(514-09-15) First Hunt During Summer Tourney
Summary: The Earl's Huntsman, Erylys, takes a few others on a hunt for the Earl's table. Unfortunately, they come back empty handed.
Date: September 15, 514
Related: None
erylys arngeir dhani 


It is bright and early in the morning, a slight fog rising off the land as the sun begins to brighten the day. The night before, information was given out that one of the Earl's huntsmen would take anyone who might wish to participate in a hunt for the Earl's table. Ladies welcome, as well as Lords and knights who may wish something other than watching the tourney.

At the appointed time, one would find Erylys along with a few other kennelboys out west of Sarum with the large group of dogs milling around, waiting to get on the hunt. The lady herself is without horse, carrying a spear and bow with quiver. When people begin to arrive, she nods to each, introducing herself, "Lady Erylys de Berwick St. James, Earl's huntsman at your service…"

Why is Arngeir here? He has stuff to do! Books to read! A house to run, and a wedding to plan…eventually. The newly minted Lord of Shrewton hasn't had a whole lot of time to do much of anything lately beyond work on restoring Shrewton to something to that looks almost passable by most standards, having fallen into neglect since winter. And the man is no longer a knight, not with his knee the way it is. Certainly he can still fight, as some could attest, but hunting? That's something else. Never had time for it. Never had time to even learn, even if at some point he might've had an interest. But here he regardless, riding up alongside Dhani, having gotten a horse instead of walking everywhere to everything. "Merry meet, Lady de Berwick St. James." A mouthful right there. "I am Lord Arngeir de Shrewton, Lord of Shrewton." So the guy who runs the entire house decided to show up? Well, they /are/ neighbors, and he is the new guy in town. Might as well try to make friends.

"I want out from these walls." That announcement Dhani makes as precursor to heading out of Sarum. Up before the breaking of dawn, she is seated upon her charger and fully prepared to take leave of the overly civilized, suffocating atmosphere of a town in tournament celebrations. A pair of swords ride at her hips, a shield at her back, all the markers of someone who should be at a tourney. A light step carries the horse out to the road, but the moment they have the walls at their back, woman and steed break into a glorious canter that sees them bouncing all the way into the misty rendezvous. She might slow a little as not to alarm the kennelboys or the hunt mistress, and they would possibly have every reason to worry if a painted woman bore down in haste. The jangle of tack gives her away. The hullo rolling off her tongue gives her away. No doubt the dogs will love that.

But for proper greetings, they may as well be disappointed from the get go. She doesn't dismount right away, walking her horse to get his excitement out while Arngeir plays at being polite. "Sir Dhani," she offers in the most laconic fashion possible, and apparently sees fit to keep it at that. Her hand is raised in greeting. "Lady Huntress. Huntswoman?" Someone save her from herself. The bar on her lower lip skews slightly as she gives a nearly pained, self-deprecating smile and looks at Arngeir.

As others join, the young huntress smiles and nods at the various introductions, "Milord, Sir, please, call me Erylys.. or even Ery. Might be easier to shout at during the hunt if needed." At ease is the young lady who does nod, smiling further at Dhani's comments. "We're hoping for something big this morning, but we'll see what the dogs pick up on. Have either of you done much hunting?" She questions even as the kennelboys and herself start walking away from Sarum and the crowds that it represents, a few of the smaller dogs - bloodhound types - begin to put nose to ground to pick up scents.

Erylys rolls 1d20 and gets (20) for a total of: (20)
Hunter's choice of Fallow Deer.

"Thanks. I'm not completely used to having to sound like someone important and/or someone who actually knows what he's doing." Arngeir replies easily, sliding down off his horse, taking up his walking staff in hand. But yes, he has gotten the armor and sword out for this little venture, and looks like it's putting on an old hat for him. A laugh at the question of hunting. "Sir Dhani is the hunter. She drug me out because she felt if I spent any more time trying to repair the roof or fix the broken mortar on the walls, that I would find no joy in life ever again. Personally I just think she was getting tired of beating rugs. But no, I'm no hunter, but I do know plants, and I am a passable healer, incase someone here is injured.""

