Post by Bhaskar on Sept 23, 2010 22:08:29 GMT -7
Cast:
Utkrosh (Golden Eagle)
Bhaskar and Lakshmi (Tiger, Golden Jackal)
Satya (Nilgai)
------
River Bend
The large river takes a sharp turn here as it flows from the east to the south, strong enough and deep enough to make crossing it difficult for most creatures. It's not, however, nearly as cold as the stream of water from the north that joins it here, having taken a much less direct route from its source. On either side the medium sized trees of the rainforest's edge grow, surrounded by thick bushes taking advantage of the constant source of water. The bank is steep, but not especially so, and high enough to contain the worst of the seasonal runoff. North of here the forest ends and the plains begin, while in all other directions the rainforest spreads out and seems to get thicker the further you go.
>> It is currently Vasant (spring) (RL day 2), with a waxing gibbous moon (64% full).
18 RL days remain until Grishma (summer) begins.
------
Utkrosh is flying furiously overhead, on the search for something specific ... but she ignores rabbits and fish, for she is not hunting for food. "I am Utkrosh, and I seek the practicioners of Do-Rhakanaa!" The golden eagle, an keen ally to the resistance against Sakht Nakh years ago, swoops down low.
Although Vasant has brought with it only mild rains, the river has been running high with melt-off from the glacier up north. This hasn't stopped a lone jackal from braving the shores in order to drink. Her paws braced against the muddy slope, she laps at the racing waters with one ear cocked to the wind and the other tilted back towards dry land. Resting nearby, his striped pelt obscuring him among the thick growth, is a considerably larger animal--a tiger, his eyes half-shut, seeming to wait for her. They open when a faint cry reaches them from above, however, and Bhaskar slowly raises his head. The jackal mimics him almost in tandem, licking her muzzle dry. "Utkrosh seeks us," she observes, her considerably larger ears allowing her to hear more than he does, and Bhaskar grunts. He may have been young during the war, but names have a way of being remembered, and this one sounds familiar. When his voice comes, drifting up from the vegetation below, it's a grumble pitched to carry. "Why do you call, Utkrosh?" He hasn't moved yet, now scanning the air.
Satya is coming towards the edge of the water for a drink himself, but as he approaches, he hears the call of an eagle. His head lifts curiously, and he seeks out the flying creature - such a hurry. What is happening? And seeking the Do-Rhakanaa - they are known to him. Tigers, but many of them with as much honor as a beast of prey may have. They rise in karma through their lives. And so he continues closer, towards the tiger he heards calling out, to where the raptor is likely headed, with his head carried high.
Utkrosh flaps hard to bring herself quickly to Bhaskar and the jackal. Eagles live twice as long as tigers, and Utrkosh -- while certainly less young than she was -- shows no sign of advancing age. She has been friendly to her fellow allies and their descendants, of course, but has spent much of the time since the war trying to forget it and get on with her life. She extends her wings out as she lands near the pair and tilts her wings forward. "I regret I bring ill news. I have happened across a conspiracy ... three tigers gathered in the jungle below the cliff, where the canopy is so dark that no light reaches the ground. One is stripeless, pure black ... and even larger than Viyaji was ... who gave his name as Dushta. Another is Ananth ... remember him? He thought I might mention him to Bhata in a friendly fashion ... not sure how poorly he rates my memory! The third tiger was paranoid about his name being revealed," she screes, and carefully balances herself on one shank, using the other to scratch into the ground a sketch of a tiger's head. She pays particular attention trying to talon-sketch Rakta's facial stripe pattern. "They did not stay together long, but laid designs on that temple on the edge of a cliff to claim as a meeting place."
