[IC] Monster hunter,

[CloseEnough]

The sun rose high through a sky that was absent of a single cloud. The waves bobbing the ships in harbour like rising turtle shells. It was a beautiful day, with activity bustling through the harbour of new goods from around the world and people with tales to tell. Extravagant colours and languages of plenty it was a place where one would take their first step of a new grand adventure.

"Here ya are miss hunter, meaw, ya go up those trails and ya be seeing moga village, dey moved dare guild hall from da port ever since it became a hot spot for hunters." A woman dressed in armour nodded her head in gratitude at the cat like creature, paying her fee as she tapped the hilts of her duel blades absently. Her face showing the scars of jaggi yet her eyes held the sparkle of the idea of her own hunts. "Thanks, hopefully we’ll meet again friend."
Her stance tall she walked down the docks, the sights and smells reminding her of adventures with her father.

It was already a good sign when she saw how monsters such as Aptonoth pulling cargo, an easy going nature about them she patted their great necks as one gave a snort. "Can I trust you to take me up to the village?" A smile on her face she gave in one last deep breath of the sea breeze, trying to picture this once being a small fishing village. "Single handedly one hunter made this place great..."

And now she was going to be taking that hunter's place as protector of moga village. Even if its the furthest away from the main action of hunting guilds, its still a perfect place to start.

The village itself still seemed like it was untouched. A small guild hall that held the kills of one single hunter were held over the walls. The smell of food wafting to her nose a young woman was there to greet her telling her how she was the one to be giving her jobs. "I know that you have no name but don't let that get you down, we all have to start somewhere. Why my older sister had this job and now shes at the main guild head quarters..so jealous. Anyway do your best for both of us, and any room without a sign is yours."

Agreeing to the terms she found a room that was actually quite large. Laying her blades down she decided to fall on the bed, not the softest thing ever but it sure beat sleeping on the ships. "Wonder if I'm going to be the only hunter like the last guy." Now that would be something, if she hunted down the creatures that the last hunter did by herself she would be a legend.
Than again if she was not a legend than she would be a snack when it came to solo hunting.

[MonsieurShade]

"Be sure to tie off the lines properly, i'll not have the tide carry our ship off! Have our passenger give you a hand.", "Understood captain! Alright men, you heard the captain, look alive! You, you're that hunter from the southern isle, right? Help me with this line, captain's orders.". The hunter in question looked up from the half eaten wedge of moss cheese in his hand and slowly rose from the barrel he'd claimed as a seat during his voyage. The massive and vicious looking sword strapped to the his back shifted as muscles like cable wires rippled and bulged visibly beneath light brown skin as the man stretched to relieve the stiffness brought on by a long voyage.

After shoving what remained of the cheese into his mouth the hunter picked up a coiled length of rope and exited the vessel to help tie the ship to the dock, doing so with the speed and fluidity of a practiced man before he produced his payment for the voyage and left for the guild hall that had spawned a hero of legend not too long ago. As he moved through Moga village the hunter took in all the sights and sounds that the village had to offer. Like his own island this one was bright and bustling, and it sported the all too familiar and welcoming scents of sea salt and smoking meat, as well as the decidedly less pleasant scent of monster dung from the Aptonoth that moved about the area.

Finding the guild hall in the small town wasn't all that hard: he needed only to find the building with the heads of great beasts adorning the outer walls. He strode over to this building with his head held high, pausing only to place a hand over his heart and then hold it out to the massive head of a Rathalos "I hope your final battle was grand, great sky king." he muttered. That bit of business out of the way, the hunter made his way over to a desk were a young woman beckoned him closer. "Are you another hunter?". 'Another?' He mused with a quirked brow before confirming his identity, "Two hunters back to back, huh? This is shaping up to be an interesting day!" the woman chirped cheerily before going over the same things she'd gone over earlier. As he was allowed to go in search of a vacant room to call his own the hunter's mind began to wander.
The guild in Moga village was small, and yet from such a humble and unassuming place came a hunter that had dared to test their metal against the divine creatures that roamed the untamed wilderness. A true warrior that had faced creatures many had never even laid their eyes on, let alone faced in battle. The hunter's fist clenched as his armor clanked with each stride. Though the old hunter had passed the torch and faded into legend, those divine beings remained. He had to be strong to face them, fast as well, and above all smart. He could not allow himself to fail. This was more than just building a reputation for the hunter. Out there, where few men dared to tread, he there was a challenge for him. One handed specifically to him from the gods themselves.

