The Naming...

[coffee]

I've been writing this for the past week, but I'm not sure I should go any farther. What do you all think?


"The Naming"


The cheerful celebration music played and the folk danced happily to it. Laughter and cheers could be heard for miles around. Everyone within three days travel made their way to the Stone City, the capital of Borkalum; the North Lands. The festivities were in honor of King Bloodstains’ middle child, who this day turned 16 winters old. Tomorrow, Navanod Tanryb Atokad would climb Snowflake Mountain and speak to Old Man Nightseer, the Spirit Walker. Navanod Tanyrb Atokad would then receive his name after completing taking his Spirit Quest and become a man in only a few short days.
Not everyone in Borkalum was excited about Navanod becoming a man however. In fact, Navanod himself dreaded this day. Tomorrow he would embark upon a journey of responsibility; a journey that he had feared since the days of his early childhood. Navanod knew this day would come, and he knew there was nothing anyone could do to stop it. He just wished that he could have prolonged it some how. Responsibility meant work, and Navanod did not enjoy work all that much. Though he was a kings son, and a king of the north as more, he knew work was a mans’ world, but Navanod did not want to be a man just yet. Being a man to Navanod meant that he could no longer play with his friends as they once had, he could no longer act like a fool and have it simply ignored as child’s play. Navanod did not want to be a man, he wanted to play and enjoy a care free world. But reality is a merciless thing. And as far as Navanod knew, reality only meant things can get worse.
“Boy! Get in ‘ere! I want ye meet some’un!” Navanod’s father, King Bloodstain, shouted from a large hut that he and the rest of the noblemen had declared their private lounge.
Navanod rose from his comfortable seat on the stone wall that surrounded a nearby home. He could hear his father and the other noblemen laugh and joke while drinking the finest ale and smoking the strongest swamp grass. Slowly, he made his way into the large hut.
Putting on his best happy face, Navanod entered the hut. “I’m here Da.”
“Good. Com’ere and sit by yer pappa!” He pushed a frail looking man wearing fine green cloth from the seat next to him and patted the seat. “Right’ere will do!” He roared with laughter, as did everyone else gathered in the hut. The frail man glared at Navanod while whipping dust and spilled beer from his fine green garments.
Navanod made his way to the seat, aware that everyone in the room was watching his every movement. This made Navanod very uncomfortable, and nearly caused him to trip on an empty mug lying on the wood floor. The near accident didn’t go unnoticed however. A man wearing a dark gray cloak, sitting in the far corner of the room, cracked a smile, but didn’t laugh outright.
“What ye standing ‘round for boy?” A man sitting nearby slapped Navanod on the back, which caused Navanod to be jerked forward.
“Get over ‘ere boy!” His father demanded, and Navanod obliged.
He sat down in the wooden seat and helped himself to an already half eaten meal that lay in front of him. “Who’d ye want me to meet Da?” Navanod asked between mouthfuls of pork, turkey, chicken and steak.
Bloodstain roared with laughter and slapped his son on the back, which caused Navanod to spit back some turkey he had just stuffed into his mouth.
“See that there fellow in the corner, lad?” His father pointed to the man in the gray cloak, who rose from his seat and stepped forward, extending his hand.
Navanod accepted the gesture. The mans’ hands were callused and rough. He was a working man, or a warrior. Though, it didn’t matter to Navanod, he knew that this man in front of him was somehow tied into his future, thanks to his all loving father.
“This ‘eres Doolbwen. He’s one of me new commanders!” Bloodstain shouted proudly. “He’s one of them secrete Ranger boys I’ve been telling ‘bout, lad!”
Navanod eyed the gray cloaked man suspiciously. “’Eh, I don’t mean to be rude Doolbwen. But since when does the North Hordes need a Ranger as a commander, Da?”
Bloodstain roared with laughter and gulped down a mug of ale. The amber liquid rolled down his long red beard like a small waterfall. “I told ye lad! Not a tenday ago. I’ve made the North Hordes a Sneaker group. Now we can sneak up on them damned westerners and teach ‘em what’s what ‘eh?” He roared with laughter once more, and then slapped his palm on the table, signaling the barmaids to bring more ale.
“I prefer to call it a Reconnaissance Unit my lord.” Doolbwen corrected him.
“Bah! Sneaker, Reconawassance-” Doolbwen cut him off.
“Reconnaissance, my lord.” Doolbwen corrected him again.
“Bah! They’re the same damned thing if ye ask me!” Bloodstain chugged another mug of ale and roared, beating his chest. “It don’t matter the name. Tonight is a night ‘o celebration! Me middle boy is a man tomorrow! Free ale all ‘round!”
A cheer of approval rose harmoniously. Men began pounding their chests and slapping backs, while the barmaids poured ale to the hardy northmen.

