Flashback The Hunt

[Arinia]

Flashback: The Hunt 8th day of spring, 513 The evenings final luminous rays of sunlight glide across the forest floor in intricate patterns, finding their way through the quilted treetops above. A frigid winter breeze howls through the trees, the last remnants of the storm that had shaken the forest only hours before. Although winter is now at an end, and it is very early spring the chill is still felt. Thick icy rain drops down to the forest floor, from the overhanging vegetation, plopping in cadence with the song birds' lullabies. The forest is calm, sleeping in tune with the swaying branches. The creatures that call this terrain their home are nestling in for the night. Well, except those that were waking up, readying themselves for their night time hunts. With great care a giant iridescent silver orb rises to the far east, barely peering over the horizon. The full moons radiance gives plenty of light for the nights adventures. With its rise Arinia a female dire wolf who calls this land home, let's loose a piercing howl deep into the night, a serene but eerie noise that is echoed by her fellow Talderian Wolves, those of dire decent or not, even if they were not part of her pack. Arinia knew her true brethren would be anxiously awaiting her arrival, this is the biggest hunt of the year. Arinia, now on her second year of age, was entering adult hood, or at least elder teen years, as seen by animals, and this entrance is to be spearheaded with her first big hunt. Her pack would be hunting a Talderian bear the biggest thing they have fought in years, and it was Arinia who chose the prey. The feminine wolf knew she had a long trek ahead of her, she must head four miles to the east through an expanse of the forest. She was to meet her family at a clearing her father found, it was there they would find the tracks for the bear and begin their hunt. She hoped it would be done by morning, but knew very well how long some hunts can take. Arinia like she had been taught before ever moving from her stealthy outcropping would observe her surroundings. As always she was looking for animal tracks, streams, broken branches, anything that would signal another predator in her territory. Seeing nothing Arinia closes her eyes, and just listens, listens to the sounds of a forest, the swaying of branches, the call of the night wind, but again, nothing is out of place. Feeling a little better about her surroundings and not seeing nor hearing a thing she walks in a circle and smells the air around her. Other than small squirrels in a tree nothing is out of place. Though she knew the wind was blowing towards the direction she was going, taking any sent away as well as carrying her own to anything waiting in the shadows. With all of these factors the female decides to play it safe and rely on another ability. One the average predator doesn't have. Slowly Arinia let loose her Djed, her magic, in order to see the auras, or life force as her mom has told her, of living creatures around her. Her mother, an rather adept user of magic, has been teaching her how to see auras, as well as using a few other magic skills, ever sense she was a girl, so for about the past year to year and a half. Arinia being a novice in Auristics can see auras, and at times can even focus one at a time to learn a few basics facts, but that is not why she needed the skill as of now. All she had to do was see the auras around her. The wolf saw all forms of colors, from greens and browns around trees, minuet yellows on the forest floor. Yet with all the color she now saw not a single one matches what she was looking for, and that is the large multi colored aura of a sentient being. Arinia now feeling rather confident that she was alone let her Djed slip, or at least, let her Auristics drop, though she kept a hold of her magic, she had one more plan. Slowly she called a force she knew as res, she had it pool around her body I'm a thin mist, taking several minutes to make sure she didn't over stress herself. As soon as she felt she had enough she then concentrated on shifting this power, she gave it a slight pull, her Remancy focused in air, so she used that, calling the wind to her, shifting the breeze to push her sent in the opposite direction. All at once she let go of her magic, her body leaned itself against a great tree, after several minutes she took a deep breath, excited about her use of magic. She was tired from just the little power she used but she knew she would be fine. As body and magic set back to normal, she wolf took off in the direction of her destination. Trying to remember the things she had been taught about stealth the wolf decided to practice her arts. Keeping to the shadows she followed the clouds, ran across rocks, avoided water, and attempted to step lightly all in an attempt to conceal her tracks. Quite often though her skills would let her down oas she ran straight through a lit area, or pressed too hard on the ground, or breathed too loud due to the excitement of tonight. As she ran her four paws carried her at a steady and fast gate, a dire wolf ran well faster than a normal wolf due to being that much larger so she made ground quicker than many would understand. Soon enough the excited wolf threw caution to the wind she couldn’t help it, the more she ran the faster she tried to go. She ran though the bush, leaped over logs, dived between trees and tried to push her skills to the limit. Sadly though this was another skill she didn't have much time to practice so more often than not she messed up, slipped, or missed a branch, and although it didn't slow her down it would make her rather easy to track. Soon enough her trek was at an end. She saw the forest open up as the clearing came into view. Arinia slowed down just before the clearing, if one was to observe her they would be witness to a miraculous site. One second there was dark figure standing on all fours, a Talderian Wolf standing almost five feet in height and eight in length. Her coat is a thick mass of dark red brown hair long enough to be blowing in the wind, anyone standing just in front of the creature would be