Completed [The Cobalt Mountains] Monster Hunter

[Edreina]

As the carriage bumped and wobbled about, Edreina felt herself coming down with what she could only call land-sickness. The rough, unrhythmic motions of the carriage were making Edreina's stomach do all sorts of acrobatics. At one point, she had to clench her fists and grit her teeth to keep from losing her breakfast.

Others in the carriage were probably thinking the woman to be frightened, perhaps a bit squeamish. Every once in awhile, she would go pale, as if frightened by something yet to come. What they did not know, however, was that the woman feared not the future, for it had not yet come to pass. What was bothering her was right there... right then... on that stupid petching road.

With a quiet groan, the redhead crossed her long legs upon the carriage's bench and rested her pack in her lap, carefully avoiding the sharp point that strained against the side of the pack. With her chin upon the pack, arms wrapped tightly about it, Edreina decided that the best thing she could do was sleep and hope that the trip passed quickly.

It felt like only moments later, but Edreina was roused by a sudden tensing beside her. Immediately, she turned, placing a hand upon Razkar's bicep, eyes searching his for the source of his discomfort. It was odd - and more than a bit terrifying - how in tune they were becoming with one another. Cocking her head to the side, Edreina realized that she had never known Razkar to have a nightmare, at least none of which he spoke.

When he smiled at her, that crooked, warm smile that she was lucky enough to see, a previously unacknowledged tightness around her eyes fell away, allowing her eyes to drift shut peacefully as their foreheads met, fingers tangling as she took his hand mid-pat, squeezing it gently as if to remind him that she was there however he needed her to be. Odd as it was, the couple - was that what they had become? - rarely kissed in public, preferring instead to touch foreheads gently, or maybe allow their hands to brush together as they walked. The most intimate thing they had ever allowed anyone to see was the lingering embraces that they would sometimes share as Edreina ran above deck to see the warrior off. But other than that? They were pleasantly platonic. What was truly strange was how much Edreina enjoyed their privacy. They managed to assert their claim upon one another without making others uncomfortable. It was oddly pleasant to her.

"Eager to get out. Get to hunt."

Immediately the Svefra chuckled and leaned back in her seat, hands moving to pluck a stray string upon her pack. The answer was so very... Raz. She often admired how he could walk into battle thinking not of all the ways he could die, but all the ways that he could live. It was one of the few things that they had in common.

As he launched into his description of the arrow and how it would be useful, Edreina listened carefully. She would not be able to use the arrow itself, but she would do her best to figure out how to help accomplish the other things, like keeping the damned creature grounded. You can always feign distress... You're quite competent in the role of damsel... The mental quip caused Edreina to flinch visibly, raising a hand dismissively when Razkar gave her an odd look. If there was not going to be a cave, what use was she, really?

When the carriage stopped, Edreina was the first one out, trotting a short way away from it in order to rest with her hands on her knees. She still felt as if she was being jostled about. Was this what land-striders felt their first time on a boat? After sucking in a deep breath, Edreina wandered back over to the group Matthew had composed, glancing about curiously. From a first look, it was hard to see what skills each member would have; she knew they much each have some function to have been chosen by Matthew. Then again, looks could always be deceiving. She would have to see them in action. Once her group had been inspected, blue eyes shifted to the other hunters. All around, people were making their final preparations, stringing bows, swinging swords...

Shrugging off her pack, Edreina quickly pulled out one strip of dried meat, holding it between her teeth as she, almost reverently, revealed her own weapon. It was different from what others would chose to say the least, being a whip and whatnot. If anyone were to glance at her whip for more than an instant they would notice that it was not a normal, seven foot long leather whip with three tails. Instead, it was a glittering mass of serrated teeth that stretched the last four feet of its length, glimmering and flickering like a tongue of flame as Edreina pulled it from her pack. Each tail was tipped with a few threads of thin wire, making it possible for the whip to cut into flesh if she swung it just right. (That whole just right thing was precisely her problem. She managed to create small divots in the plank of wood she had practiced on, but never worthwhile gouges. Perhaps with time...) The most drastic change to the original whip was, however, the six-inch, three-sided spike that protruded from the butt of the handle.

Flashing a quick, playful glance at Razkar, hoping to see at least some iota of surprise at her new weapon, Edreina stood upright and began moving away from the group so that she could practice a bit, ripping off chunks of dried meat as she walked until there was nothing left and she was where she wanted to be.

As she began to swing the piece of whistling leather and steel, punctuating each passing chime with a harsh crack, she was absolutely heedless of the murmurs that ran through the other hunters.

A whip? Wha' the petch is she gonna do with a whip?

Maybe put that Myrian of hers in his place...

Don't joke like that! You know they have super senses... If he hears you...

Sure, they scoffed at her weapon, but at least she was willing to put everything she had into this battle. A whip will probably prove to be useless against the Balicani, yes, but should she not prepare herself in any way possible? Myri would expect nothing less. And so the redhead began to sink into the rhythms of practice, limbing up herself and the whip, reminding herself of the changes that she had to make in order to compensate for the added weight.

[Matthew]

Razkar and the others were given a brief nod as the picture was revealed to him. Matthew's eyes widened for a brief moment at the crude drawing of the thing, but nodded again, signaling his thanks. A sidelong glance was given to Sagitta, and then Matthew was off, heading to the transport to find a comfortable seat. He had a lot of thinking to do. --- He took a deep breath as the transport rocked and bumped over rough roads, legs folded under the harlot, hands gently on his knees. He was trying to find some sense of serenity and calm, which was a bit hard to find in the ocean of fear that the creature made him feel. He had encountered it once before, and it had been a terror. Now here he was, going to fight it again. Hopefully it would turn out differently. If Isolde had allowed him, he had sat behind her, and actually placed his back to hers. For whatever reason, the coldness of the Nuit was comforting, and her presence was the one he was most familar with. They had worked alongside one another multiple times since having first formed their partnership, and she gave him a sense of ease. He knew the rest of the party almost; Sagitta, Razkar, and Edreina also bringing some sense of comfort. Viper wasn't one he had ever met, but the man had looked capable and confident enough whenever Matthew had gestured him over. That was good. Matthew breathed again, and pressed his back against Isolde a bit more firmly, focusing on the cold, using it as a center. There was an island in his mind, and in that island, he was the only thing that existed. No emotion, no wants, no fears. Those all existed around him, and were controlled by him. The fear threatened to creep ashore, but no, he refused to let it. He closed his eyes tight, focusing, drawing upon the cold and channeling his own ice. Serenity. Focus. Breathing in, breathing out. Cold. It was no longer an island, but a library. There were shelves upon shelves of books, but the floor was also covered in them. Some of the ones on the floor were open, words streaming out of them, swirling in the air and surrounding him. Blinking, he stepped through them, trying to make sense of it all. 'Fear of the unknown, fear of the unsolved puzzle' one sentence said. 'Fear of the teeth, fear of the pain' said another. It was all a jumble of sentences and words, and he found that if he reached out to grab them, he could. He could pull upon them like string, and force them back into the book from which they came. Organize it. Put logic to it. Close it, and put it back on the shelf to which it belongs. He felt some sense of calm come from doing this, and so he did it, untangling all the words of fear and putting them back into their proper books. He might as well have been sleeping. The only thing that showed the meditating Matthew was actually awake was the irritated growl he would give if Isolde ever tried to move. He felt better once the fear was sorted. Soon though, after wandering around the library, he found some other things. Books that were each labeled with the names of his companions. Tilting his head, he went through them, taking each little one and popping it open. Person after person materialized in the library, standing motionless in front of him. One of them he didn't know, but remembered from the crowd. A young man with an axe. Blinking at them all, he decided to try something. Walking over to Razkar, he slowly waved his hand, willing the illusion to move. It did, walking where he directed. Nodding, he grabbed their books some more, reading through a few pages and generating a few more images. Equipping them, positioning them, moving them around. Bows, arrows, axes... and then there was the creature. He found a book for it too and summoned it, the monster hovering in the air with a roar. Now he was whispering something to himself. That drew a few glances. He organized them for what felt like hours. Moving them here and there, commanding them to do this and this. He had to imagine a lot of the abilities of his comrades, but he could simulate the monster fairly well. The wings would be one major problem. The horn, not too horrible. The teeth, bad. The bile it could spray? Pretty bad. Even when the caravan reached the proper location, Matthew was still silent and sitting. If she responded to his irritated growls, Isolde would be forced to sit with him for a bit longer as well. Eventually though, he would snap out of it, whispering his thanks to her and moving outside to stretch. He kept fairly alert the whole time, glancing around out of fear that the thing would just spawn. It would be a long day. --- A lot of people seemed to need some time to limber up, so he let them. After a couple of minutes though, he decided to try and take the lead. He didn't want to seem cocky or arrogant, but his mind was all he had. He needed to be assertive in putting it to use. All of the party would get a tap on the shoulder and a small motion, and Matthew made sure to grab the one with the axe that he had noticed before. The young one, Wade (though unknown to him). If he managed to get their attention and gather them in a circle (hopefully the others of the large group would take notice and perhaps stick their nose in), he spoke softly, matching the gaze of each one. "I am Matthew. I figured it best for us to introduce ourselves, and what we could do. In the interest of working as a team, or at least not getting in each other's way."

