Sakkra
14-12-2005, 21:19
ooc: Not every nation on NS celebrates Christmas in its present incarnation. So I thought it would be nice, not to mention a bit interesting, to see what alternate holidays at this time of year look like. You can post what you like, but try to keep it PG, yes?
ic: Kraah's head peered just over the tall grasses in the Whispering Savannah. His head bobbed up and down as he let out a low rumble from his throat, his neck crest standing tall and straight. He stayed there as his motions got the attention of a herd of water-buffalo, who looked at him with some interest and a slight tinge of nervousness.
Kraah continued doing this, one eye on the buffalo, and the other on a very slight movement of grass off to their right and behind them. One, two, three....they're in place. He hopped up to full height, roared a loud bellow, and charged at the herd. The alpha led the grouping of herbivores in a panicked run away from him, and right into the reach of three others hiding in the grass.
Kraah motioned with his hands quickly at the chosen targets, and Gorrm leaped on the back of one as it ran past. It was an elderly bull, past it's prime. The Sakkran Emperor dig his hand-claws deep into the prey's neck, and swung himself down to clamp his jaws on the buffalo's throat and drag it down to the dirt. Dust flew everywhere as the bull struggled to get to it's feet and Gorrm struggled to keep it from doing so. A hand raised up with claws fully exposed, and then plunged down, perforating the bull's skull at the eye-socket.
Sessra and Thress were on the other one. Sessra, with more zeal than skill, leaped on the back of the second target, and dug her claws into its sides, mostly just to keep from falling off. She kept digging, and pressed with all her might. A rib gave, then two, and the buffalo bucked wildly, spinning like a tornado. Finally it threw Sessra off, and she landed unceremoniously with a thud on her hind-end.
Thress was circling the entire time this was going on, waiting and watching. Her hatch-mate's antics were amusing, but would serve no purpose towards their goal. The buffalo eyeballed her, and charged at full speed. Thress waited until just the right moment, then spun to her right, whipping her arm out low in an upward strike. It connected with the charging buffalo's throat, collapsing its windpipe instantly. The momentum caused the animal to continue past, but it fell face-first, stunned and unable to breath. Kraah arrived then, and kneeled down, looking at the fallen animal.
His words were hushed and somber. "My gratitude for your sacrifice." He then raised up his massive hand, and brought it down on the beast's skull with a hearty 'crunch', and the buffalo ceased all movements.
With their hunt complete, the four stood, two each to a body. They strapped the carcasses by their feet to thick poles, and bore them back to the Imperial Compound. The herd had since stopped running, and just ate noiselessly, looking at the four reptilians as they did so.
A pair of Guats, large and tall avians from Sslaa V, stood where they were lashed to a tree. The smell of blood got them a touch excited as they whooped and whistled to each other. Kraah and Gorm strapped the two carcasses to the sides of one Guat as if it were a saddle, and Kraah climbed the tree to get on one's back, followed by Sessra. Gorrm and Thress mounted the other one. "Sirrah, think they can fly us home?"
Kraah looked at his load. "No. Maybe you two, but we're too laden down. We'll trot, and enjoy they view from up here." With the Guat's legs holding their bodies 2.3 meters off the ground, it would be a view indeed. "Besides, we have several hours before Cycle's End."
At the Compund, Sszeera sat with her guests. Admiral Shaar, General Gaarm, Engineer Jouuha and their hatchling were in attendence. In the den she had the pit stoked with flames. The smoke plumed up and out through the vent on the roof of the place. Pots of Paroo were on, and she called out "Drinks are ready." Looking out the porthole, she could see the sun dipping down, indicating early evening. "Better get the tables ready; they'll be back soon."
"On it. Come on, younglings. You're going to help me prep the kitchen." General Gaarm's three hatchlings and Gorrm's adopted hatchling cheered as they followed him into the kitchen. Jouuha got up and followed Gaarm in. "I'm not getting any younger, but I can still pull my weight. I'll help."
"You think they got boar today? I like boar."
"Knowing Sessra, we got a hyena."
Giggling came out of the kitchen, as Shaar sipped her drink with Sshrrakka. "So when will you take some mates? The family line doesn't end with you, after all."
"MOTHER!" Sshrrakka mocked astonishment. In truth, that subject had managed to sneak its way into almost any face-to-face talk they had. "I'll choose some mates when the time is right." She sipped her drink while she watched the flames dance in the fire-pit.