[daena]

Very interesting story, Sir Joe. I think it has great potential to it. I, for one, would like to see how poor Navanod fares on the upcoming tests of manhood. *Nods*

[coffee]

Thanks Daena. Truth be told, this story is a fictional, more elaborate version of my feelings of becoming an adult. So it has some degree of importance to me. I'm glad you like it! ;D

[coffee]

Here is the rest of this scene.



It was much later in the evening when the chaotic sounds of music and laughter finally died down. Most were sleeping now, though some still wondered about. Most of those wonderers were drunk, or continuing their own personal party in one of the local brothels. King Bloodstain however, lay amongst piles of unconscious Northmen; a spilled mug of ale in his hand and a turkey leg in the other. His beard was drenched in ale and speckled with meat. Bloodstain truly was a Northman.
Navanod knelt over his unconscious father and snickered. “Poor Da.” He whispered.
“It wouldn’t matter if you yelled.” A voice came from behind Navanod.
Navanod spun around and produced a small dagger in defense. “Who-”
“Oh put that down.” Doolbwen knelt down and smacked the dagger away. “What were you planning on doing with that? Scratch me?” Doolbwen chuckled.
“What do you want, Doolbwen?” Navanod demanded as he stood.
“You demand answers from me? I am you mentor boy. I demand answers from you.” Doolbwen shook his forefinger in Navanod’s face.
Navanod shoved Doolbwen’s hand away and swiftly moved out of the hut. Doolbwen, not wanting the conversation end just yet, took up the chase.
“Did you hear me correctly? Or have you gone deaf?” Doolbwen asked.
“You lie.” Navanod said plainly, continuing his swift walk towards the nearby Lake Shinning Moon.
“I do not lie, boy. I am your new mentor.” Doolbwen began to explain, but Navanod spun around to try and punch him. Doolbwen swiftly shifted his stance and grabbed Navanod’s arm, bending it backwards, causing Navanod to fall to his knees.
“I will hold you hear until I am done speaking.” He said sharply. “Your father, King Bloodstain, granted me leadership of his newly formed Reconnaissance Units. And with that new leadership he gave me another responsibility. He told me that once you complete your Spirit Walk, I am to teach you the ways of the Ranger. You will learn this…whether you like it or not.” Doolbwen released Navanod’s arm.
Navanod scrambled backward, holding his hurt arm. “I don’t want to learn from you!” He retorted.
Doolbwen shook his head and his finger at Navanod. “You will learn to like me in time.” He raised his head for a moment, as if showing Navanod that he was thinking of something. “Don’t call me Doolbwen either. I despise that name. I’m known as Gray.”
“Gray?” Navanod pondered his thoughts, trying to put a finger on the name. He had heard it before.
“Yes, Gray.” Doolbwen repeated. “But enough about my name, we have more important matters at hand.”
“Important matters? What important matters?” Navanod asked curiously.
“Sleep.” Doolbwen said. “Now run along. You have a long day tomorrow. And probably for a few days after that.”
Navanod didn’t argue. He knew the next day would be a hard one. He needed as much sleep as possible. However, morning would come much sooner then he anticipated.

