Nickolas had a lukewarm relationship with walking, but the cart was somehow worse. The first stretch he attempted to tough it out, assuming the ride would get easier once they were further along the road. The rook pulling the cart had dashed those hopes. as it seemed to run across every misaligned brick and wayside pebble in it's path.

Eventually the golden haired boy had decided the inevitable blisters were better than what the cart was doing to his tailbone, and hopped out.

I don't know how he does it. Nickolas mused while staring at Marious.

The young healer had thrown himself atop a pile of grain bags. Nickolas heard him snoring before they had even left the gate. The rough ride did not seem to disturb the boy's sleep at all, stirring Nickolas's jealously.

Marious had not even seemed nervous about the trip, though Nickolas did see him flex his fingers while explaining the situation to Chief Hevta, and Bycia. He hadn't dropped his nervous habit despite knowing it gave away his mood. However, once the women had accepted him with a laugh, he had jumped in the cart without a worry in his head.

In many ways Nickolas was grateful to his friend. His nonchalant attitude towards following them to the Green helped steady some of the other men's fears. For Nickolas, the presence of his childhood friend was a welcome surprise. One he hoped he could turn into a serious advantage once they reached the orc city.

That was a many days away however.

Days Nickolas would spend walking.

There has to be a spell I could use for this. he thought as his feet trod the brick road, carts clattering all around. Could I make bubbles of air around my boots? Coast along? No, couldn't guarantee I would stay upright. Maybe a flat board of ice I could stand on, but it would be hard to keep straight, and impossible to go uphill at all. Ice board combined with wind spell? Too crowded to get a good wind going. If it was strong enough to push me it would bother people anyway. What if-

He was torn from his thoughts by Necun landing beside him, sending stones flying away as she did, and grabbing his arm to steady herself. She nearly toppled him over before her feet got proper traction sliding on the bricks. Nickolas's free arm wheeled out in a desperate attempt to balance himself, and he let out an undignified squeal of surprise. The orc Hunter responded by slipping in front of Nickolas, and gripping his other arm before stopping them both.

Necun stood panting, her face flushed as she stared down at Nickolas with concern. The Warden's son was just as flustered, face crimson as he stared back up at his wife with a mixture of shock, and embarrassment.

“Why?” he squeaked out, lacking any other salient question.

The orc swallowed, her blush deepening, and opened her mouth to reply. She was interrupted by the rook behind Nickolas lowing a warning, causing her to start backing up, half dragging the Mage along with her.

“I can walk on my own fine Necun.” Nickolas said, regaining his composure. “Just set me down. Why did you feel the need to jump like that instead of just walking like a normal person?”

He broke free of her grip and started walking again, turning his face in a vain attempt at hiding the blush from his wife. Walking next to him, Necun clicked her teeth a few times in embarrassment before answering.

“I, uh, don't like being restricted like this.” she admited. “The fortress was better. As hard as stone is to climb at least it isn't so...open.”

As Necun glanced around at the mild slopes of the pass Nickolas noticed the shudder going up her spine.

“I would think the open sky would be worse.” Nickolas admitted. “Is it true it's impossible to see the sun in the Deep?”

“It's not quite like that.” Necun replied with a chuckle. “We can tell day from night as well as you, and there are a few spots that are clear, and open. We're just not used to so much empty.”

Nickolas watched his wife gesture around at the rolling rocky walls of the pass with a raised eyebrow.

“Empty?” he asked, amused. “Necun this pass is barely able to fit two carts, we are not out in the open.”

“Eagh, don't get me started on those fields of yours.” the Night Hunter said, shuddering. “I heard the horror stories from some of the regular traders before I came. Is it true you can see someone from entire leagues away? Even animals?”

“Individuals?” Nickolas asked, holding back laughter. “Sometimes. It depends on where they're standing. I once saw a sheppard herd her flock from two leagues away. It was like a swarm of gray dots flowing off a hillside.”

As he reminisced over the memory he noticed Necun had closed her eyes. She took a few deep breaths before continuing.

“How can you stand it?” she asked, exasperated. “Being exposed like this? In the open? Where anything could spot you before you had a rotting chance?”

