Active Fangs of Honor, A Knights Journey

The Underbelly sprawled beneath the rise of Ryke’s towering capital like an oil stain, a murky web of alleys and sun-starved streets stitched together by shadows. Here, where the morning light was thin and tarnished, seeping through layers of grime that clung to crooked rooftops, deals were struck with whispers and coins glinted in quick hands, eager to vanish. The heart of the city thrummed with the hum of secrets and the subtle stink of desperation, and yet, on the outskirts—just where light dared to nudge the edges of the darkened maze—was where the refuse often found itself spat out.

It was here, on the rough border where the cobblestone gave way to wild earth, that a large black wolf lay slumped against the wall of an old, crumbling tavern, its weathered sign barely legible. Hideki was no ordinary beast, yet to the hasty gaze of those who passed by, he was just that—a starving creature, ribs pressing against matted fur, eyes sharp yet haunted, and altogether too proud to beg. His coat, a dark shadow clinging to him like a tattered cloak, held the luster of a night stripped of stars, catching the light only when he moved.

“Get out of here, mongrel!” A boot jabbed his side, sending him stumbling onto his paws. Hideki let out a low, guttural growl, though he kept it muffled—his protests were as useless as they were inaudible. A dozen times he had tried to speak, to let his words cut through the stale air and claim his name, his purpose. But his voice had been stolen by the curse that had trapped him in this forsaken form, his words as mute as a ghost’s.

He huffed, a long-suffering sigh rattling from his chest as he lowered his head and slunk away, retreating along the narrow, dirt-rutted path. People here feared him, recoiling from his size, the way his eyes burned with unnatural intelligence. But it wasn’t just fear that kept them distant; it was the indifference bred in places like this. He was nothing to them, a stray, a specter of the underworld, hardly worth a glance.

Each step took him further from the tavern, and soon the cracked cobblestones gave way to the sparse, wild grass that clung to the town’s edge, where the twisted buildings were fewer and the sound of city life softened to a murmur. Here, at least, he could pause and breathe, his golden eyes narrowing as he watched the city’s silhouette stand against the sky.

Here, where the cobblestones surrendered to thin, untamed grass, Hideki paused. He stared into the distance, toward the capital beyond, his gaze softened by something close to longing. For somewhere in this strange land, there must be a place, a purpose. He had been cursed due to his ego. And this world had worked to temper his Ego down. But it had yet to reach the quiet ember of his will. In this cursed body, he was learning patience, endurance, qualities he had once taken for granted. There was still a path ahead, one that stretched far beyond the borders of The Underbelly, whispering of something worthy, something noble.

For all the grit and hostility of this place, he felt the familiar tug of resolve. Somewhere in this world, answers awaited him. And until he found them, he would endure, like stone beneath a river, unmoved by the current of disdain that surrounded him. He would find his way back to Ayumi. But it sure would help to have someone to speak for him. The wolf snorted, as he considered the option of playing "The good Boy". He sat quietly just outside of town, trying not to bother anyone in particular. Though it might be hard to miss the very large shaggy black wolf that looked as if he were starving.

---

Crescent King

As he made his way through the damp dark alleyways of the Underbelly Cassian let out a remorseful sigh. A whirlpool of emotions whirled inside of him as he carried a wooden box containing his mother's ashes, one of the many victims to the harsh environment of the Underbelly. He felt relief that she no longer suffered and excitement to finally leave this place, but sadness also swelled within him knowing he would never see her again.

He rounded a corner and bumped into another resident, offering nothing except a light grunt as he continued on his way. The stranger turned and threw his hands in the air while yelling at Cassian to mind where he was going, but Cassian did not acknowledge the insults being flung his way. After a moment he stopped at a small stall and threw a few coins on the cracked and rotting wood. “A bag of dried jerky, for the road.” The owner of the stall nodded and slid a wrapped bundle of jerky toward Cassian, who then stuffed it into the pouch on his waist.

He trudged on toward the outskirts of the sprawling hell that was the Underbelly, looking ever forward as he marched on. His mother's final words echoed in his mind as he made it to the edge of the city. “Leave this place, find happiness my son.” He clenched the box tightly in his arms as he took another step, leaving the Underbelly behind. Determination set in as he took step after step forward, eventually finding himself further and further away.

