Closed Antique's Society Dig - Defense

[Magpie]

Timestamp: 16th of Summer, 513AV
Participants: Riaris, Loken, Jack, Vanator

It could be said that the Kuvay’nas and the Cerulean had a rocky relationship. In fact, it would commonly be described in far more colorful language than ‘rocky’, but on the very rare occasion they were forced to coexist, ‘rocky’ would do. This was one such occasion, and both Commander Nodorus and Venkork of the Cerulean had arrived at near dawn, both intending to arrive before the other. As it was, they sat in uncomfortable silence, glaring at each other alternatively. They were southeast of the excavation site, itself only denoted by a series of tents camped out in the grass. Nodorus stared at the gates of Riverfall, willing the chimes to pass faster, while Venkork stared out into the empty Sea of Grass, willing any manner of beast to interrupt their unbearable coexistence.

It was only on an order from the Council that had the pair working together, knowing full well that an order from the Council was the only thing that would make it happen.

Venkork was slowly, methodically slicing an apple and eating it, making sure each motion was as loud as possible. Nodorus stared furiously at the Riverfall gate, fists clenched. Not a word was spoken. At long last there, was movement in the distance and both men sucked in a breath.

“Listen. I expect you-” Nodorus began lowly, watching the line of warriors march slowly towards them.

“Expect me to what? Play nice? You city guards are always so high and mighty, but we’re the ones out here guarding-”

“You’re out here for a reason, you-”

“And when you stiffs leave, we’ll be the ones who will still be out here-”

“Enough!”

Venkork’s hand jerked to the lakan at his side, lips twisted in a sneer as the group, led by two other Kuvay’nas guards, drew into earshot. “I don’t take orders from Kuvay’nas scum. I’ve killed for less.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Norodus snarled. “But we need to work together for the time being. There’s glassbeaks out here, and innocents in there.” He jerked his head towards the dig site and Venkork sheathed his lakan abruptly, still seething.

“You’d better not start treating me like one of your lackeys…” His voice dropped to a whisper as the group drew close. “Or the glassbeaks might not be the only corpses out here.”

Nodorus clenched his teeth, but instead focused on the group that now stopped in front of him. There was a familiar face in the group – Riaris, one of his own. If there was one thing he knew about Venkork, it was that he respected the wishes of the Council, one of the few Ceruleans who respected anything. “Good morning men. I hope you had a good breakfast, we’ll be out here for a while. This is…Venkork,” he spat the name with as much derision as possible. “Of the Cerulean.”

“Being that the Cerulean are the ones who normally guard the Olmec Stelae,” Venkork cut in, crossing his massive arms across his chest. “The Council saw fit to include a representative in its defense.”

“Eyes out to the Grass, gentlemen, and spread out. The Glassbeaks were spotted to the south east.” Clearly eager to be away from his tattooed comrade, Nodorus turned and looked out into the sea of waving grass. Venkork cast his eyes over the group before turning his back scornfully on the lot of them and stalking a short length away.

[Riaris Dovukalis]

Riaris left his home and headed out to work for the day. The Kuvay’nas had been contracted to guard a crew of people on a dig site, and he was one of the men going for the job. Nodorus was the head on the assignment and Riaris respected the man and learned from him as much as he could. They were very different in ways, Recoomas held the raw and violent nature of the Cerulean, but unlike them, Riaris could control that. He was a good soldier, and didn't let his personal feelings affect his performance on the job, well...not much.

This would be tested on this day, and more than once as well. The Akalak headed towards the city gates, and he could already see the Cerulean standing opposite Nodorus. He frowned and narrowed his pale eyes towards the cursed Akalak. Riairs didn't like his kind, not one bit. They weren't worthy of being called Akalak in his eyes, and the ban from the city wasn't a strict enough punishment as far as he was concern.

The Akalak hurried his steps as their faces became clear in his view, and he could guess that they were already at each others throat. Although, he didn't look to stop the oncoming fight, but to join in. A brawl with a animal Akalak was just what he needed to start out his day. Just as well, delivering more pain was always a must to continue to please Krysus. Once he reached the two, Riaris stopped short and clinched his own fist, just waiting for a punch to be thrown.

"Try me..."

