PM to join Mistaken Prey

[Caesi Starguide]

.

Spring, 50th, 516 AV
Late Morning

Mistaken Prey

The torrential rains that tormented Semele's skin, had left the Sea of Grass. What was once covered in water was now dry and back to normal. Some areas were still a little soft, perhaps even spongy, but in all it was perfect weather to go hunting. The Moresta River was no longer busting at the seams, trying to drain the water, and was flowing happily through the grassland. The sky was bright, the clouds happy and large, and the temperature was nice with a slight cool breeze. Caesi stood before the flap of her tent, stretching out her muscles, with a smile plaguing her face. It was time to go on an adventure and who better to do that with then with her Strider Py and her hunting dog Nu. As she walked away from the tent, Nu busted out trotting behind her. Not long after, Py was walking beside her too. Both seemed to be ready for an adventure, the rains keeping them bound to one area for far too long.

“Are you guys ready then?” Caesi asked, chuckling softly at the bright eyed animals before her. Nu gave a small yelp as Py nickered softly. It seemed both were ready to go hunting with her. Caesi mounted Py, clicking her tongue softly. Py heard the clicking and started in a trot as they headed towards their favorite hunting spot. Nu followed along beside them, wagging his tail happily.


Once they were near where they wanted to be, Caesi dismounted Py, patting and cooing at her. “Stay here Py, graze and be good.” Caesi told the animal, who exhaled and went to grazing. The huntress smiled, shaking her head slightly as she grabbed her short bow and quiver. Nu yelped happily, making Caesi shush him. The dog was not yet fully trained at hunting and was excited to be out and about the Sea of Grass today. The ground was still a little moist from all the flooding, making Caesi removed her boots so she did not make as much noise while she walked. Once the boots were off, laying near where Py was grazing, she started trudging along at a slow pace.

The soft ground went between her toes making her cringe slightly. The texture reminded her of when she was younger, running around barefoot. She had accidentally stepped in Zibri meadow muffins and it had squished between her toes. Caesi thought it was the end of the world when that happened, the smell was awful, and she believed her feet would always smell like Zibri muffins. Caesi chuckled at the memory, looking down at her dirty feet, shrugging she continued on her way, with the ever hyper Nu leading the way.

Finally coming to a stop, Nu stopped as well, trotting back to where she was. Observing her area she took note of the height of the grass, how it would conceal her and Nu perfectly, but would also conceal any prey coming towards them, or predators. The ground was not as moist as before but still moist enough that it would be great for animals that foraged for worms or bugs. Rolling her lower lip between her teeth, she looked up at the sky. The sun was smiling brightly in the sky, casting down warm rays of sun. Zulrav was providing a nice cool breeze, that seemed to be coming towards Caesi. Hopefully leading her scent behind her and not towards where she would be looking for prey.

The huntress bent down, patting the ground beside her for Nu to come sit. The large dog tilted his head to one side, staring at her, ignoring her command. Caesi muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. The dog was not one to listen to her just yet, instead he did what he wanted when he wanted, only rarely would he pay her commands any attention. Caesi pulled a hunting arrow from her quiver, knocking it on her short bow, and pulling back the string ever so slightly. Preparing for a prey she hoped would wonder up. Once it did, she would pull back on the string, releasing the knocked arrow into the animal. When she was all set up and waiting, Nu then decided to finally come set beside her, laying down with a bored puff of breath. The dog was ready to explore, not sit and wait for some animal obviously. Caesi almost laughed out loud, but remembered she needed to stay quiet so she would not frighten any animals away. Swallowing the bubble of laughter down, she became silent, waiting, listening for any rustling in the grass.

| Thoughts |

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine looked at the weather and smiled brightly. A beautiful day to continue working on her hunting skills as well as getting her new partners trained. Walking outside Jasmine had a little meat in her hand so that she could continue training with Lara and Haven. Jasmine patted her side getting Haven's attention first. The puppy ran over to the human barking happily. Laughing she petted the pup before standing up right and clearing her voice.

"Sit," Jasmine said and showed the puppy the sign for it.

