Closed Nothing But Crows (Saxani)

[Kalesserimamoru]

Timestamp 58th of Fall 513 AV


Mamoru slithered through the training area in Dhani form still carrying the heavy weighted belt over his shoulder. He was working but the Dhani did enjoy showing off his new gold, and also daring anyone to try and wrestle it away from him.


Not all liked, or believed the tales, but no one could deny the fact that he was in possession of the belt and that so far all who had tried to best him and take it away hadn't done so. The trickster was shaping himself up to be someone of note and well worth the gossip that surrounded him.


But even he had to work, stay in shape, and continue to evolve his techniques and abilities to better himself. They faced an impossibly unstoppable enemy but that didn't mean the guards of the nest could just settle for being less. Mamoru slithered around the cave going passed the wrestling pits and elevated areas to where he could get in a workout.


There were other guards around, a group getting together to practice tactical assaults and weaponry. It was one of the first that Mamoru had been in since joining the guard so it looked to be interesting.


The trickster looked to the stones, yellow-green eyes focusing on the walls and trees that were climbable, and the darker shaded areas between them that were also created to appear like the jungle outside the nest. He stood by looking on at what seemed to be two groups forming, but for what purpose?


He didn't imagine they planned on releasing captured Myrians into the cave only to hunt them down as practice. He also wondered if the two teams were supposed to role play, and if that was true, which said mad to be the Myrians.


Slithering closer to the trees, Mamoru placed a hand on one and he recalled his early years when he was first sent to the gallery to learn his way around and how to navigate the jungle. It was a trying time for him, going from a mere snakling into full dhani and finally human, and all over a very long period of time. The trickster had gotten so used to being in the training gallery so much that he thought it his home.


Those were much simpler days when all he had to do was mostly follow the leader. But those days are long gone and he was constantly in a fight with the enemy that seemed to respawn as if no had ever been killed in the first place.


They were a bunch of annoying monkeys to be sure. Adjusting his belt on his shoulder, Mamoru slithered closer to the group so see exactly what was about to happen.

"Are we ssplitting into groupsss? Chassing each other, or are we to imagine our prey hiding somewhere in between the sstone treesss?"

[Sashisaxani]

