Extended Wanderings (OPEN)

[Kaelu]

Just how had she managed to cross over water to an island and not remember doing do? Kaelu had mused over it in her mind repeatedly since leaving the island and the forest of Valor. She almost wanted to stay there, living in that old wood but alas she could not for it was an ancient place and not a place for living in. It was a place for reverence if anything else. Kaelu had to leave even after having made some new acquaintances. Manakete sure were interesting creatures and just as varied as the Humans she had met and come to know were. Why could not all creatures recognize this similarity and get along together? Kaelu didn't understand that anymore than how she forgot about crossing water. Though... that might explain why she woke up feeling damp that one morning. And here she thought it had been rain!

Not that it mattered anymore. Kaelu was no longer on that island. She was no longer walking in the wood either. No, she was back on the Human road and wandering on in search of old friends and with hope that she would continue to make new ones. What kind eyes might she look to in the coming day? Would there be any more Manakete? Might she at last cross paths with a Taguel, one of her own or another? How many people could have courage and curiosity enough to approach her? Kaelu felt excited at such thoughts. A fresh new bounce filled her steps and she skipped along for a time making the bells in her hair ring and tinkle loudly.

The bells resonated in the open space about her in the rising ground. It was a mountain she climbed now and in the shadows of crags dark creatures stirred. The ringing of balls called to them. Kaelu was not aware of them. She had ground to cover and she was blissfully unawares of their low, hushed growls. Only as a trio of monstrous beasts pulled themselves from the darkness and approach her with malice did her ears perk. They rose a little and she halted midstep in order to pay them better heed. "Not my bells' echo?" Kaelu asked herself. She cocked her head to one side and raised an ear ever higher. Her tail flicked and she turned swiftly, eyes wide in surprise to find the three monsters not more than ten strides from her. "Eeep!" She cried out as she instinctively took up a crouched position in preparation to receive the anticipated attack of the beasts, a hand rising to a stone bead in her hair, a bead that began to take on an eerie glow.

[Setanta]

Setanta had been hungry. He'd been told there was dangerous hunting on this island, that was why he'd been ferried to it. Come to find there was nothing he was unused to. Deer, and birds, nothing he couldn't hunt back on Erin or the continent. So maybe a day ago, he wasn't sure. He'd been getting a little hungry, when he smelled rabbit. He began looking for it, but as he drew closer, it became clear it was one of his kind, a Taguel. He began to go to her, but decided to hold back. He tracked her in silence, not wanting to betray his presence to her sensitive ears. Why he did it, he didn't know. He'd heard some of the fox and rabbit taguel only ate plants, and maybe he was afraid of eating so himself. Whatever the reason, he noticed she was very... spastic.

She'd begun to climb a mountain a little while after she left the cover of trees. Setanta had to drop farther back, using only his nose as a guide. He could smell them, atrocities, seeming to be in sleep. Hidden within the mountains. Setanta's mind seemed to split. A part of him was thrilled to get to fight. Another part was a little tense over the number of beasts, but something told him that wasn't as big a problem as he expected. The third was worried for this girl. Watching her, he noticed she had an innocence to her. She seemed capable, but far more honest than most dragons, taguel, and humans he'd met. As her bells rang, the monsters moved. Time to reveal himself.

In his unchanged form, he sprinted up the slope. He was still fast, but not as fast as his wolf form. He skidded to a halt next to the little rabbit. He smiled over at her as he placed his hands where he like them to be when he shifted. "Hello thar little lady! Don't be mindin' me. Setanta's the the name hear to lend ya' a handd."

Ooc: Setanta's voice is the irish guy's: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok9VDIPxH-g

[Kaelu]

Kaelu had been surprised to see the monsters there behind her. She hadn't sensed them until they were behind her on the path with every malevolent intent towards her. Granted, she never seemed to notice anything unless it was right in front of her face or otherwise preparing to pounce her. Just her luck maybe, or was it that she had that special attunement skill? In any case, there were a trio of monsters and not the kind she could just bash about without transforming. These were bigger monsters and she'd need all the strength of her beastform to do them in on her own.

"Huh!" There was another form she was sensing now. Not a monster, but something else. No, someone else and she did not need to call out for this person for she sensed him only moments before he appeared by her side. Kaelu's heart skipped a beat and she grew excited. This was not just some Human wandering about and definitely no disguised Manakete. This was one of her own and she called him out loudly and happily, "Taguel!" Well, since that was the case and she was not fighting alone anymore, Kaelu was not so worried as she might have been. She took in a deep breath of air and gave a fist pump into the air. Confidently she declared, "Let's do this!"

