Hunting for War (Open)

[Cardin]

(For Cardin's Background, see his application page)
Cardin Redd had successfully taken down another kill. The rabbit had been sitting in the plains, minding it's own business. Cardin had needed more food. So naturally, he took out his bow and slowly approached the rabbit. It's ears moved, and the rabbit froze. It had seen him. Cardin sat there for what felt like hours before the rabbit calmed down and began munching at the grass again. He really needed to work on his stealth. He took an arrow from his quiver, knocked it, aimed, and released the string. The rabbit fell over with a soft 'thud.' He silently celebrated his victory. He put his gloves on as he walked to the rabbit's corpse. He pulled his arrow out and began to clean it. He then turned to the corpse. It was covered... in... blood... "BLOOD!" He thought a deep urge to kill rose within him, but he took a deep breath, and suppressed it. He cleaned the corpse and took the meat with him. He returned to his mentor's old home, reminiscing about his past. He, honestly, was bored. He hoped that someone would require his services soon. Maybe he would go into town, try to get a job. But first, he needed to get enough food to last him through the next few weeks. He remembered his parents telling him stories of the Scouring. Epic battles against dragons, heroes always prevailing. Although, he had to admit, he felt sorry for the dragons. He had never seen even an image of a dragon. He wished he could meet a dragon one day. But, alas, dragons were extinct, so that dream would never see reality. He then remembered the tales his mentor told him of the Taguel. A race of shapeshifters. His mentor told him that he had once fought alongside a Taguel, a wolf to be specific. That wolf was one of his best friends, before he had died. "Fierce fighters," his mentor had called them. He felt it'd be cool to fight alongside one someday. For now though, he had to get home and have his dinner, so he could get to bed and get up early to head into town.


The next day...

Cardin heads into a nearby village, hoping to find a job...

[Scar]

The weak die and the strong survive. That was Scar's motto and the golden rule of life. The Lion had come to the mainland as a result of his own weakness. As strong as he envisioned himself to be Scar could not overcome a clan of Bear Laguze. Maybe one, or maybe two, but all them together would rip him to pieces. Scar knew it and as a result he had to flee his homeland. Now on the mainland Scar sought out strength. He needed more power. Power however was something one gained from both training and hardy eating. The Lion was intending to fill in the second requirement during this long night.

The sun had set over the horizon taking with it the day. The Light vanished and with it the deeds of man entered into the shadows. Scar has spent most of the day napping under a tree in his human form. The day time was as good as any to hunt, but Scar was truly a lion. His eyes were designed to see at night and his pitch black fur allowed him to move into the dark piratically unseen. Night time was the time of the Lion and hunting would go far easier in the dark.

Now in the full glory of his war form Scar moved across the eternal grassland. He had picked up the scent of prey and moved to the hunt. The elk, distracted by its usual predator, wolves, was not paying enough attention to the grasslands around it. Its full attention was the smell of a pack moving in the far east, its back directly toward the fearsome beast.

Scar sat in the ready position for a moment. He was as still as a mouse hiding in the hay from a snake. His body poise and ready to strike and his prey right before him. With a fearsome bolt Scar rushed across the grassland at full speed. The Elk moved to flee, but the Lion was too close. It took a stride, but Scar was upon it. With a fearsome roar and even more fearsome paw Scar had brought the mighty elk to it's knees. With a quick jerk of his mighty jaws on the beast neck Scar returned to his tree to enjoy his meal.

--------------------------------------------------
Dawn came and Scar ruffled himself out of his slumber. The mutilated corpse of the deer stood in front of him. It's bones ripped clean of flesh. The Lion groaned as it began to rise from its bed. He was going to need more meat. After catching his breakfast, which was nothing more than a small hare, the Lion eventually returned with a kill.

