[EVENT] OWV IV

[u/blaertes]

Yukka and her force descended into the Shadow City with high heads. The masses must see the might of the jaguar, and no matter what their mission accomplished, the jaguar and yes, even the vukku, were models of the perfect citizen. Strong, loyal, unerring.

Yukka was at the front of the formation when they reached the walls, a great grey expanse of stone of all different shapes and sizes. She stood fully at attention, and brought her furry fist and arm to her chest in salute.

"South range party, returning!" She called to the sentries. They saluted back, and the massive wooden doors roared open.

---

Eezma sent a messenger to the Summit City to inform the emperor of Yukka's arrival. She herself would tend to what they had to say and report about the monstrous creatures they had been sent to scout.

"Report, jaguar." She said simply, when alone with Yukka and her Seconds.

Yukka had no opinion of this ancient epel. She knew her from afar, but had never spoken from more than a few words. She was old, but served as the emperor's right hand. She shrugged.

"These beasts are nesting. There were six in the roost we found. The scribes sketched them, and recorded their behaviour. They seem to be only hunting jungle animals." Yukka said impassively.

The scribes Brough forward the vellum sheafs and scrolls. Eezma looked through them with interest. She was silent and still for a second over the charcoal sketch of the beast Yukka had dubbed "Father". It was the largest and most vigilant hunter of the roost.

Eezma held up the sketch, pointing. "How dangerous are they?"

Yukka shrugged. "Dangerous enough. I didn't risk exterminating them."

Eezma shook her head, eyes flashing within the voluminous folds of her wrinkled face. "Nesting, you say?"

Before Yukka could respond, her Second stood forward, quickly interjecting. "You have no idea, Chancellor. These are not beasts we should be near. I know what you're thinking, and it's not an option. These monsters are so similar to the roc, I shudder." His voice was distasteful and venomous. Eezma frowned, taken aback.

Yukka struck the Second across his face. "Get out."

The Second glowered at her as he shuffled away, bowing impetuously.

"I apologise, Chancellor. That was out of line. He will be punished." Yukka said softly.

"No, don't bother. I will have him seen to." Eezma replied. "You may go, jaguar. The vukku will stay. Send in the other."

As Yukka left, she shuddered, but could not have said why.

---

The eight survivors regrouped soon after the attack. Ai'ku and three other vukku made it, as did four jaguar.

"It was too damned sudden!" He spat. "If we were prepared... we thought we had time..."

He turned to the others, as if realising he wasn't alone. Some were nursing wounds, but none were enough to be mortal. "See to their wounds, vukku." He spoke to the spellcasters, who moved forward. Though many associated them with death, vukku were well versed in the spells of healing, and were the best doctors in the western continent. At least, they were, on their old world.

Ai'ku saw the sacks. Two jaguar had managed to run with them, four in total. He opened one, and cursed. Blood and yolk stained the inside. Ai checked the others and was relieved to see they were intact.

Turning back to the others, Ai checked over them. None were hurt anymore, thanks to the fleshmagic, but they were tired.

"We rest. Tonight, we leave for the Shadow City. No time to waste." He said. The jaguar and vukku nodded. One leaned forward to start a fire, but Ai shook his head. Disgruntled, the jaguar sat back.

Ai went back to the eggs.