Kill the Pretty One

by **Rohka** on August 23rd, 2019, 5:49 am

75th Day of Summer

“Rohka, what’s wrong?”

Was ‘everything’ too melodramatic? Here he was, standing at the door, practically blocking her path, asking her a simple question filled with the knowledge that he could fix any answer she could give him.

But she knew he couldn’t. He was the reason for it all. He dragged her here, emotionally, to this point, all for the sake of supporting the family—something he had always been good at, of course. Sunlight poured through the open door, around her father’s outline, yet she stood in his shadow, waiting to hear what he would say next.

“Rohka, you don’t have to do this. You can find another way to deal with this, you know.”

The sybil shot her father a look of defiance, but stayed silent, hoping he would get the message without having to be told. Her slick, iridescent tail flicked about behind her, dispersing the light of the sun just as quickly as it was caught. He took his hands away from the doorframe and crossed them in front of him, brows raised with impatience. She could tell that he wouldn’t put up with this show for much longer, nor would he resort to any show of violence, with her mother sitting at the kitchen table just watching her daughter defy the man she called her husband.

Vida was tired of getting involved in this repeated show of dominance.

Meer bore his eyes straight into the dark gaze of his precious little girl, the eldest of two, wishing she would just calm down and go back to the table. He knew it was in vain, of course, but it didn’t stop him from trying his best. He’d seen this look in her before, when she left them to head into the city. Vida had been furious then—where was her input now? The architect took a quick glance at his wife and she met his gaze, shrugging. She picked up her mug and sipped the tea within. They would figure this out quickly, since he needed to head over to Mattias in the next few chimes, and Vida had told Roh of this fact earlier. All Roh needed to do was ask permission and if her father said yes, she could leave for the wilds. That was the only condition that Vida had set. Meer was aware of this, so was Rohka, and all three of them knew that Rohka would find a way to leave, even if Meer firmly disapproved. So what was the point of this charade?

Meer clicked his teeth and restarted his plea.

“Enough now, alright? Go back to the table, will you? We can have someone else go hunting for us, there’s no need for you to go at it alone. Take your sister with y—“

“NOPE,” screamed Jaide from across the room. “Papa, this is between you and her. I’m going out to help with prep today, bye!” The disappearing shout from far away was paired with the back door slamming shut. Rohka grinned at her sister’s quick response. Typical of Jaide, to know exactly when to exit and how to help. The cousins had already planned to come together for prep work that morning, since the Calicos were getting ready for a feast in the next few days. A farewell party of sorts, for the group that would begin the trading route—the group that included Meer.

All Rohka had suggested was to go out on her own to bring in some game. It was a generous offer, was it not? She certainly thought it was. Never mind the fact that she was no expert in hunting or trapping or anything of the sort. The offer was meant to provide for the feast, as a member of the family. Besides, bringing in game would show a few members of the Calico clan that she was indeed a productive contributor to the Company, despite her residence in the city.

Was it also an excuse to avoid the Calicos for a few days? Absolutely.

“Rohka, listen. Stay. Peel potatoes, go fishing with your cousins, help your sister even,” he suggested, exasperated. “I can’t do this with you now, cub. We’ll talk about you coming with me to Zeltiva when I’m done work, okay? Just don’t leave.”

That was the last straw.

Rohka turned her head to check her route to the back door, and then turned back to her father.

“I’m leaving, just like I told Mama. I’ll be back for the feast. Either I come with you to Zeltiva, or I go back to the city once the festivities are over. There’s nothing else to discuss. I’ve said everything I need to say, papa. You wanted my help, didn’t you? Let me help, then,” she begged, adjusting the pack on her shoulder. “Let me go.”

Meer stood silent, brows furrowed, visibly upset over the whole ordeal. The man didn’t budge. She didn’t either.

An abrupt yell from the distance broke the silence, causing Meer to turn towards the sound. It was Mattias calling for him. The architect stayed facing his daughter and closed his eyes, bring his hands up to his face, muffling something into his palms before turning his back on her.