Saxani had been busy in her own way. Part of her "training" today so far had been two fold, and fairly basic. Foremost was a bit of grooming. Even without a proper file, any of the rocks in the cavern proved hard enough to grind her nails against. They proved especially thick in her Dhani form, and she took the advantage of this property to shape them. Fingers spread wide or gripped together for a fine edge, Saxani filed a point to her "claws", as she thought of them. She noted the cats in the wild, the curvature of their weapons. While Dhani also had hooked teeth to grab on and not let go, the claws were another tool for the up-close and personal. As painful as twisting any Myrian's arm surely was, a cut into flesh was sometimes just as affective in forcing an opponent. They just needed to have their guard lowered, by some means. She thought the boys might not like her for this, especially when wrestling, or well…getting "acquainted" in the springs. She was already a biter the way it was. Saxani considered it would be more convenient to have a gauntlet of some kind with blades or "claws", but struggled with what they might be designed with. Rock, bone, perhaps some precious foreign metal of dull sheen and strength, a stealth hunter's grasp. When it came to being a Dhani though, not having luggage was a perk, so filed nails would do. She was sure to take her time and not rip or break one. Saxani also checked to make sure only the tip was tin enough to cut with enough pressure, and left the rest thick that she may pry into the flesh of her foes and rip them asunder from within. The second matter of work today, so far until her shift began, was calisthenics. The Myrians were a strong people by similar means, although some – so she noticed – were outright gifted in the strength of their bodies. Saxani knew she was not necessarily as slim in the legs and good for running, but she could crush a neck between them if need be. It was something she still worked diligently toward such that she might chase down any Myrian who tried to run. For now, she her arrows were quick enough to catch them in their retreat. Saxani felt the heat in her arms and chest as she pressed her body up from the ground and went back down, and held a plank. Repeat. It was tedious and boring for Saxani, and could barely keep motivated with the thought of how she might crush a Myrian in every press. The pushups did well for her arms and chest. This was all especially important to her own interested of playing a more convincing human, Myrian especially. I think of them so much, she thought, Why must I obsess over them so? It was doubtful of her, but she reminded herself of the end game: the heart of Taloba. It became too much. Saxani rolled herself over, feeling one with the earth of this cavern, and did a set of sit ups, still letting her mind wander. She yearned for the night to come, and the hunt to resume. It had become a sickly concept of observation, and began to bore her. She missed the wrathful feuds of the Myrians and Dhani, and reveled in the bloodshed, alas it was only nostalgia that haunted her, and the scar across her stomach reminded her, daily, of why she might only reserve such energy for a later time. She had lost many lives in such a foolish and trivial brawl with the Myrian captain years ago, decades even, and for what? No, no, Saxani refuted this claim again. She had gained something powerful, valuable, and honorable. The brand of Siku was imprinted on her neck, an insidious mark that spoke too well of this Dhani's toxicity. She was still but a tool to the Mother-Goddess, but still possessed dangerous traits to both respect and fear. Venom flowed in her blood, and it seeped into all wounds, physical or otherwise. This is what made Saxani so deadly, in the end, the unrelenting cunning of her Mother-Goddess was alive within her. The Dhani huntress gave in and let herself stretch. She contorted her body, characterized with an unsettling stiffness for a snake in this human form, and held it, relaxing herself. She felt the strain in her arms, chest, abdomen, and legs as she let the warmth of friction and earthen fire in the springs loosen her. With a final stretch in her back she rolled up onto her feet, almost wanting to kick-flip, but knowing not how. Saxani then ran the perimeter of the Gallery, sprinting some odd distance that seemed to encompass a longer end, then jogging for shorter portions, always being conscious of her breath. It had been a number of chimes before she even noticed something going on between her peers. She passed several times before realizing there was a gathering, and when she hit a jogging point she tried to slow herself down and began her gait toward the crowd. On her approach she slowed and became conscious of her steps, doing her best to sneak up on those furthest from the center. Stealth was not always a hostile thing, and it was funny to see such vicious ambush predators find themselves the ones being ambushed! Saxani tip toed to the stealthiest of her ability, holding her breath knowing she'd breath heavy post-run otherwise, and prayed her heart would not deceive her, before pouncing one of the boys with her claws. After a brief scare, seconds actually, they laughed and settled. Saxani mocked the Dhani brethren with her most intimidating of Myrian faces. It was not nearly as effective as her reenactment of how terrified the Dhani had appeared. Saxani watched the crowd and settled in this outer ring, not wanting to step forward and find herself volunteering just yet. She would study instead what was going on, such as who was there. She was not clear of it just yet, but knew there'd be a competition of sorts involved. The gleam of a belt hit her eyes and pulled her away. After overcoming the confusion, she realized it had been adorning someone familiar. Upon closer inspection, Saxani recalled Mamoru, and looked up a bit more to see if he'd recognize her. Had he seen her this way before? She couldn't remember, and it might not matter. She withdrew that assumption, for perhaps in this game to be played she had an advantage. She spied the belt after and thought of how the materials might have been good for making that claw. Leather and some metal might work, but she wanted black steel. The reflection of light on metal was too rare and strange to see in the jungle. She wanted a tool and weapon of stealth, not a decoy piece. She was working no another skill set for that. Saxani only beamed Mamoru a little longer before looking back to the center ring for someone to step forward and explain already. Far from impatient, it was simply unnerving to see such a gathering without reason, yet here she was too, intrigued as any Dhani in the Gallery at the time.

OOCYour font is huge, haha!

[Kalesserimamoru]

Tassirapher stepped forward to speak, one of the older guards in the group and one who had pulled his weight during his time in the nest. This Dhani bore the scars of many battles with the Myrians and even some with other Dhani as well.


"We're going to do thisss in two groupsss. Each group with be given a set of colored cloths to wear on their arm to show what side they are on. Each group will hurry into the forest and seek out the other team."


Mamoru nodded, he could already tell where this was going. A game of tag it would seem. A way for each team to use strategy and tactics to win them the fight, or simulated at least. If the teams matched up well, they would come together and form plans to move through the forest and try to catch the other at an disadvantage. Once Tassirapher moved out of the way, the Dhani would see the leather bans on the table.


Colors or black and brown were on display, but there had been some sort of coating applied that would make them glow dimly. The glow wasn't bright enough to give away their position, but it was bright enough to tell leather from scales and provided a visual point to rip the lash from an opponents arm to claim a kill.


The purpose was to work on team work and tactics to better themselves when facing Myrians in battle. The monkey's seemed to do very well in group combat and while they couldn't match their numbers, they could at least gain a foot through better team work.


Mamoru slithered up and took a black leather ban and slipped it around his arm. It didn't really matter what team he was on as he had patrolled with most of the Dhani at one point or the other.