staring at mesmerizing amber eyes. As she walked into the clearing, just beyond the cover of the trees the observer would be assaulted by unnatural swirling light. This conflagration of color would shine in random hues and all directions focusing on, and shining from the wolf. Almost as soon as it happened the light-show would vanish, and just as the light die out the wolf is no longer there. Now being where the wolf once walked, a woman continues, her gate matched the wolf exactly, her hips swaying as if hunting. The full moon above cast a pale light across her entire body, she was naked, and hid nothing. She is a young woman, probably about twenty years old, stands with an air of carefree confidence that is most noticeable in her serene, but predator like amber eyes. She had a soft face with rounded cheek bones, high trimmed brows, and rounded chin is complimented by her easy, charming smile, her mother spend months training her to use her simple face as a tool and weapon. Wondrous burning eyes gaze out in playful curiosity as she smiles; though, there is a hint of a wild spark lingering behind those lids. Someone looking closely would sometimes feel a hypnotic trance, another of her magic talents, inducing them as she desires. The woman adorns an iridescent mix of copper and brown hair, naturally cascading down her back, which crops her gentle face; the wave glimmers down towards her buttocks where it ends with a few inches to spare. The uniform hair spills down between her shoulders in a layered almost place like formation, the rest of it cropping in circular fashion towards her shoulders where the shortest strands just barely tickle the skin of her collar bone. This young woman has a soft neck but broad shoulders that form into equally toned arms and hands, but her midsection shouldn't go without notice. Overall her general shape is a toned, Amazonian figure defining her chest and hips which are of moderate, if not winding 'definition'. Altogether her skin tone is a light and even tan lending her to porcelain glamour. She is a strong woman, but owns to many womanly curves that are upheld with a firm youth that bargains the opinion she is, again, probably in her early twenties. To herself her body wasn't perfect, there were much more attractive, and she didn't have that 'hour glass' figure men seemed to like, but she had other skills that make her just as appealing, but she calls upon them only when the hunt requires. As she walked into the clearing Arinia, wolf now turned woman, see four other humans within the clearing. All as bare as herself, and all four of them, a pair of men, and a pair of women, are obviously elders. The humans in the clearing are clearly parts of two different family's. The older couples are almost a perfect match, both tan, tall, and muscled. The woman, Lidia wears long feather like hair, and has hawk like piercing eyes. Her body is taught and curved. Her partner, a man who Arinia just calls Blackcat, looks almost bare, with no hair upon his body other than short black hair upon his hair. He is tight lipped and hardly makes a sound. He seems to stalk around with feline like grace. As for the other couple, they are obviously the parents to Arinia. The woman, Arinia's mother her name being Lilthe, matched her features though with choppy brown and blond hair looking almost like a natural camouflage, as well looking 15 years older. As for X'avion, Arinia's father, he was the most simple within their group, looking like that of a scholar. He was pale, tall, and skinny, with choppy grey-white hair, and massive owl-like grey eyes constantly looking around as if paranoid he is being watched. His intelligence and quest for knowledge is reflected within the eyes of his daughter. Slowly, warily, attentively she examined the area. Using the skills her mother taught her, both of hunting and observation yet again she looked for signs. Turning her head, she scanned the tree line for any sort of life. Turing her whole body she examined the tall brush of unkempt grass, the eerie trees, and even the sky above. She had to be careful, she was unskilled when it came to many aspects of hunting, and she was only following what her mother reminded her only the day before. She felt the itch of the cold, half-dead leaves brushing her neck. Repressing a shiver, she smells the air, noticing there is one more person in the clearing. 'Arinia, welcome we were starting to wonder if you would make it' A captivating voice spoke out. It belonged to Derik her off and on lover. Currently on. She turned, but couldn't meet his gaze. She still felt sore from their meeting the previous morning. Then again she didn't need to look at him to know his form. Starting from head to toe he is, or could be compared to, a body builder. His hair is close almost negligible but pure black on his head, his eyes are a dark menacing brown. Sometimes he is a brute, while others one of the sweetest people she knew... Not that Arinia knew that many people. He was the son of Blackcat and Lidia, and while his strength matches that of his father, he doesn’t seem to resemble his mother. Arinia smiled. Her pack was together, even if they were not the most conventional bunch, 'Hello mother,' she said looking at Lilthe, 'Father,' her gaze shifted to X'avion, 'Blackcat, Lidia..' Lidia have a small hello, Blackcat simply nodded. Her gaze finally fell upon him. 'Derik.' She said his voice different from the rest. Almost as if not wanting to let the name go. She knew from her father that she couldn't be bonded to Derik, but sometimes she wondered if this was how it felt. 'Is the bear close?' Arinia asked, almost regretting it as soon as she did. She knew even if it was the pack would be following her tonight. Not the other way around. This was after all her coming of age ceremony. 'Have you not been learning what I try to teach you?' Her mother asked on return, knowing full well Arinia should know the answer. Her mother’s voice wasn't angry but it was scolding. 'I taught you the power of Auristics, as well as how to hunt, track, and observe for a reason. Now put that intelligent brain to work and use it.' She commanded.

