[Seasonal Quest] Hunt of the Season (Open)

[Lariat]

Time Stamp: 57th of Fall PC Limit: (Open to all) NoteI intend to update this thread daily as a way to encourage people not to drop out of the thread, and slow it down for all the others posting regularly. This thread will be open until the hunt actually begins for then which I will close it, and concentrate specifically on those that have joined. It will not be easy but with teamwork and tactics great rewards could be accomplished. A bitter wind blew across the grass flattening it out to the ground before the but couldn't wipe the smile that had found a place on the older man's features. He was fully outfitted this day, dyed green leather covering every inch of his body, and he even wore his silk cloak this day, its emerald color vivid in the dawn light, and kept around his shoulders by a ornate onyx clasp molded in the shape of a fallen leaf. There where no weapons strapped to his person but anyone who had known him at all would know he never was one to cary any. The boy had been born with soft hands, and instead of following suit of his brothers, and father he decided to educate himself in the ways of trading and business and because of that he now ran his own pavilion that provided no small amount of miza's for his family to live off of. He lived a good life, keeping safe within the protection of Endrykas, and his family along with the maneuvering of his silver tongue. At his hip a hollowed out horn bumped every once and a while against his hip, the gold that plated it in places gleaming in the newborn sunlight, and shining at his side. It was something he hadn't had the occasion to use yet before today, but now, after he had accomplished so much, he finally got the chance to claim the honor as his brothers had before him. He would announcing the start of the hunt for the large beast of a glassbeak they had sighted on the web. Word had been spread throughout the sprawled city of Endrykas the previous day, and soon when everyone started to wake they would arrive here, to stand before him and eagerly await the words he would speak. It wasn't often they found such a prize on the grass, and alone at that by all appearances. Time was of the essence, and while their experienced webbers kept track of the monster, he had been busy organizing the spread of the word, and preparing for the feast that would surely would follow to celebrate the successful hunt afterwards. It was of course the festivities that more interested him, his ears and mouth always too ready to spread word of his own pavilion's talents to other clansmen's ears and thus increasing his business and spreading his influence and name along with it. "Yes, fine day indeed" He whispered softly to himself before turning around to disappear into his tent. * * * * * [Midday] From the shadows of his massive pavilion Kaur watched the massive crowd that had gathered in-between his tent, and that of the emerald clansman, the gathering effectively stopping business in the center for the time being as many of his own workers had even left to join in on the hunt. He wouldn't stop them from doing it, it wasn't everyday a opportunity like this arose, and remembering the days of his still continuing youth, he couldn't deny them such a joy. Leaning to the side, he looked to the man who stood beside him fully outfitted in armor and weapons, and standing fully a head taller than he himself was. "Don't need you for smithing today so don't be hesitating about joining them. Just remember to kill the thing first and bring honor to the pavilion" He said, patting the other man on the shoulder, and nodding at the large crowd. Looking sideways at him, he offered a small nod before starting off, his deep brown eyes now searching the crowd for a group of his own, something that would best compliment his skills. It was the biggest hunt of the season so far, and he didn't want to disappoint. With one last look back at Kaur he disappeared into the ever growing crowd.

[Ronan]

Endrykas had burst to life with the news of the hunt. Ronan Windsong had been born a hunter, trained throughout his youth in tracking and survival. He couldn't let this opportunity pass. Everyone else had money in their eyes, but Ronan was doing it for more person reasons. Despite the confidence he had in his skills, he couldn't help but feel a little apprehension. Glassbeaks had killed his brother, and most probably his parents too. They were vicious creatures, tenacious killers that rarely let down. This was a chance though... not for vengeance perhaps, but to prove a point nonetheless. Checking his bags and dagger, Ronan scrubbed a hand through his thick brown hair. He hadn't cut his hair all Summer, and it was really starting to grow. He had always found his hair would grow slowly, but here in the Fall, it was just starting to touch the nape of his neck. He sighed half to himself, and then made his way towards the noisy crowd. The air held a slight chill, but here, amongst this throbbing mass of people, there was a pool of warmth. Now he'd just wait for the speech, and then slink off in his own direction. He didn't want aid, and certainly not distractions. He would lay low in the Grasses and find the Glassbeak before anyone else. The only way was one of stealth and careful consideration. And then there was the dagger, he thought with a smile.

