Its just business, nothing personal. (Mok)

[Carina]

Mok came to a complete stop in the middle of the path without any warning, leaving her with little time to stop before bumping into him. Once she regained her balance, she looked up at him in curiosity, standing close enough that she was almost touching him. For a moment she wandered if he had spotted something up ahead or off to the side; it would have explained the momentary hush. But then he began speaking, talking about warriors and an.. unexplainable will they had within them. He also refereed back to her own words about paying for past decisions, but she felt as though he misunderstood her. When he fell silent for a moment, she mumbled to herself what she had already said, "I did not say that others payed in other ways for killing, I said that I pay for the choices and things I've done, in other ways. I was only talking about me personally, not others." She clarified, unsure as to why it felt so important to her that it needed clarification. Then he turned to face her, a serious look to his features, and stated what sounded like a motto of sorts. Emphasized in the placement of his hand over his chest and the one tear that rolled down his cheek. Watching him, she thought to herself, this warrior is a foolish one. Though she would not speak her mind, nor show the emotions she felt, unlike her guard who put his on display. From that alone, amongst other things, she could tell that those words meant a great deal to him. Once he had regained his composure, he spoke again. This time, about his loyalty to the Crimson Edge, its members, and how he was ready to die for each of them. When he finished, there was something she wanted to say, but couldn't stop herself from noticing the still damp trail of the single tear he shed. Before she spoke, Carina lifted her hand and placed it gently against his cheek, wiping away what remained of the tear. Keeping her hand still, her eyes met his in a serious focus. One rather unlike the normally lighthearted and flirtatious glaces she would exchange. her voice was calm and held a comforting tingle to it when she began. "Remember this, Mok. As a warrior you should know that its not about who's right, its about who's standing in the end. And he that knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious. For winning one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the pinnacle of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the pinnacle of skill..." Pausing for a moment, she wander how he would take her words. Would he blow them off, or think about them? "All warfare is based on deception. Pretend inferiority and encourage your opponents arrogance; that will lead to his downfall. Therefor, to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting... What I've said may not apply to matters of honor, but it is a great way to win wars and territory." By the time she had finished her little speech, she could feel her heartbeat quickening, the words excited her. And although they might have surprised some people, eventually it would become known that she too was a warrior. Through her devilish smile, long lashes, and feminine curves, she was still a fighter. At the moment she wore the title of guild diplomat, but that did not mean she was a pacifist. She was simply a warrior of another kind. Removing her hand from his cheek, she wandered what he would say, but knew that they could discus it whilst they walked. She didn't like the idea of saying in one place for too long, knowing that creatures could have been gathering just on the edge of their vision. And to get Mok walking again, her hand found his. Taking hold of it, she tried pulling him forward to lead the way again.

[Mok]

The myrian stood in silence as his companion said her piece. Finally Carina had said something that applied to him. In only a single moment, Mok was suddenly feeling very different. Something in the pit of his stomach was turning. This was not a battle feeling, but something completely different. Carina talked about choosing battles and being a smart warrior. For once in his life, Mok agreed with her. She had her own way of saying it, but she was correct. She may not understand what it meant to put your life down for your brothers, but she did understand survival and that was good enough for Mok.

As Mok stood there pondering the question, Carina took his hand and began to lead him through the back country paths. The warrior was really suprised at this action. No matter, she was right, they needed to keep going. After a few hundred feet, Mok let go of her hand and took his place again in the front. He remembered to use his sword to move branches for Carina. After half an hour of silence, Mok finally spoke.

"What you said back there. I agree."

The myrian wasn't expecting a reaction, in fact he was expecting more silence, so he countinued to walk towards their destination. Minutes later they reached a clearing in the tree line. They had almost arrived.

