Closed [The Bronze Woods] The Serpent and The Spots (Savitaire)

[Blizzard]

Fall 65th, 512AV

After paying 100GM to get into Syliras quickly, Blizzard had been dropped off right at the border where she bounded into the forest quickly with her stuff tied to her. She had evacuated her temporary den in Kalea and left for home. Or her temporary home again. Something like that! The Kelvic was blossoming into her old self. Her bloodlust was almost done and was close to finishing it's course. Here it was at it's strongest and it was all she could do to try and not rip the poor sailor's head off.

Blizzard had saw the tracks of an animal and she had dropped her stuff off at a nearby tree marked with her carved "B" and snowflake. The tracks were a petching good size! She had seen about the equivalent in Kalea, but these were a bit smaller. She would track them for her small meal on the boat would only subdue her hunger for about a week. She was starving and her bloodlust was making her want to find anything and shred it. Hunger and her bloodlust didn't mix well. That's all her mind thought about now a days and that wasn't a good thing. You've gotta get this fixed and soon. This is... this is really petching your mind up pretty damn bad.

Her large white coat shifted from shades of grey to shades of pure snow white as the shadows she drifted in and out of changed. Along with those shades of grey and white was those black rosettes that expanded and shrunk with every move her agile and muscular body made. Her claws were partially outstretched giving her a better grasp of the ground in which she tread upon. Her body frame was low to the ground as her short legs carried her swiftly yet silently through the forest. With every gust of wind the trees moved and fall birds could be heard screeching. This is where she belonged. The forest.

Her wide snow shoe like paws were placed quickly yet delicately and only a small trail of paw prints was being left behind her. She came along a set of trees that had been rubbed on freshly by horns of a bovine creature and Blizzard smiled on the inside. She was close, so close. She lifted her broad muzzle up and smelt the air, picking up on hints of musky deer that drove her bloodlust mad. Along with something else, like a musky but earthy smell sort of like... snake? Bahahaha! Not here, Blizzard! Your petching mind is crazy right now. Now get you ass on the move unless you wanna go hungry!

Blizzard picked up the pace and where she stepped became more careless along the cold path and she completely missed the large net before her and instantly ran across the half covered trap. It had leaves all over it which blended in perfectly with the stupid surroundings. "What the petch!?!?!" she hissed. She growled and let out several large and terrifying sounds trying to escape the net as she went straight into the air. She was trapped! Blizzard tried kicking and scratching the remembered she might could cut the ropes with her claw.

After trying for several times, she soon saw that only the fabrics was being cut away. The rope was double lined with a sort of metal thing. But it wasn't metal. Blizzard didn't know, but if she had a knife or something it could be broken. Well, might as well wait and die! No point in trying to escape when this shit ain't coming loose at all! Damn, you're screwed! I swear to the Gods, if I find out who did this I'm gonna claw their damn face to the ground then I'm gonna eat their feet one by one then I'm gonna shred their petching guts out with my claws and eat them in front of their decapitated head! What could she say? Her bloodlust made her a huge bitch!

More struggling and wriggling and kicking and growling and tearing was to no avail as she was still stuck in the petching net. After a few hours hanging in the air, she decided it was a lost cause. The deer had already moved on by now and she was stuck there. Left to die or until someone came and found her! Probably when she'd be too petching weak to fight against a sword. Blizzard sighed then stuck her paws between the net. Might as well get comfy. Of course, she still kicked and clawed at it with hope.

[Savitaire]

Savitaire had decided he would really hate the cold season, snow made it impossible to change shape without risk of hibernation and it was bloody cold. It didn’t stop him from taking walks in the forest, even if he was really starting to hate the cold. The night before had won him a nice cloak from one of the other Squires, they had decided to play some game that involved using hands to out muscle the other person, arm wrestling they called it. The first few he watched rather amused, till one of the other squires challenged him. At first he hadn’t wanted to, but the other man feeling confident offered his cloak, he hadn’t cared about the clothing, it was the attitude that annoyed him. So he took the bait and won, but didn’t keep going after that, he was grateful he won the cloak. He had been walking for about an hour and decided to head back when he heard the sounds of some angry beast. The roars were something like one of the creatures that stalked the jungle of his home, it made him curious.

