreams turned dark and all the creatures tossed and turned fitfully throughout the night. But when dawn arrived all was well.
The third night was when first blood was spilled. Two of the communal Saydars had simply vanished, leaving nothing behind but a stain in the grass. The small community was on edge that day. As night approached they knew nothing good would come from the darkness.
The fourth night confirmed their fears. Near midnight the Saydars could be heard screeching from every corner of the town. As the humans and their bondeds rushed to see what had caused the Saydar's distress they came upon a creature which had not been seen in the Weyr for generations. It's bright silver eyes glowed in the faint light as it stared at the beings that dared to interrupt its meal. Dropping the Saydar it had clutched in its jaws the creature let out a terrifying roar and lept into the air. Flapping its giant wings into the wind the creature had soon disappeared off into the night.
The gathered beings stood in stunned silence. Finally one dragon broke the silence. Was that a Manticore? Cries of That's impossible and I thought they were all dead soon followed. Those creatures that knew what a Manticore was were all soon embroiled in a fierce arguement about the likelihood of a Manticore's existence and whether or not one would come into town. Quietly one of the humans finally spoke, "Well, whatever it was, we can't just let it keep doing this. I don't know about the rest of you but I say we need to hunt it down before it kills the rest of our Saydars and starts coming after us. Who's with me?"
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Post by Duzell on Jul 14, 2014 20:48:23 GMT -8
Duzell wasn't entirely certain why he had volunteered to lead a hunt, especially given that he was utterly awful at any form of combat. But he did understand that there was no way he could just stand by and do nothing. He had his own group of Saydars and various other creatures that would be unable to protect themselves. So no, he did not have much in the way of combat skill to add to this venture. What he did have was an excellent knowledge of the surrounding areas from all the exploring he and Saint had been doing lately. The creature had gone off towards the mountains, and while he had not entirely memorized the layout of that area he certainly had been there before. Now, if he could just recruit some fighters and hopefully someone good at tracking they would be in business.
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Taki
Handler
Posts: 333
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Post by Taki on Jul 16, 2014 5:31:38 GMT -8
Taki stood at the edge of the crowd, listening to what was going on and sensing their worry and fear. She'd not been where when the creature had been sighted, having arrived shortly after it had vanished from sight, but could gather enough from their words that this manticore was a danger. Despite being small, and not a fighter, the instinct to help if at any way possible that ran so strong in her kind made her speak up.
*Um... I'd like to help... if I can, somehow. I'm not a fighter or anything, but if I get close to it, maybe - maybe I can figure out why it's doing this?* It was a chance, she knew, but she'd interpreted animal emotions before, and if this manticore was as smart as the other creatures she'd encountered, it could work!
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Post by Tidfe on Jul 16, 2014 15:09:30 GMT -8
That first night was okay. Cain just sat there nursing his wounds from being stupid and watched the town. Nothing happened, though he didn't really expected anything to happen.
The next night was a different story. Cain didn't sleep so he escaped the dreams but saw the shadowy figure. Every time he tried to get a closer look though, it would get out of sight. He finally gave up as the light of dawn lightened up everything. Rubbing the back of his skull, he ignored as Brains stretched out of his eyesocket to look around sleepily.
The night after that, Cain was prowling the streets. A shadow like that could only mean misfortune was not far behind. Cain wanted to try and prevent that from happening. Finding the stains in the grass proved just how unsuccessful he was.
Least on the fourth night, the mystery was finally revealed. He almost wished it had stayed a mystery. Manticores was no fun in his dimension and he doubted they would be any more fun in this one.
Coming up behind Taki, Cain moved to rest a hand lightly on her shoulder. Hopefully the gesture did not freak her out. He hadn't really interacted much with her and did not know how she would react with him being what he is. "I'm a fighter. If you need to get close to this beast, I'll hold it for you. Or at least makes sure it eats me first." Chuckling, he looked up and gave Duzell his creepy grin. He really needed to work on smiling.