[Viper]

Viper, like the others, regarded the picture shown with some curiosity. He nodded his head with interest. Well, this was definitely not going to be like a Glassbeak hunt. He almost wondered if this was considerably more dangerous. Especially taking into account the fact that it could fly...and had a sort of ranged attack. Both unlike Glassbeaks. He found himself suddenly wishing he was with his fellow Drykas rather than a group he was completely unfamiliar with. Still they would have to make the best of the skills they had available to them. In his mind, he half wondered if the venom shot out was acidic at all…or if it was only directed to the eyes to induce blindness. As the group began to break up and move off toward the carriages, he figured it would be something he'd either ask later or just make extra certain he avoided completely. The latter probably being the wisest choice anyway.

A noticeable pause captured Viper as he looked uncomfortably at the offered carriages. A carriage was not a mode of transportation he was used to, nor one he particularly wanted to avail himself of. He was most comfortable astride his faithful Strider and friend Aeyan. However, he didn't want to appear rude. Nor did he want to appear aloof at all. Viper needed them to know he was apart of the team and willing to be there. Besides, he thought more enthusiastically trying to build up his interest in riding along. This was an opportunity to get to know his fellow hunters, possibly even glean more about their skills and possible tactics to use! So, tying up his horse to the back of the carriage, he hopped in.

Several agonizingly boring hours later…

Well…so much for getting to know each other and discuss tactics. Most everyone had seemed content to simply sleep or meditate the entire time! Unfortunately for him, Viper had no such ability to sleep in one of these things. When they finally arrived, his eagerness to exit the carriage was only surpassed by the woman who had been keeping company with the fierce one. She had seemed a little green, before falling asleep. If that was the case he could definitely understand her excitement about FINALLY arriving. Another thought quickly passed through his mind of what a strange pair they seemed to make. He began to wonder what race the man was. Especially when taking into account his various tattoos and piercings. Meh, details for another time perhaps. Giving her leave to exit first, he quickly followed her, stretching his legs happily as he too left.

It would appear Aeyan hadn't liked the trip either. Being tied to the back of a carriage and breathing dust the whole way apparently did not agree with him…at all! Aeyan seemed to almost look indignant as Viper approached to untie him. "Im sorry boy." He said genuinely in a soft voice to his horse as he ran a hand softly along his neck. "Don't worry. We won't be doing that again." A small chuckle escaped his lips as Aeyan gave a seemingly pleased nuzzle into him. "Alright. Let's see what we can do about getting rid of this beast. What do you say?"

Grabbing the reins, Viper walked on over back to the assembling group. Once again, the man dressed so fine seemed to take the lead in the group. It was intriguing to Viper. For a person who looked so ill equipped for this, he certainly seemed eager to lead things. He almost wondered if the man was some wealthy man's son. A person used to giving orders or being in charge. But his voice was notably too soft for someone from such a station. Strange. Not that the gesture bothered him at all. Besides, till now, the man had shown all the right intentions in his actions. As least as far as Viper was concerned. He was more just trying to figure everyone out. Like that red head with her...was that a whip? A slight smirk crept onto his face. This was indeed, without a doubt, the most colourful group of people he had ever been on a hunt with.

Upon hearing Matthews suggestion, an inward sigh of relief overcame Viper. Finally! What he wished they could have discussed all the way up here. Still, better late than never, he supposed. After pondering the thought for a moment, Viper spoke up next after removing the mask which had covered his face till now. "The name is Viper." He offered in a friendly yet unassuming tone. "I'm an able horseman, and a right decent shot with a bow. Not the best with a sword though. So I'll probably end up leaving the close quarters fighting to others. If it comes to that, that is." He stopped for just a moment as his mind went through a few of the possible strategies he had thought of on the trip up. "If needed, I'll also volunteer to be bait to lure the beast into a trap of some kind, if the group so chooses to follow that sort of path."

With his introduction complete, he simply waited for the others to respond.

[Isolde Seibold]

The picture of the beast was fearsome, but somehow Isolde was not moved. She simply looked at it, studying the creature, the features, matching them against whispered stories in her youth. The sketch gave no indication of size, but the Knight had said the Balicani was twelve feet in length. Not the biggest she had heard of. That was good. It would still be large, though, and would most definitely still be dangerous. But certainly it would not be the creature that travelers had claimed could zigzag like lightning from the sky and snatch up cows to carry away.

After that there was little else to do but load up and wait the ride out. The lucky ones --like Razkar-- could sleep, could dream away the time. The unlucky --like the girl next to the Myrian whom Isolde thought looked naggingly familiar-- seemed ill from the bumping of the ride. Then there were those caught somewhere in the middle of the scale, Matthew and Isolde, herself. Partners even here --as Matthew had pointed out with that reminder about her stuttering, earlier-- they positioned themselves back to back. Isolde soon learned that if she moved an inch the harlot would complain. So she simply stayed very still, an easy task for a Nuit, and mocked sleep by closing her eyes.

The Nuit could guess from Matthew's low muttering --something he sometimes did while thinking-- that he was planning. She took to her own preparations, trying to imagine in what way someone like her might possibly be useful.

Her Reimancy was her best option. But how to use it? She wasn't near skilled enough to reach out and simply pluck the wind from under the beast's wings... but might she be able to tip him? Or, if he got close enough... to keep him on the ground? Perhaps she might be able to knock him over with a particularly hard blast of wind. But she wasn't certain. She didn't want to come on this 'hunt' just to find herself completely useless. And she wouldn't delegate herself simply to bystander and organizer. Matthew had brains enough for that, on his own. So that meant she should try to figure out something else she could contribute.

Well... in this humble Nuit's opinion, grounding the creature would gain her side a key advantage in the fight. From the stories, the thing attacked by swooping down from the air and then flying back up where its enemies couldn't reach. If they could dissuade it from taking flight, then everybody would be able to surround it, pin it down, and chop it into little bits. But how to get him to stop flying in the first place?

Projectiles would have to be the answer. She had seen some in the group with different sorts of bows. But would arrows pierce its iron-like scales? Perhaps not... so the archers would have to aim for the wings. That would be the best bet. Thinner membranes, there, and no real protection... plus the wings were the key to its flight, of course, and if you injured those, tore them up... well, the Balicani would be forced to the ground...

