Eril's Story

Day 19

Balar, Cyrith and I were in good spirits when we awoke. The day was bright and clear, the buildings charming, and the inhabitants welcoming. These townspeople lived in the last bastion that civilization had progressed to in the West, and while there were plenty of small tribes and settlements further on, the culture and influence of the kingdoms became less apparent as people made their own ways in untamed lands.

The ecosystem on this side of the mountain range was also quite different. In contrast, this was a land covered by large swathes of conifer forests, forming thick walls of green that couldn't be seen through, darkness always lingering beneath their branches.

Before we left, a rough map of the surrounding areas was purchased from an ancient looking man who was tending to a few dairy animals, apparently also partaking in jaunts as an amateur cartographer in his free time. Balar assured us that he knew the territory, I still studied the map as we left town. After a while I stashed it with a few other scraps and writing materials I kept in my pack, and turned my attention towards getting to know my fellow hunters, who I would be walking with for quite some time.

Balar was a descendant of Tidor, one of the founders of Adura, a few generations removed. Over time their family tree had been further distancing from life in the mountain, much preferring the open air, sharing the land with animals and wandering peoples. He had grown up with a similar sentiment, choosing to spend much time abroad, though family and certain responsibilities kept him living in the city.

He said that he always felt much more alive amongst the trees, that it was where he felt most inspired, and where the best ideas came from. I could sense the weight he carried, choosing the sacrifice of living in Adura over giving into the desire of being alone as a wanderer. There was a quiet dignity to it, and he seemed to have found a balance that brought peace - walking with a strong measured stride, articulate and wise.

Cyrith on the hand was almost as polar as you could find. Boisterous, speaking much with not much being said, she was an opinionated person, as only those of youth are capable of. It added an energy to the dynamic of the small group and banter abounded.

We picked a route that led along a large stream and continued yet further West. Ultimately, we were after a raptor, a vicious predator that hunted near these parts. The land teamed with life, the predators were always on the hunt, humans then culled the predators, thus harmony was maintained.

From what Balar explained raptors were tricky, stalking their prey alone or in pairs - ruthless creatures that ran swiftly on two legs, claws sharp enough to cut a person in two.

To take one down was a task that required precision, teamwork, and plenty of courage - the latter being the most important. Hunters were adequately rewarded for such a feat, as various parts of the animal could be sold - there was a cultural admiration of such items, being worn proudly and incorporated into clothing. Money was rarely the primary motivator for one to hunt though, most sought it out as a right of passage or to protect their lands and loved ones, the exceptions being the more reckless sort who made it their craft.

All the while we walked and conversed, the forest grew more wild and more dense. Our route was fortuitous being next to the stream, as we were able to avoid some of the thickets and shrubs that grew abundantly among the trunks. The land around was ablaze with animal activity, big and small, compounding with the sound of the creek, leaving no option for silence as cries rang out from all directions.

This certainly would be a prime place to hunt a raptor. Plenty of food, they were sure to be around. I was alert, thankfully the visibility was fairly good, and both Balar and Cyrith seemed unconcerned, which calmed me.

In the evening we made camp in an open clearing, built a large fire to keep back the night and slept.