Avatar of Balance

In ancient times, even before the first primeval Merudri settlements formed, dark felines roamed the mountains surrounding the Blue Valley. Taming these creatures has proven impossible for the first Merudri to inhabit the valley. Most of the time they hunted alone, dangerous and silent killers, nocturnal and relentless. The mere sighting of one such beast could mean impending doom for an early enclave of the valley dwellers. An extraordinary ferocious specimen terrorising these primal precursors was known as the 'Blue Claw'. Once this voracious monstrosity set eyes on a victim, there was little to no chance of escape. Larger groups managed to drive it back, only to return to the location a few days later until its prey was either killed or gave up and relocated. A strong Merudri leader from these times was confronted with the creature during a dire time of need and hunger. There was no way to relocate the whole village, sheltering his starving people. As many early Merudri, this leader practised simple combat techniques, including the skill of using his own body as a weapon. Albeit primitive, it required an iron will to completely focus the mind and control every limb and movement to achieve maximum impact in the quickest, most efficient ways. When the 'Blue Claw' returned, he was already waiting for it. Calm and controlled, he watched the panther-like creature approach, far taller than himself. Circling his position slowly, the predator carefully judges the movements of its prey. Staring into the cool eyes of the hunter, the old leader shivers. Slowly he gets up, not letting the cat out of his sight, readying himself. Then the attacker launches - in a single staggering blow he bruises the face of the man, ending his jump right behind him, turning around to finish his bloody assault. With a lightning fast twist, throwing himself directly towards the killer, the old man denies it the second jump and wraps his legs around the throat of the monster with all his might, forcing it to break down. Surprised and breathing heavily in the deadly grip of the old Merudri, the colossus roars and falls silent. Seeing this imposing hulk lying there, unable to move or flee, the Merudri starts to loosen his tight grip. He knew that letting this creature live would betray his goal to protect his kin much less providing food from this hunt. Yet killing this predator who might just have similar ambitions, suddenly seemed cruel. Numbed, motionless and questioning his better judgement he watches the beast trying to get up when a deep whisper suddenly rings sharply as if raised from within: 'Merudri, we choose balance.' In front of his eyes, the wounded creature vanishes in the blue brilliance of fading light. The last remnant of these imposing beasts ever witnessed in the valley from that day forth. With renewed vigour and the feline spirit pounding strongly within him, the old leader returns to his people in the valley. Bringing safety, a future and an avatar of balance to the Merudri.