[Akilah Windsong]

She woke up early that morning, confused and unsure of what stirred her at these ungodly hours. A small breeze waffled through the tent, the flaps quietly rippling in response. Nary a sound in the air, she lay there for a few hours, unable to fall asleep.

It was only when she slipped out of the bed, giving up on rest entirely, that she found out the reason. The hunt had started. The fall hunt, the important hunt. Unable to attend the previous ones, she was determined to join this one at least.

"Thanks, Zulrav," she mumbled, convinced that the waking must have been his doing. There had been a breeze that morning, after all, and nothing would convince her otherwise. Even though it seemed odd that a god would wake her alone up.

Wolfing down her breakfast, she gave a hurried goodbye to her father, ignoring his laugh at her actions. Exiting the pavilion, she approached her strider eagerly.

"A hunt, a hunt!" she sang, holding her partner's long face between both hands. "We're going to have the hunt! A glassbeak!" A little dangerous, she knew, considering she had hunted smaller animals before. Fish and birds, small badgers and moles were the main things she had caught. A deer, perhaps, if she were lucky.

A glassbeak? Deadly and frightning, she knew she would have to find a group if she were to catch it and live to tell the tale.

A sharp snort, warm air brushing her face, cheering her up. "Yes, that's right. We have each other. We can do it."

Leaning close, Akilah breathed back softly on her horse's snout, before detaching herself. A critical eye took in her mount's appearance. "I'll check up on you later," she apologized. Her strider was her responsibility; no one else would want to take care of Adámas or be able to for that matter. "See you later."

Running down to where the crowd had gathered, she could see the throngs of warriors and hunters that crowded the gap between pavilions. Creamy whites and cool greens filled her view for the most part, small beads flashing into her eyes as she walked among the challengers. Occasionally she could see the colours of the other clans, men and women excitedly waiting for the hunt to start.

Her own hair was tied back in messy braids, dangling bells and beads loosely threaded in from the previous day. She would have to remove them before the hunt started, each step of hers giving a clear chime. As she listened to the conversations flow past her, she searched for an opening to introduce herself.

[Zeal Aldercraft]

News of the hunt travelled quickly through the tents and excitement pulsed in the air. Though Zeal wasn’t a hunter, he was still caught up in the enthusiasm sweeping the pavilions. He was anxious to get there to watch the event and lend a hand if anyone needed a healer. As dangerous as the glassbeaks were, he guessed his hands would stay busy.

He scrubbed his face in cold water and slipped into his worn leathers, tossed his sack over his shoulder and bent down to give Vanya a rub behind her ears. In return, she licked his hand, her affection in her eyes. With a smile on his lips and purpose in his stride, Zeal headed out towards the cooking fire, where most of his family had already finished eating. Only his mother had waited for him. She stood in front of the table, watching him with a wary look on her face. He would have snuck out without eating but the heavy scent of vanilla in her pancakes tethered him to the table...and if it hadn’t, her wooden spoon would have. To please her and settle the growl in his stomach, he swiped a handful of golden cakes and shoved them into his mouth.

His mother’s eye’s widened and she dangled the spoon in her hand with a threat on her lips. That was all the warning he needed to turn around and make a run for it. Through a mouthful of mush, he mumbled a goodbye. Outside, he followed the swelling crowd toward the meeting area, where he waited, arms folded across his chest, for things to begin.