* * * * * * * * * *

The rain poured down upon the muddy streets of Asirkis, the small town on the outskirts of Ravoldule, the largest city within a weeks travel.. Lightning streaked across the black sky, followed by the fearsome roar of the mighty thunder. The wind blew its chilly breeze through the trees, creating an eerie howl that some believed to the ghosts of long dead ancestors. A lone stranger sat beside a window in the local tavern, staring into the black night sky. His face, covered by a cloak, was impossible to see, but his voice was harsh and menacing. A barmaid walking toward the door on her way home decided to stop and talk to the stranger. The tall, blonde-haired woman leaned over the table, rested her hand on her chin and puffed out her bottom lip.
The man didn’t move his gaze from the window. It was as if he did not know the barmaid was even there.
“Sir?” She moved herself into a seat in front of the man. “Sir? Ye look like ye could use some company.” Her sweet voice carried throughout the almost empty bar.
“Leave me.” The man sneered, still not raising his gaze from the night sky.
“Surely you don’t mean to have a girl walk home alone in this weather?” She asked pathetically.
“I said leave me woman.” The man demanded, this time his hooded head shifted to look at the woman.
The barmaid fell into a trance before she could even open her mouth to scream. Her eyes, locked onto the dark red eyes of the hooded stranger, were wide and fearful. “If you want me so bad my dear, then you shall have me.” The man motioned with his hand for the woman to stand. The barmaid rose from the table and took the hooded mans’ arm and he lead her out of the bar and into the rain.
The man led the barmaid around to the back of the bar and pushed her against the wood wall. The barmaid stood motionless in the mans’ grasp. He stared into her eyes and whispered words in an ancient tongue. Blue smoke rose from the barmaids’ mouth and nose and hovered above her body. The blue smoke moved in front of the barmaids face and entered back into her mouth and nose, only to be repelled back. The blue smoke turned to the hooded man, began to float away when the stranger chanted more words in an ancient tongue and the mystical smoke reversed direction, and flew into the dark, hooded face of the man, absorbing into his very being.
“You have me, and I have you.” The man whispered as the barmaids’ body fell limp to the muddy ground. The man stared at the lifeless body for a moment, and then strode off, disappearing into the black of night.

[daena]

*Holds her chest and finally takes a breath, eyes wide with surprise*

Sir Joe, thou art weaving a masterful tale, alright. I like thy descriptions...this dark stranger maketh me think of some wicked and vile corruption.

I give thee kudos for a job well done, and look forward to reading more.

[coffee]

Thanks Daena. And this dark stanger is a wicked and vile corruption. He will be playing a major role in this story, and in Navanod's life. Thanks for the comment.

[coffee]

Here is the first two pages of chapter one:


One


Navanod groggily rose from his straw matted bed, throwing off his thick hide blankets. Without opening his eyes, he made his way from his room and out into the chill of the morning air. The cold hit him like a slap to the face. The first winter’s snow had fallen. The ground before him lay covered, as far as any man could see with thick white snow. Shivering, Navanod ran back into his home to change into clothing more suitable for this unexpected change in weather.
“I see ye felt the brisk of the morn.” Came a sweet voice from the lodge’s main room, where a warm fire burned bright.
“Why didn’t ye tell me ma? I nearly froze my toes off!” Navanod yelled from his room, as he changed into his winter clothing.
“Ye needed yer sleep. Ye have a big day and ye know it.” His mother cried back.
He had nearly forgotten. Today Navanod would begin his journey up the Snowflake Mountains.
He groaned, letting his head hang. “Yes ma, I know.”
“Yer father’s waiting at the forge for ye.” She said as Navanod emerged from his room, clothed in thick Tundra Bison hide, white fur covering his neck and ears, and a leather hood over his head.
His mother smiled and held out her arms. “Come’ere and give yer mum a kiss.”
“Ah ma.” Navanod whined as he hugged his mother and kissed her affectionately on her forehead.
“Oh don’t be such a baby Navey, I’m yer mum. I deserve a kiss from me boy every once in a while don’t I?” Navanod’s mother kissed him on the head. “Now be off with ye. Yer father said he had something he wanted ye to see. Best not keep him waiting.” She smiled warmly, handing Navanod an apple as she pushed him toward the door.

The snow fell weightlessly from the sky to the icy ground below. Each flake unique, each flake special, and yet, to the unappreciative eye, they are but frozen water that causes discomfort and chills ones bones. But to Navanod, the snow was a magical thing. Since being a little boy, winter had always been Navanod’s favorite season.
Navanod stared into the sky as he walked along the snow-covered path, watching snowflakes weave and spin to the ground. He closed his eyes and listened to the sound that he enjoyed most; silence. That was why Navanod Tanyrb Atokad favors the winter season the most: the silence.
Then it hit him.
It was the piercing ring of steel on steel, the hammer of the forge and the steel of the sword. His momentary trance broken by the sound, Navanod hung his head. Reality called his name.
“I’m coming Da.” He softly whispered to himself.

