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Lucan Kita
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 23
Race: Skyborn
Character Type: Adventurer
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Post by Lucan Kita on Nov 13, 2016 20:05:15 GMT -5
Hunting was probably one of Lucan's favourite things to do. Not because he enjoyed killing, but because he enjoyed just getting out of the city. There was just something to the feeling of accompanying his friends outside of the city to go look for what their community needed. He enjoyed trips to go out and barter for the same reason, but the chase provided an extra jolt of adrenaline.
It was about midday when they had left, so they'd fanned out all across the region to look for suitable game. They weren't after anything too large, maybe a deer at most and it wouldn't do to take more than they needed.
With his sharp eyes he caught movement below just as he flew over the forest, and there he could see the movement of a deer. A stag, not old but not young either. If anything it seemed to be in its prime and Lucan could feel his stomach rumble just at the sight of it. it was in thick forest so he would have to gauge himself carefully.
With his eyes set on his target and his spear firmly in hand Lucan folded his wings to go into a dive. He couldn't help but revel in the feeling of the wind rushing past him, and far too soon for his liking he snapped his wings open. Three things happened then; he pulled out of the dive, the deer started to take off, and he threw the spear. The weapon struck, the squeal of the animal was unpleasant to listen to since it took a true sadist to like causing pain but it was necessary. Luckily the spear had hit where he wanted and the animal hadn't gone more than a couple of yards before it collapsed.
It was only a few moments later that he touched down next to the deer to make sure that it was no longer breathing, but once he was satisfied he reached down to give the animal a light rub on the neck. "Sorry, little guy." The Skyborn whispered, an apology to the animal that he had killed. After all, Lucan didn't actually enjoy the killing. Once he had pulled the spear from the stag's side he let out four, loud whistles in rapid succession with the hope that one of the others were close enough to hear. Of course, he had only just let out the last whistle when he heard a rustling in the bushes. It was enough to alarm him, and he whirled to face it as he brought up his spear again while he crouched low. What could it be? A bear? Bandits? Neither thought was comforting as his wings tensed on his back.
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crimson
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 20
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Post by crimson on Nov 14, 2016 3:03:16 GMT -5
Flying was an activity that was soothing and important to the young vincent named Alexan, as well, but unlike Lucan's controlled dive and careful wingbeats, Lex raced the wind, recklessly, powerfully, with each heavy stroke beating back the order of nature, and each turn and spin a fierce, hairline expression of whim and pure enjoyment.
Of course, that style of flight, fun as it was, wasn't exactly the safest. There had been a sudden gust, some kind of distraction from below, and he hadn't been able to stop in time. He'd crashed headlong into.... something... and that was how he found himself trudging along the ground, trying to trace his way back the way he came, berating himself - as best he could - and trying to fight the dizzy feeling in his brain. His left wing hung, uselessly, at an odd angle, and he was doing his best not to move it because it was in pain.
Broken. Great. And even though he was pretty sure he didn't have a concussion, he'd been rattled bad. If he ran into anything dangerous, he was done for. Even if he did make it back to his little village, his mother would be all over him if she found out, grown adult or not.
He heard the sound of a squealing animal and then the loud 'thunk' of something landing, and he felt his breath tighten in his chest. Whatever that was, it probably wasn't a good sign. Maybe if he was lucky the predator would be distracted, and he could sneak-
He made the mistake of moving his wing, and nearly fell over from the pain. Trying to hold in whatever pained noise he might have made, he lost his balance....
and fell right out of the bushes in front of, not a dangerous animal enjoying a meal, but a very surprised skyborn hunter.
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Lucan Kita
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 23
Race: Skyborn
Character Type: Adventurer
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Post by Lucan Kita on Nov 14, 2016 7:38:46 GMT -5
The rustling in the bushes was unmistakably getting closer, and Lucan tightened his grip on his spear as a result. He was almost certain that whatever was causing the rustling was an enemy or some animal out to take the kill from him so he was nearly about to jab the weapon into the bushes when something just as welcome as his previous options fell out of the foliage. It, or rather he landed on the ground in front of Lucan who jolted back with surprise, but not enough to leave the kill unguarded.
