Careless Whisper

[Qit'ria]

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Saun 23, 718

Qit'ria had finished feeding Caz'aria, and finished eating breakfast. Yeye was playing with Caz'aria, and her heart softened hearing them both giggle and seeing their smiles. Qit'ria cleaned up, watching as Yeye gently bounced Caza around, while she giggled and grabbed at anything in reach, ears, lips, nose, hair. Qit'ria strode over and kissed Caza atop the head, and planted one on Yeye's forehead too. She was glad to see her father so happy, it subdued so many of the worries she had built up over her fifteen arcs. He truly was the most proud grandfather, and incredibly understanding. He didn't press Qit'ria on why she left, or what she'd done. He didn't ask who the father was, or why Qit'ria wasn't with him. He was just happy to have his daughter, and new grandfather, in his life.

"I'm going out to Makubwa Lori.

Yeye just nodded, "We'll be fine Qitten. Go, enjoy yourself." He blew a raspberry on Caza's chubby arm, sending her into a fit of mirth, "If you see any mint while you're out, grab it for me please."

Qit'ria nodded, and grabbed her pack, her hunting gear. She kept her mouse bracelet and turtle mask assimilated within her, while wearing her bear cloak, hood up to keep out the rain, her ganditlip sword on her thigh. Her spears were on her back, her chakram and knives stored upon her belt. She set out of the hut, and began the journey eastward.

She made a beeline for the sections that had burned. She knew there wouldn't be much in the way of animals to hunt there, and certainly no mint for Yeye, there was an intense need to go see how bad the damage was. To see how badly the forest had been burned, to see the damage that had been wrought. Her walk through town brought with it all the unwanted attention that she was used to ignoring. Or pretending she was ignoring it. It still bothered her a bit as the local town children pointed at her, some hiding, others laughing and holding their fingers to their teeth, mimicking her bear teeth, others roaring like a bear. They chanted, "Burestu nahbai" at her over and over.

The adults nearby didn't say anything, but that didn't stop them from staring at her. She was used to being treated as an outsider in other cities, and preferred it. But Desnind wasn't any other city. It was her city. But even that was tainted now. Tainted by her magic, by the barely contained spark within her. It corrupted every aspect of life she allowed it to touch. It made the decision easy though. She would have to keep moving. Her father's hut would always be home, but Desnind never would be, never again. She didn't cry, but the thin line of her lips curled just a bit more into frown.

She moved silently through the untouched forest, as the rain poured down. She kept her eyes on the small plants, looking for the tufted, ribbed clusters of leaves that indicated mint. She pulled the hearing from her aye-aye mouse and the sense of smell from her bumblebear, surprised at how easy it was to call those senses forth. It used to take more effort, but now it was as easy as breathing.

She continued forward, seeing the first of the burnt foliage ahead. She pulled her hood off, letting the rain flow down into her hair. Closing her eyes, she smiled. The rain was always a calming force for her, and she reveled in it. A few drops made their way to her chest, leaking into the cursed holes there, stinging the raw, sensitive flesh. She had grown somewhat accustomed to the pain, but it never went away. A reminder of an enemy she hadn't beaten, of a failure to complete the rituals in Scalvoris.

She took a deep breath, opening her eyes. No more worrying on the failures of the past. She was a mother now, and she would never fail again. Not herself, nor for her child. And so, she pressed on through the rain, heading for the burned remnants of the forest.

Burestu nahbai - Bear Face

[Eclipse]

Makubwa Lori
The Induk Spirit

The forest breathed just as Qit did. The leaves rustled and as she used her mouse and bumblebear senses it was clear that the forest was crying for help. It cried for it's wound and assaulted her sense of smell like a panther it's prey. Even through the rain, the charred smell of wood and leaves and creatures was enough to make even someone with normal smell gag.

The tree's creeked in the rains, and a branch even snapped off, having been charred by the blazing heat of the fire's the trial before. This opening into Desnind normally blocked off and only allowing travelers in through the Itọju, but now The people were trying to do their best to block off nature as best as they could. They had a lot of work to do, and the people would be standing watch at these border's until it was done. One never knew when a predator might come along. Though some thought that one shouldn't worry so much as creatures rarely like to come back to freshly burned forest.

As she branched into the more burnt parts of the forest. There was a smog that seemed to cover the land. The cries of the animals nearby sounded of lament.Homes lost and destroyed by the wildfire that had spread. The very cause of the fire still quite unknown to the people of Desnind, only that it spread quick and hungrily. Remains of trunks of tree's, ashes both black and white filling Qit's vision. The smog making it hard to see anything in the distance. So much pain, so much death, it was no wonder the forest cried out.