He looked around still, curious to see who would pick up what color ban. It was a way of sizing up his opponents and his team mates. For those that he knew, he might know some of their weaknesses, and their strengths which would help built a better team. The trickster was in it to win, and he wouldn't settle for being on a losing team.


A losing team during practice said as much about one in the fields during the real thing. Slithering off to the side, he continued to watch the others, and he noticed Saxani hiding in the back.


For a woman like herself, he was mildly surprised that she choice to hide in the back, rather than take center stage as her demeanor seemed to evoke that she deserved. But, what she did was of no concern to him, however he was looking forward to seeing what she could do.


Once every guard had a ban, they all slithered off into the underground forest to start the game.

[Sashisaxani]

Saxani didn't really care for the teams. She had a strategy in mind to come out of this alive, to elevate the meaning of the game. Out there, in Falyndar, getting caught was just as good as death. The black band might not show plainly on her skin if she changed forms, so she took a brown one and moved over with her team. She noticed Mamoru moving towards another side on the side of her vision. She'd get to see what he was made of. Having no quarrel against him, she felt this would be a good way to find what he was strong with, or weak, and could inform him when next they patrolled. Saxni observed her troop and began to doubt they'd all come out "alive". She had fastened her band around her left wrist firmly, trusting her right hand grasp more if she needed to cover it. Her strategy for victory would work best if only she partook in it, but knew this was not the Zinrah way. She led her troop away for the brief moments they had while others were still picking teams. There were three of them and herself, of the whole team, who she called over, who she'd worked with or saw before. It would be easier this way, controlling the group, and letting the rest play as bait. These three she had confidence in. Her thought herself clever that her and these three would have an edge over the competition. She huddled the group and made sure none drew too close to overhear her. Her human tongue was horrendous with snaketongue, but it was fairly clear to them, just more levels of security. "When you take the band or another, a brown one, be sure to cover your black one with it. Wear their skins. Gain their trust, and take their bands. Collect any bands you find extra and hide them somewhere that they cannot glow for eyes to see." Saxani showed how she had pounces in her harness for example. "If you find and black bands on the enemy from slain allies, take them. When you have bested and opponent who might help us, take his brown band, and offer him a black one. Our numbers will grow as theirs dwindle. Do not tell the others, for they are fodder and we need their bands if we are to construct the best team. " "You are sly, sister," commented a large male, formidable among Dhani, sure to be strong and dangerous in close combat. "Praise me when we've won, brother. We have not made allies of our enemies yet. Learn well the faces of those wearing brown bands now, should they have a similar idea. Lastly, should you find yourself caught, do not let others know of our strategy. Destroy or discard the extra bands. If they see your tricks, capture them and dispose of them. If you fail, you not only fail yourself, but Zinrah and Siku as well, mind you." Saxani had Mamoru's appearance firmly in her mind, among maybe two others who seemed clever from wrestling. "Oh, and should you think to betray me, I do not forget." She spoke the last bit with an air of whimsy, yet her eyes signaled otherwise. Saxani turned out from the huddle and met with the rest of the team, studying their faces, the color of their scales, anything she could to remember them. She would not remember them all, but it was hopeful to try. One man had a scar across his face, for example. On the opposing team she recalled someone she had wrestled and bested a year ago. She would hunt him for her first token, surely. Hands at her hips, Saxani sized up the competition. The cock in her stance suggested overconfidence and disarmament. She was easy prey, like a Myrian unarmed, just the harness and band. She was acting, putting on a disguise. It was more than appearance to be in disguise, but demeanor and speech. It was smell and taste too. She began to think of Myrians and how she might smell like one to deceive a tiger. It would be an incredible difficulty. For now she tried to mirror their confidence, especially the young ones. They die without the guidance of their captains, commanders, and veterans. Saxani knew for she slew them herself, mercilessly. The game would start soon. She was listening closely for any rules that others might obey, that she might undermine them. Victory was all that mattered, and even those she had advised in strategy were tools. She could not convert the team on her own, and some needed to lose in order for her to win. I hope I make you proud this day, Mother-Goddess. See me to victory. Saxani was confident in her prayer Siku would be on her side in spirit. Saxani lowered her head and grinned before turning back to pay attention to the next phase of the game.

[Kalesserimamoru]

Mamoru was all for team work and bettering their ranks. In the fields it counted for everything almost and a Dhani's strength and defense was as good as the one next to him. However, they weren't in the field now, they were in Zinrah and he was in a more playful mood.