[CloseEnough]

@MonsieurShade

A grumbling sound that would rival that of a mother Ludroth erupted from Reema's gut. A large book of the local monsters opens before her, she spent the entire morning studying of what she could find out in the moga woods. "Jaggi, Rythalos, Qurupeco, Ludroth, Rythalo..Oh man I got my work cut out for me."
A smirk on her features and a gleam in her mismatched eyes she closed the book, a sheet of dust escaping from the pages and causing her to cough, shaking her head, a mane of hair leaving the braid she had it in earlier. She began to stretch, a yawn cracking over her face only for her gut to rumble again. "Okay fine I'll eat..jeez."

Still dressed in armour, her duel blades strapped to her waist she headed off into the main hall. The woman who checked her in waving for her to come back. "Oh yeah, miss hunter, sorry your name is not on the top of my head yet. Anyway, thought to tell ya that you have a partner, isn’t that grand? You two work together and your chances of bigger game will go right up!"
She raised a brow at the words, another hunter? Already she was looking around her at the quieting town, the smell of the sea hitting her a bit harsher than she would have liked as she tried to spy the grand armour and weapon's her companions would have donned.

"I'll be sure to keep an eye out, thanks for the heads up." With that she left, heading to the mess hall only to find a Felynes in the back she gave a smile, her mouth watering at the smell of sizzling meat. Oh what could that be? Leaning over the counter she produced a few coins for the feline creature. "How much for a meal of tough meat, powdered cheese and rice?" About to hand over the amount though the cat shook his head, giving up a late. "First one is always on the house, but don't get greedy hunter, best stuff is when you get the ingredients yourself you hear?"
Taking the food with gratitude she nodded in head in thanks. Promising to work her own share as she sat down to enjoy her food. Flavours dancing over her toung she looked up for a moment only to see the colour and size of a great sword. "Hmm? So guess thats the new one?" Already she was trying to figure out what strengths she would gain from a great sword, shes always worked with a hammer user so now?

No, eat first, strategy guides later.

[Gravislayer]

The water splashed heavily against the steady moving hulk of the ship, it travelled quickly across the sea to the final destination of Moga village. During the up and downs created by the waves of the elements, water and wind, merry tunes sound from the working crew of the ship as they align their working speed with the rhythm of the

song

Up jumps a Daimyo with his crooked legs
Saying "you play the cribbage and I'll stick the pegs"
Singing blow the wind westerly, let the wind blow
By a gentle nor'wester how steady she goes

Up jumps a Ludroth with his chuckle-head
He jumps on the deck saying "pull out the lead!"
Singing blow the wind westerly, let the wind blow
By a gentle nor'wester how steady she goes

Up jumps a Gobul so flat on the ground
Saying "damn your old chocolate, mind how you sound"
Singing blow the wind westerly, let the wind blow
By a gentle nor'wester how steady she goes

Up jumps a gold salmon so bright as the sun
He jumped down between the decks and fired off a gun
Singing blow the wind westerly, let the wind blow
By a gentle nor'wester how steady she goes

Up jumps a Lagiacrus, the biggest of all
He jumped up aloft and he's pawl after pawl
Singing blow the wind westerly, let the wind blow
By a gentle nor'wester how steady she goes

Up jumps a Plesioth, the king of the sea
He jumps up on deck saying "helms a-lee!"
Singing blow the wind westerly, let the wind blow
By a gentle nor'wester how steady she goes

.

On the reeling stood a great figure of a man, his brown mane being gently caressed by the wind, he stood there normally yet royally, his eyes pinned on the horizon and maybe even the Moga village even if it would be out of sight for a normal human's eye. His senses were sharp as the axe blade of the gun Lance behind him, the waves themselves seem to ease up thanks to his presence. Charisma, Strength, willpower those were attributes one would directly use to describe that figure. To describe that hunter! That hero!

But this story isn't about him, it is about the tiny figure curled over the reeling and vomiting every little rest out of his body. He was sweaty, the song drummed in his ears, making him dizzy. The waves seemed to mock him as they moved along with the rhythm of the breathtaking music behind him. To make it short, it was he'll for this young man.

With each up and down he gaged, with each breathe of the salty freshly ocean breathe, he gaged, with each new line from the song, guess what? Yes! He gaged. Even thou only liquid exited his mouth anymore, he still felt as it was only the beginning. But what was the reason behind this?
The man was called Roland, a hunter in search of a job! He was born in the grasslands and so never set foot on a boat. He could ride ages on the wavering back of an Aptonoth and so he foolishly thought a boat wouldn't be any different. He has never been so wrong! His whole body ached as he forced himself to look up from the waves as the cry of a sailor man rose his weary awareness.

Moga Village!

