Quest A Change in Circumstances

[Fubuki Kouri]

OOCI'm going to Razkar's location. Watch out, Drykans! Sixteen daggers coming your way! "Alright! Time to go home~♪" Kouri stretched her ethereal muscles, let out a yawn, and shifted to a standing position. Her flower basket and four chakrams bobbed up and down agreeing with their master. "I'm going to put you back in your house nice and cozy, my pets~" Kouri lovingly rubbed one of her chakrams as if it was a faithful canine. She then flew up and launched herself along the Kabrin Road, away from Syliras. After she reached her tree, she will put back her chakrams inside her treasure hole, went back to the Flower Stand, return the flower basket, and finally went home to the Traveler's Row to spend the night with Rena. "Na na na na~♪" Humming an eerie cheerful tune, Kouri kept flying along the Kabrin Road and was about to change direction when she spotted a caravan. "Hm?" She tilted her head when she spotted the unmistakably tattooed bronze-skinned warrior she was fond of, the warrior named Razkar. "Ehehehehahaha!" She giggled in excitement. What were the odds she could meet her favorite male Myrian here? I wonder if Madame Kaie is with him as well~ Ah well~ Kouri assumed Razkar would introduce her to his friends traveling in the caravan with him. She twirled like a ballerina and flew down to on top of one of the carts, her feet stopping just a few inches before actually touching the cart. "Hello! Razka-" "Bow! Who is out there, too far for blades! Need bow!" "!?" Kouri's crimson eyes widened in surprise when she saw the battle-ready expression upon the Myrian's face. What the... She then noticed the tense atmosphere around the caravan. Most of the people seemed to be busy watching whatever is out there rather than a phantom girl visiting their caravan. A particular merchant greeted her though. "Why, hello there, Milady. I'm Mitchum, what brings you here to our lovely group? Unfortunately... we're in a rather tense situation..." The affable trader greeted the phantom little girl as if she was an ordinary human. "Uhm... my name is Fubuki Kouri, Sir Mitchum. I'm Razkar's friend... and uh... what is going on here?" Kouri's crimson eyes darted left and right, her chakrams spinning ominously in an alert position. "Ah, you're the Myrian's friend, good to know. Well we can exchange pleasantries later, for now would you kindly help us? You look capable with those... spinning weapons of yours and... that flower basket, ahaha." Mitchum made a smirk and prepared himself for the coming battle. "Ahahahahahaha! Of course, Sir!" Kouri lifted the hem of her dress and curtsied to the merchant. She then lifted her head and extended both of her hands outwards, her chakrams immediately filled with vigor, whirring loudly, and spinning around herself like the moon revolving the planet. She gently put her flower basket on top of the cart she's floating on. Her crimson eyes narrowed into reptilian slits and her hair ribbons disappeared, spreading her white strands outwards like a white cobra hood. "Let them come!!"

[Edreina]

With the wind coming from the direction of Syliras, sounds ahead traveled further while those coming from behind were blown away until the last moment. Instead of hearing the hoofbeats, Edreina felt them in the soles of her feet, like far off thunder. Surprised, she whirled about, the paler ends of her hair appearing gold in Leth's wan light. Immediately, confusion furrowed her delicate brow. Well, they are certainly in a hurry to reach the fortress... Shaking her head and sliding a thumb around the strap that crossed her chest, the Svefra skipped off of the road. The trio of riders looked to be in a hurry to the point that they would not be opposed to trampling a maiden who was in their way. As their hurried pace continued, Edreina had to fight a growing sense of trepidation. Why on Semele's holy earth were they in such a hurry? Something was not right about this... No no no, you're just overreacting, Reina. It's just the dark getting to you. Everything looks suspicious at this time of night. She sighed but could not stop glancing over her shoulders. An instinctive hand went to her waist, searching for a whip that was not there. Oh why did she not listen to the thought that told her to bring it? Even if she ended up not needing it, its warmth and weight would be comforting. As she continued to walk, the riders' relentless approach did not change. It was really starting to pick at her nerves. Restless blue eyes scanned the ground over which she was treading for a weapon of some sort. Branches... stones... all in easy reach. You're overreacting, part of her muttered once more. But it was no comfort. Her furtive glances had caused her to fall further behind the main cluster of people heading back to the city. OOCSorry it's so late and short! I am waiting for the action to start. xD

