(Flashback) Wild Souls Cross Snowy Paths (Fela Meason)

[Zanril]

51st Summer, 510 AV Zanril clutched his longbow and jogged around the snow-covered pines. It was a great day to hunt, and he was delighted to feel Morwen's sweet touch caressing his cheek. The air was refreshingly cold this morning and he was ready to test his wits and skill. This hunt was a beautiful representation of the natural cycle--the predator must prove himself to the prey. The prey that can outwit the hunter has proven himself worthy, so the strongest continue to thrive. Zanril would venture outside the Icy Gates and respectfully prove himself to nature... and to Morwen.

[Fela Meason]

51st Summer, 510 AV The winds had died down and the sun was beating down on the frozen landscape. The temperature was in the low 30s today which meant it was in the middle of a heat wave. This made the weather much more enjoyable since the last romp on this frozen landscape that Fela and Salida had "enjoyed" where it was well below 0. Fela plastered a friendly smile on her face and waved enthusiastically to the members of the Icewatch. They only returned her open pleasantries with a stern stare and disapproving eyes. Fela stuck out tongue out at them to which their polar bears responded with a half-hearted grunt. I really should not be teasing them, they did save my life yesterday after all. Fela thought to herself. For fear of further angering the guards she gave them a solemn bow and retreated into the frozen landscape of the northern reaches. Determined to learn more about their strange visions yesterday the two women clutching each other made their way back to the cluster of trees just outside the cities gates. Salida had her face raised to the sky letting the sun kiss her pale skin. She didn't reach out or feel ahead of her, she placed all of her trust in Fela to guide her and keep her safe. Fela's heart swelled with love at just this simple act of trust. This was a harsh landscape, being blind was a major threat, yet Salida trusted Fela with all of her being to keep her safe and keep the nasty world at bay. Determined to do just that Fela kept a constant watch on their surroundings. She scanned for any movement, she scented the air and strained her ears for even just the slightest sound or movement in the wind. Things were going well, the snow was hard under their feet and the sun was shining bright, the cluster of trees were almost within reach when another scent reached Fela's nose. Two scents to be precise, the musk of a forest beast and the sweat of a human on the run. Which was the hunter and which was the hunted had yet to be seen, but she knew the stench of adrenalin and it hung heavy in the air. Wait here. Fela said sternly to Salida and guided her to a nearby sapling to clutch to. Sinking low to the ground Fela crept closer to the trees and closer to the scent. Careful to make her steps light and produce as little noise as possible Fela made her way up to a large bolder on the edge of the trees to peek around. A man stood in the clearing. She could not tell his features clearly due to the heavy furs he wore pulled up around his head. He was a little taller than her, 5'7" perhaps, and of average build. Muscles strained against his clothing as he pulled his bow up and strung an arrow preparing to fire. Fela started to move around the stone to try and get a closer look ;however, breaking the silence a twig snapped and seemed to echo in this snowy wasteland. Looking down Fela could see the broken branch under her own foot and braced for the sharp sting of arrow that would surely come from the hunter who stood before her.

[Zanril]

Zanril nodded to the guards as he cleared the gates. The sun had escaped the sparse clouds and was now warming the land. The wind was softer now, but now and then a cold breeze tickled Zanril's face.. A scent... Zanril caught a fleeting scent of beast. It was time to prove himself. He slowly pulled an arrow from his quiver and silently nocked it. He crouched low. Making his way slowly to a clearing, he scanned the trees as he pulled back his arrow. Zanril offered a quiet prayer to Morwen. Nothing. He had lost the beast... for now. He stood upright and relaxed the tension in his string. Clever... but, of course, all the game around here is. He searched for tracks. How Zanril hated tracking, mostly because he was terrible at it. I will find you, my friend. One of us shall fall today. Zanril closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. No matter how many times he had smelled the Northern air, it always struck him as divine. A smile crept across his face as he felt the wind with his cheeks. Now, the scent came from over there--downwind would be... yes. Can't let it catch my scent. Perhaps some soil would help... Zanril quieted his mind. He focused everything on the sounds of the forest. Birds... squirrels running through the trees... he knew these sounds by heart. Snap. Zan whipped his head to the side and pulled back the arrow. To his surprise, it wasn't a young roe or buck he found, but rather a girl. She looked young, but was eyeing him with a discerning, wary look from behind a large rock. She was breathing deeply and quickly. As she eyed him, her pale hand swept a thick tress of beautiful dark red hair from her face. Zanril relaxed his bow and slowly walked toward her. He smiled as he softly spoke in his native Vani, "Greetings. What are you doing out here, girl? This place can be dangerous." That's when he noticed her eyes. One eye was a deep brown, and the other a dark blue. For a moment he lost himself in her strange, wild eyes. "Are--are you lost? Do you need help, little one?" He wasn't sure if she understood him. She had the look of a surprised animal.