This village searched for a hunter and since most villages in closer range to the guild's headquarter are already filled with hunters, it was this wild land, this fisher village who was in desperate need of a hunter. A hero!
And with that in mind Roland's once again vomited into the waves.

"Uugh... should have known there was still something left" he burbed to himself, his throat sour from the acid.

Roland harboured little doubts, if he had to hunt while being on a boat he could directly cancel it, on a boat he was of no use but the sight of the village calmed his mind a bit. He saw Aptonoths carrying cargo and dried meat being offered aside of smoked fish. Traits of land and sea being combined in this village and so, once again full of himself he stood up the moment the ship reached harbour. He stood directly at the reeling, eager to jump aboard, as the ship suddenly halted as it tugged against the pier. A small shock went through the ship and Roland's legs, weakened from the journey, gave in and catapulted him into the shallow water.

With laughter the crew gave him a hand and pulled him out.
What a start! He lost his dignity, nearly all his money and was already the laughing stock for half of the harbour.
Roland gave a friendly nod towards the crew who was still laughing vigorously and took his trusty gun Lance and shields and quickly searched for the guild hall.

He was soaked to the bone as he entered the guild hall and placed his wet guild pass onto the counter with the female assistance behind it.

"Oh another one?" Her melodic voice chirped the moment she turned around. A short moment of shock, then laughter and finally realisation!

"Oh excuse me" she chuckled but quickly regained her natural self.
"I am rather suprised so many hunters would gather at a guild like this" she gave him a warm smile before her arm reached to one of the many rooms designed for the hunters.
"Well only had one hunter in the past, so the rooms are rather spartanic! Just pick a free one. Towels are stored inside the Chest" she warmingly added.

Blood rushed towards Roland's head as he grunted something from the lines of "Thank you" or "What a nice welcome" and directly headed towards a free room.

[MonsieurShade]

@Gravislayer
Upon finding himself a spare room the hunter known as Jacque found himself nonplussed by the bareness of the room he had claimed as his own. Having grown up in a small village with little in the way of luxuries, the sight of a simple cot, a chest, and a small desk did wonders to ease his transition from the home he'd grown up in and this new island. He unbuckled the baldric that held his sword on his back and leaned the mighty weapon against the small bed, where it was quickly joined by a burlap sack containing his clothing and several books on monster biology. From there Jacque proceeded to remove his armor, starting first with the gauntlets and pauldrons which he absent mindedly chucked onto his supply chest. An action he rather quickly regretted when the articles of armor clattered loudly against the wooden furniture piece.

Jacque winced a bit from the sound, making a mental note as he continued to disrobe to be a bit more careful with what was quite literally the only thing he owned that was guaranteed to keep him from being immediately torn open the moment that something bigger than a velocidrome took a swipe at him. With the weight of his armor removed the hunter took a moment to savor the feeling of lightness before he rummaged through the bag, producing a pair of dark grey cotton pants, a black cotton shirt, and a large and heavily dog-eared book. It was a lovely day out today, so as he finished donning his clothing Jacque decided he may as well do a bit of reading outside an perhaps strike up a conversation or two with the locals rather than staying in his room like a hermit. Though he was no longer armored the hunter still returned the great sword he wielded to its spot on his back after adjusting the baldric to fit his now bare frame, feeling naked and off balance without the familiar weight on his body.

Satisfied, Jacque exited his room with book in hand, enjoying the sensation of the cool floor on his bare feet momentarily until he noticed someone approaching from the opposite end of the hall. Though this person was an odd sight given the fact that they were soaked from head to toe and dripping water onto the floor with each step Jacque still grinned widely as he assumed this man to be the other hunter that the guild receptionist mentioned earlier. "Couldn't wait a day before beginning the great hunt, eh my friend? Must've been quite the mighty water beast to leave you so waterlogged! Tell me, what was it? A gobul? A group of Ludroth perhaps?" He inquired eagerly, an excited gleam in his eye as he mistakenly assumed that his fellow hunter was fresh from a hunt.

[Gravislayer]

@MonsieurShade

Roland nearly tripped as he heard another voice, it was a deep voice, yet somewhat strange to it's tune. Roland turned around just to see a tall man, his brown skin and tall statue showed that he wasn't a native. Roland guessed he would be for the southern isses but that was a guess into the blue. The man overthrowed Roland in height but his lean, muscular build stood in contrast with the rather fleshy body of Roland. While both seemed to have endured manual work, the lean build was that of a fisherman while Roland's board shoulders hinted towards the farm work he did in his past.

So while the strange, born skinned man would weight around 80-90 kg, Roland would best him with additional 10-20 kilogrammes even thou he was shorter.