Tunawa from Magani said that the fires hadn't reached them strangely enough and the Ojọgbọn tree seemed to be fine as well. though some of it's longer roots might have gotten a bit harmed. Qit actually could see if she looked carefully some Tunawa out, adding green, brown and all sorts of colors to the black and white canvas. They were collecting ashes. Presumably trying to make sure that they find ashes of any that were lost in the fires.

After a good break of walking through the dismal scenery Qit would spot something strange. Already in the black and grey of the burned life, seemed to be a stripe of greenery. grass and flowers. If her eyes followed it she would see what looked like a deer, but it was all wrong. It seemed see through, and not only that, it had wings and a pointy horn on top of it's antlers. It's hide looked charged and burned, almost as if it were still burning even as it's back right leg limped along.

It seemed determined to move forward, like it didn't want to stop, like it couldn't stop. It paused and looked back, it's eyes locking onto Qit's, and she could feel the pain and anger the being emitted before it collapsed, around it grass and flowers popping up from the ground. in a circle around it. It's breathing labored and weak. Qit would feel as if the ground beneath her shook and felt the wind kick up as if trying to press her towards the creature. It was obvious it was a creature of great power. One that clearly was wounded, perhaps because of the fire from the look of it's hide. At the same time though, the creature didn't seem real. After some time, Qit would most probably be able to determine that this creature was a spirit of some sort.

If Qit get's closer, the creature makes a few warning huffs but does not move from where it is. Golden tears spilling from the edges of the creatures eyes. The tears fell to the grass and spilled down and started to sprout a baby tree right next to the great creature. No bigger than a buck, almost as gentle as a doe but there was a fierce air around it.

► Show Spoiler

You know how these work. Don't control any npc's but yourself and in this case, don't control the Induk either. Be prepared for some surprises bud! Let's have some good fun!

[Qit'ria]

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The stench of damp, burnt wood pervaded Qit'ria's amplified sense of smell, nearly causing her to double over and retch. She relinquished the ability she'd borrowed, it was far too overwhelming and a bumblebear's sense of smell was incredibly strong. Even after returning it to normal, Qit'ria grabbed a spare loin cloth from her pack, for she always kept a spare set of clothes in there, dampened it in the rain, and tied it around her nose and mouth. This helped to keep the stench out. And so, she pressed forward.

She saw a pair of guards standing at the hole in the treeline, and rolled her eyes at them. It was silly, animals would not be coming through there anytime soon, and the few that did would not be the dangerous ones. First the small mammals and birds would come back, hesitantly, after the area began to grow back. Soon, the small predators would return, the foxes and coyotes, and eventually they would work up to the more dangerous species. But by then the repairs should be done.

Some people were simply too cautious.

She crossed the threshold into the skeleton of the destroyed forest, being careful in her steps to not twist an ankle, for the ashes had fallen like snow, and mixed with rain and mud, turned the ground into a treacherous area full of pitfalls and traps. Qit'ria could hear the sounds of the wounded animals, the orphans, those who'd lost their mates. It was breaking her heart, seeing all of this destruction. She had assumed it was naturally caused, but didn't dwell on that. For it mattered not why it had happened. It was a scar upon the land, one that was still fresh and hurting. It felt as if she were in a NIghtmare, everything was black and white. Color no longer existed, truly a surreal experience.

As she moved through, she saw the occasionally bit of green and brown movement. Tunawa, getting to work. She gave them a nod and half-hearted smile as she passed them. She'd never grown particularly close with the little plant race, simply because the first time around her mother didn't really let her or her siblings interact with them, or anyone else. She had no friends as a child. And she'd not found a single Tunawa while abroad. But she respected the race, especially with how they live with and preserve the forest.

She continued to journey through the devastation, keeping an eye out for strange shapes buried in the ash, and tracks that were readily disappearing in the rain. Anything of particular note beyond just death. And then she saw it. It was upon an island of living plant life in the sea of desolation, and it was unlike anything she'd ever seen before. And it wasn't all the way there. It reminded her of the ghosts she'd seen in that graveyard in Almund, but more fitting of the natural setting. It was beautiful, in a haunting way.

And it was injured. Severely so it seemed, Qit's immediate instinct was that it could not survive the wounds. The merciful thing to do would be to put it down, out of its misery. She began to reach back for her javelin, already deciding to hit it behind the shoulder to pierce the heart and lungs. But then she watched it take the step forward, and her hand stopped. It was trying to move forward and couldn't. When its eyes fell on hers, she stared back into it, and saw that it was alive. Truly alive, as much as she was.