“Bye, Papa.” Rohka turned and headed for the other door, the one her sister used to leave earlier. As she hurriedly walked away, she heard her uncle calling out to her father once again, and she caught wind of their chatter about the journey ahead. The sybil made a quick detour to her mother and kissed her forehead.

“I took the extra supplies you suggested, Mama. Packed both the crawfish trap and the hanging fire pit. It’s all so heavy now, but I’ll manage. I should have everything I need.” Silence answered her. “Bye, Mama.” She patted her mother’s arm and waved her goodbye. Vida nodded and waved back, taking the last sip from her mug before standing up and walking over to join her husband near the front door. She was long past trying to stop her daughter’s antics. There were other means of influence, and Vida felt she was aware her child’s inner world. Her husband would need to be convinced, as he always does.

Granted, it would have been easier if Rohka had just stayed near home like Meer had repeatedly asked. There would be no need for her husband’s grief. However, it was time that Rohka showed some selfless initiative, even if it did mean she would get to spend time away instead of being safe with the family. Meer’s protectiveness stretched beyond boundaries, and Roh’s mother was sure that it would all work out in time. Even with that tail. That abomination granted by Rhysol, from her daughter choosing to live in the heart and dangers of the city. She only prayed it would serve to be a blessing in disguise.

Rohka took one last look at her parents, both of their forms casting long shadows across the wooden floor. She turned a corner and left without another word.

by **Rohka** on August 23rd, 2019, 5:50 am

Several bells later…

“Ah, petch.”

She didn’t think she would run out of water so quickly. Rohka tipped the last bit of the lukewarm liquid past her lips and down her throat as she listened to the birds singing in the distance. There was a certain calm out here, despite the lack of water, which only added to her growing list of problems. She knew she was at least a half bell away from the edge of the lake. For most of her long and hard hike, she’d walked close to the shore with the lake in sight, just following along like she did when she was a child. She reached a point that was further than anything she remembered, and that was when she decided to walk deeper into the terrain, away from the lake.

If only she remembered to fill up her water skin before she started the trek.

The sybil was preoccupied with wanting to find shelter sooner than later, to set up a base before she went out to try her hand at trapping or catching or stalking one thing or another. It was past midday by now, she was sure of it, from how short the shadows of the trees were some time ago.

Standing above a pile of branches, Rohka heaved a sigh. She threw the empty water skin towards her open pack on the ground and it missed the opening. Ignoring it, the sybil turned, taking in the greenery of her surroundings. So different from Ravok proper. Yet she knew she was still in Ravok. There was no denying the guidance she felt from Rhysol deep within her. It had only been this faith that kept her going all this time. Her current predicaments stemmed from the lord and saviour himself, did they not? The thought seemed to drift as she looked around. It was a flat spot, in a bit of a clearing, no obvious animal tracks in sight. There was a fallen log, covered in a swath of moss that she’d instantly taken a liking to. It was the main reason she’d chosen this spot, if she was honest with herself.

Roh took a step towards the log and sat down for the first sit she’d had in a couple bells. In front of her lay the mess she’d made, trying to set up a tent of sorts, to enclose the hanging fire pit, already lit. There was no real need for fire right now and she knew it, but she wanted to set it up anyways. Perhaps as a protection of sorts, from insects and potential predators.

The sybil closed her eyes after a few moments of sitting. “Douse,” she said softly. The fire instantly deactivated.

Rohka looked down to her feet, noticing that her bladed black boots were covered in mud and her simple dark green tunic-style shirt had a tear in the side from getting snagged on a branch. She’d ripped off a piece of cloth to tie her hair back earlier. It was only then that she realized she was finally resting a bit. The sybil released her low ponytail and let the long, dark locks breathe in the gentle wind that carried past her flushed face. Her dark tail swung forward and laid in her lap where she promptly rested her hands. She heaved in another deep breathe full of fresh air, taking in the light streaming through the leaves above, and began to truly become aware of what lay before her. Strewn on the ground was a crawfish trap, a canvas for a tent, a bedroll, a blanket, some utensils and bowls, a simple snare, and her new toy…

A short bow.