Cassian squinted at something in the distance that resembled a pile of black fur, an animal of some kind it seemed. Curiosity got the better of him and he cautiously approached the beast, finally seeing it for what it was. A large black dog seemingly on the brink of starvation. Fear set in as he stopped in his tracks, too close to run away now and unsure of the dog's demeanor. He stood there less than a stones throw away and gulped audibly, hoping that he would not be mauled to death on the spot as he reached into his pouch and brandished a piece of the jerky he had just bought. He held it out toward the animal and tempted fate by inching ever closer, stopping just outside the dogs reach.

Moonberry

The morning fog curled and ebbed around the outskirts of town. Shrouding the pair as they stared each other down. Hideki’s mouth watered against his will, but he forced himself to remain still, eyes narrowing slightly as the scent of jerky drifted to him. He felt a mix of insult and gratitude. He'd always been on the opposite end of the giving hand. Here he found himself on the opposite end of the spectrum. Now, these emotions were unwelcome companions, his pride trampled beneath the relentless weight of hunger.

And yet the young man seemed to hold a quiet resolve in his eyes. Others had run and scorned him. Yet here the man stood, with a peace offering. The black wolfs ears flicked as he stared the young man down. He let out a low rumble, more huff than growl, before inching forward just enough to gingerly take the strip from the young man’s fingers. He kept his movements slow, deliberate, each bite soft and measured—he would take the food, but he would do it with dignity, curse be damned.

“Ain’t wise, feeding a beast like that,” a gruff voice muttered nearby. A passerby, shrouded in layers of grime and suspicion, spat onto the cobblestones and shook his head, his look full of scorn. “Soon as he’s done with yer scraps, he’ll be after your hand.”

Hideki’s eyes slid to the side, catching the stranger’s sneer out of the corner of his vision. 'You're just jealous he's not feeding you.' He thought bitterly as he chewed carefully and slowly no the jerky. Savoring the flavor for as long as he could. When the bit finally dissapeared, he managed the self awareness to give a silent thanks. He bowed his head low, his tail sweeping once or twice at a low angle. He'd only been a wolf for a few months now, but the body language seemed to be instinctive. Ears back and tail low, the large black wolf backed up and laid on its haunches. Making itself as small as possible. Though that was rather hard as he was indeed a rather large beast. His tail swept from side to side in slow pulses. As his blue eyes watched the young man carefully. He wasn't exactly sure what else he expected from the man. But some part of him didn't want the man to leave him alone. He let out a small chuff, and a snort, staring still at the man.

Crescent King

As the wolf took the jerky from his hand Cassian finally understood just how large he was, but still offered a soft smile. A flinch followed as he turned to face the stranger, placing a hand on the sword that dangled from his hip. People of the Underbelly rarely had good intentions, and Cassian wasn't taking any chances out here alone. “What I do is no business of yours sir, I will face the consequences of my actions without your snide remarks.”

Cassian lifted his head and stood up straight as he retorted and his demeanor changed to that of a confident individual. Though he did not know how Cassian could sense that the wolf meant him no harm. He stepped closer and reached out with his free hand, placing it on the wolf's face right next to his mouth as he held his mother's ashes with the other. “And as you can see a little bit of kindness can go a long way, even with an animal such as this.”

He wasn't the most perceptive person but Cassian could tell there was more to this in wolf than meets the eye, and what kind of knight would abandon a creature in need even if it was a wolf capable of tearing him apart.

The wolf for his part was incredibly still. Despite what people assumed of the beast, he was still a man at heart. A spoiled brat of a man...but a man none the less. Staring this man down and making such direct eye contact was going beyond his level of comfort. And yet somehow this young man seemed to be connecting with him. Like a silent understanding of his amiable presence. Eventually though, he couldn't take it anymore. He jerked his head back and shook his body out. As if that could release him of the strange emotions that had just welled up inside of him. Was he really that desperate for human interaction? His ears flicked a few times as he straightened his stance and looked over to the man again. His tail maintaining a low and slow rhythm of back and forth.