Her being was awashed in the pain and anger the creature felt. She could tell it was outraged at all of this, harmed by this fire. And it was not ready to die. Her hand fell away from the spears, for putting it down was the furthest thing from her mind, especially once it collapsed. The only thing in her mind was helping the poor creature. She wanted to rush toward it, but knew better, for it could startle it, causing it more harm, or to turn on her. So she moved slowly, her hands out before her, to indicate peace. And she kept her eyes on its own. As she came closer, an unnaturally powerful wind toppled into her, trying to knock her back. She leaned into it, using a hand to shield her eyes, which she kept on the injured creature.

She took another step and the ground shook, harder than the waves would shake Enrick's boat in the storm. She could see that life sprang up from where it fell, and she knew it was far beyond any normal creature. This truly was something else entirely, something she'd never experienced before in her life. And it needed help. It was no ghost. It was a spirit. Her first thought was that it was potentially her familiar, but no, familiars were not nearly this strong and influential, from what the elders had said.

Qit continued to move toward it, able to see the golden tears it was dropping, that sprouted into a tree. It was magic, but not anything like her own. She knew it. This was beautiful, natural. Her magic, and she assumed others like it, were corrupting and far from natural in any sense of the word. She heard it huff on her approach, and she knelt down in front of it. Eyes on it, she stayed her hand from reaching out to touch it, for she did not know how to communicate with such a being. She doubted words would be helpful.

But she'd felt its pain and anger.

That meant it might be able to feel her own emotions. So she took a deep breath through her nose, and closed her eyes. She held the breath deep within, and slowly began to exhale it. It was her standard form of meditative breathing. She focused on the how this stretch of forest looked before the fire, for she knew it well. It was the same area she'd learned to hunt, to survive. It was where she was brought up as a girl and a huntress. And with each breath, she felt her nerves calm, her anxiety wash away. She focused on the setting, on the good memories. The first creature she'd hunted, a frog. The first time she'd fallen from a tree and broken her arm, and was still giggling because the wind was playing with her hair. The first time she'd swam in one of the lakes here, and took to it like a bird does the air above.

With that calm within her, with the desire to help restore the forest, to restore this great beast back to health, she opened her eyes and reached out and gently laid a hand upon its snout, willing it to feel what she felt. To know she was its ally, and she would do whatever she needed to aid it.

[Eclipse]

Makubwa Lori
The Induk Spirit

The creature made a noise that sounded much like a mix between a deer and a moose. A squeak that started at one tone and rose up and then fell again as she got so close that they could almost touch each other. The creature started to try and back away. Sliding against the earth before crying out in that squeaky whine once more in pain. It was scared now, unsure of this human before it. It was obvious this creature never allowed itself to be seen by humans, even Sev'ryn before.

The ground shook beneath them once more as the creature tried to pull away it's head from Qit's hand. Something though happened as the creature watched Qit's eyes. The creatures form became more solid looking and it actually leaned in, allowing it's snout to be touched. It huffed through it's nostrils. It's fur was soft, even with how ash covered it was. It gave a slow whine as it closed it's eyes and nuzzles against the hand that had been offered.

As they sat there, the circle of growth seemed to slowly grow further. Not only that, vines actually came up from it's fur and wrapped slowly into a bracelet around Qit's forearm. Warmth came from the vines as they tied off and the beast opened it's eyes once more. Even if Qit tried to rip the vines away they would not budge. Suddenly it was then that for Qit, all noise would fade away, even the scenery would fade for just a few trills as she looked into the creatures eyes.

Balance lost. Must help. Spring must find. Blue light.

In these trills, those words seemed to echo in Qit's mind, the voice seeming female and almost all knowing. Images of the Makubwa Lori flood into Qit's mind. A ver specific order of locations and visions. The edge of the burned forest. A path heading away from the death and destruction in more towards the middle of the forest. A cave with a haunting presence lurking within. Past it towards a great tree where numerous Iyo fly about, full of life and energy. Just past that, a shadow, an urge to move towards it, and a faint blue glow until you walk through dying willow leaves and come to find a dying grove of tree's where a blue light seems to swim in the air. All of this she sees before reality comes back

Before Qit, still the same wounded spirit. It huffed once more and started to try and get up. Failing at first before trying once more and managing to stand on it's hooves. It looks to Qit and seems to move it's head as if to indicate to follow it. Not that Qit would need to follow, she'd just been given a map to the very place that they needed to get to. It was obvious it wasn't going to be an easy trek for the spirit or her, but it was also clear in Qit's mind that they needed to do this. That if they didn't something really bad would happen.

