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RP [Rolas Byza'roshya] Hunt 1: Salil Byzar

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Outpost Vidal, Feasting Hall

Ranyth took in the rest of his huntmates, returning his former opponent's nod of approval with one of his own; upon hearing Siyo the golem grunted in acknowledgement, the words of Drekmar (the latter's mentor) echoing in his mind.

Drekmar said:
"Fortune favors the bold, child, but remember: A fine line is all that seperates being bold - and being dead.

It was then that the Urchankan recalled yet another of his adopted father's many, many lessons.

Drekmar said:
"Surprise is very much like a sword, child. Use it to the fullest - for your opponents will do the same."

The ash-colored Raiken laughed - Of course an outclanner wouldn't know the honor of the Urchankan way! - then, as the group was exiting the room, smacked Haepo on the back (WHUMP!) in Clan Urchanka's way of displaying respect. "A good fight!"


That said, Ranyth went off in search of something to eat; the golem had, in all of the excitement, forgotten to eat - and he'd be damned if he went to bed hungry.
 
Outpost Vidal, Feasting Hall

"Ach. 'tis nothing, Commander." Haepo grunted, giving the Sadi'roshya a curt nod of respect. "The apprentices back at the keep've shaping up well these days, and I'm thoroughly sick of the place already. One day I decided to go off gallivanting across the world and get some honours to my name 'fore my scales all rust off, and here we are today." Sweeping his arms out to indicate the feasting hall, Outpost Vidal and the frozen wastes of Relatir in its entirety, the wizened Raiken gave a dry cough and laughed heartily. "I swear, I must've breathed in more dust than air in that stuffy place!"

As the soot-hued golem known as Ranyth clapped him on the back, a magnificent WHUMP rang out as irresistible force met immovable object. In that single impact, that single drumbeat note, sang the song of battle and glory of the Raiken ancestry as two titans collided for but an instant, differentiated only by the colour of their skin. To the keen-eared, one could almost hear the chanted warcries of the Crathe and Urchanka warriors of old in that moment.

"Ehh. Not too shabby yourself, punk." The Slevexan sneered, flashing the knuckleheaded youngster a grin with too many teeth. Yawning loudly, Haepo swiped a random mug of Ralosh and downed it in one gulp, carelessly dumping the empty container somewhere and shuffling off.

"Welp, I'm off," he drawled, with an idle wave to the remaining merrymakers in the hall. "see y'all in the morrow."
 
Outpost Vidal, Feasting Hall

"Likewise, Siyo," responded the blue-scaled ranger succinctly to the compliment, as she watched their leader eat his fill at the place of honor at the table. His appetite was certainly proving heroic, if nothing else. They would need it all for the trials ahead of them...

Lapis gave a nod of respect to the senior among them as he got up to leave, chuckling slightly about his comment about succumbing to rust before finding honor. "If the hunt is as I am told, I believe you will find the glory you seek, elder Haepo. Youthful vigor is not always what wins battles with nature, but wisdom in equal measure." This was spoken with a tone of experience, as one who lived a great deal of their life outside the keep's wall.

Perhaps this was why the Relatir enjoyed the social aspect of the feasts so much, as she knew when it was done it meant once again throwing herself to the elements tomorrow in solitude. This time was, however, going to be very different to run in a pack of skilled warriors... but did they have the mental discipline to handle it? She had seen otherwise hardy individuals wear down when faced with the desolation of the world outside the keep's safety for too long... a primal setting that left one alone with their ugly, inner animal. For some it was torturous... but for her, it was the only place she felt peace.

Seeing Raynth's mind finally going from battling to feasting, Lapis nudged his platter back over from the edge of the table towards him with faceted elbow. He probably saw her save it multiple times from tipping off during his brawl. "Why don't you pick on a bone, instead of your packmates, hmm? I think you'll find it just as satisfying..."

Lapis remained at the table a moment longer, before eventually getting up to start collecting some of the empty platters she had served before. There was of course always the few that were mangled after being used as weapons, which she casually bent back into place with her strong arms with nary a thought and continued on. It wasn't hard to imagine why there was a ring on the impressive female's tail as it swished behind her.
 
Outpost Vidal, Feasting Hall + Room

Siyo returned to eating his meal, pondering the hunt ahead while chewing. It was no easy task and he wasn't entirely sure his fellows were prepared for such an ordeal. He shrugged, tearing into a warm piece of bread. If the wilds did anything, they tested a warrior's strength, mentally and physically. If any of his packmates weren't strong enough to survive... well... they wouldn't survive. He would do what he could, but his chief concern was finishing the hunt itself. If he failed, he'd lose his title. He couldn't imagine the dishonor that would entail. His clan would certainly disown him for it.