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[Caoin]

The sound of the wind against the flaps of her family’s pavilion mingled with the excited thrumming of the people who were going about their business for the day, business that included a hunt that wasn’t part of Endrykas’s every day activities. All of the noise was part of what roused Caoin from the depths of her slumber, the other part being the smell of frying meat. Her mother or one of the other women in the family was busy preparing breakfast so that the Silverstriders could start the day with a full belly. Caoin pulled herself out of bed, nudging Sealgaire gently with her foot to wake him from his own sleep. The dog rose from the ground next to her cot and pushed his head into her hand, remaining there until she ruffled his fur and ears light. With a wagging tail, he settled back on his haunches and watched as his owner dressed for the day. The two of them eventually moved out in the communal area of the pavilion, where the family was gathered for breakfast. The pavilion was alive with chatter, including talk of the hunt that was to be held. A hunt that Caoin decided she would participate in, and with the decision made and breakfast eaten, she set herself to preparing for the hunt.

Caoin took the time to fix a bowl of food for Sealgaire and then went out to the stable to make sure that Liath was fed and watered before she started to gather some supplies. Making the preparations for the day was a quick process and it didn’t take her long to pack a bit of food and a few things that she would need out in the grass, including her weapons. Though, Caoin wasn’t planning to do much hunting herself, instead intending to help by locating and herding the animal, with the help of Sealgaire of course. She would also be there in the field to offer help and care to any of the horses or hunting animals that were injured in the process. She intended to play mainly a support role during this hunt, since they were tracking such a large glassbeak.

With her supplies gathered, Caoin went to see that Sealgaire and Liath were in shape for the hunt, making sure that neither of the animals was wounded or unprepared for the hunt. Caoin examined both animals, feeling down the length of their legs and along their bodies to make sure that there were no wounds, sprains, or breaks. She led Liath out of his stall and walked around in a small circle to make sure that his gait and footing was sound. The Drykas woman slid Liath’s yvas and saddlebags on once she was sure he was ready, and mounted. Once up on the strider’s back, she gave him a gentle pat on the neck and whistled to Sealgaire. With a gentle press of her booted foot against his side, she urged Liath out of the stable tent and towards where the participants of the hunt were gathering. The two made their way through the crowds with Sealgaire hot on Liath’s heels.

As the trio arrived at the Emerald clan tent where the hunters were gathering, Caoin straightened herself up to her full height, stretching upwards and straining to get a look at those who were gathered, using her position on Liath’s back to give her a height advantage so that she could see farther. She was scanning the crowd for familiar faces, particularly that of her cousin, Skram, though any familiar face would do. She hoped to find a good group to go on the hunt with; if she and Skram were to be part of the party that helped to bring down the glassbeak, it would bring a good deal of honor to their family, and might help to drum up business for them. But with no familiar faces in site for the time being, Caoin dismounted so that Liath wouldn’t be walking around bearing her weight the whole time and tiring himself out.

Pushing a few loose strands of her hair out of her face, Caoin took in a deep breath as a breeze blew by, carrying the scent of the Sea of Grass with it. It was a good day for a hunt and the excitement in the air was so thick, that it was almost palpable. The Drykas reached down to ruffle Sealgaire’s fur and ears once again as the Wolfhound leaned against her with all his weight, As Caoin lifted her hand away once again, Sealgaire’s head tilted back and his long tongue reached out to lick the retreating hand. “What do you think, boys? Is today going to be our lucky day,” Caoin looked from strider to dog, and they both looked back at her, Liath pawing at the ground with one hoof, eager to throw himself in any sort of activity. Sealgaire was just as eager, his head swiveling this way and that, his ears perking up every now and then as he tried to keep up with all of the people milling about.

Yes, it was certain to be a good day and a good hunt.

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[Auldwin]

Earlier Auldwin had watched the sky change colors before his unblinking eyes. It was something he was never able to do in life, and while some might think it a waste of time, he had all the time in the world. The darkness was slowly engulfed by light, moving at a languid pace across the sky. That light rose and rose until it flooded down across the grass. He could watch it there. He could see the rays of orange and yellow push down atop the sea of greenery, lighting it all up like a tide moving in. Before long the sun rose completely above the horizon, looking as fierce and proud as ever. As the winds of the plains blew, Auldwin could imagine the day was a beautiful one, if he were able to feel it.