The creature wheezed, labored breaths as it started to limp forward, it's steps making more greenery grow upon the ash covered ground. In the distance, through the smog, Qit would be able to see a row of Tunawa on their knee's bowing down to this creature, keeping a generous distance from it. The creature nodded to them and then kept moving forward.

► Show Spoiler

I'll be sending you some pics in discord in order that they show in Qit's mind! Can't wait to see how Qit reacts!

[Qit'ria]

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She watched the spirit solidify and actually lean closer to her outstretched hand. It was giving its permission to be touched, and so, she did. The feel of the ash upon its fur was a bit unsettling for Qit'ria and it broke her heart, especially upon feeling the softness of the fur. It let loose the pained whine, and then pressed against her hand, seeking out more of her touch. And she gladly gave it, pouring the entirety of her love for the forests of Desnind into the injured spirit. She closed her eyes for a bit, focusing on continuing the connection with the great being.

She felt the vines circle around her wrist, and her initial instinct was to pull away, but she stuffed it down. Trust was a two way river, and if she wanted the spirit to trust her, she had to trust it. Opening her eyes, she saw that its own were returned to open, and the circle of life around it seemed a bit larger. That pleased her immensely and she passed that feeling into her new friend. As the vines stopped positioning around her forearm, the world went silent. Soon, the creature's infinitely deep eyes were the only things that existed for Qit'ria. And in them, she felt the entirety of the forest, the strength, the infinite age, the wisdom beyond what she could ever hope to understand.

She startled a bit at the sound of words in her head, and she knew they belonged to the spirit. Balance was lost. It yearned for her help, to find a spring, and a blue light. Qit'ria knew she could, and would help her. Her. How did she know it was a her? She just did. Qit'ria gasped as the images began to flood into her mind. The racing through the forest faster than she could keep track, until she saw a pathway forming. The journey she needed to take the spirit on, to get it to safely. She knew it to be the only way to save it, and with it, the entirety of the forest. For without balance, it would all be lost.

Not on her watch.

As the images faded, the spirit began to rise, and with it Qit also rose. She didn't help it, for it was managing on its own, and to somewhat discern its capabilities. It would be a lengthy journey, so if it couldn't stand, it surely wouldn't be able to walk. But it did, and Qit'ria's heart cheered. She saw the indication to follow, but she would not. She walked side by side with her new friend, keeping one hand upon its shoulders, and her eyes and ears open.

As they walked, Qit'ria saw the Tunawa worshiping the great spirit, and she smiled and nodded at them. It gave her an idea. While it was her mission to see the spirit to safety, to help it heal, it was not a journey that needed to be done alone. After all, this wasn't her forest, but the forest that all belonged to, people and animals alike. And so, she beckoned to the Tunawa to come and join her on the trek, but said nothing. She was first and foremost a huntress, which meant taking care in the noises made when in the wilds.

She moved with it, keeping pace with it, not rushing it, heading for the path, leading it out of the ash and death. She hoped that being among its living part of the forest that it would be able to gain some strength, or at least comfort. They were heading deeper into the heart of the forest, a place she dared not venture to as a young girl. The forest was always dangerous, but even more so the further one got from Desnind. New grounds for the huntress. Her sharper sense of hearing was picking up increased sounds of the wildlife, those staying away from the burned areas, birds mostly. They were all nervous it seemed, some having last family or mates, others displaced from their homes. The damage the fire had wrought touched all walks of life.

Insects were the only consistent noise, nonstop in their buzzing and chirping. As they trudged along the path, Qit'ria could hear water nearby. This gave her an idea. She helped to lead the spirit close to the water. Qit'ria could see that the stream flowed toward the burned area, rather than away, so it wouldn't have as much ash in it. She pulled her empty waterskin out of her pack and filled it up in the stream. She then turned and gently began to pour the cooling water upon the creature, starting at its head, to wash away the ash. She went slow, using her hand to help remove the powder. She kept this up across its entire body, until she felt that it was cleaner. She hoped it would help, even just a little bit.

Qit'ria continued down the path. Her spark was now reaching out, expressing desire over the form the spirit had. But once more, Qit'ria admonished her spark, disappointed in it. This was a spirit, there was nothing to become, and it was sacred. Her spark just pouted and sulked. The path followed the stream for a while, followed the flow of the water, gently downhill. Deeper and deeper they went into the forest, until the stream disappeared into the cave she saw in her vision. This was it. The next part of the journey.

