Strange Encounter ( Open )

[Garrett Blade]

Garrett had arrived at the base of the Dragon's Breath Fall's by mid day, the sun just directly above. Which brought some warmth against the misty beads of water that sprayed out from the falls cascading water that feed the small lake. He stood at the sand bank next to the water's edge. The surface rippling from the force of the falls crashing into it constantly, but around the shore ice had claimed most of the water's surface leaving a smooth sheet of ice that branched out about a foot. large icicles formed at the rock face of the falls, covering the entire surface of the mountain with a thick sheet of teal ice. Just looking up at the top of the falls Garrett could tell it would be far too dangerous of a climb; Plus he defiantly didn't had the right equipment to climb it. Instead he stood there at the shore, a grumble escaping his throat as he toss his travel pack off his shoulders and to the ground.

He bent down to shuffle through the bag; It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for. A grin appearing on his lips as he pulled out what looked like a thin clear ball of string and a metal hook used for fishing. He took the ball of string and hook in one hand, reached down to his pants legs to pull a dagger from it's hidden sheath woven to the outer part of his pants leg. He took the dagger in hand and slung the travel pack back over his shoulder. He one blue eye searching the tree's and undergrowth around the area to try and find a suitable branch thick and flexible enough to do what he needed. Once he located a young sapling budding from the undergrowth of its parent tree's, Garrett cut the base of the young tree and stripped it of the rest of it's branches until it was just a rod. With a satisfied look, He tied the string to the base and then to the tip of the rod, before cutting off a sizeable length of string to 'cast' before putting the hook in on the other in.

Once Garrett had crafted his rod, he reached into the outer pocket of his bag and pulled out a thin sheet of cloth that had something wrapped up in side. He unwrapped the cloth to pull out one strip of freshly dried venison before folding the cloth back up and stuffing it in the bag. He took the dried meat and attached it to the hook, Casting his line and letting the hook and meat sink to the bottom of the cold lake bed. He placed the rod within a hole he had dug with the hill of his boot. Attached a bell to the base and then went to go collect wood while he waited for something to take the food. Thankfully there were many down tree's, and other empty fire pits that were previously made by pilgrims no doubt traveling through Nova. Starting a fire and getting it going was a easy once he could locate some dry wood that wasn't soaked by the mist of the falls. Tending to his fire while humming to himself; ever so often looking back to check on the rod to see if there were any bites; completely zoned into his own thoughts instead of keeping an eye on his surroundings. He had no idea what could be around him or anything that could be near by.

[Deleted]

A small feline had been fallowing him a fair distance away as he traveled to the falls. Out of site but tracking though his smell. The small cat was a pretty little specimen; long glossy red fur with only a spot of white on a fluffy chest. Large ears with furry tuffs sat upon a small triangular head. Big almond shaped blue green eyes peered out gazing at the path before it. The small cat once in the forest took to the trees. Fallowing by jumping branch to branch. Aria always thought tracking Garrett was fun; it provided a source of entertainment to her. Mainly because he was easy to loose and even harder to fallow unknowingly. So far she had only managed to sneak up on him a couple of times…and more often than not it was on accident. Whenever she thought she was getting to close Aria would pause to rest on a branch; enjoying the warmth of the sun. She couldn’t help but wonder if he got the day off or if he was playing hookie.

After a long rest Aria continued on her journey; trotting along a particularly long branch. When she got to the end of the branch she crouched down eyeing her next perch a good jump away. She sprang and landed on the branch with ease; she was about to continue on when there was a crack and the branch gave out beneath her. She fell and landed with a plop on something furry and warm. She immediately sprang and took off like a bat out of hell. Her fur standing on end. She had no clue what she had just landed on but smother furry and bigger than her in the middle of the forever forest couldn’t be good!

She was only a little ways from the falls; she could hear the roar of the water from here. Her little paws bolted as fast as they could through the brush; her ears pointed back behind her listening for anything that could be fallowing her….the sound of crunching and crashing through leaves answered her question. She bolted out into the clearing skidding to a stop on the sand right before she ended up face first into an unexpected fire. The fur on her back and tail poofed up like a raccoons. As whatever creature she had landed on crashed through the brush she spun around. The small cat’s form suddenly shifting into a potentially very stinky creature. This form had stumpy little legs, a long body; and a telltale white stripe starting from her head to a fluffy tail. The red skunk stood up on its front legs and lifted its tale; a very large warning for whatever came out of the brush.

