The Culling - Team Deer

Fri Jul 27, 2018 7:02 pm

The Culling - Team Deer

The gathering was huge. The meeting had been called the previous trial, spread by word of mouth to be at The Pit by the break of dawn if you wanted to hear the news and participate in a special hunt. There had to be at least 40 people all gathered around. This early in the trial it wasn't normally this busy, but people were having their breakfast as they waited for the meeting to start. Noah arrives and as she look over the scene, there are hunter's young and old. Whisper's in Xanthean and Common are filling the the space in the early morning. She isn't able to spot Ellen'Wyn nor Qit, but she can be sure that they are there.

In the distance birds and other natural sounds fill the air as the crowd slowly starts to quiet down as a person stands up on top of one of the benches with a little help. An older man, looking tired and worn out, as if worries of the past had drained him of some of his vigor. He wasn't so old that he would be considered an elder though, it was strange still, as silver streaks of hair peppered his long black hair. Many respected this man, and many more had learned the hunt from this man. He spoke out in Common, his voice husky and had a hint of a rasp.

"For those who don't know or don't remember, I am Kata'Uhk Te'Sune. We are here today at the will of the Oludïbọ Cïkäkkẹn. They need our help. Rumor's have spread, so I'm sure that you have all heard already or at least figured out. It is time for a culling. We never thought that for this creature we would have to do so as they had always been so rare, but it has been confirmed by multiple sightings on multiple fronts of the Makubwa Lori that there are far too many of these creatures, and that it's upsetting the balance of our lands. For those of you who aren't aware yet, we will be hunting the Nàhb'àífinju. Locals call it the Beautiful Nahbi as it's hide is quite coveted by crafter's of all kinds."

Excited whispers filled the area once again. Though as soon at Kata'Uhk put his hand up, the whispers started fading once more and once again all eyes were on him.

"I have been asked to split you all into groups, 5 groups to be exact. We will be mixing experienced and inexperienced hunters together. Take care to learn from each other, and don't shun those that don't have a lot of experience. This is no competition. If you attempt to make it so, you will put yourselves in danger. Our prey isn't the only one out there. As for the groups, let's see.. we'll have Team Ram, Team Snake, Team Deer, Team Panther, and Team Wolf. Stay where you are, and I'll start assigning groups."

As he jumped down from the bench, people started cheering. Everyone seemed pumped and ready to get things going! People were starting to fidgeting, they were ready to get the hunt on. With all the people as a few more trickled in, it ended up that each group had 10 people in it. As promised, Kata'Uhk went to every single individual and sized them up before picking a team to put them in. Including himself in Team Deer.
As he come's up to Noah he doesn't seem to loose the smile on his face. He actually takes the girl in embrace and whispers to her.

"You'll be with me in Team Deer, I've seen you around huntress, we could use your skills from above. Join Nul'Quanda over there and once I'm done I'll join you. It's been a pleasure watching you grow."

He pointed to Nul'Quanda as he said the name. The male waved at them and smiled. Once Noah joined the party, there was instant laughter and joy around the party. Most of the group seemed younger, in their 20's, but there were a few that looked like veterans. When it came time for introductions to happen, of course Noah would be expected to go first, and then came Kata'Uhk. There had been whispers before he'd joined the group about the fact that his daughter was still missing after a couple arcs. Along with Kata'Uhk she'd take note of Nul'Quanda who seemed to be quite the play boy, a lot of the girls were practically at his feet. As well as Maita'Lune, a female quite the artillery on her back. She seemed to be a Jack of all Trades. She was older, 50 arcs old to be exact, but she didn't look incapable at all.

For this group, 4 archer's, 3 knife throwers, 2 spear/javelin users, and 1 jack of all trades seemed to be the line up. It seemed like a good and workable line up and most of them seemed to be good tracker's too, so that would help. Though only a few of them knew what the tracks they should be looking for looked like.

Kata'Uhk waited until all the groups were done with introductions. Waiting till all eyes were on him before he would give the announcement of what part of the Lori each group would go to.

