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Shayrah
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A Hunting We Will Go...
« Thread started on: Jan 12th, 2008, 01:57am » |
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**PLEASE READ BEFORE JOINING!**
This thread is: Closed
This is an official MOD-run roleplaying thread. The rules and pace of this thread will be slightly different than those of other threads, so please read carefully.
Anyone is welcome to attempt to join this storyline, but there are a few things to consider before jumping in.
Please look these over, but don't let them scare you off!
The more, the merrier! >:D
--Nothing is guaranteed in this thread.
The fate, safety, and state of your character may be forever altered. There is excitement and danger in this thread. The only thing that I will ask your permission before doing, is killing off your character. Everything else is a possibility. <3
(If you want to go over specific rules/guidelines involving your character, please message me)
--My word is law.
If I contradict something you wrote or a situation that is forming, go with what I say as opposed to something else. I won't screw with the game much on purpose, unless something is going very badly or off course. Sometimes, I just interpret things differently. Go with my version, to make the thread run more smoothly.
--Follow my pace.
You my post once for every one of my posts. You may post once more if I have been absent for more than two full days. Turn order doesn't matter so much as pace.
--Be prepared.
Be warned of a few things. Since thing will be traveling at my pace, if you don't post for a few days, your character might get left behind. Try to keep up, or catch up, as much as possible. Checking the thread an average of once a day is a good idea.
Also, you may drop out at any time and move your character elsewhere (contact me if you need help doing that) but you might not be able to join at a certain time. Read the first post (above) and the second post to see if you can still join.
--Have fun!!
Out of all the rules, this is most important! Official threads are meant to be challenging and exciting! Dive in and have fun with it...you don't need to feel like you're tiptoeing around rules, or following placidly along. Be bold! Be excited! Dive in!!
Please PM me, or ask a quick question in OOC brackets, if you need help or have questions. Please do no hesitate to talk to me! I am all about helping people really get into a game!
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| « Last Edit: Jan 30th, 2008, 02:06am by Shayrah » |
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Shayrah
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #1 on: Jan 12th, 2008, 01:57am » |
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((I know you all are having fun in other threads, so no need to go rushing out of them immediately. They won't be leaving right away. Newcomers won't be prevented from joining until they're actually picking up their stuff and heading out.
Also, anyone can attempt to join this thread, but Khagan might refuse you. That's just the way he is. You can decide what to do beyond that.
Anyone is welcome to attempt joining this thread, even if you plan on leaving before they head out!))
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- Khagan's Profile -
The morning was what most would call perfect. Warm and hazy, with little breeze stirring the sleepy air. The new-day-light filtering through the leaves, cast a lacey amber blanket across the grass beside the river.
It was a comfortable day, with a fluffy layer of thin clouds coating the blue of the sky.
But comfortable was not what Khagan wanted.
Nice, and cozy, were not adjectives that he wanted describing the first day of this hunt. He wanted sharp and alert! A breeze to helpfully carry telling scents through the air. A briskness to the atmosphere to keep his hunters on their toes. This pleasantly lazy day had already served to put the Huntmaster in a dangerously foul mood, and it had just barely begun.
And he wasn't exactly looking forward to working with a pack of strangers, either.
Most of the hunters that he was used to, were off on a hunting trip that he was unable to call them back from...and this particular trip couldn't wait for them to return.
It was well before midday, but already he appeared as if expecting his hunters to appear before him at any minute. Forearms crossed stoically across his chest, the dark Murrah stood under the sulking shade of one of the large riverbank trees, hardened gaze set out over the clearing that connected the rest of the Camp to the riverside. This would be the hunters' gathering place, and it had been prepared hours in advance.
Light packs and supplies were set beneath the tree in a scattered-yet-orderly pile. Everything had already been checked and rechecked, organized and reorganized...and now Khagan had nothing left to do.
As usual, he was ready far before the time that he had told to his hunters...and yet was infuriated that they weren't already there.
...Had he a mate, she would have been harassing him about this irritating tendency of his, and he would have been angrily ignoring her.