[Fela Meason]

51st Summer, 510 AV Fear held Fela in her place as her eyes were met with the sight of an arrow tip aimed for the kill. Every muscle was bunched, full of energy, ready to spring into action and flee. Fela was just about to transform and make a dash into the trees when the hunter lowered his bow and narrowed quizzical eyes at her. His face was mostly free of hair and she could see wisps of black hair from underneath his hooded cloak. Her eyes met his and she knew right away he was a Vantha, she had met a few in her dealings with Salida's family and found them to be interesting and kind for the most part. The human started to speak. It was a lovely flowing language with dips and rises. The sound was soothing and melodic but she had no idea what he was babbling about. Confused Fela cocked one eyebrow and said in her own common tongue Who are you? She circled around him taking in everything from his scent to his awkward stance. She could tell he wasn't use to being looked at like a piece of meat. My name is Fela stranger. What brings you to this neck of the woods?

[Zanril]

"Who are you?" the girl growled in Common. She began circling him, like an animal judging its prey. Zanril was taught Common as a youth, but wasn't especially proficient in its use. The girl's strange behavior puzzled Zan and left him speechless for a moment. "My name is Fela stranger. What brings you to this neck of the woods?" Zanril had seen this strange girl's mannerisms many times before and knew the weight his next actions carried. She was acting like a cornered animal. Strange, Zanril thought, a threatened animal takes any opportunity to flee or kill. Here I am with my bow down, and so much room for the girl to run. Is she protecting something? Is she that curious? Why is a young girl behaving like an animal? Zanril thought about the Kelvics in Avanthal. Hmm... Zanril remembered the girl's question and couldn't resist a chuckle. I am sorry. I am Zanril, a hunter from the Frostfawn Hold. Zan's thick accent seeped into his Common. I am here because... these are our woods, young friend. This is where I prove my mettle as my father has done since he was young, and as my brother will do very soon. I mean you no harm, but I wonder--what is a young girl doing unescorted in the Talderan wilderness? The beasts here can stand as tall as trees, and can kill in a single swipe. I have had to flee several such beasts in my time. The girl's eyes lit with understanding but she still seemed wary, like a pet sniffing a strange hand. Zanril put away his arrow and offered her his slender, calloused hand. I can take you to the city... The girl jumped a bit when Zan's hand came near her. His eyes twinkled a shifting bluish-green and a friendly grin stretched across his face.

[Fela Meason]

51st Summer, 510 AV Fela regarded his hand which was out stretched and considered his offer. I've been to the city. Lovely place filled with lovely people, but I have more important matters to see to then to get out of this mild weather and rejoin civilization. Fela had come fill circle and was back to facing the strange man. A name drifted over the arctic wind, her name. Fela's head jerked to the right honing in on the sound. Salida was calling for her. She left her scared and alone huddled in the cold. Silently cursing herself Fela dashed out of the trees and ran towards the sound of Salida calling without so much as a glance at her surrounding. A move than could prove fatal in this unforgiving region. Salida exited the trees and could see the sapling Salida was still clutching too calling Fela's name. She had no idea if the man had followed her and didn't care, she had to take care of those whom she had been entrusted to. Fela strode across the snow. Salida, it's ok darling. I'm coming. A low growl froze Fela in her tracks. Fela froze where she stood and slowly turned towards the sound. The grey muzzle of a forest wolf met her gaze and held her transfixed. Fela returned it's growl and hunched low to the ground warning it to back off. Fela removed her cloak slowly and dropped it into the snow. Her and the wolf faced off, neither daring to move or breathe. Fela? Fela I'm coming towards you. Salida screamed into the snow, the wolf snapped it's head in her direction and inched forward. Baby, do me a favor. Shut up and don't move. Do not move until I get you. Fela stripped off her shirt and tossed it next to her cloak. No need to ruin another perfectly good tunic.