[Jackalope]

The Caravan Kyrin held his hand up as the trees began to narrow somewhat, signing for the rest of his group to come to a halt. He could hear chattering, the rolling of wheels, and the clomping of hooves against the single largest road he'd ever laid eyes on. It wasn't the biggest caravan he'd seen making the long journey along the Kabrin, but it was a concern. It was guarded, and it was heading in a reciprocal manner to the direction of the woman they were to capture. They had to stop it, without bloodshed if possible. We ride, he signed. Prepare for combat. Do not initiate. With a subtle touch of his Strider's neck, the Drykas and his powerful steed were off, plowing forward out of the woods, through thick grasses, and on an intercept course with the caravan. Get between them and the target. Delay them for a half a chime, maybe a full, and then be on their way. Blackmane approached the front of the caravan, his two companions not far behind. His bow was out and an arrow notched, but it was not raised in any manner at the supply train. His fellow raiders both rode with a hand on their yvas, their other hand raised slightly, but unarmed. The leader of this raid called out to the caravan in Common, somewhat brokenly, but all he could do was hope they understood. "Please stop. We not fighting. We not taking. No danger. But stop, must." Sending a hunter to do the job of a diplomat. This was going to be something else. Nalik, Akilah, Edreina She was nervous, but she didn't seem to react entirely to their approach. Did she not notice them? No, that was impossible. Was she not alarmed? Barkin Southstone was just ready for this to get over. The woman had no idea what was coming. It was dirty work, raiding like this, and he wasn't particularly proud of it. His pavilion had called upon him, however, and he wasn't going to turn down their request. He was a powerful rider, a strong man, but he was never the most skilled warrior. Not that he needed to be at this moment. One against three. Unless she was some insanely skilled fighter, this should be simple enough. One of his companions went left, the other went right, and he moved in front of her, speaking first in Pavi, to let his allies know what he wished of them. "Capture her quickly. We must ride like the wind." If anyone caught them, it could undue all their efforts before things first began. For the individuals, families, clans, and all of their people who were counting on them, they couldn't fail. Then in common, he spoke again, looking at the red haired woman, a somewhat sad tone to his voice. "I'm..I'm so sorry."

[Razkar]

"Where in petch did you come from?!"

That was Razkar's initial reaction when he felt a chill at his side and the shimmering, grinning figure apparition (literally) of Fubuki was suddenly just... there! He nearly dropped the quiver, so great was his surprise, and by the time he righted himself, odd little sack of arrows flung over his shoulder, she and Mitchum were carrying on like old friends and she was snarling some sort of challenge to the forest.

"Mistress Fubuki, calm self." Razkar said with a weary roll of his eyes. Fubuki was... unconventional company, true, but for all her insanity he could not regard her as evil. Supremely dangerous when angered, yes, but not a monster. "What are doing here?! Did you follow me? Fubuki, you know my rules, know not to follow, where is sister-"

The Myrian's voice stalled and the words died when three riders trotted from the woods. Razkar's eyes narrowed at their bearing and clothing, their steeds and weapons... and at first he thought the infernal heat was getting to him. But no... no, his eyes were not wrong.

Drykas. Far from the Sea of Grass, and apparently armed for battle (though with Drykas, one never knew). He had fought alongside them before, two mad and bloody night battle against Zith, one at a place called Sanctuary, another in the middle of that faceless grass desert that dominated Cyphrus region. He'd even sparred with that lion called Vanator, and came to regard him almost as a friend.

But these three... these raised the hairs on the back of his neck, especially at the sight of arrows already notched in bows.

"Please stop. We not fighting. We not taking. No danger. But stop, must."

He was close enough to hear those butchered, halting orders when they were spoken to the caravan leader, a lean human with a lined face and hooded eyes. Razkar waited for an answer but didn't like it. Too many questions, too much asked without any answers.

If you're not fighting, or taking, why do you want us to stop? Why don't you want us to go? What are you afraid we'll find? Or see? Why are you even asking?

"Why stop?"

