The Lion, the Witch and the... Jackal? [Haru::vampire]

[Haruchai]

Golarion, a land of diverse races and vicious monsters. Home to elves and humans, dwarves and halflings. Monsters and magic also abide here, and good struggles with evil. It is the way it has always been and the way it ever will be. In this never ending struggle there are many great tales, and many legends are made. This story will focus on one such tale, one such legend. It begins to the South, across The Inner Sea, and in the sand swept lands Rahadoum.

The city of Azir, capital of Rhadoum, and almost due south of the Arch of Aroden. The ruler of this city, the Caliph, Salahdin, has in his employ a warrior known only as the White Lion. Okoru. This lion is known as one of the most fierce warriors in all of Rahadoum. When summoned by the Caliph he answers, and is told some disturbing news.

"Whispers have reached my ears about a powerful foe, Okoru. A witch if the rumors are true, that has woven a spell to curse me, and worse, to curse my firstborn. This witch is supposed to reside in the north, in the land of the soft men, not like my people." Salahdin pauses and then continues, "I am sending you on a witch hunt my friend, literally, and we need to ferret out this threat and put an end to it. I am hoping that the Vizier can give me more information and at least tell us where to look."

Okoru frowned. "It will be hard to hunt down such a person if the have formidable magic at their disposal, and especially if I do not know where to look." he admitted. He was a superlative hunter, but you still needed a trail of some sort to follow.

Salahdin nodded. "I understand my friend, though if the rumors are to be believed, then the life of not just me, but of my future child, hangs in the balance. It is not a risk I can take."

Okoru bowed. "I understand, and will do what I can. I need to make preparations to travel." he said, and unless he was stopped, the huge leonine warrior would go to prepare for this witch-hunt.

 

[vampire07]

In a merchant town of Westerown it was busy with people sailing in and out with new foods, fabrics and animals. There was one witch who resides in this town, born a Jackal but in public view she was human. Lillian was in the market place finding dried herbs, seeds, foods and such. Her long black hair was braided back from her amber eyes as they had a soft glow. They said witch's eyes glows so they all assumed she was a witch. Lillian just smiled politely and answered she does medicines only, a tiny white lie. The young woman got to her old bay mare and filled the saddle bags unaware a witch further North was the main target but knew where to shift the rumors to.

Lillian mounted the old mare and rode off to a small farmstead about 20 miles from Westerown. Though Northeast within the Isger limits in the city of Elidir was a young woman, another witch but of the darker more deathly art sat at her table looking through an orb. "Oh naïve Lillian....Soon I can perform as much as I like if you follow your true form..." Olga smiled as her red painted nails ran over the glass orb watching the young witch riding off. It seem Olga knew Lillian well but Lillian didn't know of Olga's presence. The only reason Olga knew of Lillian was her clients' mentioned her some time ago and she watched. Olga had cause Lillian trouble which caused the young witch to uproot herself, change her appearance, and run away then to reside in somewhere else. Olga loved causing her trouble which meant more money in her own pocket. Now she earned a big bag of gold and gems to place a curse upon a King and his future firstborn child. If it goes as planned, Lillian will be beheaded or she'll run and running seemed to be more her style.

 

[Haruchai]

It does not take Okoru long to prepare what he needs, the servants of Salahdin having made sure that the collapsible cottage was well stocked and that Okoru had plenty of coin and also water in his handy haversack. The lion donned his armor and weapons and was soon on his way out of the palace. The streets of Azir were a wild place and he had not gone more than two streets over and toward the North Gate when a cry went up from the direction of the bazaar. Okoru had passed close, and though he drew some looks the Asurans were not uncommon in these lands, and most knew of the White Lion.

Turning, Okoru saw a running figure barreling in his direction. Without a second thought, Okoru leapt as the figure changed direction and within several long powerful strides he'd caught the human. Or so he thought as his huge hand grasped the man's robe, that the man shrugged out of and with the sound of rending fabric the man scurried up the side of a building and was gone over the eaves. Okoru growled, not because he couldn't make the jump, but that most roofs would not withstand the impact his frame would make. By now the regular guard had arrived and Okoru told them what he knew and they were in hot pursuit.

Making his way out of the city without further incident, the lion got his bearings and began to move northward. He had to admit that this little journey was going to take some doing, as just getting to the northern port would be a few days...

-----------​

It took almost a week, but that was because of the sandstorm that ripped across the land. Unbeknownst to Kion, it was not natural in any way, the witch far to the north watching and laughing as he had to erect the cottage, though she could not see beyond the walls, she could only watch the cottage itself. Still, she held him there for a few days until her power waned and she had to rest.

