To Trait Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of To Trait
Chapter 2:
For the past two days we've trudge south, the general direction of the red river. Our survival, is quite the feat. We have yet to run into any danger beyond exhaustion. We get little rest, only a few hours in the morning. Sleep is too unsafe, and to sit still once night falls is even more dangerous.
“Hey guys?"
"Everyone looked towards Palosi."
“I just realized, the farther we travel the safer it is. Since we're getting farther from the wildlands." Cafrikila for a moment looked concerned before speaking
“What an excellent thought Palosi. I sure just like me Ghake and Dahany agree." Dahany waved his paw and dismissed the idea.
“I do not agree." I responded, I do not wish to lie.
Nighttime in the forest was most unsettling. All sorts of sounds came about. Some normal, crickets, owls, and others. Some…unsettling. But we continued. As we did so, a howl was heard.
A little bit latter the same howl was heard, this time though it was joined by a larger chorus. A much larger chorus.
Dahany's voice, nervous and wavering spoke
“Was that closer?"
Nobody answered but the howls. Cafrikila, who walked at the front of the group leading the way, sped up. So did we. Periodically the Howls would sound, ever closer, ever louder, ever more frightening and with each howl our speed increased. Eventually the howls were joined by the sound of heavy paws and terrifying growls. Our fear grew with each step we took. I looked behind us. Kyñasado[[1]](#_ftn1). They were large beasts, as tall as us and twice as long. Their long maws oozed a foul steaming pitch and sheltered dozens of pearly white fangs, each the size of a dagger. Their fur was black as tar and their eyes red as blood. Their claws were sharpened to a point and more in importantly, they were gaining on us. Palosi point towards a tall pine tree and yelled
“ We can climb the tree!"
Our legs tired and weak gave one last burst of speed for us to reach the tree. We were only just fast enough. The beast nipping and snarling behind. Fear filled the air. Our legs gave one last burst of strength to climb it and climb it we did. We scurried the tree as if we were squirrels and not once did we look down till we were nearly at the top. I looked down and the Kyñasado circled the tree growling and snapping. Each one as menacing and voracious as the fire that took my home. To call then angry would be facetious, they were to savage, to primal, to feel anger. Their bloodlust was not an emotion, but an inherent immutable state. They would leave. They tried with the ferocity that only something so primal can have to climb the tree only to fail. We stood in the tree staring down. Praying and hoping, that they would not, that they could not climb. That what ever grace we had from Neria would, somehow prevent them from climbing. They did not climb. As dawn marched through the forest, its light cleansing it of foulness, the Kyñasado fled. We still stood the tree for a long while before coming down. Palosi was the hero of the day and well congratulated.
“I read in the 'Guide to the Kyñasado' that, that particular kind-which is called a Yathulpi Kyñasado[[2]](#_ftn2)- was not generally able to climb Pine trees, due to the fact that thesmell irritates them[[3]](#_ftn3)."
Cafrikila at the moment Palosi spoke sensed an opportunity to teach.
“Very good, Palosi. I think we can all and some in particular learn something." Cafrikila side eyed Dahany “Can we now see the importance of our work and the benefit of knowledge. If Palsoi had not been so diligent in his labour, we would have perished. Aki Falathy"
We responded, Dahany as well though begrudgingly, with an Aki Falathy.
As we continued the journey through the forest, I realized how hungry I was. We haven't eaten in days.
“We haven't eaten in a while. We should keep a look out for any fruit or nuts."
“Well, that's a plan Ghake. Luckily for us I have training in foraging, It was part of my duties as a lay brother and the Cellarer."
It was a long time before we came across something edible. When we did it was a mere cakipibo aslon kaathime surithy[[4]](#_ftn4) bush. While these berries are typically tasteless, they were deliciously seasoned by our hunger and were quickly devoured. This continued on for many a days. We rested in the morning, ate whatever we found on our journey that was edible and kept alert throughout the night. The wolf demons would…visit us from time time. But the forests of this area are filled with Pines. While we survived, we were always hungry, tired, and afraid. The only relief was in the relative lack of danger. With the main threat being the wolf demons, but what Cafrikila had not told us, and I had the pleasure of knowing only due to my interest in the tomes too archaic for most of my fellow letter monks to read was that the area around the monastery, while dangerous, was tame compared what was around it. For when it was built much of the native dangers were culled. It is an island of peace in a sea of terror and with every step, we approached the shore. Our journey shall get worse before it gets better.
[[1]](#_ftnref1) Kyña means demon sado means animal.
[[2]](#_ftnref2) Yathulpi means wolf Kyñasado is demon animal. Wolf like Demon animal.
[[3]](#_ftnref3) The reason for this is not known within the continuity of the story. But for the interested, the reason for this is that the scent of pine is largely due to the presence of terpenes. When the Yathulpi Kyñasado try to climb the tree, it releases resin. Pine resin and resin in general contains a large quantity of terpenes. The Yathulpi Kyñasadotry are highly sensitive to these, especially Pinene.
[[4]](#_ftnref4) Aslon kaathime surithy means red seed berry, strawberry. But it should be noted that the strawberries are not our modern strawberries. Modern strawberries are highly cultivated hybrids. Cakipbo means mountain. Cakipibo aslon kaathime surithy means Mountain strawberry. These are not actually strawberries, but instead a raspberry. While this berry IRL grows in tropical regions, it grows specifically in montane forests, which is were the protagonists are located.