"Besides, I need to make sure you guys don't get yourself killed. I don't need a chewing out from anyone if you die too soon." It was hard to foretell who was on Death's list next, but the skeleton seriously doubted Duzell or Taki were on there today.
(200 Challenge: Foretell, Misfortune - 309 words)
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Taki
Handler
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Post by Taki on Jul 16, 2014 16:32:12 GMT -8
Taki's ear had turned towards Cain as he approached, so when he touched her she didn't even twitch, just looked up at him and smiled. Despite their lack of interaction with each other, she'd seen him interacting with others and his Bondeds, so she thought she had a faint grasp on his personality, or at least his demeanor, and everything she'd seen made her think he was a friend.
*Well, hopefully it won't be just the three of us,* she replied, reaching up to pat his hand with hers and giggling softly at his 'creepy grin,' not put off in the slightest. Being a relatively fearless, easygoing fae had its advantages sometimes, especially when making friends.
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Post by Tidfe on Jul 16, 2014 21:46:33 GMT -8
Cain had to admit, he wasn't expecting acceptance so soon and had to chuckle a little at her friendly nature. "I doubt it. If the knight is any where about, we will probably have him with us. After all, it is his job to protect the weak. Though I don't know if he had any experience with manticores. What about you? Know anything about the beasts?" Knowledge was power after all and the more you know, the better your chances of coming out alive. Usually.
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Taki
Handler
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Post by Taki on Jul 17, 2014 3:59:18 GMT -8
She giggled at his laugh, sensing his surprise and maybe even a bit of pleasure at being welcomed. Yeah, she'd heard about the walking dead from a paladin she'd traveled with once, but Cain didn't seem all that bad to her, not from what she'd seen. In answer to his question, though, Taki had to shake her head.
*No. I've only seen a picture once, on a tapestry. I didn't even get a glimpse of the one everyone's talking about. I just know I want to help, however I can. It must be pretty big and scary, the way everyone's so upset. Did you see it?*
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Post by Terris on Jul 17, 2014 17:19:51 GMT -8
Terris remembered manticores, battled them several centuries ago, back in the realm he used to call home, and hated the things with the firey passion of a thousand suns. And so it was, that, after the initial decision to start a hunt, Terris had gone back to his new home in order the pack his supplies.
I don't understand why I cant come! Ianoth complained.
"Because you are too small yet to be hunting manticores, they are dangerous and can kill a dragon, and I am not going to lose you!" he said sternly, then moved to remove the sack of sugar from his pack that whisper had so kindly deposited there.
"Whisper, I'm supposed to be packing light. Sugar is not light" he said, laughing as he put a pack of saydar jerky in its place and inspected the contents of the bag like a tidewaiter looking for contraband on a merchant ship.
"Well, I guess that's it" he said reluctantly, strapping on his swords and affixing his helmet, (well, technically Whisper's helmet now, but the eld'rani still allowed him to use it). He made his way around back, saddled and mounted Stupid, the nearly completely white saydar, and rode back to the square at a steady lope, Whisper following alongside.
He saw the little group, dismounted, and led the bird along by the bridle as he approached.
"Well" he sighed. "I guess I'm ready"
(100 word challegne - tidewaiter - 240ish words)
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Post by Tidfe on Jul 17, 2014 20:13:24 GMT -8
Cain shook his head. "Nope. Didn't catch this one. Saw it a couple of nights ago or at least its shadow. But I've fought with them before. Had to replace my pelvic bone cause of it." He tapped the hip bone as he spoke to let Taki know which one he was talking about. He had no idea if she knew the bone names yet alone if they were even the same name across all the dimensions. "This is my third one. I don't know why, but everything tries to go after my hips. It is like they think if 'I hit this, he will be down for the count.'" Shrugging, he watched as Able thread his way through the crowd, Garland on his back. Apparently the others had decided to stay home. Just as he figured that out Basaol had come too. You are not leaving without me. I do not want to lose you. The Phoenix spirit then settled on Cain's skull even as the skeleton attempted a scowl. He still didn't like the bird spirit and could feel it as she sunk a little into his skull.
