Just a Friend you haven't met yet... (Alumine)

[Mortemor Thane II]

Summer 16th 511 AV Mortemor dressed heavily, layering on two pairs of socks under her long beige trousers and into her sturdy snow-stained boots. She also tucked an extra pair of gloves into her long sleeve shirt just in case. On top of this she threw on her favorite winter cloak that was a bright and vivid color of violet, and it shimmered lightly as its material was ruffled. “Cloak… Check… Socks…Check… Purse… Check!” Mortemor checked each item respectively, making sure she hadn’t been absent minded and accidentally misplaced something important to her. With all things accounted for, Thane went on her way. Today, Mortemor had decided to return to the market place; strictly on tourism business. She had been in Avanthal for a short time now, and she figured it was about time she got out of her small (yet unbelievably comfortable,) room, and out into the city where she could track down some souvenirs for home, and something native to eat. After filling her appetite for something warm and delicious, and adding a few luxury items to her pack, she planned to head for the throne room later today. The main market street was dotted with frosted log cabins, each with its own shop sign hanging over its door. Asking around the busy trading post for the best place to eat or shop rewarded her with information on a market central, called Frozen Falls, where its emporium was base around a perpetually frosted over waterfall. The redheaded halfing was more than excited to see that, and went on about her way scouring the market place for a frozen cascade of water. A sudden scent that wafted through the light but chilly breeze tickled at her nostrils and right away she could tell she was nearing a business involving food. Having an enormous love of good food, Morte had begun to salivate just thinking of what could be roasting over the spit. She mindlessly let her feet carry her down a long road, flanked on both sides with smaller log cabins and fluted with smaller alleyways that broke away on other streets.

[Alumine]

She had slept her first night away completely at ease in the small, cozy room of the Savintar Warrens, secluded and safe; it was her new favorite place for the time being. Lazily she raised her eyes to the window and watched the frozen tundra ‘Like glass. Shiny glittery glass.’ Thinking of glass she reached slim fingers to her coin purse tucked safely under her pillow. She had spent more than intended lately, fascinated by nearly everything she seen. Jingling the small sack slightly she pushed in under once more and scratching her ear thoughtfully. ‘Maybe seeing the town would be more relaxing than sitting here…and maybe I can find a master here! They do have the bears and I can see the gate too.’

Having decided on her course of action Alumine stretched with a wide yawn revealing sharpened teeth and smiled. Today would be an adventure, she knew. With so many people she was bound to meet someone interesting. Hopping off the bed gracefully she wandered to her bag with lay scattered across the floor. Her shift had dried nicely and she tugged it over her head while scanning the room for her leggings and boots. Finding them she threw them on quickly and tugged her hair back in a loose plait.

Standing in front of the inn she wondered where to start, it was such a large city and it had been awhile since she had last interacted with humans. It was then the scent drifted to her nose ‘Food!’
Her destination decided Alumine weaved her way through the crowds with relative ease, slipping between people and clinking theirs purse in counting as she passed though she avoided most until she spotted a shock of red among the dark haired Vantha. Freezing in place for a few moments to watch the young woman her then tip-toed forward, maybe she had found another Fox? Slipping beside the nearest cart Alumine studied the woman.

‘Inarta, maybe? No she smells…human...definitely human but—Ah! Half!’ Pleased with herself for figuring out the woman she proceeded to follow her around the market. After following her for a while longer her keen eyes noticed what she had not before, the red haired lady had money. Figuring she was foreign and slightly dazed by the way she watched everything Alumine crept forward, careful to keep herself blended among the flow of people. Taking a breath she reached out cold fingers and it was at that moment her never abating hunger decided to make itself known. Flinching her hand stayed frozen behind the woman; stadning stiffly for a few moments before letting out a puff of silent air. ‘Hurry, have to hurry. She has not noticed!’ Inching a few centimeters more the little fox dove in for the steal.

[Mortemor Thane II]

Mortemor made her way through small crowds of people gathered here and there in the gradually narrowing street. She suspected nothing as she continued to scour the area for the frozen falls. The soft padding of feet slightly called her attention, but with so many people around Mortemor thought nothing more of it. It wasn’t until she heard a soft, yet strange gurgle coming from behind her that she began to suspect that something was amiss. But still she remained calm, but alert that someone or something was keeping pace with her. Just then, Morte was shoved violently, the force of it nearly knocking her over. She staggered but regained her foot and turned in time to catch a blur of red escaping down the street. Immediately the Halfling’s hand shot to her purse side noting that object to be of the most worth. To her alarm the purse was no longer secured to her belt side. “THIEF!!!!” Mortemor howl egregiously and shot off after the fast moving bolt of red.

