Are you the Hunter or the Hunted?; Finlay

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON, for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISEof a new day,



The woods were still. There had been no sign of life of either man or animal for quite some time now, but he supposed that was what made Albion dangerous, everything was always so still. There was a time where it wasn’t though, and while Gael had been but a boy during those times, his father and mother had told many of stories about how the magic had been alive within Albion. Perhaps, if the magic had still been alive, then many those people wouldn’t keep on venturing into the lower lands of Caledonia to try and take land. The battle had been brutal enough to carry into the highlands where those soldiers soon met their ends. But still, it proved to be enough of a wakeup call for all the tribes. For once, they could come to an agreement on something and set their paths towards a greater goal: end of the invasions. For all he knew, nothing had happened since his departure, for some of the finest warriors from all of the tribes with Caledonia have been sent to move into Albion now, gather information and weaknesses on the various kingdoms. It would have been nicer if he and Rannoch had not been separated as friends always battle together than apart, but alas, the gods did not wish it for them and he was stuck with animals.

Speaking of animals, the horse beneath him had stopped in its tracks. Blue grey eyes glanced down at the highland’s horse for a moment, which was staring curiousally over at something. Following it’s gaze, he soon spotted what it was starting at: a rabbit. Already, Gael could feel his mouth salivate at such a thing, for it had been a while since they had fresh meat. All what he and the dog had been living off of was jerky, which grew old and tiresome after a while. Although, the only way to get a rabbit was to shoot it, which often proved to be a problem for the Pict warrior. Give him a man to slay, he would have no problem doing it with shield or sword, and yet, here, give him a rabbit and a bow and arrow, and the situation became quite dire. Reaching into the quiver that sat tied off to a piece of the make shift saddle and placing it into the bow, he pulled it back and allowed the arrow to fly and of course, for Gael, it missed it’s mark by about two feet. The sound alone startled the rabbit and it took off. Placing his fingers to his lips, a unique whistle sounded out, “Ochulissa!” There was a scrambling in the bushes from behind as a large and furry dog sprang out, her eyes catching sight of the white tail that darted into the woods.

Without much say from her master, the large dog surged forward now . Her long legs carrying her across the grounds with high speed. Without a moment’s hesitation to lose, Gael nudged the gray highland horse, “Get!” Just as the dog did, the horse sprang forward as well as another lumbering animal behind it as they raced after Ochulissa into the darker parts of the woods now. Just up ahead, he could see her grey body traveling after the rabbit as it tried to lose her by zig zaging it’s path, dirt and leaves flying from the sharp turns. It only made Gael cluck to the horse now, “Go Shergar, Saoirse, we must cut it off for her,” and with that he lead his horse forward now to head after the rabbit while the black animal behind them dove into the woods, but the breaking of branches of it’s movements could be heard. The rabbit must have known that it’s end was near for it put on another burst of speed, but between the grey horse and the black animal, there was no way but to run straight and that’s when the dog sprang. Her teeth clamped down on small animal before shaking it wildly and stumbling, but managed to catch herself on her paws now, the rabbit did, “Ah, we all shall have a feast to night, come on long.” Both the horse and black animal, which upon closer look, could be indentified as a shadowmere (black horse with sharpened teeth and black eyes), walked on, the dog did not.

Pausing and causing the horses to stop, Gael twisted on his seat and glanced back at the dog now. She had dropped the rabbit and her large head and snout was pointed in another direction, “Ochulissa! Come! We do not need to stand around now that the rabbit is caught,” and yet, nothing happened. After a moment though, her grey hair stood on edge and a snarl escaped her with her hackles raised. There was something out there, human perhaps by the way she had taken her stance in a defying way. Steel blue eyes stared out at the forests now for a moment, his hand resting on the hilt of a sword and he was ready to use his magic at any point, “Show yourself,” he called out, “I do not fear you.”

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: |Writer's block, sorry!|
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Finlay|

[Fin]

Fin had always liked the woods, ever since a child when his father would bring him and his older brother Oliver there. Oliver would be taught all manner of things - spells, enchantments, everything his father knew, while Fin would watch transfixed and wait for the day when he would be old enough to learn such skills too. It was natural, therefore, that the woods would provide a home, a shelter for him when the king executed his parents.

