Hiatus

[Kraex]

Mas had so far passed by uneventful on the whole and in Cadomyr not even a rumor of a stray mummy had emerged. For Kraex'Ju of the Crimson Order, however, the shortest month of the year had been his busiest. Even before the Month of Blood Kraex's livelihood was by the sword, but during his patron's sabath he rededicated himself ten fold to bloodshed. No matter where you found the orc he was covered in layers of it, some black but mostly rich sanguine. Outwardly, he was no different but inwardly his constant defeats were starting to get the better of him. His Order was thriving and he was an adept leader, but he was still beaten down by the best warriors in land time and time again. In years past he would just attribute this to his inferior blood as he was not born to a warrior sect in his birth clan. Fury boiled in him as this fact seemed to plague further advancement.

He'd invested to much time and blood to be medicore and in more than one instance lately he lashed out in rage. Namely, cursing, threatening, and eventually striking down an elder amongst his second clan, The Orcs of the Mountain. Turga didn't deserve that and it did nothing to bring orcs closer. Kraex wanted nothing more than his fabled leaders back, Jag, Rok, and Murgo. He felt alone even amongst so many friends he'd made in the Order. He didn't want to be a leader if he couldn't best those beneath him or challenge his equals.

During Chos he looked to Mas to find renewed strength and honor if he could bring enough offerings of blood and bone. This had not been the case as the fifth day of Mas was getting close to its end. Tyan often complained that he had a shit day but for Kraex it had been too many in a row and he was languishing in anger. As he approached his Father's altar on the eve of the last day of Mas little did he know that he'd never be the same. Before he stepped through the desecrated entry way of Moshran's temple he'd been planning a hiatus to clear his mind and focus all his efforts at becoming a better warrior.

What he found at first was startling and he thought himself dreaming or poisoned. Plan as day though were all of his fallen brethren and family. They stood as mere ghosts to Kraex but nonetheless he could see them! The old burning hatred for what happened to them started to resurface and he could sense that they all still felt the same. He approached them now unafraid and felt their presence grow strong in him. By the time he reached the altar their righteous anger and power had lifted his spirits beyond elation. Nothing had to be spoken as he gave his last offering of bone and blood to Moshran at his altar. The moment the last drop of blood satiated his Father's altar a fierce power struck him in the chest knocking him backward on ground. Instantly he was rendered unconcious.

When Kraex finally awoke it was in the dead of night and no longer could he see or feel the ghosts of his past. Where he did feel different was in his body and mind. Though he didn't think it or say it words came to him, "For everything a price."

Immediately he knew what this meant as he could no longer recall moments of his past as quickly or formulate thoughts as he once did. Angst was gone replaced by a dull focus for only one thing at a time. On the flip side physically he couldn't feel any better. No longer was his back forced to slouche by a birth defect. Kraex stood tall and strong like never before and his eyes had a clear focus even deep into the night.

This is what it felt like to be a true warrior, like night and day. He needed time to train this new body, but somehow he knew it would come quickly. His frame was too lean and work would be needed to bulk up. Once again that dull focus had him set on one thing, smash!

With that he set into the night to find any foe that could challenge him, kill it, and move on to the next one.

[Kraex]

Mas was over but Kraex's bloodlust had not faded, in fact it only intensified with each kill. Even with his new found endurance, fighting through the night into midday had him exhausted. Somehow he continued to the press the fight and mowed through trolls, dwarves, mucks of putrid slime, elves, golems, raptors, spiders, packs of wolves, a seven foot bear, thieving halflings (which were tasty roasted), a handful of drow, and some half naked starved woman ranting and lashing out at anyone that walked by that Brer had promised her a celestial conception but instead brought demons to devour her living soul and shave her head bald.

As another rolling head fell from the shoulders of a cowardly brigand Kraex had finally pushed himself to the brink and collapsed to a knee letting the final bandit escape in a horrified shriek. Kraex's entire body burned with red hot fire and he let a cruel smile curl over his lips. This is what he wanted, needed. Before long his body would be stacked with layers of lean athletic muscle and he'd have full control over its explosive capabilities. That day wasn't today, but he certainly felt better about himself on the battlefield. Surrounded in the blood and mangled body parts of some rogue bandit outfit Kraex meditated and rested. Seemed the men were trying to a make a go at lunch when Kraex sprang from the nearby thicket roaring and charging. Mingled in the filth and stench of blood a smell of shit lingered a bit, which amused Kraex tremendously.

