Thread: All Things Even

This is a back story to a much longer story I aim to right. It introduces certain creatures and some rivalries. Any feedback would be appreciated. The gray skies had started to empty the emerging snow had started to settle on the peaks of the Bilgila Mountains. The winds were screaming through the valleys, tearing at the flesh of many creatures who were busy stockpiling crops for the brutal and barren months ahead. A number of creatures called the cliff face of the mountains home. Two Apaclifs, a hybrid of man and ape, searched the nooks of rocks for plants and berries, while they kept one eye scanning the skies. Ossum and his brother Suuha, clothed in rags, used their ape-like hands to rip at roots on a narrow ledge. Two rickety bows and quivers of home-made arrows leaned against the rock. The cold will soon be upon us proclaimed Ossum. Along with the Uf, replied Suuha, his hands trembling while he stuffed plants of all description into a sack that was draped over his shoulder. Ossum rested a hand on Suuhas shoulder. Our time to die will come, but not today, Ossum soothed. Ossum returned to harvesting the fruit of the cliff face. We have many mouths to feed, and the fear of death will not feed the hungry, Ossum continued. Then let's finish here, and be gone, Suuha replied, as he placed the last of the crop into his sack. My sack is full, Suhha continued as his eyes looked towards the gloomy sky. A shadow momentarily appeared over the brothers. And just into time, he continued. Ossum turned his eyes to the skies, he squinted as he watched the uf soar to the air. An Uf, a gigantic owl, circled above them as in claimed its territory in the skies. The ginormous beast has ruled the skies for thousands of years, and no creature was able to contend with their brutal attacks. They silently ride the wind and savage whatever unfortunate creature their eyes preyed upon. Suhha reached for his bow and arrow and points it skywards. If you want to be right about not dying today, then we leave? encouraged Suhha. Its eyes arent for us, replied Ossum, he then gestured to a hooded figure below on an isolated trail. Suhha relaxed his grip on his bow and slung it over his shoulder. His powerful hand rested on his chin, paused, I guess the apaclif survive for another day, said Suhha. He tightened his sack and started to climb the cliff face. Wait! exclaimed Ossum.A giant blur dropped from the sky and sped towards the ground. No, we must go, we cant save him, replied Suhha. Maybe, maybe not, said Ossum. Ossum grabbed an arrow, then waved at his brother as he jumped from the ledge and dropped after the Uf. Ossum, no!, screamed Suhha. Suhha jumped from the cliff face back down onto the ledge. He peered over the edge just in time to see his brother land on the back of the uf. The uf snatched up the hooded figure from the trail. Its giant talon scooped up the unexpected victim and knocked them unconscious. Ossum gripped onto the giant feathers as the uf started to climb back to the electric blue sky. He started to climb up the ufs body, as the giant beast soared upwards. With the arrow gripped tightly in one hand, he crawled hand over fist until he reached the beasts neck. Time to land, whispered Ossum. As the Uf tore through the wind, Ossum used his remaining strength to leap his way onto the Ufs head. In a panic, the Uf shook violently to dislodge the valiant apaclif. A sharp turn of direction and the Uf raced groundwards. With one a thrust and a twist, Ossum launched the arrow into the Ufs eye. The uf screamed as blood spurted from the wound. The shriek reverberated through the valley, and it sent creatures into hiding. The sound bounced cliff face to cliff face and was finally muffled as is raced through the trees. I will sacrifice your flesh to my children, angered the uf. Apaclif believes not, replied Ossum. In a flash, Ossum from one side of the ufs face to the other. The uf tried to shake him off but was unable to stop Ossum as he pushed his arrow into the ufs bright yellow eye. With a screech, the uf started to plummet downwards towards the mountain of trees. It drifted side to side unable to see, and not able to throw Ossum from his body. The giant creature drifted towards, then away from the cliff face, until its mighty body crashed into the gray rock. The beast crumpled and started to fall downwards unable to correct its flight. With prey still clutched in its talons, and Ossum on its body, the uf demise came as it struck might boulders at the base of the cliff. Its neck snapped violently, and its body fell limp. Ossum was thrown a short distance away and his body rolled across the rocks. The unconscious stranger was slowly released from his talon cage. Suhha, had scrambled down the cliff face and rushed to his fallen brother. Ossum had started to regain his footing. What were you doing? proclaimed Suhha, as he grabbed his brother by the arm. In the end, falling at great speed, Smiled Ossum. He grabbed his ribs and winced as he laughed, Suhha didnt smile. You didnt know him, why risk it all? sounded an exasperated Suhha. He turned to look at the ufs attended meal. The stranger was now sitting against the base of the cliff face. I believe Krozer owes someone thanks, said Krozer. He tried to get to his feet but slides back down the rock. Ossum ambled over to Krozer and stretched out his long arm. No thanks needed, said Ossum. With a swift pull, Krozer is back on his feet. Krozer hobbled towards the uf and rested a hand on its head. Im glad to to be standing, but to have died by such a creature would have been an honor, pondered Krozer. Suhha, first clenched his fist then his rugged teeth, Too many of our kin have died by such a creature, at to those who survive its no honor, snapped Suhha. Krozer turned sharply to face the brothers, Kroser meant no offense, replied Krozer speedily. He walked towards Ossum, let me repay your kindness. After a few steps, an aggressive Suhha stepped in front of him. You step no further! We need no thanks, be one your way, snapped Suhha. He grabbed his brothers arm and dragged him to leave. We dont need his kindness, he continued. The brothers turned abruptly and started to walk speedily away. Brave as he was, the uf are mighty beasts, Krozer can give an advantage, replied Krozer. With a hesitation, the brothers stopped and glanced at one another. The silence between them didnt matter, they had concluded the same the response. How can you help us? they echoed. With a smile, then a grimace, Krozer searched the rock laden floor. He spied a solitary stick. He bent down and retrieved it. He tightly grasped the stick in his hand, he closed his eyes and started mumbled incoherently. Eyes wide, and fear tense in his body, This help, we do not need. Magic is evil, we must go, encouraged Suhha. Wait! exclaimed Ossum as he grasped his brothers powerful forearm. The brothers continued to watch, as Krozer slowly open his eyes, and stopped his mumbling. Krozer stepped towards the brothers and opened his hands, he held a wooden needle. For any garment which thee make, you will be of the unseen, explained Krozer. He gifted Ossum the needle, and then within the moment he was gone. The brothers glanced at each other, then back to the place Krozer had vacated. No one is going to believe this tale, declared Suhha. They will if this work, said Ossum as he hoists the needle above his head.