As he got closer all he saw was a net and the occasional glimpse of white paws with black spots. Said paws also had claws as long as his fingers, he’d never heard of such a white spotted beast. He walked closer and kept his distance from the net lest he get a much closer look at what those claws could do. All the beast would see is a man curious, dressed in brown leather pants, brown leather boots, a long sleeved linen shirt, brown leather vest and a warm canvas fur lined cloak. Savitaire had his short black hair smoothed back from his face and his grey eyes watched warily as the creature within struggled. He’d catch glimpses of snow white fur, black spots and furious blue eyes. A white spotted, blue eyed cat, not that he knew what the creature was called however it was beautiful. He looked up at the tree studying the net, should he let it free? Seemed a shame to just let it struggle only to be killed by some hunter, so he decided that he’d try and get it free. “Don’t suppose you’d do me the favor of calming down and not trying to eat me eh beauty? Would seem a shame to be trying to free you only to get clawed for my efforts…”

His tone suggested he didn’t think it would work, after all the beast within the net was just some luckless critter. He walked up to the tree however his inspection proved that he’d not be able to climb it. His only option was to grab ahold of the net and use his strength to bring down the whole branch. He eyed the net again keeping an eye on the creature within getting a bit closer. He really didn’t want to get clawed, but he was close enough to see more of the creature within and his eyes lit upon it with wonder. He’d have to find out what it was after he managed to get it free, he’d never seen or even heard of such a creature. He reached out a hand slowly towards the net “I’m giving you a chance to play nice beauty, but claw me as I tug the net from the tree and I’ll leave you here.” He made eye contact with the animal, letting loose his Hypnotic talent “Just relax, I’m a friend…”

That would give the suggestion that he was indeed a friend, though he had to wait to see if it actually took hold. Would it work? Would he be able to help or would he lose flesh instead, that remained to be seen. He hardly used the hypnotism he learned, but he had to try everything else the spotted white cat would die.

[Blizzard]

Is that? Could that be? If this is the petching hunter already, I swear I'm going to strangle his neck and cut his jugular vein before the thought even crosses his mind of what he's dealing with! That petching son of a bitch! Wait 'til I sink my claws into his heart! The man possessed tanned skin for as much as she could see. He looked at her through pale eyes that reminded her much of her own somewhat. He was dressed in brown clothing from head to toe despite his cloak which varied slightly. Then he spoke in a calming voice and the large snow leopard brought her paws in, ready to get out when ready.

Hold up, now? So this isn't the hunter? Guess there are some good people out there after all!" So he was trying to free her, not kill her. Awesome. But damn, Blizzard, you can't tell if this man is lying! Either way she stopped struggling to get out and sat inside the net, staying put. He didn't want her to move and he made it apparent. Leave me up here?!? Hell no, you're gonna get me down from here you peasant! If it hadn't have been for her bloodlust, she probably would've been nicer about things but alas, that wasn't the case. Tomorrow and she'd be free from it's grasp! Forever, but Blizzard didn't know that.

He struggled and she could tell he would let her down as he examined the tree. Blizzard simply leaned up again the net and collapsed into a lying position as she waited for him to successfully bring it down. This might take a while. As he came closer, his details became more apparent and easier to see through the net. He had jet black hair and his eyes were silver. Like a pale grey silver that reminded her of her own fur when she moved between shadows. And his hair reminded her of a starless night with a missing moon. It was strange to see someone like that. She had never witness something so unique.

Then he let loose something that made her believe him either way with his eyes. She snarled and growled with bared teeth but her face soon fell to relaxed and calm as he hypnotized the snow leopard Kelvic. Blizzard simply licked her paws then thought to herself What the petch just happened? Her pale blue eyes none the less, watched him intently to see what he was doing. He's a friend, Blizzard. That's what happened. Blizzard's bloodlust failed to be fooled as it continued Are you petching kidding me, Blizzard? Attack him! ATTACK HIM! However, only Blizzard's soul listened to her conscience for it was over the bloodlust.