The Sadi'roshya shook his head, rising from his seat and nodding to the packmates that had remained near the table, "I will be in my quarters, if you need me." He trudged up the stairs, the sturdy wood creaking with every step. A couple lesser warriors offered a salute, which Siyo returned absently. The thought kept tugging on him, he tried his best to ignore it. It wouldn't do him any good to indulge doubt and worry the night before the hunt. He needed to stay sharp.

Passing a couple doors, Siyo found himself in front of their room. He pushed the door open and headed for the small sideroom that was his own personal quarters. The others would find their beds arranged in a circle. The green Raiken chuckled a little at the thought of them sleeping in the same room, "I hope they sleep, instead of fighting." His own room was furnished with a bed, a desk with a chair, and a small fireplace. His pack had been brought up by someone else. A small fire blazed, offering some warmth. He sat down heavily in the desk chair, reaching up to turn on the small lamp. He fished around his robe for his small, leatherbound journal, flipping through its pages. He was supposed to keep a complete record of his hunt. He started scrawling with a piece of charcoal, writing his thoughts about his pack, the upcoming hunt, and whatever else he thought of...

Outpost Vidal

In the hours that passed after their meeting, the feasting hall slowly cleared out, leaving only pockets of warriors lounging around. The feasting fires were left to slowly die down. Even though the sun never graced the land, there was still a cycle of activity. The guards were rotating out, the night watch trudging to their posts with their furred robes and rifles while the day watch hurried to the feasting hall to grab a few quick bites to eat before the feastmaster's went to rest. On top of the main gate, a guard striking a large bell slowly, the low chime ringing out across the desolate landscape. The keep was winding down for the 'night'. A plethora of different noises came from the stables as all the large beasts contained within were fed and put down for the night.

Still, despite the vast majority of individuals seeking out rest, there were still some wandering around the keep. For some, this designated resting time was just extended down time. Groups gathered to play games, spar, or tell stories around small fires. Siyo's packmates were free to involve themselves in any of these or seek out rest. Despite the feastmaster's settling down, individuals could still find food or drink.

In the distance, a howl echoed across the frozen wastes, joined by another and another. Some of the nightwatch members gripped their weapons tightly for a few moments, recognizing the howl of the Salil Byzar.
 
Outpost Vidal, Feasting Hall

The feast was every bit as good as to be expected in celebration of the Sadi'roshya's arrival, to which Asaiya wondered a bit to herself why didn't they always bring the best, instead of building up a few upon such a pedestal to be worshiped. As much as it bothered her, those were the ways of the Raiken. It could be better said that she, of the clan Delrasu, wanted that respect... that level of honor and worth. Outwardly however, the dark amethyst colored Raiken remained calm, cool and collected among the rest of her hunting packmates while enjoying a fairly balanced meal that seemed a little more on the lighter side. Even after Siyo left, Asaiya mostly resigned to keeping to herself unless someone decided to speak to her, choosing to focus more on the upcoming hunt rather than the banter of the evening.

They seemed like a pretty decent group to go on this hunt, each with complementary strengths and weaknesses that bound the hunting pack together if they could see it. The real question, she wondered about, was would they or could they see how interwoven they had the potential to be. Would they... could they unite in the spirit of the hunt? She hoped for all their sake the ancestors would grant them the guidance they needed. A long journey awaited them, one that she knew she was ready for.
 
Outpost Vidal - One hour later

The hulking form of Ranyth Urchanka paused at the threshold of the entrance of the quarters assigned to him and his huntmates, then sighed; a brief glance revealed no one else present - and the Urchankan had been hoping for an audience. Grah.........


After all, it wasn't exactly common for the outclanners to be treated to such a true display of battle.


With a shrug, the golem strode over to the door separating the Sadi'Roshya's room from his own, shaking his head at the ways of these outsiders -

Drekmar said:
A true Battlemaster will always eat, sleep, and fight at the side of his men - for without their loyalty, their respect, their trust......he is nothing more then a loud-mouthed fool.

- and without further ado, knocked on said door with a thud-thud-thud. "Mola Dradai Urchanka." Audience or no audience, I must know if I, Ranyth Urchanka, am capable of defeating Siyo Raksa Overwatch. My honor...no, Urchanka's honor demands it!
 