...Where he would still be a formidable foe, with his spitting venom, natural protection, and not to mention the claws, teeth, and the sinuous, unpredictable motion he would most likely have when he moved. That had been another thing she remembered from the stories: a snake-like horror that moved like no natural creature, practically slithering along on its legs but with a graceful, deceptive gait. Looking as if it should be slower than it actually was, and with a flexible body that allowed it to snap and strike suddenly to the side as if boneless. Practically able to double-back on itself if needed, coiling for protection with its scales pointed out and its head tucked down, a defense mechanism that made it seem as impenetrable as a rock. The Nuit didn't actually know which stories were true and which were exaggerated... but regardless, even without flight the thing would be able to do a lot of damage.

So, once it was brought to the ground... then it would be wise to somehow restrict its motion. Going for the front legs would be the smartest, by her estimation. If someone could manage to land a crippling attack there, then the thing surely wouldn't be nearly as able to build up speed or perform to its full, lithe dexterity.

But how could it be safe for someone to get so close? The Balicani would spit venom on anyone who got near. So perhaps, even before they went for the legs they should... go... for the eyes, yes? Bows would, again, be helpful in that.

Hmm. And maybe... maybe Isolde, herself? But this time, not with flour. With stones.

The Nuit's teacher and companion, the Burned Man, hadn't been the best at wind Reimancy. In fact, he had hardly bothered to practice with that at all, preferring fire before it, and after fire, earth. But there had been times that he had used it, of course, teaching her... and one of his favorite punishments when she screwed up had been a silly sort of attack, launching a smooth stone through a hollow reed with a sharp blast of concentrated air.

But, actually... now that she thought about it, he had hunted that way too sometimes, hadn't he? He'd been able to take out squirrels without hardly any effort, knocking them from trees with precise shots. And once, even, she remembered that he had killed a deer with a perfect hit to the temple, a cracking shot of stone on skull. Though she supposed she hadn't actually seen him do that one himself and he might have just been telling a tall tale to impress her, as always, with his wind Reimancy 'prowess'.

Still. If a stone was enough to kill a small animal... then it would be enough to hit the Balicani, right, assuming she could gather the proper materials...? Not that such an attack would pierce its scales; if arrows wouldn't do that then she certainly couldn't. But, if aiming was as simple as the Burned Man had made it seem... then perhaps she might be able to take out an eye. That would do some harm and serve as an impediment, as well. Such an attack would also keep her out of range of the monster's venom spit and slashing claws and snapping jaws. And, another bonus, she didn't think it would take too much res to achieve her intended results.

When the cart finally stopped, Isolde flickered her eyes open and made to move out and start her search for what she needed. But the most miniscule of movements caused her partner to rumble out another irritated growl, and so the Nuit bided her time and stayed where she was, not having the need to stretch, eat, drink, or really refresh or relieve her body in any way. Finally, the escort stirred, offering thanks. Isolde gave a twitch of a smile, nodding, and then vanished out of the cart and into the nearest bushes, searching for an appropriate thicket of tall grass, or --even better-- a nearby stream.

Half a bell later and the Nuit reappeared, immediately zoning in on Matthew and heading over to him and the group he had managed to gather around him. The others were busy discussing, and so the Nuit listened quietly, trying to be unobtrusive, lurking behind the harlot's back like a shadow. All the while she was inspecting the neat little length of hollow reed she had cut free (extras shoved into her knapsack, of course). It was surprisingly thick and sturdy, which meant it was delightfully useful for her simple needs. Her right pocket had been stuffed full of appropriately-sized smooth pebbles, still wet from the bed of the trickling stream she had found rambling through the woods next to Evantide. Each stone had been carefully picked for size and shape, sure not to get caught in the narrow chute of the hollow grass.

Experimentally, the Nuit loaded in a shot and pressed her mouth to the other end. She took a deep breath, focusing her blue stare on a nearby tree... and then puffed out a lungful of misty-blue res, transmuting it as it came. The result was a quick, decisive shot of air, hammering through the grass with a fwumph... and the pebble rocketed out the end, soaring... straight past the tree, into the undergrowth. Unphased, Isolde loaded another pebble, sighting down the tube once more. This time she was able to hit the tree, the pebble bouncing off harmlessly, not strong enough to even chip the bark. Not enough power, then. She focused on adding more oomph and was soon rewarded for her efforts, leaving a mark on the tree with a crack. Now she could try her hand at aiming for the mark she'd left, going for accuracy.

Still considering the discussions of the group behind her, the Nuit continued her steady practice, glad for the moment to have something to do that might make her useful. It was just a happy coincidence that nobody seemed to notice that she was actually using Reimancy to launch her rocks, though Matthew probably would figure it out, or anyone else familiar with the use of magic and study of djed. Her Reimancy made the rocks explode from the end of the reed much faster than they would have normally, adding distance and making them a bit more of a hazard. She didn't have to worry about winding herself or having to focus on lung capacity, either; her use of res made up for that. Which meant that she could give her attention solely to aiming the thing. Giving her, too, time to try to figure out how else she might help, she with her little pea-shooter and her meager dagger skills.

[Sagitta]

When her mind recognized the rough sketch, Sagitta tensed. Her hands shook in a gentle tremor until she was forced to clasp it together. It was the monster that attacked Matthew and her in the Wildlands, the one they had barely escaped. And now she was heading off to hunt it down? She met the man's eyes worriedly.

As of now, she was already having second thoughts. She still needed the money, but remembering just how wild the Balicani was, she wondered if it would be worth it. The more optimistic side of her pointed out that she had survived it once - not much could claim the same thing. Sagitta was left bloody and barely standing, but alive. The girl could not claim any finesse from her part, just pure luck. Yet, she was following the other into the carriage, not leaving just yet. She wondered if she would regret the decision.

********

The whole journey inside the carriage, Sagitta fiddled with her necklace. It was an odd reminder of what happened out there in the wilderness. She wondered how was it that she was once again thrown into a situation involving this particular monster. No one really talked except for the big, intimidating man. The whole time, the Ethaefal fidgeted, unable to stand still - as of her very nature.

Her mind fretted while her fingers ran down the faint scar on her arm. The beast's horn had marked her and she will never be able to forget it. She forced herself to replay the attack from weeks ago again and again inside her mind, trying to study what she could use to her advantage. When the creature dived, it was still possible to evade it, if one was fast enough - same thing applies to its acid spit. What else? Think. Think.

When their ride finally stopped, Sagitta waited patiently, being one of the last people to leap down - in effort to calm her nerves. Bells of the ride had helped her certainly, but she was sure anyone who paid close attention would still be able to see the anxiety in her shining grey eyes. To distract herself, she started preparing - which mostly consisted of stretches, pulling at her muscles. She bent down, touching her toes with her fingers. She bent her body from side to side, trying get back the feeling after the long ride.

A red-headed woman with a whip and the man covered with tattoos. Matthew and the young girl with dark bags under her eyes. A man with a horse and a bow. And another man with an axe. Right then, she felt utterly helpless. This probably was not the best of ideas. What can she do to help amongst this group of fighters? She had hoped that her experience might contribute somehow. Even Matthew had figured something to do - which was leading them.

Summoning her courage, the Ethaefal cleared her throat. No going back now and while she was at it, she should at least look more confident. "My name is Sagitta. I'm . . . Like the man, Viper, I'll be willing to lure the beast out - I'm a decent freerunner and I can move fast if it comes down to it." The girl wasn't sure what else to say. She could not brag about her combat abilities - which happens to be nonexistent. With hesitation and a look at Matthew, she added, "I've encountered the Balicani before. Once in the Wildlands. Barely survived, but I did." She left out the harlot out of the equation for now, letting him explain himself if he wished.

[Wade]

Wade (the young one once again, not the prestigious knight in shining armor) sat quietly for the journey, head down and staring down into his lap. He had removed his axe, his bow, and his quiver from their resting places and laid them across his legs for convenience. Now, they offered him a distraction to contemplate. The axe was a little beaten and blunted from his fight not too long ago. He wondered why he hadn't gotten around to cleaning it yet. The bow, though, was still in fine shape since he'd cleaned off all the mud after retrieving it from the forest.

