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[Caesi Starguide]

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Caesi nodded in agreement to the man being healed first before they went to investigate what exactly was going on. She stood by and watched as the healer began her task at healing the man the best she could, though the area was not suited to mend him completely. Instead the healer had the ravaged man transported to the River Flower.

The red-head healer questioned her about wanting to go, Caesi simply nodded her head, “If a fellow Drykas is in need, we must go.” She said on a whisper, looking out at the plains. The healer was reluctant, but agreed to go along. Caesi herself was a bit wary to traverse out in the plains with the possibility of a Grass Bear being out there. The need to help a fellow Drykas out, if he was still alive, was greater then her fear however.

The healer finished getting ready for the ride, sending the boy to the River Flower to assist. She pulled the hood over her red-hair, then turned from atop her Strider to address everyone in the group. She warned all not to engage with the Grass Bear, that they would only go to see what is really going on. Caesi nodded in agreement with the healer, “Only to investigate.” Caesi said to the woman and the group.

She walked over to her own strider, mounting the mare. Checking that her Shortbow was with her and her Quiver was full at her back. She checked the Yvas bags for her dagger and wetskin, then nodded at her Hunting Dog Nu, “Protect.” She commanded the dog, who snorted through his nose and bulked up his muscles slightly.

She watched as the other's prepared, except for one. The blue man was with out a horse, which would be fatal if they had to make a fast get-away. Naiya however took the man to her Pavilion so he could mount up as well, which eased the tension in Caesi's shoulders. She did not want any of them not prepared, one never knew what would happen out in the plains, especially if a Grass Bear was involved.

When Naiya and Quzon returned, they were all packed and ready to go. Naiya's belly was swelled with her pregnancy. Caesi was nervous to take Naiya along, not wanting any harm to come to her unborn child, “Take it easy Naiya.” Caesi said softly, worried about the woman. Caesi turned and looked over at Jasmine giving her a weak smile, making sure the blonde woman was prepared as well.

Once everyone seemed ready to go, Caesi exhaled a bit loudly, “Let us go.” She said simply, clicking her tongue and urging her Strider into trot. Nu following behind her as they headed to the plains, once in the plains she spurred Pyxis into a gallop, the powerful mare's hooves striking the ground ever so often, as they tore through the plains in the direction the man had indicated. Caesi was too nervous to talk, she just wanted to ride and find out what was going on, then go back. She hugged her legs against her Strider, keeping close attention to her body movements and facial expressions, she peered back at Nu making sure he was still trailing along the group. The dog looked alert, taking her command seriously as his large paws tore at the ground.

A misting of rain started up once more. It wasn't hard drops of rain just yet, just the annoying mist that tickled your face and seemed to stick to your hair and clothes in multiple droplets. Caesi swiped at her nose, the mist tickling it slightly.

This was when Amunets horse started acting differently. Caesi saw her horse from the corner of her eye and frowned, looking down at her own Strider she saw how the ears laid back flat, the horse nickering nervously, and the poor mare's neck tensed up.

She slowed her Strider down, holding her hand up for the group, gesturing, Stop , with her hand. Pyxis patted the ground softly but nervously, as she curled her upper lip up, sensing something up ahead. Caesi looked where Pyxis was and a vague outline appeared of a wagon that was turned over on it's side, with two large Grass Bears stalking around it angrily. They swiped and pounded at the wagon with their massive paws, in frustration. Caesi could not see but one body, which appeared dead and shredded. Caesi turned her head looking back at the group, her eyes wide with fear, “What do we do?” She whispered behind her, gesturing the words with her hands for those who may not of heard her soft whisper.