Kaelu reached for her Beaststone, a glimmering green stone bead in her hair and gave it a rub. In the blink of an eye she was engulfed in an unearthly light and she felt her limbs stretching and her muscles strengthening. She hadn't transformed very often, but when the light faded a large golden rabbit the size of a large pony was in the place she had been standing earlier. Her big rear feet gave a warning thump to the monsters who now began to hesitate and balk having learned that their supposed easy prey would put up a bigger fight than anticipating. Her big brown eyes looked to her new companion and with a grunt of delight she sprang swiftly towards the monsters.

[Setanta]

Setanta nodded at the other taguel as she identified their shared blood. He had yet to see one of his kind out in the human world, and it filled him with happiness to see her be excited by his presence. Then she transformed, it was beautiful, like nothing he'd ever seen before. He'd only ever seen or felt a transformation of the wolf. This was new, it seemed less primal, and more based around nature, it was a peaceful transformation for the purpose of war.

Setanta shifted his legs, preparing to shift more than a few limbs. He reached into his shirt, gripping the stone that hung around his neck. He said, "Time ta stretch ta ol' wolf skin then!" He began his shift, as a green light erupted in the air, vibrating out of his stone. He began to become who he truly was, his limbs bent, and grew, locking themselves in their new positions. His teeth changed to their sharper style, and his nails became long lethal claws. Green hair sprouted out of his skin covering his body. As the light faded, there stood a powerful wolf, a little taller than a stallion, a little more powerful as well, coiled and ready to attack. His mind shifted into its form based more on instinct.

dead flesh. setanta would kill the dead flesh. long ears was powerful, setanta feel it. not as powerful as setanta. setanta could- no, he'd not! he was not weak, he did not kill friends. he would not. needed strength and anger for killing dead flesh. setanta leaped at dead flesh on the left. he bit in the throat, and black sludge fill mouth. the dead flesh still hit setanta in side, and wolf hit ground to his right. jumped back up, angry now. claw dead flesh twice in chest, spit up black sludge in dead flesh wound. dead flesh claw at setanta ribs, kicking at stomach. setanta step back. jump and twist so setanta back and shoulder hit dead flesh and fall on ground. rip out heart of dead flesh.

[Kaelu]

It took only a couple bounds before she was among the monsters. Kaelu swung her body around and let the natural spring of her legs loose. The force of the hit of her hind legs sent one monster the flying and that was the one she pursued. She launched after it and gave an angry squeal as she lashed out at it, claws tearing across the torso. Again she spun lithely and made contact with the dead flesh of the beast, this time it did go flying. Or rather, a part of it flew. The torso severed under the impact and an arm thudded off in a different direction. The legs that remained behind twitched a little and she snorted at it as to say 'So there!'

She turned to her companion, brown eyes wide at the sight that they beheld. So he was a Canide Taguel! A big, fierce one at that! He had torn one of the monsters apart and left an oozy black mess. Her movements had been quick, meant to avoid any hits and to stun before close contact, but his was all about strength and ferocity. It was almost frightening to witness such actions and a shiver went through her as base instinct dictated him to be a predator, cousin Taguel or no.

Yet there was one monster remaining and it appeared to be fleeing. Fleeing to warn the others? There was a faint tinkling of bells as she scooted forward cautiously after it several steps. Should she pursue it? Training told her that all monsters needed to be put down. Even so, Kaelu was not a violent creature and it was retreating. Where was the honor in attacking a coward, thus she hesitated. Any other monsters in the area were no where near as close as they had once been, or so her heightened senses alerted her, due to the recognition that their quarry were no mere humans.

The power of the stone was fading, too. If she was going to take down that monster, it would be now or never.

[Goboroh]

Goboroh had been wandering for a long time now. For months he had been simply wandering the wilderness, hunting and subsisting of whatever he could find. Although he had, on several occasions, smelled people, he had gone out of his way to avoid any contact. He wasn't quite sure why, to be honest. It's not as if he was depressed or angry. In fact, he was quite happy, his trademark smile emblazoned on his face. Perhaps he just wasn't ready to interact with people again. Whatever the reason, he just didn't want to go near people. Every time he had caught the scent of a merchant caravan or group of mercenaries, he had gone out of his way to avoid them. But this day was different. On this day, he smelled taguels and monsters, but most of all he smelled fear. It was coming from one of the taguel and something about it caused him to leap into action. For the first time in months, he assumed his bear form, the white hair covering his body growing thicker as he dropped to all fours. His fingers shortened as his nails sharpened into claws and his face morphed like wet clay into that of a bear. Following the scent of decay, he ran off towards the other taguel.