Red = Myrian
Bold = Common

[Carina]

The two of them had left town at sunset and been traveling through the night. And knowing that they had a whole night of traveling in store for them, they held whispered conversations to pass the time. She honestly didn't expect that she would learn so much about her companion Mok on this mission, but the topics discussed were a mite deeper and more personal that she could have guessed. Finding it interesting that she seemed to be forming an actual friendship with somebody that she knew almost nothing about. It was similar for her though; did anybody know very much about who she really was? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ By now the sky was beginning its transition from dark purple, to royal blue, to cherry red. The canvas that displayed the changes was the clouds that seemed to be gathering in the sky ahead. But when they gathered, the hue's held a tint of gray to them. Would it rain today? She didn't really know much about predicting weather, but she wandered if the sound of morning birds (or lack there of) was a clue. Unable to answer the question on her own, she turned to Mok; thinking he might know. "Hey, look at those clouds up ahead. Do you think it will rain?" While she had heard his words of ratification earlier, she chose not to speak of it; his agreeability was enough. While waiting for an answer, the sun broke over the horizon and lite the path ahead. Though it would soon be hidden behind clouds. They were nearing the edge of the forest. Now Carina was moving at a snails pace; not knowing what to expect up ahead, or if the target would be near the path they took. She made sure to stay hidden behind Mok as he lead the way; if there was a surprise attack up ahead, he would need to take care of it. But soon they reached the edge of the forest without incident and Carina crouched down to stay near the ground as her eyes scanned the clearing for any sign of other people. "Do you see anything?" She whispered, hoping that he saw something. At least then they wouldn't be walking in the blind or tip-toeing around. The plan could be put into action.

[Mok]

The place in which they stood now was the edge of shadow and light. During twilight, this was the best place to hide in the valley. Why because the shadows from the looming hills covered the flat lands in black delight. The sacred ground where they now stood was the last place that they could discuss the upcoming mission in open conversation. Once they passed into the moonlight, they would be visible to any on lookers. They would be susceptible to spies and snoops.

For now they watched and waited. Once the moon was the highest in the sky, they would make their move. The mood was solemn, but Mok was anxious. He wanted it to start already. Up until now all of his experience was up front conversation. He was a warrior. In Mok's life an argument was settled with the flashing of blades. Carina, on the other hand, settled arguments with cleverly chosen words. One part of the myrian was disgusted. This wasn't his type of job at all. In his opinion, they should only call him when swords were needed.

But that wasn't the point. Mok was there for a completely different reason. His presence was requested for the protection and guidance of his new companion. No matter, it was a noble pursuit none the less. The half-blood was always one hundred percent when it came to his new allies. It didn't matter who it was, but they were a family. There were only a few of them, so it was important that undying loyalty was held between all of them. He would put all his effort, his whole body and mind into his job.

He would fight until the bitter end. He would pay the price, but not count the cost. Why? Because Carina was a member of the Crimson Edge. It was that simple.

"Alright. Let us go over it one more time," Mok started. He wanted to have a clear idea of what he was going to be going into, "Migeulo is the name of the man we are trying to contact. The goal is to convince him to let us handle his Pulp shipment, right? Other than that we basically have absolutely no information on the man. In fact, we are going in with a blind eye. This seems like disaster waiting to happen."

Taking a deep breath Mok went through everything in his mind, "All my gear is ready to go. We will leave our bags hidden here in the brush. Take only the minimum. Keep your dagger hidden and safe. If anything happens I don't want them to know that you have a concealed weapon. Remember; keep your back safe at all times. If he invites you to sit, don't leave you’re back exposed. Don't let the bastard touch you either, you can't be too safe. If anything happens I want you to remain calm and collective. I will be there for you. I promise. Last but not least, if we get separated, meet back at this location...that is about it on my part. What do I need to know on your end?"

