Broken Contracts (Hana ✗ Sen)

[Hana]

What does it matter to Yinbao if I prefer bows or swords? Selene thought with a bit of confusion and annoyance as she watched the First Prince jab at his brother. The Second Prince just looked bored with his general surroundings, even as his other siblings tried their best to engage the huntress and her partner in more conversation. Predictably enough, it had strayed to the topic of weapons. This was more familiar ground for her and she added, just to be diplomatic about it, "I assure you, I am just as capable with a bow as Prince Yinbao himself has witnessed." The last part was added with a hint of dry sarcasm that Xianyi would most likely miss. "But learning a new weapon is always useful." Despite having a lot of mastery with other weapons under her belt already, she was always open to learning new ones. The challenge part of it and learning to use it skillfully enough was something that she enjoyed.

"Deer Horn Knives. Interesting." She had read about it and it did seem like something she would make very good use of, not just for attacking but disarming enemies. But Phynex's curiosity for the guan dao caught her attention, the huntress turning towards him with her brow inching upwards in question. "A polearm. You do have the upper body strength to use it." She let her critical gaze follow his to the guard, who she spied a slightly bemused look on his face as they stared at his weapon. It would be a weapon that was even longer than her partner was tall, so it would have some reach and the blade at the end looked quite efficient at doing its job. It was probably heavy and unwieldy for those who didn't know how to handle a heavier polearm, but she knew Phynex would be quite good at it. It was just learning the technique with such polearms that he would have to keep at.

"If you are going to use a polearm, then I would use a close-range weapon." She turned to Xianyi and bowed her head. "I have researched into this and I think I would like to take a look at a pair of butterfly swords, as well as those deer horn knives. Both have their advantages that I would like to test out with my own hands before deciding."

 

[Mu]

The Crown Prince laughed. "I do not have a lot of experience with polearms, but you will find that they are the most versatile weapons here in the East." He nodded at his teacher from across the room, "If you know how to wield a guandao, you can easily adapt to similar weapons." The Crown Prince examined the fire demon with a curious and sharp eye, looking at the way his body was pressed against the fine silks of the court kimono. "I can tell you train a lot just by looking at you. Strong arms and chest, good for a spear like that." He folded his arms, muttering to himself. Unlike Kusamaru, Phynex didn't feel as uncomfortable under his gaze. Maybe because it had something to do with sizing him up for a weapon instead of fancy clothing.

"You can go the day after your game with my brother," he said. "For now, just enjoy your meal."

 

[Hana]

"Back in Nora he preferred going hand-to-hand," Selene murmured after the prince had given his evaluation of her partner. "Or using his body's natural weaponry." It was curious how Phynex suddenly wanted to learn a new weapon all on his own. He once preferred to stick to a technique that worked for him, it was always the huntress who picked up new styles and forms as quickly as shedding clothes. And she had taught him what he knew about close-quarters in his human form. She glanced at the fire demon who seemed to be enjoying his meal a great deal, if the way the meats on is plate were disappearing quickly was anything to go by. Inwardly shrugging she turned to her own food, tentatively picking up a piece of dissected lobster. Did the royal family dine this expensively all the time? She rather missed hunting for her own food or cooking her own dishes.

The huntress caught a glimpse of the pair of Old Ones across from them. Kimyotake would probably know of where to buy ingredients and what to make. Perhaps it was time to study how to cook a few Eastern-styled cuisine, though if she found herself missing her home's dishes she would make do for it by making the best of the ingredients here.

"Shiro-chan, in contrast to Chibi-Naberius, looks like she'd be better off with easily-concealed melee weapons," Sankawaru called over casually, before popping a piece of lobster into his mouth. After a moment, he continued, "Though I could pull a few strings and give her projectile weapons too, because I want to test her capabilities with some weapons." He offered her a grin. Selene narrowed her eyes at him and raised a brow. Oh, he would be willing to see if she could adapt his sort of weapons into her own arsenal? Considering he probably was the one who trained certain handmaidens in this palace, it wasn't a difficult conclusion to come to being so obvious, the huntress wondered at his ploy.

Turning away from him she addressed the siblings once again. "The Crown Prince favors the sword, and the Second Prince the bow." Her gaze swept over the princesses intently. Minxian... Was not a fighter. There was nothing in the way the princess moved, even if she was graceful and poised. However, she was curious if they did display some sort of interest in weapons like their brothers did. "May I ask about the princesses?"