He saw Saxani on the other team, giving out instructions to the team with brown arm bands. This was the female that seemed to prefer her human form, and as lovely as she was, her Dhani form was nothing to hide.


Hmm...thisss sshould be fun. I wonder, who will get who firssst?


He decided then and there that he would go for her, when and how, he would decide when he felt the moment was right. He knew little about the female, other than that she was one of the more promising guards they had. The trickster moved into the stone forest that did resemble the real thing to a degree that was eerie at best. He slithered along, darting in between the trees as he looked for a good place to start.


Whatever group reached the forest first had the advantage, they could either attack, or defend themselves. He was sure to get there first while the other group listened to Saxani. He was somewhat sure that she would last a while, at least until he found her and then things would get very interesting for them both.


Oh, now that'sss more like it.


Mamoru stood in front of one of the larger stone trees with thicker branches carved into them. It was a better fit for a Dhani his size and the likelihood of the branches breaking were slim. He stood there for a moment, observing the tree and taking in everything that he saw.


He noted the coloring and where it differed, the scrapes and claw marks from earlier uses, anything that one would see when looking at it. Then, after taking a quick look around, he slithered up into the tree. Clawed hands gripped the stone bark firmly as he pushed himself up and onto a branch.


The trickster curled himself around the branch and waited. This task was about survival, it was about defeating the odds and being the last standing. Mamoru had a plan and if it worked, he would be the last standing, or at least on the team that lasted the longest.


The game started and all of the Dhani moved into the forest. He kept very still, making sure not to draw attention to himself. Dhani moved about, some with brown bands and others with black. Some in Dhani form, others in human.


He patiently waited in his spot on the tree, having decided to go for defense rather than attack. Ticks went by before something would happen and as he looked down upon the floor he saw one close enough. A male Dhani slithered dangerously close to the tree he was hiding in and that was what he was waiting for.


Mamoru called upon the magic of his gnosis. He concentrated, his eyes and mind focused on the tree as he painted himself to appear of the same shade and texture. It wasn't a perfect job but unless one looked closely they wouldn't find him.


When the other Dhani was close enough and Mamoru could make out the band on his arm, he slowly uncoiled his tail and allowed it to drop down behind the male. It took careful timing, and rushing would undo his trick.


His tail moved to the male's back, keeping out of eye sight and when he turned his shoulder, a quick dig and pull released the band from his arm. The Dhani turned around in surprise, only to be smacked in the face by a wayward tail.


One down... the trickster cackled as he slithered off the branch, using the Dhani below as landing gear as he plopped to the ground with a thud and slithered off into the shadows.

[Sashisaxani]