Haven looked at her human confused and sat down trying to figure out what she was doing. Barking Haven ate the treat from her master's hand gently when she was praised by her master. Jasmine praised the puppy when she sat down and gave her the treat. Next she got the puppies attention and tossed a stick for her. Haven barked and raced after the stick and grabbed it. She shook her head and raced back over with the stick again. Jasmine praised the young puppy and gave her another treat. She was so happy to work with her puppy on a nice day.

"Good boy," Jasmine said with a smile looking at the puppy, "let's get Chaser ready and head out to hunt some."

Haven barked and raced over to the stallion. Jasmine laughed and followed the puppy gently. She was so happy to be away from Maxiums and staying close to a good friend. Though it certainly didn't help that Jasmine had a slight crush on the scarred man. Shaking such thoughts away Jasmine grabbed the yvas. Chaser snorted and allowed his human to put the contraption on him before grabbing her quiver and bow. Once Jasmine was sure that she had everything the woman mounted up after making sure that Haven was situated. As soon as the woman was comfortable she clicked her tongue and rode out to where they would start hunting. She slowed Chaser to a walk and watched around her.

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Caesi Starguide]

.




Caesi had been in the same position for a good while. She wasn't sure exactly how long but her legs were beginning to cramp up slightly. Her body trembling slightly from the cramps. Right when she was about to move to relieve her muscles, she heard a rustling in the grass. Finally! Caesi thought excitedly.

As she rose up with her bow and arrow, her legs decided to punish her for torturing them. Her knees buckled and she went backwards, the arrow shooting up into the air. She caught a glimpse of the “prey” as she went down. It was not an animal but a woman on a horse. The arrow came back down and Caesi rolled to the right, as it plunged into the ground a safe distance from where she was.

On her stomach she laid there for a moment, wishing she could just bury her head in the soil, from humiliation. She was a bit more excited then she should have been, then her legs making her go butt first into the dirt, then her arrow shooting off into the air. It was a spectacle only a novice hunter like herself would endure.

With a deep inhale and exhale, Caesi rose to face her shame, walking the distance to the arrow and removing it from the soil. Caesi then turned to the woman she briefly saw, motioning a respectful greeting to a fellow Drykas with her hands. The woman appeared to be a little older, her striking blue eyes catching the sunlight making them glisten. Her hair tumbled down and curled at the ends, she was fair-haired, but no the stark color Caesi had seen in another clan, but with warm colors mixed in.

Caesi gave a low whistle and Pyxis came galloping up, stopping in enough time to nudge her in the back making her stumble forward. She looked behind her giving the horse a lopsided grin, then turned her attention back to the woman before her, “I did not mean to almost put my arrow in you.” Her tone indicating remorse, as her shoulders slumped forward slightly. “I was a bit excited, thinking you were an animal.” Caesi grinned a little and bowed her head slightly, “I am Caesi Starguide of the Amethyst Clan and you?” The girl looked up into blues with her teals smiling.

Caesi was a open person, like most Drykas were, she spoke boldly and freely. She may have been humiliated but she would stand in her shame and take it, letting it be a lesson to her, so she could better herself in the future.

| Thoughts |

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine continued to watch as the three continued the ride. A sudden noise spooked Chaser as he reared nearly throwing the blonde from her place on his back. She gasped and gripped on to the yvas tighter. Unfortunately Haven was tossed from the horse. Growling the pup looked up at the rider and horse. Jasmine gasped once more seeing something whiz by her face. Looking over she heard the soft grunt of someone to her left. Watching closely the woman saw another stand and walk to where her arrow had landed.

"Do not be upset with yourself. I am surprised that Haven did not start barking and jump down to find you. You are not the first to shoot an arrow at me that is for sure. I do apologize for disrupting your hunt," Jasmine said and jumped down to stand at the same height as the other woman.

Jasmine was more than happy play off the girl shooting an arrow at her. After all there was no trace on her body of the arrow so there was no damage done. Blue eyes watched the dark haired girl as she moved around the group. Thinking Jasmine knew just the way she could make it up to the bright eyed dark haired girl in front of her.

"Since I messed up your hunt, why don't you let me join you? Two sets of eyes and ears are always better than one," Jasmine said with a smile looking at the girl.

