Out from Under (Nida, Seliarus, Nehsmay, Closed)

[Seliarus]

The Dhani's eye twitched. His right hand's fingers coiling around the wooden shaft of the torch like a snake around it's prey. So, not only did these humans act cocky, they also started to show their up-tight attitude. Yet, they were right. Too right. Who knows what they were capable of doing. The seemingly skin-and-bones-pelt wearing pale-skin of a human siluethe gave out a yet another, muffed hiss. He wasn't the one who'd talk, who'd diplomatically speak and make his way out. He was a creature of action. Or pain. Oh, in Siku's name, why was she testing him, now. Did he do something wrong? No, he was not ridding the Dire Snow leopard, as in the cave, he might have problems navigating, yet, he did step in-front of Nida, as a protecting thing he was. He understood he was outnumbered, and attacking them would be his end. Yet, he swore to protect the Kelvic he bonded with, and no creepy singing cave-men could make him forget that. His eyes looked at Nehsmay. He hoped she could talk them out, before his calm snapped. Then he already calculated how many of them he could silence, before he'd pay the price. One, two...Hmm, the far right one seemed easy enough. His eyes scoped over the group.

[Nidassasyae]

The leopard winced as she felt the iron will of her bondmate smash into her just as he placed his body in front of her. She wanted so badly to just obey, to be the submissive creature her nature demanded of her.

But that would get them no where. And she was determined to not have Seliarus sacrifice himself, for whichever of the two women that ruled his life. Nida wished no harm upon him, and she strongly suspected that neither did Siku.

The Stranger-Who-Sings wanted to talk? So be it. It terrified her to leave this current form, knowing she shouldn't waste energy to return to it, but the situation required at least two voices opposed to violence.

Her huge body suddenly dissolved into swirling lights, lending the black tunnel a sudden burst of illumination. The tiny lights flickered, reforming themselves into a diminutive young woman, who peeked out at Tain and his companions from behind her Bondmate's shoulder.

Knowing it was both foolish to step too far forward and perhaps a bit frustrating towards Seliarus' urge to protect her, Nida simply entwined her fingers with those of his left hand, and stood beside him, observing the strangers with slitted cats eyes, unconcerned with her lack of clothing in the cold of the tunnels.

"My apologies, Tain-Who-Sings," said Nida in a voice that seemed husky from little use. "I am Nida. My companions are Nehsmay and Seliarus."

"It has been a long time since we've met those who'd rather not slit our throats. I apologize. We're not too used to friendly folk," nodded the Kelvic almost sorrowfully, but the glint of distrust still remained in her eyes. "We mean no harm." At this, she gave Seliarus' hand a squeeze, trying to remind him to be civil. But she could not stop the faintest quivering in her fingers and the flood of fear that raced through the Bond. "And we hope your generous offer still stands."

[Nehsmay]

Seeing Nida shift in the tunnel, the Vantha woman understood the reasoning loud and clear. The Kelvic was protecting Seliarus as she tried to show Tain they posed no danger, while fearing for her and Sel's lives at the same time. Nehsmay sincerely hoped their situation did not end in a battle, but she knew that should danger loom at the horizon she would rather sacrifice herself than see her friends die. She made sure all her weapons were sheathed, took a step forward, leaving fer friends behind and spoke softly to the man in front of her. "Forgive my blatant lack of disrespect, Tain. It appears too long has passed since I was under the safe roof of my own home where I was able to remember the basic rules of courtesy without believing those near me were out for my blood." She took in her surroundings and wondered what was the best course to take. Walk into unknown with this man and his friends, allies, followers or whatever they were, or chose to thread the tunnel by themselves. Each solution seemed more perilous than the other. "My friend already introduced me, but I shall reserve the right to express the same courtesy you expressed by myself. My name is Nehsmay Frostfawn. We thank you for your generous offer." Despite maintaining a calm voice, as Shade used to instruct her to do when dealing with an unknown danger, when she was little, Nehsmay could not suppress the tremble that shook her body. She was scared, at most times she regretted ever leaving her home and she wanted to go back to Avanthal. She had no place in such a big world; her place was in back with her mother, riding Shade in the wilderness near her city and telling stories by the fire. But she had no way in which she could return, therefore she tried to be strong and endure everything life threw at her for her sake and her friends' sake. Even if it meant dealing with a strange, singing man in a dark tunnel.

[Lariat]

Hey guys, on word from Jake, I'd just like to tell you that you are no longer time locked and that you did reach Endrykas. You can consider this thread wrapped up, and if you had any skills or lore you wanted out of it, I will grade this for you. Any questions feel free to pm me, I will also send you all a personal pm just in case some of you do not check this thread.