[Deleted]

Jose had encountered a particularity bad day for him and his pieces of sanity and thus had taken it upon himself to find a peace of mind. One of the ways he did such a thing was to lose himself to nature and become one with it and so he headed out to the Forever Forest to clamp down on the calamity in his mind.

Jose although was nearly never cold, decked himself out with a glorious black and gold wolf's fur cape that fell just below his shins and wrapped around his torso; leather ties were woven into the edge at the top so as to close the cape around him. Underneath he wore a deep purple jerkin with silver buttons and deep brown pants, his soft leather boots left next to no sound against the snowy landscape. He had used a string of leather to tie his long hair back but still the dark tendrils waved about in the wind. For protection he had forgone his shorthand swords and opted for a few hidden blades and his signature black bow and arrows.

Jose found himself a quiet spot underneath a grand tree with creaking branches and sat himself down below. He had just begun to settle amongst it,snuggling a little deeper into his furry coat when a large crack was heard from above and a small wriggling thing fell upon Jose, giving him a start. He barely had time to register what happened before the little being had scrambled away from him and a large puzzlement befell his face.

Curiosity outweighed his desire for peace and in all actuality he needed a distraction and so he decided to try to follow whatever had landed upon him. He took off in the general direction he saw the little thing run in and made way for it.

He could tell he was near Dragon Breath Falls long before he ws near-their telltale roaring was heard if not a little muted by the icy waters-and he moved forward out of the brush to be confronted by a very odd looking skunk. Jose's immediate reaction was to lift up his hands in surrender and he took a step back, a twig crunching underfoot. Although his attention was devoted to the red skunk before him, his side-eye view took in the fire and the fisherman but they at the moment were of lesser concern. Jose assumed this little creature was a guard of some type for the man and so he quirked an eyebrow high at him, a wiry grin upon his lips and in a friendly tone he said

" I intend no malice...please don't spray me " he addressed the ladder comment to the skunk as he noticed an intelligent gleam to its eye.

[Garrett Blade]

Garrett was focusing on the water and where the wire had broke surface. The bait at the end of the hook, sank to the bottom of the freezing constantly choppy lake. He could feel the wire tug every so often; A good sign of life even for this water's temperature. Garrett dragged the bait along the sandy bottom by pulling at the wire with his hand. He wrapped the cord carefully around his hand, careful not to spook the fish as he inched the bait closer back to him. Finally a snag! The wire jerked and the line went taut. Garrett yanked back, pulling the line and fighting the fish for a moment before reeling the large trout in.

With a big satisfied grin; Garrett laid down his rod and carefully picked up the trout with his gloved left hand. Even while being careful, Garrett maintained a swift motion taking the trout and laying it down on the bank side. The fish flailing for only a moment before finally going limp. His hand movements were fast, his right hand becoming a blur... In one quick motion; Garrett took his right hand and unhooked the half eaten bait from the trout's jaw. In the next instant, Garrett reached down with his right hand and pulled out the dagger haltered to his thigh. A nice size fish and with three simple cuts, the trout was gutted and cleaned. The remains tossed to the side to use as bait later. So with his dinner now cleaned and prepared, all that was left to do was cook it.

A Perfect dinner for one with plenty of...left...overs?

The sound of twigs, leaves, and snow being stepped on quickly brought his attention away from his catch. He held the fish in his hand and turned to look behind him back over at the fire. To his surprise, a man had entered into his camp following after what looked to be a red...skunk? Garrett stared at the pair for a moment, his one eye blinking in bewilderment as he tried to figure out how long this had been taking place behind him. He looked at the man for a moment, taking in his features before looking back down at the oddly colored creature.

Not daring to take a step further closer to the fire while a skunk was in his camp. That is, if it was a real skunk. The longer Garrett stared at the color pattern of the creature the more familiar the beast became to him. In fact, he was willing to bet that the skunk was not an actual skunk at all. With a crooked brow, Garrett looked back up at the man who pleaded not to be sprayed. A smirk crawling across his lips.