"Guess I am too. You leading Terris?"
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Post by Terris on Jul 17, 2014 21:28:41 GMT -8
Terris shook his head. "No, not me, this is Duzell's party, and besides..." he tapped the heavy duty crossbow strapped to his back. "It is probably better if I stick to the rear unless the beast lands, I'll be more useful as a ranged fighter I think, but don't worry, Stupid is quick, and I can get to the vanguard quickly if it looks like melee combat is in order." he sighed then, his eyes suddenly sad. He had thought his life of battle was done with, had started making a new life, and now, he found himself slipping back into the old ways, the old training coming to the fore...and the old memories. He did not voice any of this, it was all to personal, and too hard to articulate, instead, he complained....
"I really, really hate manticores"
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Taki
Handler
Posts: 333
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Post by Taki on Jul 18, 2014 4:15:00 GMT -8
Taki nodded as Cain described the frequency of his injuries. His theory seemed as sound as any she could come up with, such as they were just constantly trying for body shots and, well, on a skeleton that would be either ribs or pelvis, 50-50.
She smiled seeing Terris approach fully geared up for battle. With the party that so far had assembled, she was beginning to feel pretty confident that they would get to the bottom of this situation! She listened to the knight's plan of action, agreeing that the back was likely the best place for herself as well... then she frowned, catching a bit of the sadness in him. She could see it in his eyes, and empathically feel it too. The strongest desire of her kind surged up, and a bit timidly, as she'd not had much interactions with him either, she touched his arm and Drew a bit of the sadness out from him into herself. It gave her no understanding of the source, nor given they were about to head out soon did she dare draw more than the surface away, but it would hopefully ease his heart, and not let it cloud his mind in the fight, if there was one. She shuddered as she pulled her hand away and let the sadness diffuse within, hoping she'd not offended him by her attempt at helping - usually her kind asked permission first, but given the situation, she didn't know if there was time for it and all the explanations or not.
As she shook the last bits of the sorrow away, Tam'kar bumped up against her back.
I'm coming too, the newly-four tailed kitsune spoke up. I may not be fully grown yet, but at the least I can help protect you, Taki. Taki just smiled, stroking his heat as he nuzzled her.
*And I'm in as well, for what help I can offer! Tam'kar and I both.*
((OOC: Hope you're not offended by her 'offer' of help, Terris!))
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Post by Amerlan on Jul 20, 2014 16:33:16 GMT -8
Amerlan walked through the dark of her back yard. Something definitely stank. The putrid smell of something fermenting made her eyes water. Covering her nose with her hand she called out to Artemis, "I need a light, could you come over here?" A soft gust of wind on her cheek was the only thing that announced the golden birds arrival. Even while perched on her head Amerlan could just only discern the weight of the Spirit Animal.
The area in front of her was awash with a subtle yellow glow, and just feet from where she stood Amerlan could make out the mangled body of a Saydar. Thankfully its odd coloring marked it as not one of her own. "What do you think could have made this mess?"
Artemis cocked her head back and forth. "Ekho says there's a gathering in the Town Square. We should join the others."
Amerlan nodded her agreement. What ever this thing was it had to be nasty. "Seroth. Stay here and watch over the younglings. Don't let Lianth and Aelluth kill each other. I'll be back soon." She called out through the bond knowing full well her Dragons were awake and worried. What type of thing could scare a Dragon? "Cinth come with us. We may need a little Dragon fire power."
Mounting Cinth when he came over they trotted off to the town square where a large group had already gathered. She spotted Ekho sitting off to the side and urged Cinth over to her before dismounting. Artemis had since moved to perch on her shoulder. She had insisted she help Amerlan find this nasty beast.
Joining the others she took her place among the group. "So what is this thing anyways? It left a nasty surprise in my yard."