Jasmine had seniority on the girl, but such a thing did not mean she would take advantage of it. She wanted to have as good a standing in the community as her grandfather Thrash had before his passing. Now Jasmine just knew that he was watching over the Endrykas people as a proud glassbeak.

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Caesi Starguide]

.




The woman did not scold or ridicule her for her mistake, which made Caesi smile brightly at her. Gesturing with her hands Gratitude. “You did not disrupt nothing, I was about to change places anyways, nothing has really came by here.” Her hand signed, No Worries. Nu barked and ran over wagging his tail, the pup was still training and learning. He looked up at the blonde then at her dog, still wagging his tail. Caesi smiled down at the large dog shaking her head, “He never finds a stranger.” She said simply, a shrug of her shoulder.

Caesi patted Pyxis gently, the mare nickering at her for attention. The woman offered to come with Caesi while she hunted. The girl enjoyed company besides stubborn and impatient, being her Strider and Hunting Pup. Caesi signed, Yes with her hands following it up with words. “I would like that.” Caesi bowed her head indicating her thanks, “The more the better.” Caesi said excitedly as she mounted her Strider. “I am Caesi of the Starguide Pavilion of the Amethyst Clan, you?” Caesi introduced herself as she wiggled herself on Pyxis to get a comfortable position for both of them. Once the girl would introduce herself she would click her tongue at the horse, leaning her body just a little to get it to go in a Trot.

“We should scan the area for a stream, there will be something near water.” Caesi said as she looked out across the horizon scanning it with her teal-green eyes. On the way to a water source, they may come up on some animal scurrying in the grass foraging for food, or even heading to a water source itself. As they rode, a rabbit started to hop in a crisscross away from them, “Get it.” Caesi said turning to the blonde woman, excitement lighting her eyes making them a more bright green. If the woman could not get it in time, it would not be a failure on either part, as the rabbit came out of no where. She could spur her mount on, taking it down from her horse if she wanted to attempt it. There would be more prey near the stream, more chances to get a prey, perhaps forage for some food if they were lucky enough that it would still be there.

Caesi was not a loner by any means, she could be friends with any and all. She was so busy with hunting and learning, that sometimes her social life was a bit forgotten. So it was nice to have another human to talk to. Since usually her conversations involved a stubborn hunting pup and an impatient Strider. Caesi smiled to herself, as she retrieved an arrow from her quiver, swaying slightly on top of her mount and adjusting herself. Bringing her knees in tighter she held on to the horse by them, while she knocked an arrow on her Shortbow. Prepared and ready for whatever they would find ahead of them.

| Thoughts |

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine smiled gently at the woman below her. She listened as the girl introduced herself warmly. Nodding quietly the woman smiled as Haven finally jumped down while barking. Haven ran up to the larger book sniffing at the male dog while her tail wagged. Laughing Jasmine watched the two amused.

"Do not fret Haven finds no strangers either," Jasmine said looking at the girl once more, "I am Jasmine Moonstone of the Diamond Clan."

Chaser walked along side of the woman's strider. Jasmine had her bow in hand looking around at the grass and plains around them. She stayed quiet while atop Chaser's back. Before the girl called out to see the rabbit, Jasmine had pulled an arrow out already. Taking aim the woman pulled Chaser to a stop and aimed high following the rabbit's movements. Finally she released the arrow watching after it the blond was excited to see it catch through the back of the rabbit. She pushed Chaser forward after her kill. Pulling to a stop she slowly slide down and walked over. The arrow had not pierced deep enough to actually bring an instant death to the small animal. Putting her bow to the side Jasmine got her hunting knife and said a small prayer for the young animal before cutting its throat.

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Caesi Starguide]

.





She watched the blonde as she removed her arrow from her bow and stuck it in the Quiver, she still did not use hands on the Yvas as she gripped her Strider with her legs and knees to stay on top. She was a quick shot and a good one at that, as the arrow soared through the air at an alarming speed, then sunk into the rabbit. The rabbit was twitching, the hind legs still bobbing in a hopping motion, trying to get away. Jasmine quickly produced a knife however, slicing the rabbit's throat.