Red = Myrian
Bold = Common

[Carina]

This might have been romantic if the two of them didn't need to be so concerned with their surroundings at the moment. But they were on lookout for now; waiting for the moon to reach its climax. And knowing that it would be some time before they were ready to move, Carina sat down, giving her feet some relief from their growing soreness. Maybe she should have worn these boots in a bit more.. She hoped Mok would join her for the time being, and after he did, they simply... sat. The long grass tickling her. As the moon continued to rise, Carina closed her eyes and let herself lean against Mok's strong shoulders, listening to sounds that made up the nights music. Mok's voice broke the fragile silence when he began rehearsing the plan they were about to put into motion. Turning to look at him, she nodded in agreement. "Your right. But what else could we do to prepare for this? Spy on him? If we were caught it would undoubtedly raise suspicion..." The corners of her lips rose to a slight smirk. "If that happened, then I guarantee I would need you and," flexing her own muscles teasingly, "those strong muscles of yours." Only a hint of toning could be seen when she flexed. "I'm sure you see I would be no challenge to somebody like you if I were forced to depend on my strength alone in a fight... Probably why you got stuck with me on this trip." When Carina fell silent once more, her eyes were fixed on Mok, leaving her wandering what was going through his mind at that moment. She didn't know him well yet, but in the walk here she figured that it was not about her; most probably about plans and different scenarios that might play out that night. It was acceptable, given the situation, but in another setting she might have found it obnoxious. When he spoke again, he started trying to tell her what not to do when she met with the target. Was it just her, or was he worried about her? The notion brought a slight smile to her lips. "Thanks for the advice, I'll keep it in mind," was all she could say to keep herself from chuckling. It wasn't that she found him funny, but that not many men tried giving her advice. His words made it obvious that he was eager to confront their target, so it was time to finish some final preparations. Shifting her legs from in front, to below her, she stood on her knees now. With the freedom, she removed the cloak from her shoulders and folded it into a neat square before setting it down next to her in the grass. "If I'm supposed to hide my daggers somehow, then I might as well just leave them here with my cloak. These clothes," she twisted her torso from left to right, emphasizing the snugness, "are a bit too snug to conceal anything very well. Believing that her argument would be enough to keep Mok from protesting, she leaned to one side and unstrapped a dagger from around her thigh and set it down on top of her cloak. "Besides.. if I go in armed it will give him a reason to keep his guard up. Remember, we need to convince him to let us handle his pulp shipments. Not just one, but every one after that... One damn shipment isn't going to pay for a new base of operations... And I'm sure you think its foolish of me, but this is one way I put my life on the line for the Crimson Edge. Just as you do with that blade of yours." Until then, Carina's focus was on her own gear, but once she paused for a moment, her eyes turned back to Mok. Her expression was serious, and her eyes intense under the moons light. "...I trust you will protect me if need be." Her eyes lingered on him until the silence had grown heavy. Then looking down at the ground in front of her, she pressed her hands against it. Golden tresses of hair slid forward and hung in a curtain around her features. Her delicate fingers dug into the ground as her hands formed tight fists and clutched at the dirt. When she sat back on her knees and lifted her hands from the soil, they were full of the dampness. It covered her hands, and it would soon cover the rest of her as she started to spread the dirt over her exposed skin and through her hair. When she was satisfied with her work, she rubbed her hands together to remove any excess dirt. "Now that I look more like a typical citizen of Sunberth, I think I'm ready. When we approach, could I ask you to try and keep your weapon hidden? It will help to keep the atmosphere friendly. I mean, if we show up with blades in broad site, he'll instantly assume were here to cause trouble. But if we can keep him relaxed then he should be more open to discussing things.... So I'll talk, and then if things go south, you attack. With that said, I'm ready to go too." Before walking out onto the field, she waited a bit, wandering if Mok would have any objections to what she said. If so, she would compromise. Wading through the field of long grass, Carina's eyes kept moving; looking for any signs of a trap or ambush. It wouldn't have been difficult in this terrain. So far all seemed well, the only sign of life being a tent set up in the not too far distance and the small fire the man had burning. Given the silhouette of the tent, and the shadow it cast, Carina thought it safe to assume they were approaching from behind. Her steps were careful and intentionally quiet at first, but growing in volume as she drew near the tent. The purpose was to alert the target of her approach, not wanting to surprise him. Walking to conceal ones presence could be cause for suspicion. Once she felt she was near enough, Carina greeted the man with a loud hello. All she heard in reply was the quiet grumblings of a tired man sounding from within the small tent. But within a few short moments, there was canvas slapping against canvas as the man flung the tent flap open and wobbled out into the open. "Who's there," he asked in an annoyed voice. Just as he was asking the question, Carina stepped out from behind the tent and into the warm fire light. She only smiled though, waiting for him to speak. "...Whats a woman like you.. doing way out here? In the middle of the night, no less. What do you want?" She would answer, but not just yet. Taking a few steps toward him, she let her hands rest in front of her, fingers laced. "I only wanted to talk." Rubbing her hands over her arms, she looked over at the warm fire. "Its so cold tonight. Would you let me sit by your fire?" It felt like hours were passing as the man eyed her curves. While she was fully dressed, her clothes still left little to the imagination. "Are you armed?" She answered his question by slowly turning in a circle, her arms out away from her body. The fires light highlighted her figure. "Would you like to examine me yourself?" Glancing at him from over her shoulder, it was obvious he was thinking about her offer. But when he motioned for her to join him near the fire, she could tell he was still thinking with his brains, not his loins. Perhaps this man would be reasonable.