King Bloodstain lifted his powerful arm high into the air, grasping the hammer tighter, then letting it fall, striking the red-hot steel. Sparks shot out in all directions, hitting all nearby.
“Da!” Navanod shouted as sparks struck him. “Da!” He called again.
Letting out a roar, Bloodstain threw the hammer to the ground. “What?” He bellowed.
Knowing his fathers typical temper, Navanod smiled, he feared not his father’s outbursts. “Ma said ye needed to see me.”
Bloodstain lowered his head and let out a roaring laugh. “I told ye mum that I needed to see ye at mid-day.”
“Well Da, I’m already here.” Navanod grabbed one of the finished swords on the nearby shelves and twirled it in the air.
“Careful with that boy, if ye cut yer arm off, I’m making ye clean it.” Bloodstain chuckled deeply, picking the hammer off the ground.
“Ye taught me to fight Da. I don’t think I’ll chop my arm off.” He placed the sword back on the shelf. But before walking away, Navanod stopped and gazed into the brilliant shine of the steel. It was a magnificent weapon, a true masterpiece.
“Ye fancy the blade, boy?” Bloodstain smiled inwardly.
“It’s a beautiful blade, Da.” Navanod gave the blade one last look before turning to face his father. “I’m a few shadows early. But can ye still tell me what ye needed me for?”
“Aye, I don’t see no harm in it.” His father persuaded himself.
A broad smile creased Navanod’s lips.
Without realizing, and against his will, Bloodstain could not help but smile himself. In just a few days, his middle child would become a man. And what a prize young Navanod would receive after his Spirit Walk. “Well boy. I know yer gonna be a man soon. This means a lot to yer ma and me. So we thought that we should give ye a little gift.”
Navanod smiled, he had expected his father would gift him something before his journey. However, he could not help but wonder if it might be the last thing his father would give him.
Bloodstain turned his back on Navanod and opened a large wooden chest that sat half buried in snow. Navanod tried to peak around the large bulk that was his father, but it was useless. He couldn’t see anything.
Letting out a small chuckle, Bloodstain pulled a long object, wrapped in a fine yellow cloth, from the large chest.
Navanod’s eyes widened as his father unwrapped the object, revealing the metallic shine of a sword.
“Boy. This’ere’s a blade I made for ye when ye was just a babe.” Bloodstain held the unwrapped blade gently his hands, holding it out to his son.
Navanod stepped toward his father, reaching out his hand to grab the blade, but withdrew his hand back quickly.
“Why?” Navanod asked. “Why did ye make it for me when I was just a babe?”
His father eyed him for a long moment. The silence of the winter grew eerie and made Navanod uncomfortable for the first time in his life.
“That is for ye to figure out.” Bloodstain said nonchalantly.

[coffee]

And here is 3 and 4 (so far). I am still not done writing the rest.


Puzzled, but not wanting to upset his father, Navanod gently grabbed the blade from his fathers open palms.
“Take care of this blade, Navanod. It’s the only one like it.” Bloodstain warned. “Ye may find its abilities useful in due time.” He paused as he watched Navanod’s already puzzled face, distort into more confusion. He laughed and pointed toward the snow-covered street. “Be off with ye boy. Ye have much to do before ye leave.”

