Once I saw the golden grass fly (Merenwen)[Mature]

[Erzotol Silverden]

10th of Summer, 511 AV

His fingers pierced the unstable crust of the ground, scooping underneath the grainy dust until a fair pile was in the center of his palm, and his eyes looked out over the grass before him. The dust slipped through his fingers, falling like time lost in the moments your eyes held another’s. Time, he seemed to be losing a lot of it these days, a insatiable yearning gnawing at his core, and the urge to just simply ride out into the horizon becoming prevalent in the few emotions he cared to share. A blood lust dripped from his steeled blue eyes, the soulful orbs betraying only the unshakable calmness that had overcome the man, in now this time of need, when wild emotions inside threatened to consume him whole. His heart beat was strong matching with the steady rhythm that was the pulse of life out here in the sea of grass, and in a rare moment of lucidity, he felt truly at one with the world around him.

The dust had all but diminished from his palm, and he twisted it sideways to dispose of the soil, clapping his hands together to dislodge any stubborn particles, before standing up straight, his eyes locked on his strider Airiat. Gently, he walked up to the magnificent beast, his hands meeting the horses neck, and rubbing along it while he put his forehead to the horses, his eyes lost in those of Airiat's. Intelligence reflected back at him, and he smiled, knowing no matter where he was, he would always have his friend here to look out for him no matter the odds. " We ride today my friend " he said in a soft voice laced with energetic tones. Airiat's pulse raced at the words, and he nickered loudly in agreement, tossing his head back and forth, boldly displaying his own eagerness. He offered his strider one more smile, and a pat on his wet nose, before walking around, his hand finding a white leather strap of his yvas, and he pulled his weight up and swung his leg around with practice ease.

Softly he nudged the sides of the horse with his boots, and Airiat started off in a slow trot, gradually increasing speed until he was in a full gallop, whipping wind through Erzotol's hair as they rode onwards, with no particular direction in mind. His long locks carried behind him, the silver charms on the three braided lengths of hair bounced repeatedly, slapping against the back of his neck. It didn't bother him though, for when riding, he felt truly free, and hesitantly he lifted one arm off of the leather bridle before him to meet with the wind, and then a second arm, his thighs holding fast onto the horse beneath him. It felt like he was flying for a moment, until the feeling he was going to fall set in, and his hands frantically sought the reassuring firmness of the yvas handle before him. He patted Airiat's neck twice in rapid succession, urging the horse to slow down for a moment, while he caught his thoughts and his breath while he was at it. Slowly, the horse's gallop shifted into a trot, until it came to a complete stop, simply standing still, craning its neck to munch on a abundance of tasty grass before it. Letting out a slow sigh, he looked out over the plains, and not for the last time thought, What does this place yet hold for me?

[Merenwen]

The soft breeze carried with it scents of scuttling rodents through the tall grasses. With the thought of a good hunt and tasty meal came the eliciting of salivation. Ivory white teeth parted as the great feline cleansed her forepaws tentatively. These grasses proved a safe haven for her, and provided a source of food. Did it get any better than this?

Her ears stood straight up as the sound came. Beating, rapid beating on the ground, through the grass. With a powerful shove of her hind legs she launched herself off the ground and sprinted closer to the reverberation. She stalked through the grasses, looking for a parting or a lull in the tall shafts to see through. Someone was running, maybe? As the sound came closer she found there to be two distinct sets of feet. A pair of travelers, perhaps?

It was time to have some fun. Who knew what could be in these grasses? She decided to show these fools that predators roamed these grasses, and she was one of them. Though she intended no direct harm, she would surely give them a scare, and send them on their way. Silly tourists, running through the grasses like they owned the place. These lands belonged to the unforgiving.

She listened carefully as she maneuvered the grasses, positioning herself near the line of travel. As the sound drew nearer, however, it became less and less similar to the sound of feet, but hooves. She knew the Striders and their rider masters navigated these grasses oftentimes, but where was this one headed? With curiosity fueling her ambition, she worked her way towards the sound, but it soon came to a halt. Hair standing on end, she laid close to the ground, listening. The beings were nearby, breathing heavily, supposedly breaking from such a long bust of speed. As they seemed to be regaining stamina, she let out a low growl, allowing it to echo out.

Pausing for a moment, she kneaded the dirt with her claws, contemplating. Should she initiate confrontation? Perhaps this could be fun. She inched closer and closer. Indeed, a Strider! As she snuck up on the creature carting his companion, she smirked inwardly. In a burst of light she transformed, taking the humanoid form of a lovely (and nude) young woman. Her hair was a wild, wavy mess of brindled browns, tans, white, and black. In this new form, she was sitting by the great horse, with a mischievous grin plastered on her face. Those ivory fangs she prided herself on gleamed in the sunlight. Lazily she blinked up at the man, waiting for his reaction.