“Knowing that any beast will be run down by a pack of overeager, overarmored, pack of muscleheaded Knights.” Nickolas responded immediately. “And that anything that survives the resulting storm of arrows, spearheads, and women jumping in to wrestle it to the ground to prove their prowess, will be drowned in magical fire.”

“Remember that my people fight in swarms my mighty Night Hunter.” he continued, face breaking out into a fierce grin. “It's amazing the force you can bring to bear in an open field. No way to sneak into the flank, no way to hide, and running just tires you out. Worst case for a single beast? It eats some livestock, perhaps an unlucky field hand, then it dies and the local village feasts for a ten days straight.”

They walked in silence for a moment, Necun staring at her companion.

Then she leaned in and kissed him, pulling his face up and cupping his chin. Her tusks brushed against his cheeks, and she briefly bit his lower lip before pulling away. Leaving Nickolas breathless.

Nickolas cleared his throat, and turned away again to hide his deepening blush.

“Why? Was that?” he blurted out before clearing his throat. “What was that for?”

“You had battle glimmer in your eyes.” Necun explained. “Would have done more than kiss, but we have to keep up with the carts. Sorry.”

“Battle glimmer?” he asked, genuinely confused.

“When men get the glimmer?” Necun replied. “That dreamy look men get when thinking of women in combat. Do you not use the term? It's the best time for a...romantic gesture.”

It's like a tournament love token. Nickolas thought to himself. Women showing off for swooning men. Did she think I was admiring Knights too much and get jealous?

“Um. No. I've never heard of that before.” Nickolas explained. “But men usually only see fighting during tournaments, or the sparring grounds. Unless he's a War Mage of course, but we're used to violence.”

Necun glanced at his robes, the colorful streaks marking his rank as a War Mage.

“Experienced War Mage's anyway.” he amended. “I only saw limited combat. A few monster's who got close to the walls that I fried with fire or lightning.”

“You never fought outside the walls?” Necun asked surprised.

“Not a real fight.” the Mage admitted. “Duels. A brigand attack. Nothing with my life on the line. I'm hoping to fix that once we're settled in together.”

Necun's head whipped around in alarm. Her eyes burned with concern as she studied his face.

“I won't rush into things.” Nickolas said, cutting off her objections. “I'll take it slow, and make sure I'm prepared for the dangers. I just want to experience the hunt for myself.”

He held out his hand and ran a finger over the small circle of silver he kept attached to his robe. It sparked, a rune forming just above his fingers, before blossoming into a small flame.

“I'm capable Necun.” he said quietly. “You saw that yourself. If I'm careful and prepare there is nothing to fear.”

Necun clicked her tusks, it didn't sound as playful to Nickolas as it had before.

“There is always something to fear on a hunt.” she growled out. “Preparing just gives you a fighting chance. Being clever isn't enough. Being brave isn't enough. Being lucky isn't enough.”

Necun let out a long breath from her nose. Glancing down at Nickolas again she placed her hand on his shoulder.

“But I won't stop you.” she said. “If you want to hunt, or join the defensive pods, I will support you as best I can. It would be...unfair otherwise.”

Nickolas released a breath he didn't realize he was holding in.

“I understand it will be dangerous.” he said seriously. “I know I've been sheltered from the worst of even Blightstone's battles, and we have the walls to simplify things. When I go out. When I join the hunts, or the defensive squads, it will be when we both agree I'm ready.”

He smiled and placed his hand on hers. Fingers tracing her knuckles as he digested the idea of joining monster hunts. Earning a place amongst the Hunters would be difficult, but he was confident in his abilities. Magically he was second to none, which left the matter of the Green itself.

“Adorable.” a voice broke in from behind.

Nickolas glanced behind him as Necun withdrew her hand. Kella was approaching the pair, overtaking the rook that was closing on them.

Kella tossed a strip of jerky to Necun before taking a bite of her own portion. As she grinned around the salted meat Nickolas returned his eyes to the cart in front of them, they had slowed down, and he could hear voices carrying around the corner ahead.

“We're forming up soon.” Kella said. “Breaks over. We're going back home.”