After a moment the two were being passed by a small wagon. But it crept to a slow as it came up beside them. The wolf backed up a bit, hesitant. His ears lowering back against his head. Tail twitching in short staccato rhythm. It was a smaller wagon, pulled by a sturdy pale mare. The driver sat at the front, with a hood pulled partially over their face. Even so it was plain to see the frail and small frame of a young woman. Her voice chimed out in what was a poor attempt at sounding tough.

"Hey you! Is that your dog? You think you and your dog could do an escort job? I'll pay you here and now...I'm heading out to Arborhaven." She held out a small purse of what one might assume to be coins. She shook it, just to give the satisfying Jingle sound. Upon further inspection, one might notice that the wares of the wagon were all firmly and tightly tied down and wrapped up.

---

Crescent King

Cassian turned to face yet another new voice chiming in, a woman seeking aid on her journey. He kept a straight face as he contained all his excitement within, maintaining a confident smile as he looked to the wolf beside him. “What do you say? Want to go on an adventure? I'm sure anywhere is better than here.” He wasn't sure if the wolf could understand his words, but he hoped he would pick up on his intentions at least.

Cassian stepped toward the lady and pressed his free hand against his chest before answering her. “I swear on my name that I will escort you safely to Arborhaven.” Though he wished he could do this for free he was dangerously low on funds and had to provide for two now, so he begrudgingly accepted the bag of coins from the woman and put them in his pouch for safe keeping.

Hideki watched the young mans eager acceptance of the woman’s offer, his own wariness sharpening as he sniffed the air. His nose crinkled at an odor that lingered beneath the usual smells of sweat, damp wood, and horsehide. It was faint but sharp, like burnt herbs and the sour tang of something tainted. He resisted the urge to snarl, keeping his gaze fixed on the woman as she motioned for them to board the wagon.

The woman’s posture was an odd mix of boldness and hesitance. Beneath her hood, Hideki caught a glint of eyes that darted too quickly, lingering on him with a wariness of her own, as if she understood there was more intelligence in this wolf than met the eye. Her slight frame seemed brittle, her hands pale and restless as she clutched the reins with one hand and the purse with the other.

Hideki’s ears flicked back, picking up the sounds around him—the low hum of voices from the Underbelly, the clink of metal as Cassian accepted the purse. That strange, acrid smell clung to her and her wagon, woven into the leather satchels lashed tightly to the wooden frame and the bundles wrapped too meticulously in faded cloth. The scent was bitter and wild, reminiscent of the dark, hidden things that lived at the edge of the world, things only whispered about in cautious tones.

Hideki padded forward reluctantly, his instincts prickling with distrust. And yet, he was tired of this wretched place, its streets sour with old secrets and stale cruelty. He cast a sidelong glance at Cassian, who seemed rather eager to prove himself. And perhaps a bit too trusting. A wry huff escaped his chest as he padded toward the back of the wagon and, with a cautious leap, settled himself on the floorboards.

Anywhere but here, he thought, his eyes narrowed as he kept his head low, gaze tracking every small movement of their mysterious driver. Hideki was not one to shy away from shadows, but he knew danger when he smelled it, and something told him this woman was carrying far more than what she’d offered in coin.

As the wagon lurched forward, Hideki hesitated, glancing down the narrow, dimly lit tunnel stretching out before them. They were still within the depths of the Underbelly, the city’s lawless heart, where smoky torchlight painted walls in a sickly glow, illuminating only patches of grime. The air was stale and thick, cloying with the residue of unwholesome deeds and whispered secrets.

The wagon creaked and groaned as it rumbled over cobbled paths, winding upward through uneven stone tunnels and narrow ramps, all leading back to the surface. Hideki’s ears flicked at every echo—the clop of hooves, the scrape of the wagon’s wheels, and the distant murmurs of life above. His gaze darted to the woman’s cargo: tightly bound bundles wedged beneath coarse blankets, the acrid scent seeping from them in thin, sour waves that stung the edges of his senses. His nostrils flared, picking up undertones of wild herbs and something faintly chemical, as if whatever she carried had been masked and disguised.

As they climbed higher, a shaft of daylight finally pierced through the tunnel. The Underbelly receded behind them, its confined darkness giving way to the open sprawl of Ryken’s bustling streets. Here, amidst the midday crowds, the wagon moved with a deceptive ease, blending into the flow of merchants and townsfolk. But Hideki’s gaze remained fixed on the bundles beneath the blankets, his hackles prickling at the mystery they held.