Blizzard rested her head on her large and comfortable paws as she watched the man. Her claws were retracted back into her paws and to pass the time, she simply cleaned them with her rough tongue. Well damn, just hurry up already! Blizzard's tail wrapped around her face, but before she could realize what would happen the net soon fell, and she barely managed to hop to her feet before crashing down to the ground. However, the net came on top of her and she stumbled hitting the ground either way. It looked rather funny from the outside as she struggled to get up, but she soon gave up on that too and laid down, looking at Savitaire through beaming blue eyes. She clawed at the top of the net with her claws, then when it was loose enough, she shoved her head through the opening at the top, then used her paws to push it open farther to where her entire body could rush out.

When it reached this point, Blizzard darted out of the net, being careful not to stumble on any nearby logs then stopped and looked at Savitaire with a half cocked head. Her white coat reflected the sun's rays as it glinted the small light rays off into his eyes. Blizzard slowly approached him then sat down in front of his feet about five feet away. With her being hypnotized, it was more like she was a large freaking lap cat than anything. She rolled on her back, paws in midair and looked at him. She felt as though she owed him something. Like, she felt the need to protect him for saving her. But it was more like a permanent want.

[Savitaire]

Her relaxing gave him confidence that he’d not be harmed, so he grabbed the net pulling it closer inch by inch till his hand grasped the rope and not the net its self. He kept pulling gritting his teeth and using all of his strength. Had he been in his Dhani form it would have been much faster, but he couldn’t risk changing in the cold. With a crack the branch snapped causing him to stumble back and nearly fall in to the snow. He moved quickly to open the top of the net before moving back and watching the beautiful animal get free. Out in the sun the cat’s full white, spotted coat shined showing that it was in the top of its form. Just from the angle of her head to the telltale sign she wasn’t a male, he knew how to tell male cats from females. She stopped a few feet from him rolling on her belly and making him grin, but inwardly he wondered why she was acting as she was. He squatted down not moving closer, the hypnotism shouldn’t be making her act as she was, could she be tame?

This saddened him as no predator should be someone’s pet. “Well look at you, truly a real beauty, you are most welcome for getting you free. I’d pet you eh? Though I don’t think that look in your eyes says you are some docile pet hmm? Lucky for us both I heard you, some fool hunter would have looked at your pretty coat and only seen the money he’d be able to get from it. Be careful next time, even winter holds traps for those who don’t pay attention.”

No, she didn’t watch him eager for pets like the cats he saw in the city, there was keen intelligence in those eyes and that spoke of long hours hunting, not getting cold meat from the hands that sought to own her. He stood up and smiled at her nodding before walking away, the sight of her was something he’d never forget. He wondered if the feline was a resident to the wood like he was, though he had a place to sleep courtesy of the fact he was now a Squire. The thoughts of the warm food, fire and bed made him glad he was able to make use of such luxury, though when the weather warmed up he’d be back within the forest. He didn’t mind sharing his territory with the spotted cat, one could have far worse becoming a neighbor. He looked over his shoulder at the beautiful animal and was very glad he had come out as far as he had despite it being cold.

[Blizzard]

Blizzard was extremely confused and simply watched as he began walking away Damn this form sometimes! Can't speak for nothing! Where are my clothes? The Kelvic sighed then ran back off in the direction of the tree marked with a "B". It was only a few couple yards away actually and Blizzard was surprised at how near it was. Actually, he was still within eye view. Blizzard shifted, and the cool air hit her disguise's skin instantly sending a jolt of chills down her spine. Then again, damn this form! Blizzard quickly through shaking hands undid the package and got her warm clothes on. The cool temperatures of the woods were soon shoved away by her pants, linen shirt, boots, fur shaw, and cloak.

