Training Begins?

  King Arista sat at the end of a table with Head Monk Voe from the Temple of Craylon. “Our Clerics have felt the presence of the holy relic on your continent. It cries out to us.” The monk informed. Those pesky monks had been bothering her for months. If not for the Lady of the Forest herself coming to her, she would have done what most rulers do and ignore them. “Felt what? What cries out to your Clerics?” She asked in an uninterested monotone. “I will have you know that it is our sacred duty to guard the relic until its final day.” Monk Voe said with irritation. Arista's objections were not due to them as people, but due to the extremes they were willing to go in their zealotry, which was why she had denied them months ago. “I am aware.” She admitted, “But you are not sending an army on my lands to capture some fairy tale.” The monk calmed himself with the acceptance of her decision. “Then allow us a small contention to...” At that moment a beeping sound came from a runic stone embedded on her conference table. “I am sorry Monk Voe, but let’s reconvene in three hours.”

  Arista pushed some of her mana into the runic stone once Voe had left, activating several privacy enchantments and one barrier enchantment to guarantee complete privacy. An image of High Lord Gwenith appeared for a second time that week. “Lord Gwenith, it is a pleasure.” She gave the customary curtsy. Lord Gwenith returned the courtesy with one of her own. “Do you recall our last meeting?” She asked. Arista nodded. “We had a demon master attack. It was targeting an egg.” This caught Arista's attention. Karber said nothing of an egg. “How many cats was with the the Beast Tamer?” Arista asked. Lord Gwenith paused for a moment. “Just the one cat, and the egg. Ironically, it would seem that it comes with a Beast Tamer.” So that's what was going on. It was evolving, and The Beast Tamer has a bond with the evolving divine beast, which means? “Lord Gwenith, that Beast Tamer is bonded to that egg. It must be severed. Have you confirmed her class level?” Gwenith looked overwhelmed, then with a sheepish grin, said “I was hoping you could help with that.” Arista Sighed. “I'll send you what I can. In the meantime, make sure our Tamer stays safe. The Guilds and Associations in your city are already petitioning and scheming.” Gwenith looked furious. “Apparently, it is time I remind these guilds and associations who they serve.” Their meeting lasted a while longer, than the two bid one another fair well as they hit the three-hour mark. Deactivating all the enchantments, Arista's catlike ears were bombarded with load knocking and banging, followed by warning shouts from her guards. Head monk Voe was winding up to punch at the door when Arista opened it, and blocked it with a single finger. The guards did not know how to react. The head monk had the backing of various countries, but she had the backing of a much higher power. “Now High Monk Voe, if you are finished beating my poor door, please come in and have a seat, so we may continue negotiations.

  King sat on a bench in his courtyard, watching the birds fly around without a care in the world. Some were on the ground searching for worms, while others were perched in the branches singing the song of the forest. He found that this brought his mind piece. It was relaxing, but it was not meant to be. His most trusted servant, a young human girl by the name of Val approached with a comm crystal. Without a word, King took it from the girl's outstretched hand, and before she could pull back, placed a single Dennar in it. As soon as she left, he pumped a bit of his mana into it, and an image of a human man's face appeared. His face was impassive, betraying no emotion. “How are things progressing?” King asked. “Very well. As you predicted, she did not take the letter very well.” The man said with his notoriously blank stare. King hated that look of his, because you just could not tell what he was thinking. To his credit, he was good at his job. “What news do you have regarding my second?” King asked. “He renegotiated his contract with the Reaper's Hand. They, in turn hired some mercenaries to assist, and have captured the woman.” The man said. Deep inside, King felt a bit of anguish at the thought of losing Rayna. Should he declare the winner now and stop it? No, it was too late for that. Plus, if he did that, then this would seize to be a test. Hardening his heart, like so many other times before, he said. “Notify me if she dies.” The man nodded and the comm crystal went dead. Maybe it was better this way. King was going to die anyway, and Rayna did not know who he was other than the leader of the Zoo. If she did survive this, and won his test, he would tell her everything. King had very little to regret in life, but what he did to Rayna was one of them, and like all powerful men, he refused to leave this world acknowledging an ounce of regret.