Okoru was glad the storms were finally over, and travel and a bit of coin soon brought him to the shores of Corentyn, the southernmost city in the country of Cheliax. He'd passed the Arch of Aroden by now and the immense city loomed around and over him. It was spectacular and he'd never seen such a city. One could not build such in the desert. The question was... where to begin from here?

 

[vampire07]

Nearly two weeks went by and Lillian had went to her go to Westerown city to find her supplies but found only found out her supply from the south was cut. "What?" The black haired woman growled with her amber eyes glowing. Annoyed at the news she jumped on her mare and took her time to get to the coast of Corentyn. The ingredients she needed won't be refined here so her potions and magic will be put to the test and perhaps to the point she was ill for days. The day she pushed herself, she couldn't see nor move for a week. Thankfully she had people to help her but the reason she stayed sick that long was she held her human form while they were coming and going.

Upon arriving in the busy streets of Corentyn as she traveled non-stop in which she slept while riding. When she was out of sight she reverted to her natural form, the black jackal with the green eyes. Though soon as she heard people she woke up and turned human. It was morning and the bazaar was busy with business and people shouting prices and such. The young witch looked around as she never seen a place so busy and crowded to the point people were ramming into her horse to cause her to back up. "Easy girl..." Lillian jumped down and tied her mare up at a stable. "Stay here old girl...I'll be back." The horse nuzzled Lillian as the two had be together since birth. Lillian couldn't get a foal out of her bay mare so it was just the two of them in their small world. Little did she know it was another witch's doing to try her skills and to break her spirit.

Once more Lillian braved the crowds, she was being shoved around, she got in a fight as one man tried to pick her pocket of all of the coin she brought with her. The fight over her coin purse broke out while another tried to go after her purse as well. "ENOUGH!" Shouting out as one was invisibly forced back while she turned to the main person with her pulling her dagger out slicing his arm to make him back off. Panting, lip busted, trembling hand as she never thought she'd use a weapon or her powers in public. Once it was clear she was dangerous vendors were happy to give her discounts on the unrefined items plus give her more. Though the crowds had parted which made her look up to see a large Asuran walking amongst humans. The White Lion of Rahadoum was striding through the streets but word has it he never traveled outside of the sandy lands. To Lillian this spelled trouble for whoever he was hunting; unaware he was searching for her she walked by him to return to the stables unaware her eyes were glowing.

The stablemen shouted as one of the horses were down. Lillian rushed over seeing it was her horse. "NO! DAISY!" Crying out as she rushed out of the crowd to reach her horse who was barely breathing. "Daisy..." She held the large head in her hands as she always used her gifts to keep her friend going. Now she couldn't use her powers in public again; tears rolled down her cheeks with her forehead touching the large mare's forehead. The stable hand said the mare was dying of old age. "I...." Shaking her head as she hugged her friend tightly then looked into the tired eyes of the mare. "Put her down and sell the meat." It meant she'd be staying a day there in the coastal city trying to find a way home. Her lips gently pressed against the horse's forehead but as the human brought his sword up, the mare took its final breath and passed on. Lillian got to her feet as she stood outside the stables trying not to cry while the butcher was summoned to buy the horse.

 

[Haruchai]

Okoru strode through the bazaar, and there was a scuffle as pickpockets tried to deprive a young woman of her purse. She fought back and drove them away, though it was obvious she had some powers, and Okoru watched as she retreated finally to a large boarding stables where one could stable your horse for a day or a fortnight. She seemed distraught and the large Asuran could see she was quite attached to one of the horses there. A mare that was quite old and had likely been a good steed to the young woman. The horse perished and Okoru could see the girl standing outside the stables. Not one to let a person be in distress if he could help, he slowly padded over.

"I saw you in the bazaar." he told her. "You handle yourself well. You seem distraught. Is there anything I might do to help?" he asked, trying to catch her gaze.

 

[vampire07]

Outside the stables with not a heavier purse she wiped her eyes while Okoru spoke to her. A smirk crossed her lips with her wiping the tears that just kept coming. "Help? No one helps without a price. I can't afford any help. Expectedly from the Great White Lion of Caliph." Finally she looked up at him in his amber eyes while her still glowed softly in her sadness. "That's how come I can fend myself from others." Shouldering her large bag over her sore shoulder. Once more her tears flowed down her soft peaches and cream cheeks. It felt like someone was grabbing hold of her heart and squeezing it tightly as she watched the mare being carted away so another steed could occupy the stall she was in.