She clicked her tongue for Nu who was snarling quietly, but came to her staring out in the distance. With Nu looking ahead she turned her Strider around to better see Jasmine, Naiya, Amunet, and Quzon. They needed to plan what they should do next, there could still be someone out there, who needed help. The possibility may be slim that they were even alive still but it was still a possibility they needed to consider. “Any suggestions? We should all decide not just one of us.” Caesi said simply, telling them they all needed to state their opinion on what to do, she gave a look at Quzon, “You too, opinion, Grass Bears..What we do?” She asked the blue-hued man in common so he could understand better. Caesi did not mind being a leader, it was in her nature, but she was not that reckless to go engage Grass Bears with out a strategy or plan. Everyone's opinions would be heard and then they would all make a decision as a group as to what to do, not just one, but all of them.

GRASS BEARSDo NOT engage the Grass Bears! I have to send a PM to Prophet before we do anything with the Grass Bears first. The next posts can be about organizing, planning, arguing, debating, strategizing, whatever. Just please do NOT engage the Grass Bears, thank you .




PLAN/STRATEGYIf any of you would like to discuss a plan of offense/defense PM me and we can start a Plot Thread. If you would rather do this in writing and let it come together through words and our PCs that is awesome too! I don't mind doing it the latter way, it would be more challenging, but it is up to all of you. Just let me know .

| Thoughts |

[Prophet]

When the party would get close enough, they would see the wagon turned partially on its side. The back right wheel had fallen off and the front right had broken. The angle of the transport was auspicious if one needed a ramp. The area was mixed with tall grasses that ranged from several feet to over seven feet and displayed an array of colors; mostly green but with a few yellows, deep purples and oranges. This was exactly the kind of environment that a grass bear would use for camouflage. Chimes would pass with very little activity. The right kind of breezes almost made it look like the wagon was moving. It was in this action that all others became apparent.

A soft groan, like that of a wounded animal arose from the partially trampled clearing. There were several human corpses tossed about but they were mostly unrecognizable. Then a massive shape caused a wave of grass to bend. The orange, black and white slipped in and out of the silhouettes formed by the tall purple stalks. The massive mammal rounded the corner of the wagon and its huge head revealed to those assembled how large of a beast they were facing. Its back was above the wagon and its paws were the size of a small serving platter. The blood on the white paws and around the mouth indicated that this was the creature they were after; the culprit who nearly dismembered the walahk.

The bear rose up on its hind legs stretching into the sky well over eight feet and being almost half of that across. Its massive paws fell upon the wooden frame and pushed several times. It was this motion that caused a repeat of the groan but there was more urgency this time around. The cry instantly stopped the bear from pushing. The big male roared so loudly that the grass around him seemed to billow out then he set his big frame back down on all fours.

A second bear entered the area, perhaps a third smaller but with brighter colors, and she came up and nuzzled the giant. He nuzzled back a bit then both large faces turned to peer under the wagon. As if Zulrav could feel the tension from the humans, a massively cold wind blew through with such force that all the blades of grass bent and waved to reveal the distress of the adult bears and the cause of the noise. Two cubs were trapped beneath the wagon; one was lifting a paw for help but one had been impaled by the broken wheel. Whether the bears attacked because the travelers got too close or the wagon ran over the cubs first was no longer a concern or a point worth arguing. The real question an observer would have to ask falls somewhere between ‘Are the supplies worth the risk?’ and ‘Do you think the angry man-eaters will know we want to help their cub?’

Attn:WordsmithsI wasn't going to moderate this but I've enjoyed the thread thus far and wanted to set up the scene a bit. Feel free to control the animals within reason. I will follow your progress and if I see a good solid plan with sound execution, you'll all be well compensated. Try a half-baked scheme and Amunet won't be able to heal all of the damage that I will rain down. That is all.

An Elysium Template

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine went and mounted up grabbing her weapons as Quzon went with Naiya. Putting the yvas on Chaser was easy due to his skin being dry under the shelter. She grabbed her daggers and put them into place. One on the outside of her boot in its hitch and one on each hip, Jasmine grabbed the quiver and covered the top to keep the feathers dry. She latched it on to the yvas before mounting up and putting her bow on her back. The woman reappeared when the other two returned as well. Looking around Jasmine wasn't surprised that Naiya was finally showing her pregnancy. The blond didn't look at Amunet after she snapped towards her. Yes, Jasmine knew that Amunet was healing the man, but there was no way she could heal him in the rain. Following the rest Jasmine stayed close to Naiya and Quzon. More to catch up with Naiya and help Quzon if he had questions while riding.