  True to the high lords’ words, she held a feast in their honor. The egg of course was with Grisre, and for some reason Ross was mandated to be there. It was in the between moments before guests arrived that she explained a few things. One of them being that she knew what Ross was and apologized about the egg, that she did not know because Knight Karber did not say anything about it. She did know of their importance to a Tamer, however. She went on to offer Grisre a place in her court as her Royal Beast Tamer, but learned that she was only an apprentice when she tried to refuse, saying it was a position beyond her capabilities. That did little to persuade the Lord. She promised Grisre access to protected knowledge that was jealously guarded by her kingdom. At that point Lord Gwenith had sold the position. Grisre was always looking to expand upon her class. Most of what made her an apprentice was self-taught, and the hire her class, the more likely it was that she could sever the bond.

  People began to file into the lavish, and well-lit room, all of them wearing expensive clothing. It was not like she wasn't either. Grisre was wearing a blue dress that was not modest in the breast department, and even Ross had to admit she had a nice figure, which then creeped him out, because Grisre looked so much like Danny's dead wife. There were important people from across the neighboring kingdoms at this feast. They had grouped off to talk political affairs. Four of them wore strange emblems. “Those are the leaders of this continents guilds and associations.” Said a deep and familiar voice. Ross saw a familiar set of white scale armor and golden eyes. “Karber. This is your doing, isn't it.” The Dragon just raised an eyebrow at the cat. “Well yes and no, but more importantly I have a warning.” Grisre know noticing Karber for the first time said, “About what?” “Lord Gwenith and Grey Fang can be trusted. However, everyone else in this room is here to gain favor with you and try to take you for themselves.” Karber said placing a hand on her shoulder. “I also came to place a ward on the egg. Do you consent?” At first, she hesitated, then after a moment gave permission. The Dragon placed a glowing hand on the egg, then removed it to reveal a golden seal of the high dragon, which looked like the head of a dragon breathing flame that formed a wreath around the head. “What will that do?” Ross asked. “It will keep the Demon Master from finding the egg, and in the chance it does, draining its essence. I should have done this when we first met. Good seeing you again.” He said to the two before waltzing off.

  Multiple people took notice of the egg after Karber left, eyeing it lustfully. Some also shared those glances with Grisre. She shivered under their gazed. Ross noticing said. “Don't worry. I'll claw any unwanted people who get to close.” He kept close, and true to his word, gave subtle pointy reminders to people who tried to get to close. A couple of people slipped passed Ross, each wearing a badge with different symbols. One badge had a scale, while the other had a hand grasping an eye. Each gave a bow, then introduced themselves. “I am called Therin, and my friend goes by Yune.” Grisre, holding the egg, did an awkward curtsy, which she had not completely mastered, but politely passed it off as a complication with holding the egg, as instructed by the Master of Etiquette. “I am called Grisre, and this is my beast.” She motioned at Ross who glared at the two with ears back, remembering Karber's warning. Therin, and Yune both took a step back not used to dealing with hostile creatures. Yune was the first to speak. “Right. So, I could not help but notice that Knight Karber of the high Dragons has placed his magic upon your beast egg. The Mages guild would pay handsomely for a chance to study High Magic.” Therin butted in. “Arch mage Yune, Surly you would not try subverting the merchant’s guild.” “Guild master Therin, have you forgotten the immense tax rate that would be levied against the merchant’s guild should my mages confess to making your potions,” the two began to bicker, trading passive aggressive comments to one another. “Maybe we should go.” Ross meowed softly.