"What brings such a warrior as yourself from his Master's side?" Curious as she heard of myths of him but he never left his King's side even on the honeymoon, she imagined Okoru waited at a reasonable distance. "One such as yourself there must be a threat or you're searching for your Lord."

 

[Haruchai]

Okoru frowned. "Some would just desire to help a person in obvious distress." he countered, not taking kindly to the insinuation that he was going to ask for anything in return. Without hesitation he held out a hand. "I can carry your pack for you. I won't run, and I have no need to steal from you." he told her, and as she asked what he was doing there he hesitated. Salahdin had not sworn him to secrecy.

"I am here looking for someone. A witch. She has sworn to put a curse upon my Lord and his firstborn. I am to stop her before that can come to pass." he told her, and still waited with his hand toward her. "Let me be of help to you and at least feel like I am accomplishing something." he told her.

 

[vampire07]

Upon hearing he was hunting a witch did scare her and it showed in her eyes up until he mentioned the curse. She did very little casting of curses, only on those who deserved it like men who raped helpless women, robbers, bandits or thugs. Once she heard he was after the one who was placing curses she relaxed and it showed in her glowing amber eyes. Gently and carefully she handed her heavy pack to Okoru but held the coin purse tightly in her hands.

"I'm sorry for insinuating you're after something. I imagine you've came from an area those help to gain something in return so yes I'm guarded as I'm alone now." Referring to the mare she lost. "Sorry I'm still emotional. She's been sick and I've had that stubborn mare or filly since she was a foal. Never could get a foal out of her no matter how many times I've tried. Never could afford to buy another horse." Whispering softly as she didn't want someone to over hear her situation then take advantage to sell her a lame horse.

 

[Haruchai]

The small tells of her body language told Okoru quite a lot. She likely practiced magic, and in and of itself that was no big deal. It was hard for the wicked to hide who they were around Okoru, the preternaturally keen senses of the Great White Lion able to ferret out a person's base instinct. This girl trusted him, but had reservations. She was smart.

"I am Okoru, and I would be honored to know your name." he told her. He wanted to steer the conversation away, at least for a moment, from her dead friend. The horse had lived a long life. The pack she handed him was light, at least for him, and he shook his head at her words. "There's no need to apologize for being emotional. I am sure that she was a good friend. I will accompany you to purchase another animal if you so desire, but for now... I need to eat. I am famished. Will you accompany me?"

 

[vampire07]

"Lillian Onyx." Finally telling him her name as she walked with him through the busy streets while he mentioned her friend. "That she was." Sighing softly as she tilted her head back looking at the bright sky. Though she looked over at him as he continued on mentioning on companying her to purchase a good beast then inviting her to dinner. The invite took her by surprise as she nodded. "Yes, I will join you Okoru. Yes, I've heard of the Legendary White Lion of the Southern Sands." Smirking as she walked along at his side. "This is the first time I came this close to the Arch. I usually go to Westron but my usual supplies just ran out which is odd. So this is a place of raw items I need."

 

[Haruchai]

"It is nice to meet you Lillian Onyx. May I call you Lily?" he asked and it was not long before they passed some places that sold animals, from camels and horses, to oxen and mules. "At least we know where to seek another mount for you. For the moment we should perhaps fill our bellies and take our mind off of unfortunate events." he said and would lead her past the animal handlers.

Her words brought a little frown. "Westron ran out of some raw materials for you? I agree, that is very strange. I wonder if something is afoot. Bandits or pirates perhaps?" he mused, mulling over the problem. "Were you given a reason your materials might have been depleted?" he asked, wondering if she knew more than she had initially told him.

 

[vampire07]

Walking by the animals as her eyes scanned them rather quickly. "Most to sick..." Musing the chances of using her powers to make them healthy. Though Okoru grabbed her attention about the materials.

"They usually have it refined but I imagined since they don't have the raw materials itself I'd have to say someone broke the supply line. So I don't know who broke the supply line or their intentions other than fencing the items off." Reaching the tavern she closed her eyes hating crowded places but she had to endure this. Following Okoru's lead she sat down at a town with her back to the people to keep her eyes concealed from them. By now her stomach was rumbling at the scent of food, herbs and liquor used to experiment with cooking. There was shouting about a bad batch of meat after ale was used on it. It was fed to the dogs who were housed in the back, it seemed the Tavern had guard dogs in case some anthros or humans were to much to handle for their own body guards.

 

[Haruchai]

"I would never let you purchase a bad animal." Okoru assured her and then as she went on to explain about the supply line, Okoru threw out a suggestion.