Shaar looked at her daughter for a time, and dipped her head to continue sipping. "What about that Kheel boy. A bit loose in the head, but he's got good breeding qualities. If I were younger...."
If anyone had ever seen a Sakkran do a spit-take, it resembles Old Faithful more than anything else. The paroo shot out of the nostrils on top of her head, spraying herself, Shaar and elliciting a hiss from the fire-pit as stray bits hit the flames. "WHAT!"
"Hra ha ha! Aaaah, that was worth it." Her deep throaty laugh echoed off the walls of the den, as Sszeera settled for a much more demure chuckling. "But seriously. Your friend Bondayehr has chosen a mate. Albeit one that will garner no offspring...odd, that. I'll never understand the choices mammals make sometimes."
"I'm fully aware of Tim's love-life with his K'zin partner. He never did gel that well with other human females. Perhaps she gives him the challenge he seeks? Who knows, not my business to analyze the lives of others. Speaking of which, did you parcel the present to him I asked you to make, Sszeera?"
The elder Sakkran stood, and sat by the other ladies. "I did. A lovely design for a vest. How do you know about design?" She took up a mug of her own, and drank from it.
"Some of the Grass-Walkers in the Rangers do clothing design as well. It's hard to find apparel that fits them right. They showed me their tricks."
"Well, it was an interesting vest. From the looks of it, should stop a 9mm slug easily. Light as well. Would you mind if I copied the design? Never thought to incorporate polymer-strands into the seams."
"Not at all. Ah, I hear some noise."
Outside the hunters returned home, bearing their load and letting the handlers put the Guats into their pens for the night. "Make sure you feed them double today. They did more than their share of work. And go home when you're done. You have families to attend to." The handlers nodded assent and led the animals off.
They four burst in, and Sszeera hopped up. "You bring those smelly things into the kitchen right away! I don't want flies in my paroo! And wash that gore off!"
Kraah chuckled slightly, "Delightful female...." , and led the group into the kitchen where the beasts would be prepared for cooking.
"Sirrah! I knew you'd make a good catch!" Gorrm's hatchling ran up and hugged his waist. "Aye, young one. It was quite thrilling. Let's skin these beasts and season them up!"
Gaarm seemed to beam as he and Kraah clasped arms in fellowship. "Good hunt today, eh old man?"
"Old man? Watch it, sonny. I'll lay my gut on you!' Kraah patted his belly tenderly. "Ha! Let's get to it! And then a good wash after."
The hatchlings cheered as they watched their parents skin, gut and joint the water-buffalo. Afterwards, the hatchlings were allowed to tenderize the meat by beating it with their small fists. Everything was cleaned, dried and seasoned with lots of chatter going on in the kitchen, while Thress and Sessra washed and returned to the den with the other ladies.
"I don't see why we can't help cook. I mean, I did help kill the things." Sessra let out a small pout, as far as that goes. Thress rolled her eyes and took a sip of some hot drink. "Yes, you helped alright. But you know how Sirrah gets in the kitchen. Best to stay out of his way. I'm amazed he's letting the hatchlings help as it is."
"Poo! I'm going to help." Sessra was the youngest of Kraah's hatchlings, and prone to fits of immaturity. She walked into the kitchen, followed shortly by shouts of "Out! OUT! Out of my kitchen you devil! I'll wear your guts for garters ....." And the tirade went on like that for a short time with periods of hatchlings giggling loudly as Sessra barreled out, hands covering her head. A femur bone followed her exit, and landed on the opposite wall. She returned with the ladies, sitting and gingerly picking up her mug. "I've decided that it's better to stay out of Sirrah's path."
The meal was prepped and placed on the fire in pots and on spits, the males and hatchlings washed, and the group gathered around the fire with mugs of steaming Kansee tea in their hands. Kraah stood, and raised up a tankard of brandy. Each being in the home held up their emptied mugs, and Kraah circled them, pouring a bit into each container and speaking as he did so.
"Let us remember our ancestors past, who through their toil, sacrifice and vision, have made possible our being here this day. Let us give thanks to the Pantheon, who through teir insight, guidance and wisdom have made possible our being here this day. And let us give thanks to our warriors out in the Void. Their vigilance and strength have made it possible for us to remain able to be here this day. On the Day of Rememberance, let us never forget those who make our lives worth living." He sat down, having made a complete circle around the fire, raised his mug, and let out a long, low bellow which was followed by the rest in the room in like fashion.
