Howlite

Howlite’s icy eyes glimmered darkly as the Wildclaw fought to keep from buckling beneath the weight of her opponent. Her sword was locked with a marble guardian’s broad sword as both beings fought for dominance. The Living Sculpture glared down upon the Wildclaw with such ferocity, Howlite could feel it emitting from its magical aura. She was within the entrance foyer of the forgotten marble temple, the same fabled temple that was lost within the Hewn City. Peering past the angry sculpture, Howlite could see the polished pearl lying upon a pillow of blue satin. The pillow sat on a pillar of black marble, the only marble of a different color.

If she were to tame this beast, all Howlite needed to do was grab the pearl. But obtaining it proved quite a difficult task. Her seer had seen the pearl in her vision and had predicted that it would save the clan from the famine that had recently struck them. Thus, her clan leader immediately requested that she search and procure said pearl. Gritting her teeth, Howlite pushed forwards with a guttural roar. Her wings flared out and she continued pushing against the statue, one step at a time. It screeched in protest, attempting to dig its heels into the floor, but its attempt was futile as it only skid back with an annoying scrapping sound of stone grinding against stone.

No matter the cost, Howlite was going to hold that pearl within her claws. Pushing up and swiveling the statue’s arms over, she attempted to slither under and past the statue as it was unbalanced. A swift kick from its left foot sent her crashing into the ground. Howlite let out a painful gasp, before reeling back as she narrowly missed having her head sliced off by the statue’s sword. Once again she was facing her earlier dilemma: The statue still blocked her path. Snarling, the Wildclaw's eyes darted left and right as she looked for any option to escape her current situation. There, an unbalanced pillar.

Leaping forwards, Howlite nipped at the hulking beast, before sliding to the side and avoiding another of it’s crushing blows. Having successfully baited the beast, Howlite charged for the pillar. She skirted around the large column, ramming her entire body into the back. It wobbled, unsteady, but kept firm in its place. The statue began to close in, shrieking angrily. Howlite attempted to push it over again, but to no avail. The statue’s sword raced for the Wildclaw's neck but she ducked just in time, the broad sword colliding into the stone column. The pillar swayed and Howlite took her chance, slamming her entire body into the stone. It gave way, falling down upon the statue with a haunting moan.

The statue attempted to scramble out of its path, but was ultimately crushed by the large pillar. A fine plume of dust breathed into the air and Howlite let out a throaty cough. Panting, the Wildclaw stumbled over to the pearl. She sheathed her sword, admiring the magical item. It was simply exquisite, its lustrous shine beautiful in the natural sunlight that filtered through the great windows of the temple. Carefully she scooped the pearl up with both paws, dropping it into the silk sack slung at her waist. Satisfied, Howlite took one last look of the forgotten temple, before leaving the ancient ruin. - Lore