 

[Mu]

"Every fighter should learn hand-to-hand before picking up any sort of weapon," the Crown Prince chuckled humorously like it was amusing to hear of people using weapons before fighting with their fists. "How can anyone wield an extension of their body when they have not mastered their bodies first?" he asked no one in particular as he began transferring some of the vegetables and meat to his plate to continue eating. It was an interesting thought, but the fire demon found himself agreeing. Selene had taught him how to fight with what he had, along with more mastery on his fire and generating even more focus and control before polishing on his swordsmanship. Then, she handed him a firearm and had him engage combat with that. If he was to use a guandao as his weapon in the East, he needed to show the prince and Arashi that he had what it took to do so.

The fire demon snorted at the younger-looking Old One's suggestion. "She already uses concealable melee weapons," he stated after clearing his throat, loud and comprehensible. He was talking to the woman who could hide daggers and knives all over her body, even if she was all dressed up in flowing skirts and dresses that made her look innocent and incapable of harming anyone. The huntress always had a weapon near her, and he understand why it was like this. Her childhood was not a pretty thing, but it gave her a lot of experience. "She can throw knives with a nasty aim."

Even the Emperor himself had joined in the conversation, his arms hidden in his sleeves and noticeably not eating as much as the others. "Is that so? Interesting. You will certainly get along with one of your clients, Averill-san." He smiled at her, it was a kindly smile on a face that was used to hiding one's emotion. It didn't look out of place, and Phynex could see how he was a good father to his children.

Minxian dabbed her mouth with a napkin. "My apologies, but I have no interest in the art of a blade. I prefer books and scrolls." After a single sentence, she fell quiet once more, leaving Xiyu to speak for her. "My sister does have a little experience in the wakizashi..." she said, blinking up at her sister as if looking for a reaction - though she got none in return. "M- Me too, but I have gotten a little rusty." She looked guilty, rubbing the fabric of her sleeve with her thumb and forefinger, averting eyes with her father. "And Zhaoju wants to be an archer just like Brother Yinbao."

 

[Hana]

Sweeping her gaze over the picture-perfect appearance of the First Princess, with her deep red hued attire and silky brown hair, the huntress hummed noncommittally. "I see." The knowledge that Minxian did have some minimal experience in how to use a weapon, as did her second sister, did not surprise her. It would be more puzzling if the children of a royal or noble lineage weren't at least taught how to defend themselves, and swordsmanship was considered an art. Nobles adored the arts, if only for the aesthetic. She met Sankawamaru's unrelenting stare with a momentarily sharpened look, arching one perfectly silver brow. "Yes, I do use concealable weapons." While her long daggers would be more challenging to hide under the voluminous sleeves of her junihito, she was used to hiding weapons even under dresses that hiked up to her thighs, clothes that showed more than they concealed. Hunter women like her and Azalea had it down to an art form.

It was ironic, now, that clothes that were even more concealing would be challenging. A thought that must have crossed the young-looking Old One's own mind as he curved his lips upwards, eyes glinting with open amusement. "And how many knives does the lady hide under those layers and her sleeves?" Violet eyes drifted away in disinterest, she had no need to tell him when he probably had a good estimate of it, if not the exact number. There were ways to strap and keep knives tucked into her sleeves, ready to slide out if she needed.

"Your son Prince Yinbao is a remarkable marksman, Your Majesty." Trying to politely return the conversation to the Emperor after realizing he was looking at her still, Selene thought back to the one topic that he might be open to talking about. This man must be proud of how accomplished Yinbao was, the title of the greatest archer in the East was no small thing. Her gaze flickered once in the prince's direction. he was so far the only one who looked uninterested and had simply remained silent. Next to him was the youngest princess. "Princess Zhaoju has a very good teacher looking after her."

 

[Mu]

The Emperor nodded, "It is always a good idea to arm yourself, or be around those who are armed." He took a sip of his tea, eyes darkening for a few seconds as he spoke with a grim tone. "Times are peaceful now, but Shiruchishi-sama foresees many distressing events in the future. So, ladies, always remember to have something to defend yourself with." The man had turned to primarily talk to his three daughters, a wink of worry flashing across his face. "I hope you two will be able to lend a helping hand when those times come." Phynex tensed, he knew of the silent Old One's abilities, how he could calculate the most likely of outcomes in the future. It was why he was always so tired looking, due to his ability being unable to be switched off. But if he could see such a thing, then that could only mean trouble was going to come to the East soon. He bowed in response, lowering his head with respect. "Yes, I will be glad to help with any problems, your majesty."