He had been minding his own business, wandering aimlessly when he had heard a noise that sounded suspiciously like horses. No one ever came to this part of the woods, and especially not with horses, so his curiosity was well and truly piqued. Trying to remain as quiet as possible he made his way towards where he thought the sound was coming from. There was a voice now, male, and Fin kept his distance, just in case.

And then he managed to break a fallen tree branch.

“Show yourself. I do not fear you.”

He stayed completely still, not even daring to breathe. But it was too late, whoever was there was aware of his presence. Tentatively, he stepped into the clearing where he came face to face with the owner of the voice - rather imposing looking man. "Who are you?" He asked, trying not to sound at all nervous. "And what are you doing here?"

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON, for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISEof a new day,



Ochulissa was still standing still, continuing to growl into the woods and even though Gael had spoke, nothing appeared to happen. Of course, the man would trust his animals senses more than his own, but even now, he could tell that there was somebody there due to his training. Although, they hardly seemed to be a threat, whoever they may be. If that had been the case, then surely they would have attacked by now. Shergar danced on his hooves slightly, easily getting riled up by the commotion, but Gael managed to keep him still, even with the snap of a twig or a branch but a few feet away from them. Eyes narrowed for a moment, but before he could threaten the individual once again, the woods seemed to move.

The rustling grew louder now and it was not long before another man made an appearance. It was hard to tell if he were older than Gael or not, but all men, at least in his tribe were viewed as equals despite their age. He was skittish looking, trying hard to not look nervous even though he clearly was. Gael could not entirely blame him though, a man in the woods was never up to good, especially if he could tell if he was not from Albion territory. He of course was not the only one staring at this curly haired human; the others were as well. Saoirse remained quiet, her red eyes dull and lifeless as Shergar's own brown orbs continued on in mild fear and threat, it was only Ochulissa who remained defiant towards this new arrival.

It was not long though before this curious stranger spoke, "Who are you? And what are you doing here?" he inquired now, a nervous hinge to his voice that underlay whatever bravery he might have had. Gael continued to stare at him for a moment before laughter escaped him, "And the same can be asked of you," he replied easily enough, his Caledonian accent thick now, "Although, I do believe that you are smart enough to figure out that I am not from around these parts."

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: ||
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Finlay|

[Fin]

It was probably a stupid feeling, but Fin couldn't help but feel slightly intimidated by the horses standing and staring at him. The man was also staring, but there was good reason to be intimidated by him. Fin, however, stood his ground, fists clenched and trying to appear a lot tougher than he was. He might live a mainly solitary life, living in the woods still with the anger at the loss of his family, but even that would not protect him from the dangers of the world. He had always been a survivor and could tell a dangerous man when he saw one. And yet despite all this he heard himself reply to the man, and rather stubbornly too. "I live here."

The way the man spoke was not familiar to Fin, which just made him even more cautious. He had learnt well enough that strangers were not to be trusted. In a defensive action he crossed his arms against his chest, although resisted the urge to take a step back. "Where are you from then? And why are you here?"

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISEof a new day,



For a moment, he thought the other might move under his gaze, or even the gaze of the animals. People, for whatever reason, did not like to be stared at by something they did not believe intelligence. There was a supernatural element about it that seemed to unnerve them and make them wary that their death might come about. Gael had never cared if an animal stared at him, if death were to come for him, he would love to see try and claim his life in the form of an animal. No, if there were to be any honor in his death, it would be in a battle for his country, not out in the depths of Albion. His eyes flickered over the curly haired man’s fists, clenching slightly as he stood his ground, clearly not going to move as he replied stubbornly, “I live here.” This man could not honestly expect him to believe such a thing, could he?

Laughter escaped Gael as he shook his head slightly, "What? You? Out here in the woods?” Honestly, the man reminded him of a runt of the litter, the one who always has to stand his ground to prove himself to the rest of the litter even though it was foolish task. Although, he did not seem to be joking how as he crossed his arms over his chest, still not backing up even though he should, “Where are you from then? And why are you here?” Slate eyes just stared for a moment before he swung his leg over the side of the grey horse and he hit the ground on his own two feet. The moment it happened, the horse backed up a step or two, unlike its master, it was weary of this new person. Like Gael, the other two were not and stood their grounds like stone statues, even a bark escaped Ochulissa at each time the man made.