All that night he had taken time off from perfecting his Ghostly powers. He had taxed his Soulmist much recently, and just like the living there were times when he simply had to take time and rejuvenate himself. This rejuvenation was quite literal in his sense, as the visibility of his Soulmist directly correlated to the amount of supernatural power he had left within him.

When the mid day came he found the pavilions bustling, even more than normal. He heard the talk of the locals, having listened to their language for so long now that he understood it well enough to follow a conversation, and provide one himself. There was talk of a hunt...for a Glassbeak. Just the thought of those wretched creatures made his Soulmist boil, those tender wisps fluttering in the breeze more visibly then normal. Those creatures had killed him. His last sensation in the world was the feeling of their beaks rending his body. Now was his opportunity to repay the favor. If one could die by his metaphysical hands, perhaps some of the vengeance that kept his Soulmist so tense could be lifted. This was his chance.

"Fancy meeting you here, kid." said the specter as he blinked into existence along side of Zeal. Talk about a strained relationship, but they had learned something from one another ever since their meeting all those seasons ago. Auldwin existed, and nothing was going to stop that. He was going to exist until he had no desire to anymore. Zeal possessed a rare talent, spiritual sensitivity, and Auldwin wasn't about to ever let the man squander the potential in Mastering the skill, especially after learning of the great rewards that could be gained from working with a trained Spiritist. Auldwin had plans for Zeal, though they were certainly not altruistic. Auldwin needed Zeal, something he tried to get through to him on that fateful night of their less than civilized meeting.

[Skram Silverstrider]

Glassbeaks, they were everywhere in the Sea of Grass but a big one would be a magnificent prize. Skram may not be good in a fight but he wanted to see the glassbeak for himself as well as the way it was hunted. It would help him a lot if he learned how to handle one in case next time he was going across the sea he was attacked but he did not really see him fighting this one. Many other more experienced drykas has fallen to the beast of the wilds especially the glassbeak. Skram did not see himself adding himself to that number anytime soon even if that was the sort of death common for his people.

Skram spotted his cousin in the communal area of the pavilion but was far too lost in thought to greet her. The only time he actually takes an interest in her affairs was if it affected him such as during the foreseeable event of another man trying to get her attention. While it was normal that she would be married off for the sake of the family, Skram knows of her wishes that she wants to marry out of love and respects that just as her father does. All the same he does not want to be associated with another which he views as a lesser man. Which was why his shadows her when that happens, scrutinizing the next man of his capabilities and strength whether or not he had a chance.

After finishing off with his breakfast, Skram went to take a look at equipment. His only belongings which could be put to use if he really was able to join in the hunt. Looking over his horse to see if it was ready for whatever comes today such as that glassbeak. The horse was full of energy and prepared as Skram saw when it took a canter around him. After that he looked over his cart. The wheels were in good condition, spinning very smoothly and the harness was firm when he gave it a tug. Knowing that the day's events called for a hunt, Skram put in the cart his bow and a selection of arrows. Should anyone foresee that the hunt will be for some days, he would have to pack extra but until then he will leave things as it is.

And so Skram found himself as one of those gathered at the massive pavilion along with so many others who without a doubt wanted to share in the kill. If he had the chance, he would too would be the same but no arrow shot from his bow will reach the glassbeak let alone pierce and kill it but maybe he will have the chance of taking the successful hunters to the beast first and bring back its corpse. Spotting his cousin and her dogs he finally went up to her and mentioned that "we would all be so lucky if the glassbeak does not kill us first cousin" and gave a laugh at his attempts to lighten the mood.