[Arinia]

Part Two Arinia knew this was her time, she had to prove to her pack that she knew what she was doing. After taking a big breath Arinia went over what she was taught. 'Look carefully for tracks, smell the area around you as you do, don't let signs pass you. Even the smallest change from normality must be noted.'Arinia thought to herself. She knew that the smallest impression in the dirt, a broken branch, a track if she was lucky, could be anywhere. She also knew the reason she was the last one here was so her family could set false trails. So she had to be careful, in the end only one way was correct, and she still wished to finish this hunt by sunrise. Although her training didn't specifically require it, Arinia got use to using her Auristics ability on a hunt. So yet again she tapped into her Djed. Slowly she felt her eyes adjust and she could see the auras of the forest, the world was again full of color. She had to be careful, not to look her pack mates in the eyes. She and her mother were the only magic users, and many of the others did not approve of it. As she looked around the forest she couldn't help but glance at her comrade’s aura. Her mothers, a dark purple aura that primarily focused around her head and chest. Her fathers, and yellow aura definitely focused on his head. And Deriks aura. Not for the first time she found herself staring into it trying to figure him out. Tonight she could tell excitement, obviously for the hunt, but she thought she could sense pain, though she wasn't skilled enough to tell if it was physical or mental. Then he looked at her, she knew he didn't know about her Auristics ability, it was one thing her mother made her promise to keep a secret. With when they shared a look, after concentration, she couldn't help by notice a shift. Was he at peace? Maybe even a little… Lustful? Arinia all of a sudden felt her face flush as she got an image of him on top of her. The problem was, she didn't know if the though was hers… Or his. Being too fearful of overusing her ability she dropped it, feeling extremely drained because of the mental fortitude it required, he concentration laxed as her body rested. Slowly Arinia walked around the clearing, deciding it would be better to use her stronger senses as she walked she yet again shifted, the wolf was back, as magnificent as always. Arinia checked the edge of the forest first, she found many trails, but none would equal the size of a bear. As she checked she found herself in the midst of two tracks, two trails, both on opposite sides of the clearing. She knew both beast were opposite I nature, in almost every way, from size , to methods of attack. The first track was the wider of the two, the beast had some weight to it, and it had four fingers with a sharp claw, it was obvious this was this animal’s primary method of attack. The beast gave no attempt to hide itself, as it lumbered through branches and bushes alike. One of the tracks, the second one, was narrower than the other, and luckily it had rained earlier in the day or it would almost be too light so see, the claws on whatever beast this was where nonexistent which was odd with most animals. Feeling sure of her choice the wolf decided to return to her companions. As she got close a conflagration of lights signaled her change back to her humanoid form, and as always once she returns to her form she is as bade as the day she was born. Shew couldn’t help but shiver, both out of excitement and the caress of the moist air. Just like earlier with the tracks Arinia got to experience another oddity, this one in the form of a voice. "So what did you decide pup?" Arinia hear Blackcat ask, his voice was serene, and captivating, in such a way that it's surprising he talks so little. "We must follow the wider tracks heading north." Arinia replied with certainty. If Blackcat felt any particular way about her choice he didn't show it. In fact he even chose to remain silent. "Alright then, explain to us your reasoning?" The voice came from behind Arinia, it belonged to Lidia. Sadly Arinia didn't feel any better about the fact they didn't tell her she was wrong, she knew they would wait, hear everything out, and then if she was incorrect, break the news to her. The family though wasn't cruel, all they would so is explain what it was, how to fix it, and then continue on the hunt. After all, this was far from the last test. "The tracks them-self are why I chose north. Those tracts were wider, and deeper, the animal that made them was much heavier than the one that made the other tracks. Also, the second tracts heading off to the south had no claws that generally is the sign of a cat, not a bear." Arinia knew that was her reasons but it was only now that she realized there would have been more signs, signs that in her novice excitement must have slipped past her. "Okay then, was the tracks all you say?" This time the voice belonged to Arinia's father, coming from her left. And the question proved her fears. "Did you see the broken branches? Heading north. Or the clawed tree, heading south?" He asked. Arinia knew those were both signs she missed. For a second she thought about lying, saying she saw them, but the tracks gave her all the info she needed. Then she saw the look on her mother’s face, and knew any lie would be known. Though before she even got the chance to talk, another voice chimed in. "There was another thing you missed, did you see the tracks from the west?" The voice belonged to Derik, her stomach knotted a bit, she didn't know he was part of the interrogation. She knew she had of concentrate. Arinia thought for a second, she though she did in fact see more tracks, but she blew past them, they were coming into the clearing. She assumed they were when the cat first entered the clearing. It was then she realized her mistake. "And what if those tracks were fresh? And that beast were in this clearing. Right now." Before