[Cardin]

On his way to the village, Cardin figured he would find something to kill for breakfast. The rabbit had only been enough for a stew the previous night. As he searched the plains for any signs of life, he spotted a man standing beneath a tree with what looked to be the corpse of a rabbit. Next to the man, a deer's corpse sat. The man must have been a skilled hunter; he didn't appear to have any weapons. As Cardin got closer, he noticed the mans ears atop his head, rather than on the sides. They were partially hidden by his cloak, but still visible. Could he be... a Taguel? He cautiously approached him, wondering how he would react.

[Scar]

"I think I will take it easy today", spoke Scar to himself as he laid under the tree. The Lion had traveled far since he made it to the mainland. On his home Island Scar could only go so far in one direction. Sure there was a lot of space between the corners of his homeland, but the amount of distance he had crossed since coming to the mainland dwarfed the entire island. There were so many new scents to smell and so many taste. It was a bit overwhelming. The plains were rip with game and Scar could hunt the day long without seeing a single human. Out here in the wild Scar was free. Well at least he thought he was. As the young Lion laid back against his tree his nose picked up a unpleasant scent.

"Human", he spoke to himself while his eyes were closed. The smell came in strong so scar could assume that he was close. Pulling on the strings on the inside of his hood Scar tighten up his disguise. The Lion made sure that he looked as human as possible. With any luck the guy, according to the smell, would simply pass him by. If it was a bandit however. Well those fools always learned the hard way. Opening one eye Scar's crimson orbs stared in the direction of the incoming human. He needed to see the creature was doing. However this entire situation created a small delima for Scar. Normally he would simply go into his war form and then rip his prey apart. Or he would eat raw meat whole. His biology allowed for this. However with this new human around that would not be a option. He would have to cook it. Scar hated to cook. He preferred his meat raw. However he needed to keep up with act if he wanted to survive in human lands.

[Cardin]

As Cardin came closer, the Taguel opened its eyes and looked in his direction. He seemed almost... Irritated? Maybe not all taguel were as friendly as his mentor had said. This would make sense however; he couldnt expect all taguel to be the same. That would be like saying all mercenaries did dirty deeds! He knew this as false; his mentor had made a point never to kill an innocent man. He decided to hold off on speaking to him. Maybe... If he were to bring more food... Save the taguel some trouble later that day... Maybe then he would act more friendly? He returned to the path home, hoping the Taguel would still be there when he returned.



Later that day Cardin returned to the spot under the tree. He had hit the jackpot, a large deer. Aside from being his first large game kill, he had also gotten quite a good one. As he came over the hill, he wondered how the taguel would respond to his kindness.

[Scar]

This is strange, thought Scar as the human seemed to just turn around and leave. At one point it was coming his way and then it just decided that it wanted to go somewhere else. Humans were weird creatures. Well at the very least that meant he could simply eat his breakfast. Still he had to wonder what in the world was the creature up to. Why was it poking around him? Was it a bandit looking for a new target to rob? Was it simply some lonely soul looking to talk to someone new? The plains were big and Scar often wondered how did humans get around. They did not have the nose and ears of a tanguel so they could not smell or hear each other. Whatever it was the human seemed to have walked off. However Scar's easy day was now over.

As the human moved out of site Scar went to action. He wasted no time switching to his war form. The beast stood four feet tall and ten feet long. His fur was a pitch black color and a fearsomely crimson mane surrounded the Lion's neck. The three scars of a bear marked his right eye and his well tone feline muscle twitched under the warm sun. After switching to his war form Scar began to use his advance senses. He sniffed the air, listened to the wind, and followed his predator instinct. He made sure to stay far away from the boy to stay out of sight, but close enough that he could tell if he was gathering together a mob of humans. Humans were weak creatures, but in a group they were deadly. To his surprise however the boy seemed to not being doing that. So did he know? The Lion was unsure.

After four hours of spying Scar figured there was no more point and moved to find himself his meal. His hunting had went the same as early yesterday, easy. The creatures on the plains had never faced off against a big cat like him before. The deer were fast, but his predator nature was better. After consuming another kill Scar moved to return to his spot under the hill. However this time it seemed that the boy from before was already there. He could smell him and the smell of a kill.

