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How did you catch him?
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Breedable
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Username
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"Shiko Hayashi, at your service milady."
Name:
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"Well, despite how many names certainly intrigue me, I shall have to stick with the very simple and yet familiar name, Church. Some would believe it is a religious name, but this is not quite the truth. Church is a sanctuary. A haven for those who are lost, alone, or stumbling through life and in need of a moment of solace. Church is where one can supposedly find a moment of silence and a thought to themselves. Some find a new life, while others simply sit and revere in the peace. This is why I feel that such a name is quite fitting indeed for such a fine Elkrin. Sheltering those from the brief moments of time were the cavalry of life rides, Church provides a moment of respite. A moratorium, if you will."
How did you catch him?
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It wasn't too long ago that I had first laid eyes upon Church. Perhaps it was fate, or just dumb luck, but I didn't believe in coincidences. A young wanderer and writer like me, whose bound to stumble upon creatures of old and legend. There was no way it was just an accident.
I was making my way towards the Dark Plains with Absinthe on my shoulder, my nose buried in my journal as usual and my pack heavy upon my shoulders. I had been traveling for a fairly decent time, and was quite prepared for a good drink of ale and a moment of respite within the local tavern. So I was more or less relieved when I came upon the small town that lived upon the edge of the Dark Plains, Broske. I padded heavily upon the cobbled road, the hooded lanterns lighting my way. It wasn't long until I came upon the only inn within the small city, it's lights gleaming through the night and laughter spilling through the cracks of the door. Glancing up at my only companion, I took a deep breath and opened the door, feeling a smile tug at the corners of my lips as the warmth and small of fresh food washed over me.
I head to the barkeeper, a smile drawn across my weary face. "How may I help you tonight?" The man asked, turning to me and giving me a good once over before resuming the cleaning of his bar."One room. For the night please. If possible, I'd also like a meal." I answered, placing a small sack of coins upon the counter. He drew the drawstring, opening it up and inspecting the silver coins within it. "Alright then. I'll be back with your stew. Your room is the farthest in the hall. On the right." He said, motioning to the dark stairwell that wound it's way up into the second floor. I nodded my thanks and headed towards the mirth and laughter, choosing a small empty table in the corner of the tavern. It was a lively place. From my vantage point of the tavern, I could see everything. Drunk men cheered and laughed as they tapped their foots to the stray minstrel that played upon his mandolin. Two hounds slept peacefully at their masters feet off towards the fire, their master idly picking at his stew as he listened to the two men across from him. Another rune bearer was writing within her journal, a pen sticking from the corner of her lips as she conversed with her rune.
I sighed, my body relaxing against my will as the tranquil peace of society began to settle over me. Generally I stayed away from people, preferring the forests and mountains to the broad and bustling cities. However there was always the strange occasion that I stayed within a city like this one, listening to the gossip and allowing myself a moments respite within my journey before resuming my hunt for information once more. As my eyes began to slide shut, yearning for a moment's rest, Absinthe tugged on the sleeve of my jacket, awakening me. "What?" I mumbled, blinking hazily. Absinthe glared at me for a moment before motioning with a wing towards the table with the hunter and the two men. I grew alert, my eyes narrowing as I focused one what they were saying.
"Have you heard? There's been a sighting. We believe that one of them have finally shown themselves." One of the two men said. He was portly, but there was no arrogance or pride in his posture. "We believe that it's a Black Tygre." The taller, more rugged man beside him added, his muddy brown eyes focused on the lazy hunter. The hunter adjusted himself in his seat, his reactions slow and lazy, but his eyes keen and sharp. Like a predator. "An Elkin? And not just any, but a Black Tygre.... This is good news indeed, gentleman. I believe we might have ourselves another hunt. However, how am I to believe that you guys aren't just bluffing me?" The man's voice was quiet, but the threat was clear. The portly man growled at the hunter, clearly nervous. I felt a moment of pity for the man. He obviously didn't realize that the hunter saw him nothing more as prey. Bleeding fear wasn't exactly the best thing to do.
"I wouldn't lie to you Cane. Besides, this source is trustworthy. I'd bet my life on him." The man declared, holding his fat chin high. I winced internally, realizing that those probably weren't the best words to say. His taller companion seemed to agree, and held up his hands in a peaceful gesture. "We'll head out tomorrow morning. We'll prove it to you." He said, desperation clear in his voice. Cane grunted, the dagger in his hands slipping back into the shadows of his furred jacket as he leaned back into his chair, grinning. "Fine. But I hunt on my own."