The surprise had caused his heart to go into overdrive, at least briefly, but he managed to quickly recover himself with a deep breath as he lowered the blade of the spear. "Are you mad?! I could have skewered you!" He exclaimed at the unexpected visitor, able to immediately see that it was a Vincent which was something that made him think that the gods must have hated him that day.
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crimson
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 20
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Post by crimson on Nov 14, 2016 18:03:42 GMT -5
"Forgive me for forgetting to take random skyborn paranoia into account," he growled, pushing himself to his feet and glaring at the feather-winged man. His own wing was throbbing, but he tried to stand in a way as to make it less obvious that he was hurt. "I have as much right and reason to be here as you do." A lot of other races found vincents intimidating; he tried to leverage that reputation and look as menacing as possible. Maybe then this jerk would leave him alone. It wasn't liek he needed help or anything.
You probably do need help, reminded the little inner voice of reason that occasionally spoke to him, but, as usual, he ignored it.
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Lucan Kita
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 23
Race: Skyborn
Character Type: Adventurer
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Post by Lucan Kita on Nov 14, 2016 21:59:15 GMT -5
"Yeah, because approaching anyone in the woods is a good idea." Lucan deadpanned with a rather unimpressed look as the other man's behaviour was already starting to rub him the wrong way, especially with the remark about how he had as much right to be there as the Skyborn did. Lucan couldn't deny that, but that didn't mean the Vincent's super-macho posturing wasn't exceedingly annoying.
"You know, you don't look that tough with your wing hanging like a limp noodle, right?" The statement was more than a little exaggerated, and that didn't mean that the taller Vincent still wasn't intimidating, so Lucan kept a firm grip on his spear as he reached for his quarry to begin dragging the corpse from the woods. All the while he muttered about how Vincents apparently had more bravado than sense, and cared little if the stranger heard him at all as he began his slow process out towards the clear field where the others would be able to spot him.
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crimson
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 20
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Post by crimson on Nov 14, 2016 22:28:53 GMT -5
"Wait!"
He couldn't believe he was doing this. He strode forward, as confidently as he could with his wing now dragging the ground.
"Um. Look. Leave me here if you want, but at least tell me the way to the nearest town. I got turned around when I... uh... landed." He would not say he'd crashed.
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Lucan Kita
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 23
Race: Skyborn
Character Type: Adventurer
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Post by Lucan Kita on Nov 14, 2016 22:36:07 GMT -5
He'd barely dragged the deer two feet when he heard the Vincent's call for him to wait, and he looked up just in time to see the man approach. As much as he might be suspicious of Vincents and outright dislike most, he couldn't in good conscious just leave him there. He almost cursed himself, but sighed before he spoke. "The nearest town is Sovereign, about half a day's walk from here. Help me drag this deer out of here and the rest of the party should arrive soon."
Lucan pointedly tugged on the deer's back legs as he spoke. Even though he was stronger than the average human he was still only using one hand while he held his spear in the other so, strong or not, it made moving such a large animal fairly difficult.
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crimson
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 20
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Post by crimson on Nov 14, 2016 22:40:31 GMT -5
"Whoah, really? I flew almost all the way to the capital? That's amazing!" Lex couldn't restrain his grin at that.... then found it transforming into a grimace as he watched the strange Skyborn attempt to drag the deer. He sighed, took three steps forward, and hoisted the deer over his shoulders, wincing as it displaced his broken wing slightly.
"Watching you try to drag this thing is more painful than my wing," he said with a roll of his eyes. "I'll carry it until you meet back up with your buddies. And hope they're not all featherbrains like you," he added under his breath.
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Lucan Kita
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 23
Race: Skyborn
Character Type: Adventurer
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Post by Lucan Kita on Nov 14, 2016 22:55:57 GMT -5
The next thing he knew the deer had been wrenched from his hands and was now slung over the shoulder of the Vincent who commented on how painful it was to watch him drag the deer.
The comment just earned another deadpan look from Lucan. "I have a feeling I'm going to regret this." He commented in return but he turned and led the Vincent through the woods with his spear leaned against his shoulder, the deer's blood still decorating the blade.
The trip didn't take long, and they were soon out of the shade that the forest provided. It was as they came to a stop that Lucan brought his thumb and index finger to his mouth to let out another loud four whistles in rapid succession.