What in the hell is going on, thought Scar to himself. The Lion however was tired of games. Rather than turn back to normal and approach tentatively Scar stayed in his war form and rushed forward at full speed. As the boy came into view Scar slowed his approach. His crimson eyes focusing on the boy's. His teeth, currently dripping with the blood of a fresh kill, flashed for a intimidating effect. The nine hundred pound cat moved in on the boy. His eyes focused on the human's weapon. He kept the distance of two strides and began to then circle around the young man. Why is here hear, thought Scar to himself. He saw the kill, he saw the man, but he could not understand his intentions. Eventually however Scar decided it was time for him to speak.

"Who are you, boy", boomed the mighty Lion as it sized up its potential prey!

[Cardin]

"So you are a Taguel!" Cardin said. He had to admit, he was afraid of this Taguel in his bestial form. But he had put a lot of effort into trying to start a conversation with a Taguel, so he couldn't complain. He never even thought he would see a Taguel in his lifetime. "My name is Cardin," he said. "I'm a hunter who lives near here. When I realized you were a Taguel as I was returning from town the other day, I'll admit I was curious. See, my mentor was a Mercenary, and he found camaraderie in a Taguel while on a job once. He told me of his fierce strength, and how valuable an ally he was. I had always wanted to meet a Taguel, and I never thought I would. I brought this deer to share with you, so hopefully this is a good start."

[Scar]

This human was different, thought Scar as he stared at the boy. He could smell fear. How could he not. He was a mighty Lion after all one of the most powerful of all the cat tribe. Not to mention he was Scar, his name alone held great weight. However this boy, which was the best way Scar could describe him seemed more focus on having conversation than begging for his life. He was standing before a gigantic beast, a fearsome creature beyond the understanding of most men. He should be terrified, but he was not. He was calmer, not calm, but calmer than what Scar had expected. Not only did he not freak out, but the human also seemed to know about his people. That was rare. Connections between the mainland and Vinland did not happen to long ago. News usually spread slow, but among certain people it spread like wild fire. He could only guess that this mentor of this man was in those circles. Still it was decision time. Was Scar going to kill him and leave his borken body on the grassland or give into the boy's chatty nature.

The Lion took a deep breath. His nose taking in the scent of the boy. A bright light suddenly rolled over him as Scar shifted from his true Lion form and moved into his more human form. However the Lion had no intention of hiding his appearance at the moment. This was the open plains and not some human city. This was his world. It was not some clustered city filled with a myriad number of weak humans. This was the open world where the law of nature held its coarse. If any challenged his right to be here he would swipe them down! They would know the power of Scar!

In his human form Scar stood an impressive six feet tall. His skin was a dark brown hue and his eyes still a blazing crimson. His hair was sweep back, but it flowed almost like a lion's mane. His eyes were still fearsome and his fluffy ears at at the top of his head. The lean muscles could be seen on the cleavage of his shirt as his robe slightly slouched to the side due to his string not being fully tighten.

"You a strange human, you know that", spoke Scar to the boy. The tanguel walked over to the boy and lifted the deer and moved it toward the tree. "I am assuming you can't eat it raw", spoke Scar as he placed the meat down and began to make a fire. It was a good peace offering. Scar would accept it. However both would need to partake in the meal. The boy did not know it but he had enacted a custom in Scars family. One bear would bring food to another and they would share the meal. After that they would talk business, which usually concerned a great hunt. The sharing of the meal was a sign of mutual trust.

[Cardin]

This was going much better than Cardin had expected. "Sorry if this is an inconvenience for you. From what my mentor said most Taguel eat their meat raw. Also, I'm sorry for disturbing you earlier. When I saw you this morning you looked like you were trying to rest. I'm assuming transforming takes a lot of energy, huh?"