[Mok]

Mok sat down with Carina for a minute as she explained to him what she was doing. Casting her cloak aside the woman revealed her ample curves to Mok. Her clothing was tight and will fitted to show off her body. This was good. If Carina couldn't win the man's mind, she could always go for his heart.

Leaning against Mok's shoulder for comfort, Mok was surprised. Carina was definitely very affectionate. The myrian did not have time to think of this woman though. The thought of ravaging her body came to his mind, but he quickly pushed it away. They were there on business and the Crimson Edge came before Mok's pleasure.

His companion explained that she wouldn't be taking a weapon. Her reasoning was simple: she didn't need one. Mok was all the protection that she needed. That sat well with the myrian. Now that she trusted him one hundred percent or at least the half-blood choose to believe.

Mok responded to her words quietly, "I understand. That is a good reason. I will not fail you Carina." He not much else to say as he watched Carina prepare. Mok was impressed when she frazzled her hair and threw some dirt on. She was going for tavern wretch then? No matter, Carina knew what she was doing and Mok would leave her to her own business.

"Alright, then lets do this."

The walk up to the camp was short and sweet. The moment they stepped out of the shadows they were in plain view for everyone to see. On the top of the hill was a lone tent with a fire burning low. It was apparent that they wanted to remain low key. Although, they were up on the hill, no one would be able to see their fire unless they were withing a quarter of a mile of the location.

As Mok and Carina climbed the slope, no words were exchanged between them. Now, it was all on the diplomats shoulders. All Mok could do was be vigilant. Surprisingly, the myrian saw no guards at all. Not even something to tip him off of where the drugs where located. It was apparent to Mok that there was no way his supply was anywhere close. This brought questions to the myrians mind: Where was his drugs? Why was he out here? they would all be answered in good time though.

As they neared the tent a groggy eyed man appeared out of the shadows of the canvas tent. Things went straight to business. The man immediately went to check Carina for any weapons. Although the man had not yet acknowledged Mok yet, he went for Carina anyways.

It was okay. Mok remained cool. He watched in silence as Migeulo ran his hands up and down his companions curves. Over her torso, through his, hips, and her legs. He apparently made no attempt to grab anything or take a peek anywhere, but he touched every inch of her body. This didn't fly with Mok. The myrian was starting to get ticked off. This man was a petching imbecilic.

Finally he stopped, "I'll ask you again, what are you doing here? And whos the thug behind you?"

The myrian burst with impulse. He needed to say something, he couldn't remain quiet. He knew that he should have left Carina to her own work, but he spoke none the less, "I am her bodyguard--"

Mok stopped before he said anything that would hurt the situation. Exchanging a hurried glance with Carina, Mok took a step back and let the two do all the talking.

The warrior turned guardian had only a rough plan of what to do now. He would remain silent and vigilant. If Carina walked into the tent, the myrian would not follow, but rather wait outside. If she chose to remain outside, he would stand close enough to react to any situation, but he would remain back.

