the lighting in this is amazing! :0

Ok here comes story time!

I threw back my head and felt the icy water slide down my throat and neck from the canteen, spilling a little. Not that it mattered. The rain that cleaned the blood drenched soil would be sufficient enough to fill it back up. I wiped the water off my mask and shook out my silver hair. The blood you ask? No, it isn't mine. I shifted my weight as I perched on the large jagged horns of my latest contract.  Apperently this beast was terrorizing the local village, so they placed a bounty on its head. That's how the world is now a days. If something bothers you, you put a price on it. Sooner or later someone is bound to come along and need the cash. Thats where i come in. I was trained for this, or, chosen by fate. Who knows, who cares. It's not a glamorous living I know, but it pays handsomely. And, well, I'm good at it. I sat patiently, waiting for the one who placed the bounty to arrive with my reward. Quietly watching the blood drain from the lion like form that lay lifeless beneath me in the rain. Reminds me of that day. A long time ago.

 I must have been 5 or 6 at the time. Just a kid. A young fledgling. It was raining that day too, I remember it so clearly. The blood soaking into the mud and my clothes as I sat collapsed on my knees, drenched and cold. My parents lifelessly looking towards me as they lay sprawled on the ground. Their wings clipped as a trophy prize and proof of the kill. Wings? yes, did that suprize you? It's true, I'm not exactly human myself. A harpy. That's what I am biologically. But before you go calling me monster, hear out my story.

Harpys arn't exactly held in high regards by the world. Even other beasts tend to distance themselves from us. We certainly weren't a wealthy family. My dad constantly searching for a job, or working as a slave. And my mother trying to raise me away from the cruelty of human hands. Often they stole what we needed to eat, so it was only a matter of time before a bounty was placed on their heads. Apperently a local shop keep had spotted my mother. A single loaf of bread. That's what it came down too. That's what their lives were worth. And so, that's how I found myself in this place. Covered in dirt and mud and the blood of my parents. A long dark shadow cast over us all from the feet of a man. In the pouring rain my ragged patched clothes weighed me down and I forfeited my life, what could I do? Run? Fight? If I got away I would surely starve, or be killed by some other wild beast. And there was no way I could fight this man, he was trained for this, killing a harpy was like swatting a fly for a trained hunter. I sat in silence.

"The contract only called for 2. No mention of a fledgling." The deep gruff and withered voice faded in the rain. I looked up as the droplets blended with the tear stained face of a child. A wrinkled and scared old man staring back unsympatheticaly from beneath a large brimmed hat and collared trench coat. His scruffy beard hiding the emotionless mouth that was slightly off center. He tossed the clipped wings of his kill over the flanks of his horse and mounted up. So what? He was just going to leave me here? Let me starve or be eaten by a wild animal, like a hatchling tossed from its nest.  As he began to walk away I panicked. I remember looking back at my parents faces. I didn't want to die. I didn't want to slowly starve. I was so lost and dazed and in a split minute decision I rose to my legs, shaking.  My talons gripping the mud beneath causing  me to stumble and slip but I continued to moved past the lifeless bodies. And I followed him. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I didn't want to be left alone. Maybe because I was seeking reassurance.  Probably both. Revenge you ask? No. I don't think so. at that moment there was nothing in my heart. I was empty. I had no purpose. No place.

I continued to trail after the rider in silence. Struggling up and down the muddy path as it curved and twisted forms like a snake. Tripping and falling into the mud over and over, creating a more pitiful creature than what I already was. He knew I was there, trailing right behind him. Of course he knew, I may as well have been grabbing onto his mounts tail. He didn't stop me. Or tell me to go back. He just continued forward, as if he followed some grand quest. I could have turned back I suppose. There were other Harpys in the area that knew my family. But would they have taken me in? Probably not. And I didn't blame them. They had family's of their own to care for, and I was just another mouth to feed. A mile, or 2...or 3. I'm not sure how long I followed him. Ha. Like some stray mutt. I could feel my stomach sinking with hunger, my eyes heavy and my legs weak from exhaustion, to the point where I  tripped, and thought I'd sleep there, the mud being warmer than my soaked cold skin. And then. I was picked up by the scruff of my ragged clothes. the smell of horse wafted in my nose, mane tangled inbetween my clawed fingers. It was warm. Comforting. Like I was back at home nestled in my mother's feathers. So I drifted off.

