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The Seekers of Legend
[CAG] Tormal
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<blockquote data-quote="Fists.o.Fury" data-source="post: 2725121" data-attributes="member: 37581"><p>Setting: Just after reaching Mt. Korliss when the group splits up for training.</p><p></p><p></p><p> Not much after dawn while the night’s chill still clings onto the air Tormal hears something rustling through the brush. Understandably startled he stands and prepares himself for what ever it may be. Out here in the wilderness and away from the group he must take caution to protect his life. To his surprise however, a number of wolves step into the clearing peacefully making their way around Tormal’s camp site. Behind them a large deep-grey wolf with deep white eyes steps out and sits prideful before Tormal. It shakes the newly acquired morning dew of its back and sits bobbing its nose about sniffing the air in front of Tormal. There is an awkward silence for a moment as Tormal sits patiently awaiting the creature’s next move. Finally, In a deep growl the creature speaks.</p><p></p><p>“You stink. I could smell you from miles away. Why is it you bother me again? More of your selfish demands no doubt!”</p><p></p><p>Tormal is taken back for a moment and quickly realizes the nature of what he is dealing with. Wolf had finally returned.</p><p></p><p>“Wolf? I..” Tormal stutters.</p><p></p><p>The beast snaps and barks at Tormal before growling out.</p><p></p><p>“Of course! Don’t act like an ignorant pup! Have you forgotten already!? Are you as doubtful as the rest of your kind? Why have you asked for me?” </p><p></p><p>Not wishing to make the same mistake as before and to show respect to his prospective mentor, Tormal bows to Wolf.</p><p></p><p>“I wish to continue my training. I wish to be one with the wolves.”</p><p></p><p>Wolf pushes Tormal to the ground growling into his face. </p><p></p><p>“Is that so? Why has it taken you so long?”</p><p></p><p> He steps off Tormal’s chest and leaves him lying there for a moment while he paces about the camp site investigating his surroundings. The has begun rising over the hill and a number of birds can be heard singing their songs in the forest. Tormal is about to answer when Wolf interjects.</p><p></p><p>“Have you already forgotten what I taught you? It took you this long to call for me once more – Why should I waste my time with you again?”</p><p></p><p>“I have not forgotten!” Tormal yells out as he stands to his feet and brushes off his clothes.</p><p></p><p>Wolf charges Tormal and barks “Then show me!”</p><p></p><p> As wolf runs by, Tormal plants his foot on Wolf’s side while sliding his quarterstaff in front of his front legs trying to trip him. If it weren’t for Wolf’s unimaginable speed this maneuver would have worked. But instead, Wolf jumps over the quarterstaff, bites Tormal’s foot and with sheer strength alone, pulls him to the ground.</p><p>Once more Tormal is lying on the ground, bruised and winded. A number of other forest creatures hear the commotion and silence themselves. Tormal lies there for a moment trying to catch his broken breath then sits up and crawls to a kneeling position facing Wolf once more.</p><p></p><p> Wolf laughs through a growl “You are pathetic indeed. But you are true to your word – You have not forgotten. You still show promise, but have yet to build upon that. Perhaps there is something I can teach you after all – if you can handle it.”</p><p></p><p>Tormal seriously looks to Wolf and says with confidence. “I can and will…”</p><p></p><p>Wolf laughs again “We shall see. I will return later in the day – be ready for when I do. I have no more need for delays. For now, it is time for this pack to hunt.”</p><p></p><p> With that Wolf and the rest of the pack fade back into the forest’s underbrush. A number of birds fly away in reaction and by this time the sun has managed to finally crawl over the hills and spills bright light into the valley. A number of creatures can be heard in between the fire pit’s cracks and pops. Tormal gets up and gathers some fire wood to start his day occasionally wiping dew droplets from his clothes. When the time comes Tormal makes his way back to the rest of the group’s camp and informs them of what had happened. He wastes little time in packing his gear and preparing to depart with Wolf, if that’s what’s going to happen. </p><p></p><p> For the most part the day is unentertaining. Tormal continues his training and waits for wolf’s return. He finds a large clearing where he performs his kata as usual and takes a bit of time to work on some of his newest moves. Tormal also takes the time to try and meditate but finds himself abnormally distracted. He can’t stop thinking about anything, especially Mona. He wondered to himself if he would get to see her again or if such luck was only a dream. Of course she said she would be there upon his return but things change. Things happen.</p><p></p><p> “Are you ready? We must leave this area and go where we can focus better” Wolf had been sitting there for some time starring at Tormal. Tormal jumps to his feet and gathers his gear. He rounds up his food and puts the fire out with a bit of water and dirt. As wolf walks out of the clearing Tormal follows hesitantly behind.