And it was exactly that weird though that Roland's mind created and let him pause for one second too much, just to create a short uncomfortable silence. You know, those kinds which let you wonder if either you said something wrong or the person you talked to is just utterly mute or useless.

Roland blinked three times before he finally answered "Uhmmm there was a goldfish I wanted to catch but my rod broke just a while ago, so I guessed, I could try it differently".

It came across his lips without thinking and so Roland was a tad suprised as he heard his own words leaving his mouth. Roland then directly moved his head from left to right.

"But you must be mistaking me! I just got here, I freshly arrived via boat. The maiden at the counter therefor mentioned other hunters, so it isn't me! Maybe there might be another one?"

Roland looked around as he would be in search of the potential other hunter and then shrugged helplessly.

"We might meet him anyways! You know I will....change and then grab a warm butter-beer to get the wetness out of my bones, I would not mind companionship right now"

Espacially companionship which isn't laughing about him. There are some people you like immediately, some whom you think you might learn to like in the fullness of a time and some you simply want to push away with a sharp stick. Roland had all urges at the same time towards this new person. He wasn't a fan of persons to begin with.

Quickly Roland headed inside his cabin and atleast took off his armour, stashed away his gunlance and so revealed a woolen tunic and leather pants, the tunic was red with yellow patterns, typical from his heritage. He just grabbed a towel and dried himself a tad while he would arrange his armour carefully on the small table, allowing it to dry.

"This must be Thursday" said Roland to himself, sinking against the wall. "I never could get the hang of Thursdays"

Moments later he stepped out of his room with a dumb smile on his face, the towel, wrapped around his shoulders and his light steps leading him towards the feline kitchen.

[MonsieurShade]

Although initially confused by the awkward silence, and by the first response he received after said silence, Jacque was quick to recover when Roland made mention of being the latest hunter to arrive rather than the first as Jacque initially thought. His smile faded ever so slightly as the other hunter went on to explain that he was the latest arrival rather than being fresh from battle as originally thought, however Jacque found the man interesting enough to make up for the disappointment.

Jacque mulled over the idea of joining the newcomer for a drink after the other man stepped away to dry himself. He'd already eaten a bit on the voyage, though there was little harm in adding a bit of scalefish and salty milk to the cheese wedge already in his belly, that aside, it would have been rude to simply blow off the invitation to a bit of social interaction with another hunter. This would be a good a place to start as any.

Jacque waited for a bit for Roland to come out of his room, after which he quickly fell in step with him, all the while leaving at least an arm's length of room between Roland and himself so as to avoid any intrusion into personal space. As they walked Jacque made note of the difference in stride between himself and his new acquaintance; Whereas Jacque moved in a sort of loping sort of manner, taking longer and more leisurely strides without heed to the heft of each step, the newcomer carried himself with a different sort of gait, one that was slightly more subdued, a bit shorter in stride, though not without it's own sort of casualness to it. "Sorry about mistaking you for the first arrival earlier. I've never really met another hunter besides my teacher before. Guess you could say my eagerness got the better of me. Name's Jacque by the way. Jacque Baila.".

[CloseEnough]

@MonsieurShade@Gravislayer

Finishing her food Reema thought it would be nice to stay in the room for a bit. The table she had was spacious, the sound of fire crackling with sizzling food was a nice change from the consonant shifting of waves she dealt with to get here. Leaning back she closed her eyes, feet propped up on the table decorated in iron and worn with much care of her travels.

Enjoying the time she was woken slightly when she felt the felyan pawing at the leather tassel at her bag. Opening her green eye, the scars moving like a map in the process she gave a sigh. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Instead she was offered a wet stone. Interest peaked she put her feet off the table, about to ask what the occasion was for he simply held up a paw. "Had da thing in the back for a while and just realized there was someone who could use it, don't go getting mushy on me now."

Nodding her head in thanks she began to unsheathe her duel blades, a hand lovingly caressing the weapons she could still feel the life that had once animated the beast. "We're going to have fun here" to top hunters they were trash but even than she would never get rid of them, not even if she had made a new set with the hide of a brachydios. Glistening violets and pinks she carefully took the right blade, wetstone in hand as she scrapped at the creation, each move causing it to sound as though the jaggi that caused her to become a huntress was snapping at her.

Hearing heavier footsteps she lifted her gaze slightly to see two males, a brow raised at the entrance her mind began to grow confused. "And here I thought I was going to be the only one, now we got three hunters in the same guild."