Outpost Vidal

Lapis streched her tired scales, departing the feasting hall with little fanfare after the cleanup was completed. It took longer than usual, though with the arrival of the great hero Siyo it was entirely to be expected. The morning before their departure would also be similarly exhuberant, though for that coming feast on the morn she would have to respectfully bow out of the post-feasting teardown in order to focus on the Hunt to come before the pack.

The blue-tinted Raiken pulled her furred hunter's cloak tighter about her before heading into the cold night. The guard's bell was ringing, as her ears were greeted by the familiar sounds of the beasts of burden taking the signal and settling in for another chilly night here in the outpost. She stopped momentarily to warm her large, clawed hands by the last embers of a nearby watchfire, golden eyes reflecting the flickering colors as she listened a moment to the gossip and the games, paying her respects to familiar faces that braved the cold to enjoy the crisp night air and the clarity it brought.

In her focused state, she felt the air quiver as the distant howls of the Salil Byzar echo one after the other across the tundras beyond the wall. The Huntress gazed in the direction of the closed gate as a hand instinctively flicked towards her quiver and compound greatbow, the ranger within her already estimating the number of the beasts and how far away they were by the sounds alone. It was not a warcry of an attack, thankfully, but Lapis knew deep in her soul that it was no doubt a challenge.
 
Outpost Vidal - Room/Lounge

Siyo was busy scrawling away in his small journal, the sound of charcoal scratching on paper was all to be heard. He had heard the other door open, but paid it little mind. It was good of his pack to seek out rest. He was somewhat surprised at the knock on his door, turning his head slightly, calling out, "You may enter, Ranyth." He laid his charcoal flat on the page, closing the cover before turning to face the door fully.

With a creak, the Raiken in question entered the room and reflexively saluted. "I, Ra........."

Said Raiken's voice trailed off as it occurred to him that, well, an outclanner probably wouldn't know of the protocol regarding Urchankan's somewhat...lengthily pre-sparring process. Gah.........focus, you fool!

A deep breath, then: "Permission...to spar?" Stupid outclans and their lack of dueling customs...

Siyo raised a brow, returning the salute while listening to Ranyth, wondering why he had trailed off. Before he had the chance to question him, Ranyth completed his thought. Siyo leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, as he thought over the other's words. We just met and he wants to fight? . He sighed internally before standing upright, "You know, Ranyth, sparring when we should be resting is ill-advised." Siyo rolled his shoulders, "Still, I suppose your clan puts a lot of stock in a leader's ability to fight, so we may spar." He chuckled, nodding to the door, "There should be a ring in the lounge outside our room." Siyo tugged his robe on, stretching a bit, Shouldn't take too long, I suppose.

The Urchankan tensed up, then let out a sigh of relief - Thank Ormak! - upon Siyo agreeing to his request; a moment later, the two could be seen heading in the direction of the aforementioned lounge. "Drakul raki." (Thank you.)"

The lounge wasn't completely empty. There were a few warriors scattered about, talking or playing some games of Alira S'vesi before heading to bed. A couple of them looked up at the two warriors heading to the sparring ring. "Challenging a Sadi'roshya to a duel? Is he crazy?" was one of the handful of whispers that came soon after. Siyo shrugged his cloak off, leaving it draped over a nearby chair before taking a step into the ring, heading to the center, "Let's try not to hurt each other too badly. We do have a hunt to undertake tomorrow." Siyo turned to face Ranyth after reaching the center of the ring, "And try not to break anything either."

Pah! "I'll try not to break too many of your bones!" was the golem's reply as he disrobed in a fashion similar to his superior - though his less then-serious-expression faded as he strode to the center of the room's sparring ring and began to circle slowly around his emerald-colored opponent.

♫♫ Two Steps From Hell - El Dorado (Skyworld) ♫♫

Siyo raised a brow, Hopefully the wilds cool his temper . He slowly stepped in tandem with Ranyth, both of them circling in a counter-clockwise fashion. He kept his gaze locked on his ash colored opponent's, his arms just above his waist. After coming full-circle, Siyo made a half-step forward, testing Ranyth's reaction.

Ranyth flashed a grin at his opponent as he stepped backwards a split-second later, his posture more or less mirroring that of Siyo's (Ha! As if a feint that simple would surprise me!) as he kept circling around the ring; surprisingly enough, the young warrior was keeping his wits about him - though how much longer this would last was anyone's best guess...