Rohka bought the weapon from a Calico worker closer to the outpost, on a whim. Why not try her hand at practising with it? She’d have the time. The sybil initially planned on playing with her cards and her dice, and possibly making some runes as well. Maybe even do a ritual or two, for the fun of it. But the bow caught her eye so she decided to get it.

It stayed on the ground with the rest of her things as she sat. Waiting. For what?

Just a couple more chimes, she thought, her eyes closed. To meditate. And then I’ll make a petching home out of these sticks.

Survival Gear Purchases :

by **Hauk Tarn** on August 31st, 2019, 10:22 pm

The Forest breathed around them, the dog and the hunter. As much alive as the animals that inhabited it. The light wind brushing against the leaves, the songs of birds, and the occasional chirp of the small mammals all added to the life to the forest.

Hauk and Fen had ventured deeper into the forest than they usual, however this was planned. The hunter hadn’t gotten much luck as of late, and Fen had been more excitable than usual, so Hauk had decided that a few days spent out in the wilds would do them both some good. They had ventured out that morning prepared for a few overnight stays; plenty of food and water plus the tent all weighed on Hauks pack. He had his bow out as well, not that he expected to bag some game on their first day, but it did good to be prepared.
Fen for his part seemed to enjoy the outing – the canine’s energy had been higher than usual and it had become somewhat harder for Hauk to control his companion, but for now the dog was content with jogging ahead, stopping to sniff at any smell that caught his interest. The pair continued on, following one of the game trails that they had become familiar with into the forest, although Hauk was careful to keep his bearing – the lake was to his right, about half a bell away, and he wanted keep it that way. Even if they were prepared, it would do them no good to become lost.

“Fen!” The dog started to run ahead of him. The deerstalker had picked something up, if the tell tale ridge on his back was any indication. “Fen!” Hauk barked again. Blasted dog . The dog finally did stop long enough for Hauk to catch up, but his nose was up in the air. Fen had definitely found something. Hauk was surprised, he really didn’t think that he would be this lucky only a few bells out from departing. He started to look around, to see if he could spot the signs of any game in the area, but then he picked up a smell that didn’t belong in the forest. Smoke. So that was what dog smelled.

The sounds of the forest remined normal, that is to say that there wasn’t any flurry of activity meaning that this wasn’t a forest fire. This was something else. Fen looked up expectantly, as if asking permission to follow the smell. Hauk was admittedly curious, so whistled the command to Fen and the dog leaped into action, this time thankfully at a pace to which Hauk could keep.

Over rock and log, the duo tracked by scent the smell of smoke. For about 10 chimes they dove into the forest, Hauk was about to call them off and head back to the trail when he heard it. The crackling of small fire. Someone was out here. Haul softly whistled, a command to fen to crouch and stay close. The pair crept slowly forward, and a clearing slowly opened up along the forest floor. A girl sat on a log, eyes closed, her shoulder facing him. the fire that they had been chasing, now put out at her feet. A pile of sticks and canvas lay on the floor, somewhat haphazardly suggested that she was either making camp, or breaking it. Not wanting to disturb her peace, Hauk stopped in his tracks. Fen taking his cue also sat back on his hind legs and somewhat impatiently, waited, his gaze shifting between the girl and Hauk.

by **Rohka** on September 1st, 2019, 7:16 am

A warm breeze brushed past the nape of her neck as she breathed in the forest air. On the exhale, she relaxed her shoulders, feeling the tension finally begin to release after the long and strenuous hike. Slowly but surely her breathing began to slow down, allowing her mind to settle as well. It was hard to not think of her family in such times of quiet. Rohka kept having to notice every single moment her thoughts strayed towards planning, decision making, fantasizing, or even worrying. This was her time to let go of all of that. This was simply her time to focus on herself—on Rohka: the person who mattered most.