"Hmph! Of course I have a good teacher," the youngest princess huffed, beaming up at her brother with twinkling eyes that reminded of Phynex when he first saw Selene in action. The awe was radiating off of her like an aura, it happened everytime she spoke of her brother. "He's the best archer in these lands!" The little girl hooked an arm around her brother's, pulling him down towards her with a grin from eat to ear. "You know you only beat him by a little bit," she said with a pout and flushed cheeks. She was clearly not happy at the prospect of the huntress having beaten her brother in what he was known for. "He only gave you a bow because he's really nice."

Yinbao could have passed off as Shiruchishi's twin, as their nonchalant and emotionless expressions were almost identical. He had been focused entirely on his meal, taking small bites of this and that just to be polite to the cooks who had made the dishes. He sighed, placing his chopsticks down gently and without a sound. "Be nice, Zhaoju. She earned that bow because she is a good archer." He stated matter-of-factly.

"Very true," the Emperor chuckled. "If Selene-san can best my son, she is certainly very worthy of taking one of his bows as a trophy." He raised a cup in her honor, "Treat it well, the bows my son crafts are some of the best in this part of the world."

 

[Hana]

Lowering her chopsticks, Selene blinked at the youngest princess, turning an unnerving violet gaze on the girl. She studied Zhaoju with a considering look for a few moments. Zhaoju wanted to be an archer, and if the girl loved and looked up to Yinbao as much as she made it seem, then there would be no problem for her to improve and excel. But the attitude left much to be desired. It's normal childishness. Tilting her head, she shrugged one shoulder in careless elegance. "Prince Yinbao is certainly more than just worthy of his title. I meant no disrespect and I look forward to seeing more of his talent," she murmured, left slightly unimpressed at the child's puffed cheeks. She didn't think she would have to repeat herself. Catching the end of Yinbao's words, she nodded in his direction.

"It's impressive that he crafts his own bows." Turning to the emperor, she assessed his expression. "And I'm sure I'll find good use of his gift in the days to come. I will be on guard, Your Majesty." Inwardly, she frowned at the way the man kept on switching from being friendly and welcoming to cryptic and worried. Selene hadn't missed his words earlier, and she didn't like the sounds of it. Distressing events in the future? A look over at Shiruchishi's table showed the advisor's placid expression as he sipped at his tea. Shiruchishi hadn't said anything to confirm his lord's words.

The rest of the mealtime commenced, interspersed with questions and chatter among the diners. Sankawa laughed from his place among the other Old Ones, Arashi scowled, and Kimyotake seemed to be pleased just being in the presence of the others. The royal siblings were ever talkative, not counting Yinbao, peppering their guests with questions. The Emperor joined in with ease, though the Empress didn't speak up often. Oddly enough, the two other consorts the Emperor had weren't at this dinner. And Selene wondered if she actually caught Phynex bite back a scowl in Yinbao's direction once or twice.

It was already dark outside in the gardens when they finished, lamps lighting up among the paved stone paths, intricate little sculptures of wood and stone housing warm golden light. Among some of the trees were strung colorful paper lanterns of different hues, casting the place in an interesting light. As they didn't want to go home in the late hours of the night, the group soon bid their farewell for the evening to their hosts before setting off for where their carriage was waiting.

 

[Mu]

"You might have noticed that our longbows differ greatly from the weapons you use," Yinbao began to ramble. For a quiet man, he spoke a lot when it came to subjects that interested him. And archery was definitely one of them. "I believe you hunters craft bows for quicker draws instead of focusing on power. Perhaps one day you can come to the workshop and see how it is done?" he said after a bit of thought. It was true that Selene was drawing much faster than the second prince during their earlier competition, and Yinbao had to draw quicker to catch up. Phynex could only guess he was used to delivering a single lethal blow to game in the forests and mountains while Selene needed to release several arrows at once to take down slick demons in comparison to the prince. The fire demon blinked to himself, why was he paying so much attention to the second prince anyway? He always found himself glancing at the man's direction, then back at his lover, as if there was a conspiracy between them that he knew inside did not exist. He huffed to himself tiredly, ever since he had boarded for the East Phynex had been noticeably paranoid about everything. Definitely not how he once handled his business.

