Closed Where'd you go? [Ettan, Sliver]

[Ettan]

Shifting back into his human form, caring little for modest, out here, he sat down cross-legged on the ground. He pulled back one of the rabbits, he didn't see the need for it to be cooked, he was happy with the way it was. He noticed his mouth and hands were still covered in the blood of the rabbits, and finding it harder to remove than he thought. He continued to lick it off his hands and rub it off his face, paying no attention to the reaction of the others. In response to the discussion of who should stay behind, he looked at the others to decided. "I think that sounds alright. We'll tell you if we find this buddy of yours." He joked a bit insensitively.

[Sliver]

Sliver took the offered rabbit, as well as Diana's and found a couple long thin sticks, skewering the meat upon the hafts and throwing them over the flame. She removed a small packet from her pocket and took a pinch of the herbal contents, throwing it gingerly over the two roasting rabbits to add a bit of flavor. She examined the roughly cut hides of the hares, damaged rather badly by the dull edge of an eating knife. She licked some remaining gore and muscle from the skins as she waited for her food to cook: Just because she enjoyed a well done meal didn't mean she'd neglect the regular way of dining. She glanced over at Ettan, wondering exactly how he could stand the cold stark naked without any fur, just thinking about it made her shiver. The little crevice the Vantha had found protected them from the brunt of the wind, but that didn't mean it was warm, this was Northern Taldera after all. Perhaps his trials had made his skin a bit thicker for the journey. Her own rabbit was only partially cooked when the removed it from the fire, taking about a chime to let it cool before devouring the wiry muscles from bone. Licking it clean she rose, sliding her ax out of its sheath once more and grabbing a long stick of wood from the fire, flames curling around its tip and acting like an ill fashioned torch. She couldn't say she liked the idea of Diana staying here. It was clear she wasn't used to braving the wilds, so the idea of the Vantha being alone wasn't one the guard liked. That being said her going into the cave might not have been a good solution either. In the end the wolverine sighed in resignation and made her way to the entrance of the cave, beckoning Ettan. "We'll try to be back in a bell and a half, if you have to wait three....well then i would try to find another place to sleep tonight."

[Ettan]

Ettan simply ripped the fur off the rabbit, in a less neat and civilized fashion before digging his face into the raw meat. His table manners were what would have been expected of him by his traveling companions by now. After devouring all meat and flesh of the rabbit he continued to do what he did before, a routine of whipping his face with his hands than licking them, which looked rather odd in his human form but would have looked more natural as a wolf. Now feeling a bit chilly, Ettan slipped on his pants and his warn cow-hid jacket, not bothering with the rest of the cloths, or shoes. Standing up he looked over the camp and than his traveling companions. He stretched out his arms before turning to Miria. "If you hear something move, shot first. Don't waste time with aiming." He than ran to catch up with Sliver, who seemed perfectly content with leaving him behind. Catching up with her, his eyes narrowed as he observed the interior of the cave. That scent was strong again.

[Miria]

I would say I feel safest when I'm outside. Miria looked back at the cave wondering about her decision. The winds blowing around Taldera seemed refreshing to her as she quietly made a patrol around the clearing. The whole idea of parts of forest simply not existing started bother a bit as she neared the makeshift camp. Perhaps it was just by chance. Small fires would take hold of parts of a forest and leave it lifeless for periods of time. Small fires just don't suddenly happen here. Someone had to have set it first if that was the case. The thought sent a chill down her spine as she briskly got up looking for something to do. Distracting herself Miria recalled two kelvics weren't natives, it was no mystery that they were probably cold. The one in the Icewatch should be marked by Morwen so she would probably be okay however the other kelvic seemed to not give a damn. Those tough guys showing off. It must be some misguided attempt to seduce the other kelvic. Nevertheless Ettan would come back with warm clothes ready for them whether or not he uses them or not. Adding another few logs and branches to the fire she went to the small alcove that watched the area where her belongings hid. Grabbing a spare cloak she hastily hid her bags back into cover before she saw a small shimmering light. From up here she could more or less see Avanthal from here perhaps if she leaned closer she would be able to see Laforte's house... The cold, harsh Talderan air bellowed in response as Miria was nearly sent flying on her bum. "That was stupid." Had it been blowing the other way she would have fell a good distance and hurt herself. Thankfully the winds started to die down as she slowly descended into the camp. Laying out the cloak over the rock closest to the fire she rearranged some of the camp's gear so that the cloak wouldn't accidentally feed the fire. There was still patrolling to be done and if there was something or someone here staying out in the open wouldn't help anyone. Her bow in tow Miria readied an arrow as she ran into the forest outlying the cave. Finding a small recess on higher ground she quickly ran up the side of the stone with enough momentum to give her time to grasp the top of the formation. Climbing atop the small ledge she discovered it led to a slope with a gaping mouth at the end. In a huff Miria sighed from the exertion as she quickly moved up to check the area out. It seemed to be connected to the cave except that she couldn't possibly exit through here. Looking down was a steep drop that would probably injure her if she didn't land correctly if she had a rope or something this entrance would actually be decent. Looking further in Miria was only able to see the ground before deciding against trying to enter. Miria still had a job to do and watching the area around the camp with the wind as her only company was a priority.

