Nalaris - The Hunter & The Raven

[Ekaterina]

Once more the Norse found her calling, and as per usual it was by the beconing of position in which it was done. Leaving the castle, she felt uplifted. Many may consider it macabe that she found delight in being hired to hunt a man. Not in the way so many courtly women did, seeking a man of position, power, and wealth to dig their claws into and call their own. Her form of hunting was literal, done by tracking an invidiual down. What was different this time, is that she was told to bring him in alive, usually it was the opposite that was requested of her. None the less, there was joy in her heart, a spring to her walk, and a soft humming of song. It was time to celebrate, although it would be done alone; as per usual. Back to the White Raven she'd return, a bottle of whiskey ordered and claimed for herself, then up to her room she made way to celebrate and look over the maps that were given her.

No glass was needed, upon the bed she sat Indian style with the bottle nestled between naked thighs uncorked and the maps spread out on the bed before her. The bottle would rise and fall as these would be studied intently, taking note of where the mountain range was to the North, since it was stated the one she hunted was noted South of there. Taking note of the villages and cities that rested within this area, as well as the passes that were marked for normal traveling. However, roads were not exactly what she sought, it was more the passages that cut through the mountains and forests, taking note of any caverns listed as well as rivers and lakes. She would also note where the two bodies had been found, and the terraine that surrounded them.

The last of the whiskey drank, the bottle set aside on the table and the maps rolled up. Standing she moved to her few possessions that she carried with her. Having had to leave her 'pets' behind, she still carried the product they produced in tiny viles and jars. These items utilized in anothers demise, and although the man was to be taken alive, there were other things to worry over. The Knight had told her to ignore the fact of the troops that she might encounter; obvious it was the man knew the Nordic woman not. Someone crossed her path that didn't belong, or stood in the way of her task, would become kibbles for the preditors of the wild; she'd not put them on display. These special items were packed carefully in a special made bag she wore on her side. Weapons all cleaned and sharpened, and ensuring a good supply of the smaller darts and bolts she'd carry.

All was ready to be carried to her awaiting mount in the stables. She had several hours in which to relax and get some sleep, and this she would do. For several hours before the coming of dawn, the Norse would be packed out of her room, and all her belongings neatly arranged upon the massive equines back. While the populus rested nestled in the warmth of their bed, she'd be heading out into the coldness of the late Autumn morn. Her and the equines breaths billowed like hot steam against the chill of the early morning air. The grass under the massive horses hooves crunched with their passing, stiff with frost. No hurry was their movements, a meer mosey they might be accused of by any who witnessed their departure. In the distance overhead, the cry of a Raven would ring out. A sound she'd become quite familiar with during her trek, a source of open communication that might or might not be utilized. The Norse was far from a conventional individual, she did things her way and expected no complaints as long as the end results were to everyones favor.

[Ekaterina]

The Hunted – Him or the Stag

The fog of early morn gave him the advantage he would require to survey the invader’s camp. They were a clever bunch, using no fires, eating jerky for food, and using the cold autumn air to chill their ale… But how long could a force continue this without suffering a problem with morale. He would simply smirk at the thought. They were the invaders and were attempting to keep a low profile… he was the resident and lived this way, who could last the longest??


He tugged upon the woolen material that sufficed as a mask to prevent the steam of warm breath chilled by the cold air. Notching an arrow and pulling the string back to his chin, he aimed with expert precision. The deer looked to its left and titled its head. Raven smirked and released the grip upon the string and watched the vehicle of silent death wing its way to the deer’s heart. The large stag dropped where he stood and the hooded man began his trek down the ravine. Food for him and the village!!

Raven froze in his tracks as the noise over the crest increased. “d**n Queen’s men! Can they nay be quiet? One could hear them a league away.” He mumbled and shook his head, simultaneously crouching to hide his approach. As he tugged upon his hood, his eyes narrowed and the pupils dilated at what he saw. There, hidden in wait, before the small band of Queen’s soldiers was an ambush waiting to happen… He quickly notched another arrow, drew the string and fired… the arrow making its way to its target.