Blizzard cleared her throat for it had been a while when talking to a stranger in the forest. Then again, this stranger had saved her ass from that trap. If she would've shifted in there she could've risked deformation to try and free herself. Either way, if it wasn't for him she'd be dying and trapped or dead and a fur rug. "Sir?" Blizzard began walking towards him as she caught up with him. Her white and black rosetted coat had been replaced with skin and clothes and her head was now full of blonde hair. Her claws had been replaced with nails and her paws had been replaced with hands and feet.

However, her canine teeth still remained as well as those sparkling crystal blue eyes that seemed to be fiery and ever moving "I just wanted to say, thank you soo much for saving my ass in that petching trap. Damn hunters, can't live with them!" Blizzard smiled as if forgetting what to do then held out her hand quickly "Oh I'm Blizzard by the way. Or Blitz whatever works best for you, I suppose." The Kelvic had a strange feeling in her stomach it was wierd. It wasn't like nauseating or sick like but just like anxiety. It felt so wierd and unsual. She definitely had never felt it. It was like she was compelled towards the man and ready to serve? What the petch? Hell no! Nuh u- her bloodlust was silenced Shut the petch up! You matter no more!

That was the last of her bloodlust for it was snapped in half like a twig, never to be heard from again. Blizzard was free from it's captivating pull now but what the petch was this feeling? Blizzard sighed, with eyebrows drawn together, and a quite puzzled look upon her face "I'm sorry, but am I the only one feeling that wierd feeling in my stomach?" The Kelvic scratched her head then sighed as a gust of wind spread through the forest, tossing her light blonde hair about much like a leaf in this autumn air. Her blue eyes darted from the man to the direction of the wind and then back to him.

The wind also tossed the loose parts of her clothing around. Her black cloak, her pants, her shaw, and her shirt were all moving besides her black boots whom of which were snug and comfortable. Around that she carried her mizas in her pocket and beside her was the pack that she lugged around carrying everything she owned.

[Savitaire]

When a female voice cut through the silence he stopped looking towards the blonde haired woman startled, he wondered how he’d not noticed the sounds of someone else till now. When she started thanking him it clicked that she was the cat and that she was a Kelvic. “My name is Savitaire, I am just glad to see you are free now, no predator should be made prey.”

He had the sudden desire to get closer, to peer in to her eyes, such a desire while somewhat strong was mostly ignored as he thought it weird not to mention rather intrusive to a stranger he hardly knew. He too felt a bit off, but he grinned at her “Probably due to all this snow eh? Both of us had to work pretty hard and it was bound to make our bodies protest since its so cold! Just glad I didn’t lose a few fingers or that you wound up hurt from thumping to the ground after I broke that branch to get you free.”

Despite the odd meeting he felt at ease with her in such a way that he almost never did with strangers. He felt he could be honest with her, like he could tell her anything and she’d not fear him or think him some fanged monster. He was honest with people in so far that he gave information that was truth, just not the full amount of information. He always held back, but the ease he felt in her company was strange to him. Yet there was another who he had befriended who hadn’t made him wary, but nothing with this woman was like he’d ever felt before. “I am not as suited to the cold as you are I think, even if your human form is as easily cold as I get. I am looking forward to spring.”

His scent would remind her perhaps of the scent she had caught earlier, the mark of his serpentine nature being so close to his skin. He found he envied her a little that her other form, her true form, was suited to an element that was impossible for him to deal with in his own. Looking human had its advantages, but he missed being able to freely change as the desire struck him. “There is an old tree not too far from here that is hollow, you’ll have to dig a bit, but you might find it will make a comfortable den. I’ve spent a lot of time in this territory and that tree is a good spot for prey as its right close to a river. Its iced over some, but shouldn’t be too hard for you.”

Why did he want to entice her to stay? It was a bit confusing, but like before he didn’t mind sharing his territory with someone. At least he knew she’d have sense not to peg him as food come spring like some other wild cat might.

[Blizzard]

OOCSorry for the short post. All the time I've got right now to write on my phone.