The arrows took some time to study as each had their own story. Some were sharp and shiny, arrows that had never seen use. A few had little bits of animal hair stuck in the head of the arrow, just behind the bladed tip. Each of them told of an animal that they'd taken down. Still others had a few bits of dirt on the shaft or arrowhead from being brutally misfired into some underbrush. A smile touched Wade's lips as he noticed that he had slain more bushes and trees than animals in his time in the wood.

Wade hoped that it was the monster that his arrows riddled this time instead of some random oak.

When they finally came to their destination, or at least as far as their carriages would carry them, everyone was busing themselves with their gear. Wade had packed lightly and it only took him a short time to get his bow and quiver back on his back and his axe back in his belt. His small backpack also found room on his back. He crossed his arms and waited for Ser Wade to set them off on the right path again.

He looked about and studied his comrades in arms. One in particular stood out to him; a large, strong looking man that could only be summed up with the word strange. Everything about him was foreign and felt dangerous. He matched descriptions given to him by friends at the tavern of a man named Razkar, a fighter that frequented the Fighters' Pit. They said he could beat a man to a pulp with any weapon, and one had told him that Razkar had once ripped a man in half. Not all stories were true, Wade knew, but he felt that whatever slack he made with his naivety would be picked up by this warrior.

Others of the group were getting their weapons out and swinging them about. Wade wondered if they were reassuring themselves that they were armed and dangerous. Ser Wade's description of what they were after had shaken Wade himself, so he could not blame them. One that stood out was a red-headed woman who was cracking a whip about. Wade's eyebrows furrowed at the odd choice of weapon. He did not think it would be as effective in combat as something like his battleaxe.

Wade was forced out of his thoughts suddenly as a man put a hand on his shoulder. He was a soft looking man, but he had an air of authority about him and the confidence to try to gather everyone together and organize the group. Wade joined the circle as he was bidden. He noted the man's name, though it meant nothing to him. Perhaps Matthew was a noble, or came from some noble family?

The first man to speak up was one that led a horse and seemed more of the worldly sort. He had a mask on his face but politely removed it before introducing himself. He was an archer and a horseman. Wade cocked his head as he wondered how good a shot this man was compared to himself. He shook the thought away and decided that if his arrows missed and this man's brought the beast down then all was well.

The next person to speak was a blond woman. She seemed a bit out of place and was apparently aware of it, judging by her manner and nervousness when she spoke. She did not seem to have any weapons but offered her services up as bait. Wade smiled at that thought, figuring that it was probably more brave to face a dangerous creature unarmed. He would not be able to do that.

Wade figured it was his turn to speak next, so he wet his throat. "My name is Wade, like our good knight leader. I will do whatever I can with my axe and my bow." He nodded, satisfied that he had said enough. He would leave the organization to Matthew and the battle planning to someone more experienced like Ser Wade or Razkar. He would just accept whatever role given to him and perform to the best of his abilities.

[Radiant]

"Alright! Men and women! We will be departing now!" Ser Wade shouted to the group, his voice firm and authoritative, befitting of a leader. He carried his longsword, shield, and a heavy crossbow on his back, his two knights companion also carried similar weapons, except they used ordinary crossbows instead. The group of hunters soon heard his command and flocked before him.

"Leave your mounts here, the mountain path would be too difficult for your horses and would just hinder us, besides, the Balicani would find a mounted man as a bigger and easier target. Believe me, you don't want to be the sole focus of its attention" Ser Wade then eyed the masked Drykas with his Strider "Yes, that includes you" a tinge bit of hate could be heard from his voice, The Drykas had been kidnapping and enslaving people from Syliras to bolster their ranks, Ser Wade himself had put down no less than five Drykas, decapitating them along with their blasted horses. However, he knew Viper was not one of those bastards, he may be a Drykas, but he acted like a Syliran so Ser Wade tolerated him.

After all of the hunters were gathered, Ser Wade faced Matthew and personally spoke to him "I assume you will lead your group competently, yes? Make sure the Myrian does not direct his rage against us, the Balicani is bad enough..." He then made the gesture and the group marched into the Mountains, east of the Evantide Outpost. Crossbows, bows, swords, axes, whips, and magics ready.

5 Bells Later... 15th of Bell, The Cobalt Mountains

The path to the mountains had been rather uneventful, but one couldn't help but feel the very tense atmosphere in the group. The beautiful wilderness with lush green trees and animals, both docile herbivores and fierce predators, held a hidden danger, a danger that...

"........." Ser Wade suddenly gestured for the group to stop and they all obliged, he then commanded all of them to lay prone on the ground. His gut feeling telling him something was near... and true enough, a loud roar and heavy sounds of flapping wings approached the group "It's near..."

Gulping sounds and heaved breaths could be heard from some of the hunters as the sounds grew louder and louder as the infamous monster flew pass them. Its majestic emerald scales and wing membranes decorated the sky, covering the group in its massive shadow. Its twelve-feet length body, powerful jaws, razor sharp talons and horn, powerful tail, and the dreadful venomous spit brought fear except to the bravest (or stupidest) of men and women.

"A...a... AAAAAAAAH!" A hunter foolishly decided to abandon ship and make a run for his life, he screamed, stood up, and ran for his life. A very bad decision considering the monster flying above them.

"No, you fool!!" Even Ser Wade couldn't contain his frustration. He knew what would come next... any decent men would.

*ROAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!*

The branches and leaves shook at the terrifying loud roar then the air themselves seemed to turn sickly thick and sharp as the Balicani suddenly folded its wings and swooped down, grabbed the running hunter, and took off to the sky. The hunter screams went quieter and quieter until... it went louder again as his body fell down from the sky, crashing violently into the ground, crunching sound of broken bones could be heard. He died instantly, bringing a legacy of doom to the rest of the party.

OOC Info and Fight BGM :

Medieval 2: Total War OST - Duke of Death

Alright! The first part of the battle is on! Note that the Balicani would spit venom from the sky and occasionally dive-bombs, carrying some men, crush them with its talons, and dropped them like insects. Feel free to RP that.

You guys need to damage its wing membranes with your ranged weapon first to forcefully ground it. Depending on how well you guys do, my next reply would be the ground battle or the Balicani escaping and you guys have to chase it.

For the post, you can begin with your reaction to Ser Wade's speech, travelling into the mountains, meeting the Balicani, and fighting it. Remember that the longer and more detailed your posts are will reward you with more XPs and lores.

Now, get out there and fight!

It came back, of course it would, it got more insects invading its kingdom. The male Balicani's shadow loomed over to the party again as it circled the sky.

"Disperse! Disperse! Take cover behind the trees! AND SHOOT! IT DOWN!!" Ser Wade commanded, he and his two knights stood up and immediately ran for cover, readying his their crossbows. He just hoped that the rest of the group wasn't a major imbecile like the now dead hunte- no more like, a major pain in the arse.

"Shoot the wings! Shoot the wings! Bring this beast to the ground!" At his command, the knights and hunters began their assault at the flying serpent, targeting its wing membranes. The heavy down wind created by its flapping wings didn't help the accuracy of the arrows and bolts, but they had no choice.

*SPURT!! SPURT!!*

"TAKE COVER!!"

*PSSSSSH!*

"Aaaaaaah! Aaaaaa-" *THUD* Such was the fate of a hunter who got hit by its acidic venom spit, his flesh literally melted and became one with the sick green goo, the Balicani's venom. It couldn't really aim accurately as it was flying, but the sheer amount and spread of the poison was enough for it to somehow hit a motionless target.

"Don't stay! Keep moving! One hit from that venom and you're DEAD!!" Ser Wade commanded, the group would have to balance between taking cover when it dive-bombed and moving when it was about to spurt its venom "When it opens its mouth at you! Don't just stand there! DODGE!"