The wagon weaved through Ryken, passing bustling market stalls and echoing squares, until they cleared the city’s last row of shops and stepped beyond its borders. Hideki allowed himself a deep breath, relishing the clean air as they passed the threshold. Though he kept his eyes on their driver, every instinct still humming with distrust. As they left the city behind them, the young woman relaxed slightly, but a spark of suspicion lingered in her gaze when it flicked over Cassian and Hideki.

“So,” she ventured, her tone casual yet edged with interest. “You from around here, or are you just wandering wherever the road takes you?” She glanced at Cassian with a raised brow, her fingers still tapping a rhythmic, restless beat against the reins. “These days, it seems only folks with a purpose bother leaving Ryken.”

Crescent King

As they moved further and further away from the Underbelly Cassian’s excitement grew within him. Soon he squinted his eyes as they emerged into the bright overworld of the main city. He has spent his whole life in the depths and everything here felt a little overwhelming to his senses. The upper world was a stark contrast to the dank, musty, and dark Underbelly.

Cassian looked around at all the new sights and took in the sounds until he looked to Hideki, noticing the way he was staring at the driver. He looked at the woman but could not discern anything strange from the way she was acting since most people from the Underbelly were always on edge. He glanced around the cart and back to Hideki, wondering what had the hound so on guard.

His concentration was broken by the woman's questions and he offered a hasty and honest answer. “ I seek a place to scatter my mother's ashes, somewhere that she deserves to rest peacefully.” He still held the box of ashes to his chest and looked down at them with a woeful gaze. “After that, I aspire to become a knight so that I may make something of myself, and find happiness to fulfill her final wish.”

He shifted on the hard wooden cart and turned his body to better face the woman, propping one of his legs up while the other dangled, occasionally skidding against the stones below. "What brings you to leave if I may ask."

From his perch on the wagon floor, Hideki watched Cassian and the woman closely, his gaze keen and steady, missing none of the tension that hung between them. As Cassian spoke of his mother and his dream to become a knight, Hideki felt a pang of something he hadn’t expected—respect, perhaps. Cassian’s honesty was a rarity in a world that rewarded guile, and it was this openness that likely made him blind to the subtleties his companion found glaringly obvious.

Hideki’s attention flicked to the woman as Cassian turned the question back to her, her quick smile a thin, brittle thing that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Oh, me?” She shifted on the bench, shoulders tense even in her supposed nonchalance. “I’m just a gatherer of sorts,” she replied, waving a hand. “Here to collect herbs for a…well, let’s call him my ‘employer.’ Pays well enough for the trouble of traveling these roads.”

She glanced over at Hideki, then quickly looked away, her gaze darting to the bundles at her feet before fixing forward on the road. “The name’s Nyelle,” she added, her tone light, yet forced. The name itself had a musical, lilting quality, faintly elvish but hollow, as if it had been plucked out of thin air to suit the moment.

Hideki’s nose twitched, taking in that sharp, bitter odor that had woven itself into the leather and fabric around her. It reminded him of something wild and faintly sinister, not like the familiar scents of the forest or common herbs. No, there was something else here—a sense of artifice, as though the woman wore her name and purpose like a cloak, something she could throw off if the need arose.

He kept his body low, head resting on his paws as his eyes tracked every small movement she made. Nyelle. Whether it was her name or not, Hideki was certain of one thing: her intentions were as guarded as the bundles she kept at her side. There was more to this “gatherer” than she let on.
As the day wore on, the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the road. The open countryside stretched endlessly around them, but the once-warm golden light began to cool, its glow slipping into the dim blue of approaching twilight. Hideki lifted his head, eyes narrowing as the woman ahead finally slowed the wagon and glanced around, her gaze scanning the horizon with a wary caution.

“There,” Nyelle muttered, guiding the mare to a halt near a small copse of trees just off the path. With the reins looped securely over the post of the wagon, she hopped down, her movements efficient yet tense, as if she couldn’t quite relax, even with the sun setting low over the quiet fields.