Arinia could react something grabbed her shoulder, hard. Almost jumping out of her skin she turned around to see Blackcat. Who spoke again? "I guess in that case you are lucky I am not hungry." He says. This time the only silent person spoke up. "Although you missed something's, you did good Arinia. You are correct, the bear is heading to the north. But there is one more question before we leave. What kind of of bear was it?" Arinia took some time to think about it. Although I Talderia sizes something's make things confusing, the bear she though should be a black bear. If it was anything bigger the tracks would have shown. Arinia told her feelings and was graced with a smile and nod. "We know you said you wished to go for a bear for your entrance, but we all agreed a grizzly would be too much of a challenge for any of us even together." Although Arinia understood the reason she couldn’t help but feel cheated. As always she wished for the strongest challenge. The entire group then heard a grunt like coughing noise. As they turned their head they see X'avion standing tall. When all attention is on him he opens his arms. "Okay, as usual before we start a hunt I wish to prey for protection, guidance, knowledge, and perhaps even an ear to later devotion." "As usual our first prayer shall go to the night, as it is said in the ancient times, It is in darkness that our pack feels least alone, it is in the darkness, that we stand with a living breathing entity. Darkness is as dependable as the sun in the sky, or dew on the ground, for she shall always come. It is she who shall always guide our hunt. It is to her we pray, allow your shadow to protect us here in this dark hour, Akajia. Tonight we ask your guidance, and protection." Arinia hears her father speak, as she knew Akajia is a neutral goddess and doesn't seek devotion. Still Arinia believes with all her heart Akajia hears them, as for if she answers, that is for only the gods to know. All Arinia knows is she feels at home in the darkest hour. "Tonight our second prayer goes to she who we call home, the lady of the wilds, the first witch, Lady Caiyha. As it is in nature the weak is defeated and eaten by the strong. But, know we are careful tonight not to invoke her anger, this is no senseless slaughter, and the beast we hunt shall feed, shall train, and shall provide betterment to our pack. We pray to you tonight Caiyha and ask you to bless our meal tonight, ask you to watch our hunt, but most of all, we ask you to watch and provide. Just as the meat goes to our boules what remains returns to you. Just as we all will." Again he finishes, Arinia isn't sure if it is just her imagination or if the trees seems to sway more, she just hopes whatever Caiyha decides it doesn't harm her family. Arinia knows well of the stories of Caiyha's power. "Next we pray to he who has blessed us tonight already, our hunt is lot with his presence, lit with the glory of the moon. Again know, the moon is the essence of change and thought. As one looks in a shallow pond, or in the moons glory itself, one reflects upon themselves. This is a knowledge and action all being share, it is one we must remember. Know today we so take a life. Reflect on the choices we make tonight. And allow nothing to be forgotten. Tonight we ask for Leths thought, and for his guidance. And we thank him for his blessing, tonight's full moon." For the third time her father finishes a pray, Arinia can feel her body shaking, the act is mesmerizing for her, the knowledge her father has taught her will remain her and it is a lessen she will always cherish. She knows there will be one more prayer. "Then we pray for the blood we shed, both of our own, and our preys in this battle. We ask for the god Viratas, and remember tonight blood will bind our family, and we shed it only to continue. We ask he forgives the death, and honors how we devote. We ask him for the knowledge our bond can give, and hope our hunts blood gives a knowledge of its own. We ask that if he deems it required he takes a sacrifice for proof of our devotion. All injuries we gain are to be remembered." He finishes again. It is always in this moment Arinia feels most scared. She knows before members have died on a hunt, or maimed, and she can’t help but wonder if any of this is worth the risks. Besides, even if the gods do not intervene, and the death and injuries are nothing but random chance, what if the cost is too much?... Sometimes Arinia wonders if her family devotes themselves in the correct way, she knows this has gone on for generations in her family. She knows, like all traditions, this one has very little chance of changing. Even if it is nothing but useless words, it is a pleasant thought, know maybe, just maybe, they are heard by someone. Just as she prepares herself her father speaks again, this time it is a surprise. "Tonight there is one more prayer I would like to add, it is one we keep on reserve and have used only one other time in my lifetime. Tonight we pray to the goddess Kel, and the god Wyn. For our cause is not an easy one, the hunt of this magnitude poses great risk, and some would think of as a lost cause, we pray they aid us in this, and remember, when a person is lost and alone, with no one else to go. There is a chance this duo will listen for their lost cause. Remember our family is always a follower of these two, for us beast of the Talderian Forest face impossible odds every day..." This prayer truly stuck with Arinia, she has never heard it before though these gods were always taught to her, she knew her father just made a gamble, she knew now just how insane her request of a hunt was. She knew now just how much the pack meant, still willing to carry on together. For a long while the pack was silent, not so long that the moon shifted, but long enough for an awkward silence to form. One Arinia knew was her job to fix, being the leader of tonight's hunt.