As he crested a hill, the other taguel came into view. From atop the hill he could see a rather vicious wolf tearing into several monsters and a rabbit finishing off one herself. He was mostly too late to be of any use, but as he looked down towards the bottom of the hill, he saw one last monster trying to escape. Snarling, he charged down the hill towards it. The monster had no time to react as the polar bear came crashing down on it, slashing and biting at its chest. The attack was vicious and over quickly. The battle seemingly over, Goboroh stood on his hind legs and allowed himself return to his regular form. As his hair once again thinned, and his features became human, his smile grew. He had to admit, it was good to see people again. "Greetings, other Taguel. My name is Goboroh. I got the trouble smell from a distance and came to do the helping. Everything is okay now, no?"

[Setanta]

one get away. setanta get up to chase it. ounding after it, growling. He chase downhill, almost ready to leap. bear smell. bears! violent, ripping, father hurting bears. bear tackle last dead flesh. setanta growl and prepared to leap at bear. eyes closed. Stop it! I know not all bears are bad! Look at him he's changed back into a human shape he doesn't want to fight. It's done, I don't have to kill anymore. Setanta's logical and emotional brain took over once again, as Setanta slipped from his wolf body back to the other. His mouth tasted awful, like rotten meat mixed with dirt. He spit on the ground.

"Sorry about that. Getta little carried away now and again when I'm fightin' tend to lose my mind a wee bit. Thanks for helpin' us out and all that, really appreciate it. You're quite a big fella, name's Setanta me self." He turned, "Speaking of which, I don't quite be remembrin' if'n ya gave me your name thar missie?"

[Kaelu]

She hesitated to chase the monster down. This was not her forest, granted it wasn't even a forest to begin with, so she didn't know what rules were in place here. Kaelu fidgeted a moment and thought to dart after the monster. She turned fully and coiled her muscles into springing action only to stop short and in good time to steer clear of the path of a barreling bear. A big, white, thundering paws kind of bear. A bear Taguel! She skidded and then bounced and bounced until she stopped.

The power of the stone faded on its own and she shivered a little as the fur receded away. The same light from earlier engulfed her as her limbs shrunk and the muscles shifted around them. The intense strength of her beastform faded away and in place of the golden rabbit there was just a little rabbit girl. She gave herself a thorough shake and hopped away from the entrails of monster that now scattered the roadside.
"Ewww." Kaelu said. She tip-toed about before finding a good clean spot where her bare feet need not stride upon fetid monster flesh. It also brought her closer to the first two Taguel she had crossed paths with since having left her forest home. If the monsters and their remains left a bad taste in her mouth, seeing the pair of them made her forget all about it.


"TAGUEL!" She cried out enthusiastically as she just about skipped around the large man of the bear Tribe. He had been the last to appear, but the first to speak up. She smiled up at him,
"Gosh! You must have a really keen nose then, huh? Goboroh." She tested his name out for herself. Yes, that was a good strong name, just right for a bear. Or so she thought to herself, but just as quickly as she had come to see him, she bounced to the other. He had come to her aide first and done so stunningly. It was a little scary, but they were both Taguel and she was sure he didn't mean her any harm.
"You fight so well! You just tore it apart! I'm not gonna lie, it was a little scary, but I wonder if you don't mind the taste? They can smell bad enough, you know, oh! But I guess you do know, huh? Setanta."

She smiled warmly at both of them. Kaelu could not help that she was so much short than both of them. All she could do was raise her ears and stand on the balls of her feet and even then she did not feel tall enough. So smile up at them she did.
"I'm Kaelu! Of the Rabbit Tribe, but you both knew that already. Just like my knowing you must be from the Bear, Goboroh, and you Setanta are from the Wolf. Still, you're both the first Taguel I've seen since I left the forest! I'm so happy I could give hugs all around... er... if you'd like, that is." She giggled a little nervously at the end. She really did want to hug the pair of them. They had both helped her out and she was just so ecstatic to meet new Taguel. She had never met any Taguel other than those of her Warren or her Tribe, too.

[Goboroh]

Almost as soon as Goboroh had finished talking, the wolf move towards him, seemingly about to attack. There was a certain hostility in his eyes that the bear found shocking, and to his surprise, slightly familiar. They had the same wild glint that his father's eyes had at the end, the glint of a feral taguel, though the wolf's eyes were nowhere near as far along. To his relief, the glint faded as another part of the wolf's mind took over and he slowly morphed into a green haired young man with a charming accent who introduced himself as Sentata. The other taguel, the rabbit, had also bounded up to him introduced herself as Kaelu and then barraged the two of them with an assault of cheerfulness, causing Goboroh to let out a hearty chuckle. The girl's bounciness and spunk were certainly entertaining. In fact, her cuteness made him just want to squeeze her like he had done with the village dog. Luckily, she had offered a hug, which Goboroh happily accepted. "Goboroh is fan of the hugging," he said, locking his arms around her in a strong bear hug. Afraid he might hurt her if he squeezed too hard, he let go of her early. A smile stretching across his face, he turned to the wolf and grabbed him as well, giving him a spine crushing hug.