Ah. There she is. As the eagle swoops in, landing not far away in a flurry of feathers and wingbeats, some other noise catches Bhaskar's attention--another is approaching. His head turns in Satya's direction, but he doesn't get much chance to see who it is before Utkrosh is talking. Glancing back at her, he opens his mouth and then shuts it again. No. Perhaps he shouldn't interrupt her if it's something important. His kol-bahl retreats back onto dry land in the meantime, coming close to inspect Utkrosh's scrawlings in the dirt. Neither of them speak further until she's done, and, aside from slight bemusement on the jackal's face as she looks the crude drawings over, their expressions betray nothing. This is a lot of information to digest in one go; Bhaskar's got to think it over. "Did the one who guarded his name have any distinguishing marks?" he asks eventually. "Scars or notches in his ear?" And up he gets, padding over to have a look of his own at what Utkrosh is doing with her talons.
Satya approaches close enough to begin to hear the words of the golden eagle, and the tiger in reply. Just bits - a phrase here, a few words there, but enough to understand that there is trouble, and it may involve other tigers... or the past. He is no fighter. But he is not young, either, and he remembers years past, and their sorrows. Tigers there were who killed without reason; who did not respect those who they sacrificed to their hunger, and joined together in their cruelty. There are always those who will do so - such is the way of the world, full of those who do not seek for peace, but then they were in greater numbers, and their violence fed that of each other. If creatures of violence have once more come together, with violence as their aim, sorrow may follow after for all of this land - but especially, perhaps, for his people.
Utkrosh notes the nilgai bull nearby, but keeps her attention on Bhaskar. "None, but I only glimpsed him in the darkness. He seems to be in the prime of his life. Large and strong, but not as big as the black tiger." She nervously rouses her feathers. "If I were them, one of my first targets would be Bhata ... especially if they have more Sakht Nakh survivors in their ranks. He should be warned. I was starting to pick out a nesting site near that temple they mentioned. I ... guess I will need to put those plans on hold." She holds silent for the wisdom and leadership of the Do-Rakhanaa. The need for further surveillance is important, but ... so is spreading the word and other tasks.
Although the majority of Bhaskar's focus is on Utkrosh now, the jackal remains split between vigilance and listening in. And so, as Satya nears, she spots him quickly. "Anekanta," she greets him, causing Bhaskar to twist an ear towards not her, but the nilgai. He inspects the eagle's handiwork with curiosity and some other unidentifiable emotion, and observes, "You may be right." The survivors, most likely, would push for it. They'd want to see his betrayal of Viyaji avenged. Not to mention that going after well-known faces from the Sakht Nakh conflict would send a message as clear as the disappearances to the south. A heavy sigh escapes the tiger's nose, but he doesn't look up from the ground, studying the pattern that Utkrosh has given him. "They must believe they have nothing to hide if they're gathering at the temple," he adds, almost to himself. "It's an obvious place." It's as much a statement as killing Bhata would be, in his opinion, one advertising that they think themselves powerful enough to meet out in the open. Are they? Are there more of them than Utkrosh saw? It's possible. This wouldn't be the first time that a group of tigers have stifled their natural instincts to live alone for some perverse cause. "Were you indeed planning to nest there?" He still sounds thoughtful. "Yes, perhaps you should put them on hold--but you might scout the area regardless. If they like to wag their tongues, you may learn something else." Here he pauses, frowning. "Unless you think that they might identify you and become suspicious. Don't risk anything, Utkrosh. You've done well hearing what you have."
Satya makes no effort to hide himself. This is a Do-Rakhanaa tiger, and he is not hunting. The nilgai approaches in peace, therefore, and in the hope that peace will be returned. His ears are erect, listening to the conversation - familiar names, and half-familiar ones. Each soul travels upon the great wheel. He knows this, and yet - that the cycle of the wheel is so short, in this world! He can call to mind each year that has passed, and they are fewer than a herd of his fleet-footed companions. He nods in acknowledgement of the jackal's greeting, and replies, "Yes. I am the Satya of Anekanta." One of the spiritual leaders of that group. The Truth, that follows Peace. There may be hard times for both truth and peace forthcoming, though, to judge from this conversation.