[Scar]

"Pshaw", spoke Scar as he started up the flames. The boy was trying to be polite, but he was being a bit to much for him at the moment. "Your master does not know much then boy. Most of my people cook there food. To be honest among the cat clan there are very few who would not cook there meat. I myself have a preference for it raw. It is just in my nature." As Scar finished speaking the fire began to roar up. He just needed to add a bit more fuel and it would be at a level where it could properly cook the meat. Adding a bit more grass and a few bits of coal he had in his hand bag Scar got the fire to a acceptable level. Now he just needed to carve the meat. One of the main reason he ate his food raw was due to the fact that it took time to gut the animals. It was far easier to simply just eat them. However he now had company and thus he had to do the hard stuff.

Pulling out a stone knife Scar went to work cutting away meat, which he placed onto a stick and set by the fire. He wanted to get something cooked first before he started to finish off the rest of the meat. It was going to take a good bit so he figured he might as well start up a conversation.

"So, what gave away my heritage", questioned the Lion as he continued his work. His stone knife cut through the flesh of the beast as easily as a hot knife though butter. His crimson eyes stayed focus on his work as his mouth talked to his new found companion. As Scar worked and listened the lion began to think about all the times he found himself in this position. He would link up with other tangul back in his homeland and then shortly afterwards his anger would break up the group. Scar never regretted any decision he made. However he was still a lion. Lions were social creatures. That was probably the main reason why he did not kill the boy.

[Cardin]

When Cardin had first heard of the Taguel from Dex, his master, he was skeptical. How could one's shape change so freely? But his master had sensed his skepticism, and explained that for them, it was no different than growing. It was just something that happened naturally for them. They never questioned why they had that ability.

The way that this Taguel spoke was interesting. It was as if he didn't want anyone to know he was a Taguel. Then again, if EVERYONE knew that someone was a Taguel, it would likely cause a bit of an uproar. Plus, not many knew of the Taguel's existence, according to Dex. He had heard of the five tribes, and how the way Taguel lived differed from ours, all of this information, of course, being passed on from the Wolf that had befriended Cardin's master.

It was then that Cardin realized he didn't know this Taguel's name! He mentally scolded himself. How could he be so rude to just keep blabbering without even knowing someone's name? But first, he would have to answer his question. "The ears," said Cardin, "Initially I thought you were human, I was hoping for some hunting tips as I saw that you had taken down that Elk. But as I got closer I saw the ears poking out from beneath your cloak. Also, I just realized I haven't asked your name! How rude of me!"

As the two spoke the meat grew tender, and the meal was nearly ready.

[Scar]

Scar sat there for a moment listing to the boy's words. It seemed that he had made a slip up. It was only natural. He was out in the wild so his guard was not all the way up. He should have tighten the straps in his hood to insure that it did not come up, but that was a topic for another time. It seemed that the boy wanted his name. It was funny how the boy had thought himself the rude one when that had actually been Scar. It someone gave there name it was common courtesy to return the favor. Scar had not thought much of the weak human so he did not give the lad his name. Now however he felt a bit bad. Not that he felt he needed to give him his name. Scar could do as he pleased, but by the fact that the human had shown him proper respect and he had not.

Scar was firm believer that weakness was a sin. The weak don't have the right to complain about the actions of the strong. The boy was weak and as a result he did not have the right to complain about Scar not giving up his name. However Scar also understood that there was a certain dignity that should be shared between creatures that could think and feel. The boy had shown him respect and as a result Scar owed the boy the same level of respect. The level of respect shared between men.

"No that is my fault", spoke the Lion finally as he neared the end of his work. "My name is Scar, and before you asked I got the name after I was born. You can probably guess the reason for that", chuckled the lion as he thought toward the three stripe scar that covered his right eye. A painful reminder of the law of nature.