Reema was not like most women, not even at first or second glance. Her face decorated with long claw marks and her hair a curly untamed mess. Instead of the dainty build of some of the shop keepers or even fishermen wives she held a wider frame, strong shoulders and muscle crafted from labour in the mountains. The scraping continuing she dipped her head in greeting, a strange gaze of a onyx eye and a green. "So, anything in particular I should call you two?"

[Gravislayer]

"Nice to meet you Jacque" Roland replied warmly. It took him a second that introducing ones name normally indicates that you also have to give yours. It grew more and more complicated for Roland's to socialise himself, being around people always had been a problem for him.

"Roland" it was a short and bitter pause that followed in which Roland remembered that he was the last of his family. "just Roland" he muttered a tad more quietly than before and pushed the door open which lead towards the mess hall.

Roland stopped abrupt as a wave of smell and comfortable heat engulfed him in a whole warm embrace, it was also the female huntress which startled him, who seemed to directly addressed the two newcomers.

"Ah oh.." he said in a quiet charmant way, so to say.
"Oh...ah" he then continued as he realised that the female hunter was equal if not even more builded than he was. She was a sight to behold, some might even say a beast to behold but as wild as she looked like she was also kind of beautiful.

A sudden growl of his stomach reminded him that he emptied on the ship a while ago and so he regained some of his stance.
"My name's Roland" he said with the confidence of a three years old who just busted butt naked into a family reunion. To advert from him he turned towards a feyline and exchanged some words in their native language, the Feyline got huge difference eyes and began to speak quickly from excitment that a hunter would now their language. Quickly he brought him some bread, cheese, dried meat and a beaker full of butter beer. The feyline sadly placed directly opposite the female huntress. Roland simply tried to play the calm not talkative card to avoid social awkwardness.

[CloseEnough]

@Gravislayer@MonsieurShade

Raising a brow at one of the hunters Reema sat back a bit confusion in her gaze only to take amusement at the startled face and stumbling words. "Roland huh? Reema Zarule, got here this morning." Sheeting one of her blades she began working on the left, the sounds of steel and far away jaggi cries still greeting her. "So, guess things could get done easier now that there are three of us, honestly I thought I was gonna be like the last hunter and do this alone."

Listing to Roland she found herself a bit surprised to hear the hunter speak in Feyline, that was new, she never really heard a lot of the language herself. "Handy skill" it was all she said as she kept working, realizing that she was the only one still strapped into her armour. Old habits dying hard she shrugged at the thought, pulling the blade slightly away so that food could be set down.

[MonsieurShade]

Jacque found himself just a bit more bemused by the hunter known as Ronald's somewhat awkward nature, his own upbringing in a tight knit and highly sociable community having left him little experience with those who weren't all that accustomed to greeting a new face like an old friend. Still, Ronald had at least given his first name. The conversation took a slight detour as another hunter -this one female- made her presence known and the introductions began anew.

Jacque waited politely for Ronald and Reema to exchange their greetings before he stepped forward and opened his mouth. Said mouth opening was quickly followed by the audible clack of tooth against tooth at Jacque witnessed Ronald conversing with the felyne server. It was quite a sight to behold for the island hunter. For the sake of job convenience many on his island could understand the native tongue of the lynian species that inhabited the land, but perhaps only a handful could actually have a proper conversation with one. Jacque was most definitely not one of those few. In fact, he could barely make out a few words, let alone respond with anything beyond a jumbled mess that could've been anything from asking the price of an item to insinuating rather heinous things regarding the hobbies of someone's mother.

After the initial shock wore off Jacque returned his attention once more to Reema and nodded with a warm smile, "Jacque Baila. Much like yourself and Ronald i'm fresh off the boat. 'S a pleasure to meet you.". He turned away from the two hunters for a moment, just long enough to order some scalefish, a bit of kokoto rice, and a pint of salty milk before he dragged a seat over to the table to join the others. From the moment he sat down, Jacque began to intently study the other hunter. Though she may have been attractive in a nontraditional manner even with the series of scars that ran down her face, Jacque payed little attention to her aesthetics. Instead he focused on the scars over her eye, on the armor she wore, and above all on the way she moved when she went to pull her weapons from the table. Though some may have misconstrued his staring for a lecherous leer, Jacque's gaze held noting more than an intense curiosity, almost like that of a kecha wacha who had just found something new in it's territory.

The shifting of the sword on his back from his seated position brought Jacque back to reality once more, abruptly ending his observation and giving him a chance to pick up where he'd left off earlier with his greetings. "So-" He began, dropping the leather bound book he'd kept tucked under his arm onto the table, "I've gotten your names, but I don't actually know you guys yet. 'S hardly gonna work if we're gonna be working together to take down the big monsters, yea? I'd like to know who's watching my back out there in the wilds, so who's up for an exchange of some background information?".