“How are you holding up Naiya?” Jasmine asked looking at her.

She was worried about what kind of toll the travel and possible danger would take on her unborn little one. Naiya had taken Shahar's disappearance hard especially after finding out that the pair was expecting a child together. Chaser snorted and started shifting from side to side strangely. She pulled back some to make him calm down. That was the time the woman noticed several of the horses were beginning to act strange. Looking up ahead she could just barely make out two adult grass bears that is until they stood up. Watching she tried to see if what was trapped below the wagon was a man or cub. Her fears were realized when the loud groan caused the parents to stop and look under. Making sure Chaser was still the blond stood up enough on his back to spot a paw before quickly sitting back down as due to Chaser's height had meant the blond barely had to squat and get her balance.

“It's not a man under the wagon it's a baby grassbear! They must have either ran over one of the cubs,” Jasmine said and sat down once more.

“What do we do?” She asked looking at them more nervous now.

The grassbears had to be either killed or lead away from Endrykas and pray to the gods and goddesses that they dont follow the group back.

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Amunet]

Naiya had pushed a bit more than Amunet would have liked. She had gotten rather more direct since Shahar’s absence. The Healer nodded to her once in acknowledgement. ‘Careful, Hurry, together’ It’s meaning was conveyed in a way she was glad they were going as a group. The red head was actually more assured that they had some fighting muscle with them. She sat back on Shetanae to wait as the other two ladies waited along with for the chimes it took to get Quzon onto a horse. The brunette had given her dog a command. Her silkena, Camile, was a sight hound for hunting. She was also fast and quick if she needed a distraction, it worked for hunting boar but unsure with Grassbear.

The petite young lady tried to maintain a calm face as that tended to translate into others. Leia gave her a sour look as she was getting wet. Amunet wasn’t too concerned about Naiya’s condition as long as she didn’t use her abdominal muscles overly much. They, as a people, lived on a horse practically. Once Naiya returned it didn’t take Shetanae much to get moving forward with the group. The poor blue man, Quzon’s seat in riding was not very good but seemed he persevered. The Healer made note of that to check on later. The ever hopeful girl refused to shine a bad light on this. Leia ran effortlessly with the others on a flanking position to the far right. Camile kept up with the horse. Leia was gaining in speed as she grew, faster than she thought a hunting cat could go. Amunet would have to inquire later on that. Those blue eyes would move from rider to rider as she often did when she was with a group to check for distress.

Shetanae suddenly pulled up with little warning as she gave a warning low sound ears back and eyes going wide with fear.. she crabbed stepped as Amunet patted her shoulder trying to calm her but she hadn’t been with the mare this long to ignore these things. The dog growled softly as she looked ahead through the relative protectioni of the side of the trail along the grass. Amunet gave the sign to her horse to back up and prayed that they were downwind. It wasn’t just one grassbear it was two. From the look of their behavior, a mated pair. As the scene unfolded in the haze of the rain she saw the white paw claw from underneath the wagon as she softly gasped. Leia had found cover in the grass, smart girl.

Her mind swirled in trying to come up with a plan to save the bear family as her heart was in her eyes. The cub was the key, they needed their cub. “We have to get the cub. “ She said as she signed out ‘cub, important, life, important’ The emphasis on life. A prayer to Caihya went forth as she looked around at the grass. “If you can hear me, dear great lady of nature, help me figure out how to save them.” The young woman closed her eyes as she tried to think as the large male bear tried to shake the wagon loose or overturn it or something. Amunet felt the panic and the frustration from the two adult bears for their cub. It didn’t take the blessing of Caihya for that as one who cares for other peoples including animals, it was not a hard thing to feel for the young healer. “We have to help them.”