So it was with great pleasure when dinner had finally ended and they were dismissed for the night. Phynex stood up swiftly and bowed one last time to the royal family before following Kimyotake and Arashi - the former having dragged her partner along for the escort home - back towards the carriage with Selene. The sun had long set but there were many torches lighting the way, illuminating the path down towards the commoner's area where street lights and lanterns cast an ever present glow on the city. The buzz in the city never died down, unlike Rayochi-shi, where in the mornings it would be so quiet. It was very similar to Western cities, how the buildings continued to work into the darkness of the night. The autumn breeze was chilly, so the fire demon stood close to his lover to keep both himself and her warm.

As they all climbed into the carriage, he drew his sleeves around him, thinking about what had just happened during the course of the night. The fight between Sankawamaru and Kimyotake had been exhilarating to watch, even better than the long-past fight between Huli and Crane. Even then, the fox was not of equal power. The food was delicious, but the words of the Emperor had dampered the mood. Shiruchishi could foresee events that were not particularly good, and that was bad news. He wasn't sure if he was ready to take on the duty of a diplomat for such a big change in his life. The people in the East were far different than he had initially thought, and more powerful as well. As much as he would hate to admit it, Yinbao's archery had exceeded his expectations of an imagined pompous prince hunter. He leaned in towards his lover, tilting his head curiously with a genuinely questioning look. "Do you think I am well prepared for the future, Selene?"

 

[Hana]

As the doors to the carriage closed, the huntress sighed quietly. She leaned back against the cushioned seat and raised her eyes to the low ceiling of their confinement. The Emperor's words didn't bode well for the huntress's speculations on what was to come, sooner or later in the future. While she would have to admit to herself that meeting with the imperial family of the Eastern empire had gone quite smoothly, her interactions with the siblings verging on pleasant, even this place of beauty and leisure with all of its fine delights and delicacies wasn't able to hide the ghost of worry in the ruling monarchs' gazes. She heard a low murmur close to her ear, and her gaze strayed to the face of her partner.

Selene arched a brow wordlessly, eyes scrutinizing him for the sudden question. "Do you think you are, Phynex?" Truthfully, was he well-prepared and ready for the future? He had come to this land expecting no warm welcome, perhaps expecting the worst. He had come after he had been turned away from Nora by his own kind's princess. "I think this is the first time you have asked me this question in quite some time," she murmured frankly. "Did you come to this land with expectations that weren't met, or exceeded?"

 

[Mu]

Phynex looked as if he couldn't answer the question, falling silent in deep thought. "I just feel different than the other people here," he said simply. Compared to him they seemed and acted more modest and humble, which was somewhat uncommon back in Nora were demons were used to acting like they normally would back in their homeworld. "I'm not sure what I should do. This place is more different than I thought." Things were becoming more uncertain to the fire demon now that he was on new grounds once more. His steps needed to be careful and cautious, but at the same time was that really necessary? Why couldn't he just bravely saunter out like some of these Eastern people do, mostly unafraid of something different in their lifestyle. It may be because they had been sheltered from war and bloodshed, something Phynex had seen so much of, but the way the royal family and the Old Ones handled themselves was so different from the wary and jittery way he was used to seeing from hunters and demons alike. "There's a lot I need to think about," he said before comfortably hooking his arm around hers now that they were seated with familiar faces and offering a comforting smile. She needn't worry.

 

[Hana]

"You're different than you were before."

Selene looked down at their entwined arms with a raised brow, before leveling her gaze with his. "You used to be so eager about going to new places, even when it was dangerous and we were working." She paused to gather her own thoughts, pursing her lips and narrowing her eyes at him. It wasn't that difficult to notice after knowing him for so long. Despite everything, that look of childish wonder on his face was a more missed sight than one would have thought. "It's good to see that you can be careful and cautious, but sometimes I think you're not sure about where to step towards next." He had no reason to be in Nora except to come with her, or that was what he had been led to believe. The reveal that he was also given the jade to work to improving relations would have given the fire demon a new purpose.

