No Key To This Dungeon

[Kenna Raine]

Kenna listened intently as he spoke of how one took the shot. There seemed to be a lot of waiting for the right moment which she took into account. One had to be patient when hunting it seemed which didn't both her in the slightest. She could be that if needed. Brining her blaster up as he had his she could see out of the scope the creature he was speaking about. Shooting didn't seem too difficult just had to ensure to properly line up one's shot. Hopefully later she would be able to get some target practice in.

"I don't sir but I had read something about it on holonet. It would be a shame to just throw away the hide." She stated finally answering his question. The only reason that Kenna hadn't before was because she didn't want to disrupt his concentration. Now that the shot was made she felt it alright to say something.

Turning Kenna began to walk back down the trail they came from. If they walked back to the cabin and into the forest that way they would find their prize. "I saw you turning the dials what do they do? Would I be allowed some target practice later today?" Since they had a little ways to go Kenna felt asking a few questions was not an issue. In training she felt asking was better than not and making a mistake. Beyond this she wouldn't question him on the missions he gave her. Kenna never did, she always did the task given to her.

Malcolm had never steered her incorrectly as of yet. She trusted him to only give her the missions he knew that she could handle. Thus far she had been doing rather well in those missions ans she had been getting comfortable in this position.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

"Waste not, Kenna. We'd never just throw away the hide from a kill. Normally I just give the hide to a friend for tanning. But if you want to try and learn that skill, I have no problem letting you practice on this hide." As they walked, she asked about the dials on his rifle scope. "Ah, good observation. Those dials adjust the scope for range. The farther away a target is, the more variables you have to account for. As for shooting, of course. I just want to teach you this aspect first."

"I have found that when you just hand someone a rifle without the rest of the training, they are sloppy and make mistakes. Not being patient or not aiming properly, all because these are excited. But by learning these basics first, your mind is keeping mind other things before shooting. It usually forces the new shooter to go slower as they account for everything."

Reaching the field, he continued. "No we go about the tracking." Walking the grassy meadow, he pointed out different sets of tracks and explained the differences between them. When they came upon the area where the buck was that they shot, it wasn't long before they spotted signs of injury. Crouching down next to a spot of blood he drew her attention.

"Now look here. This is how you know you made a food shot. If the blood trail is a brighter maybe even slightly pinkish hue, you lung shot the animal. That's good. It means the animal will drop quickly. If the blood trail is darker in color, you probably hit something like the stomach. At which point the animal will die much more slowly, if at all depending on where its hit."

Standing back up, he pointed to the ground. "So go ahead, based on what I have told you, let's see if you can track our target." Malcom gave her and encouraging smile, and would obviously remain close by to help if she lost the trail.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

His answer to her question made sense. Before she ought to be shooting Kenna needed to learn the basics. These would help her not get frustrated or end up hurting herself or someone else. She knew how to be patient and wait for the right moment. It was important to not anger her masters or get angry herself.

She was happy to have the hide to use to practice with. It might take the slave awhile considering all of her other duties but she could find time or rather she would make time for this.

As they reached the meadow Kenna knelt down so she could better see the blood that her master was referring to. She appreciated his one on one training with her. A person in her position often time wasn't afforded such things or opportunities to better themselves. Kenna also understood his reasoning for doing this. He was training her to accompany him on missions. She understood her role in all of this.

Instead of thinking such things she focused on the task at hand and learning all she could when it came to tracking. Kenna was surprised to learn it was she whom would be tracking down the beast. She didn't expect hands on application until later but was up for the challenge.

Nodding she stood up and looked back into the forest. She could see several footprints in the ground and a few bent trees leading to where the spooked creatures had gone.

"They went into the forest but the buck went in here," she stated as she moved along the set she was referring to and headed into the forest. Kenna found not soon after another spot of blood which showed her that she was still on the right path. As she crouched down in the distance she could see yet another patch of blood.

Tracking seemed simple enough, one just had to follow the signs to get to the kill. They were close, she could smell the creature. Just a few more feet she reckoned and they would see dinner.

Following the trail of blood and prints she was led to the magnificent beast laying dead in the middle of the forest. It having taken out a few of the smaller trees as it went.

Her gaze went to Malcolm for the moment before turning back to the creature and taking a few steps closer. A hand reached out to lightly run along its coat. It would make a fine blanket and she had no doubt the meat would make a fine meal.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

He looked on with interest to see her take the knowledge he had just given her and apply it it so well. Granted with as large as the buck was compared to the others, it was a bit easier than normal. Plus the blood trail was a decent one. When she made he assertion that their target had gone in a slightly different direction than the rest of the herd, Malcom smirked and gave a quick nod, encouraging her to press on and find the animal.