The smell of roasting beast filled the room quickly, making Kraah's mouth water while the hatchlings sat lazily, watching the fire lick at the meat on the spits.
ic: Kraah's head peered just over the tall grasses in the Whispering Savannah. His head bobbed up and down as he let out a low rumble from his throat, his neck crest standing tall and straight. He stayed there as his motions got the attention of a herd of water-buffalo, who looked at him with some interest and a slight tinge of nervousness.
Kraah continued doing this, one eye on the buffalo, and the other on a very slight movement of grass off to their right and behind them. One, two, three....they're in place. He hopped up to full height, roared a loud bellow, and charged at the herd. The alpha led the grouping of herbivores in a panicked run away from him, and right into the reach of three others hiding in the grass.
Kraah motioned with his hands quickly at the chosen targets, and Gorrm leaped on the back of one as it ran past. It was an elderly bull, past it's prime. The Sakkran Emperor dig his hand-claws deep into the prey's neck, and swung himself down to clamp his jaws on the buffalo's throat and drag it down to the dirt. Dust flew everywhere as the bull struggled to get to it's feet and Gorrm struggled to keep it from doing so. A hand raised up with claws fully exposed, and then plunged down, perforating the bull's skull at the eye-socket.
Sessra and Thress were on the other one. Sessra, with more zeal than skill, leaped on the back of the second target, and dug her claws into its sides, mostly just to keep from falling off. She kept digging, and pressed with all her might. A rib gave, then two, and the buffalo bucked wildly, spinning like a tornado. Finally it threw Sessra off, and she landed unceremoniously with a thud on her hind-end.
Thress was circling the entire time this was going on, waiting and watching. Her hatch-mate's antics were amusing, but would serve no purpose towards their goal. The buffalo eyeballed her, and charged at full speed. Thress waited until just the right moment, then spun to her right, whipping her arm out low in an upward strike. It connected with the charging buffalo's throat, collapsing its windpipe instantly. The momentum caused the animal to continue past, but it fell face-first, stunned and unable to breath. Kraah arrived then, and kneeled down, looking at the fallen animal.
His words were hushed and somber. "My gratitude for your sacrifice." He then raised up his massive hand, and brought it down on the beast's skull with a hearty 'crunch', and the buffalo ceased all movements.
With their hunt complete, the four stood, two each to a body. They strapped the carcasses by their feet to thick poles, and bore them back to the Imperial Compound. The herd had since stopped running, and just ate noiselessly, looking at the four reptilians as they did so.
A pair of Guats, large and tall avians from Sslaa V, stood where they were lashed to a tree. The smell of blood got them a touch excited as they whooped and whistled to each other. Kraah and Gorm strapped the two carcasses to the sides of one Guat as if it were a saddle, and Kraah climbed the tree to get on one's back, followed by Sessra. Gorrm and Thress mounted the other one. "Sirrah, think they can fly us home?"
Kraah looked at his load. "No. Maybe you two, but we're too laden down. We'll trot, and enjoy they view from up here." With the Guat's legs holding their bodies 2.3 meters off the ground, it would be a view indeed. "Besides, we have several hours before Cycle's End."
At the Compund, Sszeera sat with her guests. Admiral Shaar, General Gaarm, Engineer Jouuha and their hatchling were in attendence. In the den she had the pit stoked with flames. The smoke plumed up and out through the vent on the roof of the place. Pots of Paroo were on, and she called out "Drinks are ready." Looking out the porthole, she could see the sun dipping down, indicating early evening. "Better get the tables ready; they'll be back soon."
"On it. Come on, younglings. You're going to help me prep the kitchen." General Gaarm's three hatchlings and Gorrm's adopted hatchling cheered as they followed him into the kitchen. Jouuha got up and followed Gaarm in. "I'm not getting any younger, but I can still pull my weight. I'll help."
"You think they got boar today? I like boar."
"Knowing Sessra, we got a hyena."
Giggling came out of the kitchen, as Shaar sipped her drink with Sshrrakka. "So when will you take some mates? The family line doesn't end with you, after all."
"MOTHER!" Sshrrakka mocked astonishment. In truth, that subject had managed to sneak its way into almost any face-to-face talk they had. "I'll choose some mates when the time is right." She sipped her drink while she watched the flames dance in the fire-pit.
Shaar looked at her daughter for a time, and dipped her head to continue sipping. "What about that Kheel boy. A bit loose in the head, but he's got good breeding qualities. If I were younger...."