Now Mok watched and waited.

Red = Myrian
Bold = Common

[Carina]

When Carina saw that the mans attention was shifting from her to Mok, she was quick to draw the attention back to her. Feeling that if she could keep the focus on her, then things would progress smoothly. She was without weapon, defenseless. While Mok was armed, a potential threat to his life. "Its just as he says. He's my body guard. I mean, a girl can't just go wandering around all alone at this hour. Unimaginable danger would be waiting for me. What with all the ruffians and crooks that hide out here... Not like you, of course. Your different from them. A good hard working man. I'm sure you just camp out here to keep a low key." As soon as she started conversing with the man, she started pumping ideas into his mind, ones that made him appear to be a good man. In some cases, if a stranger thought highly of somebody, then that person would try to live up to their expectations. And she was sure to sound as genuine as she knew how, lest he take her words as insult over compliment. However empty that compliment was. And for now it looked as if it were working, or maybe it was the alcohol that she smelt on his breath that made his mind dull. And at the very least, it seemed to make the man agreeable. Her words set a happy mood about the glowing fire as their target motioned for them to come join him near the fire. He was the first to sit, letting himself fall down onto his bottom. And Carina was fallowing after him, but before she found her seat, the man patted the ground next to him. A silent invitation to sit beside him. One that, given the circumstances, Carina could not afford to refuse. Before reluctantly accepting his gesture, she glanced over at Mok; wandering what expression he might wear. She knew he had advised her to keep her distance from him before they approached, but this was something she needed to do. And she would, even if her comrade disapproved of it. With her mind made up, she took the spot she was offered. But unlike this clumsy descent, she was rather graceful. Carina wanted to breach the subject of their goal subtly, fearing that if she were to bring it up too soon, he would ether flee, or act out in a violent defense. Starting the conversation with some small talk that focused around the happenings of Sunberth. "So," she began, letting one hand rest gently on the mans knee, and meeting his gaze. "How long have you been staying in Sunberth?" Perhaps it was too subtle for the drunk man, but even questions like this could provide important information. But the mans reaction was not a good sign; she could feel his muscles tense slightly before he eyed her questioningly. "Why does it matter? Who cares how long I've been here." It seems he wasn't drunk enough yet. Maybe a different approach was needed. "I suppose it doesn't matter at all... How about you ask me something then?" After the first question, she could possibly lead the conversation with whatever her answers were. And the man appeared to be very pleased that he could do the asking. "Tell me then, who are you?" It was obvious he was attempting to uncover just who might have sent her way out here to talk with him, but it wouldn't be that easy. "Me?" Her question held a slight chuckle. "Your the interesting one here, but if you must know, then OK. I'm just a woman who's trying to fulfill your desires." Such an answer would surly leave the man wandering about just what she meant. And from the sudden deepening of red hues spreading over his cheeks, she could guess his imagination lead to perverse ideas. Carina would take the opportunity while the man was distracted with his own thoughts. "So then. How long have you been living in Sunberth? I don't recognize you, so you must be new." Before letting the scene from before replay itself, she began slowly moving the tips of her fingers over a small portion of his leg, letting them tease his skin through the pants fabric. "Not.. long. I arrived.. a fortnight ago.." If what he said was true, then she could use it to her advantage. She would push the subject a bit further, and maybe discover just how many men had arrived with him. And if luck were on their side, then maybe he wasn't well established yet. Hopefully he wasn't working for another gang already. If he was working alone, then his defenses would surely be weak.

[Mok]

Mok stood quietly in outside the tent. The night was completely dead except for the whisperings of Carina and Migeulo. The myrian did not understand the need to talk to such a man. Why would he peddel drugs for measly coins? Never. He was a proud myrian from the jungle wilds.

His eyes scanned the scene, accounting for every last object scattered around the camp. The firepit was lined with thirteen stones. The embers of the coals where mysterious though. They looked like no fire that Mok had ever made. It was an eerie sight indeed. The myrian could not place a finger on it though, so he just shrugged it off.