[Arinia]

Part Three Arinia’s shoulders twitched, she wasn’t used to this sort of attention, as her family walked through the brush they looked towards her for every order, every request, and every sign. Thinking back she remembered what her mother told her. ‘Arinia, do not forget, while you lead the hunt, we are still a family, we work together, we fight together, we hunt together. It is in this way we are one unit, one family, there is no division tonight. That being said, you are in charge, don’t allow questions of your orders, but make sure they are correct, weigh every opportunity, every option. Remember there is a very real chance one will die tonight.’ Arinia knew she had to divide her team, she can’t track the bear on her own, watch the rear, the front, the sides, and above, all at once. Arinia took carful thought on how to delegate the pack. She had had practice with this sort of thing, and although she was too young to participate in Derik’s hunt, she knew what to suspect. Her mother was like her a strong, and agile. Her kelvic form was that of a lynx. Although she was small, she was fast, smart, resourceful, and most of all knew magic, her mother would be a great scout, but also a smart guard. Arinia knew she should either stay with her, or take up the front of the group, watching the tracks. The question was, witch one. Her father was observant, intelligent, but thin, he wasn’t the best fighter, though he was a great scout, Arinia had no problems know where to put him. “Father, take on the form of your beast and watch the skies, stay little to the rear of our pack.” Arinia spoke, her voice didn’t hold much authority, and she had no idea how to command her father to do anything. She watched as her father jumped into the air, and changed, in his place was an owl, his kelvic form was that of an forest owl. She knew he was even weaker in this form, but he was smart... She watched him move to above the tree line. Arinia stopped thinking about the team and looked down, the tracks were thick, and the beast definitely wasn’t hiding its trail. Though why should it? It would be the biggest thing for miles around. It held no fear. At least not yet, although it was bigger than her, she would be faster. The next person to come to mind was Derik’s mother, Lotia. She was a Falcon kelvic, and a great fighter while in her human form, the problem was her beast form was the smallest of them all, leaving her all but useless fighting within that form. In the woman’s hands was a long stick with a wicked blade on the end. Arinia knew if she requested Lotia to shift, someone else must wield the spear. Arinia knew what to do. Trying to make her voice a little stronger Arinia spoke up, “Lotia, join me in the center, I want you to keep a constant eye on the tracks.” Arinia spoke, wondering if this was the best option. The woman came to Arinia, but gave no sign to her ideas on the matter. Next she had to decide where Derik would go, the choice was difficult for her, her entire body wanted him as close to her as possible, but she knew his strengths, and his weaknesses, she knew he was strong, courageous, and loyal, but he was also vicious, and territorial. “Derik, you will take point, I want you to shift, and keep an eye out for anything that might be waiting for a chance to attack.” Arinia told him, she forced herself to allow no emotion into her words. She knew his kelvic form was that of a boar, like all but herself he was small, and not of a dire decent. Although he was strong, and knew how to fight, what they would be fighting was much worse. She knew in the front, although it would be likely he was first in the fray, it was also easiest to get to him if something happened. Arinia saw him give her a solemn look, she couldn’t help but wonder if he knew why she chose that position for him. Finally next in her family was Blackcat, of all the members this was the one she dreaded ordering the most. There really were only two more spots for him to go, to her left, or to her right, she knew he had an aptitude for stealth that was unparalleled in their family, but along with that he was a formidable fighter, even if he was dry and usually silent. Arinia knew he was the only member within Deriks clan that had any true fighting ability in his other form. When he shifter he was a powerful panther. “Blackcat.” She started, as he looked at her she almost choked on her order but forced herself to continue. “You should shift to your animal form, and watch the right flank. Maybe be a little in front of the group so you can also scout?” Arinia stated almost hesitantly. She saw that he didn’t move, and she was worried he wouldn’t explain why. “Is that an order, or a question? Pup.” He stated in his serene voice. “It is an order Blackcat.” She stated hoping he wouldn’t challenge her. She could see now that the group had stopped, waiting to see how things would be handled. As she watched him, and he her, she saw him reach behind himself and pull off a weapon she forgot he had strapped to his back. Walking over to her the tall dark tanned skinned man handed Arinia a longbow with around two dozen arrows. “Keep these safe, if you use it, don’t miss.” He stated. Only now did Arinia question if she made the right choice; but she knew she couldn’t go back now. “I assume this means I will be taking left flank?” Arinia heard her mother ask from behind. “Yes, but I want you to keep to your human form, and stay within eyesight.” She knew her and her mom hunted well together, at