  Ross and Grisre slipped away from the two just as they both turned to her and asked in unison. “What do you think?” Only to find that Grisre was no were in sight. An old noble woman was standing near a table sipping on a glass of wine, watching the beast tamer and her odd company. Grisre and Ross tried to seek shelter from the political onslaught by approaching lord Gwenith, but the old noble women intercepted them. “You must be what this is all about.” She said skipping the formalities. “What makes you say that?” Grisre said to the old woman as food started filling the table. “I was not born yesterday girl. Having dealt with your kind before, I know a Tamer when I see one.” She went to poke the egg, but yanked away as a magic missile passed between them, and crashed into the ceiling. The Older noble smiled sagely as Grisre began apologizing profusely. “Stop apologizing girl! When you do something. You act as if you meant it with intent. At least you know your priorities. Tell Gwenith I approve.” A bell sounded getting everyone's attention. “I'll make sure to tell the high lord.” Grisre did a quick curtsy as she was taught. She heard an “Ahem. The high lord wishes your presence.” A scrawny beastkin dressed in a server’s outfit was standing next to her with a look of confusion upon his face. “I will be their shortly.” The server set a drink in her hand and left to relay her message. Grisre turned to excuse herself from the old noble’s presence only to find that she had moved onto other targets of opportunity. Uneasy, Grisre quickly found Ross clawing bits of food into his mouth. “Hey, did you see that old noble a second ago?” Grisre asked nervously. Ross looked up scarfing down what was in his mouth. “Yeah. What about her?” He looked over to where the old noble was, and like Grisre, was overcome with a sense of unease at how quick she moved at such an old age. The two took there spots next to Lord Gwenith who began to welcome her guests, and started the feast by giving a toast and a speech about continued alliances and loyalty.

  The following day Grisre and Ross were headed to the training grounds to increase their combat levels when they were intercepted by an agitated Grey Fang. “How am I supposed to ensure your safety if you just leave without me.” In fairness, they were supposed to wait for their escort, but neither Ross nor Grisre were used to being followed around or baby sat. It was especially hard for Ross since he was up to this point ignored, but being recognized as a beast tamers beast had placed him in the proverbial limelight along with Grisre. Beast tamers on the other hand were jealously sought after which is what made Grisre the center of the royal court’s attention, warranting her need for a personal guard, and by extension his. “Sorry” Grisre said. Ross just looked away pretending to be distracted. Grey Fang gave the two a conspiratorial look, but before he could voice his list of could have happened, the training instructor arrived, ridding a wolf the size of a horse. “That will be enough Grey Fang. There will be time enough for a lecture on the dangers of court life after I am done with them.” Grey Fang gave the human a bow, and departed. “I am known as Gilliam, but you may call me Gill.” Their training instructor was an unremarkable looking human man with a gray streak in his brown hair. Ross gave the man an appraising look. He was every bit the warrior despite his graying features. It was the way he stood that gave it away. The Wolf on the other hand exuded remarkable. Its eyes held cunning, and a sense of danger radiated from it. It was then that the wolf locked eyes with Ross, and Ross heard it in his mind. “You are interesting. Not like the others.” Ross was astounded at what was happening. The wolf was speaking to him psychically. “How so?” He asked the wolf. “You have human feel. No bond.” Their short-lived conversation was brought to a close when Gill ordered the Wolf to attack.

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  “WAIT!” Grisre complained. “I am not a warrior, and neither is Ross.” “Then you had better fight back so I can teach you. I must know where you are lacking in beast combat. Fight!” She watched as Ross was dodging the wolfs attacks. It would lounge in for bites here and there while Ross would continue to dodge, giving him no time to formulate a plan of attack, or retaliate. Grisre was helpless to watch in horror as a wolf the size of a Lizzorse was ferociously attacking a beast the size of a house cat, but she was not helpless. Charging magic into her fingers, she let loose a set of magic missiles at the wolf, causing it to jump away. This gave Ross a break from the wolfs relentless attacks. She saw Ross's fur turn a crimson red and his muscles bulge, and his claws lengthen by a good inch. The wolf was not without its tricks as its fangs extended into shards of ice and ice wreathed its paws and tail. Ross charged the wolf with glowing crimson claws. While the wolf jumped back and fired a series of frozen ice shards from its mouth, hitting Ross in mid leap. Each share of ice that hit the cat did not go clean through. Instead, caught and pushed out by the cats’ bulging muscles, leaving bleeding wounds in its wake. Ross fired off a series of bright red energy from his claws, which was dodged completely. “If only he was bigger.” Grisre wished aloud. She had a spell that could make that happen, but was never able to master it. Despite that it was now or never.

