[IC] Niamh: Discovery and adventure(always open!)

[Shurikai]

Today was the day.
Everything these budding hunters had trained for. Cub Day. She would lead them out to the Alfort caves and they would choose their life long companions. Evaline smiled as she gently stroked Kiyan's mane, running her fingers through his fur.
She had gotten an early start this morning to pray to The Pure One for the safety of her charges. Now she waited quietly with her own beautiful Alfort, Kiyan. She brushed him slowly a while the sun crept up over the mountains and the village started to come alive. There was no hunting on Cub Day, out of respect to the magestic animals, so the hunters all stood around chatting among themselves. They were just as excited as she was. The hunters that were joining her, Rin and Hodfred, were to meet her at edge of the forest where the path led out on the east side. Which should be within the next few minutes. With practiced ease, she strung her bow and slipped it over her shoulder, her quiver and dagger were already in their places, and her pack was full. Just in case.

Evaline let out a small sigh and looked up at The Pure One. The High Priestess Forsythia would be addressing the hunters before they left. A blessing to keep them safe. Hasn't failed yet. With another sigh, she buried her face in Kiyan's fur.

[Krinos Solstice]

"High Priestess, it's time for the blessing." one of the priests spoke to a robed woman. She made no movement, eventually standing as she opened her eyes, "Very well, I will be right there." the woman replied. Her name was Forsythia Soldrimme, High Priestess of this village, and it's protector. She turned and followed the priest out of The Pure One, standing before Head Hunter Evaline and the fresh new recruits that would become hunters, smiling as she opened her arms before them. "Young hunters, I have spoken with The Pure One, as tradition in our village on this day. The Pure One has granted me a blessing in which I am to share with you. Today you embark into the forest to find your lifelong companions, and The Pure One will help to guide you to them, and to protect you from danger. By The Pure One's infinite wisdom, I bless you all with divine protection. Head Hunter Evaline, may The Pure One lead you and these young hunters to success." she told them, nodding to Evaline. She turned and made her way back inside The Pure One, where she would remain for another hour, conversing with the massive tree. After that, she would make her way around the village, helping those in need, and even stopping to talk with people.

[Thundercat]

Daydreaming once again of what lies beyond the mountains of the forest, Rin sat on the floor amongst the young hunters with his legs crossed, twirling a wooden arrow using his index and middle finger. His eyes focused on the lush, green grass beneath him, but his mind focused on adventure, as always. "My Alfort shall be the strongest!" a young hunter boasted to his group of friends. "Ha! My Alfort shall be the smartest!" Another retorted, proudly. Rin wasn't really mentally prepared for today, he was around Alfort constantly since he was a child, but to call one his own? For life? That was a strong commitment, one he was sure to give, but would he receive the same effort? And if so, would the Alfort stick by his side as he explored this vast and unknown world?

Rin didn't realize that the High Priestess had already begun speaking, and quickly jumped up, hoping not to be disrespectful. She addressed Evaline, the head hunter of the village. Rin was too accompany her and another at the edge of the forest. He wondered why only him and the other hunter were going to be with Evaline. Could the High Priestess sense some type of deformity in Rin? Was Evaline to be there for protection? Rin sighed, he felt uneasy today.

After the High Priestess finished her speech Rin reluctantly picked up his belongings from the ground and made his way to the edge of the forest.

[hermijouji]

Leaning on a large tree, crossing his arms and humming a gentle hymn, Hodfred was already waiting on the edge of the forest. Feeling the breeze in the air and hearing the hymn of the forest, chirps of the birds, sound of swaying trees, He closed his eyes and began to wonder what possibilities are there beyond the woods and what things belong in this vast, unexplored world. He remained peacefully on that state until he heard someone approaching, he opened his eyes, saw it was only the other hunter who will accompany the head huntress other than him. He approached the hunter, telling him "What took you too long Rin, and where's the head hunter, I've been waiting here for a while."

[Thundercat]

Rin made his way through the forest, always taking in and appreciating the beauty of nature, touching each tree with curiosity, as if they spoke to him. He saw a figure in the distance, it was Hodfred. So that's who would be joining him, he wondered again why only they would be in the company of Evaline, and his uneasy feeling returned. He approached Hodfred. "What took you too long Rin, and where's the head hunter, I've been waiting here for a while."

Rin looked to Hodfred with confusion, "Were you not with the rest of us during the High Priestess's speech?" Looking around he realized Evaline had yet to arrive, "I think I saw her earlier, but i'm not sure where she could be at the moment. Do you know why she'll be coming with us? I know she'll be looking after everyone, but their either in groups or by themselves. I imagine they think we aren't capable of befriending an Alfort ourselves, but maybe i'm being paranoid." Rin spoke in with an uneasy tone. He wanted to return home, and was tempted to leave, the others would only judge him. "I'm nervous." He said to Hodfred.