Utkrosh screes, "I will favor perches near the temple, and pledge the sharpness of my eyes to keeping track of them. Ananth remembers me, of course, and has undoubtedly told them of me. Badajiva, if that old hag is still around ..." It is difficult for an eagle to show emotion, but ... despite her veterancy in the war, or perhaps because of the horrors she had seen and reported, she shows distress at this turn of events. Just when she had finally felt safe to start a family ... "I have not and will not forget the wisdom, strength and leadership afforded by those of your order." She turns to the Nilgai bull. "Greetings, satya of Anekanta," she again outstretches her wings and tilts them forward in a bow.
While all animals have some pattern or physical feature as unique as any tiger's stripes, Bhaskar knows that most of his kind would have trouble setting one eagle apart from another--especially at a distance. And he'd hazard a guess that these tigers, arrogant enough to congregate at such a prolific location, wouldn't think enough of the birds around them to take much notice of their presence. Someone like Ananth, on the other hand, could indeed be a problem. "They couldn't identify Lakshmi," he says even more quietly, prompting the jackal to look at him with her ears perked. "But they might know to associate a jackal with the varga. I shall have to think on this. Thank you for bringing it to my attention." Given the things that he's heard, Bhaskar's reaction is quite controlled. Calm, even. But his eyes are sharp, and the gears in his head are turning silently as he ponders everything that Utkrosh has passed along to him. He's not so deep in thought that he doesn't turn around to look at the nilgai, however. "Satya," he breathes, inclining his head. No, he isn't hunting today. He'll return what peace he can, while the region is still experiencing what may well be the period of calm before a storm. "Perhaps we should speak as well, if you haven't heard already."
Satya dips his head in respectful greeting to the golden eagle in return, and then turns his attention to Bhaskar, giving another small bow of greeting. "I have heard enough to know that a message of peace may be sorely needed, in the times that are coming. And that those who most need it are least likely to listen," he replies carefully. "I will warn those I come across that there are those coming together whose hunger is for violence, not food," he says, with a nod to the predators who must eat meat to live. "We are not warriors. But perhaps we can still help to turn aside this darkness."
Utkrosh remains silent. She remembers well how dedicated the Do-Rakhanaa practicioners are, able to overcome great anger or fear when attuned to the Do-Bhagavaana and persuing the task of restoring balance. "Indeed," she screes to the bull. "The only way to contend with a power-and-conquest-minded force as potent as a tiger clan is a unity of diverse beings and talents. I hope the lessons of the alliance who resisted Sakht Nakh has not been lost."
He nods, once more, to the Satya's words. The nilgai and eagle are both older than himself; their memories of the last war doubtlessly reach back further than his, given how long it had carried on. "If they have been forgotten," he rumbles to Utkrosh, "they'll quickly be relearned." Taking one last glance at the markings inscribed upon the earth, Bhaskar flicks a paw out to wipe them away--there isn't any sense in leaving them there to be discovered. "The moon waxes; the varga will meet soon. This /will/ be brought to their attention, and, in the meantime, Lakshmi and I will search for Bhata. If either of you encounter him first, or any of the others who were prominent in the Sakht Nakh war, please, let them know to be on high alert. They'd make excellent targets."
Utkrosh bows her head. "I rarely see Bhata, but when I do, he is often with his friend the three-legged wolf, Gyarahabala. Gyara ... time has caught up with that warrior. I know he will defend Bhata with his life ... but he will need greater protection. I will strike a menace myself, if I must ... but long-term ... Bhata will need protection. I will try to encourage Bhata to stay away from the jungle near the temple for now."
Satya smiles softly. "We will not stop their marches. That is not the way of Ahimsa. But I will speak to those who will listen. The herds can come together, in numbers too great for even such a clan. It will mean leaner grazing, but they will find pickings leaner as well..." he says, considering. He nods. "I will speak to those I find; whether they are now inclined to violence or peace, perhaps a word or three will will sway them to the side of peace."