[Sliver]

The wolverine crept inside the cave first, torch stretched out before her as far as it would go. Her sight would aid in near darkness, but not the pitch black of the cave, thus the burning branch. There were downsides to this method, however. Despite the light it gave off, her closeness to the smoke impaired her sense of smell, apparently she'd have to rely on the wolf for that, which wasn't an especially comforting though when it came right down to it. She could hear him snuffling behind her, even in the relatively complete silence broken only by the soft crackling of wood engulfed in fire. "What do you smell?" She tried to focus her own senses, but all she received was burnt charcoal. For a moment this smell became much too pungent to be coming from the torch, but she couldn't be sure of anything, and kept her eyes on the barren and rather close walls. The space in side was barely wide enough to let the two Kelvic walk side by side as they explored the tunnel.

[Ettan]

Ettan couldn't see much beyond the torch light, and with the narrow passage he wouldn't be able to anyways with Sliver in front of him. in some parts of the passage he found he even had to duck down a bit to avoid hitting his head on the ceiling. He focused on the scent, that seemed to get stronger as they traveled deeper. "I think I might have ran into these people back in Kelea a few weeks past. A large group of them. I didn't figure out what they were doing but they were caring something with them that gave of a strange scent." Being wild Ettan was cautious of large groups of people in the wilderness anyways, but these people made an impact on him. Ettan than heard something, a whistling, up ahead. Soon enough the small dark passage way opened up into a wide room, of a decedent size, up above they could see the hole that Miria had perched herself next to, letting light into it. The scent was strong in here and it made Ettan somewhat nauseated. He closed his eyes and backed up a bit as the scent seemed to fill his head. It wasn't the scent of the people he had been following it was what they had on them, some kind of plant or herb maybe.

[Sliver]

The idea of a large group of people traveling willing to northern Taldera from Kalea seemed odd to the wolverine, and worrisome. The only advantage they had was the close in space, allowing for only one person to attack at a time, and just as she tried to take solace in this face, the cave opened up, the light of the torch losing itself in the vastness of the new area. Sliver groaned slightly at the thought of being ambushed in such a space, and caught scent of whatever pungent scent that Ettan had caught. Sliver's first thought was that perhaps this cave acted as a drug den of sorts and Diana's friend had been somehow caught up in it. it would explain why the authorities hadn't been involved and her lack of knowledge of this place, but something still seemed a bit off,a nd she simply couldn't put her paw on it. That was when she heard the faint sound of voices approaching from another tunnel, a warm glow signalling impending torchlight. The wolverine swiftly stuck her torch into a crevice in the wall near them, effectively putting out the light. She scrambled to the side, crouching low to the ground as to be less of a target while simultaneously hefting her ax with both hands, ready for the worst. Whatever this group of people was, they would find out soon.

[Ettan]

Ettan as well found a corner to crouch in out of sight, a corner that was neglected from the light above. His copper eyes narrowed as he waited for them to approach. He's nose twitched as he grew more and more aggressive, prepared to attack if needed. The steps continued to echo, through the passage. As they approached it became more clear their was two or three of them approaching, not a large group but enough to take on a curious local. Ettan looked up at the whole at the top of the cave, he could see Miria but he could see her shadow, so he knew she was there. "Perfect". He though, even with her lack of skill with her bow, they could stand some chance with up above, as long as she didn't shot one of them. He left out a soft howl just enough to get her attention and hopefully soft enough that those approaching thought it was nothing but the wind.