Peering in, Qit'ria was getting extremely bad vibes. Something about this cave was unsettling, but Qit'ria knew she would have to lead her friend through it. Qit'ria took several more deep breaths, and once more called upon the sense of smell from the bumblebear. She was far enough from the burned areas that she could focus on the localized scents. And if the cave grew dark, with her weaker eyesight, her heightened hearing and smell would be crucial. She took several deep breaths to get acclimated to the scents, and then started toward the cave.

[Eclipse]

Makubwa Lori
The Induk Spirit

The spirit felt Qit's love of the forest, of the home she'd grown up at. For a trill, it almost looked like the beast smiled at her as Qit even decided to walk by it's side. It had made the right decision. To trust this young woman to help. The spirit knew this now. Though the spirit wasn't ready to disclose exactly who it was. She still needed time, just a bit more time. Not that Qit wasn't bright enough to figure it out.

The tunawa that QIt invited hadn't followed. It was like they both loved and feared the creature. It was a being most sacred to them, and maybe, just maybe, the felt they hadn't the right to touch it. Even as they'd seen Qit touch the creature, it was by the spirit's own volition. As well as the fact that the spirit had given her the Vines of Lori. Something that Qit would not know the significance to at this time, but the tunawa that had seen it knew what an honor it was. Qit might expect some tunawa visiting her home later.

The creature limped and tripped over itself a few times. Stumbling into Qit's strong and sturdy side. This journey would be long and arduous for the forest spirit. Still, as it walked through the black and white a line cut through of vibrant green and subdued pinks and blues. The spirt righted itself each time though. Not rushing but not taking it's time either.

The burned flank, if checked, Qit would see that a dot and a stripe seemed to have grown back. It was like the rebirth of those parts of the forest had healed that part of it's flank. It wasn't anything that could easily be explained to someone that didn't know how it worked.. but it was almost as if the spirit's body was a living map of the Makubwa Lori some how.

When they got to the path Qit was the one that pause. The spirit tilted it's head as it too paused, wondering what the woman was doing. Qit's next action actually surprised the spirit greatly. Especially when, even though it was raining and it would eventually wash away, Qit made the effort to actually try to brush and wash out the ash as well as she could with her fingers. The spirit actually let out a soft purr like noise leave it's throat. Yes, she was right to trust this woman, this woman with love in her heart for all things not just herself. After they started walking once more, the creature kept to one side so that the new growth beneath it's feet wouldn't ruin the path. Even if the terrain was harder for it to walk on. This creature looked to have spent so much time in these lands. It seemed to know where every twist and end dip in the path and by it.


As they walked through the forest, the spirit used it's nose to point out things that Qit might not have noticed. Dragonflies dancing, butterfly flitting, and even in the distance of the tree's it could be seen that other small creatures were living their lives, fighting over new territory grounds as the fire had taken many of their homes. The resonant voice rung once again in Qit's head.

Terrible loss. Leads more loss. Balance shifted... I weak. The Foul One might invade. Must restore balance before noticed. Too weak to do alone. Must not tarry.

As the creature's words rung away from her mind, Qit would find herself looking at the cave entrance. Her first instinct to not like the feeling the cave gave her was correct. Before Qit could walk too far towards it though the spirit stopped her with it's giant antlers and it's wings buzzed as it's fur bristled.

That was when Qit saw it, not only that it's smell assaulted her nose with the wind blowing directly at her, and it's growling was very apparent as the sleek black figure skulked out of the maw of the eerie cave entrance like a shadow against the forest floor. On all fours it seemed to be bigger than it was supposed to be. It looked like a panther should, but there was more, wings. Black wings, like a bats, attached to it's body.

Zahasa the Aidọgba Eairo. Enraged, not thinking. Must fight, can't outrun.

For a moment, Qit could actually sense fear off the spirit, not for itself, but for her. The spirit worried for her, and if she were as good a hunter as she thought, she would know that no distance from the creature is a safe distance. Though the spirit said that they had only one option, another option might occur to Qit. To calm the beast down. It must have been upset because of it's original territory being destroyed, and if she listened closely, she would hear the mewling of Zahasa's kit's coming from the cave. Maybe she hadn't been able to save all of her kit's either. Though it did sound like she'd saved 4 at least.

The kit's mewled and cried for their mother's milk, but even that wasn't enough to distract her from stalking forward and flapping her wings threateningly. It was evident that she was angry. By the looks of it though, if Qit looked closely, she'd also see the pile of fresh kills that the mother had piled up. So there was no need for a hunt. She was out to find revenge. Even if it wasn't on the right being. What was Qit going to do? Fight? Run? Or maybe, she would find a way to calm the beast down?

► Show Spoiler

Bad Decision
Qit decided that it was a good idea to walk towards the foreboding cave. The consequence of that is clear. The creature now before her must either be calmed or put down.

