Closed A Day to Themselves [Ettan, Miria]

[Sliver]

The 13th of Winter, 512 A.V. A hand brushed against shoulder and Sliver started suddenly, dark eyes flying open with an immediate and violent reaction. She straightened out like an iron rod, ready to smack whatever had touched her. "Hey now, its light, we're going into the cave." Jaerith's face hung over hers, one corner of his mouth tugged in amusement at the Kelvic's knee jerk reaction to being woken up. Sliver growled at him, an automatic reaction of her embarrassment, and got up. Once the initial wave of tiredness wore off, Sliver had to admit she felt rather good, especially now that her comrades were here near the edge of the cave Miria and Ettan had found with her the previous day. 5 watch members in all, Jaerith included had come to make sure no slaver's remained, no chances would be taken where those monsters were concerned. Several patrols had been sent out to try to recover the slavers, but few held out hope. It was too little too late it seemed. Nevertheless Sliver got up and accompanied Jaerith into the cave, her three other comrades following close behind. Before they made any other steps it would be prudent to make sure the cave was clear of anything else. Sliver had a bad feeling about the contents of the cave...which were probably empty, but she led the watch down the tunnels regardless. Perhaps there would be something...anything.

[Ettan]

Ettan had found himself in Winterflame, at a local tavern. He had plenty of gold mizas on him and thought to feed himself to a civilized meal. After yesterdays events he had to sleep out in the cold and wasn't particularly happy about it, so a warm meal would do some good for him. He had left his traveling companions rather quickly after returning into Avanthal, and with little intent to meet up with them again. He found traveling back with them was even more unpleasant. Ettan sat alone in the back of the tavern, eating his meal in peace, or less than. He was on edge sense the events at the cave, watching everything over his shoulders as if fear of demons, rather than mere human slavers, which was what they were to him. Sense he was young they had been his greatest fear, fear of being put into captivity and made into someones pet for them to toy with, it sent shivers up his spin, and that was the true reason for his anger at the Vantha girl. It wouldn't have been the first time a employer had sent them into danger, nor the first time the employer kept facts from him that he should have known. He could handle dealing with normal thugs, but these were "Beasts" that sought people out, not for personal reasons, not for what was on their backs but for what they were, and there was no way to truly escape that. His anger was simply a way to mask that fear. If Sliver had not been out numbered and over powered, he questioned if he would not have stayed hidden in his shadowed crevice, out of view, curled up in frozen in fear.

[Miria]

It was a restless night for the Vantha as she started the day with bags under her eyes. Looking outside it the sun was already out in full force as she stepped out of Laforte's arvinta. The first few minutes of walking around proved difficult as she was nearly blinded from the sun's rays. Oh right it's winter. Sun's actually going through she reminded herself as she made her way to various houses doting across Skyglow hold. Families and friends of her past were happy to greet her but nevertheless mournful of their loss. They of course figured it out perhaps a week or two earlier living closer but had more time to deal with the loss then Miria. Communication between holds weren't too good regrettably and many apologized for not relaying the news earlier. Still it was nice that they were there for her as she was dealing with it. Locked in the arms of fellow Vantha the pain she was dealing with lessened somewhat.

[Sliver]

First they came upon the three bodies, two eviscerated, the third with a snapped neck. Even looking upon the Reimancer's body made the burns on Sliver's leg and arm flare with pain, and she spat on his corpse as they walked by. To her surprise she felt Jaerith's hand upon her shoulder. When she glanced at him his eyes had turned a comforting shade of jade as he looked upon her with concern. The wolverine shrugged his appendage off with a reassuring smile and they continued onward wordlessly. Two lanterns held from behind them lit up the path and they traveled down the only tunnel that led out of the chamber the fight had taken place in. Moving single file Sliver could neither smell nor hear any sort of suspect things up ahead, but was still unsure what to expect. Eventually the narrow path opened to another smaller cavern that seemed far more livable. Unlit torches hung in sconces upon the wall, haphazardly nailed in. Old straw was scattered about on the floor and manacles were attached to stone much in the same way as the sconces. A few cots had been set up, but most of the area was devoid of furnishing, and everything had a damp coldness to it. Sliver bent down, catching the traces of old dried blood on the manacles. A few old supplies were scattered about from the remaining slavers, but it was clear most of the force had already departed with their prizes. The Kelvic slammed a fist into the rock, still disappointed at the find...or lack there of. She glanced up to her comrades who all idly searched the room, each one knowing they wouldn't find anything more than was on the surface. In a defeated manner they left the cave and headed back toward Avanthal, silent talk of schedules and guard routes passing between companions. Jearith and Sliver stayed in front walking in step with each other, completely silent.