I glanced down at Absinthe, raising an eyebrow. "I guess we should check it out. I've only heard of a Black Tygre Elkin once or twice, but if their what I think they are... then we should probably follow them..." I whispered, feeling a moment of petulance. I had been hoping for a peaceful night and an easy morning.
Yeah right.
PART 2
I yawned, tears gathering in the corner of my eyes as i hunkered lower into the tall, black spotted grass. It could only of been 3am when I left the tavern, trailing hurriedly after the hunter as he and his dogs packed their gear and headed towards the dark plains. Absinthe dozed quietly within my messenger bag, taking advantage of the short break. I glared at his sleeping form before turning back towards the hunter's camp, only 20 meters away. After wandering around for a few hours in a seemingly endless circle, the hunter had decided to take a break, starting a small fire and cooking up a pot of stew. My stomach growled unceremoniously, reminding me that I had only had a hunk of cheese and bread before heading out.
I sighed, self pity eating at my insides as I crouched on the cold ground. Like their name suggest, he Dark Plains was like a black sea. The gold speckled grass was a dark soot colored grey, having random streaks of yellow and gold here and there. The variety was mesmerizing, but also deadly. Get too caught up in it, and you could get lost within it plains. Tall, towering trees surrounded it's edges, creating a deadly maze that only the Tygre Elkrin knew by heart. I opened my journal, squinting down at the tiny writing in the lack of light. I had recorded most of my journey so far, but nothing interesting had really happened yet.
I started as a crack whipped through the air, tensing my muscles and causing me to drop to my knees as I waited for the source. When none came, I relaxed a little, wariness dragging at my exhausted body like heavy weights. I was more or less surprised when I turned around to grab my bag and came face to face with two misty gold eyes. I froze, fear and awe tensing through me like a raging current, unable to believe what stood only inches from my face. The Black Tygre Elkrin almost seemed to fade in an out of sight as I stared at it, the golden stripes upon it's black body blending perfectly with the grass. All the legends of the Tygre Elkrin flew through my head at a mile a minute as we stared eye to eye, it's head bowed as it came to my level. All this left my head though as the Elkrin snorted and raised it's head once more, staring over my shoulder. it was then I realized that it wasn't watching me anymore. Turning back around, I jumped to my feet as I stared in surprise at the hunter. He was standing only a few feet away, a rifle aimed at the head of Elkrin as he silently waited. His dogs growled at his ankles, glaring at me and the Elkrin.
"I figured someone was tailing me. Didn't think it was you though. Well, whatever the reason, I've found you now. And look who else has joined the party." Cane said, grinning as his words broke the silence in the air. It only took me about 5 seconds to realize that I was between the barrel of the gun and the Elkrin. Fear and turmoil raged within me as I debated what to do. I could run. Then the Elkrin would die. Yet if I stayed, then I would surely get shot. And at the moment, getting shot didn't really appeal to me. However my options were limited, and I had no desire to see the Black Tygre Elkrin die. Taking a deep shaky breath, I raised my arms in an attempt to block Cain's aim. He raised an eyebrow, obviously not expecting me to make such a stupid move. "What are you doing boy?" He growled, his finger calm as it sat steadily on the trigger. "I won't let you shoot him." I replied, my legs shaking as I answered. Cain stared at me for a moment, then laughed. "Suit yourself."
And he pulled the trigger.
The blast rang through the air, deafening me. Something caught in my side, sending me flying into the flank of Elkrin and tumbling the floor. The Tygre Eklrin bellowed and maneuvered around me, rearing up at slashing at Cain before turning and running towards the treeline. My vision began to fade as I hit the floor, a numbness spreading from my side. As I watched the morning sky turn dark I saw the Elkrin vanish into the grassy Plains. A smile spread across my face as my eyes slipped shut, a peace settling through me as I faded into unconsciousness. At least the Elkrin had survive.