Once everyone had stopped and backed away. The mighty wind that blew through, Amunet was more than aware that Zulrav was speaking. Her lungs took in a full breath of that cold wind as she let it wash over her feeling what was on the air. The red head was a very spiritual person and regarded this as a sign. In the red head’s eyes, she felt that they were a family unit that should be kept intact. There were those she became aware that felt that they needed to be killed for the safety of Endrykas being this close to the city. “I think if we save the cub, they should move the cub away from this area for safety of the cub. “ The compassion was clear in her eyes. “We need to distract the adult grass bears so we can get close enough to get the cub out and take care of his or her wounds. “

The girl looked over at the scene and prayed the adult bears hadn’t seen them or smelt them yet, but it seemed they were too busy trying to get their cub out from under the wagon. “I don’t think we have much time before the adults smell us or realize we are here. Maybe we should get some bait or food of some kind?” The woman thought with those light blue eyes that held a gold star pattern that shimmered like gold dust trails every so often. However the cubs got under the wagon, it was no matter now. What was done to the horses and men was over and done with. “We must keep the balance.” She would say in common very clearly and echo it in Pavi sign which may not make sense to Quzon, but the others, especially Naiya with a hunter as a husband would know the inference of that statement.

[Naiya]

"I am Naiya Dawnwhsiper." She answered his bumbled question, making no comment on the mistake. She had been new to common once as well, and saw no reason to poke fun. She watched the man mount, obviously he'd managed only through his strength, but it didn't matter, Drelah didn't mind and he would tolerate the inexperienced rider well. She urged Wildfire up beside them, figuring from the way the man sat he would need a lesson.

"Use your legs here," She pointed just behind the shoulder, where the man's legs fell just behind, "Hold on gently with..." She didn't know the common word for it, so she touched the inside of his calf, "this. Squeeze and let go to ask him to move, and again to move faster. Try to keep your weight forward when you want to move, and backward to stop." She explained as best she could from horseback. She called to Banti, Tuka, and Kabek, they would be of use on this hunt, then led them and the man back to the others.

They returned to a ready group, although she could see apprehension in Caesi's shoulders. "I'm stronger than I look," She informed the woman gently, "But I will be careful, try not to worry."

Caesi seemed to take her at her word, sending the group off with a word as they urged their Striders into a trot. She circled back to Quzon, helping to make sure he hurt her horse as little as possible, "Try to keep hips loose, soft, follow his movement with your body."

They broke out away from the city and with the ease of practice Naiya urged Wildfire into a gallop, a gentle squeeze was all it took, her boy loved to run. She loved the gallop, the sustained motion the easy following of her hips to him as she moved. She imagined the gait was best for the baby as well, aside from a walk anyway.

Jasmine slid in beside her, expressing concern of her own. "I'm well, it feels good to ride, and the baby isn't quite in the way yet." She gave the woman a gentle grin, she knew it wouldn't be long before the swelling of her belly added new difficulty to her rides.

Their headlong run was interrupted, Amunet's mare spooked, eyes going wide and hooves planting in the grass. Her dog growled a warning, and beside her Jasmine's mount shifted as well. Wildfire didn't ignore the scents on the wind, he simply tossed his mane to catch her attention and flicked his ears in the direction of the trouble he could smell. Naiya took the time to circle back to Quzon, fallen behind the others due to his poor seat on the horse. Drelah seemed uncomfortable, but more than willing to put up with the rider in favor of getting to run.

"Stop, drop your weight back slowly, he'll slow and then stop." She informed him quietly, cautious of the danger in the grass ahead. She pulled Wildfire in front of Quzon and Drelah, a body to block his path should he have trouble stopping.

She turned her eyes forward in time to catch a glimpse of the cubs trapped beneath the wagon, the others noticed as well.

"We have to get the cub," Amunet said, reminding them of the importance of life, but Naiya disagreed.

"They attacked our people, a wagon led by a Drykas, they killed at least one man. It won't be safe in the city with them near." She told the others, heart dropping at the size of the bears.