[Ettan]

Ettan finished the meal in front of him. He dropped a few gold mizas on the table and headed out. As he was walking out he slowed his step to fix the gray wool cloak around him tighter so that it would protect the lower part of his face from the cold, doing so he over heard a conversation. Now, Ettan was not one for eavesdropping, or spying. He didn't care much for the business of others. But one can not help what they over hear in an open public room. His ears seem to almost perk up as he heard the crew of men to his right mention the cave outside of the city. "Damn it, What do we do now? The whole of the Icewatch might as well be out there." "This is going to have a huge impact on are profits. We were expecting to get out of the city by dawn tomorrow with seven vanni's." Ettan's eye narrowed as he heard. He thought the crew of five seemed oddly small for slavers, these ones must have still been in the city when Ettan and the others went looking around. A soft Growl slipped through Ettan's lips, a reflex. One of the men turned to the Kelvic over hearing it but turned back to his crew as one started to speak again. Ettan carried on out of the tavern, stopping out side the door, and looking back in through the window at the group of four. He thought of his wolverine ally in the Icewatch, she was probably there now, he thought before shaking his head. "Damn, this is none of my business." He grumbled to himself as he continued down the street.

[Miria]

A session with her folks and Laforte's folks was exactly what the disheartened Vantha needed, what she craved. Since her move to the Coolwater's hold Miria wasn't able to make many friends outside of her husband's circle. In comparison to the shipwrights at her new home, the Skyglows dabbled in a wide variety of their trade. Perhaps that was the most she missed about her home, when one was bored with a particular art there were enough to alternate between. Sculpting, painting, pottery to name a few. Oh and of course tattooing! Having an extensive tattoo lining her body gave Miria a deep appreciation of the craft. That man she met in the cave however... he didn't have any of the lush colors or loving dedication inscribed on his face. Just fear as he knew his time was running out. Miria's stomach churned as she remembered the way Dek met his end, a reminder how easily one's own life can be taken away. I shouldn't have asked for his name. Just learn from his mistakes and move on. The Vantha quickly finished her reunion with her folks before heading back to Laforte's house. Would it be so wrong to stay another day? Gripping her blade out of comfort rather then anguish Miria grabbed her bags in Laforte's house before leaving it for good. “You will be missed old friend” Miria whispered quietly. Making her way back home Miria made a small detour as she noticed the marketplace near the waterfall. Again a feeling of relief overcame her as she saw the landmark. Looking at the busy trade center she waiting as a welcoming breeze blew by. At the same time a curious thought came to her as she remembered of the berries near the cave. Since she was there she might as well ask the merchant about the berries.

[Sliver]

"Are Vantha really valuable as slaves?" Sliver broke the silence as they drew near to the gates. She knew Kelvic and Konti could be common slaves, but for some reason, the stubborn gossiping Vantha never seemed like a true option. She heard Jaerith sigh, letting out a long breath. "You have to remember, we've been isolated from the rest of Mizahar for a long time. Vantha are still a new and wondrous thing to outsiders. The change in eye color the talent for telling a good story or creating art work, it may not be what the average slave holder looks for, but..." He trailed off and Sliver could tell it was bringing the Vantha pain to sell the qualities of his people for the Kelvic. She put a hand on his arm to signal that she needed no more explanation. As they returned to the gates, the expectant looks of the bears and Vantha on watch fell to see that they had brought no one with them. Sliver's own expression fell, mirroring there's but one of the bear piped up from behind her. "Not over yet, folks!" Sliver looked curiously to her superior and Jaerith nodded. "Kriia has a point. There are plenty of people coming in to take advantage of slightly warmer temperatures, not all of them could have been staying in a cave if they wanted to get in and out unnoticed, they had to be getting the Vantha out through somewhere. Time to check whose been coming in the city." This would require talking to other guards and reading shipping logs of crew and supplies, the latter of which Sliver would be no help with. She figured that she'd be put out on duty, but Jaerith beckoned her to come with him to go over the records at the docks. Surprised, the wolverine followed without question.

[Ettan]

Ettan found himself in now in the marketplace near Waterfall, to do what he had come here to do, find some adventures merchants and take them towards Kelea. Unfortunately, no one would bite. Gossip had already spread of the slavers outside the city and had merchants and others scared to bits. No amount of persuasion would get any of them to move an inch. It was hard enough when there wasn't something threatening out and about. He groaned as he grave up on another merchant, that started packing up shop. To be expected the marketplace was oddly bare. It was still crowded but seemed most decided to stay in. This only made the issue with the slavers bother Ettan more. Ettan continued down the street and a rather unapproachable mood. A poor Vantha man made the mistake of bumping into the kelvic's shoulder. Ettan turning and gripped the man by the wrist. "OY! what do you think you doing?" The poor unsuspecting man was so terrified he nearly peed himself. Ettan let go of the man, feeling slightly bad for it, but offered no apology.