“We’ll stop here for the night,” she announced to no one in particular, though her eyes drifted briefly over the wolf before she turned to her belongings, rummaging through a sack for supplies. Hideki’s gaze followed her, his nose catching that same acrid tang as she reached near the bundles strapped tightly to the wagon. She handled them carefully, almost possessively, keeping them within arm’s reach as she pulled out a thin blanket and a small, beaten pot for heating water.

Hideki jumped down from the wagon bed, circling the area with cautious steps. He listened to the evening sounds settling around them: the rustle of wind through the trees, the distant call of some nocturnal bird, and the faint hum of insects. The scent of Nyelle’s hidden cargo clung to the air around the wagon, subtle yet unmistakable, mingling with the earthy smell of the soil and leaves. Whatever she was carrying was more than simple herbs; it had a bitterness to it that made his hackles rise.

Nyelle cast a glance his way as she struck flint to light a small fire, the flames casting her face in flickering shadows. She seemed relaxed enough, but Hideki noted the way her gaze darted to the darkening road, a hint of caution in her eyes. Even here, away from prying eyes, her guard was still up.

As she stirred the pot, the woman’s gaze drifted to the wolf, her mouth curving into a faint, almost amused smirk. “Didn’t think I’d find myself sharing the road with a… companion like you,” she murmured, the words barely audible over the crackle of the fire. Her tone was light, but something in it felt measured, guarded, as though she spoke as much to herself as to the silent shadow keeping watch over her.

---

Crescent King

Things seemed to move quickly as Cassian soon found himself the furthest away from home he'd ever been, pangs of excitement and fear taking turns washing over him. The Underbelly was all he had ever known, and he wasn't so sure he could do what he set out to do. He listened to the woman speak about being a gatherer for someone and he cocked his head to the side momentarily.

The more time he spent with her the more suspicious he became. Between her odd behavior, the way she gave vague answers, and Hideki’s behavior toward her Cassian could tell there was something going on now. His inexperience definitely showed during this trip, but his upbringing in the Underbelly made him wary of the woman. Even as she offered a name he thought to himself that it seemed too out of place. “Oh right, I'm Cassian. Sorry for the late introduction ma'am.”

As they came to a stop he slid off the back of the wagon and let out a groan as he stretched his limbs outward. “I think I much prefer walking to riding, I feel so stiff now.” As the world was shrouded in the shadow of night Cassian watched as the woman started a fire, walking to sit opposite from her. He saw her lips move but couldn't make out what she said and simply shrugged. People often talked to themselves after all, must not have been of importance to Cassian.

“So what takes you to Arborhaven? Got family or business there?” He propped one leg up and leaned back on his hands with arms locked, looking up at the night sky. He has seen it once or twice for a fleeting moment, but to be able to bask in its beauty was something else entirely. He followed up his first question with a second. “And what's it like there? Have you been before?” He turned his attention back to the woman with narrowed eyes, his green orbs staring at her intently as he waited her answers.

Moonberry

Hideki stared flatly at the woman, his ears flicking in mild irritation at her earlier remark. Like me? he thought, the idea chewing at the edges of his mind. What exactly do you think I am, woman? He gave a small shake of his head, as if physically discarding the thought, and turned his attention to Cassian as he approached.

Nyelle had taken up a long, knobby stick, idly prodding the modest fire she’d pieced together. The flames crackled weakly, barely holding against the night’s encroaching chill. She blew on the embers, coaxing them with practiced ease, though her movements were slow, almost distracted. Her gaze drifted to the fire as Cassian’s question about Arborhaven hung in the air, her expression softening with a flicker of nostalgia.

“Well,” she began, her voice low and thoughtful, “it’s been a while since I was last there. I used to visit Arborhaven a lot as a kid. My family would make the trip for the festival they held every year. It was all centered around this giant tree—a real marvel. People built homes and markets right into it, and the whole place felt alive, like it was breathing with the land.”

Her lips curved into a faint smile, though there was something bitter at the edges. She prodded the fire again, sending sparks into the cool night air. “They used to say the tree housed a deity, bound to it somehow. There were offerings, dances, songs...all to honor the thing. But...” She paused, her smile fading as she let out a dry chuckle. “Not anymore. Word is the tree just vanished a few years back. Gone without a trace. Poof.” She blew softly on the fire again, mimicking a whooshing sound and swiping her hand in front of her face.