As soon as Ranyth took the smallest step backward, Siyo took a full step forward, immediately entering his opponent's space, throwing a quick right-handed jab at the ash-colored golem's chest. Never step back, always forward.

The others in the room watched, though they remained relatively quiet.

A block (and a partially-surprised grunt at the sheer force behind the blow) were the Urchankan's responses to the sudden assault, followed immediately by a quick one-two combo and the Raiken's actual reply: a vicious kick aimed at the exposed skin that lay between the armored scales of his opponent's torso and chest. Grah...that strength!

Siyo grit his teeth, ignoring Ranyth's fists, focusing on dodging the kick instead. He stepped to the side, delivering a fierce elbow blow to his opponent's chest, trying to throw Ranyth off balance. He's pretty strong, I'll give him that. Siyo would attempt to follow up with an open palmed strike to Ranyth's chin.

The Mola Dradai winced at the Rakavasu's strike, barely managing to deflect the follow-up blow into the former's shoulder - then smiled; though said blow had packed enough punch to spin Ranyth's (heavier!) form around slightly, the soldier was able to in turn use that considerable momentum to add to the power of his own counter-punch. Urf......you're quick, too...but not even you can dodge my attacks this close![/i]

Siyo raised a hand, catching Ranyth's fist with a grunt, delivering an uppercut that was somewhat held back. He intended to win, but he didn't want to knock his opponent out. They were, after all, pack mates.

The blow sent Ranyth crashing to the floor, leaving Siyo standing above him. The emerald Sadi'roshya grinned, offering a hand to the heavier male, "Good spar. You have been trained well by your clan. We should get some rest though."

The other occupants of the room let out a few cheers, praising both of them for a good, although short, spar.

Ranyth accepted the hand with a groan - "...Agreed." - and a stumble; the room, for whatever reason, insisted on moving.

Siyo pulled Ranyth to his feet, patting the ash-colored golem on the shoulder, "You aren't going to fall on your way back to the room, are you?" Siyo snagged their cloaks, offering Ranyth his own, "You aren't light, you know."

The Raiken's vision finally returned to normal as he took the offered robe, replying "I've.....noticed" after shaking his head a few times in an attempt to clear it (Grah.........) and, after several winces of pain, made his way back over to the aforementioned quarters - where collapsing onto his bed with a sigh of relief. His question had been answered, yes...but damn that had hurt...

Siyo was quick to follow Ranyth back to the room, after exchanging a few words with the warriors outside. He bid Ranyth a good night, as well as any other's who had made their way to the room. He disappeared into his own quarters, climbing onto his bed and quickly falling asleep.

Outpost Vidal - On the Walls

The watch had fully rotated, leaving the outpost fairly deserted. A couple groups still lingered, but most of them had retreated to the barracks to get some sleep and respite from the cold air. A few guards bowed their heads to Lapis while they made their rounds. They were used to her behavior, she was a huntress after all. One of them mentioned that she should turn in for the night, being well-rested was important for the upcoming hunt.

The Salil Byzar's howl continued echoing for several minutes.

Outpost Vidal - Pack's Room

Some hours of sleep and stuff later...

Siyo awoke with a smile, stretching in his bed, letting out a long sigh, "Ahh... been awhile since I've had some good sleep." During his training, there was little time for rest, just training, more training, and some training with that. His instructors were merciless, expecting only the best and taking nothing less. He sat up in bed, recalling his dream, a good dream.

He was standing with his fellows atop some sandy plateau. He had recognized it as some place in Slevexa, but he couldn't quite place it. They were saluting someone standing on a stone platform. He didn't remember who it was, but he figured they must have been important, garnering the attention of all his Sadi'roshya brothers and sisters. The dream ended with him looking at his palm, a bright medal depicting the sun in his hand.

Siyo rolled his shoulders, slowly standing and pulling his robe on. There was a bit of discomfort from the spar last night, but it wasn't anything he couldn't handle. He spent a few minutes ensuring all of his gear was packed up properly before opening the door to wake his packmates. Before even checking if they were all there, he clapped his hands together, "Time to rise and hunt!" He clapped his hands again, inspecting each of his packmates while they woke up, shaking them a bit if they tried to turn over and ignore him.

Downstairs, the feasting hall was getting started back up, roasting meats and preparing dishes for breakfast. It was a smaller meal than dinner, consisting mainly of fruits and bread. The aroma of cooked food wafted up into the barracks, prompting warriors to rise and seek out the first meal of the day, before setting about their assigned tasks.
 