After an hour or so Kraex felt ready to head toward the nearest mountain range to a kill a bit more before finding an occupied cave to take for the night. Slowly he walked in no hurry at the moment his mind once again overcome in that dull focus.

[Kraex]

Nine days of pure unadulterated warmongering had done his body good like milk to the human race. A person shouldn't be capable of such physical growth in such a short elapse of time, yet it was happening. Kraex's back grew strong and wide at the shoulders cutting to his hips in sinewy folds of ripped defined muscles in the form of a V. On either side of his neck swelled budding hills of muscle as well. His chest, abs, and legs weren't exempt and grew in proportion to the rest of his body.

Kraex could visibly see the difference as he stared into the glassy lake before him. He was impressed at what he saw but not satisfied. He'd run more and focus on his dodging to keep his body lean and fit. A vision of the panthers back on Gobaith came to mind for they were as strong as they were fast. Somehow he knew this is what he wanted and felt it right so that is what he was going to do. Unlike his previous self Kraex relied heavily now on his instincts and raw emotions rather than bothering himself with intellectual planning and action.

Back before his metamorphosis Kraex knew what to fear and how hard to press his body to polish trained techniques. Now there was no need or want for such analysis there was only the enemy and himself. No need was there for thought or inner-dialogue to question an action there was only need for action. He'd be the best or die trying it was as simple as that.

[Kraex]

When a lack of food finally ended Kraex's bloodthirsty hiatus it took all of five minutes in Cadomyr to be discovered by a familiar face. Tyan was immediately shocked at Kraex's evident transformation both physically and mentally. He was a sharp witted man and Kraex had no doubt he'd formulate a good theory as to the cause. Still Kraex wasn't expecting to see anyone in town and didn't have a clue what tell him or anyone else for that matter. Really all Kraex wanted to do was collect some more food and head back toward the wilderness. As far as he was concerned his body and tactics needed more tempering. For a moment Kraex felt relief when he noticed Tyan was not alone. His companion was a hired arm by the name of Bronn. On more than one occasion Kraex had mingled swords with the mercenary and lost convincingly. Seeing both of them together was enough to spawn another extended training expedition. Certainly Kraex considered them both friends but losing to them time after time crippled Kraex's pride. They were sparring and Kraex figured if he kept quiet he could slip out of town before too long. 

There was no such luck as Bronn piped up, "Wanna join in?"

Kraex's pride was too prominent to refuse and joined the two just outside the bazaar in a small patch of rough sand they'd all passively started training upon months back. Kraex watched as the two went back and forth with sword and shield. Both now sporting the coveted cloud shield, a warrior favorite. Grasped in their other hand both swung a magical sword and it was clear this match was best on best. Bronn won outright and Tyan cursed as he rushed to his depot to find better equipment against Bronn no doubt. As Bronn took the time to recover and steady himself Kraex moved casually from his spot to take a position Bronn would recognize. They'd go toe to toe next and Kraex, though he didn't show it outwardly, was nervous. 

Slowly Kraex unstrapped his glistening shield of the sky from his back and secured it to the forearm of his off hand. Then he drew the blade he'd trusted for months now, a magical longsword. Whatever nervousness he had before evaporated as he focused on his opponent. Bronn's breathing evened out and Kraex knew he'd be ready in a matter of moments. Kraex opened his stance bringing his shield to chin height and let his sword hang loosely. 

Bronn beckoned and the fight commenced. The rush was unbelievable as Kraex's training and blessing became clear almost immediately. Like never before the battle seemed to slowdown for Kraex as his dull focus blocked out everything except Bronn's sword and defense. Kraex parried and dodged with new found else and his counters were precise. Bronn was losing ground and Kraex pressed the advantage and knew if he wanted to kill Bronn there'd be no stopping him. Of course Kraex harbored no such desire and let Bronn fall back safely. 

Times had changed and Kraex reveled in it. Tyan proved no match that day either which further Kraex's confidence. The hiatus could now be over and Kraex rejoined his faction, but soon he would have to explain to his fellow guild leaders just what happened.