</p><p></p><p> The crunch of leaves and sticks can be heard as Tormal steps through the underbrush. On either side of him a number of wolves try to stay hidden as they scurry about. Walking at the front, as expected, is Wolf. He slowly makes his way over a hill revealing another large valley below. By this time the sun has already begun to fall from the sky and dusk quickly becomes darkness. Its well into the next morning before the pack stops atop a large rock formation over looking the valley below. Tormal sits and tries to relieve his aching feet when Wolf finally gives the word to rest.</p><p></p><p>“We’ll stop here. Get some rest we have a long few weeks ahead of us. Nol, will accompany you. The rest of the pack will hunt again soon.”</p><p></p><p> Nol is a younger female wolf from the pack that stays behind with Tormal. She has grey and white patches covering most of her body and large grey tail. As Tormal sits she paces back and forth impatiently. Occasionally she takes the time to lay down for a bit but something amongst the forests’ many noises usually catches her attention. Often she whimpers as if scared. Tormal tries to comfort the creature but it’s not long before he falls asleep.</p><p></p><p>“You even sleep like a pup. Get up, it’s time” Wolf Growls into Tormal’s ear.</p><p></p><p> It’s not long after midday and the sounds of the forest can be heard for miles. A slight breeze brushes through the trees above. Tormal stands up and begins gather his equipment when wolf stops him. “No, we stay here; you won’t have much of need for that junk anyway.” Tormal hadn’t yet realized how rough the experience will be.</p><p></p><p> It was noted quickly that Wolf was strict; as strict as he was before at least. He was even more focused then Tormal’s mentors at the academy – by a large amount. But this was something he needed. Tormal had surpassed the academy’s teachings long ago and if he were to learn anything now it must be in such an environment and from such a tutor anyway.</p><p></p><p> For the first few days Wolf attempts to get Tormal’s physical skills up to par. He wakes Tormal well before the rest of the pack and spars with him. He takes invaluable time to point out weaknesses and strengths alike but rarely passes up the opportunity to ‘show’ Tormal where such weaknesses are. Even after the first day Tormal is covered in bruises, scratches and even a few bite marks. If there was anything to be learned yet it was that Wolf didn’t plan on treating Tormal any different then he would another wolf. Even in the pouring rain Wolf demands that Tormal practices, meditates and even performs his kata. </p><p></p><p> Wolf would tell Tormal that this was just the beginning; it was not the true extent of what he had to teach him. It was merely a way to get Tormal broken into his surroundings and the environment he will be living in for the next couple of weeks. More importantly though this was Wolf’s way of teaching invaluable skills for Tormal to have for hunting for and defending the pack and preserving his life. After just the third day Wolf decides to intensify some of the physical training aspects.</p><p></p><p>“You will hunt with the pack in the morning. With this comes the basis of what I want you to know.”</p><p></p><p> This could have easily been a mistake on Wolf’s part. Tormal wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t good at hunting either. In the first day alone he cost the pack a deer, a rabbit and a ton of hunting time. He often made the mistake of being seen or being too loud. But this was something that could be learned as well. Wolf had taught him the basics before and now was his opportunity to help Tormal perfect those skills. Eventually, after several hours, the pack finally manages to fell a rather large deer. Wolf takes the time to show Tormal where some of the best meat is before devouring it. When the rest of the pack is finished Tormal is allowed to take some meat for himself.</p><p></p><p>When the pack returns to the camp, if that’s what it can be called, Wolf takes the time to explain a few things to Tormal. </p><p></p><p>“Listen well; I’m not going to repeat this again. The existence of a wolf is cruel, as it is for any of nature’s creatures. Each of the creatures you see about you, whether it be wolf, deer, bird, insect or anything in between has a role in this world. Each of these creatures understands and fulfills that role. They honor it. Our role as predators is no greater then that of our prey. Because if it weren’t for our prey we, the predators, would die. If it weren’t for us the deer would run rampant destroying the land around you. Just as if it weren’t for the owl the mice would overrun all and if it weren’t for the mice certain insects would run rampant and certain plants would not exist.” </p><p></p><p>Wolf stops a moment to insure Tormal is listening.