It didn't take long till they found their quarry. However, when she simply walked up to it and reached out to feel the coat, he called out quickly, "Whoa!" Grabbing her shirt collar and belt he pulled her back quickly. His eyes were wide as she had gotten very close. But then he realized he hadn't actually told her about the last proper hunting procedures. More than likely having startled her, he quickly released her and held his hands up to show he wasn't going to do anything to her. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. But you can't just walk up to an animal like that. You have to check and make sure it's dead first."

"Now to be fair, I hadn't mentioned it before. But animals will sometimes collapse to the floor and just sit there while still alive. An animal this size can crack a rib if they get a good enough kick in...or stab from the antlers if it flails around one last time. I've seen it happen."

Walking around her and above the animal, he held out his rifle and prodded the Shatual from a much safer distance. Satisfied it was in fact dead, he nodded toward her that she could now approach.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

When he grabbed her Kenna was indeed startled by it. She had known him thus far to be the kind of master whom would never lay a finger on her. Even with this knowledge she still flinched a little as he put his hands up as if worried he would hit her. Kenna was used to being hit when she did something wrong so this was a normal reaction for her. The fear she felt from his little pull subsided somewhat as he explained his actions.

Not daring to look him in the eyes Kenna turned her gaze to the ground. "I'm sorry sir, I should have thought before touching it. My family had a farm and I took care of various creatures. I guess I thought I knew what I was doing." Her gaze went to him for a brief moment before going back to the ground. Kenna's thoughts going to those distant few years in which she was happy and free. Shaking them away she looked back up to her master. "It will not happen again," she plainly stated as she watched him check to see if it was dead. The creatures that she was used were much smaller than this anyway. She ought to know better but at least she had tracked it down with no trouble. That was a plus and she hoped that he saw it that way too.

Once given the ok Kenna walked closer to run her fingers along the beasts coat. "How will we get it back to the cabin? It's far too big to carry there and dragging would only ruin the coat. I feel we may have to skin and prepare the meat here."



[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

While she was speaking, he was pulling out a couple things from his bag. One of them was a large triangle shape piece of metal that looked reminiscent of an overgrown clothes hangar. He paused for a moment and looked up to Kenna. "Really there is no need for the "sir" business. I work for a living." He said with a smirk, remembering an old friend who was just a bit higher rank that he was, but still not an officer yet. He told him that when he called the man sir. "Renolds, Malcom or hell, even just Mal will be fine. And don't worry about it." He added going back to rummaging through his bag. "I should have mentioned it before sending you in to locate the buck."

Soon producing a large bowie knife, the hunter smiled. "Besides, you did a good job with tracking for your first time. So well done there." Looking back up to her with a smile, he nodded at her last suspition. "Correct. At least partly. We'll need to field gut him and get the bleeding process going before the meat spoils. In a cold environment the meat will keep longer. You still should at least gut him, but it'll keep a little longer in the field. But since it is still fairly warm, figure on only about an hour or so before the meat goes bad."

Grabbing a piece of rope, he tossed it to Kenna. "Here. Please toss that over a thick heavy branch." Then reaching for the hind legs, he put his blade through a section that only had a thin amount of skin between two bones. Dangling from the corners of the triangle piece of metal were two S hooks which were promptly put through the just made holes. Casting a glance toward Kenna, he asked, "About ready with that rope?"

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

He had seemed to move on already from her little mistake already. Unlike what she had been used to Malcolm didn't see if as a big deal rather something to learn from. The only comment he had was in relation to her calling him sir. He wanted her to use his name which once again was something new and different for Kenna but she would get used to it.

Thus far in her service with him Kenna's whole world had been turned upside down. He treated her better than she had ever been before. Malcolm ensured that she had the proper tools to do her duties and listened to what she needed. If she wanted a certain brush to clean the dishes with it was her. The two certainly had a different relationship but Kenna knew her place. She was at the end of the day his slave. This training was so that she could better assist him in his line of work. This of course didn't mean she wasn't enjoying it, she loved learning new things and being out here in the woods.

As he handed her the rope Kenna looked up to the trees to look for a sturdy thick branch. Something told her that was where the creature was going to be hanging from for the bleeding process. "What is the bleeding process?" She questioned as she found the perfect branch.

While awaiting an answer she threw one end of the rope up in hopes of getting it over the branch. Kenna frowned as it fell back down towards her barely touching the branch. Picking up the end again she threw it again this time harder in hopes of getting it up there. This time she found that while it had gotten up there she wouldn't be able to grab the end. Pulling it down she tried again throwing more of the rope up there this time. Success!