[Cardin]

Cardin was really enjoying this talk with Scar. He hoped he could consider him a friend now. He wondered what they would do after this. It was slowly becoming darker as the night progressed. He could invite Scar to stay with him; that would surely be more comfortable than sleeping out here in the dark, with the wolves about. Not that he didn't think Scar could handle himself. Although, being a Taguel, he may be accustomed to sleeping in the wilderness. It may even be better. Still, it wouldn't hurt to ask him.

Another thing he needed to ask him: How did he get that scar over his eye? It was interesting that it hadn't carried over to his human form. He hoped Scar wouldn't find it rude if he asked; he didn't want to ruin what he had started off so great. From what he had seen earlier, it looked like a wound from an animal's claws; perhaps another Taguel?

"If you don't mind me asking, Scar, how did you receive that wound? You don't have to answer if it's personal. I won't mind. I've had similar parts in my life, that i'd prefer not to share, but I may do so with you. I've only known you for a few hours and yet I feel a strange kinship with you."

Overall, Cardin was glad he had met Scar. It wasn't everyday you got to speak with a Taguel, after all. He realized that one of his life's goals was already fulfilled. Next was to meet a Dragon... he chuckled to himself.

[Scar]

Yep it went to the Scar. Though the lad had never mentioned it Scar figured he was wondering why he had it. It had been the subject of many conversations in the past and as a result it did not bother the Lion to talk about it. It was the past after all and the embarrassment that came from it had been avenged. However that was not the chief concern for the Lion at the moment. Night was starting to set in and that meant he was going to have to find a place to stay. The tree was a good spot as long as the weather kept calm, but if a storm rolled in he was going to have a rough night. He was going to need to leave soon to find a place to sleep. Maybe he could find a old wolf's din, or maybe he could kick out a few inhabitant. As much as Scar joked about it he was not foolish enough to fight a pack of wolves in there own lair. One wolf did not stand a chance, two not much either. However once you start going up to numbers of five and above it became a problem quickly. Wolves were cunning hunters.

"I gained the scar from my father", growled Scar. As much as he told himself that it did not bother him the nature of the wound still stuck a cord. "It was the price I paid for getting above myself. The great bear held nothing back and smacked me across the woods. The only reason I lived was due to me changing my name to Scar. That was his great punishment for trying to rise up. However I have already avenged myself of that incident. As a result it holds no sway over me."

As Scar finished talking the Lion reached over and grabbed one of the sticks. The meat was now cooked and the lion sucked the meat off the stick. "So boy, you call yourself a hunter right. What weapon do you hunt with. Sword, spear, axe, or do you use your body?"

[Cardin]

As Cardin listened to Scar's words, one part of his response initially puzzled him. How could a Lion Taguel have been born to Bear Tribe parents? He then remembered something Dex had told him; his Taguel friend, who was a wolf, had been born to two foxes, but those foxes had wolf ancestry. He knew that Taguel could inter-breed between tribes, but he had never imagined that two bears could produce such a different offspring.

He thought on what Scar had said. He couldn't imagine how he had felt. Although, Scar was lucky to have had his parents with him long at all. When Cardin's parents had fallen to the hands of a bandit tribe, he had no idea what to do next. He was barely a boy at the time. Thankfully Dex had found him, and cared for him afterward.

"Well, I've trained in the bow since I was younger," Cardin explained, "My parents had insisted that I be able to defend myself if trouble ever came, and thanks to that, I survived. Bandits attacked my home village when I was barely nine. They killed both my parents. After that Dex, that's my mentor, found me and took me in. He was a mercenary, and he trained me a bit with the sword. I'm not very proficient with it yet though, so I try not to use it in combat yet. I'm fairly skilled with a bow, but I still have a lot to learn. That deer is actually my first big kill. I've mostly only taken down rabbits until now."

By now the sun had gone down completely. Cardin had finished his meal, so he took part of what was left and wrapped it up so he could save it for later. "You know," he said, "If you need a place to stay, Scar, you're welcome at my place. It's just me. Dex passed away a few months ago." He smiled, "I'm glad I got to meet you."