His eyes followed the floor only to see a small foot stool. It had holes on both sides for some reason. Next there was a dirty pot on the floor. Animal broth was caked inside of it. Any idiot could tell that he hadn't cooked with the pot for at the very least several hours. Next, there was a round runesack full of random cloths, nothing worth Mok's concern. In a small pile near the sack were two flagons of wine, some cheese, a side of dried beef, and some tough sailor's bread.

Piece by piece, clue by clue, the myrian pieced together everything. He was no detective, but anyone could see that this was not the camp of a single man, in fact, there were some horse gear too. Stirups and a saddle hidden beside a bush. No way! This guy was definately playing them. Why would a single man be attop this ridge with ALL these gear, no horse, or no companion.

BING!

Finally Mok's mind began to work. Of course Migeulo didn't hike up here with all this gear. He had brought a bodyguard and a horse. They were somewhere else though and Mok didn't like it.

Questions began to run through his mind: Where was the bodyguard? Would he or she resort to deception or murder? What where Miguelo's real motives. Where was his horse? When did he arrive in camp?

Mok was paranoid now. Not only was there alot on his mind, but he could not act. He job was to protect Carina and not cause any trouble. This left no room for error. Also no room for investigating either. Mok had to stand and wait.

Red = Myrian
Bold = Common

[Carina]

Carina felt like she was making progress with the oaf. And she had no intention of losing it now. Making it a point to keep his attention on her, she would continue without pause. Her teasing fingers making their way up the inside of his leg. The gentle tickling turning into a soft rubbing the further up his leg she got. "Please, tell me. Will you stay in Sunberth with me?" She honestly had no intention of letting the man stay with her in town, but a question phrased in such a way, could prove to be more informative then simply asking how long the man planned on sticking around. And judging from his reply, he seemed to be falling for her words and ministrations. Through closed eyes and clenched teeth he spoke. "God do I want to..." He swallowed hard. "But I don't think I can." It was painfully obvious to Carina, and maybe to Mok, that he was starting to crack. How much more of Carinas game could he take before losing it? Maybe, just for fun, she would push him to the limit. Leaning in closer to the man, one hand worked at his leg, and the other wrapped around his arm. "But why not? You would deny me?" Her voice expressed the false sadness of rejection. While her features displayed what would only be described as a pouty face. Complete with bottom lip sticking out ever so slightly. Quickly he wiped away the growing moisture forming on his forehead with the back of his hand. Whether it was from the heat of the fire, or the nervousness of ruining an unexpected, yet much desired opportunity, she couldn't tell. "I'm sorry.. I can't tell you that..." Silence fell after that. And Carina took the moment to think of what her next step would be. Turning her gaze to the burning fire and letting out, what sounded like, a disappointed sigh. Perhaps in an effort to make the guy nervous. Turning back to him, a new determination in her eyes, she set to work once more. The hand that rubbed at his leg, moved up and curled over the top of the mans waist line. Letting her fingers dig down in to his pants a few inches. "What if I could get ride of whatever is stopping you from staying with me?" Her voice was mischievous, and a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Then leaning into his neck, she spoke in a slow an whispered voice. "Just tell me what needs to be done.... I'll fix your problem." Ending her words, she nibbled at the mans ear. "You just need to trust me." The whispering and the teasing made the mans skin prickle with goosebumps and his face turn a shade or two darker. He continued to resist though. "If I tell you... they'll kill me." Before he knew it, he had said too much, and it brought a smile to her face. But she wouldn't let this little victory give her act away. But of course this also meant there was a possibility that the 'they' that he spoke of, was somewhere near by. Taking the hand that wrapped around his arm, she moved it back behind him. Draping it around his back as she pressed herself into him. And turning her body so that her torso was facing the mans side, letting the inside of her leg rest against his own leg. With her chin resting on his shoulder, she spoke in whispers again. "Who will kill you?... You can trust me." If she could convince him to answer, they would have a much better idea on how to proceed with the rest of this mission. But he was reluctant at first. In the end of that moments pause, he answered. "... The gang that hired me. If I don't follow orders, they'll kill me... Their probably almost here already.." Before he had even finished speaking, Carina's eyes darted over to Mok, as if asking if he had heard what he said. Or if he understood what it meant. The next questions would be crucial if they wanted to get out of here alive. And Carina would need to be very persuasive if she wanted the man to answer them. Things were quickly growing into a much more dangerous situation.

