• Closed • Walked the lost path

[Kylar]

Kylar chuckled and shook his head. "We are both the proud owners of a Warrick Lion, the size of a horse. I have no doubt she would find incredible beauty in it" he smiled reassuringly to both Karem and the large wolf. He was so peaceful, for the first time in a long time. This place was welcoming and wild. It was perfect.
Kylar carried on stroking the doe gently, then turned to the giant wolf. "Worry not, my wife is not one of the uncomfortable people. She will find this place to be incredible, and all of the creatures inhabiting it" he said with a laugh.

Kylar listened to Karem intently, looking at her with a friendly warmth. What was shock to meeting an immortal turned to comfort and leisure. He felt as if a bond was growing, and he loved it. Not only that, but she answered the questions he'd been asking for a long time. It was as if his prayer had been more than just answered.
Suddenly, it all made sense. The more he thought about her question, the more he knew the answer to it. Stopping evil doesn't stop the victims of it. "Protecting those who need it. The true prey, like that of the doe here" he said, stopping to scratch behind it's ear.
"Had it been hunted by someone, stopping the hunter wouldn't be enough - I'd be just the same in it's eyes. But I gave it fruit, I took it in and helped it. Just as I should to anyone a victim of evil" he said, realizing that the problem of evil came with more than just a simple answer.

[Basilisk]

Karem nodded as Kylar explained why his wife would like to visit her forest, but didn't comment. If Crimson came to her forest, Karem it would likely be by Karem's own choice, since not many people accidentally wandered into the Spectral Forest. It had happened on a few occasions though, which had led to some interesting conversation.

When Kylar realized what she meant with her questions, Karem smiled and nodded. "Exactly. More to it, sometimes those who have been hurt will run away from safety and into danger, just as a wounded animal will sometimes run from someone who could help it. Those you must hunt, to save them rather than hurt them." she said, her voice calm. As she spoke, she looked out over the clearing, the gathering of her wolves. After a moment, her eyes gained a brief distant look before she turned her attention back to Kylar.

"Our path is not an easy one. We abide mostly in the shadows, not known even to those who we save most of the time. Many assume we walk it alone, but that's never been true." she said, gesturing to one of the smaller wolves in the clearing who now sat beside Kylar, watching him earnestly. "I would give you my power to aid you, if you would accept it." she said, smiling slightly at him.

[Kylar]

Kylar smiled with great pride. Knowing he'd pleased Karem made him above and beyond happy. It was all he had hoped to do for the longest time. Now he was surrounded by her creatures, in her territory, being praised by her. It was incredible.
"I understand, and I will save the people who are hurt and afraid. They are the reason I joined the Skyriders, and the reason I chose my path. I won't them down, nor do I intend on letting you down"

A chill went down Kylar's spine as Karem made her offer. She was offering him power, from her? It was as if he went back to the moment he first realized who she was. He was overwhelmed by it. For a few trills, he sat silent. He looked to the wolf that was watching him, assuming that the wolf was part of the power she could offer. His eyes looked over the creature with amazement and fascination. It was a wolf, and to most that wasn't much, but to him he saw something beautiful.
"If what you are offering me is a chance to serve you closer, and to hunt in the way you have taught me, then I have no intention of declining that offer" he said with a smile. He put his hand out to the wolf, while his other continued to comfort and stroke the doe. His eyes then fell to Karem and he smiled.
"If words could describe my gratitude, I would be speaking to you for Trials. Fortunately enough, for your sake if anything, words will never describe it. So I will just have to hope that you understand, or come close enough to. Thank you, Karem."

[Basilisk]

Karem smiled at Kylar's declaration, though she remained silent until after he tried to thank her. "It's all right, Kylar. I've been in that sort of situation myself." she said, laughing slightly before she leaned forward, her eyes intent. "Then accept my Blessing, Kylar Fulthar, and go forward on your Hunt with the knowledge that you do not hunt alone." she said. As she spoke, the wolf next to Kylar leaned forward and touched its nose to Kylar's. At the touch, Kylar would feel Karem's power enter him, his eyes turning to match those of his new wolf companion as his fangs grew and sharpened slightly.

When it was done, Kylar would be able to hear a new murmuring sound in the forest, as if thousands of voices were speaking. However, the only one he would be able to hear clearly would be that of his new companion. With her Blessing granted, Karem stood up and let her eyes grow distant again. When she refocused, she bent and picked up the heavy wooden crossbow that was her main weapon. "It appears I have my own hunts to return too." she said, her tone calm but focused. "And I'm sure that there's people who need you as well, Kylar." she said, extending out a hand to help him up. Once he was on his feet, she smiled at him. "We'll meet again before too long. After all, we both hunt the same thing." she said, before she let go of his hand.

When she let go the Spectral Forest that was her home vanished and Kylar found himself standing on the edge of the forest near his camp. The only sign of what had transpired in her realm were her Blessing and the wolf that now stood at his side.

[Kylar]

As Kylar felt the wolf's nose touch his, he also felt his physical changes. His eyes now a deep orange with a bestial tone to them.
Kylar felt more than just power, he felt a bond. A connection with the creatures of the forest, and particularly the wolf before him. The creature was grey, mostly, with some whiter tones around it's jaw and eyes. It's eyes were deep blue and sharp, seemingly always on the prowl. It was beautiful. He smiled as he ruffled the creature's hair. "You're a thing of beauty, aren't you?" he said to the animal. The wolf bowed his head, before jumping up and playfully pouncing him, nuzzling it's head against his neck. "Well, I can't say the same is true for you, Kylar" the wolf said teasingly.

When Karem stretched out her hand, Kylar took it and stood - careful of the doe that was on him. "I look forward to us meeting again, Karem. Perhaps if I'm lucky, we can one day hunt side by side - if our prey is the same" he said, smiling gently to her. As she let go, Kylar felt the strange feeling of coming home. He looked straight ahead to see the camp, not far from him.
Kylar lowered his hand to the wolf. "You need a name, is there one you already go by?" Kylar asked. The wolf shook it's head. "As much as I may dread this decision, the name I go by will be your choice" the creature retorted. For a minute, Kylar thought of names to call the wolf.
"As it is the season we met, Zi'da. Do you like it?"

► Show Spoiler

This is Zi'da
Ignore that the image clips over the side

[Basilisk]

REVIEW

EXP
Story: 5/5
Collab: 5/5
Structure: 5/5

Knowledge
Tracking: Following a doe
Hunting: How to hunt without hurting
Hunting: Convincing a doe to come to you
Fieldcraft: Identifying a doe's favorite fruit
Karem: The Immortal of the Hunt
Karem: Your guide
Zi'da: Your new companion
Velduris: Pack Bond
Velduris: Omega Wolf
Velduris: Zi'da
Velduris: Sense of Prey

Fame
Gain Velduris: +10

Devotion
Gain Velduris: +5
Improve Your Understanding of the Hunt: +3

Loot
Blessing: Velduris
Pack Bond, Sense of Prey, Velduris Skills I
Velduris Omega Wolf: Zi'da

Notes
Really enjoyed doing this thread, watching Kylar grow through it. Also, Zi'da is adorable! Let me know if you want to do another meeting between them down the road!