[Alumine]

As her fingers clamped around the purse, untying it nimbly she was off and running by the time the cry reached her ears.”THEIF!!!” The enraged howl rang through the air and Alumine could feel the excited adrenaline pump hard through her veins, spurring her legs faster as she shoved through the crowded market. Usually she wouldn’t fear being caught. It wasn’t often any human could catch her, not when shifted to her animal form. But fear tugged at her brain; Avanthal was different though; it had Kelvic bears. Kelvic bears that could very well eat her for brunch! Glancing around frantically she almost smashed into a small cart, with ease that came to her race and propelled herself up; using the side of the stand as leverage she flipped over the cart. Smiling at herself she paused for a split second contemplating her escape route, she couldn’t very well run through the gates. Unless…Resuming her run she turned sharply and grabbed the cart, unapologetically she flashed the owner a smile and yanked it after her. Her lungs burned and her legs felt wobbly by the time she reached the gates she had longed to see not a few chimes earlier. Once she reached the gate she flung the cart, scattering fruits and a like everywhere, all the while she swiftly kept running. She heard the yells behind her and wondered if it was guards or the mix-blood had pursued her. Realizing she was running out of escape routes on the open tundra she began to tug at her shift and cloak viciously. Without bothering to look back she let them fall at her feet, nearly tripping her as she tried to keep her body hopping forward. Carefully placing the purse of money around her neck and closing her eyes she didn’t dare glance back as she changed pausing for only the time it took to switch. Letting the feeling of her true self wash over her, Alumine released a breathless yelp as she reached the cover of the trees. Her senses heighted she could hear the heavy crunch of snow behind her, and mild huffing. Pushing herself harder the red fox zoomed through the trees, weaving her way expertly. She knew without a doubt her only chance of escape wasn’t hiding—not with her coloring--but fleeing successfully. When her own breath began to match the harsh breathing of her pursuer and her foot falls became heavy and weighted, she chanced a glanced back, sure enough the figure was close by. Turning back around Alumine let out a pained snarl as her snout grazed roughly and painfully against a tree, tripping her and sending her in a frenzied tumble. On her feet in moments, the slightly wounded fox shook her head and once more began her run. It was then she spotted the small frozen lake. Humans she knew were cautious around frozen water until they were able to tell it was safe, but she assumed her lighter form would be safe. Veering abruptly Alumine raced toward it, she could nearly taste her escape! The snow flew around her with her last burst of energy as she propelled herself to the icy waters. It seemed though luck was not with her; she realized her miscalculation too late. As soon as her paw graced the ice, the momentum of her body plunged her snout first into the frigid depths. The cold seemed to seize her heart, push the very air from her lungs and weighed down her body heavily sending pricks of pain everywhere. Struggling vainly she managed only to get the tip of her snout above the water a few times before she began to sink.

[Mortemor Thane II]