" That one might spray you for the hell of it... " He spoke out with a loud chuckle; breaking the tension while daring to step closer to the fire. He was still cautious, even if not fully aware of the situation. The only thing he did know was that he had a fish in one hand and a dagger in the other; A stranger and a all too familiar trouble maker in front of him.

 " Care to explain why you thought it was a good idea to chase a 'shunk'? If no malice was intended? " He asked, placing the trout onto a pike and over the fire to cook.

[Deleted]

Her ears twitched back as she heard a relatively familiar voice speak up behind her….she blinked and peaked behind her; now somewhat confused as to why Jose was in the middle of the forest and fury. She had thought whatever she hand landed on was a lot more hostile then the friendly guardsman; which was why she had booked it. Then it chased after her and she was sure it was something hostile. Yes she had landed on him as a cat….and took off as a cat. So he didn’t quite know he was chasing a skunk. But still why chase anything in the forest unless you wanted to eat it. Her tail twitched as she seriously debated spraying him just to make a point. Garrett made a quick identification of her as always; even when he hadn’t seen this form of hers…and he was right she was seriously debating on spraying Jose for the hell of it.

But her attention was now pulled to her dear heart; she ceased the threatening posture and plopped down on all fours. Waddling over to Garrets feet and preceding to weave herself in and out of his legs making little bark like noises. Eventually plopping her front half down on his foot; perfectly content now…seeing how she was no longer stalking him. That and he already was asking the questions she wanted to ask herself. She didn’t see any need to transform into her normal self yet. As she made herself comfortable she turned her blue green gaze at Jose. Waiting patiently for his answer.

[Deleted]

As the situation swiftly diffused his shoulders relaxed some and an eyebrow quirked up as the skunk made itself comfortable against the man with the fish and the small knife-it was an odd image forsure. In a gesture of innocence he splayed his hands open, palms up.

" To be honest I was just sitting below a tree, trying to relax, when a furry creature-that was definitely not a skunk at that time-fell upon me and startled me. As to why I followed the little beast, well, I have a curious nature and it seemed to be heading for something...I suppose I wanted to know what the ruckus was about, I'm not used to being unaware." A gust wind came up and he tightened his wolf-fur coat about his frame, not chilly per say but out of habit. Either he had lost the little cat or it was a shape shifter of sorts, and as he stared at the red skunk he thought he recognized those eyes but couldn't place their brilliant colour.

" I can't say it's the smartest choice I've made but it was still one with merit in my eyes-surely led me to an interesting moment. My name is Jose Herrera for what it's worth, and whom might you be?" He directed this at Garret but slid a glance down to the little skunk, it moved too familiar ways to be a common creature and besides, its blue-green gazze picked at his head as he was sure he'd seen them before...

[Roxanne]

The tiny cabin on the lake's edge below the falls was often overlooked by passerbys. It was a quiet little place, most days, but this morning there seemed to be a bit of a ruckus at Dragon's Breath. A certain sleepy half demon turned over in her bed as the sound of something crashing through the underbrush roused her. She tried very hard to ignore this, pulling her pillow over her head and groaning lightly. The noises continued for a while and then stopped abruptly, replaced by distant voices.

Curiosity finally getting the better of her, Roxanne climbed out of bed and pulled on her basic black dress, leaving her hair in its wild mess. She changed into her half demon form and vaulted over her loft, landing in her kitchen and strolling out the door. It didn't take her long to find the source of the problem. They weren't being quiet and their smells were new out here. The half demon made her way quietly through the brush, sneaking really, and came to stand directly behind the puzzled man, who was busy talking and introduced himself as Jose. She stood for a moment, one hand on her hip, tail twitching and wings folded against her back.

Her lavender eyes looked over to Garrett, recognizing him once more and down to the 'skunk' at his feet. Even if the coloring wasn't obvious, Aria's smell gave her away. Roxanne's grin was all fangs and she put a single finger to her lips as she looked back up at Garrett. "I'm Roxanne!" she said, a bit louder than necessary, hoping to spook the stranger. In the event that that he swung around at her, she was more than prepared to lift herself in the air.

