Closed Justice. Fervor. Stagnate Stags. The Far Abbey. (Fallon)

[Bolivar]

"Yea don't worry. I don't like this as much as you. Too many questions raised from this scene."

Resting near the hinges of the entrance Bolivar almost panicked seeing that somehow some of the stuff from the earlier inhabitants was on his hand. Shaking furiously at the texture of the Bolivar gave a nervous shudder as he watched Fallon-

"What are you doing?"

Scoffing slightly at the squire's move of going closer inside the shelter not knowing what Fallon had to bring to the pair. To him it looked like Fallon was just asking to get ambushed... if whatever it was was still here or left some sort of surprise for the next pair.

"You go on ahead and look as much as you like for me Fallon. I am not going near any of this stuff. Not looking forward to this. Especially dealing with what I think this is."

A nauseated look on his face Bolivar inwardly shuddered,seemingly delicate in the face of this new adversity. Looking from afar Bolivar happened upon a few set details. Though there were numerous claw marks protruding through the room the rest of the room seemed largely disturbed. The bed was unmarked, chairs were scattered and the heath still smoldering from prior use.

Not quite understanding what those details exactly entailed Bolivar looked back across the road into the Bronze Wood. A string of gossamer here and there but there was something else. Something dark and largely feathered and fluffy somehow. Was this fur?

"Hoy there."

Speaking just low enough for the farmers to jump at his raspy tone. They were being difficult from the start. Why was that? Now that the squires were up to speed perhaps they had something new to say. Perhaps... there was something more to this then something giving him that creepy crawling feeling up his spine.

"Is there a reason why I don't only feel like there is only one of... them?"

Another round of mindless babble from the farmers revealed that they saw only three people that were escorted by two Symnestras. The race name which Bolivar made a point not to mention. One night they saw them and another they were gone. Then the morning after to find the shack in complete disarray.

"Anything else?"

"Nope that'd be about all. Though... wait. Are you a knight?"

"No? Why?"

"Oh nope that's all we know."

A glare coming from Bolivar at the open ended questions shook his head in irritation. Looking back at Fallon Bolivar hoped that the other squire was making progress in her own way. They could probably trade what they have found. Shrugging off his axe Bolivar proceeded cautiously upon entering the shelter once more.

oocI'll let you decide the three points yea? Let you have some fun with your own gnosis before I do. If you want a suggestion I would say. Calm, pitched conversation, then panic and later rage. The pitched conversation being about an applicable trade for the spider peeps to learn.

[Fallon]

She did not hear him at first, not until at least she felt her brow crease and her head turn. Her eyes however, were closed, her mind turning and seeing something else. She gave her head a distinct shake as she turned back away, a slow, steady pace leading her on and through the room. It was turbulent, racing up from a steady calm to race up to panic and rage. Her fingers stroked over the grooves in the wall, the crease turning into that of a full set frown – Something was wrong here, something had happened. Fallon sucked in the air and shook her head. That feeling, a distinct sense of dread forming in the pit of her stomach. She pinched the bridge of her nose, a distinct nauseating feeling creeping over her. She needed fresh air.

The squire gave a step around Bolivar, the colour having drained from her face her movements momentarily slow and sluggish. Her Lykata still gave a glow as the information processed through her mind, the cool air hitting her hard in the face as she staggered out. She shot a glare at the farmers, and then turned her eyes back to her mark. What had she seen? What had she felt?

She pressed her shoulder against the door frame, her pale hand holding her forehead. Everything was within reach, she simply had to grab hold of it. Pushing thoughts and the mumble of voices aside she tried to focus, to grasp at the strings of knowledge that so quickly slipped away. She could hear the questions, the seeking of answers playing over in her head. A slow scene, a gentle hum of noise as the farmers muttered and cursed. She raised her head to look upon Bolivar for a chime as the final pieces fell into place. Eyes narrowed upon the scratches, and then a wincing gaze went to him. With her lips pursed into a thin line she spoke, “There was conflict, verbal to begin with… obviously turned nasty,” She gave a gesture to the scene and then gave a firm point to the claw marks as she finally filtered through the insight her Lykata brought, ”I saw… I think it was a Zith who did that. Came in… made conflict, and well. Left it as you see.”