He took a step forward towards the other, “Hasn’t anybody taught you that you should ask a lot of questions of stranger?” Gael asked now, his eyes never leaving the man. Although, perhaps this person was of nobody important. He did not look like an invader, he didn’t look like a much of a fighter at all, “I come from the northern lands, untouched by Albion. I’m sure you’ve heard stories of the northern highlands and how it’s a dangerous wilderness run by savage people,” there was a pause in his voice as he stopped in his steps now, “And I am here for my people,” Gael finished, his eyes narrowing how, “And what of you? Is it your mission in life to spy on people and their animals?”

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: ||
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Finlay|

[Fin]

Fin was more than intimidated by both the man and his horses, he didn't like to be stared at, but he was not going to back down. He had enough pride to stand his ground, especially after the man started laughing at him. Yes, it was his home and it would most likely continue to be so until Uther was brought to justice. He did not choose to be a forest dweller, he did not choose to be alone. He was forced to hide with his brother, and then he was abandoned.

Such an experience tended to make the sufferer uneasy around others, and this man was no exception. But, the advantage of being by himself was that he had learnt you needed to be strong to survive, so no matter what this man did, whether he laughed or not, Fin would stand his ground. "Yes I live here." He replied, his voice a lot more confident than he was expecting. "But not through choice."

Fin kept eye contact with the stranger, anything else would be showing weakness. He may not be the most powerful man in the world, but he certainly had enough pride and was not one to show when he was scared.

He had heard the stories of the northern people. They were supposed to be ruthless and unforgiving men who would kill you as soon as look at you. Those of Albion were often warned of the dangers the lands of the north contained. Yet he remained how he was, stood firmly and looking straight at the stranger. "I was not spying." He said, and then on deciding an explanation was needed if the man was going to believe him, added "I was catching rabbits."

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISEof a new day,



Gael would give the young man some credit that he did not move, despite the situation not being in his favor at the moment. It took guts to do such a thing, and he recognized that in any body, not just his own people of Caledonia. The fact that he lived here was hard to believe, or well, the notion of him choosing to live here was a little farfetched for Gael. After all, this man looked nothing like a forest dweller. He was gaunt, with curly hair and lean, skinny almost. Yet, he had quite the determined little look across his face, a harden state in his in his eyes, “Yes, I live here,” he stated now, even looking a little shocked by the confidence in his voice, “But not through choice.” Ah, so, there was the answer now, and it seemed that the warrior had been right by the situation. His slate eyes traveled towards the two horses now as well as the dog, they had been still as statues almost, waiting for the man to do something.

His gaze moved back towards het young man now, their eyes locked and neither one of them of them prone to backing down at the moment. This man had a lot of pride and was incredibly foolish, or he was just scared, Gael could not decide upon it at the moment, “Ah, you are the victim of the purge?” Caledonia was not as isolated as people seemed to think, the tribes still heard of the rumors and whispers that pass through the lands and up to the highlands, they knew everything about Albion. If anything, they were the savages to the Caledonians. The purge was something that had been centered around a kingdom known as Camelot, but Gael knew that it had extended its boundaries throughout all of Albion. It was not something he entirely understood, but everybody has their fears.

It was interesting to say the least, after his words of being from the North, the man still did not move. He hardly flinched, usually that was enough to get a rise out of people. A moment passed before he decided to speak, “I was not spying,” the young man said in a defense now. There was a pause in his voice, and Gael continued to stare at him, growing bored almost before he added on, “I was catching rabbits.” Slate eyes flickered towards his hands, which, of course, were rabbitless. If anything, Gael was quite certain that Ochulissa was holding onto the only rabbit at the moment, “And yet, you are rabbitless,” he commented now, an amused tone in his voice, “Tell me, little forest dweller, what is your name anyways?”

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: ||
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Finlay|

[Fin]

[Apologies for the lateness of this reply]

Fin flinched slightly at the man's mention of the Purge. Although it had taken place when he had still been a young child it was not something he could easily forget. The king had taken away not only his parents, but his life too and left him alone in the world to fend for himself.