"Perhaps that is something we should go investigate. I have this witch to track down, but I have no idea whom it might be, and maybe these raw materials have some use in witchcraft. What sort of materials are they? Either way, finding out what is going on with these supplies and helping out will help me focus more on maybe where to look." he told her. Of course, he had no idea that Lily herself practiced any sort of magic, but that in and of itself was perfectly legal. It was the black magic that one needed to be wary of.

The tavern they entered was decently sized and they took a table close to one wall so that Lily could sit with her back to it and watch the other patrons. Okoru ordered four roasted chickens, a platter of buttered biscuits and a gallon of mead. He let Lily order whatever she liked.

 

[vampire07]

"I'll take a chicken myself." She ordered with some mead as well. "As materials...It ranges from fabric to seeds. I live by myself so I try to keep my garden fresh and rotate it so the land doesn't die." Stating to him as she looked over at a woman whispering who was looking at her. Lillian looked away with her tucking her hair behind her ear. This was getting to much. Without a word she got to her feet rushing out the back trying to find a quiet spot. Finding a corner she rushed over and pressed her back to the wall just as her human form dissolved as her pale skin was replaced with black fur, her ears lengthen with her having a muzzle. Her amber eyes turned glowing green, she wasn't human but a jackal!

 

[Haruchai]

Listening as she described what she normally ordered, Okoru nodded. "Definitely seems like something we might want to check into then. Seems like there would have to be something more on that shipment than simply seeds and fabrics. There's no other reason I can see for things to be interrupted except for them to be stolen for some reason. Probably not after any of the things that you yourself ordered, so that means you're as much as victim as anyone else, and..."

He stopped as she got up without a word and practically fled from the cafe. Confused for a moment Okoru sat there blinking and then decided to get up and follow. Moving out the back his nose picked up her scent, though it was a little different now and the only person he saw was a black jackal pneumafera. "Lily?!" he asked, a bit incredulous. But his nose didn't lie and this was her. Somehow.

"Are you alright?" he asked, obvious concern in his voice.

 

[vampire07]

Lillian stood there in shock as Okoru found her and blocked her way out. Trembling as her jackal features told she was pure jackal. Her emerald eyes glowed in the darkness while she peered at the large lion. No one seen her true form so she stepped out into the light causing the large cat to step back, proper to give her some room. In the same tan dress that looked out of place with her breed as her hair was black hair was long with it having a mind of its own, falling wherever it wanted.

"Yes, no one has called me Lily in a long time. I use a human disguise to move about the humans without them fearing me. My kind, the Jackals, are the bringers of death. An omen really we don't bring death as rationally everyone will die at some point." She was logical in her thoughts but she looked up at the towering Lion. "People see you and what they hear they fear you. For me, I'm a death omen even though I'm a healer. My job is making potions to help children with stomach aches, pregnant women give birth, under one of the potions I can alter one's memory so I can heal gashes to where the men think they dreamed of me using powers to heal their wounds." She was describing her work to him.

 

[Haruchai]

Okoru could smell her unease, her fear. It practically rolled off of her in waves. He did give her some space as she showed herself, her ebon fur lustrous and shiny. She was quite beautiful, by his estimation, and Okoru listened intently as she spoke. A pang of guilt and also of sadness ran through him briefly, and he found that he felt for her. As she explained what she did, how she helped, but how people still saw her as a bad omen, Okoru's features softened.

She helped people, and just as she would be able to tell many things about him with her own senses, Okoru could tell she was not lying. Her heartrate was steady and full, and Okoru knew then that regardless of what reputation the jackals might carry, she was not deserving of anything but respect and acceptance. If he could, then he would help with that.

"I apologize for cornering you, Lily. Please forgive me. I'll stay by your side and vouch for you if need be. Will you be able to change back before we re-enter and eat? I'll definitely help you track down this witch." he assured her, and reached out to gently touch her cheek. If she let him.

 

[vampire07]

With him reaching out to touch her cheek, a part of her wanted to snap her teeth at his hand. Yet she stood still letting him touch her cheek as her emerald eyes looked up into his amber hues. When she felt his hand she leaned her cheek into his hand. It felt nice to feel a simple touch. Slowly her ebony fur disappeared which was replaced by her human like flesh. Her black hair cascaded down over her shoulders but as she opened her eyes the emerald hues changed to match his amber eyes.

"I'm okay now. It just got bit much in there with the large crowds." After a moment to ensure she could ensure her disguise she walked out ahead of him to reach their table. The waitress came out with their plates to set them before them. Her slender fingers picked at the hot meats. The thought of losing her mare did sadden her but she called a waitress over and asked about a room. Once the woman confirmed that they had a room open, Lillian Onyx was going to stay the night so she can clear her head before picking a mount. She looked at Okoru as he had said he'd stick around. "You can share my room if you and your other buddies aren't cramped into one."