[CloseEnough]

Hearing the name of Jacque the woman nodded her head, taking in apperences for a moment. He was bigger than most, almost bear like, with tanned skin and dreaded hair he seemed to be someone who could have been a poster child for a guild one day,
A hand still on her weapon in a non threatening manner as she worked. Yet with each scrap she could not help but feel eyes upon her. Starting out as a few blinks only to follow with tapping her finger she turned her black eye to the male with the gaze a arzuros would give if it were looking upon a scavenger pride began to hit with a voice that was rather sharp.
"Got caught by this guy when I was a kid if thats why your giving me that look." Tapping the blade in her hand as she spoke she brought them both back in their sheaths, hoping that was the reason for the staring just in time for everyone to start to be settled in.
,
A brow slightly raised at the offering to exchange information caused an interest to spike with her though. Shes never really worked with any outside her father so it would be a nice change of pace. "The more we know about each other the higher our success rate, aright I'll bite." Cracking her neck she gave a smile, it was all new and oddly welcoming.

"Well first things first I fight with duel blades, like the feeling of being right up there with a monster, sliding below and taking them down to keep em away from ranged hunters, makes it feel more on even terms, last partner was my own father and he used a bow so its how I work. Tend to watch a beast for a few days to a week before we move on them though."
Leaning back she looked to the ceiling, a thoughtful gaze between her and the wood frames as she bean to look for words. "As for who I am..Well I'm from a herding family of Anteka from my mother, started hunting to defend myself, than found out that with the way we saw females, my face would keep me from settling down so I just went all out on the profession till I came here." Her voice changing through the words she went from excited to seemingly board when on the topic of her life, as if she were being forced to read a book on the wonders of dung.

Leaning forward again she looked between the two, an easy air about her as she studied her future hunting partners. "Aright I spilled some of my guts, who's next?"

[Gravislayer]

During the exchange of the female huntress known as Reema and the hunter known as Jacque, Roland munched his dried meat quietly as he leaned over his food like a Velociprey Alpha, so that it remains untouched by it's goons. A calculating stare going from Reema to Jacque and vice versa without even a hint of blinking.
He studied their behaviour and valued them. Not so much of their hunting ability but more the ability of how much he could trust them and maybe even rely on them.

Roland so also noticed the curious look in Jacque's eyes as he examined Reema, he was a talkative fellow and Roland had the feelingthat Jacque occasionally digged his nose into things that some people would seem as too private to reveal. Surely as far as Roland judged him so far he did not meant any ill will while doing so, it was just a trait of his personality and as long people tell him that they would keep things rather to themself, Roland was sure, he would understand and respect that.

Roland was rather suprised that the female huntress picked up the stare so precisely and answered rather casually even thou her stare would even freeze a blango.

Between a bite of the chesse, bread and a great sip of his butter beer Roland's answer came with his deep voice but a bit muffled from his beard and the continously chewing of the food.

" Lived in the grasland near Kokoto village. Farmer's child. Had some Aptonoths. Hunter took me in." Between each sentence he either munched or took another bite, his eyes wandering between the two hunters.
Finally he swallowed whole and leaned back completely, seemingly more relaxed as he let out a small burp which he covered with the back of his hand before his mouth. Some foam of the beer still resided within his beard.

"Uff. Ah, yes, I prefer my trusty gun lance, got it from my mentor as... a parting gift. I rather try to get the monster off guard, using the moment of suprise. Many monsters act aggressive when something new enters their territory and so they rarely try to flee, furthermore they act differently when attacked. I am using that to my benefit. It is a fair fight on equal ground, for both, monster and me! Well I mostly come up with strategies on the fly anyways."

His eyes now layed upon Jacque, interested what he might say.

[MonsieurShade]

Jacque recoiled ever so slightly and offered up a slightly sheepish grin at the tone Reemu used after catching his stare. Once more he waited until both of his newfound companions finished speaking, and then after a moment of digesting the words parted his lips to speak. "I came from a small village that's about three days ride south of here, just a bit past tide island.", He leaned back to allow the felyne server to place his food on the table, moving his book slightly to the left to avoid getting it dirty before he resumed his previous position, "Mama's a barmaid and Pa's a fisherman, well, at least he was a fisherman. Used to work on a boat with him and a few other folks before I became a hunter. Been doing this on my own for a little while now."