</p><p></p><p>“There is a balance, yes, but more importantly there is an order, a way things are supposed to be. There is a way things are designed to be. This is what you must understand if you are to learn anything more from me or your surroundings. You must insure that your part, and that of your species, is honored in this world. If you learn to peacefully coexist with the world around, if you can embrace this fact and there is much that can be offered.”</p><p></p><p>Wolf stops once more and paces around Tormal’s fire a bit. </p><p></p><p> “Keep one thing in mind. I was failed long ago by the two leggeds and look what is has come too. You’re kind consistently dishonor nature’s order, disrupt the balance and take what they want instead of what they need. If you wish to be one with the wolves you must also be one with nature’s design. Do you understand?”</p><p></p><p> Tormal take a moment to process what Wolf had just told him. After really thinking about it Tormal begins to quickly understand what Wolf is saying. He thinks of the cities where the corruption of nature overwhelms all else. He thinks of Greerson and it’s lack of respect for such balances. After a moment Tormal finally replies.</p><p></p><p>“I do…”</p><p></p><p>It may have not yet truly sunk into Tormal’s skin but he had at least begun to understand what was going on. He had also learned that Wolf was an aspect of wolves everywhere. He was a sort of Spirit that embodied all wolves. If he truly wanted to, Wolf could be anywhere any wolf is. This would also explain why wolf looks so much younger now then he did last time Tormal saw him.</p><p></p><p> As the days pass Tormal learns more then he could have imagined. He continues to hunt with the pack nearly every morning, continues to spar and Wolf continues talking about the two legged’s role in the world and nature’s design. To Tormal this concept was quickly falling into place, he even began to embrace that fact.</p><p></p><p> Wolf often talks about many of the gifts nature offers humanity. Much of it is what has allowed them to prevail as a species. The fish, for example, feed many, where as the cattle do too. Yet the cattle provide their hide for leathers and protection. Most of these understandings have been abused by the two leggeds out of greed. They often abuse these gifts and take more then what they need to survive. This is why wolf is the way he is. He’s frustrated and angry at the fact that we can so easily forget.</p><p></p><p> He also makes mention of many of the two-leggeds role from nature’s perspective. Two leggeds are supposed to be the caretakers of nature both living off of and supporting its very existence. This is something that has long been changed and forgotten but it was the original idea. When wolf periodically tests Tormal of what he has learned it’s apparent there is a change. Even Tormal’s beliefs and ideals have shifted noticeably. </p><p></p><p>It isn’t long before Tormal begins to fit into the pack just like another wolf. He is able to act and hunt like any other and even begins taking on some of their traits. But the greatest change of all comes about the third week out with Wolf.</p><p></p><p> It was just before midday and the forest had long been in motion. A wood pecker could be heard in the distance and a small trail of ants march past Tormal’s foot and up a nearby tree. A number of clouds pass over spotting the land in a gentle shadow and pulling a refreshing breeze through the valley. Tormal walks about slowly following a small set of tracks. </p><p></p><p> Wolf had taught him how to track by prints. This was something vital to Tormal if he is to survive in the wild at all. As Tormal makes his way through the forest a number birds in a tree flutter away. And just for a moment Tormal hears “Fly!” whispering out of the flutter of their wings. As he continues in the distance he can see some sort of pigs bustling about in the underbrush. As he approaches, one of them seems to catch notice and stops abruptly in its spot. When Tormal takes another step the pig panics and squeals “Preedatooor! Runnnn!” and runs away with a number of others behind it. Squealing “runnn!”</p><p></p><p> Tormal is shocked, overwhelmed even, at what he heard. He falls to his knees trying to comprehend what was going on when a bird lands on a tree branch above. As he listens Tormal is relieved to hear a normal chirp several times. When he stands up the bird flutters away. As Tormal watches it he somehow seems to comprehend its movements and interprets them as hunting. The bird was hunting! This is something he couldn’t have guessed before. </p><p></p><p> Tormal decides to return to his camp. A number of wolves lay in the open atop a rock sun bathing. Wolf can be seen sitting and staring about the valley and occasionally pacing around the site. As Tormal nears he can hear a number of things…</p><p></p><p>“We’re hungry….” He overhears a whisper which is lost to the wind</p><p></p><p>“Hot, me move…” as one of the wolves gets up and moves to a nearby shade tree.</p><p></p><p>Wolf barks like he would to the pack but Tormal can understand.</p><p></p><p> “The two legged has finally returned”</p><p></p><p>When Tormal gets to the campsite a number of various conversations can be heard around him. He stands there a bit stunned before wolf says anything. </p><p></p><p>“What is the problem?! You have returned with nothing I see – I cannot feed you any longer.”