His words barked out over the silence and many eyes rested on the odd sight: a tattooed and glowering Myrian with bow in hand and the shimmering, floating ghost-girl. Suddenly remembering her, Razkar turned to Fubuki... weighed a plan against his conscience...

And decided that if playing on the mental issues of a dead girl got him victory and/or survival, well...

"Fubuki?!" Humming and giggling and Razkar had to snap his fingers to get her out of it. "Mistress Fubuki?!" His voice was a low whisper, dangerous and urgent and just for her. "Think these may be bad men. No, not stare at them! Could be men like we fight in Woods, remember? But they not want us to go. Want us to stop. Perhaps not want us to see forward road?"

He jerked his head towards the winding and hidden Kabrin lying ahead of the caravan.

"Go! See what is ahead! See if trap or ambush is waiting."

The Myrian turned his gaze back to the three horsemen, staring at him like he was some rogue wolf that needed putting down. He stared back and silently drew an arrow, notching it... but not raising his bow.

He was being paid to guard, not fight... but he would be damned if he'd have a trio of strangers dictate what he would and would not do without a shred of explanation.

"Why not go forward?" He said louder, directing his words at the middle horseman, the speaker and, as far as he guessed, the leader. "What is problem?"

[Fubuki Kouri]

"Ehehehehe~ Hello, Razkar~" Kouri waved her right hand, greeting the surprised Myrian. She silently felt proud for managing to surprise a veteran warrior by her sudden presence, how many had successfully done that? "Calm? I'm just excited! Finally some more enemies to kill!" Knowing Razkar was a warrior that relished in battle as much as she was, though in a different way, she didn't hide any of her emotions and went all out. "Well, aren't you a lovely duo? Ahahaha!" Mitchum, the ever upbeat merchant, was not worried at all, the phantom girl looked insane yes, but the fact that this Myrian warrior knew her as a friend meant that well... she's not utterly mindless and from her statement, Mitchum deducted that her lust for battle was directed at her enemies; Mitchum was completely sure she didn't regard his caravan as enemies. "Tsk tsk tsk~ So many questions, Razkar~" Kouri closed her eyes and wagged her right index finger like a scolding teacher, she decided to humor him. "I'm just visiting you and~ nooope, I didn't follow you~ aaaand~ Rena is i-..." She wanted to answer Razkar's last question before he even finished, but she noticed he abruptly cut it off. Something must had happened, she immediately opened her eyes and spotted the three suspicious persons in front of the caravan and all of them were riding horses. "Please stop. We not fighting. We not taking. No danger. But stop, must." "What the petch?" Kouri couldn't keep her offensive surprise and spoke it in Vani, hopefully nobody understood Vani there or her noble girl image would suffer. Back to the situation at hand, three suspicious men with bows and arrows were giving orders to the caravan, who the petch did they think they were? Guardian of the Forest? No, that would be Madame Ama. She wanted to ask the question on why we should take orders from the likes of stinky poos such as you, but it seemed her favorite male Myrian warrior beat her to it. "Why stop?" Ah yes, those firm commanding tone only possessed by those who had great courage and witnessed lots of death and carnage. Kouri couldn't keep her giggles, those stinky poos were doomed! "Nya ha ha ha~♪ You better answer him or bad bad things are going to happen to you~♪ " She spoke in a sing-song voice. Mitchum couldn't help but snorted in amusement at the little girl who saw this situation as fun and games, but he kept his calm and also faced the Drykas before him "Well well now, gentlemen. We're in a bit of hurry you see, so we will really appreciate you putting away your weapons and kindly let us pass" Even though it sounded kind, one that was not a simpleton could notice the commanding undertone beneath it that showed he was not playing around, three men against all of his guards? Including a master swordsman with his exotic custom gladius and the newly-arrived phantom girl who wielded sixteen daggers as if they were toys? This would be over before those men could fire more than three arrows. "Fubuki?! Mistress Fubuki?!" Hearing her name being called twice together with a finger snap broke Kouri out of her self-induced murderous trance. What was she thinking? Various ways on how to cut up those horses and give the organs to her friend, the good Doctor Vladimir, of course! She turned her head to the warrior and spoke in her ever so playful girlish voice "Yes~♪?" "Think these may be bad men" Noticing the low whisper full of urgeny from Razkar, Kouri dropped her cheerful expression and nodded at him "What would you have me do to help?" Her voice switched to a more mature-sounding one, indicating she shared Razkar's seriousness about the matter at hand now. She slightly tilted her head to lock her reptilian crimson eyes to the three men when Razkar told her not to, she immediately focused her attention back to Razkar though her battle-ready chakrams kept spinning around like oversized metallic hornets. "Could be men like we fight in Woods..." At that statement, Kouri's eyes narrowed even more and now glowed with murderous crimson hue. These men were slavers like the ones she slaughtered at the Woods together with Razkar, Madame Kaie, and the others?! These men were going to die! And she would personally cut up their corpses and gave them to Doc Vlad. Her rage would be delayed for now it seemed as Razkar told her to scout ahead, to see if there was a trap or ambush waiting. Kouri agreed, if they could create traps and ambushed the slavers; what stopped the roles from being reversed? There was one, these men most likely didn't have a powerful ghost with them. Just perfect! "Kehehehehehahahahaha!! Roger that!" Kouri nodded to both Razkar and Mitchum then she positioned herself like an arrowhead and launched forward, her chakrams loyally following their Master at her shoulders. She also flashed the leader of the three men a murderous grin as she passed him and whispered "I'll be back..." with her haunting voice echoing in the area. "Well... there she goes" Mitchum gave a wave to the fleeting phantom, he then returned his attention to these three unnecessary obstacles "You heard the Myrian, men! Chop chop, we don't have all day" ============================== The flash of white kept flying above the Kabrin road, Kouri's crimson eyes was on the lookout for any suspicious stinky poos on horses like those men earlier. Her chakrams whirring and buzzing at her side, ready to cut up any evil men should the need arise, she hoped it would arise, her chakrams hadn't taste human blood for quite some time now. She heard galloping sounds of horses up ahead, so something was there after all. Kouri assumed it was more of those horse-riding men, but they could be knights as well. Only one way to find out and that's to get a closer bird-eye's view on the source of the sounds.