"But I think that I'd still be on your side even if you don't know where to go next." Letting her gaze drop, she turned away and wound her own arm tighter around his. She was curious about what was running through his mind and what he was going to think about for the next days and weeks to come, but it looked like he was going to have to come to those realizations on his own. She'd just wait for him to come to them.

 

[Mu]

"The prince has arrived!" The voice of a soldier greeted the morning for Phynex and Selene, quietly sitting beside each other already dressed and prepared sipping freshly brewed tea after a light breakfast of a single bowl of congee with a small plate of pickled cucumbers. Although the fire demon had requested an extra side dish, it was still much less than his usual breakfast. As they were heading to the mountains as planned by Prince Yinbao, Kimyotake had suggested something light on the stomach so it wouldn't be too difficult for them on their travels up to higher altitudes. He was slowly getting used to her fussing around them like a mother, and with her age and wise knowledge, she might as well could have been his second mother.

A footsoldier ran to greet them, standing outside of the screen doors with his hands together held respectfully to the diplomats. "The second prince, Prince Yinbao, has brought carriages for your trip to the mountains. Please, join him." And so quietly they shuffled outside where two carriages stood waiting for them. One was a private one used only for royal children, and Phynex could sense the silent prince through the panels of the vehicle with his bow. "You have not forgotten you bow, Selene-sama?" the man asked. "Please take it into the carriage with you. We will make a stop at the mountain vacation palace."

Phynex had been wondering if he wanted to try a hand at this competition they were having. Or perhaps practice his hand at it like he would have. He liked a good challenge, and he loved a good adventure. Something new to spice up this foreign land he was already in. And after a lot of thinking that night, the fire demon finding it difficult to sleep, he had decided firmly that it would be better if he was less scared of everything. He narrowed his eyes at Yinbao, especially him.

 

[Hana]

"I haven't, Your Highness," the huntress confirmed neutrally, casting a discrete glance at the fire demon at her side. The huntress's change of attire from the dramatic junihitoe of the day before drew the eyes of the footsoldiers to the white-haired foreigner, their brows hiking high up on their faces in surprise. A delivery had come from Kusamaru, who had apparently taken on the job of fashioning suitable attire for Selene Averill after meeting her in Rayochi. A large hawk had once again delivered a parcel, of which were contained clothes more fitting for freedom of movement and fighting. A blue kimono top that had much shorter sleeves than would have been considered for a lady of the court, but fitting for archery was fitted along Selene's upper body, and a hakama thankfully was provided. Silver and violet patterns adored the upper clothing, yet the hakama only had a gradient silver and black design.

It was apparently attire that archers would wear for practice, albeit much more ornamental than for most.

Her hair was wound into a braid down her back, the loose white locks framing her face left alone for the most part. Selene held the shining white bow in her hands with a relaxed confidence, purple eyes merely glancing back at the soldiers before she nodded at them politely.

 

[Mu]

The carriages slowly made their way towards the city walls, the Capital sprawled out like a spider's web ahead of them. However, instead of turning into the guarded entrance, they took a side path that traveled along the sides of the city, making its way upwards towards mountains that stood up reaching for the sky. Even from far below, Phynex could see the forests that laid in clusters around the face of the mountains, it was a dangerous environment but clearly full of life. Birds were swooping above the trees and he could smell the scent of musk, sensitive nose picking up the hint of animal life. The road to the mountain top was somewhat smooth, the path well worn by travelers. There was a small palace atop the mountain that was maintained well and offered as a nice change of scenery to the royal family. Still, it was well protected, and Old Ones were also invited to join them and relax.

A guard that had been riding a horse opened the window flaps, peering in at the two diplomats. "Would you be interested in a hunt before the competition, or the competition first, Selene-sama?" he said, still riding steadily despite not looking at the roads. He blinked at Phynex, "Will your companion be joining the hunt and the match as well?"

 

[Hana]

"It would be best if we finish the hunt before we compete." Selene stared out at the scenery before nodding at the guard. "A hunt in the morning is always good if you go before much daylight arrives." The animals' eyes would be adjusting as the morning lightened and there was more visibility, making them more sensitive to any movements. And depending on what happened in the night, the game might be more vigilant and frazzled if they were pressured by the predators in the area. Either way it meant the hunter had to be patient and wait for a prime opportunity, and carefully seize upon it. The huntress glanced at the fire demon beside her. He had always been a restless sort of hunter unless he reined himself in.