times to the point they were nothing more than an extension of one another’s senses. Though she knew this only worked when they could communicate easier, they both knew the language of the hunt, or at least, the use of bodies to display ones intent. But being able to talk, or even whisper, was still an easier option. Now that everyone was prepared and in her chosen positions did she think of their next step. They would be starting the hunt, as always it will require stealth, and patients. She sent the signal forward for the group to continue. She was concentrating on how to coordinate their attack, while periodically looking towards the entire group for messages as Lidia kept an eye on the tracks. Her mind would wonder, how would she choose to kill the animal, she had a bow in hand, but she had little experience with the weapon. Sooner than she realized the group stops. The tracks lead in to a cave. Arinia though carefully about what to do next, if the bear was there it would be trapped, assuming there isn’t another entrance. But, they would also be in a confined space next to the beast. Though, if there was no second entrance or exit it would be almost impossible to flush the animal out. Another thought crossed her mind. There was always the chance the animal was away and hunting. She had her family get away from the café for a bit to observe and prepare, as they all took on their humanoid forms she looked at them in turn. “Blackcat, and Derik, I want the two of you to scout around the area, look for another entrance.” Arinia spoke, her voice held more conviction than earlier, her mind now on the hunt, she wasn’t taking no for an answer. She watched as neither of them questioned, together they shifted again and disappeared into the brush. “Father, and Lotia, I need the two of you to take flight and scout around, make sure we are not surprised, and make sure the bear isn’t just by some stream. Use the usual call sign if something is up.” Again she spoke, her voice sounding powerful, her fear replaced with adrenalin. The two shifted and took flight, once, the large owl, took off to make a much larger circle route going clockwise, from east to west. The smaller bird took off for a smaller circle going in the opposite direction. Arinia now looked at her mother, no words were spoken, and they both knew their job would be to make sure the beast is home. Almost as one the two aloud their Djed to take over. Arinia looked around, this sort of step required more concentration and power, slowly she forced herself to look ‘through’ the walls of the cave and search for the large aura that would signify the bear, and she knew if the beast was any smaller this would be all but impossible. “Do you see it? Fifteen degrees to your north east.” Arinia heard her mother ask. At first she was disappointed, she didn’t see it, not without a large amount of concentration. She had really hopped to find the animal first. Before she got too exhausted she dropped her magic, allowed herself to adjust, and took a knee on the ground. She was tired, and needed to rest. But, she was also going to lay out a battle plan. Slowly she used a stick to map out their immediate area in the dirt, marking the cave and important markings. As the rest of the group returned, her father and Lotia confirming her ideal that the bear was indeed in the cave, and Deriks group revealing there was in fact one more entrance, Arinia finished her plan. “This will be simple, Mother, I want you, Derik, and Lotia to cover the other entrance, cover it with grass, trees, and limbs, and catch it on fire. Focus it so the smoke floods the cave, pushing the animal out this entrance, then I want you to return here, once you know for sure it came this direction. Know we might already be in battle, so I want your reinforcement as you feel is best.” From the corner of her eye she saw Derik, a look on his face was anger, and he did not like the idea of not starting the fight. She knew he might turn hostile… She remembered last time she made him mad, the bruise finally disappeared from her cheek, but she spent days promising her parents it was only carelessness on her part. “No, I do not agree, I feel I am a better fighter.” He started before he was interrupted. “It is not your place to decide, and I need your strength to help with any large items to make sure the bear does not just break through.” Arinia spoke, her voice as heated as his. And, if the beast decided to trample through that direction we need another good fighter. Before he could argue again his father spoke up. “In this hunt you will listen to your alpha, there is no time for a quarrel, you can make your qualms with it afterwards during the feast.” Blackcat spoke calmly. There was no more arguments as the three took off for their assigned tasks. “The rest of us will prepare for the attack, there is a very likely chance the bear will be in a rampage. Father, I know you brought spears, we will each need one.” The rest of the preparations were easy. Soon they smelt the smoke, it was time to begin. She was to the right, a spear in hand, her father was perched on a tree, a bow aimed at the entrance. Blackcat was to her right, he own spear at the ready. She saw a serine look upon his face, he was ready for anything. As the bear rushed through the entrance, charging the first thing it saw… Which so happened to be Arinia, everything happened all at once, and the plan seemed to go correctly. Then to Arinia’s right there was a heavy rustling in the brush.