Outpost Vidal, Pack's Room

Ranyth, rather......irritated at being awoken from his slumber - muttered a few semi-coherent curses about "weaklings, only to bolt upright (wincing at the painful reminders of the thumping he'd received yesterday) as his training belatedly caught up with the rest of him. "Blah......<a few shakes of the head>......wha?" By the heroes...what is that delicious aroma?

It was at that moment the Urchankan's stomach rumbled. .......Oh.

Moments later, the ash-colored golem could be seen sprinting out into to the corridor (colliding into - and rebounding off of - the wall opposite of the room's doorway) and practically flying down the stairs as he rushed to secure for himself some much-needed nourishment. FOOD!
 
Outpost Vidal, Feasting Hall

As Ranyth sped downstairs following his nose more than his fists this morning, he encountered the blue and gold flecked figure of Lapis down in the kitchens pulling out a loaf of freshly baked bread on a slab from a giant stone oven with a heave. She had awoken early by routine, however was only helping with the first few rounds this morning to make sure Siyo and her packmates could be the first one's to be served and be ready for an early departure for the hunt.

A bit of sweat was forming on her brow as she handled the hot stone handle, but it was a good perspiration -- the activity woke up her body to full readiness, heat bleeding off any remaining chill in her scales from last night's little jaunt. The howl of the predator echoed in her mind as she prepared a plate to receive breakfast -- wondering if the next thing her clawed hands would be touching would be the fletching of her arrows to bury one deep into the Byzar's thick hide.

The Relatir's green cloak and military bow were already hung neatly on the back of a chair at a large table, signaling to the other warriors who respected her its reserved status for the Sadi'Rosya and his honored packmates, the Huntress now visibly counted among them.
 
Outpost Vidal - Pack's Room

Siyo noticed that Lapis had already left the room, no doubt heading downstairs and assisting with the morning meal. The others seemed far more interested in sleeping. He was surprised after shaking Ranyth, telling him to get up, the male bolted up and dashed out of the room. Siyo merely raised a brow, lost for words. Still, at least Ranyth was eager to get started. He spent a few moments getting Asaiya and Haepo out of bed, chuckling at the aged male's grumblings as he got up.

Siyo directed both of them to the feasting hall below after they gathered up their equipment, taking a moment to gather up his own things. His pack in one hand and his sword in another, he paused before leaving the room. He noticed Ranyth's equipment still sitting next to his bed. Siyo sighed, scooping up the pack with his tail and his weapon in another, "Maybe he'll learn to carry his own things someday." With a chuckle, he closed the door and moved to the stairs.

Outpost Vidal - Feasting Hall

The morning meal was just getting started when Siyo's pack, minus Lapis, arrived in the feasting hall. Several small groups were scattered around the warm hall, but the bulk of the outpost was still sleeping or waking up. A few of the feastmasters were gathered around the firepit, stoking the growing flame. One of them called over to Lapis, smiling, "Lapis, take a break! You need your energy for the hunt, not baking bread!"

When Siyo reached the bottom of the stairs, he took a moment to look for his pack before spotting the reserved table. Seeing that Ranyth was already tucking into his breakfast, Siyo placed his pack and weapon next to him, "Don't forget your gear next time." With that, Siyo took a seat, breaking off a piece of fresh bread and picking up a bright red fruit, taking a quick bite.

He looked over his packmates after finishing his fruit, leaning back in his seat, "Well, eat as much as you please, just don't make yourself sick. We're leaving in one hour. If you stay here, you're left behind. Make sure you have everything you need in your packs too." Siyo took a bite of the bread, raising a brow, "This is a good bread. Very good..." He took another bite, chewing thoughtfully.
 
Outpost Vidal, Feasting Hall

The Urchankan - in the midst of (metaphorically) inhaling the astonishingly good bread - instinctively grabbed for said gear. Pah! As if I, Ranyth Urchanka, would ever......forget......GRAH?!?!?!


The Urchankan let out a grunt of acknowledgement (and thanks) as he realized that, yes, he had forgotten his equipment in his hunger-fueled dash. Ormak have mercy...... - a faint shudder as he reached for yet another piece of fruit - ...should this have occurred back in the Keep, Drekmar would never let me hear the end of it......


Ruminations aside, the Raiken had to admit......the meal that the blue-and-gold outclan female had prepared was impossibly nourishing, rivaling (perhaps even surpassing) the Urchakan cuisine he was used to. "For an outclanner, your cooking isn't half bad......"
 
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