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| « Last Edit: Jan 12th, 2008, 02:29am by Shayrah » |
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moonlily
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #2 on: Jan 12th, 2008, 12:51pm » |
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~Felene's Bio~
Felene stepped quickly up to the spot on the riverbank that the hunters were gathering at. It was early, she knew, and so not many had made it to the rendezvous point yet. It didn't matter, though, as long as she was there to see them all off. Mina danced and capered at her heels, caught up in the general feel of excitement.
It had become Felene's habit to see hunting parties off. She found that she was usually bombarded with requests for supplies at the last minute, and so therefore decided to make herself available in the most convenient spot. There were always a few inexperienced hunters, it seemed, who would forget to grab healing supplies or run out of time and decide to skip it, and Felene was determined that no one would leave under-equipped.
Besides, it was pretty much guaranteed that some of the hunters leaving here today would return injured, and some might not return at all. She couldn't help but want to dote on them in their final moments at camp, like a mother hen fluttering over her chicks. There was a good chance she might be here to meet them when they returned as well. She hoped, anyway. She walked right up to the Huntmaster and addressed him brightly, purposely ignoring his usual dour look.
"Good Morning, Khagan!" she said cheerfully. Mina sniffed at him and wagged her tail. "It turned out rather warm this morning, didn't it?" She didn't doubt the hunters would be sweating before they were 100 yards from the river with their heavy packs.
((OOC: Edited for spelling. >.<))
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| « Last Edit: Jan 13th, 2008, 12:08pm by moonlily » |
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Shayrah
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #3 on: Jan 12th, 2008, 1:36pm » |
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Khagan easily recognized the shimmeringly-green doe, of course, and had interacted with her several times before...but that didn't keep him from glaring at her suspiciously as she approached.
"You better not be one of the hunters," he growled warningly in her mind.
"You might be green, but sadly the wrong shade for camouflage."
By now, the Mystic would have come to know that this was the closest that the Huntmaster ever got to humor. His realistic growling and threatening tone was certainly hard to look past and see the joke behind. But it was there. Somewhere. A sort of darkly intense sarcasm, perhaps.
His dislike of Resplendent Murrah was at least partially real, however...which was probably why he took every opportunity to harass the female. Their 'unnatural' coloration was poor for hunting, and thus deserved a few less notches of respect, in his mind.
...The fact that she had a white swiftling didn't help matters either.
The little canine's friendly antics were returned with a derisive snort.
"...This thing hasn't been picked off by wandering carnivores yet??"
It was hardly how most Mystics expected to be treated, being right at the top of the Murrah societal pecking order. But Khagan hardly showed open respect for any other than his clan leader. Though, the fact that he was 'joking' with her and not being openly hostile counted for something, perhaps.
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moonlily
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #4 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 12:58am » |
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Felene smiled at Khagan’s usual gruffness. He was as steady and predictable a character as she had ever yet known.
“I might be able to camouflage myself better than you think,” she said with a smile. “I’m not a Mystic for nothing, you know. Plus, I was raised by a Druid. I daresay even you’d have a hard time spotting me out there.” She chucked to herself and finally set down the heavy basket she had been carrying. It was filled with basic healing herbs and bandages, and a few precious vials of brewed medicines. It was always her hope that none of it would be needed in the end.
Felene watch Mina’s tail droop in disappointment. You’d think by now she’d know not to expect much from the Huntmaster, and yet Mina kept looking for a friendly pat. Well, since Khagan was not offering, she supposed she would have to do. Felene patted the swiftling on the head and sent her off to play. In three bounds, Mina was to the riverbank and pawing at the water. Felene smiled at her excitement.
“Mina’s far too clever to be eaten,” she replied. “Besides, the most dangerous wandering carnivore I’ve seen around here lately is you.” Her eyes twinkled as she teased the Huntmaster in turn. He might have a gruff demeanor, but Felene was certain beyond a doubt that his heart was pure gold.
“It looks like you’ve got everything here in good order. Perhaps none of your hunters will need to dip into my supplies after all.”
And maybe Khagan will grow bright blue feathers and strut around like a glory-bird, she thought to herself, and bit her lip to keep from laughing at the image.