[Erzotol Silverden]

A low reverberating hum echoed behind him, and he tensed up. He had lived on these grasses all of his life, and he knew what a predator sounded like, and while he couldn't tell the size of this one, he knew that it likely was a danger to himself and Airiat, and slowly he drew his sword, making no sudden movements that could be seen behind him. A bead of sweat condensed at his temple and sloped its way down the side of his face as he strained his ears to listen for the foot falls he knew he would never hear stalking forwards. His hand reassuringly patted his strider to make sure that he didn't startle, and run forward with abandon. Airiat was smart though, and they had been through more than one such encounter before, and to all appearances the horse seemed calm as ever, but his eyes revealed his wariness. Slowly he swallowed, managing to get past the lump that welled in his throat, and then with a tug on the reigns wheeled his horse around. His blade kept raised high in the air, ready to strike down the pouncing predator, but instead of a bloodthirsty creature, his eyes rested on young girl with no clothes to speak of.

His eyes widened, and in his surprise he almost dropped the sword but he merely dropped his sword arm lower, as he waited for him mind to catch up with his eyes. The reasonable sane thing to guess was that the girl was a kelvic, but in this moment he was simply too stunned to comprehend the presence of the stranger at this seemingly meaningless location, and how she came to be sitting behind his horse previously unnoticed. Why she was nude was a question in its self, and despite what he had heard about the race he decided to keep his eyes on hers as was the polite thing to do, but even so a tinge of red colored his cheeks as he looked at her. " Ho Milady, it isn't nice to sneak up on a man like that without a word of greeting " he said explaining away his sword as he quickly sheathed it, and dismounted his horse. " I'm sure my strider shares the same sentiment " he added patting Airiat's neck before walking over to the woman and extending his arm in greeting. " I am Erzotol Silverden of the Diamond Clan, and who might you be? "

[Merenwen]

The difficulty in sustaining her laughter increased as the man swung his steed round, sword in hand. Her smirk widened as she stood up, remaining cautious enough to keep her eye on this man as he put his sword away and dismounted. As the red hue crept into his cheeks, she knew she’d caught him off guard. She snickered inwardly to herself.

This man dwarfed her significantly, though not a factor that wound sway her nerve. She noticed his dark brown hair to be decorated with a few braids, and, if one looked closely, silver charms. Silly Drykas, putting ornaments in their hair. She never understood their antics, and probably never would. But this one was handsome, what with his steely blue eyes fixated on her golden green ones. He carried himself with posture, and what she took to be pride in his well-toned body.

“Well greetings, then, Erzotol Silverden, of the Diamond Clan.” She, too, extended a dainty hand tipped in long, kempt fingernails. As she did, she noticed his to be calloused, she guessed from tending to his horse. “My given name is Merenwen.”

What a curious fellow, to be so proper in introducing himself. Withdrawing her hand, she snatched a long blade of grass up from the root, and used it to tie her messy hair from her eyes.

“Silly Drykas, why do you disturb my daily hunt for sustenance? I must eat too, you see.” She gazed out over the grasses, taking in the sun’s rays. “Rodents scurry at the sound of approaching hoof beats, don’t you know? Makes it rather hard to stalk and prey on them.”

[Erzotol Silverden]

He took her hand gently in his, and shook it awkwardly as he had been going for the usual arm clasp of the drykas, but instead was presented a hand. It wasn't absolutely needed for him to speak to the woman, but it did seek to stun him for another moment, before he found his voice. " Well met Mer-un-win he said, saying her name slowly as he felt for the pronunciation. Names weren’t his specialty and he found his lips butchering them more often than not, which caused another wave of color to come to his cheeks. It didn't help that the woman before him wasn't hard on the eyes, in fact quite pretty, making him feel more out of place in the odd meeting. His only saving grace, in his own mind at least, was that he managed to keep his eyes solely on hers, but it was hard as he had to look down at her to do that. How much easier it would have been with someone at eye level, but it couldn't be helped now, and he felt crouching to her level might be a bad idea, but then again might not.

His mind came back from the conflicting battle just in time it seemed though as she asked him another question, and he took a moment to think before responding, his eyes remaining on her dazzling orbs. " Apologies for ruining your meal, but you’re welcome to any of my provisions though I suspect they will be poor substituted for live prey I am sure " he offered, undoing his pack from his back just in case the woman wanted something. " I was thinking of going on a hunt myself, and your welcome to join me should you not prefer dried meats and vegetables ” He broke eye contact with her for a moment, sparing a glance around at the surrounding grassland, and seeing it as he always did, the place that had always provided for his needs, providing him food and water as necessary. In such a land, it was good to be alive, despite the harshness and dangers he and his kind experienced on a day to day business. Slowly his eyes found hers again, and he paused, waiting to hear the surprising woman out.

[Merenwen]

A hissy snicker left Merenwen as she listened to his careful enunciating. She rolled her eyes and offered, "You can all me Mae. I find many have trouble spilling it out. I give you this alternative."