Nyelle shrugged, her tone shifting to one of faint disdain. “I guess the deity got bored and left. Or maybe they were never there to begin with. Either way, the Arborhaven I knew is long gone.” She glanced up at Cassian with a small, crooked smirk. “Still, I hear the hunting’s decent.”

She stood, brushing dirt from her hands, and rested the stick against her shoulder like a walking staff. “Speaking of which,” she said, her eyes flicking between the man and the wolf, “we’ll need more than dried jerky if we’re heading there. I suggest we catch something fresh tonight. I’ll take care of skinning and cooking whatever you bring back.” Her tone was light but firm, as though she’d already decided this was the plan.

Hideki’s ears flicked, and he let out a low, resigned huff. Great. Now I’m her hunting dog, too. He pushed himself to his feet, giving Cassian a glance that he hoped conveyed, Come on, let’s get this over with, before padding toward the dark line of trees nearby.

The forest was quiet, its shadows pooling thickly under the canopy as the moonlight struggled to filter through. Hideki moved silently, his large paws barely disturbing the leaf-littered ground, his sharp eyes scanning for movement.

His nose twitched, catching faint traces of nearby animals. Rabbit, he thought with mild disdain. Or maybe squirrel. Hardly worth the effort. His ears swiveled toward a rustling sound farther ahead, and he froze, signaling Cassian with a quick flick of his tail. The rustling grew louder—something larger than a rabbit. A deer, perhaps, or one of the wild boars that sometimes roamed these woods. He crouched down on his haunches, blue eyes focused in the direction of the sound. Tail flicking from side to side. He hadn't actually had much experience hunting before. But he knew back on earth, when a hunter had a hound, they sent the hound to scare the kill towards the hunter. Or at least he thought that's what they did. Not like he could check the internet to see. Damn this world. He let out a sharp chuff, and growl. As if that would communicate "Get ready".

---

Crescent King

Cassian watched the woman through the flames as she spoke, his eyes wide as he imagined such a place. As the flames crackled he felt the excitement swell up inside again, only to be let down by the end of her tale. “Must have been quite the place. Shame I didn't get to see it before the vanishing.” He let out a gentle sigh as he took one last look at the sky before standing.

Cassian stretched once more as Nyelle made the suggestion for him and Hideki to go hunt down dinner, something he had never done before. “We'll see what we can do, right boy?” Cassian smiled as the pair wandered off toward the edge of the forest. Cassian stayed just at the tree line in hopes Hideki might scare something toward him, his eyes adjusting slightly to the night.

He heard a low growl and slowly pulled his sword from its sheath, keeping low to the ground in preparation for what might come his way. In the past he had defended himself plenty of times with his blade, but this would be the first time slaying a creature. Food in the Underbelly was easy enough to come by as long as you were quick on your feet, and not afraid to steal to survive.

Moonberry

After the hiss of Cassians blade being unsheathed, the stillness stretched. Each second heavy with anticipation. The edge of the forest loomed like a black wall, its shadows hiding many secrets. The night seemed to press in, the silence amplifying every distant rustle that might have been the wolf, or something else.

Then, a sound. It started as a faint rustling in the underbrush, the kind that could have been a bird or a squirrel. But it grew louder, sharper, the crunch of twigs snapping beneath heavy feet. And then it came—a high, piercing squeal that shattered the quiet, wild and furious, sending a flock of startled birds bursting from the canopy above.

The ground quaked with the force of hooves pounding against the earth as the massive boar erupted from the treeline like a living avalanche. Its bristled hide gleamed with sweat and streaks of blood, its tusks catching the moonlight in jagged arcs as it barreled forward with relentless fury. The beast’s eyes rolled with panic and rage, its snorts like the blasts of a forge bellows as it tore through the clearing.

Hideki was close on its heels, his black form barely more than a shadow against the moonlit grass. His blue eyes glinted with fierce determination as he lunged at the boar’s hindquarters, snapping at the tender flesh just above its haunches. His teeth found purchase, tearing free another streak of blood, but the beast barely faltered, its bulk too massive to stop.

The boar squealed again, its bellow a mix of pain and anger, as it charged straight toward Cassian. Hideki darted to the side, his low growl rumbling once more as he circled, forcing the boar to stay its course toward the waiting blade.