Fin did not much care for the casual tone of the man's voice as he spoke of it. He was not from Camelot, he could not imagine what it had been like. "Yes, the king killed my parents." Fin began, he wanted the man to at least know what had happened, even if he never learnt what it had been like. Perhaps then his attitude would not be so flippant. "I lost my brother - I don't know whether he is alive or dead. I live here because I have nowhere else to go."

Everything the man said just served to anger Fin more. It wasn't enough to make light of the Purge, now he was questioning Fin's hunting abilities. Clearly the man found him to be amusing, Fin just found him rude and full of his own importance. "My name is Fin." He replied simply, not quite sure why the man cared so much anyway. "And yours?"

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISEof a new day,



Gael only cocked his head slightly as he saw the young man react to the purge in such a way. Had that been a flinch that he had seen? The animals had noticed it too, and they shifted their weight about ever so slightly but did not utter a sound. It became clear to the warrior that he had struck a chord and it made him ponder as to how far of a victim he had been? No doubt family members were killed in the process if he had reacted in such a way. Actions always speak much louder than words when nobody wanted to share. Before he could ask such things though, the little forest dweller seemed to find his voice, “Yes, the king killed my parents,” ah, so he had been right. There was such an emotional trauma rooted within this young man, “I lost my brother – I don’t know whether he is alive or dead. I live here because I have nowhere else to go.”

Slate eyes simply stared at him for a moment before he shook his head slight, “You’re wrong. That’s when you fight back,” he replied, his voice serious and strong. The purge had turned everybody into cowards who had forgotten how to fight back. He did not believe in living in the shadows, cowering like some dog that was waiting to get beaten by its master. Of course, that was how the people of Caledonia were, rebels to Albion, the fighting spirit. Gael turned to leave now, holding onto Shergar’s bridle and whistled to the others to follow his lead, knowing full well that the young man would not respond to his banter about his hunter, for this little forest dweller was far too riled up now to probably answer his questions, “My name is Fin,” he stated now, “And yours?” This question caused Gael to stop in his tracks and he glanced over towards the other now, “Gael.”

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: | It's okay. I'm clearly not too fast myself |
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Finlay|

[Fin]

Fin was not sure about this man at all. He was obviously an intimidating figure, but there was something in his manner and speech that made Fin want to know more about him. His speech in particular sparked a reaction from the young man. That's when you fight back. He'd never even considered that. Since the death of his parents his sole focus had simply been surviving, but now the man spoke of revenge it seemed like the obvious course of action.

Uther had taken his life away from him, why shouldn't he have his revenge? Besides, he had nothing to lose, and a man in that position was a dangerous thing. In a mere matter of seconds, he had quite made up his mind and was certain nothing was going to stop him. There was only one problem. He had no idea where to begin. Having spent the majority of his life alone and barely surviving he had no idea how to go about doing anything except finding food and shelter. Gael, however, Gael probably knew. The way he had said those words made Fin think that perhaps he knew what Fin was feeling, knew what he had been through. Perhaps he had managed to get his revenge, perhaps he could help Fin. "I can't fight back on my own." There was a pause. "Can you teach me?"

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISEof a new day,



He could still see that this other was nervous of him. Honestly, Gael could not blame him. They looked nothing alike, and if anything, the Caledonian looked of the wild, where as this young man looked like a frighten animal half of the time. The forest life did not do him well, either that or he had yet to learn how to really adapt to such a life style. Granted, most people never did unless they were born into it which he clearly was not. When Gael spoke of fighting back though, a minor spark almost seemed to alight in the young man’s eye, but he did not care to comment on such a thing. He still remained still in his tracks though, hand holding onto his flea bitten horse’s reigns as slate eyes studied the young man, lost in thought but as well as having an awakening.