"Ready," she smiled as she grabbed a hold of the other end which was now around the tree. While this creature was bleeding Kenna would be able to figure out what would go well with the meat and what spices to use at least in her head. She had a feeling there was still to be more training.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Making a knot and looping it the the top of that triangle piece, it soon became apparent what the device was for. As Malcom pulled on the rope, it began to hoist the creature into the air some, all the while keeping it's legs spread apart. "The...bleeding process." He grunted as he tied the rope off. "Is the act of draining the animal of blood. This is accomplish through the gutting and skinning work. Not to mention the shot itself. It's already lost a good deal of blood just from it's wound."

Malcom gave a small shrug and continued as he pulled up his heavy knife. "Some people don't care so much about bleeding the animal, feeling that it get's cooked off. But personally, I want it gone before slapping it on a grill or stove top. Just makes me feel weird eating bloody meat." Turning his attention to the buck for a moment and then to Kenna, he gestured toward the animal with his knife. "Are you fine with learning how to gut and skin a Shatual? I don't want to make you hurl?" He finished with a small laugh.

Some people just didn't have the constitution for this sort of thing.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Let's just say I have developed a strong stomach over the years." It was something that she was willing to learn. Kenna had no idea where life was going to be taking her and when this would be useful. It was better being safe than sorry at least in her opinion. If he was willing to teach, she was willing to get arm's deep in guts to learn.

"Once it is gutted, what do we do with the guts? You know the stomach, intestines and that?" He had said earlier waste not so Kenna was led to believe that he had a plan for all of that extra stuff. "Can I help?" She questioned moving a little closer to him and to where the creature now hung bleeding out. She could agree with making sure it did bleed out. Eating bloody meat did not sound so good to her. She would rather have her grilled meat not all bloody.

Visions of the meal that she was going to cook him danced through her head. Kenna hadn't gotten a chance to properly survey the kitchen last night but she believed she saw some potatoes and carrots. Even though he didn't come her often Kenna couldn't imagine him not having some good spices she could rub on the meat before grilling it.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

A smile crossed his face as he handed her the knife, and gestured to the animal. "Sure. Go ahead. I'll tell you what to do." When she inquired about the innards, he explained, "The hide we keep for clothing or blankets, the meat we eat, the horns make a nice wall ornament or can be cut down to make any number of things, and the innards I usually leave out here. Plenty of wildlife will make good use of that material. Not a whole lot that is appetizing that we can do with it though. So I just leave it as food for nature. ....Might bag a little bit for Urz as a treat."

"Anyway. Once we finish, we'll take what we can carry with us back to the cabin. Between that cut away and the innards removed, the rest can then be bagged and hung up higher in the tree to keep out of reach from predators. Once we get home, I'll come back for the rest with the atv." There was enough meat on this one animal to last the pair for half a year. Not wanting to lose any of it, he then gestured for them to begin. Malcom took her through the whole process, and eventually they had a gutted, bled, and prepared Shatual ready to go to the freezer.

Later that evening while Kenna prepared dinner, Malcom attended to the chores on the outside. It gave him a chance to reflect on how much he actually enjoyed Kenna's company. He truly was amazed at how much she had been able to accomplish. From nothing more than a simple house slave, to an accomplished con artist essentially, and budding huntress. He had more he wanted to teach her of course, but so far she had really proved herself to be one hell of a woman.

Shaking his head free of the thoughts, he frowned as he picked up another log on end and soon swung his ax. Minutes later, he reentered the house, handful of wildflowers in his hand. Walking to the dining table, he pulled out the bouquet of dead flowers that were there from his last visit and replaced them with the new. He didn't disturb Kenna though while she prepared the evenings meal. Just allowed another small smile to slip on his face as he walked away to put the days equipment and tools away.

The man found himself wondering if he should really be training her in his ways. He wondered if by doing so, he would harden her to the point where she became something else. There was a goodness in her hard to find this day and age. And there were few chances to be so in this life. Was he wrong to train her so? Was she simply going along with it to be the best slave possible? She had already shown it didn't matter the task, that she would be the best in whatever assignment given. Was this just another assignment to her? Or something she actually wanted?

A heavy sigh was released as he pondered these questions.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Two pieces of meat were laid out on the counter and seasoned before Kenna worked to help Malcolm get the rest of the Shatual in the freezer. This would give the meat a little extra time to marinade before being thrown onto the grill. She still would get the potatoes and accompanying vegetables ready before that as well as they would take longer. Cooking was something that Kenna had gotten good at over the years. She had taught herself what spices worked well with what meats and the various cooking times of items. One very important thing she learned was timing. In order for everything to be ready at the same things had to ensure the potatoes and vegetables cooked for about five minutes before throwing the meat on the grill. Halfway through the cooking time she would have to turn the meat over.

While everything was cooking Kenna worked on a pie for later that night or even tomorrow. It would be ready to throw into the oven once meal was done. If there was one thing Kenna enjoyed making the most it was deserts as they were so technical in nature. The measurement of each ingredient had to be just right or the whole thing would be ruined. She put much care and love in her deserts and each one was special. It had been a long time she since had made something like this. Kenna just didn't make her deserts for anyone.