(( 200 word challenge : Fermentation : 297 words))
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Post by Duzell on Jul 20, 2014 21:02:21 GMT -8
Duzell was glad to see that he would not be alone in facing this Manticore, although he still was not entirely certain how and why he had become the leader of this particular expedition. He was glad for Terris’ crossbow and he knew that Cain couldn’t die, at least not really. He had never seen Amerlan fight but she appeared to know what she was doing. He and Taki may not be much help in an actual fight but he was sure they could be plenty useful regardless. However, it wasn’t just the humans that would be lending this hunt their strength. Those gathered had called their strongest bonded to them and were preparing to move out. Duzell turned to where Cain, Terris and Taki were standing. “Would one of you mind fining Amerlan in while I go get my things ready?” After hearing their replies he turned and headed back for his home behind the inn.
Nysath was outside the small house waiting for him. Before Duzell could even get a word out Nysath spoke. I saw it and I am coming to help you kill it. Those monsters hunted Dragons long ago and our ancestors did their best to drive them from the Weyr. We believed they were successful, but clearly we were wrong. Of course I would prefer it if you would stay here. Duzell looked up at Nysath confused “Why?” Nysath snorted. Because the Manticore is a highly dangerous monster and you are no fighter. It will rip you to shreds. I am not going to allow that. Duzell was actually touched. Up until this point it was ambiguous as to whether Nysath cared about him at all. Mostly Duzell figured that Nysath thought of him as “the numbskull human he got stuck with” but apparently the dragon really did care.
“I wish I could just let you go in my place. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. But I’ve already made a commitment. Even if I’m no help in the actual fight I’m still going.” Nysath sighed. I figured you would say something stupid to that effect. I already told Saint and Ereth to keep an eye on the other creatures and to keep them in the stables should that creature double back on us. You will have to ride one of the Saydars, I will not be able to fight as well in the air if I am worried about you falling. Duzell grinned and went to gather his gear. “You know, you keep talking like that and might actually start to think you care.” Nysath just huffed as Duzell went inside and gathered some supplies. His only weapon was still just his knife. Maybe he could ask if someone had something he could borrow that he wouldn’t kill himself with. Finally he tossed a saddle over Fitzgerald and rode back to the town square with Nysath following him close behind.
Ooc: 400 word challenge, 491 words, numbskull, ambiguous
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Leyora
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Posts: 316
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Post by Leyora on Jul 25, 2014 2:38:00 GMT -8
Leyora's new home was somewhat estranged from the rest of the town as she had a house set almost perfectly between the Oasis and the sands of the Nexus. The Inn was also not too far to ride to on days when Cyrus was agreeable. So when the commotion occurred at her saydar pen, her first act had been to check on the rest of her pets and bondeds. Save for a few frayed nerves, everyone else seemed to be fine, though. She didn't like this one bit, though. She asked Eyrdith to contact the other dragons and see what she could find out. when word was relayed back to her about the hunting party, Leyora hurried to fill a travel sack that she had found in her barn. Light food provisions were tossed in along with rope, mortar and pestle, and smaller pouches of various herbs that she could turn into poultices. She feared injury might be inevitable, this time. Various other odds and ends that seemed useful also went in the bag. Those that shared her bond were restless and more than a little unhappy. They knew she was planning to meet with the others and see if she could join in the hunt. It was likely going to take every able bodied person available to bring down what ever that thing was.
Foam, Dusk, and Baroque begged her not to go and she gave them each a hug and a kiss as if she were holding children of her own blood, promising them that she would be alright. Tigress and Rasmus eagerly offered to come with her, but she declined gently, reminding them that if there is by chance more than one, then the young bonds and other animals will need a pair of brave protectors. Secretly she hoped it did not come to that. "You will NOT refuse me, dear. I am going and that is that!" Leyora drew in a rough breathe. "I know I can't, Eyrie. That is why you and Cyrus are coming with me. I'll take Splitzen too. The snake's venom might come in handy." Cyrus sent both displeasure and agreement through the bond. As she spoke she was sliding on a quiver of arrows and a short recurve bow that she had also found tucked away in her house. There were other weapons too, but she had no idea how to use them. The short bow felt natural to her, though from years of hunting to provide meals for her family in her old world.