Raven’s arrow embedded deep into the first man’s chest, but his cohorts did not stray from their task of attacking the Queen’s soldiers who made their way thru the forest. Raven growled as he stood and stepped from the tree, notching another arrow… As he took aim, he could see that the Queen’s men were totally surprised by the invaders. He fired again, missing one of the attackers, and quickly fired again. The attackers could not see Raven from their viewpoint, but the Ranger could see them very well.

The Queen’s men were quickly cut down and Raven had killed three of the attackers… and when it was all over, the Ranger would hide… and he watched the invaders leave the dead men behind and take his stag for their own… From his hiding place, he spat regarding the invaders and silently cursed them. Shaking his head, he quietly made his way back through the forest, hoping to pick up a trail of another stag.

[Ekaterina]

The Hunter – A hunting we will go……

It took her less than a day to make her way deep into the forested area in which she planned to begin her trek. When she left the city, it would look as if she was embarking upon another of her multiple hunting trips; which she was, just the prey this time was different. Now she set into action to making the appearance of herself and her mount less conspicuous. The cover of a sportsman would be enough to talk her way out of any situation, but still she wished not to be easily seen. The deer pelt cloak would be removed and draped over the horses back for more comfort of a saddle. In its place was now adorned the heavy cloak of earthen hue, something that provided color in which to blend in be it day or night. Even more so now with the autumn colors quickly fading and giving way to the colors of herbal death, as the foliage began to brown and litter the forest floor; of course there were evergreens intermixed. Armor adorned was special made leather, the color of the darkest night, which was worn from the base of neck to the tip of toe. Long flaxen waves had been fashioned into multitudes of tiny braids and drawn back into a bunch and tied with a leather lace at the base of her neck. Cowl pulled up, the hood now hid those golden locks and youthful features.



Slow would be the progress made as they worked their way deeper into the forest. That was until she spotted a trail that was made by something other than the forest wildlife. Dismounting, the reins placed do they'd not drag and catch as the equine followed behind her. She need not give a command, as it was a natural process, developed over the years the two had traveled and fought together. The path would be inspected, and followed with just her eyes at the present. The Sun was just cresting over the horizon, and shadows still clung heavily to the area around her. From this point on she'd be moving on foot, following the tracks that stretched out before her. It was clearly made by a man, in fact, a multitude of them. Many hunters use bait to capture their game, and in hunting a man such would be done the same way.



She traveled the better part of several hours before she came upon an area that had been trampled down, showing that whoever created the path had stopped and gathered in a group at this point. A pause as she moved back to the equine and collected her crossbow and quiver, as well as dart gun and darts before returning to the trodden area. It only took a moment to find the direction they took from here, and it wouldn't be long before she came upon the scene of a blood bath. Crests of the Crown were noted on the many bodies that littered the ground, but there were those who were obviously not in either of the Queen’s employ. This is where the Raven would be put to good use. She'd withdraw the map and find the location of where she now stood, this would be ripped from the rest to make a smaller parchment; if the Quartermaster had a problem with it, and she really didn't care. She'd then move to one of the dead bodies of the Knights and pull free his crest, covered in blood. The part of the map would be attached to the crest, and this would be attached securely to the Raven. The command was given to send the bird on its way. Soon the Dark Queen would learn of this massacre, at least the head Knight Tomas would.



She would then begin to scower the area, and soon a single set of tracks would be found. Just one man, no animal it seemed in tow, like a horse or mule. Crossbow in grasp, she would slowly begin to follow this solitary trail. It could be one of the men who got away from either the Queens Guard, or the invaders, or it could be the very man she was searching for. Slow was her progression because no matter who made the trail ahead, they would more than likely be on guard. An area approached, it was evident that a slaughtered animal rested there, so noted by the entrails that still remained upon the ground. They had long since lost their heat and grown cold and firm upon the forest floor where they laid after the animal had been gutted. The rigidity of the bodies had also told her that the fight took place hours prior to her arrival, so the trail she followed was at least that old.