He took a moment to scoop a spoonful of rice into his mouth before covering it to allow him to talk in between chews, "Mmf- One of my crewmates had been a hunter himself before he retired for something a bit less hazardous. Taught me everything I know about monsters till he turned me loose to try my hand at going solo. Easier said than done considering what sort of weapon I wield.". This last statement came with the punctuation of the rattling of the massive sword on the hunter's back as he reached up and shook it by the handle, "I'm not particularly fast with this greatsword here, so I like to draw out my fights whenever possible. I like to learn the patterns of what I fight, really get a feel for how a monster operates by giving it a few mock and light attacks before I can come in with the critical blow. Was always taught that even the most subtle shift in a Gogomoa's footing when it charges at you could be the defining factor in whether or not you can get a clean shot at the back of it's neck.". Though he was not aware of it Jacque's body betrayed just how excited he was discussing his method of hunting: He hunched over the table a bit more, muscles tensing with the action as a few of his braids slumped over his face, the inquisitive look in his eyes gave way to a wider, somewhat wilder gleam, one that was easily visible even beneath the braids, and his freckled nose crinkled deeply as his benign, happy-go-lucky smile found itself replaced with an almost cheshire-like toothy grin.

[CloseEnough]

@MonsieurShade@Gravislayer

Seeing the two hunters Reema let out a light laugh for only a breath, "it seems we all have different styles, thats good, no one is gonna go fighting for the other's spot." Taking a drink of her water she leaned back again in thought, while one was a bit timid in speaking of his style the other seemed to want to go on till the next morning came, such differences yet it was oddly refreshing.

Yet a thought came to pass through her eyes, looking back at the two she took a deep breath before continuing. "I have just one question to ask before I even think of continuing to work with you two though. I know everyone as different views but I learned the hard way." Eyes closed for only a moment she put her arm on the table, the sound of sizzling food in the back the only thing she could hear till her mind conjured the sound of a rythalos's wings. "What do you two see in monsters, or better, why do you hunt?"

There was no way she was going to work with someone who disrespected the creatures again. Doing it nothing for the big game and seeing at animals that were great in power yet could turn into a gentle glance with their young in a blink. "I myself do it for work, its the only life I know. But I rather watch them from a distance than to take their lives, you tend to see and feel more life that way. Tracking them down and not drawing your weapon has always been something I aspired to be, and thus will not work with those who do it just to push their own names by walking over the body of a mother."

Mane falling forward a bit she took both hands to push the locks back, waiting for a response. Moment they answered she felt no harm in working with them. "I also plan on scouting moga woods tomorrow morning, was wondering if you two would want to come to get a feel for what we're working with."

[Gravislayer]

Roland spoke his head towards the women's response as he remained rather emotionless during the word of Jacque. He only said what Roland's already knew, his whole body spoke for him, they way he talked, the way he walked, his build and even his glare. It was obvious, the only thing not so obvious was his relationship towards monsters. Surely by the way he spoke about them, the eagerness, the anticipation, the small hint of childish curiosity, it was sure monsters meant more than just work to him. Roland just wasn't sure if it was the way like a feyline acted towards a rat, the thrill to play with one's prey before you finally kill it, or if it was respect towards something bigger. It surely wasn't the fight he lived for but he would give away his intentions as soon as the others revealed theirs. It was like Jacque acted privately the same as on a hunt. He lured someone in with light conversation, just to land a critical blows with a question or a meaningful glare. Or Roland was just over thinking things!

Anyways Roland decided to make the fist move.

"The reason to hunt?"

'Well killing monsters is easier than killing human' was the first answers which came into his mind but he knew that this wasn't an answer he should give and that it wasn't true either. He wasn't sure quiet sure. It never was the way that the mute hunter forced this way upon him, his father did neither, neither his mother. He wasn't born, raised, privileged, educated, trained, destined, choosen, forced or told to be a hunter. Neither was it the opposite.

“I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer” he said with a surprising confidence, it was just this moment that he realised it himself.

"But if you are asking me if I feel right about this? Well! I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”  His deep voice uttered before he quickly added, "If that is of any help to you, that's it".

'Damn i sound like a God damn wizard from a fantasy book' he rather quietly mumbled to himself so that nobody (hopefully) would hear it.

[MonsieurShade]

Everything seemed to be going well thus far. Jacque found himself pleased with the way his would be comrades were responding to one another, as well as himself. Better still, Reema seemed rather open to jumping right into the thick of things first thing tomorrow provided she liked what she'd heard, a plus if he'd ever seen one. Still, as Ronald finished explaining his own views on the hunt Jacque found his smile fading a bit as he realized that his own answer may end up sending up a few red flags if he worded it improperly.
While some hunted for glory, or for the sport of the hunt, Jacque viewed what he did as fate at work. To him monsters he fought were more than mere beasts; they were sacred things, beings of a great and sometimes divine nature who stood as the ultimate challenge for man to face. Jacque took another bite of his food and chewed slowly, acting as if he were seriously debating what to him was a question with an obvious answer.