[Edreina]

Edreina joined the group as introductions were being made, head cocked to the side as she memorized names, skills... as much as she could. When they were fighting together, they would need to know who would be doing what and how skilled they would be in that aspect. When there was a pause in conversation, Edreina decided it might as well be her turn. "My name is Edreina Whitewave of the Anchorage Flotilla," there was a small, prideful smile as the Svefra mentioned her heritage, "I'm not much of a fighter, as I'm sure you can tell," she shrugged, causing the length of whip over her shoulder to glitter in the sunlight, "But I do what needs to be done. I can distract the creature and watch your back... I will do what I can with this, but I'm afraid I won't be much use to y'all unless we end up in the earth's belly." The statements were made not for pity, but to make sure everyone was aware of her limits. She did not want someone to begin relying upon her when she could not fulfill their request. As the last introductions were made, Edreina nodded and took a step back, preparing to continue her practicing. She wanted to make sure that she was as familiar with her weapon as she could before the time came to fight.

"Alright! Men and women! We will be departing now!"

Well, looks like she would just have to hope that she was adequately prepared. As they set off, Edreina found herself walking next to Razkar, whether by divine intervention or the Myrian simply being protective of her. Either way, it made her feel a bit safer, especially when the tawny hide of some large cat skulking along a rocky ledge, likely wondering why so many two-legs had come into its territory.

As they walked, Edreina found herself admiring their surroundings, simply because they were so different from what she was accustomed to. Everything was moving and alive in ways she could not even begin to fathom. Little creatures constantly leapt about, chittering to one another, gazing fearfully up at the war party; lizards with hides that changed colors crawled along the stony walls around them; brave birds occasionally divebombed a hunter as it came too close to their nest, screeching and cawing. The redhead was so absorbed in her surroundings that when she accidentally bumped into Razkar, she started to the side with a surprised look on her face, before grinning at him. Being in the wilderness like this, with him, reminded her of-

She went back to looking at her surroundings with a faint pink blush. Abruptly, an idea came to mind that she had not considered. Years of searching through dim caves had given Edreina a knack for finding things if she knew what to look for. Grinning broadly, Edriena bounded over to Matthew and asked him if there were any plants she should be looking out for, plants that would help people afterwards. If he said yes, she would ask for a description of said plants before bounding about in search of a sample to bring to him, to confirm the identity of, before stuffing it into her pack and going off in search of more. When each sample was collected, the Svefra was careful, grasping the plant by the stalk with her thumb and pinky so that, just in case, she would not be too badly affected by a bad plant. Redhair flew like a pennant behind the woman, bouncing about playfully despite how it was plaited and bound by a yellow bandanna.

She would search a short distance from the train of humans, keeping them carefully in sight as she gathered as much of each as she could, going as far as to even gather large clumps of moss - of which there was a copious amount around them, clinging onto the sides of rocks - to staunch bleeding as she had seen done on the decks of ships where gauze would always end up waterlogged and useless as it sat below deck while moss would flourish. Eventually her fingers were stained a bright green and smelled of earth. To some, it would have been odd that a woman of the sea, a woman who often tripped over the flat planes of Syliras' streets could bound so surefootedly on such odd, rocky surfaces, but Edreina had learned how to safely navigate stone. Occasionally, she would slip on a patch of gravel, leap onto a stone that wobbled so badly she had to move on quickly, but over all she was rather coordinated in the mountains.

And then all hell broke loose.

She saw the rest of the troupe hit the ground and immediately did the same, despite being unable to hear whatever command had brought it. There was a thud in the air, and a series of smaller ones echoing in her chest, choking away her breath as she saw the Balicani for the first time. It was grabbing a man and then it was gone again. And then the man crashed into the earth with a sickening crunch, causing bile to rise in Edreina's throat, her heart to stammer out a statement of fear.

Across the small, open area that separated Edreina from the rest of the group, Edreina's terrified blue gaze sought out Razkar's ebony one. From him she would be able to find solace and strength, the will to stand and fight despite how badly her hands and knees shook. She watched from her prone stance as the archers commenced their attack, firing volley after volley at the creature. Some struck home, embedding themselves in scaly underbelly or sailing through wing membrane. But most of them were blown off course by the harsh winds created by the creature's flight.

A man was turned into a puddle by the creature's foul breath, and everyone started to move, a flurry of human motion that distracted the creature for a moment. That was until some swordsman took the opportunity to run at the creature's side with his sword. The moment he got close, a serpentine head snapped around to capture the human, silencing him with a harsh thrash.

Moving as quietly as she could, Edreina shoved her pack under a rocky outcropping and uncurled her whip from about her shoulder, cringing as the metal teeth clattered on the rocks. The arrows were injuring the creature, but not quickly enough to bring it to the ground before it got smart and flew away to lick its wounds. After one of its vicious, dive-bombing attacks, the creature continued a flight path that carried it over her head and away. She only had a few ticks.

As fast as she could, the redhead took off across the opening, feet remaining wondrously beneath her as she ran, attempting to meet the main group.

Thwump! Thwump! Thwump!

The Balicani's approach was further signaled as Edreina watched a flurry of feather-fletched arrows cut a path over her head. It was coming. And she was out in the open. Terrified instinct took over and Edreina dropped to the ground the instant that claws filled the air that she had just occupied. Edreina was shocked and surprised to see the creature's odd shadow soar over her-

And begin to wheel about, coming back for the exposed woman.

The creature was snarling and angry at all the intruders tromping through its territory as it circled around towards her again, neck arching as it began to build up its thick, acidic bile. Eyes wide and horrified, Edreina ran for shelter behind the nearest tree, which placed her a fair distance from the main force, still. As she managed to get out of its way, the creature thought better of landing to tear the forest apart and take down the flighty woman who had managed to escape its claws. Now was not the time for petty vengeance. There were many enemies still looking to pierce its dazzling hide. There were more enemies for it to kill, yet.

The battle raged for a moment without the redhead's watchful gaze, a man's hoarse, dying cry rent the air and Edreina peered out of her cover to locate its source. No sooner than her head peered out Edreina saw the creature arcing its neck to shoot forth another tongue of foul bile. As she took cover once again, she heard the now distinct hiss of tree being consumed and melted away.

She had been in one place for too long. Edreina stepped out and started to break cover, to head for the next, when suddenly she saw a man fall to the ground, one of the knights. He looked dazed and was taking a moment to stand up, injured appearance attracting the attention of their enemy. As Edrina watched, the Balicani was moving in with its flashing claws, its piercing teeth. The man was skilled with the sword that had clattered feet away from him. They needed him. Edreina reacted without thinking.

Bursting from her cover, Edreina screamed at the creature in her native Fratava, cracking the whip in the air over her head while waving her free arm.

The Balicani turned, slitted eyes narrowed at the small prey that had escaped its claws and was now taunting it. Instead of grabbing the man on the ground, it turned sharply and began to rush at the woman. The fire-headed creature's sharp tongue lashed in the air with a crack, causing a ferocious growl to ripple from between the Balicani's lips. It would rip out that tongue and then sink its claws into her belly.

As the creature turned on her, Edreina started to sprint towards cover, glancing over her shoulder as the Balicani moved in. It was so close to locking its jaws around the dancing flashing tip of her pelt when suddenly, a hunter took advantage of the creature's distraction to strike it from behind. Again the creature whirled but this time, it managed to get Edreina with the hard end of its tail. The blow was so swift and unexpected when it caught Edreina in the gut that it blew her backwards, sending her skidding on her back until a tree stopped her, sending a sharp jolt of pain lancing down from her skull into her spine.

For a tick, the redhead simply lay there, unable to move or even breathe because of the pain. But that was the best way to truly die, really. Groaning, she rose onto her hands and knees, one arm about her aching midsection, and crawled behind a tree, teeth gritting against the pain. She breathed fast and deep, fighting back tears.