[Nalik Fallingleaf]

Nalik slowed Rivain just has he was coming up to the left of the woman. The female Drykas went right and Barkin Southstone road past her, turning his Strider round to face her effectively blocking the way forward. Nalik gently pulled up the hand grip of his Yvas signalling to Rivain that they were stopping and she pulled up just in front but to the left of the woman.

This was hit, the crux of their hunt. Their prey snared, all they had to do now was snatch it up. An order in Pavi from Barkin Southstone confirmed that, and Nalik was ready completely absorbed in the facade of a simple hunt that he had created. Ready to do what he must. What he needed to do.

But then Barking had to go and make it real. The sad apology he said to the woman snapped Nalik back to what was really going on. And then he looked at her, confusion and maybe even a little fear on her face as she regarded the thee armed riders. He shouldn't look directly at her face. Why did he look diectly at her face? Why was he still looking at her face?

She was no animal. No prey. She was just a woman going about her life. A life that they were here to ruin. To tear apart and destroy. He couldn't stop looking at her. Her red hair. Blue eyes. Her, humanity.

I can't. I can't do this. She is just so, so....

No! She is just prey. Just prey! You are not tearing her life apart you are rebuilding it. Giving her a greater purpose than she had before, how is that not a good thing? Remember you are not going to take her life, but give her a new one. One that will make a difference. One that will save you're people!

Nalik felt like he had been staring at the woman and having his internal battle for bells, but in reality not even half a chime had passed since Southstone spoke to the girl. Nalik closed his eyes, blocking out the sight of the women. When he opened them again a tic later he woould be composed and ready to do what he needed. He emitted hi mantra ooutloud but barely audible focusing himself once more.

"We need to do this".

"We must do this".

"You must do this".

His eyes opened and he looked at the woman. Not at her face, but just under her chin. He would break if he looked her in the eyes. He almost lost his resolve as he saw that she was carrying something, but he swiftly pushed the thoughts of what she was carrying out of his mind, and instead spoke to her in broken common, hoping to resolve this quickly and without resorting to force.

"With us come. Please. Help we need."