</p><p></p><p> Tormal looks about before saying anything. “The animals… They speak! I can hear it…”</p><p>One of the wolfs behind him seems to laugh a bit. While saying “No food… eat two legged maybe?” Tormal looks back almost scolding the creature for such a remark. Somehow noticing the change a number of other wolves sit up and bark at Tormal.</p><p></p><p>Wolf sits there in silence a moment before addressing the change.</p><p> </p><p> “Hush!” he growls to the pack. “Then understand this you can?” he asks Tormal without truly saying anything outside of growls and barks.</p><p></p><p> Tormal shakes his head</p><p></p><p> “Interesting. It seems you have finally begun to understand nature. It has granted you an invaluable gift. Look.” He motions to a mouse scurrying around the camp site almost certain of its safety.</p><p></p><p> Every few seconds when the creature stops he can faintly hear it speak “Food?... no…mmmm…ack!... er… mmm food….” As it jumps around investigating a number of plants.</p><p></p><p> “Everything has a voice. If you can understand this then you have come further then I though you would. You have been granted a gift by many of nature’s spirits. They believe you have come to an understanding of your part in this world. This is good, there is not much more I can do for you now. Do not forget what you have learned.” Wolf warns Tormal.</p><p></p><p> For Tormal the rest of the day is spent resting and speaking with the wolves themselves. He has a number of simple conversations, as much as he can, with a number of the wolves. The most interesting is with Nol, the wolf that had accompanied him in the first few days out here. He quickly learns that Nol has gained a sort of affinity for Tormal and wishes to join him when he leaves. Wolf protests at first but eventually comes to the realization of the situation. If Nol were to join Tormal she could not only guide him and keep him on track but she can also help protect him and him, her.</p><p></p><p> To Tormal it’s something he had never before even imagined would happen. After some time the two begin hunting with each other, playing and even sparring. Wolf also takes the time to make sure Tormal is ready for such a change. But to Tormal he had gained another friend and in an odd sense of the meaning – a companion. It didn’t take long for the two to get close and comfortable with each other.</p><p></p><p> In the eve before they decided to return Wolf confronts Tormal once more.</p><p></p><p> “You have come a long way. You have also learned much but it does not end here. You must remember two things from our last encounter. The first was a promise you made to me. Can you remember?”</p><p></p><p> Tormal thinks for a moment “Yes, I remember.</p><p></p><p> “Good, do not disappoint me. You must rise above those that have failed me before. And the second was something we had spoken of. A ritual spell – do you remember?”</p><p> </p><p> “Yes”</p><p> </p><p> “If you continue to pursue that goal you can still benefit from its gifts. Do not forget. Do not forget like the others…”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Fists.o.Fury, post: 2725121, member: 37581"] Setting: Just after reaching Mt. Korliss when the group splits up for training. Not much after dawn while the night’s chill still clings onto the air Tormal hears something rustling through the brush. Understandably startled he stands and prepares himself for what ever it may be. Out here in the wilderness and away from the group he must take caution to protect his life. To his surprise however, a number of wolves step into the clearing peacefully making their way around Tormal’s camp site. Behind them a large deep-grey wolf with deep white eyes steps out and sits prideful before Tormal. It shakes the newly acquired morning dew of its back and sits bobbing its nose about sniffing the air in front of Tormal. There is an awkward silence for a moment as Tormal sits patiently awaiting the creature’s next move. Finally, In a deep growl the creature speaks. “You stink. I could smell you from miles away. Why is it you bother me again? More of your selfish demands no doubt!” Tormal is taken back for a moment and quickly realizes the nature of what he is dealing with. Wolf had finally returned. “Wolf? I..” Tormal stutters. The beast snaps and barks at Tormal before growling out. “Of course! Don’t act like an ignorant pup! Have you forgotten already!? Are you as doubtful as the rest of your kind? Why have you asked for me?” Not wishing to make the same mistake as before and to show respect to his prospective mentor, Tormal bows to Wolf. “I wish to continue my training. I wish to be one with the wolves.” Wolf pushes Tormal to the ground growling into his face. “Is that so? Why has it taken you so long?” He steps off Tormal’s chest and leaves him lying there for a moment while he paces about the camp site investigating his surroundings. The has begun rising over the hill and a number of birds can be heard singing their songs in the forest. Tormal is about to answer when Wolf interjects. “Have you already forgotten what I taught you? It took you this long to call