"I'll rip the bastard's head off if he comes near again. Petcing idiots." Blizzard sighed with a smile "Probably. And right back at you, I probably should've been a bit more well mannered in the beginning." The Kelvic chuckled but that strong earthy scent soon flooded her nostrils once more. The smell of snake? But out here? Like this? "I'm sorry but am I the only one smelling that? Surely it can't just be me, or maybe it could?" Blizzard scratched her head and her face soon grew perplexed as the frost on the ground crunched beneath her feet. But it took her a moment to realize that the snake scent was coming from Savitaire himself.

And despite all that, Blizzard felt the need to protect this man at all costs. However, this wasn't a favor for a favor. This was the Kelvic bonding that had already begun to form. Spring. Spring was the time in which she had to leave for offspring would be in the process of being born and heading north. That food supply would be the factor in her survival. That and the deer here would grow to scrawny and small to even be worth hunting. She recalled her first hunting year in Taldera where instead of migrating north to follow she stayed and thought they would do the same. The only reward was small snacks not worth fighting off buzzards and the light for. Hell, the deer were smaller than she.

"Thank you, Savitaire. It has been a long while since someone has, what's the word? Gah, who the Void knows? Anyways, it's been a while since someone has treated me with kindness and care. Glad to see someone who isn't a judgmental coward who instantly screams 'Get the pitchforks!' Haha." Blizzard chuckled at the thought of her snow leopard self running through the streets of Syliras with a mob on her trail with torches and pitchforks. Blizzard probably would've been laughing while being chased. Then the thought of her teasing them by slowing down once they think they've got her only to speed up again. However, she knew that would not be happening.

The Kelvic for the first time in a while was happy. Not happy but excited and she had something good to look forward to. This bond would more than likely not only make her feel good on the inside but it would more than likely show in her body language as well. Needless to say, unless ordered to do so she would still resume her excessive hunting activities but on a extremely much smaller scale to the point it wouldn't hurt the population one bit. With a water source right there as well, she figured she'd be set and a grin crept up on her face. Her sky blue eyes were then directed back to his depthless silver ones.

[Savitaire]

OOCLOL if thats what you call a 'small' post I'm afraid to see a big post! Doesn't look small to me, but its fine regardless!

Savitaire shrugged “Seems to me that anyone caught in a net would be more than a little pissed off. I certainly know how that feels and it’s a mistake I’ve never made again.”

When she talked about scent, then her gaze focused on him he suspected she scented him. “Horses, dogs now beautiful spotted cats, can’t fool your noses even in this form eh? At least I can reason with you more than some mutt or an ill-tempered horse. I’m a Dhani, that’s why I smell like a snake, but I won’t eat you if you are worried. Its much too cold to change forms anyways.”

The Dhani knew how it was with being ill-treated, but then it was a fact of life that anything that always seems to be an enemy would find aggression instead of friendship even if one person was not like the rest. “If I am with you and some idiot tried to harm you they would regret attacking us both eh? People don’t get off light for attacking one who is a Squire to the Knights, especially when said Squire is seeking to protect someone innocent.”

Savitaire knew nothing of what was going on between them, all he knew was that this woman had become someone he was starting to befriend. He looked around them and wondered what the forest would be like come spring, he’d come late summer. “I arrived here late summer and this place was teeming with large game, I know not if this is so during spring. I am not too hurt if there isn’t since I can simply stay human and eat what is provided for me with the Knights. I don’t even know what the hunting will be like when it becomes true winter, not that I’ll be able to do so. So I cannot give you any useful locations for easier hunting, I wouldn’t be surprised if you have to find someplace else.”

He felt he should tell her that lest she might ask him questions about the area. Summer he could help, but he hadn’t been in the area long enough to know what it was like all year long. “If you don’t mind my asking, what kind of cat are you? I’ve never seen or heard of one that has a white coat and spots.”

