[IC] Niamh: Discovery and adventure(always open!)

[Thundercat]

Rin began to run as fast as his body would allow him. The cub was so young, and didn't seem to be aware of the danger they are in as it began to gnaw on his shoulder as they ran. It took a few moments for Rin to realize he had no idea where he was going, and he was just running as fast as possible in a single direction. He could hear howling coming from the opposite direction, he felt like his legs were moving at will.

Rin stopped in his place and froze, in front of him a full adult Alfort was charging in his direction, it was the guardian. They had forgotten about him! Rin knew there was nothing he could do now, he felt like he could faint. He merely turned around, closing his eyes, gripping the cub in his arms and braced for impact before he was launched into the air onto the back of something soft and significantly large. He thought he was dead, but when he opened his eyes, he realized he was on the back of Kiyan, who was racing through the forest much faster than he had been. Kiyan left the guardian in the dust. Rin wrapped one arm around Kiyan to balance himself while he carried the cub in the other, who seemed to be completely carefree and unaware of the situation. Rin's legs were on fire and he felt dizzy, but he was happy to be alive. He quickly realized with horror that Evaline was now in the forest, alone, with a horde of angry Alfort's on her tail. Had she known it would come to this? Rin couldn't help but feel guilty.

"We have to go back for Evaline!" Rin shouted to Kiyan, who continued running through the forest. "Kiyan! We can't leave her alone! We have to go b-" Kiyan interrupted Rin with a ferocious growl, followed by a silent animal like cry. Rin realized Kiyan was fighting the urge to go back for Evaline. She probably wanted to go back much more than Rin did. He stayed quiet the rest of the way to the village as the cub continued to gnaw on his hand.

[Shurikai]

It was but moments later that the pack of Alfort broke through the forest line and charged toward them. Evaline hadn't expected this, but she did prepare for it. Taking out a sling shot and a pebble, she launched one straight at one of the stampeding beasts.
Direct hit! Evaline waved her arms shouting, drawing their attention. Luckily, they all decided she was a better target than Rin and Kiyan. She knew Kiyan would get Rin to safety before coming back for her. She could handle herself. With no more than a seconds hesitation, she sped off into the forest in the opposite direction of the village. They would follow her in if she went that way.
Not wanting to lead them too far from their cubs and leave them unprotected for too long, Evaline circled around. There was only one place in the forest an Alfort wouldn't go. The ancient ruins. This generally made the elves wary of the place and many consider it off limits, saying its cursed. Evaline had been there a couple times before and never been cursed. She figured if it meant not getting eaten it might be worth the risk.
The remnants of a massive tower could be seen just over the canopy, but the Alfort were closing in on her. Quickly too. There wasn't much else to do but climb a tree. To her surprise, the Alfort kept running. They would catch her scent again, she knew, there was no time to waste. Evaline jumped from tree to tree, trying not to make much noise. The squawking of Freyar would be enough to notify the Alfort, if not a more dangerous creature.

Evaline was able to make it to the ruins with much less difficulty than she thought. Something gone right today. A rueful smile danced across her lips and she looked out from the entrance. The Alfort hadn't tracked her to the ruin at all. She didn't even see one pass by. They really hate this place. Such a mystery. Maybe she should stay here for a bit just to make sure.

[Thundercat]

As Kiyan entered the village, Rin quickly jumped off, still holding his cub, and frantically looked around for help. The rest of the hunters still seemed to be in the forest. Rin sprinted towards The Pure One, entering the tree and looked for the High Priestess Forsythia. He took a moment to catch his breath as the cub licked away once more at his face, still carefree. "Help!" he finally muttered out "Evaline, she's still in the forest. She was being chased by a bunch of Alfort's. I-I don't know where she is, she's in danger! We have to go get her!" his mind was racing, he hand't really considered Evaline could handle herself. He was just scared.

[Krinos Solstice]

Forsythia had been in the middle of preparing her speech for the feast when she heard the panicked voice of Rin, Gatz already sensing there was trouble as he followed her to the door, "Easy, Rin. Calm down, Evaline can take care of herself, she's the head hunter after all. However, I will not abandon her out there just because of that reason." she told the male. Snapping her fingers, Gatz took off with great speed out of The Pure One, headed for the deepest part of the forest. "Gatz will find her and help Kiyan keep her safe. Now come along Rin, lets get your cub something to eat while we wait, Evaline will be back in no time, you have my word." she motioned for the male to follow her. As she walked through the village, several people began to ask her where Evaline was. She simply gave them the same sort of answer she had given to Rin, though that didn't make the villagers any less worried. "I understand there hasn't been an incident like this for many years, but we all know there's a chance the females of the pride might return early, or pick up our scent. It's why we train our hunters the way we do." she said after several people questioned her further.

[Shurikai]

It had been a good hour since Evaline slipped into the ruins. As curious as she was about them, she never ventured further than the entrance doorway. This place was suppose to be cursed. She always thought it was silly, but she stayed out all the same.
One whole hour, and not a single sighting of an Alfort. It was time to head back before a search was mounted and someone got hurt. Evaline stretched before standing and winced as her leg tightened. She had been sitting too long and rolled her eyes. Limping, she slowly made her way back to the village. When the other villagers saw her they rushed to her aid, thinking she was injured. Evaline waved away their concerns and instead asked about Rin. When she heard Kiyan had arrived with him a while ago she sighed with relief. Speaking of which, she saw Rin, Alfort cub in his arms still, with the High Priestess. Evaline hobbled over to them.
"High Priestess Forsythia, despite complications, we have been successful this year." She said with a smile and looked at Rin, "Another hunter to join our midst and perhaps even a Head Hunter someday himself."

[Krinos Solstice]

Forsythia smiled after receiving Evaline's report, "That is great news, Evaline, Thank The Great One that you were not hurt either. This is truly a time for celebration, for we have a new hunter among us. Congratulations Rin, it is an honor to have you as a hunter. And as tradition, tonight's feast will be in your honor." she said, smiling at the boy. She turned to the gathered villagers, "Another year has passed, and another hunter has been added to the fold, let us welcome Hunter Rin." she told them. The villagers clapped and cheered, each of them coming up to congratulate the man. Forsythia smiled before turning her head to Evaline, "I trust you'll be able to handle things once you have recovered, I must return to The Great One and finish preparing my speech for the feast. Come Gatz, let us return." she said before stroking the Alfort's mane.