[Arinia]

Part Four The bear was charging, Arinia howled, primal instinct taking over. Within seconds everything changed. First she was wielding her weapon ready for the attack, and then Derik bursts through the trees attacking the bear, he obviously took off earlier than the other two. Arinia knew there was no way he should have been back by now, and even more she knew there was no way he could stop the charging bear. She watched in horror as Derik attacked the bear only to be swat away by its massive strength. A shadow passed in front of Arinia, Blackcat had attacked, hoping to protect his son. His speed far bested that of the bears, but he was at a loss in strength, so had no chances to get in for attacks. Arinia took enough time to notice her father was holding an unconscious Derik before she launched her own attack. She had no time to divide her mind. Using her spear she prodded the bear while staying away from its massive paws, slowly her and Blackcat were able to work their way at the massive beast. Blackcat along with Arinia were working in unison, one of the spears was broken, and so they shared the other. Arinia started first, as her spear broke she jumped backwards, taking time to shift before jumping strait back into the fray. Seconds passed before Blackcat saw an opportunity and stabbed the beast before following up with his own change. As he shifted and went on the attack, the wolf jumped back, before changing again. Arinia grasped forward and clasp the spear in both hands before yanking it out of the bear, blood showering her face and body. She saw Blackcat dodge the bears paw and start to shift again. Running at the bear Arinia tossed the spear into the air, she didn’t take time to watch if Blackcat grabbed it, her body was already changed to that of a wolf. The bear, starting to learn the tactic attacked the newly formed wolf immediately, instead of going for the human like it had before. Arinia dived for its belly just as the Dire Bear swiped its paws. The world flashed around her, one second she was on the ground running, the next she found herself flying through the air. Before she realized what was going on all her breath was knocked out of her, and she crashed back to the ground, she had hit a tree, she heard something crack as she landed, and felt a sharp pain in her admin. As she tried to stand she realized her fur was wet and sticky. Trying to ignore the pain she shifted to look at her wounds, know the battle was still ranging she would have to be fast. Upon her back was the marks where the beast had hit her, she knew they would become nasty scars, but did not thing they were bad enough to run. What worried her was the fact she was certain she broke a rib. Simply breathing hurt her. She took a moment to look around her. Derik was still unconscious, his head was bleeding, and her father was trying to tend to him. Blackcat was still in battle with the animal, only now he was joined by her mother. Looking around she realized Lidia was in a tree, bow in hand, but she was low on arrows, every shot seemed to have little or no effect on the massive beast Arinia knew the battle was perilous, they were exhausted, hurt, and couldn’t last much longer. Ignoring her own injury she attack again, shifting into a wolf she used all her ferocity. The bear, now being assaulted by three other beast had little chance, slowly it was worn down to its own point of exhaustion. Just as Blackcat jumped over the bear trying to land on its back. The bear rose and swiped towards the massive cat, she heard a crack. Arinia saw her opening. Rushing forward she struck, her jaws clamping around the bears throat. Soon enough the beast was dead, and Arinia, well beyond the point of exhausted passed out on the spot. Darkness gave way to light, a torch burned nearby, slowly Arinia became aware of her surroundings, and she was lying on a makeshift bed her pack uses. Her torso and chest were tightly wound, looking down she realized it was gauss. Her father had probably patched her up. Looking around she realized it was in fact still nighttime. Slowly the events came back to her, they had killed the animal, but her family was not around for when she woke. She noticed she was still in the cave. Slowly as not to strain herself she got up. A smell assaulted her, something was burning, cooking. Meat? Seldom does her family worry about cooking there hut, unless it is a special occasion. Then she realized, it was still her birthday. Walking outside she worried about the others, Derik was unconscious last she saw him. As she walked outside she walked towards the smell. The first thing she noticed was Derik, he was alive and okay, standing by the fire. Her heart felt lighter. Next was that Lidia and her mother were talking. None of which noticed her. The final thing that caught her attention was that her father was speaking, but not to her, his hands were raised to the air. “It is with a heavy heart we end the hunt. The foe