A Mother's Care
Qit has shown her motherly affection to the Makubwa Lori Spirit. Further gaining it's trust and affections.

Good Intentions
The tunawa aren't suspicious of Qit's interaction or beckoning. Due to the fact that the Spirit placed it's trust in her and quite literally, on her. The Vines of Lori are a great benefit to Qit. Though she is not aware of how they are yet.

[Qit'ria]

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Qit'ria looked back away from the cave at the spirit, and only now saw that a piece of the burned area had recovered. This made her heart sing, it was working! She watched it turn its head off to the side, and Qit followed its gaze across the path. She struggled to see too clearly, her eyes not near as sharp as they had been prior to her child's birth. But she could see the closest bit, the dragonflies dancing with one another. Nothing seemed to escape this spirit's gaze. She looked out further but couldn't make anything out that wasn't blurry. So instead she trained her enhanced ears on it, could actually hear the pitterpatter of squirrels dashing about. It sounded aggressive, charging to one another stopping, angry squeaks.

Fighting over territory. Because old territory had been lost.

Then she could hear the spirit speaking in her head, much like Kashehino would do. The Foul One? Who was that? Qit'ria could only suspect one such being, one that many from Desnind were not fond of. Lisirra. Qit'ria didn't know much about that Immortal, but even children were taught of her in a boogeyman like capacity. They needed to hurry. She bowed her head at the creature, wishing it thanks for showing her these details, and for speaking to her.

Then she turned back to the cave that she believed she was to guide the spirit through. It was still giving off those vibes that made Qit'ria nervous. Something truly wasn't right, but she had to make better time. She stepped forward toward it, when she found an antler blocking her path. The spirit bristled, and Qit'ria thought it to be nervous as well. Then the Aidọgba Eairo stepped out, and immediately Qit recognized a predator defending its territory. After all, she'd done that herself many a time. And she felt through the connection with the spirit, through the vined bracelet, the fear for her life.

Qit'ria's hand once more reached for her javelin and stopped. No. She knew she could kill the beast, but there'd been enough death these last couple of trials. Balance. That did not mean more death. The spirit sought more balance. That meant more life. Qit'ria could hear the kittens in the cave, could smell the fresh killed flesh. No, this creature, as the spirit confirmed, was enraged, wishing to lash out in fear at anything, especially a challenger upon its territory.

There was only one option for Qit'ria. She kept her eyes on the proud beast, and she lowered her stance, making herself a bit smaller. She heard the growls, and knew what came next. Most predators challenged in the same way, and Qit'ria took after the large cats the most. They were, after all, the supreme hunters. First came the growls, then the challenging roar. So Qit challenged first. She dug down deep, and let loose her bear's roar. But she held back, not making at as loud nor as menacing as she could've, intentionally. She waited, for the answering roar, hoping it was strong enough to be considered greater than her own.

She tapped into the power of the bear inside, holding it at the ready, preparing to unleash it if the cat truly decided to attack instead. But should it roar, Qit would shrink her form more, and back away slowly, never taking her eyes off of the beast. What it needed was an affirmation of its own strength, and scaring off a predator such as herself would do it. Or so Qit'ria hoped. Restore the proper hunting instinct in the beast, restore its confidence and strength. So it knew that it needn't be afraid, for it truly was the strongest beast around. It hurt Qit'ria's own ego to consider this, but it was for the forest, for something greater than herself. So she put her life on the line and waited for the attack or the roar.

[Eclipse]

Makubwa Lori
The Induk Spirit

Thumping, a musical sound in Qit's ears, the panther tail swished back and forth as it watched Qit and only her. It was like it ignored the presence of the Spirit. Qit was right. The Eairo felt enraged at someone challenging it's territory so soon. It's kits still mewling for her as she continued to growl at Qit. It's tail slashing anrgrily in the air behind it.

The creature took a stance that looked like it was ready to stand upon it's hind legs. Maybe to rear as a horse might when it's upset. There was a momentary silence between the 3 parties, as if all the forest quieted for this one moment before it struck. That was when the beast watched as Qit made herself smaller and roared. The Eairo stepped back and hissed as it looked around in confusion. It didn't believe that noise had come from her small frame, but when it saw no other creature large enough to make such a noise it's eyes slit as it stared down at Qit

The Eairo padded forward and reared up and let out it's howl. A mix between a panther cry and a bat screech, it would hurt even human ears, and even the Spirit flinched as it's great wings flapped hard enough that the air pushed onto Qit would knock her down as rocks and leaves became razor sharp in the winds and slashed at her, leaving her with light cuts and bruizes. The great Eairo snarled as it landed on it's paws again, and there was a buzzing in the air.