for me once more – Why should I waste my time with you again?” “I have not forgotten!” Tormal yells out as he stands to his feet and brushes off his clothes. Wolf charges Tormal and barks “Then show me!” As wolf runs by, Tormal plants his foot on Wolf’s side while sliding his quarterstaff in front of his front legs trying to trip him. If it weren’t for Wolf’s unimaginable speed this maneuver would have worked. But instead, Wolf jumps over the quarterstaff, bites Tormal’s foot and with sheer strength alone, pulls him to the ground. Once more Tormal is lying on the ground, bruised and winded. A number of other forest creatures hear the commotion and silence themselves. Tormal lies there for a moment trying to catch his broken breath then sits up and crawls to a kneeling position facing Wolf once more. Wolf laughs through a growl “You are pathetic indeed. But you are true to your word – You have not forgotten. You still show promise, but have yet to build upon that. Perhaps there is something I can teach you after all – if you can handle it.” Tormal seriously looks to Wolf and says with confidence. “I can and will…” Wolf laughs again “We shall see. I will return later in the day – be ready for when I do. I have no more need for delays. For now, it is time for this pack to hunt.” With that Wolf and the rest of the pack fade back into the forest’s underbrush. A number of birds fly away in reaction and by this time the sun has managed to finally crawl over the hills and spills bright light into the valley. A number of creatures can be heard in between the fire pit’s cracks and pops. Tormal gets up and gathers some fire wood to start his day occasionally wiping dew droplets from his clothes. When the time comes Tormal makes his way back to the rest of the group’s camp and informs them of what had happened. He wastes little time in packing his gear and preparing to depart with Wolf, if that’s what’s going to happen. For the most part the day is unentertaining. Tormal continues his training and waits for wolf’s return. He finds a large clearing where he performs his kata as usual and takes a bit of time to work on some of his newest moves. Tormal also takes the time to try and meditate but finds himself abnormally distracted. He can’t stop thinking about anything, especially Mona. He wondered to himself if he would get to see her again or if such luck was only a dream. Of course she said she would be there upon his return but things change. Things happen. “Are you ready? We must leave this area and go where we can focus better” Wolf had been sitting there for some time starring at Tormal. Tormal jumps to his feet and gathers his gear. He rounds up his food and puts the fire out with a bit of water and dirt. As wolf walks out of the clearing Tormal follows hesitantly behind. The crunch of leaves and sticks can be heard as Tormal steps through the underbrush. On either side of him a number of wolves try to stay hidden as they scurry about. Walking at the front, as expected, is Wolf. He slowly makes his way over a hill revealing another large valley below. By this time the sun has already begun to fall from the sky and dusk quickly becomes darkness. Its well into the next morning before the pack stops atop a large rock formation over looking the valley below. Tormal sits and tries to relieve his aching feet when Wolf finally gives the word to rest. “We’ll stop here. Get some rest we have a long few weeks ahead of us. Nol, will accompany you. The rest of the pack will hunt again soon.” Nol is a younger female wolf from the pack that stays behind with Tormal. She has grey and white patches covering most of her body and large grey tail. As Tormal sits she paces back and forth impatiently. Occasionally she takes the time to lay down for a bit but something amongst the forests’ many noises usually catches her attention. Often she whimpers as if scared. Tormal tries to comfort the creature but it’s not long before he falls asleep. “You even sleep like a pup. Get up, it’s time” Wolf Growls into Tormal’s ear. It’s not long after midday and the sounds of the forest can be heard for miles. A slight breeze brushes through the trees above. Tormal stands up and begins gather his equipment when wolf stops him. “No, we stay here; you won’t have much of need for that junk anyway.” Tormal hadn’t yet realized how rough the experience will be. It was noted quickly that Wolf was strict; as strict as he was before at least. He was even more focused then Tormal’s mentors at the academy – by a large amount. But this was something he needed. Tormal had surpassed the academy’s teachings long ago and if he were to learn anything now it must be in such an environment and from such a tutor anyway. For the first few days Wolf attempts to get Tormal’s physical skills up to par. He wakes Tormal well before the rest of the pack and spars with him. He takes invaluable time to point out weaknesses and strengths alike but rarely passes up the opportunity to ‘show’ Tormal where such weaknesses are. Even after the first day Tormal is covered in bruises, scratches and even a few bite marks. If there was anything to be learned yet it was that Wolf didn’t plan on treating