C'mon, Edreina... You've been through worse. This is nothing. Get up and get back out there! In spite of her thoughts, Edreina sat there for a minute longer, slowing her breath, stilling her trembling limbs, willing the pounding to leave her skull. A sharp rock had caught her hip, slicing it open, sending hot blood dribbling down her leg. It burned, but she could still walk, or at least she hoped she could.

Once control of her body was regained, Edreina reached down for her whip and-

Her whip!

It had been knocked from her hands when she was hit by the Balicani and now lay out there, out of her reach. What could she do without a weapon?! Edreina pulled herself to her feet with the help of the tree's support and began to scan the battlefield for her weapon, as well as for an indicator of her company's condition. To her dismay, about half of their original number still stood.

Did they truly have any hope of beating a creature so fierce? Terrified blue eyes sought out Razkar, fear for the wellbeing of someone other than herself returning as she remained sheltered behind the tree. Myri guide us...

[Razkar]

As was his way, the Myrian stayed quiet and watchful when the rest of them had their brief little mingling. Calm black eyes roved over the young, short-haired male... the half-hooded "Viper" (and if Razkar had a better knowledge of reptiles, he might have found that funny)... Matthew, smooth and confident even in the wilderness, far his usual perfumed haunts... a pair of blonde females, one of whose mannerisms were eerily familiar...

Words were spoken and exchanged; introductions, he knew, but he stayed out of it, keeping close to Edreina, mouth moving silently now and then. Only a close observer would have noticed what it was.

Freerunner... freerunner... freerunner...

Volunteer... volunteer... volunteer...

Razkar's Common was improving, but he never missed a chance to learn new words, and he always liked to hear plans being tossed around. Then again, he knew they wouldn't need to think of one. Ser Wade and his duo, stern and unyielding as the rising peaks they nestled under, wouldn't have dragged two-dozen or so people out here without some kind of strategy in mind. All Razkar had to worry about was his own survival, and Edri's protection.

But, since they were swapping ideas...

"Men with bows, crossbow... way to shoot things?" He started, heedless of the few frowns at his butchered Common. "They do first part. Bring creature down. Then, men who are better at close, with blades? They finish. Surround and kill, bit by bit. Not rush in with big monster like that. Come too fast, too close, thing petching eat you. Rest..."

His calculating expression took in the few members who were less-skilled... which, unfortunately, included Edreina. But... hadn't he pledged himself to this quest? Not just his blade and body, which were just the means, but his mind, too? He had. So...

"... better as distraction. Or bait. Draw monster close so we can shoot." A look flashed across Edreina's face and Razkar hastily added. "But may not come to that. Sure that Knight has plan..."

"Alright! Men and women! We will be departing now!"

Apparently, he was correct, and the Knight did... and it involved a lot of walking.

----------

"So... you sure about your woman?"

It was more bells than Razkar would have cared to count before anyone so much as said over a handful of words to him. Most of the time it was "mind your step" or "did you see that?" and these were queries answered easily enough. The landscape seemed only to stoke that boredom.

Edreina seemed fascinated, though. Everywhere she looked was another green-coated wonder, from the birds and insects to prowling furry things above them and the distant calls and growls that echoed around the rocks. Razkar's face, however, was a set mask.

Just another mountain path. He'd seen them before. And he needed to keep his mind on the hunt, which leads us neatly to...

"What you mean?"

The bearded human whose name he didn't even know, who'd sidled up to him to easily when Edreina had broken off to collect plants, kept his voice low and that just angered the Myrian more.

"Your woman, she's... a little touched, don't you think?" Black eyes flared and the next words came tumbling out faster. "N-No offence, friend, j-just concerned ab-bout the-"

"She will do fine." Razkar rasped out in a growl that made his accent sound like stoned scraping together. "Not her first time making hunt. Certain not mine. Not ask question. Use eyes and ears here, not petching mouth."

Mister Beard found the balls to at least scowl back halfheartedly and say one more time, a little louder: "I don't want to die because of some girl who thinks she's on a nature trail-"

The last word was choked off as a dark blur jerked upwards, grabbed him my the lapel of his chainmail and jerked him close, Razkar's hot breath suddenly stinking up his nose and his deep, empty black eyes becoming his whole world.

"Rather die because insult Myrian's woman?"

"Enough, back there!"

Both of them cast a glance at the Knight up ahead; not Wade, one of the others, just as stern and stone-faced. Razkar wondered idly if they manufactured those expressions when one was finally knighted and they just stuck them onto the new blood's faces. Wouldn't surprise him; barbarians were strange people.

Razkar held on for half a tick longer, then shoved Mister Beard away. The human staggered, huffed, tried to puff out a chest that was more flab than muscle, then scuttled away, to where, Razkar gave not a fuck. He even gave the knight a smile, a jaunty little wave.

"Keep your peace, Myrian. Save it for the monster."

"And for you, boy."

"What was that?"

"Blessing to Myri, friend..."

Both knew he was lying, but neither had time to prove it. They marched on. After another thousand boring steps, Razkar started to get the inkling - the shadow of one - that the human might have had a point. Edreina was bouncing around like a rubber ball, hardly focusing on the horizon, the skies, the cliffs above them. She was looking at the ground.

Picking flowers.

We already have healing kits. The knights never go anywhere without them and I petching don't. Damnit... you have to pull her into line.

He opened his mouth to do just that, just as their little group crested a rise, Matthew apparently in the lead, Viper and Wade behind him, the two blondes... damn it, what were their names... at the back and the Myrian and the Svefra in the-

Then Ser Wade's arm went up, and his jaw snapped shut. Trouble. Flashes of skirmishes in choking jungle, started off by silent hand signals. Orders in Myrian that went through his mind even though executed by a human, and so far away from Falyndar.

A hand gesturing to the ground... and Razkar sunk down with the rest of them-

-and then, the Balicani stained the sky and blotted Syna with its horror.

"Goddess..."

The picture was a picnic compared to the reality. Very little of the creature save for the bat-like wings were mammalian to Razkar's eyes. Scales the size of his head gleamed sickly in the sun, drool dripped and stretched from jaws like a shark that Razkar had seen in the Suvan once. Eyes colder and blacker than any hawk's stared down at them from the end of a sinuous, swaying neck that brought back more images of the hated Dhani.

Razkar stared up and controlled the primal urge to run for the darkest corner he could find. Mister Beard was not so disciplined, jumping to his feet with a squeal of horror and running, ignoring Ser Wade's desperate calls-

Fool.

Razkar gritted his teeth against the stench of rotting meat as the Balicani swooped with all the speed and grace of any feathered raptor, ripping the air apart as it passed, ignoring the prone bipeds for the running snack-

Beard struggled but not for long, body pierced and blood pouring from the wounds and then from the sky as it carried him up and up and-

-dropped him. Razkar watched him fall like a flailing toy tossed by an angry god, fall and scream and beg and no-one answered him. Not until whatever god that owned the earth reached out and hugged him to it.

Or vice versa. Either way, the fat man wasn't that fat because he bounced once, and Razkar swore he heard half the bones in his body break on impact. Then we was very still, and the beast wheeled about, roaring its hunger at the rising humans-

"Disperse! Disperse! Take cover behind the trees! AND SHOOT! IT DOWN!!"

Yeah, like Razkar needed to be told that. Anything out in the open under that monstrous shadow might as well have had basting sauce slathered over it. Either you got out of cover or you died, it was that simple. He ran for the trees and their protective canopies along with the rest, hunting party scattering like bugs under an upturned stone, bow pulled and arrow notched by the time he stopped at a trunk, eyes flashing upward-

It wasn't hard to miss. The steady whomp-whomp of its massive wings drew the ear immediately, and the sheer mass of it, circling like some demonic vulture was unmistakable.

Razkar raised his bow, pulled back the string taut until the feathered end touched his cheek.

Broad arrowhead. Not piercing like the thinner one he'd shown Edreina: flat, wide, designed to spin through the air and rip a gaping hole in whatever it struck. And against those thin membranes, they would be devastating.