[Ekaterina]

The Huntress and the Raven

Day in and day out, Raven followed tracks of a medium sized stag… but apparently others were tracking the deer as well… He shook his head and looked to the west at the setting sun… Overhead he heard the screech of a raven and smiled as he looked upward at the magnificent black avian. Some considered the Raven a scavenger and has long been considered a bird of ill omen and of interest of myth and legend. He smirked as he thought his family was linked to the avian somehow.

No matter, he now considered calling it a day and decided to head back to his quarters… the cave in the side of the mountain deep in the forest. His steps were more closely guarded now than before… and no tracks were left for the trained naked eye. It would take someone, or something, much more experienced than he. Staying just off the ridgeline’s crest to avoid casting a silhouette, he kept a keen eye to the ravine, and to the crest. No longer could he stroll through the woods casual and uncaring… No invaders had used his forest as a cover and the Queen’s men had orders to arrest him for what he considered protecting what was his home.

Thinking back upon what occurred this morning, surely he would be blamed for the massacre… He tried to help the men… he tried to warn them… But… it was too late, they walked right into the trap. Stopping near a tree, in a semi-clearing, his green eyes caught something strange across the forest floor…

[Ekaterina]

Death .....

(Warning: Graphic gory nature)

Death .....
(Warning: Graphic gory nature)

The sun was slowly sinking in the sky, and by its positioning she figured she still had several hours in which to continue following the trail. After about an hour of following the single trail, it then changed as it was converged with another set of prints. Either two men came together, or someone else had picked up on the trail she was following. This had her become more cautious and alert as she moved forward, the only sound made was by the equine that followed behind; she had yet been able to teach the beast the art of stealth.

It may have been an hour that passed, perhaps two, when she heard voices ahead on the other side of a small berm. Motioning for the horse to stop, a pat to its nose and a soft whisper before she'd turn and head in the direction of the voices heard. The brush and trees were thick enough to provide her ample cover, as she snuck up on the two men who were hunkered down in a small dried up wash out. For now, she simply listened to what they spoke about, to gain what information she could.

I'm telling you Franklin, we're being hunted by a ghost. There's no way those Knights knew we were coming, yet we had men falling before we approached their camp."

"Calvin, you need to calm down, you're letting your imagination get the better of you. There's no ghost! It was probably a sentry that our scouts missed, or was set after they left."

"You're wrong Frank! What about the two men that were killed and put on display? How do you explain that?"

"It's probably some d**n local trying to get in good with the Royals. Whoever it is, they are too d**n scared to come at us as a group. And soon enough, we'll overthrow the crowns and we'll get our revenge then."

"I hope you're right."

"I know I am. Soon we'll be the military strength here and our laws to be what all will follow, so I'm told. We'll have more food, drink, and women than we'll know what to do with."

"I still think we should be more cautious. We lost too many men in an attack in which no lives should have been lost."

"Calvin, have you fallen and bumped your head? We're at war; lives are going to be lost. Hell, tomorrow it could be you or me."

"I don't plan on dying any time soon!"

"Neither do I, so shut the hell up. Let’s finish our food then we'll find our way back to the hideout."

The Norse listened to the men talk, and quite informative the two were. These must be the men that Tomas spoke about, those whom were not her concern? And the ghost they spoke of? It must be the man she was hunting herself; interesting. She listened for a few more moments, then a plan of action was formed in her head. She might as well have a little fun, gain some information, then continue with her operative.

Taking the dart gun from its placement at her hip, she'd load it with a tiny dart. Usually the ones she used were lethal, but this one was meant to knock them out. The drug upon the tip would render them unconscious, and when they awoke a massive headache they'd have; which would be the least of their worries. The men were off their guard as they sat and chit-chatted between themselves, having removed most of their armor in their moment of rest. This benefited her. From her position she had a clean shot at them both and so the dart gun was lifted to her lips and she'd unleash the first, followed by the second, which would find the soft flesh of both men’s throats.

Both men swatted at the stinging sensation the darts would leave. More like a bee sting or insect bite, a bit painful, but nothing that should draw concern or put them on guard. The drug wasn't fast acting, but the men were about to take care of that for her.