After mulling over how he'd going about saying it Jacque took a swig of his drink and cleared his throat. "Well, you don't have to worry about me doing this for fame and fortune. I find the creatures that I hunt to be a true testament to one's skill, and to the determination one has to face down any challenge in their path. If you want me to go on a more personal level, I find these monsters to be creatures borne of a divine source. I even consider a few to be as gods that have taken solid form. I could care less about hunting monsters for popularity, all I want to do is honor them the only way I can: By answering their challenge with sweat, steel, and blood, even if it costs me my life. If my answer satisfies you then I would be happy to accompany you on your scouting.".

Though he spoke with pride there was a wavering note of caution in Jacque's voice as he'd explained his motivations. He remained calm and collected on the outside, though on the inside he was on pins and needles as he waited to see whether or not Reema and Ronald would take what he'd said serious, or if they'd simply write him off as crazy.

[CloseEnough]

@MonsieurShade@Gravislayer

Hearing Roland's answer Reema began to think long and hard, mulling her words before speaking it was as if she were a quropeko who was trying to distinguish what it was she was looking at. "A blank slate that still is trying to find out what to think of them....I'll take it. I don't like beating around the bush so I'll just say it, if I find you disrespecting them knowingly for any reason I will leave you to be eaten right than and there. Those who don't understand that the creatures we face are as alive as we are have no business being hunters." Her cold gaze melting once the words were spoken she held out her hand for a shake. "But for now, I see no reason to not call you my fellow huntsman, I just hope you'll have my back as I'll have yours."

Yet as they eyes laid upon Jacque she began to wait paintantly for his answer, watching as his demeneor changed she could tell that it was a difficult answer. And indeed it was if it was the first time you were asked, she remembered it was the first question her father gave her even before he asked if she wanted to learn how to hunt.
Yet she found herself surprised with the answer. She was expecting him to be as animated as he was before when speaking of the great beasts. Yet instead he took it seriously, it was almost like he was speaking about his faith only for her to realize that in a way that was exactly as it was. She even found her gaze soften slightly at the words.
"All I ask from my partners is that they respect the monsters that give up their lives to continue ours." Doing the same she turned to the male, extending her hand in a promise of a long partnership where they will be trusting their lives together. "I'll be leaving at dawn, both of you are more than welcome to join me, bring some gear for forging as well, never know what you might find out there."

[Gravislayer]

Roland took her hand but at the same time shook his head. Monsters, like wyvern, have earned his respect more often than any human ever did. He challenged them for that reason, that was why he searched a fair fight because it was clean. There aren't any ties attached, no bad blood, no ideology or history which could justify the fight. It was a simple hunt, a job!
When the monsters overpopulated or started to attack settlements or farmers, it was their job, as hunters, to bring them down. Sure some aristocratics payed a high fee for a Rathalos head on their wallet it is still up to the hunter if he took that job offer or not.

"You asked for my reason to hunt, so let's put it this way!" Roland replied to the huntress as she offered him her hand.

"Monsters have given me more reasons to like them, than any human did so far. I hunt what I need, I will kill if necessary but I won't do it for sports! I will use every part of my prey and honor it with a honest fight."

He now took her hand and shaked it.

"If that is a good enough answer to you, I will gladly accompany you tomorrow "

[MonsieurShade]

Jacque let go of the breath he held and chuckled a bit with relief as he found his answer well received. Ronald's answer was a bit different that his own, though Jacque found that he could definitely understand the other hunter's line of reasoning. Monsters were so unlike humans: A man could be innocent and pious all throughout his life, but in the end even the most honorable of men could be made to lie and cheat if given the proper motivations, a monster on the other hand, simply was. A monster could not lie, for it could not be honest, no more so than a gust of wind or a crashing of waves could be. Monsters were simply divine forces of nature, above the petty machinations of man.

Jacque's more excitable demeanor returned as he took Reema's free hand, this time not content this time to wait for Ronald to finish. Rather than a regular shake, Jacque firmly gripped Reema's hand and brought both of their arms onto the table, looking for all the world as though he intended to arm wrestle. Following this, Jacque leaned over the table and, after a few awkward attempts did the the same with Ronald's free hand. The result was Jacque sitting with arms crossed over one another as he gripped his new comrades hands, "It's settled then, yes? WE HUNT,erm, SCOUT AT DAWN!" he roared cheerfully.