"Caiyha understands the cycle, bears who get caught beneath the wheel of a wagon full of whalaks met their death as intended, it isn't as though the wagon snuck up on them." Naiya said, perhaps coldly, but bears who had killed a wagon full of people were a danger to the Drykas, and with a baby on the way, Naiya couldn't let such things continue to exist. Not when it put her family at risk.

Great risk, not safe She signed to them, emphasizing her words. "We'll have to kill the bears." She said in common for the benefit of Quzon, who had not been privy to much since they had stopped. "The male will fight while the mother protects, so it should be easy to separate the male first. We can use arrows and spears, the cats will help they'll circle pushing him away from the wagon and claw until they get an opening at his neck. Once the male is dead we can dispatch the mother the same way." She was resolute in her mind there was no other option.

"We have the advantage of horses and speed, we can stay out of reach. Amunet, can your dog warn us if the mother leaves the cub?" Naiya asked, looking back out across at the bears and the wagon. They circled, looking for a way to help their cub.

Naiya was sorry that such misfortune had fallen upon them, but there was nothing left for the hunters to do. The bears would have to die to protect the city.

[Quzon]

Quzon and the horse had no sense of companionship. The Mixed Blood looked terrible. Inelegant. His face uncomfortable. Quzon had no desire to ride upon the horse, but took each of Naiya's instructions to heart as best as he could. “Easy,” he said coldly in common. “That means, slow.” He drew in a deep breath, then released it slowly as he leaned forward as a sign for the horse to move forward.

His knuckles turned pale as his fingers strangled the Yvas's hand grips. They were the only things he really depended on to keep his balance. Both of his calf's gently hugged the horses sides, but found themselves roughly tapping against the creatures body every other tick of a chime in sudden jolts. Quzon leaned forward because it felt more comfortable rather than sitting upright. However, it caused the horse to speed forward resulting in his thighs mashing up against the Drelah's sides.

As Naiya had said: Lean forward to go, tap to go faster. And his accidental taps caused the horse total confusion when he leaned backwards to slow it down. He followed behind the group, only slowed by his stop-and-go shenanigans. "Skurak!" He exclaimed to himself in myrian when the horse came to a sudden stop. Quzon shook his head, knowing that he'd need to practice riding someday to not feel like such a 'Kotakbil'; a greenhorn who makes too much noise in the jungle.

Eventually he grew accustomed to the feeling of just sitting atop the horse as it moved, no longer surprised by its pace. He had no real control of the animal and simply let it just follow after the others. They clumsily followed after the others until they reached their destination. The horse whinnied, wiggling beneath him, as he leaned backwards for it to slow down when Naiya pulled in front of him. They almost collided, but Drelah seemed to be a smart enough horse to slow down long before Quzon initiated it to stop.

Quzon immediately dismounted the horse after hearing the bears roar. He knew that he'd be useless in combat on horse back. As the others spoke, Quzon removed his backpack to lay it on the ground. He didn't need it slowing him down, and also removed his cloak to store it within the bag. "Fang's strength is our number. Drykas advantage their strider. Be as wolves, strike fast, move, strike again. Yet, ride is my disadvantage... I remain on ground. I will distract largest bear with burning wrath on first strike. Get it attention on Quzon. We need kill the parents first, save cub when they lay dead. You all maybe strike second bear, separate bears attention?"

He said to the group, not really giving them any explanation as to how he would pull that off. Only taking up his hand-axe in his right hand. "Elder bears die, cub can live after it healed. Caiyha's way is of predator and prey. Know goddess ways well in jungle. If cub become full bear. May we meet again to slay it down like its parents... or be avenged and slain in our weakness."

When he finished speaking, Quzon took a moment to himself to prepare himself for what was to come by saying a small prayer. His words were soft, the sound just above a whisper as he looked at his axe. "Goddess-Queen Myri. Listen to the warcall in our blood, listen to the fury as it swells. Let the fury rend through the battle and guide our hearts to victory."