[Colt]

He needed to calm down. Khasr’s clothing was usually quite simple. Brown tunic, breeches, cloak and boots, usually smeared with dirt and not smelling the best were the norm, but today… today was different. His clothes were all washed, his boots were rubbed and oiled, the tatters in his cloak had been mended, and his face was clean and shaven. An incredibly ornate dagger was at his waist, and he had a deep green sash proudly marking him as an Emerald clansman. He’d taken care of his own javelins, however, and all were clean and the vanes were even and orderly. His family had surprised him when he had told them of his plan to join the fall hunt, all pitching in to make him ‘presentable’ to the crowds. He wasn’t sure whether that was a good or bad thing, and was letting it sit in an uneasy in-between. So thorough was their work that when he had finally broken free he had run around in the wilderness for a few minutes to get a comfortable film of dust on him again. That was all well and good, but now he had to actually start going where he was supposed to. The idea of socializing was absolutely terrifying, the mere thought making him slightly claustrophobic. He had not intention of backing out, and he had already done as much to stall as he could think of, so there were no more options than to go. He hoped Akilah would be there. He didn’t think he could survive it without a friendly face. By Zulrav, he needed to calm down. He plodded through the tall grasses, following the faint sounds of people milling and mingling. It wasn’t long before he saw it: the vibrant green flag waving all hunters to it. Khasr found himself comforted and a bit of confidence bloomed in his chest. He was an Emerald hunter. He deserved to be in this hunt. He emerged to a great clearing on the outskirts of Endrykas. A large crowd had already gathered, and other nervous participants flitted about, checking their weapons, hunting animal, striders, and teams. Teams. Khasr realized with a jolt that he didn’t have a team. He had been planning on hunting with Akilah or by himself, but there was no possibility of his taking down a Glassbeak under either of those circumstances. Oh, he could find one for sure, as Glassbeaks were about as subtle as fanfares, but though he had been practicing his javelin skills were sorely lacking. He surveyed the masses with an appraising eye. He needed someone who had the strength to actually bring down an apex predator. Is the process he spotted Akilah, and a great wave of relief swept over him. He wove through the moving bodies to her, a thin smile on his face. “I came,” he said.

[Lariat]

Tareth pushed he way through the crowd, noting as he did the expectant faces of each and every drkas in attendance. All shared his very same sentiment, the strongest desire to bring honor to their family and show just how drykas they where. This was the sea of grass, the land that rolled between their feet was their, and everyone of them was inexplicably tied to it in one form or another. For him it was a matter of honor, and a means of impressing a wife to share his tent with. He was yet young, and full of life, but on the dangerous sea of grass all that could quickly change and for that reason marriage and the carrying on of his line was never far from his mind. Security was a thing few enjoyed, but most drykas could feel safe under the Watch's eye, though the danger would always still be there. Always waiting to close shut its jaws to cut a life too short. By now he had worked his way to the front of the crowd, a raised patch of ground looming just before them all where seven drykas all dressed in the colors of the clans stood resolute in a rough oval shape. At the center stood a man wearing a rich emerald cape, and now bearing a spear. It was no other than Faren Shadowleaf, a man he had no little association with, and one that he respected well despite the man's lack of martial prowess. No, Faren's strength lied in his mind, and was the glue that binded the strong relationship that had formed between the Clearblade and the Shadowleaf. Seeing the weapon in the man's hand was odd, as Tareth had never seen the man armed not once in all his years of knowing the man. Surely he does not intend.. A horn blared through the air, it's dull base tone ringing out through the encampment for a few long moments, silencing man and beast alike. A little red at the cheeks for wear, Faren let the horn part from his lips as he reverently replaced it back into it's oaken case that a fully dressed emerald hunter held open for just such an occasion. Sending the hunter away, he turned to face the crowd, most of which had turned eagerly to face him, and listen to the words he would speak to announce the start of the hunt they had all came here for. "Thank you brother's for your presence today" Faren started, pacing from side to side to better address the crowd as a whole, as he spoke as loud as he could. "For we all know why you have been summoned, and that such a danger brought so many is a fact we should all feel pride in for we are not normal men, cowering behind stone walls from the beasts on our doorstep. No, we are DRYKAS!" He shouted at the end, pumping his spear in the air as he did so betraying his excitement at the hunt at hand. "We come here today to hunt down a great beast, bigger than most of us have ever seen before. Yes, today my brothers we hunt a massive glass beak, the likes of which I have never seen, and we do this for honor, pride, and the safely of our family!" Pausing a moment to take a breath, he slapped the wooden length of the spear against the flat of his palm as he stared more sternly at the crowd before him. "Without much further hold up, I bid you to remain safe out there brothers. Now go and gather enough supplies to survive a few days on and say your goodbyes to your wives, for in two bells we leave." Faren finished, turning around to disappear into his own tent, and following suit the seven men who had surrounded him followed him into the tent. In the back of the quickly dispersing crowd a man dressed in dark hues stood, his black cloak fluttering with the slightest breeze. From under the dip of his hood pale skin ranged beneath, the man's delicate chin visible from within the shadows of the cowl. With sure footed strides he moved forward, avoiding brushing past any of those pushing and shoving their way to get about while delicately maneuvering to get to the tent that the eight men had retreated into. His hand was clenched about something, though hidden under the voluminous sleeves of his cloak it was up to any onlooker's speculation as to whatever it might be. The entrance was open and unguarded and with only a glance around, he too went into the massive tent. oocMy next post will seal this thread, and start the daily cycle I mentioned at the start. If anyone else is going to join this thread, now would be the time.