Patting the neck of the horse, Dhani uses that moment to check her gear over for one last followup. Pack checked, swords positioned correctly, her shield in place. All this takes a certain effort that precludes saying much, but she nods at Erylys. "Some." The fact she has painted marks on her face, or tattooed ones, sets her fairly apart as someone not of the closest social set. "We follow your lead, Erylys." Warming to the hunt mistress' practical recommendation, she guides her horse forward to follow in the footsteps or hoof prints of those ahead. "Cinder hunts better than I."

Success
Erylys checked her hunting of 15, she rolled 8.
Failed.
Dhani checked her Hunting of 10, she rolled 18.
Success
Erylys makes a check for Fallow Deer Avoidance at 18, she rolled 1.

Erylysa smiles, "That's good to know. I'd ask that you be careful, and follow my lead then." That to Arngeir before the kennel boys release the dogs, the bloodhounds taking the lead. They don't go too far before picking up on a strong scent near the river, their deep bays drawing the other dogs closer as they begin to trace a trail, "Deer, likely.." With spear in hand, the young huntress follows after the dogs at a slight jog, glancing over her shoulder to the lord and knight to check up on them and see how they fair. One might say thankfully. There's one stablehand with a pack horse that will bring up the rear of the group.

Failed.
Arngeir checked his hunting of 2, he rolled 9.

"By your lead, my lady." Arngeir is happy enough to follow, the limp in his limp enough to be noticiable, but nothing that's ever really stopped him. It's not so bad today, suggested by the fact that he's not putting too much weight on it, meaning he didn't push himself too hard the day before. "Spent enough time this summer wandering through the woods with Dhani here. I'm used to following the person that knows more than I. Not going to give the assumption that I know better. Because really, I haven't a clue. It has been…something I've been trying to learn." But he keeps up just fine, having developed a sort of 'skiping' motion that allows him to move faster with his staff.

Erylys does not need to ask twice. Dhani falls into a peculiar stillness and quiet on her horse, focused more on direct threats to the party. It goes with the job. Her comfort in the woods is considerable, though her ramrod straight posture never ceases. She walks the horse rather than builds him up to a trot, loosening her sword from its sheath. The hilt is plucked, tested for assurances it will smoothly withdraw to the touch of her hand. Together the pair keep to the path drawn by the hounds shuffling about, searching for a trail. The forest alive with the sounds of baying and rustling will overwhelm any incidental noises she makes.

Success
Erylys checked her hunting of 15, she rolled 12.
Success
Erylys makes a check for Fallow Deer Avoidance at 18, she rolled 12.
Failed.
Arngeir checked his hunting of 2, he rolled 6.

The dogs continue after the scent, and closer to the river where the trail was first picked up on, Erylys squats to check the tracks, "Deer. Maybe a fallow by the size of it." With that knowledge in hand, she glances to the two others, "At least it's not a bear or boar.." Which might mean extra precautions taken, "Not that a deer is anything to laugh about.." With them following, she begins to jog lightly again, keeping up with the dogs who traced the river a ways before cutting into the field nearby.

Failed.
Dhani checked her Hunting of 10, she rolled 15.

"A fallow deer. Those are larger than a normal stag, correct?" Arngeir asks, for the moment able to keep up with the two, even in armor and carrying all of his gear. Not the sneakiest ever, more of a slight lumbering, but at least his eyes are keenly aware of the surrondings, even if he can't pick up tracks to save his life. But he's seen at least five different plant species that he'll want to stop and pick for later study. His satchel hungers for new items to devour. "Certainly not, but it would be a might prize. I want to say I've seen deer of that size moving in herds in Shrewton but..I don't know if any had brought one back yet."

"We'd need more knights for boar," Dhani replies, distracted by the notion by something off in the shaking leaves and screen of foliage. The veryy abundance of summer makes for a patchwork of greens that serve too well to cover up other prey and predators alike, though the unholy noise raised by excitable hounds is sure to flush smaller quarry out or send animals scurrying for their dens. Likewise, she minds a tight watch for anyone not among the original party, which splits and fractures her concentration to the point her contributions to the hunt are limited. "Do you see—" She points from her higher vantage, but whatever blur of motion might be present all the way back there is nearly impossible to perceive. "Good meat, but aggressive," she adds. "They live up that way. Avoid the grasslands except at twilight, though."