Saxani pulled one of the Dhani she had briefed before to the side, the large man who had praised her cunning. While she might boast one day that she be the strongest of Zinrah's champions, today was certainly not such a day. Having a little muscle nearby would be useful. "Brother, stay within ear shot. I urge you to keep your wits about you, and not to display yourself as plainly as I, else we may both be subject to ambush. I will call for aid. Come if you can." "I expect you do the same." "Of course," Saxani lied. He was better as a large target. Though, if she could snatch a band and keep him active, that'd be good too. They'd need to be in a bad situation to abandon each other. It seemed unlikely in this game of tricks, but Saxani knew the reality of it. She intended to exemplify that with each "kill" she'd earn. The Dhani she picked out earlier was splitting off with a friend of his own, and Saxani motioned they stalk the pairing. She called out her kill. Before taking off, Saxani stripped her harness from her body and left it at the meeting zone, safe enough. Though not valuable, it was handy and Saxani would be brutalizing anyone who tried to steal from her. She expected it be there as she left it when the game was over. The game master would overlook it well, she figured. When that was settled, she moved on changing to her Dhani form. The black rock was perfect cover, so long as her scaly pattern didn't stick out against the large, smooth slabs that were scattered about. To call the moment so deja vu would be an understatement. This particular male was just emasculated in the society, and she had exploited him over it before. Pathetic for a constrictor, she figured, but one of their own no less. She was not responsible for teaching him however, and insisted on being an example. Who knew if it really worked? Saxani slinked around the pillars on her arms and tail, low to the ground, creeping like the gorgon about to spring on her prey. They had ventured far enough into the thick of the stone forest to block out the rest of the Training gallery's sound. Saxani laughed into the jungle towards her target, trying to deny him a clear sense of where she was. She saw him turning as she sank behind the pillar and hurried around. "I know it is you, Saxani. Why do you hate me so?" His question went unanswered and he pushed further into the dark jungle. Saxani was disappointed with how casually he took this exercise. Saxani flanked him and decided she'd play on his weakness again. Before making her move, she stared very cautiously to the trees around her. She wanted no interference with this one. She hummed, lightly, and approached from the direction he was going. Her hands were behind her back, her right hand clenched over the band. He was surprised, and called to her, and they came closer. "Playing tricks again, are you? Well, which is it? Which team are you on?" She moved in much closer, moving her right hand to brush his face. He was hesitant, but she was reassuring, insistent, gentle. "I've dreamed of this, meeting in the dark, and still I see you, Saxani. You're –" Saxani moved her finger over his lips and crossed her left hand around his waist. She was only a bit taller, but used it to lead him. "Why her?" "Don't speak," Saxani commanded, and leaned in, kissing, licking, whatever other strange things Dhani did, brushing face to face. Her eyes deceived her, aware, wide, sharp, but this Dhani was blinded. Saxani led him to the earth, her body mounting his, her coils tangled around him. She had moved her left arm up, and now held his face with both her hands, the band out of sight if one didn't try to look for it. Saxani didn't give him time to enjoy himself, and moved up closer into him. It was subtle though, almost romantic as if she were ready to give herself up to him, but no. She wrapped her left hand around the back of his head, and nestled his neck in her shoulder. It was an innocent and deep hug, until she clenched her right bicep with her left hand, then reached to shove his head in with her right hand, and applied pressure to his neck to choke him. Her coils followed suit and began to tighten up and slither further up to his chest. He tried to say something, but was shut tight and was coughing and choking, his hands shooting up to free himself from her grasp. Saxani knew her grip was sure, and she baited him in for just that. "Not today, lovely," taunted Saxani, her tongue lapping the skin near his eye and cheek as she settled into the choke further. He was desperate to get rid of her, and Saxani felt she was gaining more control of his breath with each flex of her tail around his chest. Saxani wanted a clean finish without totally suffocating him. She took his struggling arm and shoved it to his face and turned herself around him, then repeated her choke from the back, her elbow parallel with his chin, her forearm and bicep clenching around his neck. She settled in deeper and felt the blood pulse up from his neck to the head. He was reaching for her locking arm, and nearly snatch the band from it. Realizing her position she squeezed his chest more until she felt he struggled to keep his lungs filled at all and let go of the now unnecessary choke. "Let go, let go. I can't- I can't brea…Saxani!" He was a plaything in her coils. She reached forward and removed the band from his wrist with minimal effort. Saxani then observed him, struggling vainly at the middle of her tail. The fool should have peeled her from the end, she saw. Saxani released and he immediate began to breathe heavily, coughing, reaching for his chest. Saxani was exasperated by the amount of weakness she saw in him. No sooner than she let go, she called out a command to get out of her sight. He hardly moved, still recovering from Saxani's over-the-top play. "That was unnecessary. You almost killed me," he struggled to articulate between his heaving coughs. Saxani turned him over, and felt the weight of him in her hand. He had a bit of weight, even on the ground and being smaller. She pushed down on his chest, his hands rushing to remove her, but she was stable. "Let me be clear. This is as good a simulation as any. You might as well be dead. Do not leave his Gallery until you've won a fight. Maybe one of the others will be fatigued enough from his many victories for you to steal his streak away." She lifted up and he began to recover once more. "Go," she said, but he remained trying to gather himself. Saxani roared once more, hardly an inch from his face, her body twisted back again to command the ignorant young male. Her eyes were filled with hate and disappointment, her fangs spread wide, and the gorgon stare that would instill fear into the hearts of her enemies. Saxani waited for him to crawl away out of sight. She was checking her back and all before she had the nerve to place the black band over her own. It blended in well with the dark scales and shadowed forest. Saxani moved out again, staying low to the ground, staying close to the pillars, and always checking above and behind for any Dhani who thought himself clever enough to ambush her. Now with a disguise, Saxani sought out to reclaim any marks of her fallen team, and recruit for her own. Black or brown ought not matter for an individual, for she had a choice, but unlike the traitor who would wear either color, Saxani had chosen and sought to remain true, wearing the skin of the enemy only for as long as she needed to attain true victory for her forces. It almost made her wish she had chosen black to match her scales though. Oh well, it was still a fun experience, Saxani thought, recalling her previous "kill" in detail.

[Kalesserimamoru]

Mamoru hid himself amongst the stone, his body blending in with it when he needed it to. For once, being one of the smaller Dhani was a good thing, making him a smaller target and harder to find in the dark as well. It was nearly impossible to lock on to anyone's body.