Yes. But first you have to hit it.

The Myrian breathed steady, willing the tremor from his grip, knowing it would ruin his shot. The beast was circling lower, sharp eyes picking out prospective morsels. A hundred feet... getting closer...

He squinted down the length of the arrow. Felt his gnosis massage his limbs as Myri's latent power still his limbs, assisted his aim even as his own will did the same. The gently-quivering arrow steadied as he took one more breath, held it, just as the beast's wings rose-

-he loosed-

-the arrow flashed from the shortbow, hurtled through the sky and ripped through the wide part of the wing, tearing a fist-sized chunk of membrane out of it. He was aiming for the largest part of the wings, knowing his skills were not so sharp that he could make precision shots; he might as well give the bow to Edreina for-

Edri?!

"EDREINA?!"

His cry split through the jabbering cries of the hunters and the sky-splitting shrieks of the Balicani, eyes once focused and cold now wide with fear. Goddess, why didn't he keep an eye on her? Wasn't that what he swore to himself he would do?! No matter, find her, find her-

-still in the open. Prone. Helpless.

A shock of red hair announced her presence and a new lair of horror was added to Razkar's nightmare. What if the creature was attracted to that color, like many animals seemed to be? But for the moment, the massive airborne serpent with the legs of a lizard was distracted by the bolts and arrows biting out at it from the trees.

Razkar saw a dozen or more hunters loosing arrows from cover, Ser Wade and his knights laying down fire with their crossbows.

"Shoot the wings! Shoot the wings! Bring this beast to the ground!"

The first volley was ragged, fearful, the hunters still shocked and gripped by fear. Many went wide but then they remembered themselves, remembered they were in cover and they were the hunters, gods-damnit, not the reverse! Now a steady stream of projectiles whistled and snapped at the beast, many missing, some punching through membranous flapping wings, slamming into scaly flesh.

Razkar swallowed heavily as he saw some actually glance off those scales, turned away as plate-armored knight would a pebble from a sling. But they were in cover, it couldn't-

Then the creature convulsed, neck arching, trembling like its guts were heaved up, flung its jaws open wide enough to bite the head from a horse-

*SPURT!! SPURT!!*

"TAKE COVER!!"

*PSSSSSH!*

Razkar's blood ran cold at what he saw when the green, smoking tide was belched forth and soaked a hunter who'd strayed too far from cover. The Myrian had seen Dhani rip apart his own race in battle; he'd seen Yukmen devour warriors while the victim still roared and beat on them with bloody fists; he'd seen Zith fill the night skies and screech like harpies as they dove and flung flame from the darkness.

But he had never... never seen this.

"Myri..."

The human... he didn't fall. He melted. He collapsed at the level of his flesh, every part of him eaten by the bubbling evil until his anguished scream was cut off as his vocal chords were incinerated. His body became that which made it: an abomination, without form or any sign that it had, in fact, been a man.

I have to get her.

Even as he broke from cover the beast's head whipped around and there was a sickening crunch, jaws punching through the armor and flesh of foolhardy sword-swinger like he was a hunk of moldy bread. A fresh barrage of arrows chased the creature as it tailed off into the sky, gusts of wind in its wake, throwing off the sharpened projectiles, soaring up... building up speed for another-

Faster!

He pelted closed, notching an arrow on the run, seeing the Balicani turn back to them, building up impossible speed for something so huge and grotesque. Then his blood froze again, his limbs became as lead even as he ran, seeing Edreina get to her feet, whip in hand, sprinting for the group.

"Edri?!" He all but screamed, stopped briefly to throw up his bow as the creature dived, slvering mouth screeching as its claws extended. "Get-"

She was already down, throwing herself flat as Razkar bought up his bow, drawing back the bow and aiming in front of the Balicani, snapping off an arrow-

-that went wide, huge target still a hugely mobile target, but the claws grasped nothing but air and with and angered roar it flew straight into a horde of fresh arrows from its front, new holes torn in its precious wings, scaring it back to the sky.

She got up and ran in a flash, Razkar rushing to intercept her, head snapping from her running form to the circling monster, whirling back to then, spoiled for targets and morsels littering its territory. Another piercing screech rolled over them and set their ears to ringing. Anger. Pure, animal indignation that they would dare trespass here.

What the petch did they think they were?!

Some measure of relief coursed through the Myrian as Edreina finally got to cover, ducking behind a tree and out of sight-

-as he was suddenly in the open-

"FUCK!"

-and leaped behind a boulder maybe thirty feet from the treeline, another broad-headed arrow notch, neck craning around for that shadow, those beating wings.

A scream of agony that ended in a blood-strangled gurgle. He peeked over his rock and a thick stream of green bile was splashed across a length of trees, blackening, burning, dissolving bark and wood and leaves-

-and flesh, as another hunter flailed madly, half his body decaying hideously in a matter of seconds as he beat madly at an arm that was already rotting away from him.

One of the knights roared some oath to the Windoak (at least Razkar assumed that was whom it was to), charging from cover at the creature's flank, sword raised high-

-only for the Balicani to contemptuously flick him aside with a blow from its massive tail, sending him clattering to the ground, sword spinning away. Claws scraped against the stone as the beast reared about to face the prone human, jaws wide and screeching, front claws rising to lay open plate armor like tissue-

When a flaming-haired vision ran from cover, whip cracking with a metallic whine over her head and oaths that would have her parents scolding her for decades hurtling from her lips.

"Oh, for fuck's sake!"

The Balicani turned to the fresh target, this new fixation for its rage, and... remembered. The worm that had turned - or dropped, more accurately - and defied its claws. Well, that wouldn't happen a second time. It didn't lope as a four-legged creature did, but scuttled more like a lizard, body jerking side to side as it ran for her, wings pulled back to make it faster-

Razkar jerked upright from cover, bow raised at a much closer and easier target, just as Edreina started to run-

-aimed with a squint for the fat rear of the beast-

-and heard it hiss its pain as the arrow buried into its scales, pain enough to send it spinning round-

-tail smashing Edri from her feet.

"BASTARD!"

Now it was Razkar's turn to feel rage absorb and eclipse all other emotions. Even as the Balicani turned to him, terrible visage fixed on his smaller form, he notched a fresh arrow, feeling the different fletching that told him it was one of those thin, hard, armor-defeating arrows-

"Come on, you fucking shit ball..."

He spat out a curse as he raised it, Balicani started to move fast, but head still, focused on its target. He aimed down the arrow and loosed, gnosis on his neck bellowing its approval as the wicked piercing arrow lodged in the creature's scaly neck, sending it rearing back in agony-

-as yet more arrows found it, hunters taking advantage of the grounded and scuttling monster to bury a dozen arrows in its side, bolts thudding through scales and piercing organs, the beast's head turning to screech at them as if doing so alone would stop them-

-neck convulsing in a now-familiar way-

RUN!

Even through his rage, Razkar knew he was not fire-proof, and no amount of skill with a blade would ward off or defeat that burning spray. Legs pumping, joints aching already, he sprinted for the trees, hearing a belch that sounded like a cauldron being emptied-

-as he leaped, arms flung out, body almost horizontal as if he was diving into the Suvan-

-felt the heat from the stinking, searing effluence as it tracked him every inch of the way, scorching his breeches-

-soaking the tree he dived behind, destroying bark in moments, but giving him a tick to crash to the ground without fear of his flesh melting away. Panting, chest scratched and pierced by thorns and brambles, Razkar grunted, hauling himself upright.

The knight's right. Keep moving. Switch cover. Don't be an easy target. And find that fucking Svefra!

The Myrian crouched low and flitted through the treeline, passing hunters behind cover that alternately snapped off arrows and bolts or cursed him for not doing the same, ignoring them all. He'd seen where she'd gone back to cover.

Well, not "gone". More like "smacked". He knew the impact could have caused real damage, broken ribs and mangled insides. Razkar felt fear make his feet light and dull his pain, skidding to a halt behind a tree when he saw a shock of red hair leaning against it.