[Garrett Blade]

Garrett’s eye trailed down to look at the red skunk that waddled over to him like a prideful creature. A brow raised in amusement at her behavior as Aria decided to rest on his foot. “ Really? “ Garrett asked, his tone sounding not amused at Aria before his attention broke up back to Jose who threw up his hands in a gesture of ‘good will’. His brow knitting as he began to listen to Jose story. The man was answering his question; Plus as the story progressed he slowly began to raise a brow and look back down at Aria in a slow manner. “ Oh really now? “ Garrett bend down to scoot Aria off his shoe before stepping around and taking a few steps closer to Jose.

To his surprise he recognized the man, however he was not of his roster. If he recalled correctly, he was a part of the Royal Guard? Perhaps? The name seemed familiar and yet he couldn’t properly place it where he had heard it before. “ I see, It sure did indeed my friend. The name is Sir Garrett Blade. You can relax, though watch out for this one over here. She tends to hold a grudge so I can’t say I stand for her. You might want to apologize to the little missy yourself.” Garrett smirked, pointing over to the red skunk behind him.

Garrett then turned to the fire, allowing the fish to cook on the hot embers of the flame. Still aware of Jose’s presence however the other female voice kinda threw him for a loop. Garrett’s eyes widen as he looked up away from the cooking fish to stare at the red head that was now suddenly approaching the camp site. His brow raised as he stared at the woman with a puzzled look as she blurted out her name all of a sudden. “ Uhhh… Hello? Em…Are you lost? “ Garrett asked in a curious fashion. Not really sure what to make of the situation as he glanced over his shoulder back at Aria.

“ Friend of yours?” He sighed, turning the fish over to cook on the other side while still staring at Aria in a suspicious manner. His eye squinted at the creature for the moment, before finally turning his gaze back to Roxanne and Jose. “ Well no sense standing in the cold, Come warm yourselves by the fire…” Garrett gestured a welcoming motion with his hand as he continued to cook.

[Deleted]

The intimate nature in which the skunk and the man interacted led to his further assumption they were together both he couldn't possibly figure whom this creature may truly be. He knew next to no one with the ability or the colour..that red and eye scheme tickled his memory but for now the distinction couldn't be drawn. He only smiled at the gentle manner he shooed the little thing away.

As he introduced himself however, a different connection was made as the name -and now fully registered appearance-rung his head that he actually knew or at the least knew of the man. Garrett was member of his Royal Majesty's guard if not a part of the castle's watch immediately like Jose was. He had thought him to be stranger upon first glance, but then again he had been preoccupied by a far greater greater issue than recalling a comrade. He nodded in return to his greeting.

Jose's smile grew some more as Garrett showed further affection-albeit in a somewhat scolding manner this time around- towards the skunk and he quirked an eyebrow. He then commenced to crouched downward and attempted to make eye-contact with the beasty.

" Do pardon me little one, I couldn't possibly mean you harm. An error on my part to chase you, hmm? "

Bent down as he was, he saw the approaching being's shadow against the snow and tensed, but as he heard a voice carrying a name instead of an attack the tension leaked out.Having been locked in a moment full of pressure and release he did jump a little at the moment Roxanne spoke, although it was not from shock. He turned and went to address her but would be left mouth slightly agape and puzzled if she were to no longer be there. Jose would head way for the fire but kept his eyes about for this Roxanne.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne laughed at the puzzled look on Garrett's face, glad for the moment that he didn't seem to recognize her. "No, I'm not lost. I live here, actually," she pointed through the trees to her cabin, "and all the noise woke me up so I had to come investigate," she finished, shrugging. She didn't really mind that they had woken her up, honestly. Company was always welcome, especially when the people were so interesting.

Roxanne decided she should probably act as normal as possible, for now, because she was already in her half form. No need to make the men more uncomfortable than necessary. And really, if she had known it was just men, she wouldn't have changed but it was a precautionary measure that she couldn't exactly fix without possibly freaking them out. 

A smile settled on her face as Garrett invited Jose and herself to join him. She folded her wings carefully against her back and made her way over to the fire, resisting the urge to play with it. Instead, she settled down into a crouch, balancing on the balls of her feet and extending her hands to the flames, careful to hold them at what she felt was likely a normal distance. "So, I've already announced myself. Might I be so lucky as to learn the names of you two handsome gentlemen?" she asked, grinning again. Of course, she'd heard them exchange their greeting just before she made herself known, but it would be rude not to ask as they were not aware of that.