Necun released a chuckle deep in her chest.

“Have you seen the Green before, my bond?” she asked. “A proper view? I couldn't believe it when I saw it from the hill.”

“Never went this far out no.” Nickolas replied. “It's supposed to be breathtaking.”

Necun locked arms with him, pulling him close.

“Get ready then, it's right around the corner.” she said, excitedly.

The cart ahead of them sped up again, wheels clattering over worn gray stone. The din of voices increased, excitement, and wonder, and fear all at once.

Nickolas felt his throat dry, his nerves kicking in as the corner neared. He saw a flash of colour sticking out of the side of the slope, green cloth fluttering in the breeze. It was a warning. The Green was ahead.

As the rook pulling the cart ahead passed the cloth it snorted and stomped it's hooves into the stone before being dragged forward by a burly orc handler. With the cart gone the path opened up, and Nickolas sped up his pace. He passed the fluttering cloth, his vision growing narrow as he braced for what he knew he would find.

The horizon exploded outward.

Green.

So much Green.

The slope they were standing on flowed downwards, the path winding down until it slammed into an endless rolling abyss of Green.

Nickolas froze, his entire body seizing up as his eyes flashed around, searching for a reference point that didn't exist.

The plant life at the base of the slope maintained the sane proportions he was used to, but they were soon overshadowed by the towering trees. Even those great towering giants, far taller than any tree he had ever witnessed, were mere children compared to the abominations he saw a half a league behind them. Dimly, he realized the forest was actually at it's densest near the rocky grounds that marked the beginning of the mountain. The smaller trees bereft of good soil had stunted, unable to choke out their neighbors as they grasped at the sky.

All it meant was that they covered the great trunks of the monsters that rose and rose, blending together into what could only be called the Green.

Nickolas could sooner understand every stone, every craggy patch of dirt of Blightstone mountain then comprehend the enormity of the forest he could witness on this meager slope. His eyes blinked despite themselves, and he realized he was crying.

A tug on his arm tore the moment like wet parchment, and he whipped his head to the side. Snapping his eyes closed helped, as did taking a few deep breaths. He allowed Necun to guide him out of the way of the cart behind, no doubt taking him to the others who were stunned by the sight.

His breathing steadied, and he peaked again through lidded eyes.

No horizon.

Just endless Green reaching up and up and up and up.

Nickolas shut his eyes tight again, pushing his face into Necun's arm. Her fingers found his hair and started to stroke gently. As his breathing steadied he reached up to wipe away the tears with a sleeve.

“Shh. Shh.” Necun whispered. “It's alright Nickolas.”

Nickolas realized just how strange his named sounded on his wife's lips. He wondered if she thought the same when he spoke her's.

“Everyone has this reaction you know.” she continued. “That's why they have this rest stop. There's another further down, for when we come out of the Green for the first time and see how wide the sky is.”

Though his wife's damaged armor he could feel the dull rumble as she began to chuckle again.

“I still can't look up you know.” Necun said, voice soft. “Not during the day. I said before we know of the sky, but not like this. Not so much all at once. It feels like I'm falling into it.”

The words sent a jolt through Nickolas. A pain stained memory resurfacing. His day at the river.

Sneaking out had always been impossible, but he could always find an excuse to go on some errand or other outside the fortress. His mother had trusted him enough once he could cast properly, and Knights and trainees would be shadowing his every step in any case. He discovered early on that he could take a detour or two without his handlers raising a fuss.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Swimming had always fascinated him, and he was eager to try jumping in one of the cool mountain rivers that divided up the mountains slopes. The guards didn't mind this distraction. It was a relaxing break from tirelessly patrolling, or hunting for a roaming monster.

They warned him repeatedly to go in slow, always keep his feet on the solid stones in the shallow end. He half listened to their advice as he sloshed into the river dressed in his underclothes. The current was stronger than he imagined, and the water was freezing. As he settled into the waist high water, the stones slippery under his feet, he was tempted into taking one step too many.

The shallows dropped off suddenly. His other foot had no traction on the stones and he was pulled into the deep. In a heartbeat the light disappeared, he was pulled under, floundering, shutting his eyes tight to keep the freezing water out. He bounced off the rocky riverbed, his skin sliced, leaving wounds that bled freely into the clear water.