[Mok]

Mok had enough waiting. Time was up! Nothing else mattered to him now. The myrian was crazy now. Paranoia filled his eyes and his soul. He crouched down and gestured to himself fanatically. The myrian would protect Carina, but he wouldn't wait for trouble to come knocking. He would nip it in the bud!

Thanks to his shadow silk, nobody would be able to hear and see him now. Mok unsheathed his gladius. Although muffled, Mok's adrenaline told him that it wasn't enough. He wasn't quite enough. Tangs of fear ran through his spine. It was the ultimate fear. That fear you get when you find out you’re going to get murked. The kind of moral terror only touched when an action so cruel can penetrate the subconscious: failure.

Holding his breath Mok realized that Migeulo did not hear him. Letting out a sigh of relief, the myrian's mind went back to the mission at hand, "Short term memory. Short term memory," Mok repeated to himself. He had seen much fear in his life and the key is to push it far into the back of your mind. There was no time to think about it 'now'. 'Now' was time for action.

Crouching as low as possible, the myrian crawled through the messy camp. Using each leg to support himself up, the myrian used his torso to move his legs in long strides so to speak. He tried to cover as much ground with each calculated step. His goal was the make as little noise as possible. No reason to alert Carina and Migeulo he was moving.

A few steps later, Mok was out of the camp and in the clear. His next task was the search the immediate perimeter. Making his way along the ridge side of the hill, the myrian remained close enough to the tree line to be able to jump in if needed. Within a minute, Mok was in perfect spying range of the road and the camp.

Suddenly, the dampened sound of horses turning the corner. There were at least three of them Mok figured. Just as the first man came into view, they stopped. They were about two stone throws from the camp. The lead man was wearing old boiled leather, and had a long sword at his side. He was bald and his face was baked with grease and dirt.

The lead man pointed at the camp, "He is in the tent, probably tugging his meat or sleeping."

"Good boy. Here's some spending mizah...now get out of here," said a ruffled voice. The first rider took off his mizahs and rode off down the road. Next, Mok heard two heavily armored men dismount from silent horses. Coming into view, Mok saw two men adorned in full chainmail, helms, greaves, gauntlets, and the whole shebang. They both held drawn long swords.

Mok's heart dropped into his stomach. This was bad. VERY BAD.

Clasping his sword close this heart, Mok slowly backed out of view. After backpedaling a good forty yards, the half-blood turned around and sprinted alongside the ridge, taking the long way around. He could not be seen or heard if he was going to save Carina. These men were out for blood.

After two minutes of dead sprinting, the myrian reached the back side of the camp, opposite of the road. The two armored thugs reached the tent before him; they had already started doing work. Creeping up as slowly as he could Mok heard the whole conversation.

"Get otta there you scumbag motherpetcher," The first ruffled voice said.

Migeulo didn't respond. The sounds in the tent were that of a fat lazy man trying to stand up. What was up with Carina?

"You heard him, get up," The second voice chimed in slapping the dark tent with the flat of his blade, "Get up!"

Mok only hand one chance, they would open the tent any second. Crawling on the floor up and behind the tent, Mok barely out of the peripheral of the armed men. Opening the flap on the underside, Mok reached in and felt Carina's ankle on the quilted floor. The myrian grabbed the ankle, squeezed, and literally pulled Carina out of the tent. Hopefully he did not hurt her, but if they saw Carina in the tent, they would both be dead.

Grabbing her mouth Mok made sure she made no noises once she was outside of the tent. Staying completely still for a moment, Mok hoped that the two men did not hear anything.

Red = Myrian
Bold = Common