[Blizzard]

So he was a Dhani. That made all the sense in the world now and explained that earthy snake scent. Wow, a predator and a predator. How interesting! Blizzard smiled with a chuckle "That would explain it, haha." Looking at her feet, then around once more, she scanned the area for some good climbing trees. It would be a worlds difference if she could act like a cluster of snow from a strong limb and drop onto her prey. However, it was only another tactic. Her body wasn't built for scaling trees and the like. Only running and climbing rocks. Needless to say, she could still do it.

Smiling at the thought of someone attacking she smirked "I have to say, I doubt there would be any survivors." Blizzard then chuckled. She was of course only half-joking. The Kelvic wasn't too good with humor and jokes and over time Savitaire would probably come to this realization. But as someone who had been shoved away all her life and been a bloodthirsty monster for 45 days every season, how could she be? How could anyone under those circumstances be in that tragic case? Surely it was all understandable.

"Oh, um, a snow leopard. We're, well, the species I am is only found in cold and very high places. Places where food is scarce and we have to teach ourselves to conserve energy which is where our prized coats come in handy." She tugged on her shaw from the snow leopard she had killed in Taldera "And it's unfortunate for hunters find out pelts prized possessions because of their warmth. They help camouflage us, much like your scale colors. The white being for snow and the black rosettes tricking our prey into believing we are a snow covered rock and they simply discard us. A foolish mistake on their behalf, but a helpful one on ours."

There were many times in which she had been grateful for her prized pelt. The many successful hunts she had brought down to the large predators that could kill herself as much as she hated to admit it. As a matter of fact, Blizzard wasn't sure if she'd ever missed a kill; but then again, she had seen a great deal and forgotten. But she did remember a predator that struck fear down her spine as it looked to be almost twice her size which was the Rashkari in Kalea. Horribly disguised and horribly powerful, no doubt.

Then her mind of course wandered back to Savitaire "In speaking of hunting, I've heard Dhani has three categories, I believe? Or something alone those lines? What were they? Oh yes! Constrictor, Viper, and... the other one appears to have slipped my mind." The Dhani race intrigued Blizzard a great deal. From the point that they could shift from human to snakes. It seemed as though they had a lot more in common than she had first thought. And with Savitaire being misunderstood as well, or at least by what he had said, it was perfect. Thank goodness for fate!

[Savitaire]

She was probably right about no survivors, even if he’d prefer to believe there would be. As much as he enjoyed a fight he usually sought to avoid bloodshed, something that was uncommon amongst his kind. “You are correct, the Constrictors are the largest and that is what branch I belong to, Rattlers are in the middle and Vipers are the smallest, but certainly not weakest.”

He wasn’t sure how much detail she wanted, but he at least confirmed that she had correct information. “Are you staying in Syliras for a bit before traveling on?”

He hadn’t gone to visit any of the nearby places mostly because it was rather inconvenient without a faster way to travel, but horses could not stand him. It was only a matter of time till he managed to get past that particular obstacle, but till then he had no choice about staying nearish to the city. If he could not walk there then it was best to wait till he could move faster. She had it easier since she had four able paws suited for the current climate, he wished he was that lucky. On top of that if he knew what her plans were he might be able to arrange a time where he could find her, he was enjoying her company.

He did find it rather lucky that he had met another like the first Kelvic he had met, though they were very different people. As a predator she had very similar concerns to his own about territory that was suitable for one’s hunting. He was able to relate better to Blizzard in that regard, but also she might be able to pass on useful information in the future, he wasn’t planning on living out his whole life in Syliras. His lifespan was longer than a humans and thus he had much longer plans, staying put just didn’t fit with what he wanted.

He was determined to see as much of the world as he could before he eventually found a place to settle. He wanted to establish a sanctuary for his people, but to do that he needed to find a suitable spot for such a place to exist. It would also help finding others of his race that wished for the same, but he mostly suspected that his desire would always be just that. The reality of the actions needed for such a thing to happen and the natures of his respective people might not mesh to bring such a thing to reality. He knew it would be a hard road, but it was worth trying else his people would die off and he just could not stand such a thing happening. “I was thinking, if I knew your plans and if you wished I might come find you when I had an opportunity to do so.”