Releasing a sigh, Fallon gave a glance around the room before stopping once more, ”They were planning something, whoever was here before. Something important…” she gave a kneel to the ground to study the floor, eyes searching for additional clues, ”Well, whatever it was is beyond me. Got to be something around here. Maybe try and find some tracks, going to have to investigate further I think.”

”What did you find out?

[Bolivar]

It was just Fallon hunched over still touching the stuff around the shelter. Still Bolivar had to take another breathe seeing the strange position she was in. Irritating, all of it, just irritating.

"What have you come up with?"

Fallon described a full scene to the surprise of the mixed blood. Blinking confused at how confident she seemed of her predictions Bolivar scanned the area for anything he might have missed while Fallon was checking out the area.

"How did you get all that from- No! Don't tell me. I don't want to know anything that has to do with those Syms. There is two of them by the way. I don't think they would have had a problem with a single zith."

Though he was quick to dismiss some of Fallon's theories the possibility of a 3rd or 4th factor seemed quite possible. Afterall what were those puffs of fur that trailed into the Bronze Wood?

"Zith? They have claws that can do that too? I know Syms have sharp ones too. You sure that it was only there was only one Zith? If a Zith and two Syms were to suddenly have a conflict here there is a curious lack of actual blood spattered. Just that nasty gunk they like to eat."

A furious shudder came from Bolivar thinking about the distilled whatever Symnestras drank in. A chuckle came from Bolivar as he patted Fallon's shoulder before offering her help back up.

"It is always something important. Careful now. You are starting to sound like those farmers outside."

Nodding as Fallon suggested the two should investigate, perhaps even trek further Bolivar was proud to say he had the same thought.

"Nothing else really. Just that there were two Syms and three people that went with them. Oh and you have to be a knight to force people around here to tell you everything."

A sarcastic tone indicating that the farmers knew something that they did not wish to share. Instead of forcing the issue Bolivar simply shrugged and went and started to look for a trail across the road. It was simple enough to see where they were going. The Zith wasn't really trying to hide himself as he blazed an apparent beeline through the wood.

"I got nothing Fallon. Though this trail someone made might lead us somewhere."

[Fallon]

Fallon shot him a glance, ”Sound like the farmers? Maybe it’s contagious. You must be next.”

She listened as he explained his discoveries and theories, her mind creating a mental map of what had occurred at the scene. She gave a whistle for Orvin, a sharp incline of the head followed by a point to her feet, ”Come here. Going to need you Orvin.”

Pacing back and forth across the road she plucked at the wisps of fur that lead into the woods. She gave it a long, scrutinizing look, twirling it between her fingers before turning her head back to the farmers. There was a slow glance up and down, a look of amusement filtering into her features. Smirking she simply shook her head and returned her attention back to her current piece of study. There was no way in Hai that they were going to share the last little things they knew. Those tiny fragments that may have made or broken the situation. Still, the element of surprise was never one to frown upon. Scratching beneath Orvin’s chin she addressed the wolf directly, ”Right, this is what we’re going to do… Sniff this and we’ll see where we end up. Sound good?”

The wolf gave only a quizzical look to her, his head cocking to one side. She gave a turn of the head to the farmers, her face turning deadpan and serious, ”If you do well, I’ll let you have one of them. Seeing as they’ve said everything they know.” A spark of amusement rested within her eyes, before once more she looked to the ground. She had tracked before, but she was no master of it - nor was she of any real competence. Her head turned away, words rolling from her mouth, ”Unless… of course there was something that must have been so obviously over looked…” She gave a shrug and raised a clump of fur to the wolf and let him sniff it. They needed to move fast really; the longer the trail was left the less reliable it became.

