Imfazl quickly gets up and stares down the the wretched beast that attacked him.
Kaze o stands, shield raised towards the beast. A devious glint sparkles in his eye.
Quimkithe lines up her shot and lets loose a shaft of death.
Sadira and Tamarelle close on the battle scene, but Tamarelle, unrestricted by armor, is able to almost catch up to her mother, even though she had a greater distance to cover. Quimkithe pulls up and fires an arrow, but the beast is still out of the regular range of her bow, and the tall grass makes the beast hard to discern, thus her arrow falls short of its target into the tall grass. Imfazl stands up and makes ready to destroy the beast, as does Kaze o; however, Kaze o's proximity to the beast makes him a target of its ire. As he stands, shield at the ready, the beast lashes out with one claw clanging off of Kaze o's shield, but then the beast pounces on him once again, and again its massive maw and one claw sink into flesh. Blood gushes from giant gashes and Kaze o falls to the ground unconscious. If something isn't done quickly, the beast will more than likely rip out his throat, and snuff out his life.
Sadira runs to get to where the cat is and gets right next to Kaze o.
Sadira yells random profanities at the catlike beast.
Tamarelle knows she is too far to fire her bow so she moves another 30 feet toward the beast to get a better shot.
haha, Kaze o valiantly risked his life to save mine. Time to return the favor!
Imfazl steps towards the beast and swings, yelling
FOR YOU KAZE O!!!
Kaze o begins to black out, but not before he sees Imfazl deliver a debilitating blow to the beast. His adrenaline quits pumping almost immediately after he blacks out. Wounds which were letting out a substantial amount of blood, slow to a trickle. His breathing slows to a steady, calm rhythm.
Quimithe, after seeing Imfazl devastating attack, moves forward another 30 feet, and lets another arrow fly.
As Sadira stands defiantly over the body of her comrade Kaze o, she watches as her daughter's arrow flies harmlessly over all their heads. Then Imfazl slashes down with his greatsword with such force that he slices through flesh, tendon, and into bone. The earless cat mews a whimpering cry of pain, and staggers for a moment, then Quimkithe's arrow comes flying in a deadly arc, and lands right in the beast's shoulder, sinking in with a sickening sklursh. Imfazl lifts a triumphant laugh to the skies, and waves the beast on. Come get me! he shouts. The beast obliges, pouncing to bite and scratch him, but Imfazl deftly dodges the animal, and takes only a minor scratch from one claw.
Sadira turns and heals Kaze o
As Sadira concentrates on the spell she temporarily opens up her defenses, and the cat uses the opportunity to attack. It lands a small bite on Sadira's flank.
Sadira shakes off the scratch and completes her spell bringing Kaze o back to consciousness. The first thing he sees upon waking is her beautiful smiling face haloed by the setting sun.
Tamarelle angrily fires another shot at the cat
Kaze o's eyes flutter open. He realizes that he isn't dead and hears the sounds of combat ensuing next to him. He stands up and his primal instincts take hold. An icy rage wells up deep inside of him and he lashes out at the beast with his teeth.
Blood runs down his face, Don't think you can kill me so easily, saunac faooas!
Kaze o's primal rage fuels his attack, and he clamps down on the cat's jugular artery, spewing blood across the grass, and pouring a stream in between his pristine white teeth. The earless cat falls to the ground with twitches and spasms. Everyone breaths a sigh of great relief. This battle looked to be turning downhill quickly, but now everyone is alive, including the horses, and, for the time being, it appears Fire and Ice is safe. Pale orange light continues to bathe the land as the sun crests the western horizon, setting behind the majestic trees of the Fierani Forest.
Imfazl proceeds to cut open the panther like beasts stomach searching for treasure.
Kaze o spits into the grass beside him. Filthy creature. He then walks back to the carriage to find his soap.
Everyone get around me, lets see if Magdh can help us
Quimkithe stands still for several seconds. When no other demonic beasts come crashing through the tall grass she relaxes her muscles and lowers her bow. With a shake of her head she surveys the two dead beasts and the injured horse ugh, if only I could transform... I know I wouldn't have missed a single shot, stupid horses she mutters to herself. She then turns back to her companions and crosses the remaining hundred feet or so. How is everyone?
I'm fine, the more important question is how are the horses?
Quimkithe gives Sadira a look no, the more important question is how are Imfazl and Kaze o?
Kaze o looks at his wounds but his tail catches his eye. It is covered in filth. My wounds aren't what is bothering me. It is mostly the state that my tail is in...
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Good, how are you, Imfazl?
Tired, I'm going back to bed. But first i'll take care of these things I've got to focus more in battle, I should of been the one to kill that beast, not Kaze o! This exhaustion should soon pass, but I should still get my full nights rest. Imfazl cuts open the bellys of the other two beasts rather forcibly, searches for any items, then limps back by the fire. He lays down, practically hugging the fire and seems to enjoy being so close to such a fiery blaze.
Quimkithe smiles, well, I'm glad everyone will live. If you're all good for the night lets go check on the horses.
Sadira walks over and heals the horse that was attacked
Sadira then gathers everyone around and channels her divine power
Sadira begins to examine the beast a little more carefully
Quimkithe notices that Sadira is examining the dead body of one of the beasts and joins her. Hdd, I varbou kl't kl'rst 't. Eqor v'kl dv ozkort'qo xravrobso ag klo v'rb aerb klo doaetkt klaek r'qo 'r 'k I bar'k xrav. So, Sadira. Any idea what this thing is?