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Sun Jul 29, 2018 1:08 am

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Word tended to spread quickly through Desnind as the place was very close knit. It mattered not if you spoke Xanthea or not. Important news and rumors often found Common speakers too, as was what happened with this piece of information. A culling. This happened when an animal became too populace and the natural balance of the forest became upset and threatened. Cullings had happened before, just not on such a strange animal... The Nàhb'àífinju, or as she had heard it called Nafinju. The second was easier for her to say, so Noah stuck with that. And while Noah had never seen a living Nafinju, she had seen paintings and carvings of the beast. Now came a chance to see many if she was lucky. She would follow the rules she always followed while hunting, a culling wouldn't change that. Beasts that were young would not be targeted nor would females with babies. Killing the young could put the whole species at risk down the line.

As the crowd formed Noah took this time to stretch. Moving away from the people Noah stretched out her leg and her wing on one side and then the other side. She did this a few times before moving on to stretching her wings by opening them as far as possible, then flapping them as fast as she could. Then moved to stretching her arms. A few curious people watched her warm up, that wasn't anything new. Rejoining the crowd, she found a place to sit and looked over her father's longbow making sure nothing was out of place. Standing she stood in her shooting form and pulled back the string and let go, she hadn't taken an arrow so all was find. Once everything was satisfactory, she sat back down. Preparation was key.

Noah watched as a man stood front and center to address the crowd of hunters and trackers. The Avriel couldn't remember if she had ever seen this man. However she could tell... He seemed tired, and not in the way a good sleep could cure. Noah was just glad the man spoke Common to the crowd, otherwise she would of been lost. Most of what the village elder said the dove already knew, at least she had learned his name. Another thought came to mind, how did a creature who had been few and far between grow to become not only a common sight but a threat to the food chain? Had the village not kept a close enough eye one them? Had there been a few breeding seasons been too successful, with an over birth of young? Had their food supply been greater than normal, causing all the young to live where normally the weak had died out? Or was there an issue with their natural predators? Noah would look for any signs as they hunted to see what may have led to the crazy increase in population.

There would be five groups, and the man in charge would hand pick them to assign them to a group. Noah's heart sank a bit, no doubt she'd be eyed up and placed with the worst. While many approved of her, many still did not. It was always a gamble joining in village wide happenings. Never knowing how she'd be viewed by the people in charge. Kata then reminded everyone that is was not a competition of any sorts and acting like it was would put them in danger. No doubt this would make some of the eager young hunters upset. There was also a reminder that other animals were still out in the forests. A reminder to be cautious while hunting. She prayed that she'd be put with decent hunters who would listen to these things and not kill everything that moved. Noah found it hard to get along with kill happy hunters. Life was still to be respected even while hunting.

As Kata came down from his perch, the crowd cheered ready to be sorted. The groups began to form slowly. Noah couldn't help but wounder if this Kata actually knew the hunters and their skills as he sorted the groups. Perhaps he did, he seemed very sure of himself and others seemed to feel that he knew what he was doing. He had assigned himself to the Deer group and Noah couldn't help but think he would pick the best or hunters he personally knew. As he went from hunter to hunter speaking with them before leading them to the proper group, Noah couldn't help but tense up. She prepared for the worst.

Finally Kata'Uhk made his approach to Noah. In an attempt to make a better impression, she stood up taller and tried to look more confident. Surprising to the Avriel, the man's smile never wavered as her made his way to her. Noah could of never in a million arcs guessed what came next, it was something so foreign to the Avriel that she had no idea how to react. Kata'Uhk hugged her. Sure, the children of the village often hugged her... But this, was all together different. This was an adult, even more than that he could of well been her father's age... This hug was almost one of approval. She couldn't help but wonder, had her father been different than how he was... Would he have embraced her the same way this village elder did? Kata'Uhk then softly spoke to her, she would be in the Deer group. Along side the man in charge himself. He motioned to the rest of the group, giving her the name of a fellow hunter, Nul'Quanda. With that Kata continued on.

The team seemed cheerful enough. She didn't personally know anyone in the group, and took the chance to look everyone over. They all looked capable enough and smart enough not to run headfirst into trouble. Soon introductions were expected and Noah found herself being told to go first. "Uhh... Am Noah. Noah is Avriel. Has longbow." She had spread her white wings after the word Avriel, just to get the point across. She didn't know what more the group needed to know about her. She watched the village children, often volunteered with medical emergencies, had a turtle, and hunted. That was all to her life. Nothing fancy, she lacked any family and had no lover. She simply existed, shunned by her race (which was preferred to torture any day) and hoping to help those around her.