With Orvin sniffing the floor, she stood and gave a look to Bolivar, a quick nod to him, ”How do you want to do this? You want to leave the horses here or take them with us? You’re my partner in this just as much as I am to you.” Work together, solve it together. For every mystery had an answer behind it. She gave a definite point into the trees ”We’re going to be following anyway. Hopefully with Orvin we’ll be able to follow whoever it is quickly. Cause… well. You get the idea. Come on.”

[Bolivar]

The question about why Orvin was here and what it was doing following Fallon came up a few times. Thankfully the answer soon revealed itself with the beast, admittedly confused also, making use of its nose to help track down the zith. Though how friendly was it? Bolivar will have to test the dog-wolf's cordiality when it is unsuspecting and possibly excited.

"Yea well. Don't worry about that too much. Squires aren't exactly known for being clever half the time."

The half sincere, half joking laugh Bolivar gave was unassuming. That's how he wanted to come off as after all. While they were still under the watch of those other Sylirans Bolivar couldn't quite speak as freely as he wanted with Fallon. She seemed agreeable enough to listen to his thoughts before dismissing them entirely. To reinforce that though she even said something so apparently touching to the squire, Bolivar crooned at the words.

"D'aww we are are partners? That is just. SO sweet! There's a feeling in my chest hearing those words Fallon. I think I- Ahem*"

Pounding on his chest and coughing Bolivar's face turned deadpan again as he burped softly.

"Never mind I just needed to burp. Sorry about that. Yea let's take the horses along. Just be sure to tread carefully. Lots of low hanging branches to watch for last time I was here."

Hitching a ride on the horses Bolivar lead his mount to the outskirts of the wood. A distracted neigh coming from the horse as Bolivar was about to pat down the horse. Stopping before touching the horses's mane Bolivar settled for readjusting his g
loves. Rubbing his thumb against his fingers Bolivar eased the hesitant horse into the Bronze Wood.

"Yea. I know. Don't worry I got it."

Letting Orvin set the pace they were off again.

[Fallon]

”Oh you!” came the response to his crooning. She gave a flick of the hand as she claimed her own mount and lead him to the edge of the wood. There was look of regard into its depths, the stamp of horse hooves upon the ground. She rubbed at the neck of the horse, before the moment of humour vanished. The wolf gave a second sniff from the fur, a deep one this time before his nose pressed against the earth, ”Go find Orvin.”

To begin with she watched the wolf circle them, a careful retracing of steps and movement before he ducked between the trees. Mounting up, Fallon clipped in her heels and followed after the creature. She watched him go back and forth, leading them deeper into between the trees without a moment of stopping. Searching and looking for that distinct scent. It was on occasion that she dismounted herself, turning to her own novice skills and claiming a second clump of fur nestled between the leaves. She scrutinized it, turning her eyes once more around and brushing the foliage aside. Prints rested within the dirt, obvious tell tale signs that someone had come through here. How long ago this was she did not know. That much was beyond her. She twirled a snapped twig between her fingers, eyes looking down it before she tossed it aside. Whistling to Orvin she gathered the two clumps and let him sniff at them again, a paw brushing at his nose, ”Come on boy… I know you can do this. Come on.”

With a reluctant sigh the wolf tottered off once more, head bowing back and forth in rhythm. Mounting up once more the squire clipped in her heels and made way after him, no doubt with Bolivar in tow, ”How long do you think we’re going to be out here for? Better yet, why do you think there is Symestra out here?” There was a long pause, her eyes looking ahead to the sniffing Orvin, ”You don’t think they’re… you know… looking for people for...?”

She gave a wince, her hand twitching almost with anticipation. It was better to expect the worst, for out in the wilds anything could happen. It worried her to say the least, numerous questions going round in her head all seeking numerous answers. She clipped her heels, spurring the horse on. There was a yap from Orvin, his ears cocking with a definite peer forward. He had obviously seen something, the way his tail violently struck the air declared that obvious fact. Digging her heels in she pushed her horse on, ”Come on. I think he’s found something.”