Navanod held the blade before him as he walked, looking into his reflection. He twirled the blade once, creating a small whistling sound. It was a perfect blade, he thought. The craft was like none other. The handle bore green emeralds, and strange markings that he could not recognize. The guard wrapped up the blade somewhat, like two hooks with sharp tips. At the end of the handle, was a small, transparent orb. The blade itself was a simple design. It was straight, and doubled edged until toward the tip, where it curved off in an almost scimitar like way.
“What ye got there Navey?” A sweet voice asked.
Startled, Navanod spun around, holding the blade forward and ready.
“What are ye going to do with that?” A young woman stood nearby chuckled.
Navanod smiled and laughed, loosening his grip on the blade. It was only his dear friend Alyna.
“So yer leaving me today are ye?” Alyna half smiled, brushing her hair from her vision.
For a brief moment, Navanod saw more then just a friend standing before him. But the thought quickly faded. “I have to Ally.”
“I know. I’m goin’ to miss ye Navey.” She came forward and embraced Navanod. The pair stood, holding each other for a long moment. The snow seemed to wrap affectionately around the two. Icy kisses of snowflakes occasionally falling on either ones nose. Navanod stared into Alyna’s emerald green eyes. Her eyes seemed to stare into Navanod’s very soul. He diverted his gaze, trying to hide the fact that he was blushing.
Alyna smiled and kissed Navanod on the cheek. “Ye need to be off.” Her voice cracked.
Navanod returned the smile, and whipped a tear that fell from her eye. “I’ll be back Ally. Its just a few days.” He reassured her.
“Ye promise?”
“I promise.” Navanod smiled and turned away, heading back to his home.
Alyna stood in the snow for a long time, watching the figure of Navanod disappear, blocked by a wall of falling snow. Another tear slid from her eyes and down her cheek.
“I pray my dreams are wrong Navey.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Navanod picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. His sword, wrapped in tough leather, tied to his waist. He double-checked his clothing once more, making sure no skin showed. None did.
The tough leathers of Tundra Bison wrapped his body, and tuffs of grayish white fur hair puffed out around his collar and wrists. Navanod pulled his gloves tighter, extending his fingers.
“Did ye pack all yer food?” Standing in the doorway to his room, his mother asked.
“Yes ma. Ye made sure I did remember?” Navanod half smiled. This would be the first time in all his life he would be away from his mother. He was not sure if he liked this idea. After all, he did not want to be a man just yet. The thought of being away from his mother saddened Navanod. However, in the back of his mind, he was somewhat excited. Though he did not know it himself.
“Cheer up Navey. Yer goin’ to be a man soon. That’s a cause worth celebrating if ye ask me.”
Navanod swallowed hard. He couldn’t tell his mother that he did not want to be a man, it would break her heart. Not to mention shame his father and family. This was something he had to do for his family, more so then for himself.
“Well. I think ye should be off then.” She sighed, giving Navanod a hug. “Be safe Navey.”
“I will ma.”
“I’ll send word to yer brothers first light tomorrow.” She kissed him on the head.
Navanod gave his mother a kiss and left his room, then the house.
Navanod headed down the snow-covered main street. Faces began to appear in windows, some opened doors and said their good byes, and a few of Navanod’s closer friends came up and gave him a hug or a strong pat on the back.
He continued his walk until he reached the edge of the city, where his father stood, arms crossed, and a stern look stamped on his face.
Bloodstain looked down at his son. For a moment, Navanod swore he could see moisture forming in the tough, north man’s eyes.
Kind Bloodstain uncrossed his arms, took a deep sigh, and stepped aside, revealing the path into the Snowflake Mountains. Without saying a word, Navanod pressed on, trekking up the path, moving farther and farther away from the town. He continued to keep a steady stride until the town became but a speck in the distance.
Navanod took one last look at the town, then turned and continued his journey into the Snowflake Mountains. In the back of his mind however, Navanod knew that the city he grew up in, would never be the same.

[Eolith]

Very cool. I can sympathize with the main character. The same emotions of never being able to go back to times that were so good often crush me with their overwhelming power... I have a similar passage in my first story... the one with the boy that had the encounter with the spirit. In a way, his life would have gone on in perfect oblivion had not the spirit changed it for good... I'll post it.

“I don’t want to be a warrior, or a lord, or anything.” Aderak said with frustration. “After this whole ordeal is over, I plan to return to life as a peasant in Cadani.”
Durant laughed. It was a deep, rich sound that startled Aderak. “You are no longer the boy you used to be and never will you be that same boy. You have tasted adventure and danger. Think you that after this you’ll be able to return to a life on the farm? Where you used to be one rock among thousands we have carved and polished you. If you were to be thrown back into the pile you would glitter too brightly to be just another rock.”
Aderak turned away, untying Sithla to lead her away with him. Inanti and Durant did not try to follow, letting him go. After they had gone a ways, Aderak released Sithla and sat down next to her, his head in his hands.
Change... it was so hard to accept. Never again would he be that boy that seemed to be so very tangible. Never again… never again… The pain of it was unbearable. He was being ripped away from his cozy ignorance and thrown into harsh reality.
Aderak grieved over his lost childhood for a long while, trying to come to terms with the realization that he could never be the same. Sithla was the only one there to console him.
When Aderak returned to the camp he was resigned to his fate, ready to accept what would come. He felt as though he had fallen into a treacherous river. Now instead of trying to swim against the current, he would let it take him where it would.

[coffee]

Very cool. I can sympathize with the main character. The same emotions of never being able to go back to times that were so good often crush me with their overwhelming power...

I can relate to the character too...seeing as how he's based on me, lol. Thanks for the feedback Eolith.