The entire season had been spent being of service to others through her job as a fortune teller. The bread and butter of it all came from paying attention to the stories and problems, answering to needs as best as she could. It was true that she was good at it—better at it than she had been at many other things in her life. Truer, still, was the fact that she enjoyed the socializing, the conversations, and the people most of all. She loved listening to people. Lives could be so different from her own, and yet something could always be found in common, or simply understood in common spirit.

Of course, that isn’t to say that every day was a piece of cake. Work had its up and downs, and the downs could be especially taxing. It was awful anytime one of Lelia’s clients would have a breakdown after hearing news of an omen, or when a partner of her own got frustrated over not knowing everything they wanted to know. The craft was never perfect—and Lelia was always better. There were days when the sybil felt like it would be pointless to try and reach Lelia’s level of knowledge and skill, since the Divinist was so experienced compared to herself. Most days, however, with Lelia’s encouragement, the sybil did her best to keep moving forward.

But did she have to move all the way to another city?

Once again, Rohka pulled herself back from her meandering clouds of thought. She breathed in, noticing how the muscles in her back had clenched up so quickly. She breathed out, mentally guiding herself to ease her body and become attuned to the immediate present. Here and now, she was alone. No clients, no partners, no family. The isolated presence was rare for Rohka. It never lasted long, but she relished it for its scarcity whenever she could, knowing that she could use the time to realign and prioritize. To work on herself.

The promise of a couple meditative chimes was nearing its end, but Rohka resolved to give it one last go. With an open awareness, she inhaled a slow, deep breath, smelling the freshly doused fire in the air. Her next breath caught scent of damp earth, of water not far away. She was reminded of her need for water and quickly pushed the thought aside. The leaves in the trees rustled in the wind, her ears picking up their muffled swishing sound along with the cooing of birds in the distance. Rohka smiled. She loved these sounds. The music of life was as close to magic as she could get around here. It made her excited for the day ahead, knowing that she would be listening and learning her way through this breathtaking patch of the woods… as soon as she secures her base.

Just one more chime won’t do any harm.

Rohka kept her eyes closed. She felt completely calm and she was glad for it. There was no way she could have set up her tent with the tired frustration she was feeling earlier. The sybil knew she would be able to find patience with herself now, after taking a few moments of tranquility.

Right when she was about to open her eyes, she heard a soft whistle.

Rohka froze, her lids still shut, listening. Wings fluttered off as if they were startled by something. She strained to hear approaching footsteps and sure enough, there was a noise slowly coming from her left side. It was too late to grab any sort of defence. Resigned to her fate, the sybil turned to see a man standing there, watching, with a striking green gaze and a lovely observant canine by his side. She immediately noticed that he too was carrying a pack, and what might be a bow strapped to him as well. It was a completely non-threatening stance.

A couple curious ticks of nothing passed between them before Rohka decided to break the silence.

“Gods, please tell me no one sent you,” she said, shaking her head with a grin. It wouldn’t be the first time the Calicos had someone following her. Rohka was well past the age of having familial protection around, but with the way she made her exit that morning, the sybil feared being surveilled for signs of distress. “Are you part of the company?” She asked, wondering if he was perhaps someone new that the Calico Lumber company had hired recently. Rohka couldn’t recognize his face.

She quickly realized her manners and started to laugh. “Goodness, it’s been a few bells since I’ve seen another soul around here and I’ve forgotten everything about being civil!” She stretched her arms wide and shook out her tail, gathering her energy to speak up and ask more questions and perhaps have a conversation. The calmness she’d felt earlier helped to bring her hands behind her rear and rest her weight against her palms on the log, leaning back to get a better view of the man and his dog. They were a matching pair. The man was tall and tanned, with shoulders that fit well on his open-collared shirt, making him look built for the outdoors. The dog was tan as well, muscled, sitting on his hind legs quite obediently. Rohka cocked her head to the side and viewed them both unashamed while continuing to sit—despite her comment of showing civility.