If anyone had ever seen a Sakkran do a spit-take, it resembles Old Faithful more than anything else. The paroo shot out of the nostrils on top of her head, spraying herself, Shaar and elliciting a hiss from the fire-pit as stray bits hit the flames. "WHAT!"
"Hra ha ha! Aaaah, that was worth it." Her deep throaty laugh echoed off the walls of the den, as Sszeera settled for a much more demure chuckling. "But seriously. Your friend Bondayehr has chosen a mate. Albeit one that will garner no offspring...odd, that. I'll never understand the choices mammals make sometimes."
"I'm fully aware of Tim's love-life with his K'zin partner. He never did gel that well with other human females. Perhaps she gives him the challenge he seeks? Who knows, not my business to analyze the lives of others. Speaking of which, did you parcel the present to him I asked you to make, Sszeera?"
The elder Sakkran stood, and sat by the other ladies. "I did. A lovely design for a vest. How do you know about design?" She took up a mug of her own, and drank from it.
"Some of the Grass-Walkers in the Rangers do clothing design as well. It's hard to find apparel that fits them right. They showed me their tricks."
"Well, it was an interesting vest. From the looks of it, should stop a 9mm slug easily. Light as well. Would you mind if I copied the design? Never thought to incorporate polymer-strands into the seams."
"Not at all. Ah, I hear some noise."
Outside the hunters returned home, bearing their load and letting the handlers put the Guats into their pens for the night. "Make sure you feed them double today. They did more than their share of work. And go home when you're done. You have families to attend to." The handlers nodded assent and led the animals off.
They four burst in, and Sszeera hopped up. "You bring those smelly things into the kitchen right away! I don't want flies in my paroo! And wash that gore off!"
Kraah chuckled slightly, "Delightful female...." , and led the group into the kitchen where the beasts would be prepared for cooking.
"Sirrah! I knew you'd make a good catch!" Gorrm's hatchling ran up and hugged his waist. "Aye, young one. It was quite thrilling. Let's skin these beasts and season them up!"
Gaarm seemed to beam as he and Kraah clasped arms in fellowship. "Good hunt today, eh old man?"
"Old man? Watch it, sonny. I'll lay my gut on you!' Kraah patted his belly tenderly. "Ha! Let's get to it! And then a good wash after."
The hatchlings cheered as they watched their parents skin, gut and joint the water-buffalo. Afterwards, the hatchlings were allowed to tenderize the meat by beating it with their small fists. Everything was cleaned, dried and seasoned with lots of chatter going on in the kitchen, while Thress and Sessra washed and returned to the den with the other ladies.
"I don't see why we can't help cook. I mean, I did help kill the things." Sessra let out a small pout, as far as that goes. Thress rolled her eyes and took a sip of some hot drink. "Yes, you helped alright. But you know how Sirrah gets in the kitchen. Best to stay out of his way. I'm amazed he's letting the hatchlings help as it is."
"Poo! I'm going to help." Sessra was the youngest of Kraah's hatchlings, and prone to fits of immaturity. She walked into the kitchen, followed shortly by shouts of "Out! OUT! Out of my kitchen you devil! I'll wear your guts for garters ....." And the tirade went on like that for a short time with periods of hatchlings giggling loudly as Sessra barreled out, hands covering her head. A femur bone followed her exit, and landed on the opposite wall. She returned with the ladies, sitting and gingerly picking up her mug. "I've decided that it's better to stay out of Sirrah's path."
The meal was prepped and placed on the fire in pots and on spits, the males and hatchlings washed, and the group gathered around the fire with mugs of steaming Kansee tea in their hands. Kraah stood, and raised up a tankard of brandy. Each being in the home held up their emptied mugs, and Kraah circled them, pouring a bit into each container and speaking as he did so.
"Let us remember our ancestors past, who through their toil, sacrifice and vision, have made possible our being here this day. Let us give thanks to the Pantheon, who through teir insight, guidance and wisdom have made possible our being here this day. And let us give thanks to our warriors out in the Void. Their vigilance and strength have made it possible for us to remain able to be here this day. On the Day of Rememberance, let us never forget those who make our lives worth living." He sat down, having made a complete circle around the fire, raised his mug, and let out a long, low bellow which was followed by the rest in the room in like fashion.
The smell of roasting beast filled the room quickly, making Kraah's mouth water while the hatchlings sat lazily, watching the fire lick at the meat on the spits.