"Edri?!" He looked her up and down a half-dozen times, neck like a piece of rubber, free hand running across her and finding a bruise the size of a watermelon spreading over her side. "Stay here!"

He peered around the tree and saw the Balicani start to whap-whap-whap its wings again, many more holes in it than before, realizing to stay low would only doom it faster against these ground-based vermin. He notched a hasty arrow, heedless of what it was, tracked it as it rose... loosed-

-missed again. He gritted his teeth and covered his body with hers, shielding her even though they were both in the cool shade of the trees.

"Need to wait until it come back to ground." He growled, eyes not leaving the circling shadow. "Hit from back or side... better from back. Finish close... or hope one of others puts arrow in its petching skull."

[Viper]

Finally, the call to move out had been given. A slight bit of nervousness was beginning to build within Viper. His gut told him this was not going to be easy...even despite the number of men here. Trained troops were few, the inexperienced many. And once one ran out of fear, it tended to cause more to break ranks and head for the hills. Teamwork and determination were what was going to carry the day. And that was still something to be seen.

He began to mount up, when he heard the sharp order from Ser Wade to leave the horses behind. Stopping in mid-climb, he shot a surprised look back at the Knight. Why in Mizahar had the man allowed him to bring his mount all the way out here, if he couldn't even use it!? What, so if he fell, it would make it easy for the survivors to get first dibs on him? The logic then presented to the group was undeniable, it still just...bugged him. Then came a rather unpleasant comment directed straight to himself. Viper's eyes narrowed as he glared at the Knight. As if he had done absolutely anything other than be obliging to every order to warrant such a slight. No matter how small. He hesitated a moment longer, before cracking his neck and lowering himself back down to the floor. With a slight bow, he said simply, "Very well...Ser, Wade." His tone held a slight bit of sarcasm in it. Although Viper could understand the Knights dislike of Drykas, especially considering recent events. He still believed, one should save an attitude like that for those that earned it. Even moreso and "honourable" Knight. Well this was going just swell so far.

Tying up Aeyan once again to the back of the carriage, he bid his friend a quick good bye, and rejoined the group. He pulled his bow from off his back along with an armour piercing arrow. They weren't about to fight, but he couldn't help but feel the need to be prepared. As they walked Viper, quietly eyed each member of the team. Taking small mental notes of how each interacted with the other. One person with enough energy for two people, caught his eye for a moment. Having spent much time in the forests surrounding Syliras of late, he didn't find every single sight nearly as fascinating as the one who called herself Edriena seemed to. Still he found her buzzing around the woods collecting little odds and ends items to be almost...cute, if a little unfocused.

It was then he noticed a small interchange of words between the Myrian and one of the knights. Being not far behind them, he almost laughed at the brazen comments being directed to the fierce one about "his" woman. Then the knight was seized. Instinctively, Viper moved to knock his arrow into place, but checked the motion, instead opting to simply watch how it played out.

It would seem peace between the men would reign a little longer. But Viper shook his head in dismay. So much for teamwork. This was very much looking to him like an "every man for himself" sort of an operation. Still, they pressed onward.

Eventually they came to a part of the woods that began to make the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. The birds...why did he no longer hear the sound of birds? Not only that. But the buzz of activity they had seen with the animals just a short distance farther back, had also seemed to vanish. His nervous eyes began to scan the area more closely as he finally finished the action he checked earlier. His arrow hadn't been put into place for more than two seconds before Ser Wade's hand shot up, ordering the group to stop, and then lay down. Viper frowned again and looked around to see if anyone was as surprised as he. Out in the open, the man wants us to lay prone right after he believes he may have found their target?

Viper hesitated, but eventually did as he was ordered. As long as he did what everyone else did...he had only a 1 in 15...er 20? chance of being chosen to be the monsters first choice morsel. This thought however, did not seem to occur to one man. No, this man instead chose to run the moment their prey had finally revealed itself. Although the mans instant cowardice took Viper by surprise considering how far they had come, he raised his bow toward the creature AFTER it had flown over his head and toward the retreating hunter. Viper loosed his arrow, hoping against hope, the single projectile would be enough to distract the beast long enough for the hunter to escape.

But it was not meant to be. A sudden flap of its wings sent a downdraft strong enough to alter his arrows trajectory. It went sailing past its target harmlessly, leaving the poor, stupid hunter to his regrettable fate.

After witnessing the final moments of the first victim to fall, Viper heard the first orders being barked at them from Ser Wade. Shoot it down...thank you Ser Obvious. He muttered quietly under his breath as he leapt to his feet and made a break for the tree line. It didn't take him long to reach cover. And he managed to pull another arrow and arm his bow just in time to look up and see the beast claim its next victim. He winced noticeably as he saw what was once a man, suddenly turned into a pool of green goo. A moment later he shook his head. Ok...so acidic venom it is. He thought to himself recalling his earlier question he never got around to asking.

All hell seemed to break loose, and just as Viper had suspected, everyone began to fight as though they were single man armies. No real coordination of efforts, especially at first. As men fell, he held off firing arrows at every opportunity so that he could study the creature for just a bit. Conserve his ammunition, see its tactics for himself, and try to find a weakness...or at least determine what should be taken out first.

Many focused on the animals wings in an attempt to ground it. But even grounded that spit would keep any would be butcher at bay. Viper was about to run out to get the creatures attention when the Balicani seemed to be already distracted by none other than the cheery woman with the whip. A moment later, Razkar darted past him charging full speed to the woman's aid. Although he understood why, the man blind actions to be by her would probably only lead to both their deaths. Not wishing to lose two more members of the team, and by appearances, the best fighter they had outside the Knights, Viper too, charged close behind the man to try and offer some sort of cover fire while he no doubt attended the Edreina.

Arriving just a couple seconds behind him, he yelled out commandingly, but hoping Razkar would only see it as him trying to help. "You help her! I'll cover you both! Then get back here and help me!" With a point of his finger toward Edriena, he patted the man on the shoulder somewhat firmly trying to stress that he could trust Viper to cover his back and not run like the first coward did. Viper had after all faced off vicious flying enemies before...just...not this large, or with acid for spit. Still, Razkar didn't know that.

With Edriena down, and two other possible targets now seemingly unprepared, the Balicani saw a possible opportunity lying there. Making a break for the sky once again, it circled till it lined itself up for an attack run. Viper needed to cover his team members, but also take out its ability to spit venom. Watching on with growing worry as the beast moved for them, a thought suddenly pinged off in his head. It was a long shot...but perhaps it was crazy enough to work.

With only seconds to spare, Viper removed his cloak and held it in his left hand along with his bow. With his right hand, he drew back the arrow once more and aimed for the incoming monsters head. Beginning to look like an overgrown pincushion, the monster growled angrily at Viper's seeming defiance and swooped down quickly toward the trio.

"Just a few more ticks....almost there..."

Just as the creature began to open its mouth to launch its most devastating attack on them, Viper loosed another armour piercing arrow. It streaked through the air with breathtaking speed. A moment later, a pained and deafening roar emanated from the animal as Viper's arrow this time found it's target, sinking deep into the monsters throat and at least temporarily cutting off his ability to spit more acid at them.

In the same fluid movement, Viper threw up his cloak and ran like hell back to Razkar and Edreina and away from the falling acid storm. What venom that did manage to be launched forth however, impacted the cloak and fell harmlessly to the floor. Turning the piece of cloth quickly into another puddle of goo.

The Balicani meanwhile, thrown off kilter by the stunning hit, smashed into a tree and then to the floor. Though Viper could not tell if it was dead, grounded, or merely reeling for another round. Quite frankly, he didn't much care at the moment. He was just glad to still be alive for a few more chimes. He did eye the warrior and the fiery red head who herself had still shown surprising courage thus far, to see if they were still capable to carry on or not. Their answer would determine his next course of action after all.