[hermijouji]

"Don't be so nervous, Rin" He grinned. "Even I, don't know why only us were chosen to accompany the head huntress, but I'm pretty sure that the high priestess saw something special about us." He spoke trying to encourage Rin. "She won't choose us without a purpose right?" He added.

Hodfred suddenly paused, turned behind to look at the skies beyond the Edge of the forest. "The most important is what's ahead of us, What lies beyond this forest." He spoke with a grin on his face.

[Thundercat]

Hodfred's words were encouraging, but Rin couldn't help ridding the uneasy feeling.

As Hodfred spoke of beyond the forest Rin's eyes lit up, he had no idea Hodfred had thought of what lied beyond. Usually this was a rare thought that occurred among the wood elves. Rin was relieved to know he wasn't the only one who thought life was more than just living in a forest praying to the Pure One. He embraced his culture, but embraced adventure more so.

"I agree, Hodfred, do you wish to leave the forest?"

[hermijouji]

"I do.. But I'm afraid, something bothers me.." Hodfed lowered his head and closed his eyes, he was afraid, afraid to leave the peace, harmony and comfort, afraid leave the place he cherished and he was being cherished, afraid to leave his love ones, but the thing he feared most is the danger that waits ahead.

"What if we fail to make it back, we don't know what danger awaits ahead." His eyes opened in terror, death was not really the thing that bothers him most, it was being forgotten by his fellow elves.

"I'm afraid to be forgotten"

[Shurikai]

Evaline had come out of the Alfort enclosure after listening to the High Priestess's speech. Kiyan had become restless and was itching to go. She heard the boys talking about leaving the village and forest and going beyond the mountains. She had to admit, she often thought about travelling that way herself, but Evaline had obligations, she couldn't just up and leave.

"The reason its just you two, is because only you have shown the necessary abilities to raise and train an alfort of your own." Evaline said patting Kiyan's shoulder. It was almost time to go. "Prepare yourselves, this will not be easy."

[Thundercat]

Rin looked up surprised as Evaline announced herself. Had she heard his intentions on leaving the forest? He regretted speaking of it and believed he should've been more careful when talking about such things. But, he was relieved to know that being in the company of the Head Hunter wasn't a bad thing. He didn't think himself capable of raising and training and Alfort, but if the Head Hunter believed so, it wouldn't make sense to doubt her.

"Evaline!" Rin exclaimed as she approached. "I-I didn't know you were there."

[Shurikai]

"I've been here." Evaline said slightly surprised, maybe another lecture about perception is due. "Do you both remember where the Alfort caves are? Remember, the mother will fight to keep her cubs. You need to keep your wits about you once we enter the forest."

[hermijouji]

"I'm pretty nervous about that, but I'm always ready in every situation." Bragged the elf, trying to calm him self.

"Uhm... I know you overheard our conversation awhile ago, if you don't mind, please forget it." Hodfred said to Evaline smirking, otherwise trying hide the embarrassment he felt.

[Shurikai]

"We shall see, Hodfred." Evaline replied simply. Raising an Alfort was tough stuff. Even she almost gave up with Kiyan, thinking she had chosen incorrectly, but there they stood.
When Hodfred asked her to forget what she heard earlier, Evaline rolled her eyes. Hodfred was trying to mask his other emotions with an infuriating smile. "No weapons today. We go in quiet and if we are lucky, we go out the same way. Follow me into the forest, Kiyan will watch our backs." She beckoned Rin and Hodfred to follow her as she walked the path outside the village.

[Thundercat]

A wave of uneasiness overcame Rin as Evaline reminded him that the mother would fight for her cubs. He couldn't help but feel guilty, to take a child from it's mother and raise it as your own. His mind was running. As Evaline beckoned them he followed, and it was obvious he was troubled at the moment. The Head Hunters words made Rin confident in his ability, but not in his mind. He was scared, and couldn't help but somewhat hesitate to move with the group, but he swallowed his fear and pressed onward.

[Krinos Solstice]

Forsythia continued to move among the villagers, offering guidance and advice, as well as teaching the younger ones about The Pure One's teachings. A typical day, a typical village, just as it always was. Eventually she started to glance towards the town entrance, they were taking longer than the year before, she hoped nothing had happened. She cleared her head, no, she couldn't think like that. They were fine, they had the best hunter with them, nothing bad would happen. Forsythia finally made her way back to The Pure One, this time moving to the inner sanctum, the place where she resided like those before her. Her own Alfort greeted her, "Hello Gatz, I missed you as well." she said, petting the animal. She sat on the ground, stroking the male's mane gently, "I'm worried, Gatz, they haven't returned yet. I hope nothing bad happened to them..." she said.