The half demon looked about, taking in the day for the first time since she'd really left the house. It was nice enough out, if a little chilly. That might have to do with the dress she threw on though. "What brings you two out into the woods today, anyway?" she asked, curious. She didn't see too many people out this way that often, after all. 

[Deleted]

Aria looked up at him and blinked slowly; knowing full well she was being a little ham. She stumbled a bit her nose going into the dirt as he scooted her off his foot, causing a round of sneezes. She plopped down on her tummy looking slightly dejected. Snorting a little as Garrett introduced himself. It was so odd to hear Sir in front of his name. Her head shooting up as Garrett motioned to her; her tail twitching slightly. As Jose came over to her, she looked him square in the eye. Letting him say his piece; when he suggested it was an error on his part Aria snorted in response. Turning around she lifted her tail and Whooshh The man got a small but very stinky does of skunk spray.

Feeling much better she trotted over to the fire; as she did so the skunks form began to enlarge. Changing from the smelly little being to a much larger animal. Her fur lost its white stripe and grew longer and sleeker; black stripes pattering over the deep red fur. It was in only a few seconds before her shape was now a tigress. Her ears suddenly perked forward as a familiar voice yelled out. Her large furry head turning to Garrett as he asked if the red head was a friend of hers. She responded by plotting over to Roxanne; rubbing up against her side letting out deep rumbling chuffs in greeting.

Her sea green gaze watched as Roxanne joined them; she had been wanting to introduce Roxy to Garrett for some time now. This honestly was the perfect opportunity; Aria bounced on her front paws and hopped around behind Garrett when Roxy asked them to introduce themselves.  As she hopped around like an excited catnipped out kitten she spoke to both Garrett and Roxy through there communication spells "LOOK" She hopped to one side "LOOK" She hopped to the other and spun around "THIS" She skidded to a plop next to Garret "This here" She placed one large paw on Garrett's head "This is Mine" Her whiskers were pointed forward in a large cat like smile.. That was …Until she got a good whiff of her handy work with Jose. Her right lip curled up and her nose scrunched up as she erupted in a large sneeze. Fallowed by glance over at the man; maybe she should have thought that through a bit better….

[Garrett Blade]

Garrett flipped the fish over one more time above the embers. His gaze lifted from the fish to Jose; who made his decision to make amends with the furry creature that Aria paraded around to be. His lips pressed as he watched in silence, knowing very well what would happen next. Sure enough, He called it. Aria let loose and Jose got a face full. Garrett’s eye blinking at the sight, before lowering his gaze to the skunk who was more than pleased with her handy work. “ Called it…” Garrett mumbled, pulling the fish off the flame.


His attention trailing over to the other woman who approached. A small smirk appearing on his features, as she answered how and why she was out here. He hadn’t known someone had a house all the way out here. Not an uncommon thing for those who want to live away from the hustle of a city. So he nodded and watched her as she came close to the fire. His brow raised the moment Aria transformed into another type of animal. His expression unamused as she began hopping around and spinning in obvious Joy.


Well that answered one of his questions. Aria obviously knew this woman from the way she was acting. His body going rigid when her large tigress paws plopped down on his head. Not exactly a pleasant feeling, but Garrett didn’t say a word while she was making….Her form of introductions. Once she removed her paw from his head, did he relax and finished preparing the fish. Placing the cooked trout onto a large flat rock he had set aside and cleaned. Once he was finished cooking, he threw on a few more logs onto the fire he had off to the side. His eye trailing over Jose who’s new smell was traveling around the camp.


“ Really Aria, was that necessary? “ Garrett sighed, looking over at Roxy and giving her a quick head nod once again. “ Uh, oh! My name is Sir Garrett Blade. Nice to meet your acquaintance, Obviously she’s talked a lot about me to you.” He smirked, his attention returning to Jose once again. “ Here… If you go down to the water and add this to the cloth when you wash your face.... “ He chuckled,reaching into his right pocket to pull out a cloth rag. He then reached into his other pocket to pull out a small pouch. “ It’ll help with the smell…” Garrett tossed the pouch and rag over; the pouch having a distinct scent of tomatoes. Inside the pouch, Jose would find it half full of ground tomato dust.