  Gill, seeing the beast tamer casting this spell knew it was incomplete. He was in front of her in an instant, grabbed her hand, and aimed her hand up letting the incomplete spell disperse into the sky. “Stop.” he yelled. Which caused the two combatants to stop as well as a stunned Grisre left speechless by Gill's monstrous speed. “That is good. You are determined and have good instincts, but that spell was incomplete, and would have killed your beast.” Grisre, who had regained her composure, became angry. “I had to do something.” “And had you not the resolve, I would have deemed you not ready.” Gill said with a smile, then handed her a potion to give to Ross. “Now go. I believe there is a lecture heading our way.”

  Egg in hand, the trio headed off to the animal husbandry pastures, but not before receiving a strict lecture on the need for a personal escort. As it turned out, the the animal husbandry pastures were where Coran raised its beasts of war. It didn't seem all that big at first, but once they walked through the gate, the small pasture became a vast expanse of fields. Each field containing its own self-contained biome with a dedicated staff in each to raise and train the beasts. “And you must be my new student?” Said and old woman. “It has been ages since we had one of your kind with us.” Ross was to enamored by the magic involved with the place to notice the venerated women, but Grisre bowed deep to her. “I look forward to your lessons.” The old women bowed in return. “And I hope I can bring out your potential.” The day was spent going through the various pastures were the old lady who later introduced herself as Lauren tested Grisre's knowledge on the various beasts, and husbandry methods in raising them.

  Ross decided to sneak away from the two while the two were detracted, and decided to do some exploring of his own. As expected, Grey Fang was at what Ross later found out was the Grand pasture's entrance. If he was going to be honest, the beastkin looked to be at peace. Come to think of it, all the beast kin working in the grand pastures did. This only made it easier to get past his escort. If He could have, Ross would have grinned at the prospect of seeing the Grey Fang freak out at the idea of losing the esteemed Beast tamer's beast. Truth be told, he was never bound to Grisre and never intended to be. The perception of it just happened to exist due to circumstance. As he was about to go catch himself some lunch, and again gross, but sooo delicious, another guard jogged up to Grey Fang and whispered into his ear. Thanks to Ross's cat like perception, he caught most of it. “Tam had an accident, and was sent to the Castle apothecary. I know you two are close, so I am here to relieve you.” “I cannot just leave my charges.” Grey Fang said. “That would be tantamount to treason. Even if I desperately want to see him, I need the High lord’s permission to be relieved early.” The other guard gave a kind smile and pulled out a piece of parchment with the lord’s seal on it. Grey Fang gave it a thorough once over and departed post haste.

  If Ross remembered the layout correctly, then the apothecary was on the way to the kitchens where his lunch wouldn't be too far away. Plus, the added illusion of being a beast belonging to the beast tamer might even get him some tasty treats. So. Win win. More like win win lose. He continued his trek to this worlds equivalent to a hospital realizing his trick might never come to fruition, and upon arrival found Tam conversing with Grey Fang. “I am unsure.” Tam said. “One minuet I am on guard in the throne room, and the next I wake up here.” The other looking concerned still, asked. “Do they know what caused it?” “No, but I have not been sleeping well lately.” Tam said looking off to the side. “So, what’s the word on the beast tamer?” Grey Fang looked pensive for a moment, then said. “It depends on today. If her aptitude is high, then she and her beast will be given access to some our nations heavily guarded knowledge. Word is, she might even evolve into a druid, but that is just legend.” Ross felt his stomach remind him of his hunger. He did have a dinner date with a nice family of mice after all. He would just have to tell Grisre about this later.