was slain, and out family fed. But it is not without loss. With this hunt we give our sacrifice. With this hunt, we lose a member of our pack. With this hunt, we accept a youth as adult. Arinia is now in body, heart, and mind, part of our pack. Just as Felix once was.” He pauses, noticing Arinia at the edge of the clearing. “Come daughter, tomorrow is a day of mourning, but tonight is that of celebration. Just as it has been for years.” Slowly Arinia walks into the clearing, her mind, and heart, yelling at her. Finally the situation donned on her. Blackcat was gone, she was the Alpha, and she should have done a better job... A tear formed at the corner of her eye. She noticed Derik was coming to her. She looked at him, ready to embrace her lover. She wanted to cry, to lose it, to forget her mistake. She assumed he needed confort, for he just last his father. As they came into contact Arinia felt a flash of pain, before she realized it she found herself sprawled on the ground, her jaw throbbing, Derik standing over her, his fist clenched. “This is all your fault!” He screams, tears in his eyes. She couldn’t replied, her throat was caught, and she looked into his eyes. Saw his hatred. But she remembered his love. “You can trust me.” She knew her mother would disapprove. Arinia was calling her Djed, repeating the words over and over. To herself. And to Derik. Hypnotism was one of her weakest skills, her mother had only told her about it the week before, but she didn’t want to fight. She had no idea if it would work. Slowly she stood, and repeated herself again. His fist was still clenched, his jaw was shifting on the spot, and his mind was trying to fight her, even if he didn’t know it himself. From what she was told, she had to shift his feelings, but do it to a point that it was unnoticeable, giving only slight impressions on his mind. “You know me.” She stated, this time going past a simple suggestion, she forced an emotional response. A flash. Not his memory, but her own. Her on top of him. His lips on her neck, his hands on her thigh. And she repeated herself. Slowly she saw him unclench his fist. Their clan was standing around them, Arinia’s mother was talking to her father, probably explaining the situation.. Deriks mother looked shocked. Arinia opened her arms, allowing her emotions to surge into Derik, she was starting to feel drained. Together they embraced one another. Together they cried. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, but that would have to wait. Arinia does know how much time has passed when she finally woke, the fire was still blazing, and next to it was meat from the kill. She knew somewhere within the ashes of the blaze her friend and mentor lay at rest. She walked to stand close to the flame, her mind at work. “It is always hard when we must say goodbye. And, it is never at a time when we expect it, or are ready for it. I must know that you do not blame yourself?” Arinia heard from behind her. Turning she saw her mother, no worse for wear, she didn’t even looked bandaged. But, her gaze was steady, looking straight into Arinia, searching for the answer. “How is it not my fault? I called the hunt, I made the decisions, I LET HIM DOWN!” Arinia found herself yelling the last part. She didn’t know why, she was frustrated. How could she let this happen? She knew she couldn’t answer the question, and knew neither could her mother. Maybe only the gods know. Arinia noticed her mother was just looking at her. Hey eyes almost held the answer, but what that was Arinia could not derive. Arinia’s mother walked forward and embraced her. It helped. But, it did not last nearly long enough. Arinia stood there, grabbing some of the food and conversing with her mother. Soon though, the conversation died down. They just sat there, side by side, leaning under Leths brilliant gaze. Although they were hunting partners, this was Arinias first time to encounter death of a comrade. It was a sobering thought to her. One she wasn’t sure if she could ever get over. Arinia looked beside her, her mother had started singing. It was a song she knew well, and loved to sing. Arinia’s mother looked towards her before repeating the verse. Arinia got the hint, and continued with the next part. She felt the song would match well. Her voice rose and matched her mothers. Their duet would raise higher, and fall lower matching their torrential emotions Although Arinia never felt her voice was good, she followed along anyways, her emotions playing through, and her mind clear. Today they lost a great friend, but they will continue. It is now, as Arinia sings that she looks over to see she is being watched. Arinias eyes met Deriks, just as her mother’s met her fathers. Derik did not come to her, nor did she stop singing. The pack rejoiced, and the pack mourned, together, for even as he leaves them, blackcat should ascend. They wouldn’t dare imagine what plans the gods might have in store, but they can hope.