As it was, it was already rather light outside though the thick foliage and the canopy above them formed by the trees still made the forest look shadowed. They needed to find a place to wait and hunt. She wasn't doubting of her own ability to take down prey, but at least the prince's archery might make this hunt interesting. The fact that Phynex was also here like they used to back then made things a little pleasant, as well. Tearing her eyes away from the mountain scenery, she looked at him. "Would you be participating in the competition?"

 

[Mu]

"I suppose I will." Phynex looked to Selene before turning to lock eyes with the guard. They stared at each other in silence, as if the man on the horse was slowly taking in the fire demon's presence before pacing forward to pass on the message to the prince. The fire demon relaxed into his seat, peering out the window. "I wonder what we're going to hunt," he wondered aloud. He could sense all sorts of living creatures there both big and small. But it was definitely plentiful. It had been a long time since he had hunted for food, they lived in a city where it could easily be brought. But Phynex never forgot the days he spent camping out with Selene standing in the river as still as a statue until just the right moment to strike.

"We have arrived!" a voice announced as hands lifted the heavy bamboo screens that acted as the door to their carriage. He cricked his neck as he stepped out, helping Selene as well. The scene was breathtaking. So high up that the low clouds obscured the city below, the mountain rocks were smooth yet rough at the same time and the thick prickly trees looked like the armor plates of nature. They must have grown there to protect the animals within, but it was nothing against him and Selene. Yinbao, as an experienced hunter, probably wasn't intimidated either.

"It is an honor to see you again, Selene-san. Phynex-san." Yinbao stepped out of his own carriage with his sleek bow in hand, bowing in greeting. As he put his arm out, an eagle that had been circling them dove to land on a piece of thick leather wrapped around the silks. "While my men set up the practice targets, I was hoping you can join us for the hunt. The chefs have requested deer meat today." He looked to the mountains with a faint twitch of his lips. "I was hoping to see how Selene-san and Phynex-san work together, may I watch this hunt?"

 

[Hana]

Arching a brow at his vague tone, Selene eyed the fire demon for a second longer and then shifted her attention to her bow, but found that she could not really see what she was looking at. The talk in the carriage last night—the questions he had asked himself and of her—lingered in her mind like an evasive, stalking shadow. Whether or not he found an answer, if there ever was one, was entirely up to him. There was something about the night with all of its chill breeze that punctuated the coming and passing of autumn, the rustling curtains bringing with it glimpses of the stone paths and fields of grass illuminated only by the distant lights shining from the top of tall street lamps, and the expression that showed on Phynex's face as he thought, and thought, that stayed with her. She knew she meant what she said, it was the most earnest she would ever be for someone. They hadn't further talked after the subject had been dropped, and chasing after the tail of it would have been a futile game as any.

Accepting the fire demon's proffered hand as she stepped down from the carriage with ease, the huntress eyed the scenery and took a breath. The trees were massive, living giants that shot up from the ground and rose up as if trying to spread their many branches to the sky. The season of autumn had turned some of the species of trees and their leaves as more reddish and less green, but not all the trees were deciduous. This was an old forest that had seen many ages come and go, just looking at the witnesses themselves who could have told entire stories if they could speak. And if they could, what tales they could have shared.

"Would you care to hunt alongside us?" Selene turned her gaze on the faintly smiling prince, glancing at the sleek bow he held in one hand and the eagle perched on the leather on his arm. It was a different bird than she had seen him with back in Rayochi-shi. "Deer is manageable." It was going to be an easy prey to track down. If she was going to hunt with Phynex, should she let him show off his tracking skills? Getting the best time and opportunity to shoot one down, though, was her specialty. She moved past the fire demon and towards the foreboding wall of trees that housed a treasured hunting ground inside, before stopping just by the entrance and looking over her shoulder. "Come, Phynex. You track a scent down this time."

 

[Mu]

He nodded and without hesitation, he wriggled his way between the prickly autumn trees to survey the area. They were high up in the mountains in a clearing, which was probably once used as a gathering ground for hunters just like them preparing for the hunts to come. But that also made it the least ideal place for prey to travel to, they weren't stupid. They knew that hunters frequented, so they wouldn't come around to feed on the plants no matter how plentiful. Deeper in the forests would be the best place to head towards where the natural vegetation would be thick. Perfect to hide the deer, but also perfect to hide them.