As she surveyed him she admired that he would look only at her face. He focused on her eyes, careful not to stray below her jawline, she was sure. On occasion she had encountered those who just plain couldn't help themselves. At these perpetrators she often would jest, teasing them until they were beside themselves with nervous habit. No one liked being accused of staring at another body, and she used this to unsettle them. How curious, that this man was so steady. She found herself seeking ways to unsettle him in her own way.

As he apologized for intruding on her prowling and undid his pack, she squinted. To his offer she replied, "You're quite right, I'm hardly one for anything but raw flesh and blood. The little critters here are quite tasty, and sate my appetite well. If you so wish, I could help you on your hunt indeed, for a share of the bounty. I ask only a portion, and I will run the little beasts into your line of sight for easy targeting. But only if you so request... And request nicely." Again came her sultry smirk.

She teased this man. Under every man's brain or brawn was nerve, and she knew how to get under their skin. She delighted in making them uncomfortable, in making them fidget. This one was proving to be quite the solid rock wall, but nevertheless, she would try.

[Erzotol Silverden]

" Mae it is, apologies for the misinterpretation " he said, tipping his head slight towards her, his eyes even then keeping track of hers. The girl was spirited he could give her that, but it was odd, and refreshing after so long of being around people falling over themselves to be nice or friendly to him. She was bold, that part was immediately known at her choice of appearance, but her actions and words supported that claim further. More than anything she was a curiosity peace, he hadn't encountered many kelvics in his time, but ones that he did certainly didn't act like this one did, and she did so naturally which made him believe the others were merely showing a facade of themselves which didn't sit too well with him. For now though she was speaking again and attentively he listened.

First reaction to her suggestion of prey was less than desirable, but he could always eat for his own stores, and besides she claimed that he had disturbed her hunting, and it would be a good way to make amends. " Very well, Please would you assist me in the hunt, I would be very grateful for such help " he asked her in the gentlest voice he could muster, his eyes even seeming a touch lighter, though his mouth felt dry uttering such strange words.

[Merenwen]

Merenwen snickered again as she gazed out over the plains. It was blatantly obvious she had perplexed this man, and she prided herself on her trickery. She was one of a kind, she was, and knew it. Throughout her life, she had used it to her advantage. The strange Kelvic pull to serve others had not eluded this one entirely, however. She simply fought to suppress it.

If she had her tail, it would have twitched playfully as she eyed this man head to toe. She found herself disturbingly increasingly intrigued by this.... Erzotol, had he called himself? Of the Diamond Clan, or something. Such categorical extremities. Finally she laughed.

"You're an interesting creature, Erzotol. The Drykas do not typically amuse me, but I may enjoy this hunt... If you can keep up with me."

She realized she had taken a stab at his ego and abilities, even meaning to do so. Purposefully, she would continue to test his virtue until he crumbled in a fluster. With a quick swipe, she slapped at a bug on the tall shafts of grass beside her. Reflexes intact and fully functional. She would enjoy the hunt almost as much as she would pestering Erzotol.

[Erzotol Silverden]

" Very well, I think you will find me well equipped to keep up with you on our hunt " he said, his voice kept even, though it was hard keeping the energy he felt well up inside of himself from leeching into his voice. Her laughter and words stirred up feelings to try and prove himself to her, but his conscious mind struggled with itself in a attempt to remain calm, and well mannered like he had been so far. It was not too hard to win though, as Erzotol had much experience restraining himself, especially when in Endrykas, and he had to resist teaching an insulting drunkard a lesson or two rights then and there. Bad mouthing a woman was few things he could stand, and such was a button he was hard pressed not to act on, making the woman’s prod at his pride a mere pin prick in the overall scheme of things.

Still he had a very real drive to prove himself before her, and he kept his hand stead fast on his sword, since his bow would be little use against so small a target. Slashing the smaller mammal would be much easier, and would guarantee a cleaner kill as well, which he was sure she would probably enjoy more. Taking in another steadying breath, he took one last look to his horse before speaking to her. " So milady, how do you wish to do this? I follow you to a good hunting spot, or stand my ground, and wait for you to run them to me? " he asked in a soft voice, his tone curious.

[Merenwen]

Though shocked at his thorough compliance, Merenwen found herself eager to press him harder. She huffed. He was getting the fun part of the hunt, the actual kill. With a sword, though, she couldn't find herself too much disappointed. Her joy came from striking little rodents down with her massive paws, and striking their throats with a powerful snap of her jaws. Her feline eyes watched him as he spoke.

"We will move from your steed." She pointed out into the grass ahead of them. "Go there, and I will scare what I can your way. Slash at what you can with your chunk of metal." She giggled. "Think you can take down a frightened bunny with that thing?" She slinked towards him in that sultry manner, brushing close to him as she passed.

She pointed once more and said, "I'll be coming from that general direction. We'll see how competent you are, silly Drykas man. See if you can catch these furry creatures. They're quite fast."

In a burst of light, she took on the form of a lynx, and disappeared into the grass.