Private Tales The Crippled Fire Man and Disgruntled Mountain Dweller

[Khione of Ginther]

Khione loved the cold. As the frozen breeze dusted her already cold cheeks she inhaled. The fresh air pierced her lungs, making her feel alive as she exhaled, able to see the presence of her breath with her eyes. She watched the sun slowly emerge from behind the mountain range from her perch, a small overhang. Closing her eyes, her lids fluttered ever so slightly as she felt small flecks of snow dot her skin.

Roars and other sounds alerted her of the animals awakening from their slumber, making her spine tingle upon hearing them. Like every morning Khione hopped off of the ledge, grabbing her spear firmly in her hand and heading off for her daily walk. The silence kept her company as her boots padded in the snow. Instead of taking her usual loop, Khione walked off in the opposite direction, unaware as to what awaited her there.

She had never really explored the land above, the Spine as it is known to most. Khione was most definitely curious, especially after hearing the tales and legends of who and what lived there from traveling merchants. Some said it was home to creatures so frightening that one couldn't even bear to look at. Others said that it was a wonderful land, prosperous, an oasis in the harsh landscape of the otherwise cold region.

Grumbling, a few obscenities and less than ladylike phrases tumbled from her mouth as she nearly slipped. Though the travel there would be a lot longer than a few hours, Khione was optimistic and overall, just suspicious of what lived in the land that was a complete and total mystery to her.

Xcavus

 

[Rikeryn Perkhimote]

Riker-Ryn observed a trail of footprints within the soft snow. Kurahmi tracks, looks to be adolescent, maybe he'll have some meat on em. He followed the trail which lead to large gashes in the nearby rocks and snow. Some sort of fight. Riker-Ryn spotted a spot of frozen blood on a nearby tree. Trail is still well and going, must've been a small Iblek.

He kept with the trail. Night was coming to an end, the warm sun would soon wake the beast from its slumber. He continued on the trail until it stopped dead cold. Interesting... there aren't any caves around and yet the trail stops here.

"Hey bucko, you really need to find a better hiding spot." Riker spoke to the Kurahmi beneath him. The beast attempted to surprise Riker by emerging from the snow. With a cocky posture and a punch to the eye for attempting to eat him: "Next time, at least bring some cake before trying to surprise me. Good try though."

With a swift kick to the face, Riker disoriented it. The beast had quite the size on Riker, at least twice as big in every way. Four menacing yet soft and furry legs, a giant meaty frame (perfect for today's breakfast), and a disgusting yet adorable face with two giant mandibles to top it all off.

"Angry are ya? good, it makes ya taste better."

Riker unsheathed his father's carving knife and with swift, near fatal, dodges he managed to slowly but surely bring the thing to it's knees. In it's final attempt to kill RIker, it lunged forward and managed to nick his right wing.

Riker paused for a moment, the beast didn't even hesitate and went for another lunge. Riker grabbed it by it's outmost mandible and stared it right in the eye's.

"Don't you fucking dare touch my wing."

The Kurahmi's screech's and howl's went on for a couple minutes before fading into the dead silent of snowy twilight.

The sun arose, and Riker was mid-way through finishing his second thigh of the Kurahmi. "For an asshole of a beast, you taste really well done."

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Kurahmi:

Iblek:

 

[Khione of Ginther]

As she trudged through the snow, fascinated with seeing her breath in the cold, morning air, an agonizing roar echoed off of the cliffs of snow. Inhaling, the scent of a large animal pierced through her senses, becoming more alert.

Gripping her spear tightly she ran up to the nearby snow bank, dropping to her knees and peering over the sludge, spotting an interesting sight below her. What appeared to be a humanoid creature, stalking a small type of antelope.

Khione was captivated, watching as he managed to bring down a large Kurahmi. The pungent smell of blood calmed the female, despite common belief, it soothed her mind. Perhaps it brought back memories of her father or days of a child, but no one quite understood what was going on in Khione's backward brain.

Like a lioness lying in wait, Khione continued to watch the man. Her stomach grumbled quietly as saliva filled her mouth. Perhaps she would be able to convince her fellow hunter to perhaps share. Besides, if he didn't then she could always steal some.

With her mind made up, Khione stood up, walking down the snow-covered hill. "Hey!" She called out, waving a hand high above her head. "Care to spare some meat huh?"

Compared to the man she was walking towards Khione wasn't all that intimidating. Hopefully, he would give her some food, he sure had more than enough to feed himself. Walking towards him Khione examined and scrutinized his appearance.

He had a large frame, muscular, but what really caught her attention was his wings. No, his one wing, singular. She pondered about the story behind his wound, perhaps he was a war veteran, or had been attacked by a pack or wild animals...but that wasn't her main concern. She just wanted to take care of her stomach.

Rikeryn Perkhimote