"And if they will not be swayed to peace," Bhaskar muses, "then perhaps they will at least be swayed against this forming clan. If they are anything like the Sakht Nakh, they'll do no good for anyone outside of their own ranks, even those outsiders who share their ideology. Satya, in addition to bringing the herds together, you might consider moving northwards to inconvenience them further." Inconvenience them...and maybe scatter them. The Anekanta may not be warriors, but the Do-Rakhanaa are and Bhaskar can see a definite tactical advantage in forcing these tigers to spread out in search of food. "Keeping Bhata away from the jungle may be difficult," he adds to Utkrosh. "The last I heard he was spending quite a bit of time there, investigating those disappearances. Hopefully he'll see the need for extra caution once we find him."
Utkrosh screes to the bull, "I noticed your herd is quite ... diverse. I don't suppose there are any elephants or rhinoceros among the herd or friendly with it? They can be ... stubborn ... but ... just one could be an asset." She turns back to Bhaskar. "My words would not sway Ananth, except seemingly to give him the idea I would believe he would side against the new clan."
Satya nods to Bhaskar. "To not chose darkness is the first step upon the path to choosing light," he replies, and considers. "If you are concerned for Bhata, and he will not leave the jungle - ask those of the jungle to defend him. The monkeys have no fear for tigers, up among the trees, but they can see and call out a warning well enough." He looks to Utkrosh, and hmms. "I will ask. There have been such in the past; many come to join us, but they also leave to carry their learnings to other lands."
The tiger flicks an ear in acknowledgment. "A wise suggestion, Satya. I'll try to speak to the other inhabitants of the jungle in any case, as they'll be under the most threat from this clan due to their proximity alone." Bhaskar looks south, his tail curling around his ankles. "It seems we've much to accomplish." And already he's ordering his priorities by who is most likely to attract the tigers' attention first: historical visibility and distance from the temple. "Walk always in truth, the both of you." He bows his head in valediction and turns, Lakshmi rising to her feet and padding after him.
Utkrosh (Golden Eagle)
Bhaskar and Lakshmi (Tiger, Golden Jackal)
Satya (Nilgai)
------
River Bend
The large river takes a sharp turn here as it flows from the east to the south, strong enough and deep enough to make crossing it difficult for most creatures. It's not, however, nearly as cold as the stream of water from the north that joins it here, having taken a much less direct route from its source. On either side the medium sized trees of the rainforest's edge grow, surrounded by thick bushes taking advantage of the constant source of water. The bank is steep, but not especially so, and high enough to contain the worst of the seasonal runoff. North of here the forest ends and the plains begin, while in all other directions the rainforest spreads out and seems to get thicker the further you go.
>> It is currently Vasant (spring) (RL day 2), with a waxing gibbous moon (64% full).
18 RL days remain until Grishma (summer) begins.
------
Utkrosh is flying furiously overhead, on the search for something specific ... but she ignores rabbits and fish, for she is not hunting for food. "I am Utkrosh, and I seek the practicioners of Do-Rhakanaa!" The golden eagle, an keen ally to the resistance against Sakht Nakh years ago, swoops down low.
Although Vasant has brought with it only mild rains, the river has been running high with melt-off from the glacier up north. This hasn't stopped a lone jackal from braving the shores in order to drink. Her paws braced against the muddy slope, she laps at the racing waters with one ear cocked to the wind and the other tilted back towards dry land. Resting nearby, his striped pelt obscuring him among the thick growth, is a considerably larger animal--a tiger, his eyes half-shut, seeming to wait for her. They open when a faint cry reaches them from above, however, and Bhaskar slowly raises his head. The jackal mimics him almost in tandem, licking her muzzle dry. "Utkrosh seeks us," she observes, her considerably larger ears allowing her to hear more than he does, and Bhaskar grunts. He may have been young during the war, but names have a way of being remembered, and this one sounds familiar. When his voice comes, drifting up from the vegetation below, it's a grumble pitched to carry. "Why do you call, Utkrosh?" He hasn't moved yet, now scanning the air.