Success
Erylys checked her hunting of 15, she rolled 2.
Success
Dhani checked her Hunting of 10, she rolled 7.
Success
Erylys makes a check for Fallow Deer Avoidance at 18, she rolled 2.
Failed.
Arngeir checked his hunting of 2, he rolled 19.

"For both boar and bear. I wouldn't continue on either of those with just us." That's a simple fact given by Erylys as she continues on, holding back slightly to remain with the other two. Her gaze watches the trail, making note of other tracks that they might uncover, keeping in her head what other larger beasts might be found for another hunt later. As the time ticks on, the dogs continue to follow the deer they are trailing, Erylys not stopping yet though making sure both Arngeir and Dhani take care of themselves with breaks for water and whatever else they might need over the course of the hunt.

Considering the summer he's had, Arngeir can keep up. He's gotten used to bounding and leaping over roots, using his staff as something of a pole-vault. Looks like it's something he's developed on his own, having to deal with moving fast through woods. He may not be the most dexterous person ever, but he's fluid enough to make this way of moving work. "That would be wise." he notes in regards to bear or boar. "I'd want to be amply prepared for soemthing like that."

Cinder, the horse, carries on valiantly with Dhani on his back. If it comes down to out and out flight, a horse and dogs can put a deer to the ground on sheer stamina alone. Not that the conditions are calling for it, though a worthwhile thing to keep in the back of one's head. The knight switches tactics, slowing the horse slightly as she starts meandering abreast of the trail the dogs mark out, marking the imprint off a hoof, a leaf shuddering the wrong way. Good indicators for where to move forward with. "You are well?" An inquiry made of all in general.

Success
Erylys checked her hunting of 15, she rolled 3.
Success
Erylys makes a check for Fallow Deer Avoidance at 18, she rolled 13.
Failed.
Dhani checked her hunting of 10, she rolled 18.

They're gaining on the deer. Slowly but surely. The thing has the stamina to keep running from the dogs on it's trail. Not ready to give up yet! Merely means the hunters get to press on as well, the promise of the meat gracing the Earl's table great. Erylys laughs softly, glancing back to the two others, "I might be reckless enough at times to press on when I shouldn't, but there are a few things even I would turn tail and beat a quick retreat back home." They'll take a brief pause when it seems the dogs are pushing the deer to circle back at one point, the perfect time to catch a bite to eat, and refill their waterskins from a small creak they cross.

Slowing down, Arngeir is winded. While he has an impressive stamina at times, the loping through the woods via vaulting about with staff can be draining after a time. Even worse when he's armored and armed. Sweat running off of him, he has to slow to a walk, not able to stand still with his muscles burningas they are. "No shame is stopping for a moment, considering how long it's been going on for." Waterskin is grabbed from his satchel, since they're all taking a break. "Will your dogs be alright?" he asks Erylys.

The funny thing about horses and hounds, they can outpace most game and prey, running them to ground, if the opportunity arises. And no hunter has greater endurance than humanity itself. Barring some unforeseen trouble, Dhani will guide Cinder after the fallow deer with unflagging intent. Now that the threat of some raider feels less, she gives more mind to where they are headed, where they have been. The horse keeps trotting onwards, though she never strays far from Arngeir or Erylys, parallel to the trail or threading across it. When they slow down, however, she brings the horse around in a circle and dismounts to let him have a break. Water from a creek is taken, a few tasty shoots eaten by Cinder; on her part, she isn't much of an eater. A few sips of water, a bite of hard cheese. "Are you doing well or do you need to ride?" A question to the Lord de Shrewton, that.

Success
Erylys checked her hunting of 15, she rolled 4.
Success
Erylys makes a check for Fallow Deer Avoidance at 18, she rolled 3.
Failed.
Dhani checked her Hunting of 10, she rolled 14.
Failed.
Arngeir checked his hunting of 2, he rolled 4.

That deer is going to take them to Carlion, perhaps. At least it's headed in that direction, and not say, Dorset, right? Erylys chuckles softly as she drinks from her own waterskin, taking out a bit of bread to nibble on with some cheese along with a handful of nuts and berries. A quick meal to eat on the go. Nodding to Dhani as the knight returns closer, "A small quick break." She offers, making sure that they grab food and water as well. When asked about her dogs, she smiles, "They'll continue on till they wear out and drop behind. But as long as they an smell and maybe see him? They'll keep going."

