Monster Hunt

Paldonna froze in her tracks, keeping a loose grip on her sharp stick. Her other hand was immediately ready to grab her dagger if needed. She watched the worg, not making eye contact to avoid giving it the idea that she wanted a fight for territory. She simply stood there, waiting for it to make a move.

The Forest Worg suddenly pounced at Paldonna, gracefully flying through the air at high speeds as it tried to pin her down.

However, unlike the Owl Kin or the Hydra, the Worg was intelligent. Noticing her movement it immediately pinned down her arms and attempted to immobilize her before it would land a dangerous blow, seemingly taking its time with the kill, like it was some sort of cruel game.

However, it seemed like the Worg purposely let her go. It jumped back and started to circle again, its eyes not full of bloodlust but mania and entertainment from this 'game'. Not once had it drawn blood from its victim, Paldonna, but this seemed like 'after-meal playtime' to it.

When suddenly, it sits down, simply gazing at her with a subjective glance that judged her every movement, keeping an eye on her wherever she went. Its behavior was strange in comparison to any other canine creature, who would rip their victims apart instantly, but Worgs are very intelligent and often act in ways that seem cruel.

It tilted its head to the side for a couple of seconds before getting up and walking away at a slow, but not a suspicious and stealthy pace, padding along the forest floor as it left Paldonna behind after its ridiculous and cruel game. Interesting creatures, Worg are, and it may explain why domestic ones can be known to be vicious.

However, the Worg bursted into its equivalent of a jog, which clocked at twenty miles per hour as it dashed too fast for Paldonna to catch up. And that's what happened; it had come and gone within a few minutes, its motives unknown.

"Really?"

Atherius said as he continued twirling his hair between his index finger and thumb. Nodding slowly and giving a 'hm' sound in an inquisitive manner.

"There are also birds in trees and turtles in ponds."

His tune was extremely humored and sarcastic at the same time, though he gave an appreciative nod to Paldonna for her trek through the woods and acquirement of lumber.

Vellian nodded at Paldonna and pointed to one of the seats with one of her hands, still with one of her gauntlets on, giving an appreciative nod for the firewood.

"Come, sit. We're all exhausted by now, tomorrow we'll pick up on the blood trail..."

She swiveled on the makeshift bench and stared at the dried trail of dark red blood, which had almost permanently stained the grass of the forest. Something in her mind told her that they were farther in the forest than any other traveler, which would explain a lot about the common appearance of dangerous beasts of legend. She simply nodded and swiveled back to face where the fire would be lit, returning to a contemplative stance yet again as she thought more of the adventure.