The group whispered about this and that once everyone was introduced. While Noah didn't directly engage with the gossip, she did hear a few things of interest. Kata's daughter was missing for arcs. Another strange thought came to the Avriel's mind.. She herself was a runaway, disappearing into the night never to return. Did people whisper about her father like this? Not that he would care she was gone. One less problem for him and many less for her.

Noah looked around once more, finding the man named Nul'Quanda sweeping a number of women off their feet and making them weak in the knees. Noah responded with a roll of her eyes. She'd avoid this one if possible. A female hunter caught her attention. The woman was much too mature in age to be swooned by a pretty face and pretty lies. She carried anything and everything one could need for a hunting trip. Noah respected her right away, making note of her name, Maita'Lune.

All eyes returned to Kata for further instructions on the hunt.

Xanthea Common Lorian

Thu Aug 09, 2018 2:01 am

The Culling - Team Deer

All of the groups had done what they could to get to know each other at least in a short span of time. It seemed as if every soul was restless. The people wanted to move, to hunt these creatures. Even so, there were still some, those of the older generations that seemed so calm it might have come across as something unnerving. They seemed at least know of the prey. To somewhat know what to expect. And there was something that hung in there air, like someone wasn't saying something that should be said. As soon as Kata'Uhk stood up on high ground once more though, that feeling was pushed aside by all with a new wave of excitement.

In this moment, a hush fell over the boisterous crowd. He looked around at all the people gathered. He knew that things could go horribly wrong today, that someone would get hurt, but that was okay, As long as they all were prepared for the worst, he didn't think he could hope for anything more than the best outcomes of each situation that did happen on this drizzly day. He took a deep breath and looked around at the groups.

"In this hunt. You must be careful, we are not only hunter's but prey while out there in the Lori. You must tread carefully, work together, and stay calm. Dedicate a few people to a medical emergency team, each group should have a few people that have decent skills with medicine. We are in this for a long run, make sure that you are prepared to sleep out there in the Lori as well. Dwell not on pain, only think of moving forward. Ram team, you go east, Snake team, you go south east, Deer team, we go south, Panther team you go south west, and Wolf team you go west. Try not to stray too far out of the Lori if spot the quarry. They like more plains like areas, but aren't afraid to try and hide in the woods. Make sure to rest up when needed, but do not dwadle in one spot for too long. We all have had some sort of close experience with death. Remember that as you travel. Good hunt to you all! Oh! And one more thing. Only 2 kills per person in the group, not killing the young, and by no means do I want to hear that any of you caused any trouble. I taught most of you myself after all!"

Laughter filled the air at that last bit. It was true, most here had been taught a thing or two from Kata'Uhk, the smile on his face as he came down from his perch said it all. He was proud of every student he'd had. It was nice to see one so proud of their work. To-trial was going to be a trial unlike any other. So many large groups going out at once. It was going to be a wonder if there would be anyone left to watch over Desnind while they were all gone. No need to worry though, Many of the local guard were already walking around and some even guarding the Itoju.
As startled as Noah was about the whole hug thing and everything it seemed she'd kept a pretty good eye around, she understood more things than most as she was well observant of the situation.What she might not have realized is that she might have reminded the man of his daughter. Kata'Uhk, now down from his perch returned to the group and looked over the faces and then his eyes locked on Noah's. A soft smile on his face.

"Noah, I'd like you to lead the group. I will offer my insight on the beasts as will Maita, but I think you would do swell as a leader in this case. I can give you pointers if you like. I think you should try on your own to make some decision though. So.. Miss Noah. Leader of Deer team. Anyone against that?"

Not a single soul seemed inclined to say no. In fact most of the group seemed to like the idea. A fresh face, Fresh idea's, might make the hunt more interesting. Should Noah accept, she would have to get the information on the animal from those who knew, she would have to figure out who would be the medical team and who would go back with those that needed immediate attention, as well as a main travel/hunting formation based on what they had in the group. This would be interesting to say the least.

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Thu Aug 09, 2018 11:22 pm

As the group spoke among themselves, Noah wasn't left out. Most seemed eager to meet and learn about the birdwoman who watched over Desnind. Noah gave her wings a good flap sending a nice breeze through the group. That seemed to satisfy all who were interested in her wings. However, after the initial greetings all grew restless, Noah included. Village elders stood calm, as if they knew something the youngsters didn't. Something strange hung in the air, something foreboding.
But, no one spoke of it.

As Kata took to the stage, a hush fell over the crowd. A solemn look held on the elder's face as he looked over the gathered. He knew something that he wasn't telling them. Noah looked to the other elders who also seemed to know something. Unsure about what they knew, Noah would have to be on her toes today.