Until an arm plunged in, gripping tight enough to bruise, and hauling him from the deep current.

The moments overlapped. Here in the present Nickolas was experiencing a similar shock, though not as urgent. That moment in the cold water, not knowing which way was up. The world suddenly turned hostile. All frames of reference shattered.

He understood now why the orc's home was called the Deep Green. There was no other term that could fit. This couldn't be called a forest, not like those tame patches of plants in the heartlands. This was the Green because it was the Green. The word couldn't even contain the enormity of what it was, not even close. No language could fit it.

Around him he heard labored breathing, even whimpering. Not all of it sounded human.

I have to look. he realized. I need to see, I'll never get another chance.

Pulling away from his wife he forced his eyes open.

So big.

Too big.

It just goes on forever.

Nickolas let his eyes lose focus. It was enough to let him start processing the vastness of the Green without the details breaking him. Necun's grip on his arm stayed firm, it kept him grounded as he stared, unblinking.

“It's beautiful isn't it?” Necun murmured beside him.

It is. Nickolas thought blearily. It's terrible, and enormous, and wrong, but it's beautiful.

The great trees of the Green were not stationary. Now that he was truly looking Nickolas could see how the wind caused parts of the Green to sway, and flow. In other places he noticed the subtle shift of color and shadows that indicated a hill, or valley.

Somewhere in this expanse was his new home. Before now an abstract. A goal.

He understood now. Just slightly. What an enormous decision he had made.

Tears flowed freely, and a smile slowly formed on the young Mage's face.

----------------------------------------

Necun kept careful watch of her bond as he witnessed the Green for the first time.

It wasn't a proper introduction. That was several bells ahead of them, when they passed the stunted children of the Giants, and hid below their comforting shade. She itched for the comfort. To blend in properly, and slink in the shadows like a proper Hunter should. Until then she comforted herself with Nickolas's company.

She was deeply amused by how grumpy her bond had been over walking. Doubly so because he refused the convenience of the cart due to it being slightly too bumpy for him. It had taken exceptional willpower not to tease her pampered Mage the whole way, but she kept in mind that he might still be upset with her over the Bycia conversation.

And her nearly pulling him over with a botched landing from a simple jump didn't help.

Necun blamed the wine. The throbbing in her head had gotten better, but the jump was still far cruder than normal, even on the unrelenting stone that she leapt from.

The sight of the Green helped clear her head far more than the walk. An endless expanse of proper colour, not like this gray blue wasteland the humans seemed to love. Even if seeing it from this angle, not perched on a tall branch after a satisfying climb, made her eyes go funny.

Nickolas's reaction had been more than she expected, though every tithed male who dared to look was similarly shaken. The welling of shocked tears might have been strange to Necun before she had experienced the horror of seeing the entire naked sky. She still couldn't look up for too long.

Currently he was forcing himself to look at the enormity of the Green, tears flowing like a stream, because her bond was both brave, as well as stubborn. It made her heart beat just a little faster, and she squeezed his shoulder gently.

Tests of bravery were common enough. There was no shame in the occasional failure, for who didn't know deep terror now and again? It was the tests one set for yourself that truly made or broke Hunters. Nickolas clearly understood, and was determined to pass his test here. She was privileged to see this so soon into their bond.

Taking a moment she eyed Kella, who was watching her own bond recovering from the sight. Around the resting area the same situation was playing out. Freshly bonded Hunters overlooking their bonds in various states of distress.

None save her were touching their bonds however. It seemed most of the men were still too skittish, and this was not the moment to start building that part of the bond. Once again Necun thanked her luck. Relieved she managed to bond with her golden haired lover. His choosing to be in the tithe simplified things, and their night together had shown how committed he was to her already.

He had even accepted her kiss when he was speaking dreamily of battle, which caused a flutter in her stomach.

Most of the other men would come around in time, their bonds working to woo them over the next cycle. She wouldn't slack in this regard, she didn't dare, but she also had a significant head start that she wouldn't hesitate to utilize.