Satya is coming towards the edge of the water for a drink himself, but as he approaches, he hears the call of an eagle. His head lifts curiously, and he seeks out the flying creature - such a hurry. What is happening? And seeking the Do-Rhakanaa - they are known to him. Tigers, but many of them with as much honor as a beast of prey may have. They rise in karma through their lives. And so he continues closer, towards the tiger he heards calling out, to where the raptor is likely headed, with his head carried high.
Utkrosh flaps hard to bring herself quickly to Bhaskar and the jackal. Eagles live twice as long as tigers, and Utrkosh -- while certainly less young than she was -- shows no sign of advancing age. She has been friendly to her fellow allies and their descendants, of course, but has spent much of the time since the war trying to forget it and get on with her life. She extends her wings out as she lands near the pair and tilts her wings forward. "I regret I bring ill news. I have happened across a conspiracy ... three tigers gathered in the jungle below the cliff, where the canopy is so dark that no light reaches the ground. One is stripeless, pure black ... and even larger than Viyaji was ... who gave his name as Dushta. Another is Ananth ... remember him? He thought I might mention him to Bhata in a friendly fashion ... not sure how poorly he rates my memory! The third tiger was paranoid about his name being revealed," she screes, and carefully balances herself on one shank, using the other to scratch into the ground a sketch of a tiger's head. She pays particular attention trying to talon-sketch Rakta's facial stripe pattern. "They did not stay together long, but laid designs on that temple on the edge of a cliff to claim as a meeting place."
Ah. There she is. As the eagle swoops in, landing not far away in a flurry of feathers and wingbeats, some other noise catches Bhaskar's attention--another is approaching. His head turns in Satya's direction, but he doesn't get much chance to see who it is before Utkrosh is talking. Glancing back at her, he opens his mouth and then shuts it again. No. Perhaps he shouldn't interrupt her if it's something important. His kol-bahl retreats back onto dry land in the meantime, coming close to inspect Utkrosh's scrawlings in the dirt. Neither of them speak further until she's done, and, aside from slight bemusement on the jackal's face as she looks the crude drawings over, their expressions betray nothing. This is a lot of information to digest in one go; Bhaskar's got to think it over. "Did the one who guarded his name have any distinguishing marks?" he asks eventually. "Scars or notches in his ear?" And up he gets, padding over to have a look of his own at what Utkrosh is doing with her talons.
Satya approaches close enough to begin to hear the words of the golden eagle, and the tiger in reply. Just bits - a phrase here, a few words there, but enough to understand that there is trouble, and it may involve other tigers... or the past. He is no fighter. But he is not young, either, and he remembers years past, and their sorrows. Tigers there were who killed without reason; who did not respect those who they sacrificed to their hunger, and joined together in their cruelty. There are always those who will do so - such is the way of the world, full of those who do not seek for peace, but then they were in greater numbers, and their violence fed that of each other. If creatures of violence have once more come together, with violence as their aim, sorrow may follow after for all of this land - but especially, perhaps, for his people.
Utkrosh notes the nilgai bull nearby, but keeps her attention on Bhaskar. "None, but I only glimpsed him in the darkness. He seems to be in the prime of his life. Large and strong, but not as big as the black tiger." She nervously rouses her feathers. "If I were them, one of my first targets would be Bhata ... especially if they have more Sakht Nakh survivors in their ranks. He should be warned. I was starting to pick out a nesting site near that temple they mentioned. I ... guess I will need to put those plans on hold." She holds silent for the wisdom and leadership of the Do-Rakhanaa. The need for further surveillance is important, but ... so is spreading the word and other tasks.