Dhani carried very low heat and with the warmth from the steam in the cave, they were well hidden. It was a perfect cover for them in this setting.


In the world outside, their enemies didn't have the gift of heat seeking as they did, and by night they fell much easier. If he had his way, he would have tried a more realistic form of play. Taking a few monkeys from the cages with weights on their ankles and setting them loose in the cave.


Their heat alone would give them away and they'd find themselves surrounded by Dhani in a matter of ticks. It was an idea he could get behind and just another reason to kill Myrians as well.


Further and further the trickster slithered through the underground jungle, looking for more prey. There was silence, any and all Dhani in the hunt were down in the area some where. Most of them were hiding on the floor, using the stream coursing along the ground as cover.


Mamoru moved along, searching for another place to hide. He didn't want to go on the hunt just yet, and preferred to wait out the others. Those who were in a rush to make their kills.


It was quiet in the area, that meant that he was alone so far, or he was being hunted. Mamoru slowed his pace, eyes wide as he searched the shadows for any sort of movement.


Then it happened, a blur of shadow from his left rising to cover the white mist around them. On instinct, he turned his shoulder pushing his banded arm away, and shoving his other towards the darkness. The Dhani slammed right into him, knocking them both onto the ground.


Flamesss!


Flapping his tail around, the trickster turned his body and pushed himself off the ground. The other Dhani moved as well, and had to jump back to avoid a wicked slash of Mamoru's tail. By the time he recoiled, Mamoru was gone, disappeared into the shadows again. He knew the Dhani was close, even the trickster couldn't move that fast and get away.


He searched, claws raking stone trees, his body darting here and there to try and catch him by surprise. He was close by, waiting and watching. Once the Dhani got closer, Mamoru created another illusion of sound while he hissed lightly.


To the other Dhani, the sound would seem as if it was going from his left, rather than he right where Mamoru hid. As expected, the Dhani turned his head to search giving Mamoru time to leap out and tackle him.


Again they both hit the ground hard, but this time they each held on to the other. Mamoru reached for the band, and received a punch to his jaw for his efforts. He jabbed back, using his other elbow to push the Dhani's arm away as he pulled him into a wrestling grapple.


They both tussled, tails whipping as they fought to stand up while keeping the other down. Mamoru delivered a hard headbutt to his opponent, who delivered one back and much harder.


Mamoru fell back, allowing the other Dhani to try another attack, before he wrapped himself around the male and hooked his arm into what the wrestlers called an arm bar. Once again they both hit the ground and the Dhani wiggled to try and free himself.


It seemed like an odd time for a wrestling match, but once he felt the cloth being pulled from his arm, the Dhani knew what was happening, but by then it was too late. Cloth in hand, Mamoru pushed himself away and stood up. "That makesss two."

[Sashisaxani]

Now that Saxani had her disguise she sought to implement it. She was particularly curious about how close she could get for easy kills. Wolf in sheep's clothing, cliché but true and no less effective… Her strategy was hopefully idiot proof. Even if one of the browns lunged at her, she had her true color. The thought of being rid of her own to improve her own situation did cross her mind though. What would that say of her allegiance though? It was not that fluid in real life. Regardless, a true kills could come from the back by the most trusted of people, so she figured stealing the bands off of pretend comrades was a viable strategy. She knew whoever she "killed" would cry cheater, but she didn't care, for her own argument was valid. Hopefully they'd find the worth in her strategy, and learn to work against the Myrian uniformity, undermining their systems, and not see it as her own betrayal. This was a game, but the strategy was transmutable. At the present it was an impossible task, but Saxani wondered what it would be like to be welcomed into a Myrian camp only to steal all of their lives without resistance. There could be no survivors then, for the illusion would be broken. Saxani thought of her gift from Siku, and how the Myrians surely held a similar mark by their own goddess. That was not something she could try to even mimic. It posed a threat to her tactic as well though, if she alone was without a mark amongst Myrians who had one, even one. It would be the subject of her next study of the Myrians. To be blessed by Myri would be a mark of treason, Saxani knew, even if the gift had been true. Perhaps such an individual could bridge the Myrians and Dhani? Gods, what was she thinking?! Saxani's eyes rolled as she focused back to the game and peeled away from the black wall to find her next target. Saxani picked up on a sound. It was faint, but it was a trail no less. Her tongue flickered out for a scent to track. The massive constrictor hovered low to the ground before landing on her claws and getting a superior reading of the trail. She moved across the dry ground for the scent marks and began to follow along in a patient crawl. The noises became louder, though but whispers. This jungle was a netherworld, dark, black, a place where specters might find belongingness. Saxani saw a pair working together thinking they'd get far with strength in numbers. She was right and that would have been a fine strategy. That's how the Myrians worked after all. They overwhelmed by numbers alone. That is why the cavernous bastille for the Dhani could never win the war currently. For every elite Dhani warrior, there were a thousand savages ready to throw themselves in a Dhani's spear, just to weigh it down for the next line. Th strategy, while effective, was strange to her, but she had never gone through her life not knowing everyone around her. The facelessness one can have in Myrian society was a perspective Saxani never knew, and would probably never know. Not wanting to lunge just yet, she merely continued to stalk her pray before she could figure out how she wanted to approach them without setting off alarm. If she could convince them she was on their team, and simply take the bands, that would be ideal. She wanted to learn more though. Besides, if someone else was going to exhaust them, why ought she waste her own energy? Saxani put to use the patience she had nursed over many challenging years.