However, nothing of the sort would happen, and instead they were given direction....by the Cerulean of all people. This disgusted the Akalak more than anything and he wanted to spit on the useless blue thug, but he knew that Nodorus wouldn't approve. Instead Riaris made his way over towards his Kuvay’nas brother and waited for HIS orders.

[Vanator]

Vanator, sitting atop his mount, had spotted the Kuvay’nas and Cerulean near the mustering point, the band of armed Akalaks coming from the city heading to meeting them. Even at some distance, the Drykas could see the tension between the faction leaders, a curious alliance forcing them to cooperate. With a subtle squeeze of his knees, Sirocco broke into a trot, on a course that would intercept the Kuvay’nas troop as they reached the Akalak officers.

When he heard the role of defending the dig site would be open to non-Akalak, Vanator volunteered. He and Sirocco spent a lot of time in the grasslands outside of Riverfall, and spent a lifetime living in the Sea of Grass, and believed he could be an asset to the effort. But his real reason was more personal. His friend Dust was part of the dig. Vanator had become very fond of the raven girl since she took up residence at the Sanctuary, and had taken her security as a personal responsibility, accompanying her on every trip she made to the city. She was also a good friend.

Nearing the group, Vanator eased the Strider into a walk. The Denusk had readied himself for the job, a small field pack strapped to the yvas along with a composite shortbow and a quiver. From a loop hung a cold steel battle ax, and a matching hand ax was thrust through Vanator's belt along with a dagger. He had opted for leather riding pants, in spite of the early summer heat, and a sleeveless mail shirt with the padded vest beneath it.

Van saw his friend Riaris at the head of the band of guards, his deep violet features already twisted in disgust at the presence of the Cerulean. A few other humans had arrived as well. The horseman brought the stallion to a halt a respectful distance from the others, where he could hear the leaders speak. Glassbeak had been spotted already, and Vanator's gaze fell to the south east. Centering in the yvas, Vanator allowed himself to slip into the strands of the Web that were nearby. There were only a few, the vast network still in partial disrepair since the djed storm, and his skill was limited. But the Drykas peered towards the south east, and did detect that a group of creatures had crossed the djed strands in the area very recently.

As he slipped out of the webbing trance, Vanator could see the group beginning to move out behind Norodus. Nodding to the Kuvay’nas leader, an acceptance of his orders, and grinning to his friend, the horseman took up a position flanking the band, keeping an eye out to the grass. He pulled the strung recurve bow free and laid it across his lap, ready for the appearance of predators, or for further instructions from the Riverian officer.

[Magpie]

OOCA bit late, but hopefully you guys are still here!

The grass swayed gently in the scant breeze, betraying no wildlife – yet. Nodorus glanced around at the group, a few Akalaks, a few men, and from the look of ease from the man on the horse, a Drykas. That one may just come in handy, with their uncanny knowledge of the Sea of Grass.

Nodorus turned to watch Riaris approach, knowing full well he was just as incensed as the Commander at the Cerulean’s uppity attitude. “Save that lakan for the glassbeaks,” he intoned as Riaris came within earshot, eyes still focused out on the grass. “No matter what that…reject says to bait you, it’ll be my ass in front of the Council explaining why one of my men couldn’t follow orders.” He gave the violet man a pointed look that was not without sympathy. “These glassbeaks may not even show. Just have to wait out here until the mallet pushers-”

He was not the first of the group to notice the pounding of hoof beats coming up being them, but his look was one of equal shock. Approaching on horseback with a Kuvay’nas accompaniment, was quite clearly a woman. Dark hair streamed out behind her as they approached, and after the horses slowed to a stop behind the group, there was the wet sound of Venkork spitting loudly.

“A woman? They send a female out here to fight with the men?” Venkork’s voice was equal parts incredulity and scorn. “Or did you just come for moral support?” The scorn was no less, but his eyes gave over to a lustful leer as well.

Nodorus’ bark cut across the group loud and angry. “You’ll keep your tongue and your hands to yourself, exile. There’s not much more the Council could do to you, save kill you.”

Venkork’s only response was only another irritated spit on the ground between he and Sybel. He locked eyes with her for a moment before turning back to the grass.