Once the break is over, she picks up her spear, and continues on, the trail traced as are the dog's placement by sound of their baying in the distance. "This way.."

"I think I could do with a ride." Arngeir notes, drinking a bit more. But he ran most of entire time they were moving, so yeah, it would be a bit to keep on going like this. Obviously he needs to get back to working out. Though with all the repairs he's doing, he'll eventually get back to that shape in no time. Especially with how anal-retentive he's been about it. Climbing up on the back of Cinder, he sits behind Dhani, letting 'drive' so to speak.

"Cinder," Dhani clicks her tongue rapidly. The horse raises his head and comes over to her, earning a rub on his nose. She kisses the velvety soft nose, and then blows into his nostrils, a bonding effort given how his whiskery lips nuzzle over her hair and neck in hopes of a hidden apple. Or something. "Mount up, Wren." A simple enough matter for him, she nonetheless holds the horse's head fondly. When he's on there, she does not remount. Nope, she can manage on her feet unless he tells her to swing up there.

Critical Fail!
Erylys checked her hunting of 15, she rolled 20.
Critical Success!
Dhani checked her Hunting of 10, she rolled 10.

It's then as they are getting ready to go again that the dogs begin to sound confused. Half the baying fades off. Somehow, the dogs have lost the trail. Cursing beneath her breath, Erylys hurries off in the direction of the dogs, more than half the pack coming out of the brush to mill around her, panting and laying down on the ground, others going to the stream to drink. "Looks like they lost the trail.." The huntress says, listening, however, for the others that have not returned to them.

A lone howl comes, deep and resonant, excited. "That's Red! Sounds like he picked the trail up!" Indeed, the dogs that were milling around head back into the brush to pick up the trail found again by Red, their baying to begin once they get on the trail left by the deer.

Success
Erylys makes a check for Fallow Deer Avoidance at 18, she rolled 14.
<OOC> Erylys says, "We're half way through the day. In that instance, we don't move forwards any I figure since the dogs lost/found the trail. :)"

On board Cinder, Arngeir knows how to ride a horse, but it's also not his horse. It's Dhani's and Cinder has always been particular about how rides him. Or at least so it seems. And if Cinder lets him do the driving, sure he'll do that. But all the commotion about losing the deer and finding it again, he just listens, waiting for Dhani herself to react. When she does, he'll follow.

The rapid ride across the land may have had something to do with Dhani not finding the stag directly. Get her on her feet, though, and everything changes. The woman slips through the bushes and brush without a hint of concern for getting dirty, her leathers in addition to her chain working superbly. She melts into the darkness, copper skin and drab attire working together to conceal her entirely from those who might be seeking her. One step, another, she's off into the darkness flooding through the trees. Cinder is tempted to amble after her. It's clear that he wants to. The slim gesture of a hand over her head indicates she's found what she seeks.

Success
Erylys checked her hunting of 15, she rolled 5.
Critical Success!
Erylys makes a check for Fallow Deer Avoidance at 18, she rolled 18.
Arngeir had to leave, and Dhani had a meeting called, so wrapped up with a few rolls quick.
Critical Fail!
Erylys checked her hunting of 15, she rolled 20.
Failed.
Dhani checked her Hunting of 10, she rolled 16.

The deer seems to find an area where it can push forwards, leaping over a log, and high tails it over the clearing. The dogs pick up on the deer's progress, pushing forwards, their baying growing more and more excited the closer they get to it. Erylys gives a few whistles and calls, urging the dogs onwards a she jogs to keep up with them.

The hunt is going well till that wily stag finds the river to cross, leaping into the water and pushing downstream, only to manage a leap from it towards the land downstream in a move that completely, and utterly, confuses the dogs. The pack splits, running up and down the stream, sniffling and snuffling, but does not find the trail again.

Eyrlys pauses there, watching the dogs, then turns her head up to the sky above where storm clouds are starting to gather. "As much as I hate this, we're going to need to return to Sarum before we get caught by the storm." The comment given to the two others with her, "It's a fairly straight return, if you follow the river here." A gesture given to it as she nods to Arngeir and Dhani, "You may wish to go ahead and go? I have to wait on the dogs, but no reason for you two to get caught by the storm."

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