[Kalesserimamoru]

The Dhani hissed and slammed his fist into the ground. He was embarrassed, having done all the stalking and preparation for a good pounce, only to be taken out by his prey. It was very embarrassing.


Mamoru stood over him, a cocky smile curled into his features, just before his head snapped up. There was another close by, someone watching them..waiting. The trickster smiled and licked his lips, he hoped it was female, he hoped it was Saxani.


Defeating Saxani in this training exercise brought him closer to earning the female's respect. It was important to earn respect amongst the guards, and for a male to a female, it was even more so. Plus, there was something about the way she slithered around. It was as if she thought she was already a queen.


He liked that about her, that unwavering confidence and need to be on top. However, in this exercise, he would see which of them would end up on top, and how much the other liked being on the bottom.


Flicking his tongue from his mouth, Mamoru slithered away, falling into the shadows and mist that surrounded them. The other Dhani pushed himself up and looked around. He was out of the game, but he wondered how many others knew of this.


If he could, he might continue to play on and snag an arm band if he could. He slithered off in another direction but Mamoru was no longer worried about him. They had been spotted while fighting and now another waited in the brush.


Now you see me....now you don't.


The trickster pressed his body against the ground and remained frozen as he scoped out the area. Whoever was watching him wasn't too far off and with the distance between them, he concentrated on the ground beneath him as he worked another illusion into play.


His body became as one with the ground, the colors and textures adjusting the match the rocks and stone that he laid upon.


He started to move slowly then, ever so carefully to keep his movement and presence a secret. Whoever was following him was about to get a surprise. Come out, come out....wherever you are.

[Sashisaxani]