“I’ve claimed this spot here, to camp out for a couple days. I was just about to set-up this mess into a temporary home of sorts. A tent, as they say. It’s been a while since I’ve slept in a tent,” she laughed again. “I’m Rohka, off-duty from telling fortunes in the city proper,” she said, smiling, her cheek practically resting on her shoulder as she spoke. It was at this point that she realized he could certainly be a total stranger, perhaps even an outsider. Her brows furrowed for a tick before she continued.

“I don’t believe we’ve met. You are...?”

by **Hauk Tarn** on September 9th, 2019, 12:16 am

“Hauk. and this is Fen.” The hunter said answer her question as he motioned towards his dog.

He hadn’t meant to disturb her peace, or intrude in her camping in any way, yet there they were. While she seemed stiff at the start of the exchange, asking questions something about a company, she seemed more relaxed now. Her tone and body language shifted to being more casual, and that’s when he noticed that what he had at first thought to be a bag, was in fact a tail. His eyes snapped to it quickly and then back up to the girl. She looked human, but he had never heard of one with a tail. He had heard stories of large serpents that could shift between their human and snake form, yet this didn’t seem to match that either.

Not that she payed it much mind either, as if it was as normal to her as Hauks arms and legs where to him, so he chose not to push it. She didn’t seem threatening, Fen’s relaxed posture being any indication, so that was good enough for him.

“We are out hunting, when we smelled your fire.” Hauk took step into the clearing as he spoke, which Fen took as a sign. Immediately, the deerstalker went up to the stranger, who had named herself as Rohka and began sniffing her and her equipment, his curiosity getting the better of the dog. Hauk merely shook his head at his companion, a small smile playing at his lips. “Don’t mind Fen, we didn’t mean to disturb you.”

The hunter took a look at her equipment, and then at the clearing, appraising it. She seemed to have everything she needed to camp, as well as a short bow, quiver, and arrows, recently purchased if he were to guess, based on their look. Of the site, the land was flat, with enough space for at least two tents before getting cramped, and it was well protected, with a tight cluster of trees surrounding most of it, keeping any harsh winds or large animals from coming in. even better, Hauk thought he saw what could potentially be a bedding sight between some trees, He would have to investigate that to see if it was, and what animals it belonged to.

“This is a good spot to camp. Are you here for hunting? Or merely to spend time outdoors?” Her casualness was infectious, drawing Huak into the conversation. While he enjoyed solitude and Fen made for an excellent companion, having someone to talk to that could actually talk back might be an interesting change of pace, even if it was only for a few chimes.

by **Rohka** on September 9th, 2019, 4:33 am

“Thank you, I hope so!” Rohka smiled, agreeing with his positive assessment of the camp site she’d chosen.

“Hunting, yes. Well no,” she visibly cringed, embarrassed by her half-truth. Rohka took in a breath and continued to explain why she suddenly answered in the negative. She knew it would be a long-winded explanation.

“Actually, I’m here to get away from my family for a bit,” she said, sheepishly. “You see, they’re preparing for a feast that they’re hosting in a few days, and I just didn’t want to be around them and their needs, really. I still wanted to help though, so I told them that I would go camp out in the woods for a while and bring back some game for the feast, but truthfully,” she paused, looking down to her tent. “I’m here because I needed some time. To think, I guess. Being outdoors usually helps. My father is heading to Zeltiva in the Fall so,” she hesitated from the reality that hit her when saying it aloud, and then resolved to share. “The feast is almost like a farewell celebration that the family planned in order to rejoice in our love for each other. Love,” she huffed, her eyes downcast.

The dog had been sniffing her things and came up to her, exploring her scent. Without thinking about permissions, her hand went near to pet Fen behind his ear, the warmth of his body making her smile, his eyes catching her full attention. The sybil lost her train of thought while looking into the depths of his curious gaze.