Caesi smiled proudly at Jasmine, “Not many likes to do that.” She told the woman, gesturing wit her hands slicing the throat “Even though they have to, it still bothers them.” Caesi looked out at the plains, “I do not mind it. The blood nourishes Semele.” She gave a small shrug, dismissing it. “Great job, that was some fast work.” She laughed and clicked her tongue at her Strider, getting Pyxis to go into a nice trot towards the stream. “Maybe we will find some more.” She said hopeful to Jasmine, as they rode out towards the copse of trees and stream ahead.

It took them a half bell to get there, but they made it. Caesi dismounted Pyxis, as she scanned the area and trees for any small and easy prey. In the trees there were various birds resting their wings, building a nest, feeding their young. “If we shoot at them they could alarm better prey of or presence. It is best to leave them be.” She told Jasmine, as she looked through the small wooded area. In some shorter grass that grew around the trees, there was a grouse, scratching and pecking at some worms or insects. Engrossed in it's dinner, it had yet to pay any attention to the Drykas who were not stalking it.

Caesi, nocked an arrow on her shortbow. It was a fumbling movement at first, until she straightened it out. When it was securely nocked and on the bowstring, she lifted the bow up keeping her bow arm extended out. Her index finger stayed at the top of the arrow shaft, while her middle and ring finger were below the shaft. Caesi pulled back on the bowstring, until it was anchored at her chin. She kept the string taut, her bow arm extended straight, and her muscles relaxed. Looking down the shaft she closed her left eye, using her right eye to aim for the Grouse's head. She inhaled a deep breath, then exhaled a great breath and released the bowstring, letting the arrow fly.

The arrow did not hit the mark she intended it to, however, it did hit the grous. It went through one wing and out the other side through the other. The bird let out a strangled noise as it went to flap it's wings to fly away. Since the arrow was through it, the right wing ripped away. The grouse hit the ground on it's side, it's breath heavy. Caesi quickly brought her dagger out, cutting the Grouse's head off, ending the bird's suffering. She sent thanks Caiyha's way and Semele. As the blood poured on Semele's skin, it was an offering to the Goddess, a thank you to her. She retrieved the grouse and tied it to her quiver with a strap of thin leather on her quiver. She tied it by it's skinny legs letting it hand downwards so the blood would drain from the body, making it easier to clean and cook later on.

She kept her voice low as she spoke to Jasmine, “The grouse did not make much noise. There will be more animals.” She gestured in Pavi Sign, Stay quiet, stalk, track, keep eyes on prey. As she entered the shadows of the trees, to see what more they could find. Perhaps there would be a squirrel or two on the ground eating nuts or what have you. Maybe a goat, beaver, mole, hare the possibilities were really endless in the Sea of Grass. There really was no telling what they would find, if they stayed quiet and observant.

| Thoughts |

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine smiles while watching the girl get a bird next. She dismounted and let Chaser graze in peace as the pair stalked to the trees. Staying low the blonde nodded when the girl said they needed to stay stealthy. Slowly stepping forward Jasmine was sure to watch where her feet landed. Too much noise would alert the animals where the hunters were. The woman grabbed the younger's arm and points towards two birds of good size. Both had long beautiful tail feathers. If the pair fired at the same time and were on the right mark then they could each bag one of the birds. Slowly Jasmine brought her bow up and notched her arrow before slowly starting to pull. Taking slow deep breaths the archer watched as the two birds moved some and picked their heads up looking around. The dual shot just became one incredible chance to strike through the heads of both birds with one arrow.

Bending her elbow some Jasmine did not wish to be hit on the arm by the string. Just barely moving her bow some the hunter released the arrow hoping it would pierce through both birds. All that could be heard was the slight whistle from the arrow. Both birds moved to take off only to have the arrow go through both necks and pin them to the ground. Smiling brightly Jasmine put her bow on her back and quickly walked over. She prayed to Syna and Semele to have compassion on them before cutting their throats. Pulling the arrow free she turned to the other girl and waved her over. Wiping the arrow clean Jasmine put it in her quiver and handed one of the birds to the other girl.

"I have no need for two of them. Take one my treat," Jasmine said with a smile.

Secretthe birds are two pheasants who were side by side

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Caesi Starguide]

.