[Bolivar]

Keeping his eye on the mount Bolivar made double'y sure that his horse was treading lightly as they made their way through the Bronze once again. The last time he pushed the horse to a trot over some uneven rocks and roots much to the stablehand's dismay.

"Why'd you make him go so hard there? You could have really injured the horses there."

The words still echoing in the mag squire's mind he looked up as Fallon addressed him.

"As long as it takes dear Fallon. We can work on our touchy feelie banter if that is what you want."

Coming off as a bit cross the smile on the mage squire's face was in ways hidden from the other squire. It was fine to have a good relation with your coworkers but all that talk while on duty did not sit well with Bolivar. The mage squire would be sarcastic and dismissive if the manner of speaking delved in such a way.

"Perhaps they finally figured out that Isurians weren't good hosts for their harvest. Damn sodding leeches the lot of them."

Glancing back at Fallon Bolivar completely understood her unsure demeanor at the thought she danced around. Bolivar was none too partial to Syms in any case. Reaching out and gripping Fallon's hand he gave an appropriate squeeze before settling back. None too happy about the exchange Bolivar looked away slightly miffed at how he was acting.

"Fallon, just. Listen well."

Glaring back at Fallon Bolivar made sure there was no questioning his next words.

"I will protect you. Make sure you do the same. We'll be fine you and I."

Addressing the dog/wolf thing Bolivar went on ahead to face what Orvin revealed. A familiar yet unappealing smell touched Bolivar's nose first as he urged the horse to greater speeds. This wasn't good.

oocI am thinking perhaps we meet a dead body or injured Sym for this part. I'll ultimately leave it to you.

[Fallon]

Fallon only glanced back at him once, before shaking her head and pushing on. The feeling did indeed leave her uneasy, and fretting. If the words of the mixed blood were true, then surely that left her at risk of being taken herself. She had heard of the horror stories related to the Symestra and their ways, nightmares that left her shuddering. It was hard to push away such thoughts, and so she masked them for the meanwhile in the thoughts of duty. She could not help but flinch when the hand touched however. Her eyes darted down to the squeeze, brow creasing to the moment. There was a sharp intake of breath, back tensing before she forced it down.

”I will. I will okay,” Nodding she clipped in her heels to the side of the horse, pulling upon the reigns and slowing it. They were near, they had to be. The noise Orvin was making suggested that to say the least. Dismounting as they approached, she caught the pungent smell upon the wind and winced, ”Petch, what happened here?”

It was a carcass, if it could even be called that. She made a rapid dismount, discarding the horse as she approached. Blood was everywhere, the leaves over turned, the distinct scent of decay and death hanging in the air. She gave a turn, eyes looking and searching, her feet treading all so carefully around the body. She pushed Orvin away when he went to sniff it, an obvious form of curiosity there. But right now she did not need him disturbing the evidence. Or at least what was left of it. Bending a knee she looked it up and down, eyes darting to the pale skin that was plastered in its lifeblood. Her hand reached back and rested on the hilt of the kukri – just in case. There was a click, followed by a hesitant prod with the tip of the blade. It definitely seemed dead.

”Humanoid in build,” she gave a tap with the flat of the blade, withdrawing it close to study the sticky red residue that was left, ”Don’t think the sod has been dead long. Seems pretty fresh.” Continuing her study, the squire averted her eyes lower, and gave a shudder to the deep lacerations that marred it, ”Gonna guess they bled to death. I mean it certainly looks that way.” Withdrawing she rocked upon her heels for a tick, brow knitting with thought. Her face had gone pale itself, the pupils burrowing down upon the body. What in Mizahar where they dealing with here?

[Bolivar]

Take in a good whiff for this one has breathed it's last.

That metallic, yet moist smell hung in the air.

"Yep he's dead. If I guess he was...destroyed to death"

It didn't take any real skill for him to really figure that out. Perhaps it was better left unsaid but Fallon's words quickly told him otherwise.