The hunter? Yea, it was him. He had picked me up and tossed me in front of the pommel of his saddle. Why? Pshhhhh, I still ask myself that today. Guilt? Naw. A man like him was experianced with death. And a kid who had lost his parents was a common thing in this twisted world. Maybe he took pity on me, a twisted little wretch who had followed his parents murderer so he wouldn't be alone haha. Or perhaps. He saw a little bit of himself in me.

By the time I had woken up we were nearing the edge of the village my parents frequented. Probably for the hunter to collect his fee from the one who set the bounty. I had never been to a human village before. Home was the only place I'd known. Home. I missed it. But the empty feeling never left me, so I clung to the horses mane, sat beside the sheathed blade attached to the horses beast hitch. The blade that had taken my parents lives. I didn't say a word. And neither did the hunter. He just steadily road on. Ignoring the odd looks and scowls people threw in my direction. I was just pleased the rain had stopped. The rythimical beats and sway of the horse had begun to slow, and before I knew it the rider was dismounted and hitched up next to a large market stall selling all matter of things from weaponry to baked good. He left me sitting up upon the horse as if I was never there in the first place. 
 "I'm here for the bounty" that rough deep voice I had heard before spoke out. I didn't even need to look up at him to know it was the old hunter.
"Ha, job well done master hunter. Filthy creatures those half breeds are, had to toss out half the baking that day for fear that thing had touched them!" A fat wealthy merchant had approached the hunter. From what i remeber he could use a few less baked goods if you had asked me.
"Ah, you caught another one did you?" He had noticed me silently sat upon the hunters horse. A greedy smile upon his jowls as he attempted to aproach me. Ugh. I can still feel my gut twisting as stared me down, sick bastard.
"My Payment" The hunter stopped the merchants forward movement. A more forceful tone in his words, and a glance over his shoulder at me. "Extra for the kid."
Shocked? Yea. That's how I felt. Was he really gona turn me over? After he picked me up? I guess now looking back it made sense, I was few extra coin in a world without much to spare. But relax. He didn't. Or couldn't? Meh.
"Here's your coin" the fat merchant handed over a small purse all the while I sat quietly watching my possible fates.
"This isn't what I was promised from the bounty flyer. This isn't even enough for one of the contracts" His old rough voice brim with a bit of anger and he grasped the man's collar.

The fat man struggled in his grasp. Obviously this hunter that I had found myself a captive of was not just some hunter. He held an authority over the people. At that time I wasn't sure if it was just because he was hunter.  I never truly grasped who he actually was. Obviously. Considering how young I was and my limited knowledge of the world. Anyways. Back to my tale.
The old hunter dropped his grip as the merchant struggled to compose himself. "L-look I'll compensate, I swear." He quickly waddled behind the counter and dug down into a deep chest that was tucked out of sight before waddling back with something wrapped in cloth.
"H-here, take these! The most valuable thing I have." The hunter grabbed the fairly large package and lifted the cloth. Am unsatisfied look on his old face. "Trash."
"P - please sir I didn't mean any offense, these are the finest of crafted weapons, twin blades moulded from a stainless steel base, sharpened with diamonds, they are all I have at the moment, perhaps if you were to return at a later date, I could-"
"Fine." The hunter cut him off throwing the cloth back over the blades and snatching them from his hands. He quickly mounted up behind me, tossing the wrapped blades into his saddle bags.
"T-the fledgling?" The merchant stuttered,
"You can't afford him."

Man. I was happy to have that town dissapear behind us as we cantered off. Ugh. That was one hell of a day. Hmmm? Yea. I know. Not all humans are like that. But your one of the few. Unfortunately the behaviour of that merchant is quite common. What happened next? Well, we rode on in collective silence.