The other Hunters would grumble, but everyone knew they would do the same in her place.

Bycia caught her eye, flashing a hand signal. They were going to get the caravan moving soon. Any men who were still stunned from the sight would be carefully nudged into carts where the sight of the Green would be cut off until they were under the canopy.

Nickolas was still staring so Necun gave him a small nudge. With eyes blinking hard he tore his gaze away, staring again at the rocky ground.

“We're moving soon.” she informed her bond. “Can you help get the men who can't walk into a cart?”

Nickolas nodded slowly while wiping tears off his cheeks, still blinking.

“Has Marious moved?” he asked, voice slightly rasping.

A loud snore was their answer, and she saw a laugh bubble out of her bond.

“Oh, we must look like a bunch of helpless fools.” he snorted out, eyes now dry but puffy, hair whipping in the wind. “Caught on the back foot, floundering, over a bunch of over-sized trees.”

“No? No.” Necun replied. “I was admiring how brave you were. When you were stunned by the sight you set yourself to look at it harder. To face what you did not understand. It is a Hunter's bravery.”

A perplexed look crossed the blonde's face, and then he pulled away slightly.

“I just...” he said softly. “I just needed to know.”

He glanced over at the other men, some already being coaxed into carts as the caravan started back up.

“I'll go help.” Nickolas said more resolutely. “We're falling behind anyway, and the first night will be difficult as it is. Do you need to leave soon? To join the other Hunter's?”

“We need to get ready before we're under the canopy.” Necun confirmed. “The main pod will form up, and enter first. They'll keep the path clear, or warn us if we need to go around something nasty. I'll be in the second pod, we'll be staying closer in case anything was waiting for the caravan.”

“So I might get to see you in action?” Nickolas said, pulling Necun's hand up to cup his face.

“You will.” Necun admitted with a blush. “The caravan's a tempting target. Too tempting for all but the most cowardly beasts. The main pod will just keep the worst off us. There will still be enough glory for everyone.”

“Even if we lose a bit of sleep.” she added at the end.

“Well I'll keep the bedroll warm each night.” Nickolas said with an exaggerated sigh. “So you'll have something to look forward to.”

At a loss for words, and with the treat of her blush growing too obvious, Necun leaned down for a deep kiss.

He's so soft. she thought once again. Just soft, and warm, and comfortable. Like he's meant to fit in my arms. Like he's meant to accept my kiss.

She took a moment to bite his lower lip in an act of possessiveness before pulling away.

“I'll bring back a trophy.” Necun promised. “For your hair.”

Without watching his reaction, she turned and loped away to find her pod leader. Her steps felt lighter than they had been all day.

Finding Bycia wasn't difficult, but then it was difficult for orcs to hide in the gray open terrain. She was standing on a set of craggy boulders alongside ten other pod members. Necun would be the twelfth, the proper size for a protection pod.

On her approach Necun sparked her aura for another jump, leaping off the rocky ground to land atop a rock near Bycia. She had to flare her aura again to stick the landing, eliciting a raised eyebrow of the older orc, but it was better than falling on her rear because the boulder turned out to be too slick.

With her arrival the Hunters stood up from their crouched positions, Bycia herself squaring her shoulders.

“Ladies.” Bycia rumbled. “Today is the start of the long march. Hope you enjoyed the festivities, because this might be the hardest hunt you've ever been part of.”

The pod leader slowly moved her head, meeting each of her Hunters in the eye before continuing.

“That includes the march here by the way.” she added. “Did you think it was a pain in your neck protecting those squishy rooks alerting every beast for leagues? Waiting around in an exposed position because the carts have to be moved over some roots? Dealing with a frenzied swarm of fliers, because some blood was spilled? This is going to be that, but far, far worse.”

“Those cute boys we picked up for the tithe don't know the Green.” she added, tapping her axe with her nails. “They don't know how to be quiet, or blend in. They'll stink of fear the whole way, and the instant they see a beast get close they'll panic. In some ways the new rooks will be better. At least we can risk them if things get rough. We don't have that option with the men obviously, which means if something goes wrong you will put yourself between them and whatever sharp fanged rotspawn mistakes them for a snack. We have never lost a tithe man. I'm not going to be the one to break that record. Even if we have to pay the price in blood to keep it.”