"Is good to see people again," Goboroh continued, dropping the wolf from his hug, "Goboroh has seen nobody in long time. Get's lonely after a while, yes?" The rabbit had said something about his nose being strong, but, as far he knew, it wasn't any stronger than the usual taguel. The stench of monsters, however, had been very strong and had drawn him to the area. Where this area was exactly, he wasn't quite sure, nor what these other two taguel were doing here. He would have to ask. "So what are other taguel doing is this area?"

[Setanta]

Setanta grinned hard at the little bunny, "Always had my own particular pension fer violence ya know? Sorry if it gave you a bit of the fright lass, never mean ta lose my head, it just happens. Taste was rightly awful, nothing I'd want to taste again." He laughed as the girl asked if they'd like hugs, and laughed harder still when the bear enveloped her small frame in his massive arms. Through crushed breathes he laughed as Goboroh gave him an even tight hug, "Ha... Ha... you're crushin'... Me ribs." When he was put down, he chuckled again. Then he turned to Kaelu, and grabbed her in a tight hug and twirled her about it a great wide circle. He set her down and turned back to the bear who was talking again, in a thick unfamiliar accent.[/color]

"Aye, bein' alone's a real bit o trouble isnit? It's real hard bein' a wolf without a pack. Really hits me in the chest now and again. 'Course as to why I'm out and about in the world, that mostly just has to be messin around. Goin' here for a bit then there for a bit. Spend a whole lot a' time walkin' livin like that. I was juhst millin' about looking for some grub when I smelled our rabbit friend in trouble. Bit of a good piece of work wolf noses, can smell things from all sorts of distances. Anyway, I came ruhnin, and me you twuo."[/font]

[Kaelu]

"OH!" Kaelu cried out.

The big bear Taguel enveloped her small, petite frame and lifted her from the ground in a hug. A bear hug! How funny and fitting and true it was! She could not keep herself from giggling anymore than she could keep her feet on the ground while she was embraced thus. Kaelu dropped to the ground and nimbly kept her feet and spun about in a twirl. "I like hugs, too! They're so warm and wonderful!" No sooner had she said these words but Goboroh had taken up the wolf Taguel in turn and gave him a squeeze. She pouted childishly when she said, "Setanta's hug was bigger than mine was." Yet even then she could not hold that feeling of disappointment for long. The wolf took her in his arms and deftly spun about in a big circle. She giggled into his neck and spun a little more herself once her feet found ground beneath them again. Her bare feet gripped the ground and she stopped suddenly with a big smile. That one was much better!

"Oh, that's an easy question. I'm lost! Lost, but not alone anymore and that's a good thing I think." Kaelu answered. Despite how awful it was to be lost and still quite far from home, she still smiled and giggled and was of a cheery nature. She didn't understand fully that Setanta was somewhat abstractly confessing to have been hunting her. She was much more grateful that he had been there to help her than to reflect on just how much in danger she had been. Innocently she remarked, "Gee, I'm awfully lucky you were following behind me some, huh? But you know, I've always been lucky. Must be the lucky rabbit feet I've got!"

She looked back to Goboroh then. He had asked after them, so it was only fair to ask after him, "And what about you? What were you doing out and about here?"

[Goboroh]

"Girl bunny is more fragile than man wolf, yes?" Goboroh stated in response to the rabbit's complaint. "Full Goboroh hug would break spine. Is not pleasant." Despite the fact he could have snapped her in half, the bear felt guilty that he had disappointed Kaelu. He had only known her a few minutes and yet he already found her amusing, like the child he had always wanted. Her energy was infectious and made him long for a simpler time when he had been content to spend his days running through the forests with the other bear children. Of course, he had matured much faster than the rest of them and had taken on his adult responsibilities, which had put an end to his frolicking days. However, he no longer held any obligations in this world, so perhaps now that he had found some equally energetic taguel, the days of fun could resume. For now, it was best for him to learn more about the others.

"Goboroh is wanderer without home, you see. Goboroh spends much time walking forests and avoiding people. I am unsure why, but people have not given good feeling in long time. But then, I catch the trouble smell and come running. Goboroh is people protector, yes? I can not let harm come to other taguel, so I come running to defend. Is very fortunate, no?"