As evening began to fall he had steadied his horse to a halt and dismounted. We were just a short distance from the next town over. He quickly busied himself as an old man does and untacked his tired horse. He left me there again, perched upon his horse. I remeber sitting there quietly for a few minutes. Probably still in shock after the days events. My mind probably slightly broken. The hunter took off his hat and brushed his furrowed brow before building a fire and taking out a few rations from one of his many bags underneath the wrapped twin blades he got earlier. Ugh. That food looked soon good. I mean. I had no idea what it was but I was starving. I attempted to scramble off the horse. Dangling my short legs off it's side before falling on my ass. I wandered over to the fire, attempting to warm my chilled bones from the days events. My stomach growled akwardly.

"Go get some more firewood" the deep rough voice sounded from the opposite side of the fire. I glanced around and over my shoulder. He was addressing me, but I was a bit surprised. It was the first time he acknowledged my presence.
 "Are you deaf boy? Get some wood! If you want to eat you have to work." That was the first lesson I learned from him. Nothing is free in this world, even survival. I quickly scrambled to my feet, wandering just to the tree line to pick up any sticks or branches that I could I carry with my tiny weak frame. I continued to do so until he tossed me small chunk of bread. Man was it ever good. Or perhaps that was the hunger talking. I quickly ate the whole thing and and curled up beside the fire, tucked under my wings. When I awoke the sun was already up and the hunter no where to be seen. I remeber panicking for a moment, yet his horse was still there resting in the shade of a tree. I figured if I'd say they he would return eventually. Why didn't I leave? Well. Where else would I go. I was already too far from home to turn back,  and it's not like anything was there for me anyways. An hour passed but I remained vigilant as I sat in the dirt next to the charred pieces of wood remnant of the fire from the night. A strange wave of relief washed over me as I saw the old man returning from the direction of the nearby town, a large bag of provisions slung over his shoulder. The light of day gave me a better glimpse of his face. It was withered from time, a few scars across the bridge of nose moments of battles past.

Dang, this looks sooo epic! I love these colors together, and the lighting is gorgeous! Amazing job!

He was old. Probably in his late 50s or 60s. His experiance and skill showing as walked past me towards his mount with a demanding and proud stature.
 "Here" he had flung a small bundle at me. "Put those on. And take these, I've no use for them." He dropped another bundle into my open arms. The last one much heavier than before, causing me to fall forward a little. I quickly opened up the small bundle first to find a few new scraps of clothing. I suppose what I was wearing then looked more like an old sack than clothes after what I had been through. I quickly slipped into the new garb as the old man tacked up his horse and turned my attention to the heavy package. I recognized the cloth that enclosed them, and felt confused at this odd gift. Yea. Wrapped up in that cloth were those two twin blades. They were half the size I was, and as I tried to sling them both over one of my shoulders they weighed me down and blocked my wings from stretching. I didn't ask any questions. And he never said anything more.  I just scrambled back onto the horse and we continued on.

That water effect!

omg so much writing! haha! I'll read all of it later when I'm free. I love Corvell too, I'm not sure if he or Toren is hotter (if that makes sense hahah) B)

Hahaha I read it all! The throwing Corvell off a cliff was the best part xD Poor bastard!

Hey kjumper, could you please check google plus? I posted something in the community

Spectacular as per usual! X3 The textures are amazing, and those birbs are beautiful! And I'm so sorry that I've missed out on the past two RPs! D: I've just been trying to get over some anxiety and insomnia and to relax. I'm finally starting to feel a lot better, fortunately. ^-^ Slowing down and enjoying life, reflecting on peaceful things and the presence of family has really helped. And thus, I'll try to make it this week. :3

Oh my goodness, I LOVED his backstory! X3 You've really developed him well (but what else can one do when it comes to a favored original character? CX)! I'd be much obliged to read the rest, if you are ever to post it! :D

Oh my goodness, this story was absolutely OUTSTANDING!! I can barely even find the words to describe how I feel about it - I am simply blown away by how deep and well-written it is! If you were to finish this story and publish it, I would be one of your first buyers! Awesome job!