Then it happened, the ground shook once more, to the point that the Eairo quirked up and then bolted into the air with a snarl as a crack could be heard and a tree fell over. The kit's mewled and cried as small rocks hit their poor wings and heads. The eyes of the Spirit were glowing and Qit could feel it's anger. Not only that, she could see the grasses at it's feet dying, and fast. Bigger rocks started falling on the kits and the Zahasa shrieked in what sounded like horror as it flew above the canopy, it's babies still unable to open their eyes let alone flap their wings.

Qit had a choice to make. Protect the kit's herself, or to take cover. Both options would require her to get the Spirit to calm down. But each had their own dangers. What would she do? What would the Spirit do in response. It all depended on this next choice that she made, Because it was looking like a bigger chunk was about to break off the top of the cave and right onto the kits.

► Show Spoiler

From before this round!

Bad Decision
Qit decided that it was a good idea to walk towards the foreboding cave. The consequence of that is clear. The creature now before her must either be calmed or put down.

A Mother's Care
Qit has shown her motherly affection to the Makubwa Lori Spirit. Further gaining it's trust and affections.

Good Intentions
The tunawa aren't suspicious of Qit's interaction or beckoning. Due to the fact that the Spirit placed it's trust in her and quite literally, on her. The Vines of Lori are a great benefit to Qit. Though she is not aware of how they are yet.

This Round!

Quick Thinking!
Qit's getting better at determining what is needed for the forest to survive. They need more balance, less death, and she was correct on that. So to let go of her pride and try and save the beast instead of killing it was the right choice.

Zahasa's kit's
They are in danger of being majorly harmed or worse, killed at this rate. Their fate may determine Qit's fate. Tread carefully.

Makubwa Lori's Anger!
The Spirit has been angered, at Qit's being harmed, and has lost control. In it's state, it's emotions invade it's every action and causes the quake and snapping of the tree. The sooner it's calmed the better for all involved.

[Qit'ria]

Common Text
Xanthean Text
Kashehino Text
Qit'ria watched the creature's confusion from her roar, paying close attention to its mannerisms. It seemed, to her, to taking pause at her challenge, no longer sure of itself. But still it reared up. and answered back. The sound split through her sensitive ears, ringing through her head, blinding her with the pain from it. Because her eyes were shut from the pain, she didn't see the wings flap until it was too late. The wind buffeted over her, knocking her backwards into some stones, her skin being cut up by the debris. These didn't hurt near as bad

As Qit'ria recovered, shaking her head to get the ringing out, she felt the ground shake, throwing her a bit off balance, sending her stomach roiling. She felt wave after wave of seething anger wash over her, but it was not her own. She turned, looking at her companion, seeing its eyes glow, and just knew it was responsible. Her eyes quickly took in the dying plant life, the damage this creature was doing to the forest, and itself. It needed to be calmed down, and quickly. The anger she felt, was one she'd felt before. It was a protective anger, not a defensive one. It was angry for.. her? She needed to show it that she wasn't injured, that this beast wasn't a threat, that it could calm down.

But the cave began to collapse, and the mother beast flew to freedom. And Qit didn't think. She could hear the kittens, could see the rocks falling, and knew that it was at least partially her fault. She'd been careless, and led the spirit to getting upset. And so, she surged forward toward the kittens, with no plan in mind. Luckily for her though, her Spark had an idea, an one she was inclined to go along with. It reached out, touching her Assimilated bear totem within her. Heading into the cave, she plunged her ether into her totem, and yanked out the essence of the bear, in full. This led her to Unleashing her bumble bear form.

The transformation was immensely painful as always, but it was instant. Her clothes were torn to shreds, but now she was the bear, galloping forward. She could see the kittens now, see the rocks falling. She was a mother now, and while that meant that she should be more careful for her own baby, she couldn't tolerate other babies dying because of her being careless. She moved her massive body over top the kittens forms, and planted herself like a tree. Rocks thudded hard against her body, severely bruising the dense muscles underneath.

But this was the only form that gave the kittens a chance to survive. So she braced herself, grit down, and forced herself to remain upright. She hoped her new friend would stop, when she realized that it had noticed every animal, every detail before. It was a long shot. She roared, on instinct. It was a roar that she hoped would be a plea, to stop, to let it know everything would be okay now if it just stopped. And she waited as rocks continued to fall, hoping she'd been in time. And hoping she could get home to Caza and Yeye.