Making sure everyone was tucked away in a safe place, the only creature she couldn't find was Kapelle. She supposed his being a spirit bond would make him immune to attacks, but it bothered her that he was missing. Eyrdith sent a gentle reminder that they should go, though, so Leyora gently tied her pack to Cyrus, wrapped Splitzen around her neck and mounted up. as they made their way to the gathering, she became vaguely aware Kapelle's presence, more by the mirthful tingling in the bond at her not seeing him, than by the fact that he had been hovering mere inches above her head, trying not to let out in musical sounds. He failed. By the time the small company arrived on the scene, Kapelle was blissfully bugling the order for a charge. "Kaps! Knock it off! this is serious!" She hissed. The spirit bond made a musically defeated sound and resorted to ever so quietly humming marching tunes. She supposed she should be glad someone was excited about this venture. She dreaded it, but this new threat must be dealt with.
Turning to the rest of the townsfolk she added, "I'm ready, also. Hope I'm not late. Whatever that thing was, it made quite the mess at my place, too."
((500 Word Challenge: inevitable, venture, estrange = 637 words))
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Post by Tidfe on Jul 25, 2014 20:06:49 GMT -8
"Join the club there Terris," the skeleton would mumble under his breath as Basaol settled onto his shoulder, preening her spirit feathers. Able sat and leaned against Cain's leg as Amerlan showed up. Another spirit animal was on the scene as well and Cain had to admit, grudgingly, that they may come in handy. Since not exactly solid (he had seen Basaol go through cave walls after all), they could distract the manticore without getting hurt.
Granted, he didn't know that the stronger bonded of them became more solid. He still refused to acknowledge the spirit phoenix more than necessary.
As Amerlan asked what the hell was going on (though not in so many words), Cain looked toward Duzell to see what he would do. After all, Terris had named him leader and Cain was wiling to follow him into battle. Least he looked like he was not a reckless sort of leader that would get them all killed. Hearing the question order of one of them filling in the elf (yes, Cain still though of her as an elf and had let to be given a lesson), he turned to her. "Manticore. Big beast that, at least where I am from, doesn't exactly like people. Lion's head. Scorpion tail. Bat wings. Least, that is the kind I'm familiar with. I'm not sure if this one will be the same. Either way, it is a danger to all here. Including our dragons."
Cain couldn't contain the shudder at the thought that it might have gone after Dorth these past nights and there was not guarantee that it would not come after her in the future. Cain would do anything not lose his dragon. As much as she could be annoying at times.
Seeing Duzell go off, Basaol rose and followed, not knowing he wasn't quite leaving yet. I will follow in the sky. My Cain, try to be careful! You too Able. She was concerned for her bonded, even if he choose to ignore her half the time. Basaol knew he cared...It just didn't show a lot. Seeing Duzell was just gathering up supplies, Basaol flew back and past the town square. Might as well get some scouting in now. Might help later on.
Able shook himself and stood up. Ready Cain? Want a ride? Cain shook his head as Leyora rode up. Tipping his head to her, he tried to hide his worry. Not that he succeeded much with his bonded. "Leyora. No. You are not too late. Manticore. You weren't hurt were you?" The worry slipped into his voice and he tried to hide it. He did not want her along. Far as he knew, she wasn't a fighter and he did not want to see his friend hurt. Terris could handle himself. Duzell might be able to handle himself. Amerlan...Come to think of it, Cain wasn't too sure on her either. Maybe they should leave the women here?
He promptly slapped himself mentally for that thought. Nope. Women could fight just as well as men and Cain knew that. Many a witch had almost crushed his skull a time or two, so he wasn't about to tell Amerlan and Leyora no, they couldn't come. Did not mean he would not still worry for them. "Are you coming with us?" The skeleton prayed her answer would be no, but knew it was probably going to be yes.
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