Hmm, I realized just now that Raven was also a monster hunter/bounty hunter before he left Ethos, and he coincidentally live in the same universe as Corvell. I want Corvell to be unique, so I might change up Raven's backstory...

Re: That's neat! :D (regarding Corvell's being in the same universe as the Artifact gang) And I'm glad I still haven't missed much! CX

excellent job! ^v^)/

AH wow Corvell is in the Artifact world? Does that mean he'd make an appearance? *o* That'd be soo cool!

Re: Ah yeah that'd be cool it's very interesting, though I like our set cast of characters and how they seem exclusive to Artifact ^v^
(((I already know who'd I want to have, even if it was just for 1 session :P))

Haha I'm sure, if the book will be anything like this short right here, it will more than definitely be considered "good enough". ;)

And is that really alright with you? I wouldn't mind, honestly - I had recently been thinking about editing his story to center more around his hatred towards dragons rather than the entire existence of monsters. Although, after reading this little novella, I suddenly lost my confidence to be able to do so. 'XD

Re: Thank you! ^-^ That's wonderful to know! But goodness, I'm a bit surprised as to how worried everyone was about me! D: At the same time, though, it's very reassuring. C:

Re: I suppose there really is quite a difference between them. Thank you so much for your kindness and tolerance! ^-^

That's how the story goes I guess, or, how it starts at least. More? What's there to add. I had found myself in the company of a reveared and skilled hunter. Followed him wherever he went. Learned from watching what he did. He hunted everything from Manticores to fauns, sea monsters to hydras. As long as the pay was good. As I got older I would often copy him. Practice with my blades or track the local wildlife for food. The only time he would ever say a word was to point out when I was doing something wrong. Correcting me. A teacher? I suppose you could look at him like that. I learned everything i know from him. How to track, hunt, kill. He taught me the ways of the world without saying a thing. Just by showing me how it works. He even taught me to fly. Sure it was by throwing me off a cliff but I would have never tried otherwise. At 16 I took on my first contract by myself. Permission? Why would I need to ask. We didn't have any sort of bond like dog and master. I was a raven following a wolf. Symbiotically living off of his kills or pointing out possible ones by circling above. We both answered to no one but ourselves.

Every once in a while he would do something out of character. The basic breathing apparatus I installed in my mask he crafted for high altitude flying. As well as the harness I wear that keeps my blades from constricting my wings. Both odd gestures given to me as I grew into hunter myself. Perhaps he cared? But more likely he was training me. Fitting me to take hold of my life and no longer be at the mercy of those around me. Maybe he used to be that way. At the mercy of others. Maybe that's how he saw himself in me. Either way I had become skilled at what I do. I can take on any beast that has a high enough pay day. Yes. Even my own kind.

  I can see that look in your eye. But tell me. In this world where survival is our only goal, and where money is the deciding factor can you really blame me? I know they do. Others of mythical descent. Beast they call me. Monster. Murderer. And yet when it comes to killing they gladly do so to others of a different species if it means survival. What makes me so different from them? Discrimination i suppose. What they never see are the contracts I accept compared to the ones I turn down. Sure most of the time price is the deciding factor let's not lie. But we're they innocent? No. I may be a hunter for hire but I still live my life with the determined and proud stature that I was taught. If there is one thing I did differently from that old man this was it. I have never stained my blade with an innocents blood. You know. I never did catch his name. I don't think he ever knew mine either. When I had turned 18 he just up and left. I'm sure he's out there somewhere. Still moving forward. Perhaps we will cross paths in the future. Hopefully it won't be for my head haha.
 

That's all there is to the begining of my story. What to think of me in the end is a choice you have to make on your own. I got up and stretched out my legs and arms, a bit stiff from being perched on the horns of the beast. The rain finally stopping.