There were nods, and murmurs of approval. What Hunter wouldn't give up their life to protect a cute boy? It was basic sense to a Hunter, and half the reason a girl was chosen to become one. Abandoning a man to the claws of a beast? No woman would stomach a peer who made that decision, let alone a Hunter.

A hand was raised by a woman Necun didn't recognize.

“How many are staying with the caravans?” the woman asked. “Can we at least expect them to take out anything small that slips by?”

“The caravan folk are equipped well enough for some critters.” Bycia replied. “But we can't rely on that. Not if we want to make it home with minimal casualties. This is a proactive defense. Kill everything while it's distracted by the sounds of the caravan. Preferably before they get within sight of the carts themselves.”

The gathered Hunters knew better than to groan. As tempting as it was.

“With that in mind we're going to be operating the moment we're under the canopy.” Bycia continued. “Hand signs, and climbing hooks the whole way. No relaxing until we hit the campsite.”

Necun pulled the long climbing hook from her bag. As she fastened the worn leather to her hand with familiar moments, she felt a sense of calm wash over her.

This was just another hunt. A stressful hunt to be sure, but she had handled those before. Her other concerns slipped away as she tested the edge of the long steel hook. It following the curve of her wrist, and protruded just beyond her fingers, ending in a double prong.

The older Hunters called her generation pampered. They had to make do with iron hooks, or sometimes even wood, or tin. The new steel was far superior, sinking into the bark easily, and bending far less even when holding her full weight. With these a Hunter could cling to the side of a tree from dawn to nightfall, no aura required.

She flexed her hand to settle the glove in place before checking the rest of her kit once again. The axe had been chipped on the tower's floor which would continue to annoy her for the remainder of the journey, but the rest of her equipment was well maintained. Save for her poor pitted armor which still would require serious repair.

Around her the rest of the pod were finishing simpler checks, as well as passing around the face paint. A fiery haired orc who looked slightly older than Kella tossed her an open jar. Necun decided on the face of ferocity. First dipping her fingers in each side of the jar she began to cover her face in harsh streaks of black, and red. Each stroke terminated in a wicked point, or curved back in like a hook. She carefully worked down her cheeks, and slightly into the neckline to complete the effect. The finishing stroke was on her forehead, where she placed the sigil of bloody fangs.

A declaration of intent if ever there was one.

No sooner had she resealed the jar and tossed it back they were off. The pod moved with Bycia, forming up behind the freshly painted leader as they made for the treeline with haste. With each step their speed increased until they were leaping from rock to rock. Flares of aura came in a moment later as Hunters around Necun pushed themselves to greater speed. The slope blurred under their feet, and in moments they were among the stunted Giants that marked the edge of the Green.

Bycia changed direction, and without conscious thought Necun followed suit. She lashed out with a hand, steel bit into bark, and she swung around, her boots whipping through the air, before pushing off against another tree. They were in their element. The Green was their home.

And they were Hunters.

Shortly after they entered Bycia sent up the signal to halt. Necun automatically repeated the gesture for the woman behind her, and a few heartbeats later they convened on a trio of stunted trees. A few Hunters found perches on branches of the stunted Giants. Others, like Necun, simply hung off the side of the trunks. Bycia sent out another rippling set of hand signs.

Stay.

Watch.

Follow.

Each of the Hunters settled in to watch the narrow path. The first few moments entering the Green were particularly dangerous. Sometimes great beasts would be too timid to escape the cover of the canopy, yet eager to devour any creature that returned. Combined with the sudden dimming of the light, something even Necun's eyes would need time to adjust to, made for very well fed scavengers on the edge of the mountain.

Taking a moment to relax, Necun began to breath deeply.

They were still in rain season, though the temperature would be rising over the next moon as dry season fast approached. She could smell the dampness of the air, the fresh scent of new growth, and life just emerging. It smelled like new beginnings, new challenges. A season of expansion, and return.