As Malcolm returned from his outside wood chopping he would be able to smell dinner cooking as it had by that time began to permeate the cabin. He always seemed to enjoy her cooking so the young woman had no doubt that tonight's meal would be no different. Hopefully he would enjoy the impromptu accompany pie.

During their time together Kenna found herself enjoying Malcolm's company more and more. She had never really enjoyed the company of any of her masters before but than again none of them were like him. Even when he first bought her Kenna could tell he wasn't like the others. He proved her right time and time again. He made her feel like she was more than just a piece of property but an actual person that mattered. It was silly and she knew it to be so but she liked him as more than just a master which made her wonder what he thought of her. She knew he appreciated her work and thought training was going well but beyond she wasn't sure.

Sighing she shook her head as she grabbed a few plates to set the table. "Dinner is ready," she called to him as she headed back into the kitchen to pull the meat off the grill and grab the vegetables to place on the table while putting in the pie. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Malcom stepped into the dining room and took a deep breath. With a satisfied smile, he commented, "Smells amazing, Kenna. As always." He was about to take his seat when he looked back at her again. "Oh no, no thanks. I got a glass right here." He said holding up his a star wars version of a rum and coke. "But thank you." He wouldn't start eating until she too had finally sat down. When she did, he sort of attacked the meal. It had been a long day and he was rather hungry. He did manage to pause long enough to mention how wonderful it was though. It was honestly some of the best Shatual he had had in a while in point of fact.

After sending a few morsels of food down the shoot to quell his angry stomach at least a little, he looked to his companion and asked, "So, outside of shooting, which we'll be doing tomorrow. What did you think of everything today?" She had seemed to not be bothered by a single thing. Something he was actually somewhat surprised at. Most got a bit uneasy when it came to shooting animals, or at the very least when it came to preparing them. But she took it all in stride and even jumped in to help voluntarily.

"I guess I'm just curious if you had any questions or maybe wondered about something I didn't go over." His questions were also more than likely influenced by his earlier thoughts. But he wouldn't admit that.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Grabbing herself a drink Kenna took a seat at the table. She was pleased to see that he seemed to enjoy the meal. It has been a long day so she could imagine him hungry enough to eat anything. Malcolm had stated, however, that he did enjoy the food. She believed it too, Kenna hadn't known him as someone to lie to her. Not about anything as silly as food.

While he ate rather quickly Kenna took the slow approach taking small bites which allowed her to savor her food. "Hunting is definitely different than what I'm used to as is preparing the animal. I have always cared for animals so I will admit at first I was unsure about it. The way you go about though eased my mind. Ensuring he had a swift death shows how much about all creatures. Using all parts of the animal gives his death a purpose for substance, warmth and food for the other animals that live in the forest." The way he had treated their prize showed how much he did care for nature and the type of man he was. None of this killing just for sport as far as she knew.

Taking a bit of her food she thought for a moment on what questions she had for him. In one day she had seen so much. Her head was all a buzz. "What other types of creatures have you hunted? How often do you go hunting?" He was always working so she thought not much but she figured to ask anyway. I remember you also saying that you enjoyed fishing. Would you be able to teach me?"

She knew fishing wasn't the warrior skills he had been saying he wished to teach her. Kenna felt though that these skills were still useful besides this would figure her more opportunity to spend additional time with him.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

"Oh lord, I've hunted many things throughout my life. It would take a while to go over. I'll tell you what I'd still love to try an hunt though. Two things actually. On Tatooine there is a HUGE lizard like creature called a Krayt Dragon. A beautiful animal in it's own right. But it is said to be one of the top challenges in the galaxy for hunters, but very dangerous. In its stomach, it has special grinding stones used for digestion. They are called Krayt Dragon Pearls. Very rare. I've even heard it said, good quality ones can be used in the lightsabers the forcies use in place of crystals." His tone was quite enthusiastic as he described this animal. It was quite apparent this was a trip he has wanted to make for some time.

"The other one would be an arguable even more dangerous creature. It lives in several places. One of the ones I know of is Kashyyk. It's not nearly as big as the dragons, but the tales say these creatures are force sensitive more on the level of Jedi and Sith. So they are much more adept at avoiding, stalking, and attacking would be hunters as much as normal prey. They are called Terentateks. These beasts are known to be "Jedi Killers" though. Apparently even being able to sense and crave those nearby that are force sensitive." He almost spoke of this creature as if telling a ghost story. Such was the mystery and intrigue he felt surrounded the beast.

When she inquired about fishing he nodded. "Ah, yes. I prefer river and stream fishing to lake. But of course, I'd love to. Which would you prefer to do tomorrow? Fishing or shooting?"

[member="Kenna Raine"]