Tormal any different then he would another wolf. Even in the pouring rain Wolf demands that Tormal practices, meditates and even performs his kata. Wolf would tell Tormal that this was just the beginning; it was not the true extent of what he had to teach him. It was merely a way to get Tormal broken into his surroundings and the environment he will be living in for the next couple of weeks. More importantly though this was Wolf’s way of teaching invaluable skills for Tormal to have for hunting for and defending the pack and preserving his life. After just the third day Wolf decides to intensify some of the physical training aspects. “You will hunt with the pack in the morning. With this comes the basis of what I want you to know.” This could have easily been a mistake on Wolf’s part. Tormal wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t good at hunting either. In the first day alone he cost the pack a deer, a rabbit and a ton of hunting time. He often made the mistake of being seen or being too loud. But this was something that could be learned as well. Wolf had taught him the basics before and now was his opportunity to help Tormal perfect those skills. Eventually, after several hours, the pack finally manages to fell a rather large deer. Wolf takes the time to show Tormal where some of the best meat is before devouring it. When the rest of the pack is finished Tormal is allowed to take some meat for himself. When the pack returns to the camp, if that’s what it can be called, Wolf takes the time to explain a few things to Tormal. “Listen well; I’m not going to repeat this again. The existence of a wolf is cruel, as it is for any of nature’s creatures. Each of the creatures you see about you, whether it be wolf, deer, bird, insect or anything in between has a role in this world. Each of these creatures understands and fulfills that role. They honor it. Our role as predators is no greater then that of our prey. Because if it weren’t for our prey we, the predators, would die. If it weren’t for us the deer would run rampant destroying the land around you. Just as if it weren’t for the owl the mice would overrun all and if it weren’t for the mice certain insects would run rampant and certain plants would not exist.” Wolf stops a moment to insure Tormal is listening. “There is a balance, yes, but more importantly there is an order, a way things are supposed to be. There is a way things are designed to be. This is what you must understand if you are to learn anything more from me or your surroundings. You must insure that your part, and that of your species, is honored in this world. If you learn to peacefully coexist with the world around, if you can embrace this fact and there is much that can be offered.” Wolf stops once more and paces around Tormal’s fire a bit. “Keep one thing in mind. I was failed long ago by the two leggeds and look what is has come too. You’re kind consistently dishonor nature’s order, disrupt the balance and take what they want instead of what they need. If you wish to be one with the wolves you must also be one with nature’s design. Do you understand?” Tormal take a moment to process what Wolf had just told him. After really thinking about it Tormal begins to quickly understand what Wolf is saying. He thinks of the cities where the corruption of nature overwhelms all else. He thinks of Greerson and it’s lack of respect for such balances. After a moment Tormal finally replies. “I do…” It may have not yet truly sunk into Tormal’s skin but he had at least begun to understand what was going on. He had also learned that Wolf was an aspect of wolves everywhere. He was a sort of Spirit that embodied all wolves. If he truly wanted to, Wolf could be anywhere any wolf is. This would also explain why wolf looks so much younger now then he did last time Tormal saw him. As the days pass Tormal learns more then he could have imagined. He continues to hunt with the pack nearly every morning, continues to spar and Wolf continues talking about the two legged’s role in the world and nature’s design. To Tormal this concept was quickly falling into place, he even began to embrace that fact. Wolf often talks about many of the gifts nature offers humanity. Much of it is what has allowed them to prevail as a species. The fish, for example, feed many, where as the cattle do too. Yet the cattle provide their hide for leathers and protection. Most of these understandings have been abused by the two leggeds out of greed. They often abuse these gifts and take more then what they need to survive. This is why wolf is the way he is. He’s frustrated and angry at the fact that we can so easily forget. He also makes mention of many of the two-leggeds role from nature’s perspective. Two leggeds are supposed to be the caretakers of nature both living off of and supporting its very existence. This is something that has long been changed and forgotten but it was the original idea. When wolf periodically tests Tormal of what he has learned it’s apparent there is a change. Even Tormal’s beliefs and ideals have shifted noticeably. It isn’t long before Tormal begins to fit into the pack just like another wolf. He is able to act and