"Sod? Don't you think that's a bit harsh? Half the people in Syliras don't know better as far as I'm concerned. I'll never quite be over protecting those that need it. So don't call whoever this person was a sod."

Mentally musing angrily inside Bolivar nodded while Fallon made her observations. Symnestra or Zith it didn't quite matter anymore. Both were a possible threat and had to be taken in.

"They?"

Bolivar's eyes not quite catching on to what Fallon meant looked around for a tic. Lo and behold her observation skills were far superior to his own.

Hidden in plain sight that slight shift of movement betrayed the symnestra's position. Spitting out a curse Bolivar wasted no time shrugging off his weapon as he rushed towards the predator. Staving off both fern and branch Bolivar wasted no time being scared or hesitant.

"Stop! I beg you."

The pleas for peace both confused and irritated Bolivar who at that moment held his axe raised against the beast. If he wanted to agitate bolivar it was certainly working. It was a he right? The Symnestra immaculate in it's appearance, save a few points. The face mimicking that of a normal person though the rest of him was so different it was eerie.

Slumped the squire couldn't quite get a good view of the Symnestra amidst all the cover the wood provided but it was enough. It was enough to know that the Symn was his enemy and enemies of the Knights deserved no passing mercy. It was two steps before it was in his range that Bolivar stopped.

"Already injured eh? "

Placing his axe down Bolivar scanned the area around him, for his sake and Fallon's. Bolivar had completely forgotten about his partner as he barely turned his head to look back at the girl squire. An eye still centered on the Symnestra it didn't take him long to realize what had caused the panicked words to come from the Sym. He was injured. One of his ligaments all but shattered and flayed nearby Bolivar's face betrayed no remorse at what he was about to do.

"Talk. What happened here?"

[Fallon]

Fallon only looked back at the mixed blood, and shook her head. There was no use getting into an argument about it. Nothing would be gained. Her eyes only tilted upwards when he noticed the target. Within the undergrowth laid another, living and hissing within the flora. Standing she squire slid away the kukri and turned her head to the shield and tulwar. Hands pulled at the buckles as she heard the shrilling begging cry. She gave a nod to Orvin, followed by a quick incline of the head to follow the other squire. They would be better off sticking together, for if there was one alive still out here then there was always the chance for more. She gave only a gentle tread behind the halfer, eyes looking down to the mangled body of the Symestra. There was a long cold gaze, lids pinching, her lip twitching in a sense of displeasure.

”Guess you found something?” she gave a mutter to him and then fully averted her attention down to the Symestra. She licked at her lips, eyes darting about and keeping a firm eye on their surroundings. If Bolivar was going to continue talking to the Sym, then she would simply have to work on keeping guard. For both of their sakes. Finally securing the shield in place. She drew the tulwar, keeping the tip ready and keen should anything out of place come her way. The symestra however was fumbling over words. Nostrils flared, her mind remembering the pungent smell in the air, ”Better question, how many of you are out here?” Eyes burned, a growl having formed in the back of her voice. The Symestra shirked away slightly, ”And why are you out here?”

Turning her head away she shook it, her brow pinching together. They needed information, and fast. If there were others out here doing the same, then they had to try and put a stop to it. That was of course if they could reach some level of cooperation. Cheeks puffed, her eyes scanning. She gave a flinch when she heard the snapping of branches nearby. Stepping out she checked her grip on the hilt and stared boldly between the trees. Shadows and shapes lurked behind the foliage, watching and waiting for the opportunity to strike.

”Hurry it up Bolivar… I think we might have company,” she gave a hiss to him. Her shoulders rolled, the shield coming forward and ready. The tulwar found its point of rest hovering over the top of it, her entire form crunching and condensing down within. Almost as if getting ready for something to spring out. Orvin let out a growl, his fur standing on end as he padded about. Fallon gave a snort, ”I’ll cover, alright?”