“Fen, huh,” she said, remembering the name that the stranger had given earlier. Her focus was on the dog now, since the relaxed companion was so near. “You didn’t disturb me,” She placed a hand under his snout, gently scratching it before releasing her touch. The sybil let him discover and sense and feel whatever he desired as she spoke directly to the creature. “You surprised me, is all. I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, Fen.” Rohka then turned to the man who hadn’t moved.

“And yours, Hauk,” she said, smiling. Sitting straight now, she exhaled, her mind drifting to his eyes. The eyes that had glanced at her tail. Rhysol’s blessing was in fact normal to her now, and she found that it was best to address it sooner than later, to avoid any awkwardness in the future.

“Before you ask, yes, I’m human.” The sybil beamed. “Our lord gave me this earlier in the season, I’ve gotten sort of used to it now,” she said, looking at her scaly limb as she made it undulate in the air. Gods knew Ravokians were racist, so it helped to clarify what she was and how the prehensile tail came to be. “A lot of people changed, in fact. My friend Grayson glows at night now. I don’t know why it happened, to be honest,” she said shrugging while she started to stand.

“Hey,” an idea came to Rohka’s mind. “You said you’re out hunting, yes? Mind if I join you? I don’t know if you’re planning to stay long, but you’re welcome to camp here as well,” she invited while looking around, noticing that the clearing was in fact protected from some elements of nature and had room for at least one more tent. The sybil didn’t quite have the sense to noticed the bedding, however.

“I was actually planning to head out right after setting this up. Wanted to secure a base while it’s still bright out.” Rohka pointed to her mess and walked over to it, picking up the pieces and the canvas to begin pitching her tent.

“Do you have family, Hauk?” She asked as she picked up the sheet that would be laid across the ground, shaking it out, setting it flat. The question came out of the blue, but her curiosity stemmed from wanting to know whether he could relate. A part of her also wondered if he was related to the Ravokian families at all.

Rohka picked up the wooden poles and tried to arrange them once again, wondering which side the wind would be coming from. “Wait,” and she paused, remembering a concern of hers. “Are you from here? What brought you here, to this part of the woods anyways? Do you usually hunt here? I don’t, this area is fairly new for me, although I’ve stuck to the shoreline when I was younger.” As she sent her barrage of questions, she slipped a pole through the sleeve of the canvas, and attempted to do the same with the others, assembling a frame.

The semi-solid structure fell to the side.

“Petch,” cursed Roh, under her breath.

by **Hauk Tarn** on November 9th, 2019, 5:02 am

Fen’s tail wagged excitedly as Rohka shifted her interest to him, clearly enjoying the attention. His head leaned into her scratches as he looked up at the new woman. While he didn’t understand the words that she spoke to him, Rohka could see that they had satisfied him. When she returned her attention on Hauk, he continued on sniffing at her things, exploring the area.

The hunter for his part stood there, a light smile playing at his lips as he looked on warmly at Fen being petted. He enjoyed it when Fen found something he liked, and the ease that Rohka put his canine companion was a good way for Hauk to feel at ease as well. There was no better judge of character than a dog.

Hauk moved into the clearing as Rohka explained her tail. It still unsettled the Syrliran when the people of Ravok spoke of Ryshol as their ‘lord’ – He knew the reputation the god of chaos had, and was convinced that most of that was perpetrated by Knights themselves, Ravok being the main rival to the walled city, yet old teaching die hard. Still, he shrugged off his unease and was about to respond when Rohka continued.

“Mind if I join you?” She asked, referring to his hunting. Hauk looked over her equipment as he considered the question. It looks like she had the tools, sure, however hunting was more than just having the bow. It required a certain temperament. Her explanation of being out in the wilderness to escape her family was one that he understood, but it didn’t necessarily lend itself to a successful hunt.

Instead of answering her directly on the spot, he instead put his pack down and unpacked his tent. She did invite him to set camp here, and this would give him time to make up his mind. She continued Rohka continued to ask question’s this time of his family and of his home, which made Hauk give a smile, even if it had a hint of sadness. He answered her, when she had paused as her frame came about, his practiced hands deflty setting up his tent.