[Caoin]

Caoin stood next to Liath, stroking the strider’s neck as she waited for those who were in charge to make the speech that everyone knew was coming. As she stood waiting, Caoin looked around at those who were gathered, noticing that there seemed to be a distinct lack of females in the crowd. In fact, she noticed only one other female besides herself. That was certainly going to make it an interesting hunt.

As the Drykas woman was busy looking around the crowd, she failed to notice Skram’s approach, though Sealgaire certainly didn’t. The quarni wolfhound bounded over to his mistress’s cousin and pushed his front paws off the ground to place them on the man’s shoulders so that he could lick Skram’s face vigorously should the man not stop him from jumping up, that is. Caoin’s attention finally turned to Skram when he spoke up, and she chuckled softly at his comment. “Indeed,” she responded as she turned to Skram, raising a hand in greeting, “but hopefully the gods will bless us and allow all of the hunters to return home alive, at least.” Caoin did not dare to wish for a hunt where there no injuries either, that was far too much to hope for and highly unlikely anyway. Injuries were part of life on the Sea of Grass.

Any further attempt to converse with Skram or respond to any reply that he might have would be cut short by the sounding of the hunting horn. Caoin’s attention turned to the front of the crowd where Faren Shadowleaf stood with other leaders from each of the clans. It was like looking at a rainbow, banners and clothing displaying the colors of all of the clans, there wasn’t a clan that didn’t have a representative present or participating. Sure, the Emerald clan was known for their skilled hunters, but that didn’t mean that there weren’t skilled hunters and former Emerald clansman among the other clans. Everyone stood a good chance of being part of the group to bring down the monstrous glassbeak that was the target of the impromptu hunt. Faren began to speak and the crowd drew silent, the low din of Caoin’s own thoughts and mind fading away as she focused on listening to Faren’s words. It was a motivational speech to say the least, one fit to stir the courage of even the least brave man’s heart and soul.

As the speech wound down and the hunters began to disperse to gather further equipment and supplies, Caoin turned to Skram. “I’ve already got my supplies packed, cousin. I figured they’d be needed anyway, so I’ll probably mill about here and size up some of the others who are partaking in this little venture. See if there are any good men to pair up with. Will you be returning to the tent to get anything else?” Caoin had indeed come prepared, anticipating that the hunt might take more than a day. Most big hunts did, since they involved tracking down challenging prey or bringing home a large haul. “Though, perhaps we should bring more than just enough for ourselves? If you’re bringing your cart, we could always carry a little extra just in case something happens,” Caoin offered the suggestion to her cousin, knowing that you could never have enough supplies on the Sea.

While Caoin was speaking to her cousin, her attention was on the tent that Faren and the others were disappearing into, so it was no surprise that she noticed the hooded figure that entered shortly after them. A figure that seemed to be acting rather suspiciously, in her opinion. “Did you see that, Skram? That guy that just went into the tent?” He’d made sure to look around before entering, almost as if he didn’t want anyone to see him.

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