The Tiger And The Stag

[Sheva]

35th of Summer 512AV Another cold day in the white winter forest. Sheva was beginning to think that hunting was all she did as of late, always stalking through the forest in search of fresh meat and today was no different. As the white tigress stalked through the snow filled forest in search of fresh meat she couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't found any large prey during her time in the large forest. "What I wouldn't give for a deer." she said to herself, although anyone in the near vicinity who wasn't relatively feline would have heard nothing more than a low growl. Sheva was pulled out of her thoughts by a sudden noise, what sounded like the snapping of a twig nearby. Her predatory instincts took over instantly, alert and silent as she began to stalk quietly toward the source of the sound until she was mere meters away. Then she saw it... A short distance away stood a magnificent stag, large and fit...an exquisite example of it's species. Sheva couldn't help but lick her lips as she analyzed the situation carefully. Yes, the stag would make for a great meal, but it wouldn't be that easy. One encounter with those massive antlers and Sheva would be less than okay. Speaking of antlers, there was something sitting on one of them, a bird...a gray bird. Sheva mentally sighed, that one bird could single-handedly ruin her hunt. If it noticed her and reacted it would ruin her only chance at a surprise attack. She pushed the thought to the side as she stalked as close as she dared, front legs out as she pushed back preparing her hindlegs for the attack. Her eyes on the stags throat, teeth bared...it was time. With a loud growl the tigress pounced.

[Arcadius]

Arcadius' sensitive ears had picked up the first low growl and he was already on high alert. It had been a while since he had taken a break from leatherworking and the day he first came out in deer form to walk on his hooves, he didn't feel like fighting any but he guessed he might just have to. He immediately stopped then smelt the air. Every sense inside of him was screaming 'Predator' and every human sense was saying 'Fight'. He had no knife on him, no leather working tools. But he did have his antlers. They were growing in strong and new. It was summer so most of his rack had come in but it wasn't full yet. About 8 points out of his usual 10. He was a prized deer any predator would kill for and he knew it. His large body held meat that could feed a few humans and one hungry hunter animal wise. He wasn't dying today not for some human, not for some animal. He would take flight then when all else failed, fight. He heard the snow scrunch much like it did when he put his own large body weight on it. Predator. A slight gust threw the scent at him Feline predator. He had taught himself the scent when he had encountered some mountain lions. He remembered Ren on his antlers. She would be screeching if she saw something. Then she did. A snow white stripeless tiger had leaped with a growl and Ren was screeching her heart out. Arcadius wheeled his end around before the predator could get to his hind quarters and pull him down. Ren had flew off somewhere but he didn't really are right now. Arcadius charged at the tiger forgetting his flight then fight plan. He tossed his antlers up at the tiger but wasn't sure if he'd hit anything or not. He then backed up quickly and bolted for the treeline, jumping over fallen logs and thickets. He saw some hares scuttle and bolt as well as he made a commotion snapping twigs. He was a ways away from the city's cobbled streets and this could be the end of him. But he would not go down without a fight. He whirled around once more to face the predator. He was at his last straw when he heard Ren screeching and looked back to see her flying at the tiger. He couldn't see if she was pecking the tiger or just creating a distraction so he could run but she would not get hurt for him and that was a fact. He grunted his white tail grunt at Ren then bolted once more not sure if she was okay or if the tiger was still chasing after him. He heard Ren screech nearby but he still wasn't sure if she was running up to him or if she was still distracting a hungry tiger on his trail. The streets were so close to him he could almost hear his hooves making the clippity clop sound on them, but then again, he was about three hundred feet away. He was determined to escape this alive. He continued picking up speed and momentum, jumping over log and stump. A tree was sitting on it's side but was leaning against others making the jump about 8 feet tall. With this he used as much force as possible and scaled the jump but landed harshly. Ren screech once again splintered the air but he couldn't turn back for if he did it could land him face to face and in the claws of the predator. He grunted a large fierce grunt to warn Ren but she didn't know what those meant. She only knew to return to his antlers and then to him once he morphed. It was his way of trying to speak human in a deer tongue. Arcadius' rack moved like a wave with his gait moving elegantly yet swiftly. His legs put on an even better show moving almost in a flawless manner. His body rolled with movements and when all were put together he was a graceful animal with a beautiful combination a speed, stamina, endurance, and elegance. But to the predator's eye he looked like a juicy steak platter with sizzling sauce on the side.

[Sheva]

Sheva's surprise attack was ruined by the bird as she had suspected it would. The encounter lasted a maximum of about ten seconds, everything forming into a blur. Sheva had pounced and the stag had narrowly evaded her claws, it charged at her making it her turn to dodge and that she did, barely. Had she taken a split second longer to dive out of the way, she would have been perforated meat. Then the bird had distracted her at the perfect moment allowing for the stag to make a run for it. Sheva would never catch up with the stag now, it was built for both speed and endurance and the tigress could only manage one of the two at a time. She swiped her claws angrily at the bird as it screeched hysterically but to no avail, it was out of her reach. That stupid grey bird had ruined her hunt and as if that weren't bad enough it now continued to screech infuriatingly at her. Anger welled up inside her starting at her core and exploding from her throat in the form of a booming, shiver-inspiring roar, which caused the very forest to tremble. The roar would be heard a mile away as the bird retreated, terrified. Sheva now both furious and disappointed at missing the best opportunity the forest had provided her with slowly made her way back to the familiar clearing where her possessions were hidden. Once there she changed forms in a flash and got dressed. A few minutes later a beautiful young girl stepped out of the forest and began to make her way to the road to Avanthal, her long snow white hair dancing in the icy wind. Bow on her back and arms crossed for both warmth and in annoyance the lone girl made her way back to town.

[Arcadius]

Arcadius let out a sigh of relief when he could visibly see Ren flying ahead. He quickened his pace when he could see the cobbled streets leaping violently for their open cover. He ran back home despite the crazy glances he got and head shakes then grabbed his clothes in front of the door shifting quickly then opening the door to change in peace with Ren flying in close behind him. With his back behind the door and his heart beating at a rapid pace, he quickly got dressed. He put on one of his clean white shirts, then threw on his leather jerkin quickly tightening the straps. He opened his dresser's drawer then grabbed a pair of his pants putting that on, then pulling his jerkin over them. He walked behind his door then grabbed his boots and strapped them on tightly. He buttoned the cloak on top of it all to hold his body warmth. "Come on, Ren." The bird followed orders then rested upon his shoulder "Thank you. You saved my life, Ren." He kissed his finger then touched her head walking out the cottage door. With every step he took he replayed the predator's pounce; the moment his life flashed before his eyes. Ren had saved his life and he would repay her greatly when he got payed. He just didn't have the money at the moment. the cobbled streets got louder when he entered the main part of the busy street. This had several tents and tables set up with people selling things. He took a right then came across an even busier street with a restaurant. He leaned against a wall watching the busy passerbys walk by. When he was tired of watching the people pass, he decided to join them and wander the streets. Something he hadn't done in quite a while. With each step he was inching closer and closer to the city's heart.