[Caesi Starguide]

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Caesi stayed silent as the others of the group gave their opinion as to how they should approach the situation at hand. Some things she agreed with other things she did not, as she looked from one to the other as they talked. When all had spoken, Caesi took the opportunity to add in her own opinion. She was not one to hold back how she felt, like most Drykas. Caesi turned and looked at the healer, Amunet first, “A type of bait would be the best thing, though I do not have anything.” Caesi said biting her lower lip, as she did not think food was really necessary to take on the journey, at least not food for Grassbears. “As for the balance, I also agree in a way.” Caesi stayed silent for a moment, then looked over at the destruction, “The Grassbears have made an unbalance. Naiya is right, it would be unsafe to leave the bears who have the taste of human blood alive.” Caesi sighed, as she believed that the bears have taken life. Caiyha wanted balance, though the scale seemed to be tipping in the bears favor presently.

The young Drykas looked over at Naiya, “I think separation would be key. Attempt to take one at a time. Both need to go down, but if we are unable to take both, we will need a distraction for the other.” Caesi suggested to the group, trying to cover the what ifs that were running through her mind. It was possible that they could only take one down, if so they would need another plan to put into action if the first did not work out in their favor. Caesi then turned to Quzon, switching to common she spoke to the man, “Separate bears attention would be best. Save the cub and heal it. Another plan if unable to take down both bears? Decent at bow but not amazing. Shoot arrows to distract and try to take down with arrows.” Caesi exhaled a deep breath, when she spoke common it seemed as if she was holding her breath. “Man-eaters too dumb to rescue cub, doubt they know we just want to help the cub.” Caesi mumbled in common, then spoke louder "Should we form a circle? Attack like an arrow? How should we go about this?" Caesi inquired of the group, finished with giving her own opinion on the matter.

She was not well versed in the ways of the bears. She did not know anything really about the, except what she could observe from where the group stood. Clearing her throat she looked out at the bears. The larger bear seemed to be fierce and furious. His giant paws pounded on the ground as he circled the wagon. The smaller and brighter bear seemed nervous and worried, as she kept peering under the wagon, checking on the young cub who was crying out for it's parents. The male was larger and would cause the most damage to the group. Taking him out first seemed to be the best way. Perhaps they could then just distract the mother bear to rescue the cub. Caesi hated that they would have to take down the bears in order to save the cub. She felt a little twinge of sadness for having to kill the parents, or at least attempting to kill them. She would do what she had to do to get to that wagon to rescue the cub. Not only that, she was curious as to what supplies were on that wagon.

| Thoughts |

[Jasmine Stormblood]

"I agree with Caesi and Quzon as well as Naiya. Leaving adult grassbears with a taste for humans could jeopardize Endrykas. We have no way of knowing which adult has eaten or not eaten one of the humans. Perhaps both adults have, but for now we need a plan on who is doing what. I haven't used my bow much so I will help lift the carriage using Chaser and the rope we have on us," Jasmine said looking at everyone.

Jasmine was fully aware of the fact all of the crew must be on the same page at least till the adults and cubs are dealt with. Looking at everyone around the group the blonde worked on trying to figure out what everyone was good at. Quzon had already stated that he could use some kind of fire. Naiya was showing so they needed to keep her from doing too much straining. Amunet was a healer so she could be used to check the cub for any life threatening injuries. From what Jasmine could remember of the other teen from her hunting experience with her.

"Let's try and use everyone's strengths. Amunet can help lift the carriage and check on the cub while one other helps me keep the carriage up if it wont stay turned over far enough. Who all do we want on distractions?" Jasmine asked looking around at the ground speaking mostly common and signing several key words for the other Drykas.

[Amunet]

Did they not hear what was on the wind? The desperation and determination that sailed with Zulrav’s breath that spoke of getting at their child, their cub. Amunet looked the others with her heart and compassion in her eyes. The way they continued to speak looking at those creatures as potential danger, as an enemy, their value no more worth than the fur and meat on their bodies. The Healer was not adverse to hunting or killing. That was not the way of it at all. What she saw was a family, bear or not, in this circumstances it was to her more than just a rogue bear needed killing. There was something deeper here, but no one could hear it but her.