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Shayrah
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #5 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 02:14am » |
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The mention of her being a Mystic sent a visible shudder through the hunter's pelt. All things unseen and unexplainable got under his skin, Mystics included. Resplendent and a Mystic. What a winner. This doe much have been one of his favorite people.
Though, Khagan did have to admit that he would far rather deal with this little Mystic, than with Sunoe.
...That creature was enough to give him nightmares.
He brushed the whole matter off with a mocking snort.
"I hate to break it to you, but I doubt there's enough magic in the world to hide a flashy green glow-bug like yourself. ...Same for your breakable little pet, there."
Though he already seemed all gruff and bothered, the Huntmaster somehow grew more serious as soon as he set eyes on the weighty assortment of medicines, watching solemnly as she set them in the grass. He didn't step any nearer, but he did seem to lean closer from where he stood, his arms remaining folded in their traditional position.
"You brought good stuff this time? Your fancy firewater last trip did nothing but give my hunters belly-cramps."
He grunted and motioned toward the forest with a nod of his shaggy head.
"...We're going to need your best, this time."
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moonlily
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #6 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 12:01pm » |
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And just like that, Felene was all business.
"Aye, an unfortunate side effect, that firewater. Still useful for a quick clearing of the head, though. And I've found a new plant that dampens the stomach pain, so I think you'll find it works a lot better."
"This one here," she pulled out one of several small glass vials with a bright orange liquid in it, "is new. We've had some wonderful luck lately with finding and experimenting with some new plants. This one is the best I have so far of a pretty good painkiller. It comes from the bark of the Chimewood trees, so there’s plenty of it. Add a thimblefull to a cup of something to drink. It'll make you a bit drowsy afterwards, but not too bad." She set the vial down and pulled out a bundle in a dark yellow fabric. She unwrapped it to reveal several dried and withered yellow roots.
"This one is new, too. They’re the roots of the ringweed plant. It works pretty well in a poultice to draw out and block infection. Mix it with the halfshade leaves as a topical pain blocker, and it'll make a fairly effective wound wrap." She put the bundle down and dug into her pack for the bundle that was well protected among the soft bandages. Pulling out a small green cloth, she carefully unwrapped it to reveal another glass vial filled with a liquid so red it was nearly black.
"I'm sending this with you. It is the very last of my bloodmoss potion from Pelmei. Use it only in the direst circumstances, when you need a serious painkiller. Three drops is all you need. For the minor injuries, use the chimewood potion instead." She indicated the orange vials she had displayed earlier. She carefully wrapped the dark red vial back in its protective cloth, and handed it to Khagan for the utmost safe-keeping.
"Everything else there is pretty standard. Any questions?" She looked at him, not really expecting any. Khagan was intelligent enough to know exactly what he was doing. So she turned instead to the questions she'd been wondering.
"Do you know how far you plan to go this time? Or when to expect you back?"
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| « Last Edit: Jan 13th, 2008, 12:02pm by moonlily » |
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Shayrah
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #7 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 7:07pm » |
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((Ugh...I had a far better post almost finished when my computer crashed. So, this is all I can muster this time.))
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The seriousness that settled over him was of the most genuine type this time, stooping down automatically and obediently beside the collection of potions as she began to explain.
Each one was accepted with the same curt and wordless nod, every word devoured and stored away for when the information would be vital.
He should have been excited, or even pleased, about the new and promising concoctions...be he was always looking for something he knew wouldn't be there. Something to help restore the strength to a hunter whose life was being drained away by the very darkness. Something for an unseen wound that will kill you as quick as any.
Very few of these potions would help them, he knew. Especially during this trip.
Though, the painkiller....
When she drew out the precious Bloodmoss potion, he quickly and carefully snatched that up and tucked it away in the leather belt that was attached around his waist and upper leg.
With a heavy sigh, he pushed himself back up to his feet, and flicked his tail out restlessly.
"Glad to see that you have no problems experimenting on my hunters," he grunted mentally.
Then, her final question.
He sighed again, and his shoulders seemed to sag the smallest bit. As if some of the youth ebbed out of his frame with that breath.