hunt like any other and even begins taking on some of their traits. But the greatest change of all comes about the third week out with Wolf. It was just before midday and the forest had long been in motion. A wood pecker could be heard in the distance and a small trail of ants march past Tormal’s foot and up a nearby tree. A number of clouds pass over spotting the land in a gentle shadow and pulling a refreshing breeze through the valley. Tormal walks about slowly following a small set of tracks. Wolf had taught him how to track by prints. This was something vital to Tormal if he is to survive in the wild at all. As Tormal makes his way through the forest a number birds in a tree flutter away. And just for a moment Tormal hears “Fly!” whispering out of the flutter of their wings. As he continues in the distance he can see some sort of pigs bustling about in the underbrush. As he approaches, one of them seems to catch notice and stops abruptly in its spot. When Tormal takes another step the pig panics and squeals “Preedatooor! Runnnn!” and runs away with a number of others behind it. Squealing “runnn!” Tormal is shocked, overwhelmed even, at what he heard. He falls to his knees trying to comprehend what was going on when a bird lands on a tree branch above. As he listens Tormal is relieved to hear a normal chirp several times. When he stands up the bird flutters away. As Tormal watches it he somehow seems to comprehend its movements and interprets them as hunting. The bird was hunting! This is something he couldn’t have guessed before. Tormal decides to return to his camp. A number of wolves lay in the open atop a rock sun bathing. Wolf can be seen sitting and staring about the valley and occasionally pacing around the site. As Tormal nears he can hear a number of things… “We’re hungry….” He overhears a whisper which is lost to the wind “Hot, me move…” as one of the wolves gets up and moves to a nearby shade tree. Wolf barks like he would to the pack but Tormal can understand. “The two legged has finally returned” When Tormal gets to the campsite a number of various conversations can be heard around him. He stands there a bit stunned before wolf says anything. “What is the problem?! You have returned with nothing I see – I cannot feed you any longer.” Tormal looks about before saying anything. “The animals… They speak! I can hear it…” One of the wolfs behind him seems to laugh a bit. While saying “No food… eat two legged maybe?” Tormal looks back almost scolding the creature for such a remark. Somehow noticing the change a number of other wolves sit up and bark at Tormal. Wolf sits there in silence a moment before addressing the change. “Hush!” he growls to the pack. “Then understand this you can?” he asks Tormal without truly saying anything outside of growls and barks. Tormal shakes his head “Interesting. It seems you have finally begun to understand nature. It has granted you an invaluable gift. Look.” He motions to a mouse scurrying around the camp site almost certain of its safety. Every few seconds when the creature stops he can faintly hear it speak “Food?... no…mmmm…ack!... er… mmm food….” As it jumps around investigating a number of plants. “Everything has a voice. If you can understand this then you have come further then I though you would. You have been granted a gift by many of nature’s spirits. They believe you have come to an understanding of your part in this world. This is good, there is not much more I can do for you now. Do not forget what you have learned.” Wolf warns Tormal. For Tormal the rest of the day is spent resting and speaking with the wolves themselves. He has a number of simple conversations, as much as he can, with a number of the wolves. The most interesting is with Nol, the wolf that had accompanied him in the first few days out here. He quickly learns that Nol has gained a sort of affinity for Tormal and wishes to join him when he leaves. Wolf protests at first but eventually comes to the realization of the situation. If Nol were to join Tormal she could not only guide him and keep him on track but she can also help protect him and him, her. To Tormal it’s something he had never before even imagined would happen. After some time the two begin hunting with each other, playing and even sparring. Wolf also takes the time to make sure Tormal is ready for such a change. But to Tormal he had gained another friend and in an odd sense of the meaning – a companion. It didn’t take long for the two to get close and comfortable with each other. In the eve before they decided to return Wolf confronts Tormal once more. “You have come a long way. You have also learned much but it does not end here. You must remember two things from our last encounter. The first was a promise you made to me. Can you remember?” Tormal thinks for a moment “Yes, I remember. “Good, do not disappoint me. You must rise above those that have failed me before. And the second was something we had spoken of. A ritual spell – do you remember?” “Yes” “If you continue to pursue that goal you can still benefit from its gifts. Do not forget. Do not forget like the others…” [/QUOTE]
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