She shook her head as she listened to the others. She procured a rope from the yvas in front of her as she looped one end to tie it in a double not creating a loop on one end. The 50 foot of rope was let off to the side so that she may pull the length of it through the loop to produce a larger loop. Still shaking her head as she made her preparations as the group prepared for acts of violence, those sky blue eyes looked over the wagon or what remained of it. One wheel was collapsed and the small tuft of white fur that caught those keen blue eyes provided her with additional information. There were two cubs. The theory in her head seemed to follow that the cub ran out onto the path right in front of the wagon as it broke trapping the other cub underneath. The long end of it was looped and tied well to the yvas.

The healer tilted her head to the side to look at as much underneath as she could. The intelligent red head was no engineer but she was looking for points to attach the loop of rope to pull the wagon. The wagon was obviously heavy as two adult bears could not get it loose. The words dumb, man-eater and other words continued to make her angry. She took a deep breath as this anger fueled her movements as she still shook her head to the others. “You do what you must. This is wrong, but you all will do what you must. I will save what I can. “ Her voice was low, strong and determined.

No man or woman is an island, but it seemed she was very much alone in that decision. No she did not agree that all the bears should be killed. This was evident in that silken strong voice. Her companions were not skilled enough for a loop around command to produce the distraction. Once Quzon and Naiya, the two blood thirsty individuals got started with the adult male, she hoped that Caesi and Jasmine would distract the female adult. She needed to get close to the wagon to get the rope on it and use Shetanae’s strength to pull the wagon away and on its side. The healer was well aware she would have moments to do this.

Perhaps she could save the mother once the cub is free, but right now was of the essence. Quzon was right, they had speed on their side. His speak of wrath of fire was interesting and was unsure what he meant by that. Her exposure to magic had been brutal and unexpected with the other side of magic being the Drykas closely held secret. Her eyes trailed over to the male adult bear with sadness before suddenly and sharply signaling Shetanae. The mare burst forward towards the wagon. This was done with no warning.

She leaned to the side a bit with the loop in hand to snag the corner with the center railing board that jutted up. The girl chose a large target. Her hand grabbed it out of fear as she leaned too far over and down off the horse she came. Half her upper body slammed against the wagon and her knees finding one of the wheels. It was by sheer accident the loop settled kind of where she had eyed. It would have to do. The loop went around the wood that was attached to the wagon and Shetanae reached the end as there was a sharp twang. It took her half a tick to run for her horse and another few ticks or two to reach the thirty feet away pulling the unaccustomed weight. The Drykas medicine woman reached for the loops of the yvas and desperately swung up onto the large mare to use her well-muscled frame to pull the wagon off or up and onto the side. That was the theory. Amunet encouraged Shetanae with words and sign as she brought her dagger out.

The horse cross legged side to side with very nervous anticipation with the lack of freedom of movement as the rope was taut. The wagon was protesting the inefficient pull. Amunet took a deep breath as the next few ticks saw the bear coming around the corner as a look of disbelief was on the face in confusion. Her eyes locked onto the mother bear. Even Shetanae had her head pointed forward to the mother bear. It seemed frozen in time before everything in the girl screamed for action. Those boney booted heals dug into the side as she leaned back and pressed down into the mare’s back. The mare pulled back with more strength out of adrenaline as the bear startled away from the moving wagon. As it came crashing on its side, the healer cut the rope as the mare was free to move back further away. The mare did move back much further away as Amunet had a hard time getting her to stop.

The Healer was finally able to dismount and ran forward to place herself in front of her mare and in front of any remaining of their party if they were not already in motion. Her body turned a little to the side in case a bear was still running towards her. Her hand signals to the mare to keep back which was no problem to Shetanae and her other companions was in the grass hiding.

The ConsequencesThe wagon was pulled onto its side. Amunet's collarbone was broken on impact though it may take some time before the adrenaline allows her to feel it. Shetanae sprained her right front knee and will limp for the remainder of the thread. After proper care, the leg will be back to 60% and gain another 10% after 15, 30 and then 45 days. The horse will never fully recover because of her age. Carry on, children.