[Eclipse]

Makubwa Lori
The Induk Spirit

The anger didn't subside, not fast enough, not nearly fast enough. Qit's quick thinking was the only thing that saved the kit's because as soon as she used her body to shield them the cave started to completely crumble. Qit indeed made it to the kit's in time though. Using her totem to transform. Imediately loosing her clothing, and all her weapons falling to the ground. The only thing that didn't seem to leave her body was the Vine of Lori. It seemed to just adjust to her new form as she ran full tilt to the kits to protect them. The kits actually nuzzled against Qit feeling her motherly and protective love, trusting her.

There was a loud, startling crack, as the top of the cave breaks off and hurtles down towards Bear Qit and the Kits. Qit could brace herself for the huge chunk of cave dropping down. For a moment all sorts of sounds filled her ears, and then all of a sudden, she heard and saw nothing but the kit's moving. The world still shook beneath her, but she wasn't knocked out. She knew that much because she still felt the pain and when she opened her eyes she could see some specs of light. But that was weird. She seemed enshrouded in something.

If she pushed her paw out against whatever it was surrounding her, she would feel the soft yet firmness of a plant like structure. It would both give at her pressing yet push back as the world around them seemed to slowly stop quaking. The kits would mewl and some would nuzzle at her belly trying to find milk. Even if she smelled different from their mom. She still smelled of a mother. None would latch, though they all would lick to try and find their food.

It took at least another 5 bits before right before her the vines opened up. not above or beside her, just above her. The Vines of Lori had protected them. That much she could conclude, because some of the Vines that retracted turned back into the bracelet that had been the Vines of Lori. If she padded out, she would find that the spirit was waiting for her. It's head low, as if it were apologetic. It even tentatively padded to her and reached it's neck out maybe to nuzzle her in her bear form, or if Qit were quick enough, she could have switched back to her human form. but that was up to her.

No matter the case, the Eairo was behind the spirit. Calmed, and it even bowed to Qit. Though it seemed that in it's eyes, even that would never be enough. Those were her babies that had been saved. Qit would feel a deeper connection to the forest now, especially now that the spirit was rubbing against her so apologetically.

Must... move on. Still long way to go. Can visit on way back.. will be safe in vines for now. To the Iyo Tree now. Collect your things and we will go.

The spirit moved to the Eairo and nuzzled it's nose in apology and then started walking in the direction of the Iyo tree. Past the cave not through it. Qit would be able to see that it's feet were once again growing life not killing it. It had calmed. But she had been very lucky that it had already given her the Vines of Lori. Now, the vines felt warmer. Like their recent activity brought more life to them. It was not a singe but more of a comfortable warmth. Almost like a hug that she'd give Caza. Once she gathered her things and figured herself out, they would move forward. For they had to.

But once Qit gets back to her human form, she will find something weird. Something she didn't expect, the pain against her chest, still there yet, lessened. If she were to inspect the boils, she would find that there was one less now. How had that happened? She'd have to ask the spirit about that.

► Show Spoiler

This marks the end of this thread! Please respond to this in a new thread and link me either in pm's or in dm's in discord! Hope you love it and lets keep this ball rolling!

From before this round!

Bad Decision
Qit decided that it was a good idea to walk towards the foreboding cave. The consequence of that is clear. The creature now before her must either be calmed or put down.

A Mother's Care
Qit has shown her motherly affection to the Makubwa Lori Spirit. Further gaining it's trust and affections.

Good Intentions
The tunawa aren't suspicious of Qit's interaction or beckoning. Due to the fact that the Spirit placed it's trust in her and quite literally, on her. The Vines of Lori are a great benefit to Qit. Though she is not aware of how they are yet.

Quick Thinking!
Qit's getting better at determining what is needed for the forest to survive. They need more balance, less death, and she was correct on that. So to let go of her pride and try and save the beast instead of killing it was the right choice.

Zahasa's kit's
They are in danger of being majorly harmed or worse, killed at this rate. Their fate may determine Qit's fate. Tread carefully.

Makubwa Lori's Anger!
The Spirit has been angered, at Qit's being harmed, and has lost control. In it's state, it's emotions invade it's every action and causes the quake and snapping of the tree. The sooner it's calmed the better for all involved.

This Round!

Zahasa's Respect
You have saved the kittens! With your motherly love and protection, the kits have survived the ordeal that was the Lori spirit's anger! Thanks to you Zahasa can still claim herself a mother, and still teach her kits her ways.

One less cursed boil!
Though they are not all gone, one has officially left the building! Qit has successfully passed multiple tests, though some not intentional by the spirit, it's strength no longer wayning but no longer growing. To help the spirit further, would be beneficial for Qit, she knew this now.