Mortemor sprang after the speedy escapist; she could not tell if any guards had joined in the pursuit. But she herself was determined to reclaim her purse full of traveling money that was vital to her journey. “Get back here!!” She cried, pumping her legs harder and harder as she weaved through the crowd in order to keep sight of the flash of electric red dodging its way through the market street. “Excuse me! Pardon me! – MOVE!! ” Mortemor shouted trying to maneuver around shoppers, who were only getting in her way. She began to shove a little more violently as her desperate pursuit was almost lost in an extremely populated area. For a moment Mortemor lost sight of the crook, and glance around fervently searching for a splash of crimson in a sea of brunettes and dark complexions. A crystallized waterfall flashed into view and Mortemor suddenly realize she was passing by the Frozen Falls. ‘Just my luck! I find the place and this is the first thing to happen…’ She thought in pure annoyance. “Watch out --!!” The halfing could hear someone shout loudly, drawing her attention immediately. Suddenly Morte saw the thief; they were still fleeing, but had managed to gracefully avoid a cart full of unique looking consumables. The half Inartan locked onto the vivid hue that matched the color of her own hair and pushed through another crowd of bodies to continue her pursuit. A few people were more than stubborn when getting out of her way and Mortemor soon found herself tackling people out of the way and jumping over their bodies. “You’re NOT getting away!!!” The merchant-rogue descendant snarled her pace picking up steadily. The thief was making a run for the gates, and now with a clearer view Morte could see the feminine features of her assailant. Either the she-thief was planning to steal an entire cart of fruit or she had a devious scheme up her sleeve; for she resurfaced from the crowd brandishing the same cart of fruits she had just vaulted over. The escapist was firmly tugging the cart behind her, and as soon as she broke through the gates she released the cart like a time bomb which crashed; exploding, and sending fruits and the like, flying all over. Mortemor scowled deeply as the guards at the gate were foiled by the rolling fruit, which easily got underfoot and tripped many who tried to pursue. Mortemor was ready though and with the momentum she had built up, she threw herself forward successfully leaping over the area of ground that had been booby trapped. Up ahead she could see the thief heading for the tree line. ‘Ugh! If I lose any more ground I’ll lose her for sure!!’ Mortemor thought frantically, pushing more strength into her legs. Her breath began to become labored, but she kept sharp emerald eyes locked onto her target. She was only a few yards away and she could tell that the thief was losing stamina. ‘What is she doing?’ Mortemor thought, a bit dumbfounded as she watched the woman begin to shed her clothing. ‘—is she mad?!’ Right before her eyes, the fiery haired thief transformed into a dazzling red fox and bounded off into the underbrush, with Moretmor’s purse tied about its neck. “A Kelvic?!!” Mortemor spat in surprise. She had only ever read about the race of being who had the power to transform into animals. There was only so much she could recall about the species at the moment, but she knew they were tricky creatures to be cautious of. “Get back here you Kelvic scum!!” Mortemor growl angrily, she had always been a peace loving person; but when it came to money, Mortemor was known to be cut throat! “I’ll skin you alive and make a purse out of you--!!” She hissed as she dove through the underbrush, her hand digging through the snow as she crawled through the foliage. The surrounding bushes grabbed at her with low hanging branches catching at her violet cloak. “Tsk!” Mortemor sucked at her tongue in annoyance and ripped her cloak from her shoulders to let the bushes have it, she wasn’t going to let anything hold her back. She pressed forward in nothing but her shirt, and trousers. Her breath became more visible, and she cursed the thief fox for having the luxury of a pelt. Her eyes scanned the surrounding forest land, shivering and holding her arms. Her progress had been completely halted by the cold. She heard a yelp in the distance and the sound of rustling through the snow, but the sounds were so soft in the vast emptiness of the environment that Mortemor had trouble pinpointing where. “D-Damn YOU!! ” She shouted scornfully into the cold air, mentally cursing the assailant with all of the diseases she could think of. “Yelp --!!” Crack! Splash! The young Zeltivan woman heard another yelp, followed by a louder commotion in the distance and quickly raced off to see where it had originated from. She happened onto a frozen lake and although she saw nothing a amiss with it, there was a conspicuously large hole in the ice near the bank she was standing on. If it were not for the small bubbles that broke the surface of the water; Mortemor would have never reached her arms into the frigid lake, and fished out the fox just in time. The poor thing was sopping wet, and shivering. It’s once brightly colored fur was now dark and heavy with icy water. Mortemor frowned at the beast, but still held sympathy for it in her heart. She tucked the beast into her shirt and made track back toward the bushes where she had left her cloak. Fishing it from the branches, she wrapped it about herself and the fox to keep it warm. Mortemor expected the fox to answer for her crimes, but for now she was more concerned with its survival than its punishment. She held the weakened being closely to her chest to share her warmth as she traced her way to the near tavern she knew of; The Red Diamond Tavern. [The Red Diamond Tavern] Mortemor set the shivering canine in front of the fireplace where all the horns and heads of many hunted beasts were hung for show. She removed the purse from its neck and wrapped the being in her cloak, which was a little damp; but more dry than her other articles of clothing at the moment. The tavern was calm at this time of the day, with most of its patrons attending the markets. She ordered two mugs of hot chocolate, one for herself and one for her fox friend; and waited patiently for the kelvic recover.

[Cheshire]

Character: Mortemor Thane II Experience: Observation +2, Running +2 Lore: Getting Stolen From, Saving a Life Character: Alumine Experience: Observation +1, Tracking +1, Stealth +1, Larceny +1, Running +1, Escape Artist +1 Lore: Positive Outlook, Additional Note: I'm not going to deduct the money for the drink since Alumine poofed before you guys got to enjoy them. It's too bad this couldn't have gone farther. It was looking really interesting! PM me with concerns.