[Miria]

A feeling of contentment filled Miria as her ears listened in to the sounds of the forest. It seemed all so surreal... The hardiness of the stone below her, the rustling of the forest critters below, and the chill that came from these berries. Being a sentry was boring work, even more so alone, so it was important to also keep oneself interested in surveying the landscape. Overlooking the area where she pulled the shrubbery from reminded Miria of the berries that she picked. Finally curiosity got the best of her as she nibbled on one. The juices from the first bite felt life she just chewed on a block of slushy ice, without the hardiness that comes from the solid. Shaking her head in amazement she sat stifled as she recovered from the shock. Finishing the berry she waited out the transitions as it ran it's course through her body. The sensation felt as if icy hands covered her body, starting from the her core until it enveloped her entirely. "That felt amazing!" Miria exclaimed laughing from its effect. It felt cold yes but at the same time the sensation felt as if someone was tickling her. Chuckling from the mild entertainment she looked back unto the landscape with interest. Perhaps if she can find more of those shrubs maybe she can- ...who is that? A total of two figures appeared as they emerged from the forest. Armed men that talked common in a rapid matter as they cleared away parts of the forest. What business do they have here? Leaning closer to the ground she pushed herself forward trying to listen in to the words that seemed to flow out of them. "Hurry... clear... help... the camp. ...here ....within ....sunset. ...area is clear first then ...camp." Silently wishing she was able to hear them clearer Miria focused on blocking out all sounds of the wind and tundra before continuing to listen. Her concentration rewarded her as she was able to find who exactly these people were. "That haul sold well. The group before us went to Ravok. Cursed whelps probably made a fortune. Vantha slaves are rare but oh are they expensive ones. They go over the top to get a pair of those eyes. Working for them or just on display" That was enough for Miria she gritted her teeth as she rose to a kneeling position with her bow nocked and ready to fire. Miria wasn't particularly angry at the two but she knew if she didn't stop them now they would only cause trouble if they found the campsite with those two still inside. Still her expression wasn't nearly as happy as she was only moments ago. Nocking her bow back she aimed her sights down the back of the one closest to her. Hestitating for a moment Miria steeled herself as she let the arrow loose. A loud yelp erupted from the man's lips he turned to see an arrow protruding through his thigh. Crying out in pain his partner ran to his aid partial shocked at the development before unsheathing his weapon. From above Miria breathed rapidly as she saw her handiwork and instantly regretted it. If she was particularly skill she would have accounted for the wind from atop her perch and pierced that man in the back as intended. Fading back to the cover of the stone formation she took a moment to herself before grabbing another arrow. Below loud bellows came from the injured man as he clutched at his wound only for his howling to be overtaken by the sound of the unforgiving winds of Kaldera. I hope those two haven't run into trouble.

[Sliver]

Sliver's confusion had been growing steadily as this journey had progressed, and with it a sense of frustration at not easily being able to solve the problem at hand. The Vantha woman was an odd sort who didn't seem to be entirely honest with her, and Ettan added a whole new element to the whole ordeal she wasn't even going to attempt to sort out. That coupled with this bizarre case of missing person and this weird cave, well the wolverine's mood had gone south swiftly. And now three figures were approaching her, and she heard a cry of pain above. Who ever they were, they weren't Vantha, and that was all the encouragement the Kelvic needed. She waited until the light from the torch got close enough that her position would soon be compromised. She saw one figure glance up at the hole in the rocky ceiling, and decided to take her chances. Lunging off the ground, legs propelling her upward towards the distracted man who was also carrying the light source, she shoved his chest viciously with the haft of her ax, the figure almost immediately crying out and losing balance. She slammed the blunt side of the ax into his face, giving him a solid kick to the chest to finish the job as the other two men were given time to react to the hostile presence within their midst. A fist slammed into her gut before she could aptly respond, and a similar kick threw her to the ground, mouth gaping like a grounded fish as her lungs tried to get the necessary air to continue. This was the fun she had been missing today.