"This trip...no. I'm not sure. Depends on how far we have to travel."
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| « Last Edit: Jan 13th, 2008, 7:07pm by Shayrah » |
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moonlily
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #8 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 8:44pm » |
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"Don't worry," Felene gave Khagan a somewhat of a sardonic smile. "I would never give you or your hunters anything I wasn't sure of." But of course, Khagan knew that.
She caught his somber mood and replied to his next comment with a noncommital grunt. She was afraid to speak and betray her true fears. Well, she'd have Mina on the lookout over the next weeks to try to alert her with the hunter's return so that she could be down to meet them. That's all she would be able to do.
"Well, I suppose now, we just wait for the test subjects to all show up." She spoke brightly, trying to regain some measure of cheerfulness.
As if responding to the thought of her name, Mina came bounding up, her front half completely soaked. Who knows what she had been fishing for in the river. Mina paused to give her body a violent shake, flinging drops of water all around her. Felene flattened her ears and closed her eyes against the impromptu bath, but Mina's subsequent look of joy only caused her to smile and pat her companion on the head again.
"Not you, silly," she told the swiftling with fondness. She sighed, thinking again about how dangerous this hunting trip was going to be. If they found the Nyanid... She gave herself a mental shake. Khagan will know how to take care of his group, she told herself firmly. Stop looking for shadows in sunlight!
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Shayrah
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #9 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 8:59pm » |
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Unfortunately, it was Khagan's job to look for shadows in sunlight...and they tended to follow him everywhere. Even his dark pelt looked out of place in the plain light of day.
Felene's comment about the absent hunters sent another grumble through his chest, though the appearance of the little Swiftling cut off any dour comments he would have made about it. Growling irritably at the shower of droplets--which smelled like a cross between fishy river-water and damp fur--Khagan took a step back from the Mystic and her pet.
"That little runt is going to get eaten by a large fish if she keeps that up."
Then, deciding that he had been uncharacteristically talkative and friendly (which was a fairly hilarious thought), the Huntmaster retreated inward once more, with arms folded across his chest.
Though, before he clammed up completely, a thought that had been buzzing around the back of his mind naggingly reappeared. With some irritation, he forced himself to voice it.
"...Most of the warriors and hunters will be off now, once this trip begins. That will leave a considerable hole in the Camp's defenses. You know that, don't you?"
He didn't know why he was telling her this, of all people.
It wasn't as if he put much stock in the Mystics being able to do much to protect Solace, with their prayers and potions.
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Krakatau
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #10 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 9:24pm » |
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((ooc: Continued from Packing))
Bio:
http://murrah.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=charactersrp&action=display&num=1197662449
Malaise caught movement out of the corner of her eye as Teague stumbled, and then broke early. The first time she'd ever encountered such a panicked move, it had pushed her into breaking early as well, as a result causing her to lose that particular race. Experience had taught her well, and she didn't even flinch as his harried push brought him even with her as she maintained her pace.
But then she saw their finish mark; the Huntsmaster that had visited her at dinner chatting with a very spring green Murrah. Reaching her 'marker' tree, Malaise bolted forward with her reserve power, covering the last few hundred feet in a moment's breath.
She flew past Khagen at top speeds, then put on the breaks and curved back around to slow down gracefully and stop, standing at his side and breathing heavily as she greeted Teague with a confident smile.
Don't feel bad. She said, not unkindly. He had been strong to take her up on the offer in the first place, and the rush of competition had been something she hadn't realized she missed since she stepped foot in Haurah. You've got talent. Some training, more experience ... She nodded, considering her own assessment.
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Vhendi
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #11 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 9:54pm » |
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Bio
Teague knew he had certainly lost when Malaise broke ahead with such grace and ease that he had never seen before. Determined not to lose any more dignity than necessary, he put as much effort into closing the gap between their finishing time. At least he would know he had done his best.
He recognized the Huntsmaster from having seen him before around camp, and came to a stop after passing him and Malaise and circling back. His breathing was heavy but he felt better seeing that the doe was equally as winded.