All went quiet as Kata addressed them all again. First he gave them a stern warning reminding them of all the other dangers in the Lori and to be careful. He also spoke of teams working together. Noah glanced around her team her eyes settling on the girls who hung around Nul. She hoped they wouldn't be too distracted by the man. Kata continued on speaking of healing teams, the Avriel was glad he had thought of everything. From the sound of things, this would last a few days... Finally Kata gave each team their directions and more caution. Two kills per person, that was fair. He then ended it on a high note with a joke.

Almost everyone laughed at the joke. Had Kata really taught all these people to hunt? Noah was one of the odd ones out. One look at the elder's bright smile told his pride in his students. He walked with his head held high.

Noah took to watching the air currents as they shifted and changed, she had neglected to tell her group about the Avriel ability as she had been too overwhelmed with all of the people. As Kata rejoined the group, Noah stared up at to what anyone else would see nothingness. As he came closer she explained, "Avriel see wind. How it moves. How it changes. See it's patterns. The currents as they move. This the Avriel's gift..." She turned and found her eyes locked with Kata himself. A confused look planted on the Avriel's face. While she found no threat in him, he seemed to keep a closer eye on her than the others. And not in the way Noah had expected. She had expected to be watched closely for being an outsider, a potential threat or wildcard. A danger to the culling. But this, was all together different. His eye were kind and accepting. She was unsure of what to think of this. Her own father, the cause of her paranoia had never even once looked at her this way. It was an alien feeling.

"Huh? Noah?" She pointed to herself at the mention of her leading the hunt, but quieted herself as Kata went on. She listened to the rest of what he had to say. Noah looked from person to person, "You help and Maita help? You help Noah?" The Avriel went silent thinking things over. She tried to analyze everything. Turning to Kata, she nodded, "Noah try. Noah do her best." She looked around, "First want to know, what everybody is carry. Who has bandage. Who has rope. Need know such things. Can make decisions better. Also who know what other skill can help."

Xanthea Common Lorian

Thu Aug 16, 2018 4:04 am

The Culling - Team Deer

Kata'Uhk just smiled at the girl as she seemed to try and figure out if she was going to accept the offer in the first place. Placing the lives of all these people in one Avriel's hands might have been a little to much. His judgement hadn't been wrong. It was always good to help the fledglings to gain their confidence in strides. She had accepted with the promise of help, and that was enough for him, and that was enough for the group to. It meant that there would be more working together and that would be for nothing but the best.

They all laughed when she said that she'd try her best, some of the girls that had been fawning over Nul'Quanda actually tore away from him and went over and hugged Noah with big smiles on their faces. Each of them kissing a temple. They spoke together in perfect unison their voices almost like a song.

"Do not worry Noah dear. You are in good hands. We also know you are good with yours. We've seen you around as well. You can help with the healing or running people back if need be! We've seen you! We are the Lai'Tsune sisters! We are your spear and javelin users! Pleased to meet you!"

As they did this, others started to follow orders to unpack their things, but Kata put a hand out and shook his head, smiling at Noah.

"Don't worry, we all have a little bit of everything, we can double check once we set camp. We'll probably also need to hunt for a meal, but how about you set a formation based off of what you see for everyone weapon wise. Na'nali and Nu'lina are the sisters, they are a bit clingy but they mean well. Also once you set a formation, let's go scout the south side of the forest huh? Find a camp and set up for the night. It will take at least that long to get to the edge of the Lori. What do you say? Maita and I can tell everyone about our quarry and we can be off!"

As soon as that was said, everyone looked to Noah for direction. They were patient with her, smiles on their faces, though some of the younger ones wanted to get out on the hunt they understood that this was a new situation for her. When she gave them the answer they moved into action. Figuring out who should go where. Kata would even ruffle her hair gently and smile down at her, like he was telling her good job before getting to his position.

They were off, through the Itoju and into the Lori, going straight into the woods as that was south. They were careful about their movement. Pretty much prepared for anything that would come their way.

It was only when Maita called for a halt did things seem to be weird. Maita was on guard as she moved in towards what she'd found. It had only been a Break of walking through the Lori, what could she have found. Will Noah call her back so that they could work together or would she tell a few other's to split off with her to go see what it was to report back to her as she leads a group on through the forest? It was up to her.

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