PART 3
When I came to, the sky was bleeding orange as the sun slowly began to set across the horizon. I blinked, confused. Beside me, a blazing fire flickered greedily at the logs, warming me beneath the white sheet. Sitting up in the bed, I winced as stitches pulled at my side. "Good! Your awake!" A light voice cried out, turning my attention to the woman standing in the doorway of the small wooden room I rested within. She hurried over to my bedside, smiling with relief. "We were so worried. When Cain brought you here, we thought you were done for. I stitched your wound and dressed it. It should heal in a few weeks or so." She said, grinning brightly. I sighed, rubbing my face. "How long have I been out?" I asked. "A few days. Your Rune has been very worried about you." She said, smiling as Absinthe hopped up onto my bed. He nuzzled my hand, glaring up at me worriedly. I chuckle dryly, smiling painfully at him.
"Sorry Absinthe. Didn't mean to scare you." He huffed, turning away in denial. I gingerly examined the wound, curious. I had experienced worst wounds before, but getting shot was definitely not one of the easiest. It took me a moment to realize the words she had said before mentioning Absinthe. I yelped, leaping out of the bed and hunting around for my clothes. When I found them, I dressed hurriedly and raced out the door, ignoring the cries and protests of the woman. Stumbling unsteadily down the stairs, I staggered towards the barman. "Where's my stuff?" I panted, my side burning with pain. He started, obviously surprised to see me up and walking. Well, attempting to walk. I felt my legs trembling from the pain, threatening to give out on me. He pointed to the table I had sat at the night before, my stuff laid neatly upon it.
I tripped as I made for it, a strong arm catching me. "Woah there boy. No need to rush." Cain said, appearing at my side. I glared at him, shaking free of his grip and sitting in the chair that was proffered to me by the barkeep. "Relax. There's no need to rush anywhere." Cain repeated, taking the opposite chair of me. I snorted. "How would you know? I'm on a tight schedule. I should of been gone days ago, but thanks to you I'm behind. Why the heck did you help me anyway?" I growled, my mind hazing a bit at the pain in my side. Cain smiled tightly. "I might be a hunter boy, but I'm no man killer. Besides, I could of killed you if I wanted to. I purposely aimed low so I'd miss any of your organs. Your lucky your alive." Cain answered, petting one of his hounds fondly. I snorted. "Yeah right. You still shot me. I could of died from blood loss." Cain laughed. "So now you care about your life. You seemed pretty eager to throw it away last night, when you faced my barrel for that Elkrin." He said. I paused, remembering now.
"I have to leave." I said, shaking my head. Struggling to my feet, I headed out of the bar, much to the protests of the barkeeper and Cain. I paused as I turned towards the Dark Plains, spotting movement out the corner of my eye. Standing at it's highest point, the Black Tygre Elkrin watched me, it's misty gold eyes focusing on mine. I froze, Absinthe flying up to my shoulder and watching us silently. I gazed on as the Elkrin slowly made it's way towards me at a gallop, slowing down as it neared the edge of the city and starting off at a walk towards me. Finally, it paused as it stood before me, it's black and golden stripes off against the city background. I reached up hesitantly and patted it's nose, a smile forming across my face. "The stupid deer practically gashed my heart out when I tried to pick you up." Cain said, walking out of the inn and scratching his head. "But I thought..." Cain smiled as the Elkrin swung it's head to glare at him. "That it ran away? It did. Only to return and practically stomp my head to the ground." Cain said, mumbling irritably. I laughed, pleased by his obvious discomfort.
I sighed, rubbing his nose. Gazing into his eyes, I felt a bond form between us. An unbreakable bond, like that of me and Absinthe's. "I think... we have a new traveling companion Absinthe." I said, smiling at my friend. Absinthe snorted, imitating Cain's gruff demeanor. I laughed, an elated feeling running through me as I realized how lucky I was. In return for saving it's life in penance of my own, the Black Tygre Elkrin was putting it's life into my hands, wanting to protect me in my travels.
That's about where my story ends. Ever since then, the little bugger's been close to me. He can prove troublesome at times, preventing me from getting any good close girlfriends and scaring off most hard hearted men that could prove helpful in my own hunt. But he's protected me when I needed him most. And in return, I had gained a new companion, and a new friend.
Breedable
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"I see of no reason why I should deny such a handsome beast to seek out his love. Yes. I would be more than willing to allow him to breed. However he is a fickle creatures and will choose warily, and wisely."
