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Post by Xentus on May 3, 2024 23:58:30 GMT -6
The bird’s taloned feet met their mark. Xentus was shoved to the ground under the weight of the chiryma, wind knocked from his chest. His vision went blurry for a moment, though in his mind he could hear the golem’s cries. Then, he heard a shrill screech of pain from beyond. A bit of warm blood trickled onto his face and the weight was lifted from his chest. Then, the sound of chase. For a split second, Xentus thought to call upon his pliathor protector. That would be… Excessive force. No, it seemed to be just one protective (or hungry) mother they were dealing with here. There wasn’t anything coming to finish him off, after all. With a groan, the man sat up on the ground, rubbing his shoulder where the bird’s feet impacted.
(I will destroy this heinous creature which dared harm my one), the words came coldly from the golem.
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Post by Xentus on May 3, 2024 23:58:51 GMT -6
Xentus’ heart was stricken with the strangest pang of worry upon hearing those words. Despite being attacked, he didn’t want to take the life of the bird. It wasn’t their goal. He hurt, but pain was tolerable and temporary. Death was not. Another shrill cry resonated through the forest, along with what sounded like gravelly crunching. Xentus collected himself best he could, and followed the sound to its source. The chase hadn’t gone very far, revealing the scene of a bloodied leg within Astraea’s jaws. The chiryma desperately pecked at the golem’s glassy surface, struggling to get free. And a pointed spear of energy began forming, aimed at the bird’s head for when it came for the next peck.
‘Astraea! That is enough.’ As soon as the thought was complete the golem stood down. The bird was released, the elemental vents were sealed, and the golem came to stand by the man’s side.
(Very well.)
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Post by Xentus on May 3, 2024 23:59:20 GMT -6
The chiryma fell to the ground, kicking its legs in a feeble attempt to get back up. Its injuries were deep, piercing wounds through its torso, along with a bloody bite mark left on its leg. It would likely recover, though it might be unable to hunt for a while. Xentus felt bad for it, seeing nothing more than an animal doing what it does naturally. No malice in its actions. He let out a deep breath and turned his attention to his companion.
‘Are you hurt, dear Astraea?’, he asked, looking at the creature’s bloody shell-jaws. (Not in the slightest. The better question is, how hurt are you?)
His back was sore, but he’d live. Hiking back to the city was going to be a long, achy journey. ‘I’ll be fine. Let us find our quarry and be off. Leave the bird, it seems down for the count’, he replied solemnly and turned away to resume following the tracks.
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Post by Xentus on May 3, 2024 23:59:46 GMT -6
He felt somewhat guilty leaving the chiryma alone in a state like that. But, it was in no condition to prevent their claim to its egg at least. Just needed to find that nest. Backtracking to the initial encounter spot, he traced the stalking steps of the mother bird. They led further away from the water than he’d expected, toward a dense patch of ferns. And finally, they’d found it. A collection of branches, feathers, and leaves piled together into a nest. And in it, a single egg. Xentus wasted no time walking over to claim his prize. Whatever the reward for this quest was, it better be worth it for that moment of strife and the bruise he’d surely garner as a memento. The man quickly looked around to see if there was anything potentially coming to jump him again, but it seemed the mother truly was solitary. ‘Well, this is what we came here for... Let us begin our journey back’
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Post by Xentus on May 4, 2024 0:00:13 GMT -6
There was much to talk about on the long way home. That brief experience was a strong reminder of his own mortality, as well as a glimpse at the severity of the bond he had with his guardian. Astraea was ready to slay the chiryma without remorse. Even as he rambled on about how all life was precious, she understood none of it on a fundamental level. His was the only one that mattered to her - all others were meaningless. That cold virtue was scary to realize in this encounter. If he’d called upon the pliathor, it certainly would’ve killed the bird. Any of his other, stronger beasts would have done the same as well. The prospect of them doing so wasn’t nearly so bothersome though. The difference was…
‘Mercy, Astraea’, Xentus said slowly, ‘Life other than my own may not mean anything to you, but you.. Are capable of more than simple bestial instinct. Learn to know when enough is enough. Mercy’ The golem was silent in long contemplation. The city gates weren’t too far away now, beginning to show over the horizon. The sight was a relief. This was over, they’d glean their prize, and be able to fully rest and process the events of the past few days.
(As you wish, o’ bonded mine)
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Post by NPC on May 15, 2024 20:23:56 GMT -6
Congratulations, you have successfully completed the quest! Your QP will be added to the bank, and your prize will be sent out shortly.
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