[Shurikai]

Looking back, Evaline saw that only Rin had followed her thus far. It seemed that Hodfred was content to stay within the village. Perhaps he wasn't ready.
It was a short walk to the caves. She had always wondered why only the females made the trek across the mountain. A Kaldio could easily snatch a cub, just as easily as she hoped they could.
"We are here. The cubs will be friendly enough so take your time when you choose one. Kiyan will stay here and I will go with you to the cave to keep watch. Perhaps Hodfred will join us before the end." Evaline said looking back at Rin, "We have a moment before we go. Prepare yourself, we may have to run if the females return early from the hunt."

Kiyan nudged her with his nose, he wanted to go to protect them. Evaline gave him a silent pat. They both knew that if he went with them, it would be disastrous.

[Thundercat]

Rin sighed. He took a moment to prepare himself and collect his thoughts. He wasn't nervous, but only feared that he wouldn't have the heart to capture one of the Alfort, but he knew he was capable. Maybe it could even be a good thing, the bond between Evaline and Kiyan seemed strong. It would be nice to have an Alfort as a companion, they appeared loyal and friendly, and provided a strong bond that would be difficult to break. These thoughts have Rin a smile, and his uneasiness began to fade away. This was supposed to be a special day. He looked to Evaline with confidence in his eyes.

"I'm ready,"

[Shurikai]

"Alright, the females are already out on the hunt and the guardian just passed. Its now or never." Evaline moved forward crouched down. At first slow but started to speed up as she came nearer to the cave. She heard a twig snap and held her hand up to tell Rin to stop where he was. The Alfort that was left behind to guard the cubs stepped out from the tree line, sniffing the air. Heart pounding, Evaline kept very still, but tense enough to run if the female detected them.
Relief washed over her as the Alfort sneezed and continued walking and eventually walked back into the forest. Evaline waved Rin to follow her again once she lost sight of the beast. Once they reached the cave and Rin reached her, she said,
"There shouldn't be any hurry on picking the cub, I will let you know if that changes. Like I said earlier, the cubs will be friendly and curious with you. You will know which cub is the right one for you." With an encouraging smile Evaline waved Rin into the cave.

[Thundercat]

Rin entered the cave, walking cautiously and observing the area around him. He didn't have the guts to enter an Alfort cave until moments ago, but his nervous and uneasy attitude transformed into confidence and poise. The cave wasn't too large, and merely led a short way to a den like area where the Alfort resided. In the middle, about a dozen cubs frolicked about playfully. One had noticed Rin, and approached him delightfully, the others soon began to follow. Rin kneeled down, petting their tiny manes softly. He believed Evaline when she said they'd be friendly, but he didn't imagine this. He fell in love with all of them, it would be impossible to choose.

As the group of Alfort cubs surrounded Rin, some observing him curiously, some gnawing gently at his legs and hands, he looked up and locked eyes with a lone Alfort cub, sitting alone at the end of the den. Rin stood up and began to approach it slowly, but the cub began to back away and seemed to be afraid of him. The other cubs seemed to have grown comfortable with Rin's presence and continued to play with eachother. Rin took a knee, observing the lone cub who had backed all the way up against the cave wall. He extended his arms slowly, and motioned them around as to show he wasn't a threat.

The cubs tiny nose began to move about as it sniffed Rin from afar, and approached him slowly. As it got closer Rin could tell it was a boy. The cub was now right in front of Rin, and sniffed his right hand curiously before giving it a quick lick. Rin began to pet it's chin slowly before moving to it's head and eventually petting it's body gently with both hands. The cubs tail started wagging with excitement before he practically tackled Rin, jumping into his arms. He was much heavier than he seemed to be. Rin carried the cub through the cave amongst the others and eventually outside. He approached Evaline with the cub in his arms and a giant smile on his face and began to laugh as it licked his face.

[Shurikai]

Keeping look out is always boring. Except when its not just your life on the line. Rin was inside with the cubs, Kiyan was watching from a far and could not help unless they made it to him. Kiyan knew he had to get Rin to safety with his pup, even if it meant leaving Evaline behind. With a quick glance behind her, she couldn't see any sign of Rin in the gloom, even though it was early morning. She looked back to the forest with a touch of worry.
When at last she heard footsteps behind her, Evaline turned to see the most adorable Alfort licking on Rin. With the analysis that only comes with practice, she could tell immediately that they would be a good pair. With a satisfied smile she turned toward him to speak a moment but stopped dead.
The moment the laugh escaped Rin's mouth she knew they were in for something bad.
A howl.
Great. The Alfort knew they were there. It was time to get out of there. Already Evaline could feel the rolling rumble of angry Alfort mothers. There was no time to think, only act. She pulled Rin out of the cave mouth and closer to Kiyan.
"Whatever happens, you get to Kiyan. He will carry you and your cub to the village. I will try to draw them away." With a small push, Evaline forced Rin into Kiyan's direction. He knew what he had to do.
The sounds of breaking branches could be heard now. They were getting closer.
"Go!"