 

[Haruchai]

The tension was something Okoru could sense more than anything, but Lily let him touch her face. A good sign, by his estimation. That was only confirmed as she slowly returned to her human guise, as she relaxed. "Good." he said, though not addressing anything in particular but his own sense that her changing back was good.

"You change when you get nervous? Scared?" he asked, which was then seemingly confirmed as she spoke up about the crowd. He nodded in understanding. Then he followed her back into the tavern and sat as she did, his form now the one attracting the looks. He was well known, but so few were ready to see the White Lion in person,and just how large he truly was.

Okoru ate as she did, though he kept an eye on her. Once it was confirmed that there was a room, Okoru was prepared to go, but Lily proposed something entirely different, but unexpected. "I have no comrades with which to cramp into a room, and though I would gladly share yours, are you sure that it would be proper?" he asked, his golden eyes searching her face. He had little problem with the idea, but did not wish to possibly tarnish Lily's honor in any way, even in a perceived way.

 

[vampire07]

"No one here cares for honor. Besides I think someone who came from a land far away would have some people to come with them. Legend or not." Smiling weakly as she noticed he was searching her eyes. "Okuro, if you want to take off then go on ahead. Just thought it'd be nice to have someone that I can trust. I still need a healthy mount and it may take awhile to find one that won't die on me the moment I'm out of the city."

The juicy chicken fell apart in her fingers as she ate it. The meat to easily came apart within her teeth with her stabbing at the potatoes with her fork. "Yes, the crowds made me nervous to interfere with my concentration and it drains energy from me."

 

[Haruchai]

Okoru could not help but chuckle at her assessment. "I suppose you're right. Though I'll tell you true - I am here by myself." he admitted. He paused a moment. "No, I do like your company, and I can help you. I'll stay the night. Though I'll sleep on the floor and you can have the bed." he said, thinking this a good compromise.

Her last statement brought a little smile to Okoru's lips. "Perhaps we can help with that. I know that some items exist, rings or amulets, jewelry of some sort, that will lock you in your human form so long as it is worn. But they can be pricey and have to be attuned to your animal. Now you've given me an idea for a gift!" he said, and took a drink of wine.

 

[vampire07]

When he mentioned an idea of a gift, she nearly choked on her food as her eyes went wide. Coughing hard as she turned away to sip the water slowly. After her eyes returned to him as there were things to discuss about why she needed him to help with the mount search. He can openly state he can smell the animal was sick where she can not openly state it then keep her secret.

"Gift?!" Her voice cracked as she just looked at him shocked. "I hope its for a lover back home!" Her entire form trembled as she had never taken on a lover before. Years ago as she came of age she shared a quiet moment of a kiss with another Anubis anthro but a war tore them apart and he was killed. That was over a decade ago but he set the standard high in her eyes.

 

[Haruchai]

Her reaction was completely unexpected and Okoru found himself stunned at first and then chuckling, a deep rumble from his chest as he regarded her. "Of course not! For you, silly! A gift for a new friend is not tantamount to desiring to bed you. You obviously worry about your natural form, and such a thing would make your life easier. I'd not require anything from you." he said, still smiling, though his golden eyes gleamed.

"Though I did see your form outside and your shapely backside is quite enticing. Tell me Lily, do you go into heat? I might have to watch myself around you during those times. Your form is tempting, but I would not presume." he said, teasing her on purpose.

 

[vampire07]

If she was in her normal form she'd be laying her ears back embarrassed that he brought up that her going into heat. "Why are you asking such a thing? Of course I go through such things like other females." She flicked her fingers sending some of the juice of her chicken onto his cheek.

"How precise is that nose?" She was trying to change the subject but she began to wonder if he asked about her heat cycle is that he can smell it coming on? Perhaps it was and she hadn't noticed since she's been busy plus on top of that, worried. One of her potions she makes for herself is something to conceal the scent of her going into heat but now she was left unprepared.

 

[Haruchai]

Okoru just winked. "I can tell. There's a certain sort of...scent. I can tell you're getting close." he said, and licked his lips. "My nose is very precise. Makes me wonder about sharing that room with you." he teased again, seeing that he was getting to her, at least a little.

"Have you taken a lover before?" he asked, eyes on her own. The more he spoke on this subject the more his mind wandered down certain paths, and his curiosity was piqued. As well as other things.