  Rayna awoke blurry eyed. She could feel something, or many somethings constricting her movement. She took inventory of her physical condition, then moved on to her current situation. The last thing Rayna remembered was trying to enter the house by the window, and getting trapped by her soon to be assassin. Besides being tied to a chair, there was also a strong memory of being in a room that was filling up with green smoke. Now, the room was nice and clear, or mostly clear. Normally, Rue would have made her way back into the inner pocket of Rayna's armor, but if she was still gone then that meant the smoke was still having an effect. Rayna risked alerting her possible captor(s) that she was in fact awake to get a sense as to what room she was in, and how many were in the room. What she saw through one squinted eye was a beastkin lying motionless on the floor, and a shadow in the corner. “Your finally awake.” Boomed the shadow. This caused Rayna to flinch. She was not used to feeling helpless. Quite the opposite in fact. Only twice in her life had this sense of helplessness made itself known to her. The first time as a child after Rayna's dad left for his trip and never came back. Her mother had blamed her only child and began beating Rayna. Her mother's diary had elaborated on the reason. After Fread returned from the from the trip as the sole survivor, he told her mother of a raid on the caravan that ripped Alexander from their lives. She turned to drinking. Each time she became more and more violent Until the beatings started. Food had become scarce as the drinking intensified, and one day a traveler came by. By this stage in her life, Rayna had been forced to live in a closet under the stairs. when she was thrown out of the house, she was sold to that same traveler for a lot of Dennar. The second time was now, because between then and now, Rayna had made it a point to never be helpless again. She learned what she could from the man who bought her and killed him.

  Well, it did no good pretending. Her captor knew she was awake, and she was bound with no escape. “Can you blame a girl for trying?” Rayna said. “You must get that a lot.” “You talk brave for someone who is so helpless.” said the shadowy figure. “Maybe I should put that resolve to the test.” Rayna paled at those words. She could not and would not let this man touch her without a fight. “You touch me, and you will never fuck another living thing for as long as you live.” she said vehemently. The shadowy figure stepped closer into the light. “I cannot say the thought had not crossed mind, but I am a professional. Not a barbarian.” Sneered the man. “No. Your here, because someone wants you dead. I am here to make sure that happens.” He let his knew revelation sink in. “I knew that already.” Rayna growled. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something dragon shaped zip past the window. “If I can just keep him talking long enough, then maybe Rue can get in and help me.” “So why am I still alive then?” Rayna shot straight to a point that potentially had a long explanation. “Because I need something from you.” The man said. Rayna just arched an eyebrow in response to this knew revelation. “I was Hired by Gerwulf to kill you, but before that I was hired by King to keep an eye on you. This is where the problem comes in. You see the contracts are in conflict.” “I do not see how I could possibly help.” Rayna said, hoping to inflate the explanation. “You are from the reapers hand. There should be safe guards for that.” “Your second is a smart bastard.” The man said. “He tricked me into signing the final contract dooming me to the reputation clause.”

  Rayna realized that he was bargaining for mutual survival. She tasted the air again to get an estimation on how much longer it might be until help arrived, and by her guess, it would be any second now. However, things changed. If what the man said was true, then there was a way out, and an end for her problem as well. The problem with this, was that she was not in control with no way to get any assurances to her survival. That was not going to happen. What was stopping him from betraying her? Not only did his story not make sense, but they were trained to lie. No. she would use him, but it was going to be on her terms. Rayna glance at the door and Noticed Rue wriggling out of the blankets that were stuffed under the door. She had to act. She had to keep his attention. “Sure. I will agree. I need that shit stain dead just as much as you do.” Rayna said. “We are talking about Gerwulf right?” The man nodded. “Then what am I to call you?” Rayna asked. “Not important” Roark lied. “What is important is that it is your hand that kills Gerwulf.” Roark reached into his bag and pulled out a collar, and started making his way to Rayna. Right before he could snap the collar around her neck, Rue darted, and bit the man's carotid artery. She pumped him full of her venom. He went slack, and fell to the floor paralyzed. “Rue Your such a good girl. Help mommy get out of these ropes.” Rayna pleaded. “If we survive this, I am going to give you all the Silylique you can eat.”

  Rayna got out of the chair rubbing her wrists where the bindings had dug into her skin. Now that the man was paralyzed, she no longer needs his brand of betrayal to live. He needed hers. “You cannot do this to me.” Came his slurred words. “Sure,” Rayna said without mercy. “I can. I meant what I said, but it will be on my terms.” She slipped the collar around his neck, and when she was sure it took effect, she asked? “Where are your mounts?” The man looked at his bag. Rayna took it and dumped it out. Besides the beast cages, some other items fell out of the bag. Items that would make even the sluttiest of being’s blush. Rayna grabbed the phallic object to the man’s horror and made her way over to him. “Professional you said?” She said looking at the control collar on his neck, and at the monster in her hand.