---

[\hr]

Crescent King

(We'll use skewed combat rules here. Describe what kind of attack Cassian will use and do your best to name the ability underneath. We'll say the Boar has 5/5 health currently.)

As the boar bellowed toward him Cassian felt fear sweep up inside, but he stayed where he was with his sword at the ready. At the last moment he rolled under the beast and drug his blade down its belly, barely scratching its thick hide. He rolled to his feet and faced the creature once again as Hideki herded it masterfully. The boar dug its feet into the ground and charged at Cassia once more, barreling down on the young man.

He stepped to the side this time and raised his sword above his head, bringing it down behind the boar's front leg, applying as much force as he could muster. This wasn't much different than fending off a drunk mercenary in the Underbelly, just Dodge and wound until the battle was won. Cassian let out a heavy breath as he readied himself for another attack, slinging the blood from his blade down into the grass below.

First Attack: Just a basic slash against the boar's belly.

Second Attack: Back Alley Slash: Fighting Style - D, Penetrating - F, Blight (Slashing) - F. Grade D Post Cooldown 2.

The boar let out an ear-splitting squeal, a primal cry that pierced the night as Cassian’s blade struck true. The sharp edge cut from under its neck and deep behind its front leg. Blood gushed forth in a dark torrent, staining the grass beneath it. The beast’s charge faltered, its massive body swaying as it stumbled to the side, but the sheer force of its rage kept it moving. Its entrails began to spill from the gaping wound Cassian had carved, trailing behind it like grotesque ribbons as it wheeled around in a wild frenzy. The boar’s squeal tore through the night, a primal sound of fury and pain, as Cassian’s blade struck again, this time with deadly precision. The blow did a good job of cutting through muscle and sinew. Blood gushed from the new wound, dark and steaming in the cold night air, as the massive creature stumbled over. The boar’s eyes rolled wildly, and its tusks gouged at the ground, but its strength was failing. It wobbled, struggled, and finally collapsed entirely to the ground with a resounding thud, the impact shaking the earth beneath it.
The clearing grew quiet, the sudden absence of the boar’s rage leaving a strange stillness in its wake. Hideki padded forward, his steps deliberate and slow as his blue eyes surveyed the fallen creature. He stopped beside Cassian, flicked an ear in his direction, and let out a sharp snort, his way of saying, Not bad, kid. Then he looked back at the boar, a low huff escaping him as though already lamenting the work ahead.

What followed was an exhausting struggle, the combined strength of man and wolf barely enough to drag the monstrous carcass across the uneven ground. Nyelle laughed softly as she watched them drop the boar with a thud, leaning on her stick as she shook her head.

“Well, I’m impressed,” she said, her voice laced with amusement as she eyed the kill. “You didn’t have to get that much meat, you know. We’re only a day and a half from Arborhaven. What are we supposed to do with all this?”
Without waiting for a response, she fetched a knife from her pack, its blade short but sharp, and set to work skinning the beast. She crouched beside it with practiced ease, her movements efficient as the blade slid through the thick hide. The firelight danced across her face, highlighting her concentration as she peeled the coarse bristles away to expose the pink flesh beneath.

“This’ll take a while,” she said absently, more to herself than anyone else, as she worked. “Once we’ve got some of the meat roasting, I’ll salt the rest to keep it from spoiling.” She gestured toward the fire. “One of you can gather more wood if you don’t want to sit around watching.”

The fire crackled softly, its warm light flickering over the campsite, casting dancing shadows onto the trees surrounding them. Hideki stretched out near the fire, his head resting on his paws, ears twitching occasionally as he listened to the sounds of the camp settling into an uneasy peace. Nyelle continued her work, the rhythmic scrape of her knife filling the quiet. She hummed softly under her breath, the tune meandering and light, until she spoke up again, her tone casual.

Nyelle glanced up briefly, her gaze drifting to Cassian before returning to her task. “So,” she said, breaking the silence, her tone lighter now. “You’ve got these ashes with you. Where were you thinking of spreading them?”

Her knife paused for a moment as she looked back up, studying Cassian with genuine curiosity. “I mean, do you have a place in mind? Somewhere she’d have loved, or… somewhere meaningful to you both?”