Saxani found herself trailing without much aim. The time was precious, as was it ever, making this a wasted effort. With her own life secure the need for caution was in an apparent state of lacking. Anyone who would catch onto her disguise would discover such a thing too late. Furthermore, there was need for greater precaution considering this was a game. Saxani was developing a sort of skill for bending rules, if not evading their rule entirely. Though far from any sort of vigilante, her perspective of the situation was well evolved beyond what she considered to be the common idea most of her competitors held, here and beyond Zinrah. Saxani would pass by Mamoru, her serpent vision catching glimpse of something briefly against the cavernous dark. Saxani paused in her stalking, perhaps even staring directly into Mamoru's eyes, though peacefully unaware of him being there. His illusion clouded color, sure, but she did not walk about as a human. Her vision was unaffected by him, but rather his stillness deceived her. Her gaze narrowed on him only for a moment before realizing she was losing sights on her prey. She moved on, not forgetting that something was out of place. She was dismissive of the forethought that something had been there, though perhaps she was being followed as well. When the black serpent was in close, she began to move double time the speed of her targets. The rush of scales against the earth was immediately recognized, and Saxani flared as if to attack, her prey crouching as well, until she settled and began to slow. She bared her band clear for them to see, black, and she pretend only then to notice theirs. "Woah, we are together. I did not see your colors." "You as well. We find it better we work together. But be calm, and perhaps quieter." "Yes," Saxani replied, "I have not met any others so far in this dense forest. For all my years, it seems there are always new pathways. One might get lost in it." "Indeed, come, we were on the track of some brown bands. They got off ahead, but they are working together. They may have been cheating, though I cannot say for certain…" "Cheating how," Saxani begged, feeding the role too well. "Stealing bands, not quitting when they lose, coming back for more." "Why that's silly, or at least very diligent, persistent really." "Yes, but it's a game. In here you can cheat all you want, but out there, if you die, there's no coming back for vengeance." "Untrue," spoke the partner Dhani, "There are spirits in this world." For all their stalking and game playing, the Dhani who spoke held a different tone in his voice from the savagery of war or the games they played. This subject seemed close to him, dark and touching. Saxani saw the vulnerability, yet there was an prodding at her curiosity she could not ignore. "What spirits do you speak of," Saxani implored. "The dead. The old spiritists speak of the wills of the dead, so strong they do not pass over, but instead remain on the earth, and seek peace. Some are full of hatred and vengeance, some simply cannot accept that they are dead. These ghosts find themselves in plains of torment brought on by themselves. I've even heard some being so bound to their oaths that they do not leave this world until it is fulfilled. "I saw one, once, I believe. I was young and exploring the old caves. I swore I saw a ghost of some strange being deep in the recesses of the nest." A wave flowed over Saxani, a tingling, like a chill. "I could not distinguish it as friend of foe. Perhaps the spirit of a long lost relative. I told the priestess long ago, and I was ensured that I need not worry further." "You jest," Saxani said, offering some means of rational thought to it all. "What did it look like?" "I do not. I remember it plainly. It was not so clear, but there was something distinct about it, yet vaguely so. I speak so many words, but do not explain myself. It looked like anger, and hatred, vicious in all forms, and so very sorrowful. I remember its eyes, lunging forward like knives that could carve a heart. I…I ran after. I remember nothing more." "Siku bless us in these games, a few chimes in the gallery, lost in a dark wood, and you find yourselves talking of angry spirits? Ghost stories? You're sorely mistaken – " "Am I, sister? Then what use is Dira to us if they are not real. Her followers preserve the way; things live and then die, all things. And those that refuse find themselves before the Dead Queen. How can we be so ignorant of that black beacon on the eastern shore?" "I've heard enough of it," Saxani insisted. "You ought to have heard him earlier. He mentioned the Myrians having an undead army of their own, soldiers who cannot bleed. Myri's own children…" "Do you doubt the word of the priestesses?" "No, but why would you mistake a story for a threat." "I saw one…" "How do you know so much," Saxani asked, "This seems…Why are we not told of these things?" "To keep us calm, perhaps. I don't suspect we are expected to live if we cross paths with the undead soldiers of Taloba." "Then why are you here," Saxani implored. "Who knows, sister. Perhaps it is fate warning us, warning you even." Saxani snarled at the thought, insulted and deeply unnerved by the undead talk. Their conversation went on. She made light with them, no other Dhani in their sight for a while. She watched her back for anything that may follow, being plenty aware of her previous possible encounter. She was paranoid, but very sure of herself as well. Seeing nothing, Saxani made a steal. She exercised her disguise long enough, and figured this trick would be as good as any poisoned knife in the back. With a tap on the shoulder of her left hand "teammate", she had him turn away before swiping the band off his wrist. He cursed, and before the other took notice to look over, she took his as well. "Cruel sister, you are the cheater we've been after!" "Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps I am just crazy and killed my own. You never know what happens out there." "You walk a thin line, sister, I will not soon forget this betrayal." "Nor I." "This is a game." "This is training, and you forsook your own." "Have I? I think not," boasted Saxani, flashing her brown band to them, close to her chest, that no one behind her could see." "Bah, enough of your tricks. I hunger. You are very cunning, sister. Were you truly on our side, I might have been more insulted by such a gesture. " "You have made this into a game of minds. That is clever, and I admit I would not have suspected. That is very clever actually… I look forward to the grimaces of Myrians when you shank them in the dark, unsuspecting." "Now you have it," Saxani affirmed the scholar's observation. "You can do that? You can actually…" "I do not know yet, and nor do we. Thankfully, the Myrians know nothing as well. I have been studying them. I ask you not speak of this to anyone else. It is not ready to present to the Queen. There is not telling how long it would work, and to what effect. Surprise is our ally, so I hold it close and nurture it." "Very well, good game then, twisted sister, indeed. Clever and unexpected, truly…brilliant, in your own way. Siku is proud this day, I imagine." "I pray your imagination hold weight, brother. Don't run into any ghosts on the way out." The scholar gripped Saxani and pulled her close, speaking gravely before she could counteract him. "Do not taunt the dead," he warned, and put space between them soon after. Misplaced, but not shaken, Saxani took his warning to heart and started to move on, checking her back more often than before. Any direct approach to her would be difficult without warning her.