After Kaze o's wounds were healed, he looks around for a nearby water source and begins the tedious task of scrubbing dirt and blood from his coat. With such a near death experience this early on, I'm beginning to become increasingly uneasy about this whole thing. We were almost caught by surprise and my ability to predict the actions of my enemy was sorely lacking. Even my minor mistake almost cost me my life. At least I kept Imfazl from harm and he drew the beast from me in my weakened state. Maybe my plan is working after all, and he felt some obligation to protect me because I protected him, or maybe he was fueled by his anger toward the beast and in his blind rage he managed to draw it away as a side effect. Whatever the case I am just grateful that I am still alive.
Imfazl begins to dream....
He's in a dark forrest chasing someone. He doesn't know who it is, but knows he must stop whomever it is.
Ahh! These trees are endless! Stop this foolish chase! I WILL catch you! Imfazl pants towards this mysterious figure running quickly ahead of him. Im closing the gap! Wait, is that just another clearing ahead or am I finally out of the woods? Yes! Imfazl bursts forth from the woods like a lightning bolt, but quickly slows down as he sees the bulky figure stop in front of a house. A familiar house. Why did he stop? No! It can't be! What's he doing at my mothers house?! Blast! He just walked in! MOTHER!! Imfazl tries to sprint towards the house, but finds that his legs won't move. He hears yelling. "Better to suffer than die by your hands, son!" Imfazl's frustration turns to confusion Wait, did she just say son? Realization strikes Imfazl with the force of speeding dragon. The figure comes out of the house and turns towards Imfazl, making eye contact. It's himself. Suddenly the house bursts into flames and the words "Better to suffer than die by your hands son!" Seem to echo louder and louder. The woods slowly creep in, practically choking the house, until they too catch fire. Imfazl tries to run in amongst the flames, but his legs still aren't working properly. The best he can do is a slow walk. he yells out in helpless anguish. All of a sudden he feels a hand clamp down on his shoulder. He spins around to see a figure cloaked in a shimmery light, unscathed by the flames. Wake up the man says patiently. Imfazl whispers imploringly Darius?
When Imfazl wakes up his face is in the fire, quickly evaporating his tears. He looks around and sees Sadira and Quim looking at one of the dead beasts. Happy to get away from his own thoughts for a bit, he silently joins them and tries to cheerfully say You know what this thing is?
they are krenshar they are normally found here and quite enjoy pulling back their face for all to see.
Tamarelle unrolls her bed roll and olaces it on the ground. She lies down, very exhausted from todays battle, and quickly falls asleep.
Hmm, do they normally hunt in packs of two, or should we be keeping a watch out for the rest of them?
Kaze o finishes with his cleansing and heads toward the group huddled around the body of the dead beast. I don't much care what they are as long as there aren't anymore of them. Now I think it would be beneficial for us to catch a bit of shut eye. We still have plenty ahead of us, and it only gets more difficult from here on out. I'll take first watch again. Kaze o then props himself against a tree and scans his surroundings glancing back every so often to assure his companions well-being.
Imfazl lays down again, this time a little bit further from the fire. He quickly falls into a deep sleep.
After waiting for a response from Sadira for several long and quiet minutes Quimkithe realizes that an answer will not be forthcoming, so she decides to follow the example set by Imfazl and Kaze o and settle down for the rest of the night. She clambers onto the top of the carriage where she will have the least obstructed view in case they are attacked again. After taking final glance around the camp to make sure everything is in order she goes to sleep
Sadira stares blankly ahead for a while not doing anything just thinking about her day I may need to start a diary of some sort hmm after slowly noticing everyone but Kaze o sleeping, Sadira lays down to rest for the night until the last watch in the morning.
Thank the stars and gods, after the harrowing battle with the krenshars, the night passes peacefully and restfully. The full moon played hide and seek through thick ice-clouds throughout the night. A bit of a chill settled into the ground over night, but as the sun crests the eastern horizon, the ground starts to warm, and the clouds have moved out. If the day's travel goes well Fire and Ice should be at the ferry crossing of the Sellen river that leads directly to the hilltop city of Dabril by late afternoon or early evening. With any luck, Fire and Ice could be entering Dabril's gates near dusk. Sadira finishes her prayers, seeking Magdh's blessings and divine power for the day. She then adds fresh fuel to their fire, and wakes up the rest of her traveling companions. The day awaits, and hope swells in the breast of every companion.
Good morning, everyone rest well?
Quimkithe sits up and stretches. I slept well enough, but those horses are really starting to annoy me. I really wish I could just transform into my half wolf form and sleep with a warm covering of fur. She then rolls off of the roof of the carriage and lands on her feet. She then moves towards the fire and begins to break her fast with some cold, hard rations.
Imfazl quietly wakes up, rubs his eyes and quickly chugs some water. After a few huge gulps he pauses to release a belch loud enough to raise the dead. I slept like a new born pup, how about you Sadira?
Kaze o yawns and stretches. He unequips his lighter armor and dons his heavier full plate. To bad your face isn't quite as charming as one Imfazl. Kaze o throws a wink his way and pulls out his sword. He gives it a few practice slashes before sheathing it and making his way towards to fire for breakfast.
Quimkithe's lips twitch with amusement. True, but having a dog's face is more your area of expertise, right, Kaze o?
Kaze o grimaces at the remark, Vulpine. Not dog. . You are a dog, and I am a fox. They are two completely different things, although I shouldn't expect one of your intellectual caliber to understand such things.
Quimkithe's face starts to morph and become wolfish before she remembers the horses and stops her transformation. I am a wolf, a Canis lupus, not Canis lupus familiaris. They are two completely different things, although I shouldn't expect one of your intellectual caliber to understand such things.
Kaze o gives a sly smile Touché...