Surprisingly, he was not as disappointed in losing as he might have been. Perhaps it was because he was smart enough to recognize a Pro when he saw one.
"Thanks ," he said politely and honestly, " but you are by far the better murrah." After a moment's consideration, he added, "I might be interested in a few pointers if you were in the mood to share them."
Her brisk attitude might make her a critical teacher, but Teague was not used to coddling, would not have wanted that kind of mentor, and he respected her that as well as her skill. "Where did you learn to run like that?"
Even as he asked, Teague looked around the clearing underneath the trees and saw that they were in fact quite early to the gathering. None of the other hunters had arrived yet, for surely that lightly green Resplendant and her swiftling were not the hunting sort.
Then another thought occured to him as his eyes fell on Khagan. What if the Huntsmaster had been watching his defeat? What if he decided that Teague wasn't good enough to go with them? That he had wasted his energy on just getting to the woods? Quickly, he straightened himself and tried to look less winded and dusty than he was.
Oh drat, there was mud caked on his back hooves. He reached down and tried to scrape it off.
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Shayrah
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #12 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 10:39pm » |
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Suddenly, the Huntmaster's somber conversation was rudely interrupted as two young upstarts exploded into the clearing by the riverbank.
He had heard their footsteps galloping over, but he hadn't expected them to actually burst into the clearing, let alone stop in it.
Bristling all over, the Huntmaster seemed to grow larger as he took a step toward them.
If they had wanted his attention...they sure got it.
"What do you children think you are doing?? This is not a playground!"
The growl that boomed in their heads was a serious one. The Huntmaster was not about to hold back from telling anyone--even young ones--exactly how he felt about them, or their actions. The dire mood that had been skulking under the surface all morning, took no time to lash out at these two delinquents for daring to bother him.
The repremand might have been a bit much for the crime, but the last thing on his mind was the thought that they could have actually meant to end up there, knowing full-well what the clearing had been set aside for.
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Krakatau
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #13 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 10:46pm » |
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Malaise's pride exploded. Though shorter and younger than Khagen, she nonetheless brought herself up to her full height and turned her full attention to him, fur bristling all along her body.
"Children we are not, and playing we not! Running is as much a part of me as breathing and keeping conditioned is key to my survival! A day without running to me is a day not worth living, and so help me for wanting to teach my honed craft to a hungry mind!"
She turned sharply toward Teague. "Well, here you are. I am wondering why you'd ever want to end up here with him; can't see talent when it veers right past him."
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moonlily
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Re: A Hunting We Will Go...
« Reply #14 on: Jan 13th, 2008, 11:42pm » |
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Felene stared blankly at Khagan after his last comment to her. He very nearly sounded as if he actually thought Felene could (and should) do something about it. All along, she had been certain that the Huntmaster fairly despised her, and put up with her because Hunters need Healers like fish need water. Dumbfounded that he would betray even this small uncertainty to her, she realized she had been staring at him like a fish with her mouth agape. Quickly she shut her jaw and smiled, an inexplicable warmth spreading down to her toes. Was it possible this gruff stag actually respected her? She found herself stammering over an answer.
"Surely Arghenix has some sort of plan. And, of course, I and the other mind-healers will be her to help in case...” She stopped and swallowed hard, not sure how to go on. She was saved, however, by the sudden appearance of a doe and young buck running at full speed onto the green. They raced straight at Khagan, and Felene held her breath, wincing in advance of the runners for making the foolish move of testing Khagan’s mood.
And she was right. Khagan lit into the pair, scolding them for turning the Hunter’s leavetaking grounds into a playground. She flattened her ears but had to admit Khagan was right. What did these two think they were up to? Surely they weren’t planning to go on the hunt. Niether of them had any sort of supply pack, not to mention the youngster was hardly old enough.
She frowned as the doe confronted Khagan. She could almost feel Khagan preparing to explode. She couldn’t help but attempt to jump in and make the peace.
“Running is certainly healthy, but the hunters are gathering here. You’d best take your exercise someplace else. I’m afraid this area is spoken for.” Her tone was kind but firm, and sincerely hoped the pair would think the better of testing the Huntmaster’s patience any further.
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