“I am not from here, having only arrived about 2 seasons ago. My family is doing well, last I heard of them, back in Syliras. Here, let me help.”

Once he had the skeleton of his tent set up, he moved over to Rohka to help her with hers, staring with the base poles and moving up, securing them as he went. He made sure to make his movements as clear as he could, so that she could at least follow.
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by **Rohka** on November 25th, 2019, 6:37 am

When he put his pack down, Rohka beamed. It was the silent gesture that suddenly brought up a spark of intrigue within her, making her tail wave almost in tandem with Fen’s excitement.

It was probably a bit much to be so openly transparent about her feelings through her movement. If Rohka was looking at a stranger acting the same as she was at this very moment, she would question why a strange man unpacking his equipment brought so much elation. She knew, though, that it was more than just his curious, naturally comfortable presence. In essence, it was about taking the focus away from her own internal struggles and being able to put all her attention on something else. On someone else, other than herself. As selfish as the sybil tended to be, new people always brought her into a mode of play, of games, and even a mode of pleasure. Just the idea of camping with someone else—after so long—brought her an odd yet comforting calm, knowing that she’d have the chance to delve into another person’s life and maybe even share a bit about her own.

It would be a change of pace from her work as a fortune teller: an undertaking where she was mostly a question mark to her partners, yet privy to their life’s story, albeit vaguely.

Back on the Lakeshore, it always felt like everyone knew her already. Or they thought they knew her. She felt the same about her family too. Rohka’s identity as a Calico waxed and waned likes the phases of Leth; on some days, she was full of bright pride, on others, she felt herself becoming a darkening new face of Ravok. She’d stopped making efforts to make casual conversations with her family, a part of her recognizing that she wouldn’t belong there any more… especially not after being given Lelia’s ring. Her thoughts had been foreboding ever since, and she’d even dared to pull a card to try to predict what consequences would come from trying to help the Konti. She’d gotten a seven of swords, which made her realize how much of a test this would come to be, and how she would be stealing time if she ever managed to use the damn thing. The moon in the card spoke of her unconscious behaviour; her guilt over what she was thinking of doing, and her wish to look for a more honourable way of doing things.

When he answered her and spoke of a place called Syliras, she nodded with a smile and followed along as his hands moved, feeling grateful and impressed at the way he carefully and clearly secured both his site and hers. Hauk was a solid teacher in his own way, demonstrating how she would need to begin with the base first. This was more logical than what she was doing initially, and she appreciated the way he took it upon himself to help her so swiftly.

“Thank you,” she said, as she pulled the canvas taut over the poles that now stood firmly set into the ground. The sybil wordlessly returned the favour and helped to finish setting up the rest of Hauk’s tent. She circled around the structures, grabbing a rock, making sure that the stakes at all corners were driven far enough into the dirt and at an angle leaning away from the tent.

“That should hold things in place, I hope,” she wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead and took a seat on the log once more. “I haven’t cared very much about Syliras,” she admitted, hands gently and absentmindedly playing with her hair. “What does your family do over there? I''m glad they're doing well. Mine are too, for the most part. They all work with the lumber company here, the best one, really, if I say so myself. Well, I say so because I love them, and though I don't really like the politics of it all, I support the true purpose of the company. They are constantly helping Ravok build the platforms and structures that it needs, and they export Ravokian lumber too. I’m honestly not as involved with the business as I used to be. They work on the Lakeshore, and I moved into the city proper a few years ago, to make a living for myself. I did a few odd jobs here and there before I finally got introduced to my current employer at the Mystic Eye, so I really haven’t been home as much anymore. Where is home for you, Hauk? I’d love to know your story,” she said, her large, warm eyes falling deeper into the depths of his own exploring emeralds.

In the distance, after a short time, near the bedding site Hauk had seen earlier… there would be movement. The crunch of fallen twigs, the rustle of moving grass, all imperceptible to one not skilled in the art of hunting prey.

WC = 825

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