“Glad you could join us.” Nodorus’ greeting was less than warm and somewhat impatient. “I trust that if you signed up, you can hold your own. The glassbeaks are due to the southeast. Eyes on the grass.” He addressed this last order to the group, giving the back of Venkork’s head a hard look before turning his eyes out himself.

[Riaris Dovukalis]

Riaris stayed his blade, and said nothing. He knew what Nodorus said was true. The council were as over protective, unreasonable parents. They had to know everything, and even when they did, they still made the wrong call in favor of some askew vision of justice. The Cerulean were animals, everyone even Drykas knew this. So it was easy enough to understand, an animal goes wild, the animal gets put down. Nothing to think over unless one wanted to feel the animal's fangs.

"I'll be keeping an eye on you...One wrong move and that would give me all the cause I need to destroy you."

The Akalak frowned, his features rough. His voice seemed to deepen and to crack as he and Recoomas seemed to have switched places a few times within the brief moments. They both wanted at this fallen Akalak and it was only the strength of will that held them back. Glassbeaks were so much simpler, no one cared how many were killed and in what fashion. Except for Krysus, she cared nothing about dumb animals and would have much preferred the blood of Venkork, or anyone else surrounding Riaris.

Nodorus seemed to have plan, as he always did. There wasn't much for Riaris and Recoomas to do but follow orders. As the man said, the day could be a very easy and dull guard duty. When the Kuvay’nas accompaniment arrived with a woman, Riaris turned to look and was a bit surprised. If he wasn't mistaken he had just met this woman a few days passed. It was interesting that she and her bow arrived separately, but he realized he could also be wrong, not that it mattered.

"Venkork, not that I care about your preference between men and women, but I find your voice very irritating, speak again and I will remove your tongue." he said in deep Tukant, but even for those who didn't understand it, they could tell he meant business.

[Sybel]

Sybel rode into view, swaggering alongside her mount. She hefted the crossbow into a more comfortable position, quickly assessing the situation. There was an Akalak she did not recognize, though he seemed vaguely familiar, Nodorus head of the Kuvay’nas and Vanator, whose eyes she met with a tentative smile. There was another, one she could only assume to be the head of the Cerulean, who noted her arrival with a sneer.

She simply tapped the sword at her hip and grinned, oblivious to his contempt. It was to be expected in certain circles, and she’d achieved too much and lived too long to be affected by such transparent sexism. Instead, she allowed their eye contact for a bit longer, seemingly unflapped despite her slight irritation.

To Nodorus, she gave a curt nod, accustomed to such inflection. She’d been a mercenary before. Dismounting smoothly, she strode over to the small cluster of warriors, drawing her blade with a steely ring. The Akalak she’d vaguely recognized made some smart remark in Tukant, which she only barely understood. His tone however, was unmistakable. Venkork was the Cerulean’s name. She gave a very light, almost inaudible, laugh and turned her eyes to the Grass, much as Nodorus had commanded before.

Somewhere inside, Sybel suspected Vanator was unnerved. She hadn’t mentioned her participation in this little event, so as not to worry him. He’d never seen her battle prowess outside a practice ring. It was to be expected. Intentionally, she met his eyes and winked before turning back to the matter at hand. Perhaps it would ease his fear, perhaps not. Sybel could handle herself, that much was certain.

Calmly, she stared into the oncoming hurricane.

[Vanator]

The Drykas shifted in his yvas as he watched the heated exchange between Nodorus and Venkork, and the ire of his friend Riaris. Vanator could see something darker in the man, the part that the Drykas had yet to meet. The pissing contest was interrupted by the pounding of hooves, a mounted contingent of Akalak approaching. But the impressive troop of large colored men on heavy horses was not what caught Vanator's attention. It was an all too familiar mane of raven hair blowing about the face of Sybel, riding along with the Riverian warriors. The Denusk was surprised, she had mentioned nothing to him about joining the dig defense detail. He wondered what business she had, whether maybe she came to work with Dust at the dig. No. She was armed to the teeth. She intended to join the armed group.