He extended his hand to her, hoping beyond all hope that she would think they were only in trouble and that they needed someone to come help them. If she took his hand willingly and he managed to get her on his horse and back to the relative safety of their camp, then maybe just maybe they could explain to her what was needed of her.

And if that didn't work then he just hoped he was strong enough to do what was needed. Or if he wasn't least his companions were.


oocSorry for the late-ish reply, got called away on work!

[Edreina]

Edreina turned in surprise as she heard the pace of the dozen hooves alter, slow. As they pulled up alongside - either side - the woman, she felt a flash of panic taint her blood, sending a tremble through her limbs. One of the riders whispered something Edreina did not quite catch but it sent a chill up her spine. What was the meaning of this? Alarm bells began to sound in the rear of the redheads mind. Perhaps it was brought on by such close proximity to the horses. Each time one made a sound or shifted its immense weight, Edreina wanted to leap right out of her freckled skin and flee into the night. In the whirl of Edreina's mind, a single voice piped up that something was wrong, that she should run from these riders. But it was silenced by the flurrying proclaimations of so many other possibilities. Guileless eyes as open and blue as the Suvan itself seemed to shout each emotion as it flitted through her mind, setting the red hair atop it quivering in anxiety. They darted between each of the faces, displaying confusion when none would meet her eyes. She whirled back to the man before her as he spoke something, too low and quick for her to catch. One foot slid backwards on instinct, preparing to flee an unknown danger, only to stop as the hair at the back of her neck prickled with the proximity of one of the beasts. Something is wrong, so very wrong. It's just the horses. "With us come. Please. Help we need." Help? The word struck a properly tuned cord within the woman so that it resonated within her, ringing away most of her fear. His hand descended, palm up. An invitation. But to do what? "You need help?" Her voice was surprisingly small. The urge to help those in need was cloying, sticking to her mind and clogging her veins. But somehow, the sour bile of fear managed to worm its way warily thought her. "How... How can I help?" She took a step closer but did not take his hand. No, that would surely cause her to end up astride the huffing demon before her. "Is it... far? From here? Could I walk and follow you?" The woman swallowed hard, already knowing that if these riders had ridden with such haste and stopped the first inept lass they strode upon to seek help, their situation must have been desperate. Pity nearly caused the Svefra to face her fears, take the man's hand, and help in any way she could. Nearly. Her teeth met the inside of her cheek as she debated this. No. She could not be the one. Even if she were to go with them, what help would she be able to offer? It was doubtful that their trouble stemmed from an inability to swim or lollygag in the sunlight. "I'm sorry... But I can't help you. If you ride on just a bit further, the knights, they can help you." Now it was Edreina that had trouble meeting the strangers' eyes. So badly she wished to help, and yet fear held her captive. Bowing her head in the land-strider's gesture of respect, Edreina took another step back, one hand upon the warm bundle at her side, but found her path wholly blocked. A spike of adrenaline shook her heart and weakened her knees with the realization that she was, in fact, trapped.

[Akilah Windsong]

Akilah was almost on the young woman when she heard Southstone speak. I'm sorry?

No, she almost turned and yelled at him, don't say those words. Don't make this harder than it needs to.

Her conscious was not something she wanted to deal with. Not here, in the forest, the trees pining her in. She'll go find that grotto her friend had showed her least year, find it and hide there for a day and deal with her heart then. But not now, when her heart can hinder her.

Luckily, it just made the young woman confused. Not enough to run away. As Fallingleaf pleaded for help, Akilah silently moved her strider behind her, blocking her path to the city. If Southstone adjusted himself, they'd make a circle around her and there was very little she could do to escape.

Especially as she was scared.

Biting her lip as the woman responded, her mind making the connections between her words and their meaning, she was grateful for meeting Kaja a few years ago. While her Common was still a little rusty, it was enough to understand this.

"We..." Akilah hesitated, thinking her words carefully. Zulrav, it was so much easier with Pavi, the simple gestures that conveyed an idea and more. Common made her feel slow, like riding through a rocky field. "We want..." She didn't know the right words for the next part, neither in Pavi nor Common.

What to say to convince her to come easily? Akilah eyed the young woman, the bundle in her hands.

Maybe...her cousin had given her a ride back to the city when she had last been like this, too far and all alone.