Although the majority of Bhaskar's focus is on Utkrosh now, the jackal remains split between vigilance and listening in. And so, as Satya nears, she spots him quickly. "Anekanta," she greets him, causing Bhaskar to twist an ear towards not her, but the nilgai. He inspects the eagle's handiwork with curiosity and some other unidentifiable emotion, and observes, "You may be right." The survivors, most likely, would push for it. They'd want to see his betrayal of Viyaji avenged. Not to mention that going after well-known faces from the Sakht Nakh conflict would send a message as clear as the disappearances to the south. A heavy sigh escapes the tiger's nose, but he doesn't look up from the ground, studying the pattern that Utkrosh has given him. "They must believe they have nothing to hide if they're gathering at the temple," he adds, almost to himself. "It's an obvious place." It's as much a statement as killing Bhata would be, in his opinion, one advertising that they think themselves powerful enough to meet out in the open. Are they? Are there more of them than Utkrosh saw? It's possible. This wouldn't be the first time that a group of tigers have stifled their natural instincts to live alone for some perverse cause. "Were you indeed planning to nest there?" He still sounds thoughtful. "Yes, perhaps you should put them on hold--but you might scout the area regardless. If they like to wag their tongues, you may learn something else." Here he pauses, frowning. "Unless you think that they might identify you and become suspicious. Don't risk anything, Utkrosh. You've done well hearing what you have."
Satya makes no effort to hide himself. This is a Do-Rakhanaa tiger, and he is not hunting. The nilgai approaches in peace, therefore, and in the hope that peace will be returned. His ears are erect, listening to the conversation - familiar names, and half-familiar ones. Each soul travels upon the great wheel. He knows this, and yet - that the cycle of the wheel is so short, in this world! He can call to mind each year that has passed, and they are fewer than a herd of his fleet-footed companions. He nods in acknowledgement of the jackal's greeting, and replies, "Yes. I am the Satya of Anekanta." One of the spiritual leaders of that group. The Truth, that follows Peace. There may be hard times for both truth and peace forthcoming, though, to judge from this conversation.
Utkrosh screes, "I will favor perches near the temple, and pledge the sharpness of my eyes to keeping track of them. Ananth remembers me, of course, and has undoubtedly told them of me. Badajiva, if that old hag is still around ..." It is difficult for an eagle to show emotion, but ... despite her veterancy in the war, or perhaps because of the horrors she had seen and reported, she shows distress at this turn of events. Just when she had finally felt safe to start a family ... "I have not and will not forget the wisdom, strength and leadership afforded by those of your order." She turns to the Nilgai bull. "Greetings, satya of Anekanta," she again outstretches her wings and tilts them forward in a bow.
While all animals have some pattern or physical feature as unique as any tiger's stripes, Bhaskar knows that most of his kind would have trouble setting one eagle apart from another--especially at a distance. And he'd hazard a guess that these tigers, arrogant enough to congregate at such a prolific location, wouldn't think enough of the birds around them to take much notice of their presence. Someone like Ananth, on the other hand, could indeed be a problem. "They couldn't identify Lakshmi," he says even more quietly, prompting the jackal to look at him with her ears perked. "But they might know to associate a jackal with the varga. I shall have to think on this. Thank you for bringing it to my attention." Given the things that he's heard, Bhaskar's reaction is quite controlled. Calm, even. But his eyes are sharp, and the gears in his head are turning silently as he ponders everything that Utkrosh has passed along to him. He's not so deep in thought that he doesn't turn around to look at the nilgai, however. "Satya," he breathes, inclining his head. No, he isn't hunting today. He'll return what peace he can, while the region is still experiencing what may well be the period of calm before a storm. "Perhaps we should speak as well, if you haven't heard already."
Satya dips his head in respectful greeting to the golden eagle in return, and then turns his attention to Bhaskar, giving another small bow of greeting. "I have heard enough to know that a message of peace may be sorely needed, in the times that are coming. And that those who most need it are least likely to listen," he replies carefully. "I will warn those I come across that there are those coming together whose hunger is for violence, not food," he says, with a nod to the predators who must eat meat to live. "We are not warriors. But perhaps we can still help to turn aside this darkness."