Right when Gael thought he would leave the other alone to his thoughts, his voice spoke up, “I can’t fight back on my own,” he started now, a pause hanging heavy in the air, “Can you teach me?” Slate eyes just stared at him now for a moment before laughter escaped the Caledonian and he shook his head lightly, “Teach you? You have nothing to offer me,” he replied back easily. Fin was forgetting that he was still of Albion descent, and therefore, Gael saw no respect, not off the bat. Respect was something to be earned, just like training and the rights and passage to a warrior. The Picts fighting style was something that stayed within the tribe, outsiders knew nothing about it unless they fought before and they were amongst the feared within the highlands even amongst the other tribes, “Why should I teach you if you’re so determine to learn?”

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: | |
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Finlay|

[Fin]

Fin bit his lip, staring determinedly at the man in front of him. Gael was laughing again, but he'd done a lot of that, so it was nothing to insult him now. He was only trying to improve himself and his situation. Part of him had assumed this kind of reply anyway, even so, he had hoped the man would agree. All he wanted to do was avenge his parents, Gael could have helped him acheive that.

He thought for a moment, he needed to win this man over and was determined that he would be able to do so. What would a man like Gael need of him? It was a tricky question, and one that he was finding himself unable to answer. He had a thought, only a small one, and something he would probably be mocked again for, but it was the best he could come up with so it was going to have to do. He was desperate, after all. "You're new here, to these lands. I can help you, I know these forests and," he paused, not quite sure how to word this, "Well, you don't fit in. If you don't want to be caught by the king's guards, you need someone on your side." It was probably not an argument Gael would be in favour of, he had managed to make it thus far without being caught, Fin assumed anyway, he could well have been caught and escaped dozens of times for all he knew. It was, however, Fin's only offering. He was a lone young man living in a forest with nothing but anger, there were very few things he had, and even fewer that would appeal to Gale.

"Because I'll kill Uther." Fin replied calmly, it was the only thing he'd managed to say with that amount of confidence since Gael appeared. "And he won't be a threat to you or your anymore." Surely, even if Gael cared nothing for Fin or his loss - and he probably didn't - he'd welcome the chance to make Uther suffer?

[/blockquote]

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISEof a new day,


He noticed how the other bit his lip now, although, his laughter had not meant to be an insult, or perhaps it had. Gael thought very little of what his actions might mean to other people, other than the fact that this whole situation was quite humorous to him in many ways. Funny how he traveled Albion in search of answers, scouting out things that he needed for his people in order to protect themselves from another attack, and yet, here in Albion, it’s own people wished to destroy it. The five realms of Albion were powerful though, but if one did fall, Gael did wonder what would become of it. Of course, the druids and the elders still told of great things to come from these lands, but he could hardly agree, not after the bloodshed that he had witnessed. If they thought his people savage, then they were nothing but demons.

His question seemed to challenge Fin in a way, perhaps the young man had been hoping that he was going to just give in to his requests because of his poor past, but Gael was not like that. Everybody was on their own, and he still did not see the point in helping somebody from the lands that he wished to crush. While Gael stood there paitently, the rest of his party began to grow impatient with this wait. Snorts and stomps escaped the equines while a slight pine escaped the dog, they had been standing around for far too long and were not making camp. They were starting to get nervous even when there was nothing to fear. Slate eyes though, did not leave Fin though, waiting to hear upon his offering, "You're new here, to these lands. I can help you, I know these forests and well, you don't fit in. If you don't want to be caught by the king's guards, you need someone on your side.”

How childish. He shook his head slightly, “If I run into any guards, I’ll just kill them,” after all, Gael had no problem with getting his hands dirty, espeaically with the blood of his enemy. With that, he turned and started to move away when Fin’s next answer caused him to stop in his tracks, “Because I’ll kill Uther. And he won’t be a threat to you or your home anymore.” Gael glanced over his shoulder now, back at the young male to see how serious he was. Honestly, he had no idea if Camelot had been amoungst the realms that had ventured into Caledonia, but he wouldn’t put it past it’s King. After all, he was the one who feared magic the most, something that the people of his lands were sometimes gifted with. Not to mention, Camelot was one of the strongest, if not the strongest, of the five kingdoms of Albion. The fall of its king would weaken alliances with a young and naïve teenage boy sitting on the throne. He reached for one of his blades now, pulling it free of its sheath, the metal scratching against the protection before he tossed it towards Fin now, “Show me what you know.”

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: |Well, that took forever. Sorry! |
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Finlay|