---

Crescent King

As the fight came to a close Cassian wiped the blood off his blade using a cloth from the pack in his waist before sheathing the weapon once more. “Great job. We shall eat well tonight.” The struggle of bringing the beast back to came took its toll on Cassian and upon arrival he threw himself on the ground next to the fire panting. “I would rather fight ten boars than do that again. But we made it." Cassian threw up his first toward Hideki in a congratulatory motion and smiled toward the large K9.

After catching his breath Cassian took Nyelle’s advice and gathered more wood for the fire before finally settling down and listening to her work on the carcass. A somber look came across Cassian’s face as he was asked about his mother's ashes, but still he responded. “Not as far as I know. I've spent my whole life in the Underbelly and so did my mother as far as I know, but I wish to spread them somewhere away from that vile place. She deserves something beautiful, maybe a holy place within nature to watch over her.”

The firelight flickered warmly, casting shadows that danced across Nyelle’s face as she worked. Her knife moved steadily, cutting clean lines through the boar’s thick hide, peeling back layers of bristled fur and exposing the glistening flesh beneath. She said nothing at first, letting Cassian’s words linger in the air. The sound of the knife scraping against the boar’s bones and the crackling of the fire filled the silence, a rhythm that felt almost meditative.

When she finally glanced up, her gaze rested briefly on Cassian, who had settled near the fire, his expression heavy with thought. Hideki lay nearby, his blue eyes half-lidded as he watched the scene, his body still tense despite the calm that had fallen over the camp. Nyelle hesitated, her hand stilling for a moment as if weighing her words, before she spoke softly.

“You know,” she began, her voice unusually quiet, “if it’s beauty and meaning you’re looking for, I might have an idea.”

Her knife resumed its work, slicing through the boar’s flesh with deft precision as she continued. “I knew someone once—an acquaintance of mine. Bit of an odd fellow, but he’s got a talent for plants. Not just any plants, mind you. Magical ones. Rare, beautiful, and full of life.”

She paused, looking up again, her dark eyes glinting in the firelight. “He’s got seeds for trees you wouldn’t believe. Trees with blossoms that shimmer like silver, leaves that change color with the seasons in ways you’ve never seen. Some of them even carry traces of old magic—stuff tied to the land and the people who care for it.”

Nyelle’s hands stilled, and she rested the knife on the edge of the boar’s hide. Her gaze shifted to Cassian, a hint of hesitation in her expression. “He lives not far from Arborhaven. His place is... on the way, more or less. If you wanted, we could stop by. Maybe he’d be willing to part with a seed. You could plant it with her ashes. That way, she wouldn’t just rest in some holy place—she’d become a part of it. Something alive, something you could visit and watch grow.”

The fire popped, sending a stray ember floating into the night. Nyelle leaned back slightly, wiping her hands on a rag as she studied Cassian’s face, searching for a reaction. “It’s just a thought,” she added quickly, her tone light, as though she was trying not to press the idea too much. “But… if you’re looking for something special, this might be it.”

She returned to her task, cutting thick slabs of meat and skewering a few onto makeshift spits. Propping them over the fire, she leaned back, crossing her arms as the rich scent of roasting meat began to fill the air. Her expression softened slightly as she glanced between Cassian and Hideki, the tension of the earlier hunt fading into a fragile quiet as the night deepened around

---

Crescent King

As the fire cast dancing shadows across the area Cassian listened to Nyelle's suggestions with great enthusiasm. Something like that sounded perfect, though he worried about the cost of such a seed. That was something he could work out later though, and after a moment he spoke up. “That sounds amazing. I would really appreciate that if you didn't mind showing us the way.”

Cassian crossed his legs one over the other as he leaned back on his hands, his heart finally calm from the battle before. He listened to the sounds of the night, the birds in the tree, the insects in the grass. Despite his previous suspicion he started to feel that Nyelle was somewhat trustworthy, and he was glad to have met her.

After a moment more he turned his head toward Hideki, tilting it ever so slightly as he wondered about the dog's past and what stories he might have to tell if he could talk. “We work pretty great together huh boy?” Cassian spoke in a more upbeat tone as he motioned over to their prize. Then the meat met the heat and Cassian's mouth began to water. Sure dried jerky wasn't so bad, but fresh meat is definitely better.