“I don’t want to be a warrior, or a lord, or anything.” Aderak said with frustration. “After this whole ordeal is over, I plan to return to life as a peasant in Cadani.”
Durant laughed. It was a deep, rich sound that startled Aderak. “You are no longer the boy you used to be and never will you be that same boy. You have tasted adventure and danger. Think you that after this you’ll be able to return to a life on the farm? Where you used to be one rock among thousands we have carved and polished you. If you were to be thrown back into the pile you would glitter too brightly to be just another rock.”
Aderak turned away, untying Sithla to lead her away with him. Inanti and Durant did not try to follow, letting him go. After they had gone a ways, Aderak released Sithla and sat down next to her, his head in his hands.
Change... it was so hard to accept. Never again would he be that boy that seemed to be so very tangible. Never again… never again… The pain of it was unbearable. He was being ripped away from his cozy ignorance and thrown into harsh reality.
Aderak grieved over his lost childhood for a long while, trying to come to terms with the realization that he could never be the same. Sithla was the only one there to console him.
When Aderak returned to the camp he was resigned to his fate, ready to accept what would come. He felt as though he had fallen into a treacherous river. Now instead of trying to swim against the current, he would let it take him where it would.

Have you posted this story here at all? I'd like to read more.

[Eolith]

I'm kinda shy about posting that story on the internet... I'm afraid that someone might steal my ideas and publish it before I can. I know, I'm a bit paranoid... but better safe than sorry. There is one way I can let you see it. I've posted it in a password protected board in my forum. You can get to it as a guest... I'll msg you the site address and the password.

[coffee]

I'm kinda shy about posting that story on the internet... I'm afraid that someone might steal my ideas and publish it before I can. I know, I'm a bit paranoid... but better safe than sorry.

Ain't that the truth? I was thinking about blocking all story boards on my forum.

I got the PM.

[coffee]

And here is the last bit of Chapter one, The Naming. It probably needs a lot of tuning though.


* * * * * * * * * *

Doolbwen-Gray-yawned silently as he shifted his position. He had been observing Navanod since he left the city earlier that day. He closed his eyes and shook his head vigorously, attempting to shake the fatigue away. Gray reclined further back on the tree branch, folding his arms behind his head. His leg dangled over the edge of the branch, some fifty feet up the old tree he was resting upon. He smiled. Gray was fascinated with heights.
Navanod crossed his arms and moved closer to the small fire. Its tiny flames danced upwards, reaching as high as they could. The snow had stopped hours before, but the ground around Navanod was thick with the freezing substance. In the clearer spots of ground, the snow reached as high as one foot. Luckily, however, Navanod had found shelter beneath an old tree, whose branches were thick, providing good shelter. The snow beneath the old tree reached only just above the ankles.
Gray reached into his pocket and produced a small piece of dried bison meat. He could not help but wonder if Navanod would have enough food to last the several day journey to the top of the Snowflake Mountains. He shrugged off the thought quickly and bit into the salty jerky.
Shivering, Navanod pulled his Tundra Bison hide blanket closer around him. His teeth began to chatter, and the fire grew dim. The wood was partially moist from the snowfall, which made for horrible firewood.
The wind howled, sending a brisk breeze through the trees, and blew the fire out. Navanod stared into the smoking pile of wood in disbelief for a long moment. The wind blew again. Finally, Navanod tightened the blanket around him and decided to lie down, using his pack as his pillow. Exhausted, Navanod fell fast asleep beneath the stars, and the watchful eye of the Ranger, Gray.
After several minutes, Gray decided that Navanod was sound asleep, and climbed down the tree. Taking extra caution not to wake the boy, he stepped lightly past him. When he felt he was far enough away, the Ranger pulled a folded blanket from under his cloak and wrapped himself quickly, and proceeded in making a fire.

The flames licked upwards, and danced to a silent rhythm. The smell of cooked flesh lingered about, as Gray turned the roasted rabbit over the open flames. The Ranger had gone hunting for dinner an hour before.
Convinced that the rabbit seemed cooked to perfection, Gray pulled his dagger from his belt and cut into the meat. His blade slid easily into the seared flesh. Gray grinned as he took a large mouthful of rabbit. He sighed, closing his eyes. He had cooked his meal to perfection.
Gray pulled his blanket closer over his shoulders as he chewed the freshly cooked meat. Though he would not admit it, nor show it, the Ranger was cold. After he had had his fill of dinner for the night, he put the cooked rabbit in a cloth bag and slung it high over a tree branch. Gray then settled down for the night, pulling his blanket higher over his shoulders, he fell asleep. Though he appeared to be sound asleep, the Rangers senses stayed as alert as always, listening to everything.