It took only a few moments but he was answered by a responding whistle, a more effective way of communicating that didn't involve shouting. A silhouette with a very large wingspan followed as the owner of the wings in question glided down towards them. It was Leah, a rare sight on these little hunts but apparently she'd been bored playing sentry and so had joined them on her day off.
"Nice catch." Was her greeting as she landed in front of them with only a brief glance at the deer. "Though it looks like you caught more than supper."
Lucan nodded as he glanced back at the Vincent in question. "Yeah, he was wandering around in the woods. Looks like he landed on his wing or something."
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crimson
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 20
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Post by crimson on Nov 14, 2016 23:04:15 GMT -5
"It happens," he protested, feeling his face heat up. "I just need an escort to the city and then I can make my way back home from there, that's all. And it's only because I got turned around, I can protect myself." He paused. "Mostly."
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Lucan Kita
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 23
Race: Skyborn
Character Type: Adventurer
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Post by Lucan Kita on Nov 14, 2016 23:19:05 GMT -5
Leah looked at the Vincent and raised an eyebrow at him, a clear look of disbelief. "Uh huh. I think first thing in order for you is a trip to one of Hope's priests. Come on, we're losing daylight."
She clearly considered the matter settled as she turned on her heel and began to lead the two young men in the direction of Sovereign. If it bothered Lucan then he didn't even bother to argue as he didn't hesitate to follow. His only problem was that they were forced to travel on foot thanks to their new companion (not that he could really hold a broken wing against him). "What's your name, anyway?" Lucan finally spoke up as he glanced over at the stranger. He was bored stiff just travelling on foot so he might as well make a little bit of conversation.
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crimson
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 20
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Post by crimson on Nov 14, 2016 23:23:21 GMT -5
"Alexan," he replied, giving the full version of his name as he adjusted the way the deer sat across his broad shoulders. His arms were stiff and his wing was still painful but at least it was better than being dead. He hated walking, but again, better that than dying. He sighed. "Alexan Mekari for full. I'm from a town several hours... probably back the other way, if we're heading to Sovereign. How 'bout you?"
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Lucan Kita
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 23
Race: Skyborn
Character Type: Adventurer
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Post by Lucan Kita on Nov 14, 2016 23:41:05 GMT -5
"Lucan Kita." The other boy said by way of introduction before he gestured to the woman with the overly large wings in front of him. "That's Leah Carran. The rest of our hunting party is probably already on the way back."
It took several hours but eventually the town came into view where it was built into the side of the mountain range. While there were obvious signs of the city's rather large Skyborn population there were signs of other species as well, primarily due to the sight of lifts and other devices used to ascend to other buildings or cross the gaps from one to another. They had definitely made good time since night was already starting to fall by the time they made it to the main lift.
"Alright," Leah began as the lift started to take them up. "We'll drop off that deer but then we're taking you off to the healers. you'd better be prepared to stay for a while. The priests tend to be real mother hens."
The only agreement from Lucan came in the form of a muttered "Tell me about it."
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crimson
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 20
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Post by crimson on Nov 15, 2016 0:39:09 GMT -5
Lex rolled his eyes. "Healers usually are..." he said with a sigh. "Look... um, look, thanks for showing me the way. I could've found my wait out eventually, do't get me wrong, but you saved me about a day of wandering around, so, yeah." He shrugged, then winced as the action pulled at his broken wing.
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Lucan Kita
New Member
Aftergate
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Posts: 23
Race: Skyborn
Character Type: Adventurer
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Post by Lucan Kita on Nov 15, 2016 0:53:26 GMT -5
"Probably saved you about a day of starving too." Lucan commented idly as he looked out across the foothills that they had just crossed. "No offence, but you don't look like much of a hunter."
Leah glanced at the pair as the lift finally came to a halt and she stepped off while one of the other Skyborn milling around the area wandered over to take the deer Lex was carrying. "Well, I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to give him tips. He'll be staying with you until that wing of his heals."
The younger male immediately levelled a blank look at her. "Leah, you shouldn't joke about that. It's not funny." The look she gave him showed him she clearly wasn't joking and it made Lucan wonder if the Trickster had decided to 'bless' him with misfortune that day. "All right," he began with a sigh "I'll go get my place ready."
As Lucan turned away to head towards his home Leah gestured for Lex to follow her as she started to head off to where the healers normally congregated.
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