She didn't want to tarnish that memory like this. She didn't.

"Show us." Akilah made a small show of looking in the distance, squinting down the dark path. Turning back, she smiled and patted her partner's yvas. "You want a ride?"

[Jackalope]

The Caravan "Danger ahead." It wasn't exactly a lie. It was a dangerous situation just ahead. He didn't need to lie. "Too risky. My...My men fix. No worry. No worry." The language felt dirty on his tongue, but he couldn't assume these men knew Pavi. It had to be Common. Oh, how he hated not moving his hands to get the point across. Maybe if he was able to show them, put the emphasis with his hand movements, they would understand. Or believe him, if nothing else. But then the dark skinned man sent the floating one off, and their hands were forced. Glancing to the man on his left, he spoke in a low voice, Pavi flowing from his lips. "After her. No aggression, but do what you must for our people." The man wasted no time in going after the ghost, riding hard to get to his destination as quickly as possible. "She not safe alone," he stated, whether it was true or not. The Drykas he'd sent after her was no pushover. He wasn't worried about him having to deal with a ghost, if it came down to that. "Try to protect. Must listen. No...no one safe." They had to stall them. Only a bit longer. Then they could ride off, hopefully without bloodshed. The caravan wasn't having anything to do with it, though, as the drivers and other members got the horses and beasts of burden moving yet again. Frustrated, the Drykas man, nodded to his companion, and they both turned and rode a bit further down the road before stopping and facing the caravan again. "If they don't stop," he whispered, "then do it. Try not to harm anyone." The Kidnapping He'd had a moment of weakness. A pretty young woman was about to have her life changed, but it was all for the best. Endrykas needed her. They would treat her fair, she would be a beautiful bride and be tied to the Web. She would have beautiful children who would go on to be great and productive members of the moving city. No time for talk. We must take her. Willing? Good. Not. Then take. The hand signals were plain. The point was clear. Too much time was being wasted, and the longer they were out in the open, the more of a chance they had of being discovered. "Yes. Take ride. We get you there fast." The sound of hooves beating against the ground caused the Drykas man to turn in surprise. Had they been found? One of their own was riding hard, but he couldn't quite make out the signals. ..Ghost?...Ghost coming? What in the world did he mean? He wouldn't be riding so hard, if not for a threat.. "We must go now!" He yelled in Pavi. "No more time to waste!"

[Nalik Fallingleaf]

So close! She was so close to agreeing! but then she changed her mind. Nalik cursed silently under his breath. He thought he had done it then, found a way to take her without force.

But no. No she had refused his hand and taken a step back, alarm tainting her face when she realized that her escape route was cut off. Nalik almost moved in then, shifting his weight in a position to grab her. But then Windsong had a go at persuading the girl, offering her a ride to the city.

Clever.

Barkin Southstone was getting nervousness. He signed his complaints about the talk, which caused Nalik to glare at him on anger. If he hadn't of had his moment f weakness this wouldn't have been happening. If he hadn't broken Naliks focus he would have snatched the girl without talking.

This was on him.

However he tried to help convince the girl in his broken common, confirming that they would get there quick. Maybe maybe this might work. She seemed to contemplate his plea, maybe she will agree to this one.

But he would never know the answer to that as everyone was distracted by the sounds of raging hooves echoing across the road. Nalik turned his head confusion and worry tainting his face. What had happened? What had gone wrong?

One of the Drykas sent to scout ahead was racing his way towards them signalling, something. Nalik could not see from were he was and he squinted trying to decipher it. Ghost? Fortunately Southstone was quicker than him and he turned to face them screaming in Pavi:

'We must go now! No more time to waste!

Fear. Panic. What to do?

What had happened? Someone is coming? A ghost? There's no chance of a peacfull taking now. We have tried out best but now we must use force. No, no do not think about it. Just do it.

We need to do this.

We must do this.

You must do this.

Nalik veered Rivain around so he was facing away from the incoming rider, with the girl on his left. She was distracted, looking at the new person. Confusion. Now was his chance.

Do not think.

Do!

Gods forgive me

Nalik reached forwards, intending to grasp the woman round the shoulders and heave her up onto Rivian. Then?

Ride.