Caesi saw where the blonde Drykas woman pointed. She observed the two birds closely, while nocking her arrow a little clumsily. She fumbled with the arrow slightly, before finally getting it nocked. However, by the time she was prepared to let the arrow loose Jasmine had already let her arrow fly. She watched with slight amazement as the arrow soared and went right throw both of the birds heads. Her mouth dropped open ever so slightly, as she looked over at the woman. She closed her mouth and laughed softly, “Lucky shot.” She told her companion jokingly, as she accepted the pheasant from her. “Many thanks for this. My Pavilion will be very grateful.” She told Jasmine, as she untied one of the intricate knots of her tunic, then used the fabric to tie the birds legs to it, letting the pheasant dangle at her waist.

She rose her hand and waved it, motioning the woman forward. Perhaps they did not make too much noise and scared off all the animals. There was still a possibility of an animal or two around the area. Caesi crouched down low, keeping behind the length of the grass, sticking to the shadows of the grass. Rolling her feet ever so slightly to produce little to no sound, she went forward, scanning the area with her keen teal eyes.

Up ahead there was a rather large bird, feasting on what appeared to be a rodent. Raising her hand, she gestured to the woman, Stop, Quiet as she observed the creature. It looked to stand around 3 feet, perhaps being 10 or more pounds. The bird had black plumage with some grey and brown undertones. The most distinct feature however, was the birds bill. It was a bright yellow at the tip and an orange near the eyes. Around the eyes were a soft blue, then on top of the bill was a oblong casque that was red in color. The neck and head looked to be completely bald. It was a strange looking bird, making Caesi frown slightly as it tore away at the rodent's flesh. She gave a small shrug, grabbing an arrow from her quiver.

Keeping her back straightened and her shoulders lowered, she brought the arrow against the string, securing it and letting the tip of the arrow rest on her bow arms fingers. With her shooting hand, she brought her index finger and the middle and ring finger to the bottom, holding the arrow in place. Extending her bow arm forward she kept it straight, while her other arm she bent at the elbow to keep the string from snapping back and hitting her arm. Raising the bow arm up, she moved it just above where she was aiming for the bird. Her forearm was lined up with the shaft of the arrow, and she closed her right eye aiming with her left. Peering down the shaft of the arrow, she took aim for the birds neck. Inhaling she pulled back on the string of her short-bow, then released the string on her exhale, letting the arrow fly. It struck through the air, hitting her target in the throat of the bird.

She gave Jasmine a grin, as she rose up, before she came to full height however she saw another bird like the one she shot down flapping it's wings and giving out a shrill cry. She looked over at Jasmine hoping she had an arrow nocked already. Her expression was one of slight panic as the bird's shrill call echoed throughout the plains. Jasmine could hopefully shoot an arrow and hit the female bird, ceasing the call, and letting the plains fall back into silence.

| Thoughts |

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Timestamp:
Location:

Jasmine smiled and walked with the girl staying low to the ground. The blonde notched an arrow as the pair moved quietly. Looking forward she nodded when the girl got one of the birds. Quickly the blonde stood and followed the female with her arrow. Getting just slightly ahead of the strange creature Jasmine timed her shot as best she could. Releasing the arrow it whizzed through the air and went clear through one of the wings. Unfortunately the arrow did not lodge itself inside the wing, but instead flew straight through the appendage. Knowing the arrow was lost Jasmine quickly loaded another and took a second shot. Watching the arrow lodged itself into the birds other wing dragging it to the ground. Quickly and quietly moving the blond cut the birds throat and allowed the blood to fall on Semele's skin.

“Let's hope she didn't run the rest off,” the blond said looking to the young girl.

Jasmine really had more meat than she and Azmere needed at the moment. Watching the girl's movements and her talk of the pavilion being thankful; Jasmine figured it wouldn't hurt anything to help her. Walking over with the birds feet in her hands the woman tied it up so that the blood could drip freely onto the Semele's skin as they traveled. Patting his side Chaser walked off once more to graze.

“Let's look for tracks. All the blood in the air will keep any more prey away from here,” Jasmine said looking at the girl waiting on her to finish.