When they returned the seeds would planted in the basins, the gardeners retiring for a rest. The Scavenger teams had been manic, searching for the new growth patches, and feeding grounds of the smaller critters. Empty storerooms and warehouses had been cleaned and cataloged. Ready for both their trade caravan, and the early fruits of the Scavenger's labor.

It was always a happy time for Necun's people. A season of energy, and mirth. Optimism catching like a disease, and spreading to every level of the great city.

This was the first rain season Necun had spent away from the city, and the thought caused a tightness in her stomach.

There was movement in the undergrowth. A swarm of beetles fled, seeking shelter in other bushes. Bycia sent a signal.

Check that out.

Another Hunter signed an affirmative and dropped. Halfway down she flared her aura, and caught a passing branch. It bent, creaking as it slowed the woman's fall until she was hanging off it, bobbing slowly. She watched the bush for movement, but whatever had spooked the beetles had gone still.

Her hook twisted, releasing the branch, and the woman dropped the the muddy ground a few strides away from the bush.

Movement exploded as a brown furred shape bolted away from the black clad Hunter.

The woman responded by tossing a dart from her belt, it struck true on the beast's rear leg mid leap. When the beast touched the root it was aiming for it prepped for another leap the leg gave out. The beast grunted in pain as it stumbled.

Already giving chase, the Hunter didn't pass on the opportunity. Her axe found it's other leg before it could adjust for another attempt at escape. Blood sprayed out in an arc, and the creature thrashed in distress, barely yanking its leg free.

Wheeling suddenly, it attempted to claw out the Hunter's neck. Wicked claws flashed, glowing slightly as the beast activated what aura it could manage. The woman backstepped, using her axe, now writhing with a dull green light from her own aura, to deflect the blow.

Realizing escape was impossible the predator began lashing out wildly. Three sets of fangs flashed in it's chomping jaw in a quiet display of ferocity.

Until an axe smashed into the back of the beast's neck, and the brown furred creature fell limp with a wheezing exhale.

The second Hunter signaled the first from her perch above the fight.

Sloppy.

Noisy.

Do better.

The woman on the forest floor nodded with a pained expression. Then she flicked the blood off her gear, and took to the trees once more, rejoining the pod.

Necun signaled a thought.

Take pelt?

Bycia signed a negative, then added to it.

Too heavy.

Gather tomorrow.

After camp.

Necun signaled an affirmative, she had assumed as much, but wanted it spelled out for the whole pod just in case. Skinning and cleaning the meat of every beast they came across was common practice. Normally meat would only be abandoned if it was rotted, or other more dangerous predators challenged them for the corpse. At this time however they simply couldn't afford to slow themselves down with the process. Nor did they have the extra storage for meat. As the journey went on there would be room opened up in the carts as rations were eaten, and supplies were used.

Still, abandoning this much meat rankled. It also meant scavengers would be attracted to their trail the whole way. Dangerous.

As the pod was pondering the thought the caravan started up it's journey down the slope. The Hunters couldn't see the trundling line of carts anymore. Even this shallow into the trees sight was limited to a few hundred strides at the best, and often as low as twenty. However their keen hearing, already focused, and searching for threats, easily detected the creaking carts with their lowing rooks.

The caravan workers had gone silent. Though they were traders they still understood the dangers of the Green all too well. They had explained this to the humans, impressing the dangers noise could bring once they were away from the barren mountain.

Necun smirked slightly, thinking of the blundering Knight who followed her bond around. She would have to stow away her armor, or the metal components at least. There had been an argument over that. One quickly settled by pointing out any beast who didn't hear her clattering around in the underbrush was one less she would have to fight. In truth it would make little difference over the general din of the moving caravan, but caravan Traders were always cautious. They trusted the pods of Hunters to keep them safe far more than a clumsy human Knight anyway.

The caravan would meet the treeline after a meandering trip down the slope, not the longest wait Necun had endured, but longer than usual. She set her weight carefully, finding good footing to let her hand rest when needed.

Then an otherworldly scream tore through the trees.

Twelve heads swiveled, peering in the direction of the disruption. A wave of motion had begun deeper in the Green, as everything with legs fled from the source of the noise.

It seemed the lead pod had discovered a problem.