[Naiya]

They agreed with her, which was reassuring, she had to put safety first. Only Amunet disagreed, but she stayed quiet, beginning to work on the rope as they had planned.

"I doubt distractions will work, it will take more than a bit of honey to pull the mother away from the cub. Would any mother in their right mind leave their wounded child for a snack?" She scoffed at the idea, her own protectiveness of her child a clear indication to her of how the mother bear would feel.

She couldn't let herself sympathize, however, not at the risk of her own child's safety, and especially not with the new babies at home. In the back of her mind she toyed with Caesi's words, how would they angle, how would they approach.

"I think we approach in an arch, form a line shoving the male away from the others, it'll give us room as we circle to stay out of the way of the mother until the male is dealt with-" Her speech cut off as Amunet interrupted her with angry words.

She eyed the group with a mixture of anger and disappointment, but it was still a surprise to Naiya when the woman took off towards the wagon alone.

"Geht voune child." Naiya cursed as she spurred Wildfire into motion, she was too far behind to stop the woman, but she could get the others moving. "We have to help her, distract with weapons, circle, don't stop moving." She lifted herself off Wildfire's back with her legs, letting him pick up real speed, "Quzon and another after the male, call Tuka, she'll help, the other with me, we have to stop the mother."

Wildfire surged beneath her as she shouted commands, their entire party put at risk because Amunet acted out like a child not getting her way. "Banti!" Naiya shouted for her companion who raced past her, Naiya's target clear. Kabek followed, speeding towards the bear faster than girl and strider could match safely.

They intercepted the bear, racing around her, biting at her legs and neck so that Amunet could escape. Naiya shouted at the female, hoping to catch her attention and draw her away from Amunet. She waved her spear and roared a sound of fear turned to anger as she approached head on to the female bear. She cut sharply right, waiting until she had the bear's flank to lower her spear and slice into the bear's flesh.

It wasn't a good weapon for such things, the spear's blade meant to stab rather than rend, but she was able to scratch the bear as she passed, arcing out wide away from her dangerous paws. The bear turned towards her with a roar of her own and Banti leapt in tearing at the bears exposed side with tooth and claw.

She had a moment of freedom to seek Amunet, and she cursed the woman again as she saw her on foot, her mare walking with a heavy limp. She had to turn her eyes quickly as the sound of the bear caught her back to attention. Kabek had jumped back into the fray, allowing Banti to fall back, although she limped this time. Naiya cursed as she turned her hips, urging Wildfire back closer once more, eyes on the other rider as she moved as well. She hoped they would stay back, firing arrows to help pressure the bear into a retreat.

Her spear jabbed at the bear's hind leg, hardly doing more than grab the creature's attention. There was no help for that, however, she could only stab forward again, breaching the bear's gut as she turned to roar fury at Wildfire who reared, kicking angrily at the bear's head before turning sharply on hind legs to flee.

Naiya fell against him, her grip on his sides failing as he jumped to kick out with his hind legs. She nearly lost her grip on the spear as the bear and Wildfire's motion threatened to rip it from her hands. Worry instantly filled her as she fretted over the baby growing inside her. This was too much risk, too much danger and she rode at the head of the charge. Her curses for the redheaded child continued, Amunet had put Naiya's child in danger, that was unforgivable.

She let Wildfire calm a moment before kicking him back into a canter, she lifted herself once more up off his back and he raced into a gallop, his sides heaving with effort as they worked together to escape the range of the bear's fury.

The ConsequencesNaiya is left exposed when Wildfire rears and mama bear makes her pay for it. A powerful swipe of the massive paw catches Naiya in the chest and knocks her from her Strider. Claws leave four deep lacerations from the middle of her collarbone and out across her shoulder. No permanent damage will result from this but her landing will be awkward and result in a broken ankle. At this point, all of her animals have managed to avoid harm.