Three figures, two of whom knew nothing of the third, was seen by the Ranger, and one was now trailing the other. Something odd struck him regarding the single entity, even from a distance, he could see the skill that one used in stalking its prey. He canted his head as she produced an odd weapon, and she shot at the men who appeared unharmed. Maybe she missed?! He thought. And as the trio moved out, he followed… at a distance, far paralleling the trio.

Redressing in their armor, they stood and began to walk, doing this would have it act faster than if they were at rest. She followed them a good half mile before they both fell and were rendered unconscious.

The men would awaken a good hour later, their minds foggy from the drug as they slowly became aware of their surroundings. Franklin, who seemed to be the stronger of the two recovered a bit more quickly. His eyes flew open wide and curses flew as he began to struggle and she stood before him wearing the most wicked of grins.

As the two men fell and the third moved to them, he tugged at the hood and the mask, and crouched down. His green cloak and brown woolen trousers would prevent him from being seen and from the cold. From his vantage point he would observe.

"Good morning sunshine." She stated as his eyes fell upon her.

"What the hell! Who are you? What's going on here?" Franklin growled.

While they were both out cold, the Norse had stripped them of everything and bound them both to opposing trees so one could see the other. Naked as the day they were born; their arms tied above their heads, a rope about their throat, mid-section, above the knees and then around the ankles held them in place against the rough bark of the massive pines. When Calvin began to come around, he was staring at her and his naked compadre.

"Frank... What the Fu..." Struggling against his binds. "pregnant dog, cut us down or we'll...."

She turned to look at Calvin. "You'll do what?" Head tilted slightly as she moved over to him and slapped his bare chest with an open hand. "You aren't going to do anything!" Grinning smugly. "Now... you have one of two options ..." She'd step back and look between the two men. "You can die slowly, or I can make it quick and painless. The choice is yours. All you have to do is tell me where the larger portion of your army is hiding."

"Up yours you filthy pregnant dog! When I get loose, I'll make you regret the day you laid eyes upon me!" Franklin barked out.

"Yeah, we'll make you wish you were never borne." Calvin piped in.

This just made the Norse grin all the more, oh how she loved playing with her prey. She moved over to Franklin, he being the stronger of the two, she figured he'd not break down as fast as the other. He fought against the wad of rag she forced into his mouth, but soon enough she got the upper hand, then tied it in place with a strip of leather. She'd then look over at Calvin and grin. "Oh, you'll tell me what I want alright. If not, then you'll suffer a fate far greater than death, that I can assure you!"

Franklin struggled against the gag and ropes to no avail, and Calvin glared at her, trying to intimidate her with his fierce look, which only amused the Viking all the more. "You'll not get a word out of me! You can rot in hell!" He growled.

"Hmm... we'll see." It was then she turned to face Franklin while pulling a dagger from its sheath. "Let me see, where shall I start?" Using the tip of the blade to indicate the areas. "An ear, your nose, a finger, or a toe ... Or..." Wicked was the smile that appeared upon her lips, the look upon her face was cold and one might think the woman to be pure evil. The dagger was lowered to point to between the man’s legs and a glance over to Calvin. "Perhaps I should make him a Eunich, hmm? What do you think?"

Calvin stared in disbelief, but he didn't believe she'd do as she threatened. He spat a large wad of spittle in her direction. "You'll never get away with this. We'll hunt you down and disembowel you!"

And observe he did, to such amazement. He could barely resist the urge to chuckle at the sight of the two men trussed up like turkeys for a King’s feast, and naked as they day they were born. But even more amazing was the observed fact that the lone entity was a woman… not a man as first suspected. And one with an odd beauty about her.

Franklin glared at her, continuing to struggle against his bindings. "So you think I bluff?" She softly tsk tsks and turns grabbing Franklin’s left ear and cuts it off. Franklin screamed, though it didn't sound out due to the gag. Blood began to pour down the side of his head, and she turned with the amputated ear in hand and moved over to Calvin. "I can do this all day, and night. I have no place in particular to be at the moment, and there's no trail to lead any here to find you." She'd take the ear and throw it in Calvin’s face. "Now tell me what I want!"