[Miria]

"Ooh these are great quality chill berries. They fetch a decent price at the Winterflame and Whitevine hold." Miria raised her eyebrow in suspicion. Oh you see both the properties of these berries make it so that when you eat them your chilled." Nodding slightly at the explanation Miria urged the man to continue as she recalled the tingling sensation after she nibbled on one. "The Winterflame use it to mix with their drinks to produce a smooth, chill drink since it's effects are lessened when blended with other foods." Quickly disappearing into his tent he produced a small container offering her a try. "Here's a small taste. Great for those hot winter days" he joked. Blushing slightly Miria offered a sincere thanks as she took the bottle in hand before taking a drink. A satisfied purr escaped her lips as she gave the bottle back to the merchant, happier then ever to listen to what he had to explain. That drink really woke her up! A tangy citris flavor with mild undertones of kiwi's revitalized her as she felt the slight chill from the berries once more. "Yea well your very welcome miss...." "Diana" Miria offered without missing a beat. "Yes well... Diana. The Whitevines use them more to alleviate fevers and pain when their patients are in pain. Careful too many a day isn't good for the body, even for us Vantha." Satisfied with the information Miria gave the man nearly half of the remaining berries for the trade secrets. The man deserved no less he helped her so much and was so kind. "Oh if you have enough of these you can probably sell them directly to ole' Foley at Whitevine Hold." Perhaps he would help her even more. At this Miria's eyes shone a opaque orange at the sudden news. She heard that name somewhere recently and all she could keep her mind on at the moment was what happened yesterday. Calming down slightly her eyes quietly dulled down to her usual hazel hue before turning back to the merchant. Pulling out whatever berries she had left Miria offered them to the man as she gripped her hand slightly over his own. "That sounds interesting. Please tell me more..." Miria's eyes shone a dark blue as she smiled coyly at the merchant.

[Sliver]

The wolverine found herself in shack out on the docks, perched up on a table that had been cleared of papers, head leaning against a stray beam. Since the Kelvic could be of no help reading any of the documents, Jaerith had taken to reading them aloud so both of them could comment if the crew and cargo of incoming ships seemed suspicious in anyway. Most of it was merely supplies not readily available to Avanthal: Metals, fruits and vegetables unable to grow in even in the houses Winterflame set up, as well as cloth, furniture, and decorations. Sliver was bored with the grueling process almost immediately, and found the sound of Jaerith's voice worked almost as a lullaby listing off amounts and lists in an apathetic monotone. She struggled to stay conscious as he read. "500 lbs of Cornmeal, 1000 lbs of course grain, 200 bales of hay, 50 head of cattle, 100 chickens. Crew of 30, 15 farm hands." "5 Gold Ingots, 2 tons of iron, 1 ton of steel, 2 Isurian Steel Ingots, half a ton of silver. Crew of 20, 5 Blacksmiths." "Crew of ten all Svefra. Assorted clothing and trade goods included but not limited to, spices, fabric, incense, candles, jewelry, dishware, silverware, and snake skin garments." "Crew of 30. Animal breeders, mostly dogs. Over one hundred adult canines and twice as many puppies, with an assortment of birds, cats, and monkeys." "Foreign fishing vessel bringing in large aquatic mammals for trade, claim to have been blessed by Laviku. Oil, Blubber, Skin in large quantities." The lists continued for some time. Occasionally the contents were so long Sliver actually dosed off, woken by an amused clearing of the throat, apologizing profusely for her behavior. She felt a bi foolish because all it seemed to take was one overnight in the wilderness to set her off her mark. Had she become like a house broken cat? So used to sleeping in beds that the hard ground messed with her so? After that thought she growled to herself and sat up straight, refusing to let the tiredness get to her. And it was then that an idea occurred to her. "The boat with the animals, where does it hail from?" The map shows a circuit of travel to all the ports. Note says they trade as well as sell to keep their stock up on their journey." But there has to be a specific place it docks...for a longer period of time." Jaerith flipped through a couple pages, glancing over the scribbled text. "Doesn't say." "Does it mention how the animals are stored?" "Most of the ship is a large hold where the cages to keep the animals in transit are kept." "Does it ever make its way to Ravok?" "Says that's the next scheduled stop..." Light purple eyes filled with understanding met Sliver's unchanging brown ones. What better way to keep your true purpose hidden than have your cover story not so far from the truth. The ship could be outfitted with all the necessary supplies needed to keep sentient beings, yet they could easily be hidden or go unnoticed with the amount of animals that were also being taken. It was just a hunch, but Sliver was confident it would lead them to the right place. Jaerith went back to the barracks to gather more of the watch in case of resistance, while Sliver went to the docks to find the ship called Laviku's Mercy. It was a large thing, clearly a cargo vessel. It was three masted, and heavy in the water, probably not bound to go anywhere fast even with gale force winds. To Sliver, however, all boats seemed relatively the same save for the number of masts and the color. To her all it was was the potential cave which held the slaves these people were looking to take away. She wondered what the chances of Diana's friend were being aboard. To her it seemed that some would be taken by sea, others by land...she couldn't see slavers as putting all of their eggs in one basket as it were, yet perhaps there was still hope they could stop the City losing so many. The idea that people could be being kept in the bowels of that ship for multiple weeks left a searing anger in her stomach that made her want to march up the quay and onto the boat that instance, patience wearing thinner by the tick.