Fate - First Reply The One-Armed Bull

[Jezebeth Af Malakath]

[OST]
Malakath, a dangerous land once inhabited by the mighty titans of yore. A dangerous land filled with creatures that unleash their powerful roars that soar through the skies like an oncoming thunder of wrath. There are many tales of this place but for sure civilization yet exists in the tribe; tribes that talk and write, tribes that conquer and kill but all began to utter the tale of a humongous red creature that lumbered through the woods and that was being quite the problem; the aforementioned creature killed the beasts that were used to hunt and feast one's tribe as likewise many tribes and especially their leaders were targeted. Slaughtered like pigs and without mercy; they call this creature, the one-armed bull. Consequently, bounties were created to hunt and kill this bull that haunted the woods of Malakath. One may wonder, who would be the most courageous to venture through this bitter-cold land and find the giant creature?

Oddly enough, their last attack is said to be near the border of Malakath and the land near it; anyone who dared to approach its forest would notice the terrain within it shaking as If an earthquake boomed throughout it, trees falling down and an aura of anxiety edged from the edges of its entrance that all who bore divine powers or religions could feel it. Perhaps, there may be another entrance or way to approach it. It may depend on whom will accept this quest.​

 

[Tharraleos]

One with such courage was indeed a walking symbol of that sentiment. With lush khaki brown fur covering his body and contoured white plumage making up his cranium, it seemed he was fit to traverse the chilling temperatures. The dark brown feathered wings jutting from his shoulder blades wrapped around him somewhat to assist with keeping warm. With this union of avian and feline attributes, one with the right knowledge would discern this creature as a beast of legend known as the Griffin.

Tharraleos was the designation of this avid traveller. Bred for combat and a biological masterpiece, he hailed from a warrior subspecies called the Allasson. Equally adept at hunting, it wasn't farfetched for the heraldic hybrid to seek bounties as much as he partook in fighting competitions.

Throughout his aimless wandering he came across this particular assignment and it intrigued him enough to oblige. Guided by keen predatory instincts and what a few townsfolk told him, Tharr found himself where he believed to be the right direction as he entered a densely forested area. The felled trees and quaking of the ground, while ominous, was indeed an indication he was getting closer to his target.

Held tightly in both paws were a duo of glowing purple constructs of energy in the shape of twin crossbows. Hanging unsupported along his back almost like a magnet was another armament of identical properties, only taking the form of a greatsword that equalled his height. Rigid golden irises surveyed the general area while an array of other acute senses did further reconnaissance. Proceeding confidently but cautious, Tharraleos would plunges further into the foliage.

 

[Jezebeth Af Malakath]

The hunter's mighty focus would behold a forest that was battered and destroyed. It was clear its natural balance was twisted by something as strong; once inside the booming earthquake grew in strength to the point It could cause someone less prepared's legs to shake but for sure It was naught. It was a child's play to resist the trembling of the ground. Nevertheless, Tharraleos could follow some traces on the ground; A trail with the shape of hooves, and these aforementioned hooves weren't normal-sized. They could match the one of a creature that was for sure larger than him and not to a small extent.

As Tharraleos continued to further wander into the deep of the cold forest- something could be seen from /very afar/ but not impossible for someone like Tharra to gaze at. A few kilometers or so; A large serpentine eye glared down at him- but It disappeared back into the shadows of the forest and If he were to approach further and further towards the direction of the stated eye. A shrilling shout echoed outward, the eye crawling back into the darkness. A demoiselle in danger It seemed- was it worth pursuing it? This a thought all should ponder before acting like a hero. But the other of this story bore courage beyond anyone else for sure.

Thoughts and ponders aside. On the other side; beyond the shadows of the forest, if the trail was followed suit; there was this lady- in a fine dress, slim build, and completely weak in appearance while being of average height. But what would be most unusual of her were her pure amber eyes and lack of right arm: she was wounded, coated in many bruisers, and clearly frightened. Yet, no sign of the beast.
[This happened only If Tharraleos took the main route and followed the trail. Let me know if he does something different!

"Help me! Help Me!"

Tharraleos ​

 

[Tharraleos]

Steady breaths sent chilling vapors from the nares of Tharr’s rostrum as he trekked forth. His bows would point in differing and seamlessly random directions as his torso pivoted about while continuing to follow signs of his prey. The ever increasing rumble of the ground was hardly an issue for the avian feline and it his stride held firm. For what seemed like hours there wasn't anything he could sense with his eyesight alone. Until something out in the distance caught his attention. The pupils of Tharr would enlarge and act as a sort of telescope to further his perception. It didn't take long to understand he just made eye contact with something truly foreboding.

It was only for a few fleeting moments, but the intensity he experienced was almost overwhelming and sent chills down his spine. Whatever this was, he was now realizing he may have underestimated the circumstances. While one with a conventional thought process would take this as a sign to turn the other way, Tharraleos was no such individual, however, and this development only served to exhilarate the proud warrior. With his beak twisting into a grin and his fangs gleaming, the beast would quicken his pace and advance with his bows aimed forward.

He didn't get far before a shirek rang through his feathered ears that made him halt in his tracks. Just as abruptly his weapons were pointed to the direction he heard the commotion. It sounded like a call of distress from what seemed to be a humanoid female. The immense processing power of the Griff would contemplate momentarily. As a neutral being of profound apathy and somewhat jaded through his centuries of existence, he wasn't quite the hero type. This individual life was hardly consequential and simply a victim of cruel reality.

But seeing as how the creature he caught sight of had vanished back into the darkness, Tharr decided to investigate the call for help. After all, he didn't quite rule it out as potential danger. Upon following his senses, he'd soon reach the source and at first his weapons aimed themselves right at the female he had located. Though after taking note of her condition, he ceased and pointed them upwards.

"Are you mobile enough?" The hunter would sternly ask her with his rigid gold irises analyzing the lady while still being keenly aware of his surroundings. Given his beastly exterior, he half expected her to not be so receptive at first. But desperate times calls for desperate measures and these were quite the circumstances.

Jezebeth Af Malakath

 

[Jezebeth Af Malakath]

"I can. I can..."​

She uttered beneath her breath, slowly rising with some effort- holding the sleeves with her missing arm with her other hand. There was no sign of the beast around, no prints or traces to follow. The forest was weirdly enough extremely and needlessly calm as If the aforementioned creature was naught around. Perhaps, with this woman being wounded It may only point out that the creature that dwelled around was a barbarian. Perhaps an ice giant who enjoyed being a bandit. Odd.
Regardless, the battered woman regarded the bird without fear. Tears descended from her eyes before she mumbled a faint tune. A pleading for help before bowing her back to give more charm in her attempt.

"You're for sure another bounty hunter that was sent after the beast, aye? It stole many things. Especially something that I held dear- It was the skull of a beast my family hunted many years ago."

She trailed off, her head facing the hunter. Only a single coin was pulled out from her belt. She didn't bear many important things but at least she was straightforward with her request. What will Tharraleos do? was he ready to help someone or succumb to his greed?​

"Please. Return It to me. Break the stereotype and chain and help me. The beast ran towards the highest of the mountains."​

Tharraleos