Joining the Hunt (Tiki)

[Growl]

The buck was still running. Zig-zagging frantically through the snow in an attempt to get away. He was certain, almost, that he would be free, if only Tiki would tire, or he could land another kick. The Hold leader crept up behind the two, as Tiki ran after his prey. The man smiled weakly, as the deer pushed up against the snow. Tiki was gaining on the deer, and the deer knew it. Its heart pounded in its chest, as Tiki managed to nearly close the space that lingered between them. If Tiki were to try to strike again, now would be the time to do it. Before the deer got away.

[Tiki]

Like a shadow through the night his blackness darted across the light snow, his body low to the ground and shuffling. His growl became more of a whine from the previous blow, now a higher pitch. As the deer zigzagged through he followed a smoother pattern, the snow before him was cleared more and it was easier to track, to run smoothly in taking the lesser distance. He might have even been purring from the thrill and thought of the kill. When the space between them was closed and the moment right, the buck’s legs extending back, Tiki struck. Body, tooth and claw, sank into the left hind leg of the deer to bring it down. To the best of his aim he tried to get close to the heel, to break something, to maim the bastardly being who dared to strike back. With any luck they would both fall and tumble into the snow. He’d be sure of the kill this time, get behind the deer where the hooves would not reach him and break his entire being between those vicious jaws. Tiki had thought little of his purpose in being here, what sentience had guided him toward this mission was becoming lost. It was exhilarating, something new and almost euphoric. It felt so natural and perfect. For years he had spent time pent up in a city wrestling with like siblings where no one could see. And when the time was right to behave he was instructed to fold his hands properly and sit in silence. But this, the untamed wind calling out to him, the taste of big game, flesh and blood, this was what he truly was.

[Growl]

Tiki's claws sank into the deer's flank, causing it to shriek out in pain, and in terror. Its eyes grew wide as its terror filtered in, shining brightly, especially in the dark core of the pupil. The claws ripped out portions of the creature's flesh, tore away the fur. Exposing crimson red blood. The stench of it, the sight of it. The deer kicked its legs in an attempt to dislodge the mighty cat, but failed. Moments later, Tiki managed to sink his teeth into the upper portion of the deer's right leg. Both animals panted. The fight was almost over now. Each could smell it, sense it. The Hold leader merely smiled. Perhaps there would be a place amongst his hunters for the Kelvic after all.

[Tiki]

Tiki growled in a low tone and went in for the kill. He tackled the buck, now a play thing in his paws, the prey lacking the strength to stand much longer. Fending him off seemed hopeless without interference. From the right leg he worked upward, sinking lengthy claws into its roughed hide, the being moving up and down in rapid motion, until he came to the torso. He looked into those eyes so dark, frantic… His lips parted with a snarl and he bit back into the deer’s neck. Paws firmly into the lower portion, his maw locked on the spine, he crunched down, spinal cord and all. The pressure ensued for a number of seconds, a flick of the jaw to break it and some munching to make sure. He held the buck in his jaw and stood up, panting in pain, dragging the body with his head. He looked about for anyone to challenge him for his reward and none arisen. Fatigued from the chase and fight, sore from the block to the chest now taking hold, Tiki was driven to take the deer and eat it. Its blood would serve him well a reward over smooth, taught flesh reeking of the savory scent. He clasped onto the neck again and pulled his way to a tree, unaware of Kayin’s presence. He could feel in his pull the weight of the mighty meal, and had to compromise. He went to the hind leg already mauled by his claws. He stepped down on the body and with his fangs moved to rend the part from the whole. His muzzle shook and twitched at the joint chewing out what tendons fought on; the crackling and snapping of bone and cartilage came over the scene. Content with the limb in mouth, he climbed back over the body, moved to the lowest branch, and sat there feasting. On the limb he saw the leader approach, wearily at that. Tiki continued with his meal, pausing with each creaking step closer toward the corpse of the buck’s body, and would stop to look at him with is jaws snapping. His mouth was soon drenched in the blood of his victim, paws sanguine from the work he had done. He seemed content with the kill and company so long as he knew his place.

[Growl]

Kayin reached the side of Tiki's tree. "Good work," he said simply, as he listened to the crunching of bone, of flesh being torn apart. "Although, it would be best if you had left the creature in slightly better shape... it would have gone for more on the market." Kayin cleared his throat for a moment, before continuing. "Nonetheless, you have proven your worth as a hunter, and are welcome to hunt in small groups with some of my people. However, you will be asked, kindly, not to destroy whatever it is they find. To... taint the meat as some of us may say." Kayin paused, allowing the jaguar to enjoy a larger portion of his meal before continuing. "Be warned, that if you fail to control yourself, you will be asked to hunt on your own." The man smiled. "But we can talk about that later, should the problem ever arise." With that, he turned to leave, but thinking better of it, glanced over his shoulder. "You can start in a few days... enjoy your prize in the mean time, and if you can, drag at least part of it into the city. Surely, the butchers can make use of the animal yet." As soon as the words had left Kayin's lips, he turned back around, and headed back to the holds.

[Growl]

Appreciation Time! Name: Tiki Experience: +3 Hunting, +2 Running, +1 Negotiation, +1 Observation Lore: Kayin Frostfawn (Basic), Getting a Job, Hunting for a Living Additional Notes: Tiki is now employed as a hunter by the Frostfawn Hold. As a novice lvl hunter, he will get 5 GM for each day he works. The details for how you get paid- how many threads you have to do, etc, should be worked out with Cheshire, as your DS. PM me with any other questions or concerns.