Phynex kept his senses alert, sensitive to the calls of deer and skin tingling as he used his talents to his advantage. Selene was a good hunter in many ways, she knew how to hunt efficiently and silently and deadly. But one thing he was proud to say he had the upper hand with was heat tracking. How simple it was for him to reach out for the warmth of a living being, a fire demon like him could sniff out the presence of warm-blooded animals and their general area from miles away. There wasn't anything around that had a large area of body heat, but there were smaller creatures feasting on plants nearby. Silently, he applied what he had learnt from his partner and quietly paced towards the bushes of juicy leaves and berries the deer and their kind would graze on. And there it was, fine prints with almond shaped hooves that showed that a deer had been around the area. With a grin on his face, he followed the pointed toes like an unleashed dog, keeping his body relaxed. The trick was to always be relaxed, it always surprised Phynex how animals in the human plane could sense the tenseness in a hunters' body and flee.

Feces. Another sign of life. They were round little balls that stunk, but were the perfect marking spot for hunters. Without even touching it and focusing on the heat around it alone, he could tell it had been left behind less than half an hour ago. Deer took their time moving through their territory, and there were no predatory animals around. The fire demon looked left and right, standing abnormally still to catch on the radiation of the animal's body heat before he swiftly moved towards it direction, footsteps barely making a sound. Like a homing missile, Phynex caught sight of a deer grazing on the grass. But so not to scare it away, he stilled instantly as he took cover behind a thick bush.

 

[Hana]

Without another look back at the observers, Selene trailed silently after the disappearing form of her partner among the tight cluster of tall trunks. She already knew with just a glance around the first areas they came upon that it was a frequently used site for hunters, meaning there were fewer prey who dared venture outwards. They would have to go inwards, deeper into the quiet and dark forest, light still not able to pierce through the thick canopy of leaves and branches that yet remained even with the coming of autumn. Keeping an eye on her partner the huntress stalked through the forest, not a single sound coming from her delicate footfalls even among the piles of fallen leaves that scattered on the ground.

How was Yinbao going to observe them, or for that matter, the huntress? She was meeting the forest as she paced through its depths, as the forest was coming to meet her. Given enough time, she would know it and it would know her. And it would hide her even now. With an inward sigh she trailed out of Phynex's periphery and the limits of his senses aside from his heat sense, following after him as he tracked. She would let him show his talents in tracking, but that didn't mean that she wasn't looking for signs of prey either. A track here, a snapped twig there. Droppings.

She knew the moment he had caught sight of prey and ventured closer, ever shadowing his back. Wordlessly she had taken to the tree branches as subtly as if she was just a breeze that occasionally rustled its leaves, hands positioning the bow as she perched herself with ease. Phynex already knew her and when she was going to take it down... So the huntress didn't have to say anything as she loosed the arrow with fluid movements, the head piercing through the animal's unsuspecting flesh in its neck. With a piteous noise the deer staggered where it stood, where it before grazed, before falling dead.

 

[Mu]

He barely winced when the arrowhead sunk into the flesh of the animal, its legs giving way after trembling and sending it to the floor, disturbing the leaves around it. The movement must have scared the life nearby, as the bush next to it rustled with fright. A brown rabbit with white patches leapt from the shrubbery hoping to make a run for it when there was a high-pitched screech from the air above and flash of silver before the prince's Northern goshawk had the rabbit in its sharp talons and dropping it by its master, landing on his arm.

Prince Yinbao approached with quiet respect. "Impressive," he murmured, taking one look at the deer before shifting back to the demon. "Do all of your kind have such keen noses, Phynex-san?" he asked with a curious note in his voice, locking eyes with the fire demon. Phynex nodded, "The majority of demons do, yes."

"I have never seen such a clean kill from my soldiers before," Yinbao admitted, one finger reaching out to tickle the hawk's head and chin. "Good find, Kinkoku. Ah, have I introduced you two to my fellow companion? Sometimes the soldiers complain of such daily mountain trips, but Kinkoku needs to stretch his wings, so he accompanies me instead."

The prince blinked. "You can come down now, Selene-san."

Phynex couldn't help but wonder if it was also helpful in combat as the three of them began tying up the deer's limbs, hauling it back towards base camp with ease.