Calvin cursed at her and began to call out for help. She walked up to him and punched him in the mouth. "Do that again and I'll cut your manhood off, right here and now!" When she stepped back, Calvin spit blood out on the ground from where her fist cut his lip by smashing it against his teeth. "Now, tell me what I want to know."

"Rot in hell wench!" Calvin growled after spitting blood from his mouth again.

She turned to look at Franklin who was glaring at her, yet tears were running down his cheeks. "Aww, did that hurt?" Patting Franklin’s cheek. "Not as badly as this will!" The dagger taken in hand again, and this time she cut Franklin’s nose off. Blood gushed and splattered everywhere as his head shook from side to side. His muffled screams and he began to gag, due to the flow of blood that rushed down the back of his throat. Again she turned to face Calvin, who stared in disbelief and shock. "Now, you going to tell me what I want to know? Save your friend here the agony of having his body parts cut off?"

"What spawn of evil are you?" He yelled out. "Crawl back into the rotted ground you came from."

That had her chuckling as she watched him. "Hmm, so you have no compassion for your friend, what a pity." Slowly she turned and faced Franklin, but stood to the side enough for Calvin to watch. "You'll not be needing this where you'll be going." Her hand reached down and grasped what hung between his legs; which was quite shriveled at the moment due to his pain and fear. A glance over to Calvin. "Last chance, tell me where the main body of your army is!"

Calvin just looked at her in shock, surely the woman was mad, but she'd not go through with such a heinous act. Franklin began to babble, or attempt to, the gag making it impossible for him to utter a word. Her head tilted slightly as she looked upon the stunned Calvin and with an over exaggerated sigh, the dagger in hand was in motion and a scream sounded from Franklin that almost made it through the gag. Even Calvin cried out in horror as he watched her demember his companion and friend of many years. Franklin could no longer endure the pain and passed out, his body going limp against the binds that held him.

From what he could hear from the conversation, nay, more of an interrogation, was she was trying to find out where the invaders were. Again he resisted the urge to chuckle. He knew where the invaders main camp was, but he, alone, could do nothing, especially now he had a warrant for his arrest. But his urges toward humor would soon change as he observed the mutilation performed by the woman. And when she dismembered the first man, Raven cringed… Must be something about a man losing his “pride” that makes all men cringe.

"Oh, what a shame." Said in an almost saddened tone. The piece of flesh she had cut off was dropped to the ground between Franklin’s feet, and she now turned to make her way closer to Calvin. "It's no fun if they aren't awake to enjoy it." Said in a saddened tone. When she moved closer to Calvin, his eyes opened wide with fear. So terrified he was, that he lost control of his bladder and bowels, which had her chuckling just a bit. "Come come now, what's the matter?" Closer she moved to him still she stood at his side. "Looks like I need a new toy to play with. So what will it be? An ear? Nose? Tongue? Or ..." Her dagger would move to tap him between the legs. "I can make you look like him."

Calvin began to whimper and then sob when he felt the fold edge of the blade against his flesh. "Fine! Fine!" He cried out. "They're holed up in a passage up in the mountains, it's riddled with caves." Tears fell as he continued to cry. "Please, now stop this. Let us go!"

She looked at him for a long moment. "Are you lying?" She grabbed Calvin’s member and brought the dagger close, he could feel the metal against his flesh.

"OH GOD, please, no. I'm telling you the truth!" Calvin sobbed.

"War is hell, isn't it!" It was then her hand moved swiftly and dismembered Calvin also, letting the fleshy part fall to the ground. Calvin’s eyes went wide and then he began to scream. "You're being too loud!" It was then her hand came up and the blade would be drawn across his throat, cutting it deeply from one side to the other. His screams then turned into gurgling noises before the silence of death overcame the man. She moved back over to Franklin and cut his throat as well. Once she was sure both men were dead, she cut their bindings and removed them, letting their bodies fall to the ground and lay. Using the leaves and what little grass there was, she cleaned the blade of her dagger and removed any spatter she got upon herself.