FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Xaliima kept close to the ground as she skulked through the forest, her dark green skin and brown furred attire blending with the vegetation around her. With her bow firmly held on one hand, Xilema's sole brown eye scanned the area. Under her expert eye, broken twigs spoke of a quick get away, indents in the earth whispered about those who had passed and the half eaten remains of animals told the tales of their death. Her mind was quick to weave the strands of information together into a pattern, a picture of what had transpired forming into her mind. Something big and heavy had charged through the forest, scaring all the animals around. Its trail of destruction had spared neither plant nor animal, and the viciousness of it all, sent a shiver down Xaliima's spine.

Xaliima's hold on her bow grew tighter, her free gloved hand plucking a trio of arrows from the quiver strapped to her back. Two of the arrows she kept in a tight hold against the bow's frame, in case she needed more than one shot. The last arrow she nocked on her bow, a precaution that had saved her life in multiple occasions. She took a handful of breaths, steadying her heart and will for the chase that would come.

The orc hunter followed the trail with single minded drive, her strong legs carrying swiftly across the forests. Her senses grew sharper the further she advanced, her occasionally thoughts filled with images of her tribe and the damage this beast could do to it. She pushed on for hours, the sun pushing past the halfway mark of its descent before she found something. Her body grew still at the sight of a large shadow far away, though Xaliima didn't know if it was out of fear or caution. The orc hunter quickly took stock of the situation, swallowing back any doubts she had as she focused on the moment, on her quarry. She climbed over a nearby hill with slow tense movements, every sound feeling like a roar to her ears. High above the ground, her eye could finally get a good look at the beast and she did not like what she saw.

At least fifty meters separated her from her target, the beast twice as tall as her and wider than any bear she had ever seen. Skin the color of stone covered most of its body, with large spikes protruding out of its back. Six legs kept it standing, each thick and solid. Their tail, shaped like a boulder, mowed down trees with uncomfortable ease while their head sported a pair of parallel horns on their forehead. All in all, a bad creature to have this close to the tribe. Xaliima's fingers itched to fire, to put an end to the beast before damage could be done to her friends. But with great effort, she managed to stay still. She knew little about the beast, its habits or weaknesses. And she couldn't help but wonder if her bow and arrow would be enough to bring it down. She needed more information and she would have to get it the hard way.

For two whole days Xaliima tracked the beast, keeping a watchful eye on its every move. The first thing she learned, was that she had vastly underestimated its strength, something an unlucky stag was unfortunate to prove. The second thing she learned, was its speed, which usually didn't go beyond a trot but could increase to a full orcish run to devastating effects. The third and most important thing, she owed to some wolves that had attacked the beast. Their fangs and tactics had proven of little use in most places, except one, the neck. When the scarlet liquid had dripped down the beast's side, Xaliima saw the chance she would need and her mind started to work on a plan.

Another day passed as the orc hunter prepared her plan, a few well placed arrows keeping the large beast near her. The sun was setting by the time she was done, the last rays of painting the world a deep orange. Thirty meters away from her, the beast paced restlessly, its large tail swinging dangerously behind it. Xaliima checked her bow and arrows one last time, a frown appearing on her face when she saw her half empty quiver. A uncomfortable weight settled on her stomach, doubt scratching at the back of her mind. She shot another look at the creature, their yellowish horn heralding death to all who approached. Xaliima thought of her friends, her family and those travelers she sometimes met in the forest. A fire ignited in her heart, pushing back through the walls of hesitation.

The orc hunter burst into action, she climbed onto a nearby hill and hid behind the greenery. She raised her bow, an arrow already nocked, and breathed deeply. Her eye locked in on her target, the fold of gray skin calling towards her. The string bit against her glove as she drew it to its full extension, her hands making the final adjustments. Then, she let go and chaos was let loose. A loud bellow rang through the forest, the gray skinned beast trashing its surroundings. Xaliima let loose arrow after arrow against the beast, but most of them missed the wild animal. Round black eyes fell on the orc hunter, her location compromised. The beast roared, the sound shaking her to her very soul. The beast charged forward, its horn primed for gore. Xaliima sprinted away. But she wasn't fast enough. The beast gained ground with every second. Its furious eyes focused on the fleeing hunter.

Xaliima ducked to the side, the pounding stomps of the beast ringing in her ears. The beast made to correct is charge, thick stumpy legs struggling against its momentum. But it was too late. A thick leg pushed through a tense rope, the release of tension setting Xaliima's trap into motion. Wooden stakes rose from the ground, their sharp points aimed at the beast's throat. It was over in seconds, the creatures life snuffed like a candle's flame.

Xaliima smiled. Tired but victorious. She could finally go back home.