[Setanta]

Setanta grinned as the bear described why he came to help them. He had seen a lot of people who'd been friendly to him, but had yet to meet any Taguel before these two. When the bear seemed to be done talking, Setanta spoke up. He said, "It is very fortunate thare big fella'. I'm sure the little lady will agree that we're right grateful that ya' came when ya' did." The short Taguel stretched his back, and heard a deep rumble in his stomach. "Ah, in all the excitement, I seem ta have forgotten to eat a bit of a bite. Neither of you would happen' ta have any food would you?"

[Kaelu]

Kaelu continued to childishly pout. Life-threatening hug or no, Kaelu did not like it when there were others out there who might underestimate her. "I'm small, but I'm stronger than I look. Yup! I am! So don't go thinking I can't take a big hug, because I can. Don't forget that the next time, okay? Okay!" Kaelu reprimanded Goboroh fearlessly. She stood up to him as best as she could, ears tall and erect to try and make her look even taller. She could not maintain a straight face for long after, however and Kaelu cracked a smile then.

"No home? But that's so sad! Are you looking for one, Goboroh?" Kaelu asked. Her ears drooped with the sadness she began to feel for him. She was just as unhappy about hearing of his bad feelings about humans. Not everyone was nice, that was true, but she had met some good humans, too. There were many different kinds out there and they were strange and hard to understand, but that could be okay. "Did humans hurt you? Oh! But there are good humans, too, you know. If you help them like you helped me and Setanta, then you'll see that too! You're a real good fighter, I can tell, mm-hmm I can!"

Kaelu nodded and looked back at Setanta with a smile. She could not help herself but smile at the wolf Taguel and giggle at his words. He was hungry, huh? She lifted up her arms and showed that she clearly had nothing on her but her clothing. "I'm clear out, but maybe we could find something around here if we work together... though, I don't know much about mountains that don't have forests. I still think we should stick together. It's best to travel with friends!"

[Luna]

"So where are we at Missa", spoke Luna as she turned toward one of her accompanying maidens. The maiden wore the same shining white armor that Luna wore though hers was covered by a dark brown cloak. Her hair was knotted into a single pony tail that bound by crossing ribbons. At her side was an iron sword.

"Don't ask me", spoke Missa as she stared at an old and outdated map. "This blasted thing is as useless as it is frail."

"Well what do you expect", spoke the last maiden as she added herself into the conversation. She to wore the same white armor, but around her waist was a set of bells that run every time she took a step. On her back she held an iron sword. Unlike Luna she carried a shield. Her hair was a common black, and unlike the other two was cut short. A long scar ran across the center of her face. This was Diva, and she was in charge of the group. "Remember our job is to explore, and map the outside world. It is our duty to figure out the lay of the land."

"Then what the point in giving us that old map", asked Luna as she played around with her sword.

"Mostly reference I presume", spoke Missa finishing up where Diva left off.

"Useless piece of junk", spoke Luna as she walked along. A great roar soon filled the air catching the group by surprise.

"What was that", spoke Missa as she franticly looked around.

"Sounds like a wolf", spoke Diva as she lowered to the ground, and began to look for tracks.

"That must be one big wolf", spoke Luna as she stared in the direction of the sound.

"Or more like a Taguel", spoke Diva. “We might want to move.”

"Taguel", spoke Luna. She had never seen a taguel befoe, and the oppertunity was to much for her to pas. "I am going to take a look", spoke Luna as she rushed off infront of the rest of the group.

"No", shouted Diva, but Luna was already over the next hill. "Curse her wimsical nature", spoke Diva as she followed in hot persuit.

"Wait for me captain", spoke Missa as she followed behind.

"As Luna rushed over to the other side of the hill she saw a green wolf ripp a monster appart. It was the first time she had seen a taguel, and despite the violent actions of the wolf she was not afraid. "So that is a taguel", spoke Luna to herself as she saw a great bear finish off the last of the monsters. Her team mates caught up as the Tangul were switched back into their human forms.

"Amazing", spoke Missa. It was her first time seeing them to, but Diva did not have such a cheerful demeanor.

"Luna", she shouted in anger with no regard how far her voice was carried. When Diva got angry she usually goes berserk.

"Wait captain", spoke Luna trying to calm Diva rage, but Diva was not having it.

"What do you think you are doing running off like that. Do you realize you could have given our position away to the Tangul? What if they were feral then what would you have done." Diva screamed at the top of her lungs, and her voice filled the air. The woman had done exactly what she was scolding Luna for possibly doing.