[Zanril]

Zanril spent a moment reflecting on the open air to which he was offering his hand. The girl Fela had run, and Zanril wasn't quite sure why. Zan thought he had heard something faint on the wind, but couldn't quite make out what it was. Whatever it was, it sent the girl sprinting. Zanril hung his head and exhaled. It could be worse. Zanril hoped she didn't think he was stalking her by chasing after her, but his conscience couldn't allow him not to follow her. These woods are not kind to the weak or slow, Zan thought, and I don't yet know if she's either of those. Zanril plucked an arrow from his quiver with his right hand, gripped his bow tightly with his left and jogged after her. This was the strangest hunt he had ever been on. For a few moments, there was no sight of her. She had shot off like a hungry hawk. As Zan skirted around the trees, he could hear only the birds, his own breath and the rhythmic plashing of his boots in the snow. Zan rounded a large cedar that opened into another small clearing. There was no time to catch his breath. The sight presented before him held him where he stood. His breath was quick from the run. His breath was quick from the fear. His warm, misty breath rose into the sky as he beheld a wolf confronting a curiously topless Fela who returned the animal's stare, stance and growl. Confusion, then relief washed over him. At least it's not one of the big ones. Nevertheless, this beast posed a threat to his new half-nude acquaintance. There was a girl beyond Fela, too. Her skin and hair were as fair as the snow itself. She clutched a sapling helplessly at the edge of the clearing. Zan exhaled, frowned and furrowed his brow in concentration. He whipped the arrow over to his bowstring and quickly nocked it. This beast was a hunter, and Zanril deeply respected the hunters of these woods as brothers. Regardless, Zan had to protect these girls. This wolf, fighting alone, was either starved or a worried mother. Regardless, Zan had to protect these girls. The wolf was unaware of Zanril, its full attention on Fela, so this would not be an honorable death for the predator. It had no chance to prove its skill. Regardless, Zan had to protect these girls. He breathed in deeply. Zanril closed his left eye and took aim at the creature. He let the arrow fly. The wolf's yelp echoed through the cold forest. Whether it was Zanril's nerves or just a clumsy mistake, the arrow had failed to land a mortal wound, instead lodging in the creature's shoulder. The wolf stood and turned in the direction of its pain, and locked eyes with Zanril. It sees me as the threat now, The animal growled and limped through the crimson spatters on the fresh white snow toward Zanril. He pulled another arrow from his quiver and set it to his string. The bowstring creaked as he pulled back and took aim again. Run! Get out of here now! Hopefully the pale girl knew Common.

[Fela Meason]

51st Summer, 510 AV The whirl of the arrow, the yelp of the canine and the smell of blood bursting onto the snow--all of this excited the hunter in Fela. The shot did not kill the animal but wounded it. The wolf spun around to face the man who already had another arrow notched and ready to fire. Thankful for the distraction Fela slowly scooped up her clothes and inched her way back careful not to make any sudden moves that would draw the attention of the beast back to her. Fela reached Salida and pulled her into a bear hug. It's ok honey, everything is ok. She stroked her hair and breathed deeply of the frigid air. The scent of blood filled the air, the cat inside Fela stirred. She wanted to chase down the wounded animal and end it's life. Salida, I have to take care of something. You stay right here. You stay quiet and you stay still. Only call to me if you have to. Only speak if you have to. You trust me right? Fela let some of the fear she felt for Salida's safety seep into her voice. Salida nodded and whimpered softly. The confusion was plain on her face, she had no idea what was wrong. Fela stood, pulled her pants off and dropped them in the pile of clothes sprawled in the snow. The cool northern air tickled her flesh and rose goose flesh all over her body. She dug her toes into the snow and dropped down on all four. Crawling carefully along the snow covered ground she watched the wolf begin to charge. Oh don't even think about it dog breath Fela thought to herself. The hunter wasn't going to have all the fun with this one. One instant Fela was crawling along the ground, in the next a bright flash of light faded to reveal a dark streak of fur dashing full force towards the wolf. The roar of the large cat echoed through the trees moments before she crashed into the side of the injured wolf sending it sprawling into the snow.