Utkrosh remains silent. She remembers well how dedicated the Do-Rakhanaa practicioners are, able to overcome great anger or fear when attuned to the Do-Bhagavaana and persuing the task of restoring balance. "Indeed," she screes to the bull. "The only way to contend with a power-and-conquest-minded force as potent as a tiger clan is a unity of diverse beings and talents. I hope the lessons of the alliance who resisted Sakht Nakh has not been lost."
He nods, once more, to the Satya's words. The nilgai and eagle are both older than himself; their memories of the last war doubtlessly reach back further than his, given how long it had carried on. "If they have been forgotten," he rumbles to Utkrosh, "they'll quickly be relearned." Taking one last glance at the markings inscribed upon the earth, Bhaskar flicks a paw out to wipe them away--there isn't any sense in leaving them there to be discovered. "The moon waxes; the varga will meet soon. This /will/ be brought to their attention, and, in the meantime, Lakshmi and I will search for Bhata. If either of you encounter him first, or any of the others who were prominent in the Sakht Nakh war, please, let them know to be on high alert. They'd make excellent targets."
Utkrosh bows her head. "I rarely see Bhata, but when I do, he is often with his friend the three-legged wolf, Gyarahabala. Gyara ... time has caught up with that warrior. I know he will defend Bhata with his life ... but he will need greater protection. I will strike a menace myself, if I must ... but long-term ... Bhata will need protection. I will try to encourage Bhata to stay away from the jungle near the temple for now."
Satya smiles softly. "We will not stop their marches. That is not the way of Ahimsa. But I will speak to those who will listen. The herds can come together, in numbers too great for even such a clan. It will mean leaner grazing, but they will find pickings leaner as well..." he says, considering. He nods. "I will speak to those I find; whether they are now inclined to violence or peace, perhaps a word or three will will sway them to the side of peace."
"And if they will not be swayed to peace," Bhaskar muses, "then perhaps they will at least be swayed against this forming clan. If they are anything like the Sakht Nakh, they'll do no good for anyone outside of their own ranks, even those outsiders who share their ideology. Satya, in addition to bringing the herds together, you might consider moving northwards to inconvenience them further." Inconvenience them...and maybe scatter them. The Anekanta may not be warriors, but the Do-Rakhanaa are and Bhaskar can see a definite tactical advantage in forcing these tigers to spread out in search of food. "Keeping Bhata away from the jungle may be difficult," he adds to Utkrosh. "The last I heard he was spending quite a bit of time there, investigating those disappearances. Hopefully he'll see the need for extra caution once we find him."
Utkrosh screes to the bull, "I noticed your herd is quite ... diverse. I don't suppose there are any elephants or rhinoceros among the herd or friendly with it? They can be ... stubborn ... but ... just one could be an asset." She turns back to Bhaskar. "My words would not sway Ananth, except seemingly to give him the idea I would believe he would side against the new clan."
Satya nods to Bhaskar. "To not chose darkness is the first step upon the path to choosing light," he replies, and considers. "If you are concerned for Bhata, and he will not leave the jungle - ask those of the jungle to defend him. The monkeys have no fear for tigers, up among the trees, but they can see and call out a warning well enough." He looks to Utkrosh, and hmms. "I will ask. There have been such in the past; many come to join us, but they also leave to carry their learnings to other lands."
The tiger flicks an ear in acknowledgment. "A wise suggestion, Satya. I'll try to speak to the other inhabitants of the jungle in any case, as they'll be under the most threat from this clan due to their proximity alone." Bhaskar looks south, his tail curling around his ankles. "It seems we've much to accomplish." And already he's ordering his priorities by who is most likely to attract the tigers' attention first: historical visibility and distance from the temple. "Walk always in truth, the both of you." He bows his head in valediction and turns, Lakshmi rising to her feet and padding after him.