The Cerulean's comments earned him a deadly stare from the mounted Drykas as Riairis voiced his threat. Vanator was ready to leap out of the yvas and cleave the outcast's head from his shoulders when he saw Venkork leer at Sybel. Any attempt to towards her and he would, if Sybel didn't skewer him first. He finally peeled his gaze from the Cerulean and turned it on Nodorus as Sybel strutted forward, her sword singing as she unsheathed it. "She can hold her own." Van's eyes darted to his Benshiran lover, her wink met with a sober gaze. It was not that he would coddle her. Sybel had survived wandering the world for five years without him, certainly she learned much while away. Still, Van was not pleased that she kept this from him. Then again...this was who Sybel was, and why he loved her, she was not some maiden to be kept barefoot in the cooking tent. A small grin flashed at her as the group turned their attention to the task at hand.

[Magpie]

Time passed slowly, with little chatter in the tense air and not much movement out in the grass. Half a bell later, there was a distant, shrill call, bringing with it a hush in the smaller wildlife nearby, but its source was obscured in the gently waving grass and occasional tree. The sun bore down hard and various insects and animals slowly resumed their calls. Nodorus was pacing carefully, with the air of a man simply more comfortable while in motion. Venkork had crossed his arms and, save for a few sideways glaces at Sybel, and a few darker ones at Riaris, seemed entirely at ease with the mundane task of guard duty.

There was another pause in the chatter of wildlife and Venkork suddenly unshealthed his pair of lakans with an anticipatory growl. Startled, Nodorus paused in his pacing and laid a hand on the lakan at his own side. "What do you see?"

"Something pink and ugly," he growled, tattooed face drawn in a snarl as he faced the grass. "It's out there, and getting closer."

Eyes looked back to the grass, which betrayed none of its secrets.

"Are you-" Nodorus started skeptically.

"Yes, I'm sure," Venkork snapped. "While you're safe and cozy behind the city walls, who do you think is out here keeping the nasties from waking you up at night?"

Jaw working angrily, Nodorus didn't respond, but looked back out to the grass.

Those with keen ears would hear the birds starting to quiet. Those with keen eyes would see the grass rustle just slightly against the wind. If one looked in just the right spot through the heat and haze, they may just see the briefest flash of pink as a beaked head popped up from the grass to look at them, and dove back down.

[Riaris Dovukalis]

It may have appeared that the Akalak had calmed himself, but on the inside Riaris was raging. He took his job very seriously, and also for the safety of the city. There were rules and the like that he and his brother didn't completely agree with, such as allowing Ivak's little puppet to walk away free, but the Cerulean were a problem they agreed with.

"Just give me one reason...just one."

He didn't speak aloud, knowing that Nodorus would have something to say about starting trouble, but his message was stated clearly in his eyes and the lakan in his hand. Nothing else was said and a silence wiped across the grass that was more irritating than peaceful. He saw Vanator and his woman Sybel, but now was time for business. Moments later Recoomas would take over, and if Venkork would look over, he would see the Akalak lightly bouncing from one foot to the other and weakly jabbing his arms out as if getting ready for a fight.

The sounds from the grass didn't go unnoticed, but he was sure to keep an eye on the Cerulean. At first he thought the man was just mad, or trying to trick them into doing something foolish, but he had been right. The quiet in the forest, the movement in the grass and the pink that he spoke of with that very familiar beak. "We've got company!"

[Sybel]

Sybel allowed her training to do the heavy lifting. She listened intently to the ambient sound of the Grass die off and her knuckles began to whiten at the hilt of her blade. They were close. Very close. Slowly, she detangled herself from the crossbow at her shoulder and lowered it to the ground. It was more pertinent she had the leverage necessary to defend rather than attack. Especially when it came to Glassbeaks.

Silent, she waited, keeping Vanator fixed in her peripheral vision. She was hyperaware of him; the way his eyes subconsciously sought her out, the uncomfortable twist of his mouth… There was a flash of contrition in her heart before it faded. Now was not the time for distractions. Any wrong move and she’d be ass deep in alligators.

Double confirmation. They had company, alright. Her eyes fell upon the characteristic beak and it was all she had to quell the mounting rage in her heart. Too many times had she seen the handiwork of those abominations. It was just another lingering impression of living amongst the Drykas. Adrenaline coursed yellow through her veins.

”They’ll be on us shortly,” she said softly, gaze keen. ”Stand your ground.” Better that than to run in the fray and get torn apart. She’d seen it happen.

It’d be the last mistake you’d ever make.