[Zanril]

Zanril was poised to shoot. The girl had run off, yet the wolf had continued its course toward him. Zanril didn't dare take his eyes off this creature. Thank you, my brother, Zanril whispered to his foe.Your sacrifice will not be wasted. His thoughts rested on the young women. I hope I can find them and make sure they're safe after I slay this animal. The wolf was an easy target now, moving laborously toward Zanril. Why? Zanril was puzzled. An injured animal should run from its attacker if it knows it won't win. Something.. but what? Insanity or motherhood. They both make animals do stupid things. Perhaps not my brother, but rather... Flash. A chilling sound shrieked through Zanril's thoughts, not unlike the fierce wildcats he had sometimes encountered. Like some kind of magic lightning, a massive ebony jaguar seemingly materialized from the ether and slammed into the wolf. Their screams mingled until all Zanril heard was the deep, primal sound of the cat. Zanril aimed the bow at the Jaguar. It just keeps getting better! There was no time to think. He had to let loose the arrow and pray it killed this strange animal. His hand was a moment away from releasing the arrow. That's when he noticed her eyes. Fela's eyes.

[Fela Meason]

51st Summer, 510 AV The first attack sent the wolf sprawling in the snow. Fela took this moment of confusion to strike. Her teeth sank deep into the creature's shoulder with a burst of blood. The wolf cried out in pain and turned to try and return the favor. Fela held tight to the beasts shoulder to prevent it from moving. The two tumbled into the snow and Fela lost her grip and was thrown asunder. Blinded briefly by the snow and numbed by the cold everything seemed to slow down for a moment and panic washed over her. I will not let this animal win. Claws sank into her side and the sting of pain caused her to cry out and stumble. Regaining her footing she charged again, this time grabbing the creature by the throat. Pinned and injured the wolf struggled against her grasp all in vain. Slowly she clamped down her jaws and delighted in the feelings of fur giving away allowing her teeth to sink further, the snap of the ligaments and the tearing of the veins. Blood dripped from her mandible and the sickly sweet copper taste flowed over her tongue. She held on until the labored breath of the creature ceased and it's body went still with death. At last she released and allowed the limp form of the wolf to fall into the snow. Soon it would be as cold as it's surrounding, just another lump on the surface of this planet. Fela looked behind her, Salida was right where she left her. Good girl. Bringing her eyes back to the front they met the strange mans and held them captivated. His concerned in her well being was misplaced and she hoped she had proved that to him. Not concerned any longer with the human Fela limped back to her bondmate and licked her hand. Salida reached a trembling hand out and buried it in Fela's fur. A moment lady the blind woman threw her arms around Fela's neck and nuzzled into the thick fur of her neck. How she wished she could talk, how she wished she could pass these feelings to her. The threat was gone, Salida was safe. Fela felt her fur being stroked and began to purr. A small gasp pulled her attention back to the woman in front of her. Salida pulled her hand back and smelled it, as soon as the warm metallic scent reached her nostrils she knew what it was: Blood. You're injured. A statement. We need to get you bandaged up, quick. A note of panic had appeared in her voice. Fela licked her hand trying to reassure her but Salida would have none of it. W-where is it?! Where is my bag? I must have dropped it. Her bag was no where to be seen. The small brown deerskin bag held all of her supplies and medicines. Tears rolled down Salida's eyes out of frustration.