Completed [The Cobalt Mountains] Monster Hunter

[Radiant]

Near the Sacred Arch Hotsprings, Just Outside Syliras,
05th of Bell, 80th of Summer 513 A.V

It's early morning in the lovely Fortress City, Syna was just about to wake up, replacing Leth for the day. It was all going to be just another common day in Syliras... if not for the rather large group of people gathering near the Sacred Arch Hotsprings, all armed to the teeth, and various expressions on their faces. A makeshift podium had been set up with a rather wealthy looking man standing on it, shouting to the crowd about something. About fifteen men and women were already gathering before the podium, with more assumed to be arriving soon.

"Men and Women! I assume you're all here regarding about the bounty placed on the winged monstrosity known as The Balicani! Well you are right! That winged monstrosity has been terrorizing and attacking caravans on the Kabrin Road! My employers are not pleased with this!" The man gritted his teeth, he himself could feel Kale Belmont shouting at his face, demanding that "minor" disturbance to be dealt with, the fat nobleman should just face that Balicani himself and see what it feels like to be stared down by its massive head.

"Kill this monster, ladies and gentlemen! And you shall be rewarded handsomely! Rumors say that this beasts resides in the Cobalt Mountains, specifically East of the Lykolav Mines! Prepare yourself, this would not be your run-of-the-mill hunt... I, of course, shall be not coming with you. I'm an advocate, not a merchant, thank you very muc-"

"I see you're having fun, Peython..." A gruff voice spoke from behind the advocate and he could see a middle-aged knight dressed in his light armor accompanied by two younger knights, also dressed in their light armor.

"What?!" The man was annoyed at being cut off but suddenly went nervous at the sight of the senior knight. "S-ser Wade! An honor to see you..."

"Yes, good to see you, Peython... I've heard about this... 'group' you are gathering to hunt the Balicani, yes? Well, I'm taking charge of it"

"B-bu-" Peython wanted to protest, but... he knew it would be a very foolish thing to do. He sighed in defeat and Wade stepped up to the podium.

"Greetings, My name is Ser Wade Brock, Syliran Knight. I will be taking charge of this operation. The Knights have grown weary of that beast as well, it's stretching our tolerance, we need to put it down. You shall still be rewarded by whoever hired Peython here, but you will do as I say, any questions?" Wade rubbed his stubble as he waited for any reply from the crowd before him.

OOCAlright, feel free to make your entrance and shoot some questions or suggestions! I will move on to the journey to the Mountains in my next reply.

Just a precaution, those who are not so combat oriented or experienced, please do try to stay out of the frontline, you can be killed... gruesomely

[Edreina]

Naturally, Edreina was the sort to avoid conflict. But when it came to helping others, she would do whatever she could, whenever she could. And that was why she had packed up her spelunking supplies and marched off to join the hunting party. If this creature lived in the mountains as rumors claimed, they would need someone who could tell the different between a stalagmite and a stalactite. Forgoing armor, the Svefra was dressed to be able to move and run and make sure she was the hell out of the way once the fighting started. As always, linen bound her chest nearly painfully tightly, but instead of simple linen underpants, Edreina had donned full on breeches to protect her legs from brambles and the like. A normally animated mane of fire was made docile by her favorite yellow bandanna. As always, her blue eyes were alight with curiosity as she took in the crowd that had gathered, all likely seeking mizas and glory instead of sating their need to help others. Their damn foolish need...

Lucky for the redhead, however, the moment he had learned of her intentions, her... well the title was still up for debate... her Razkar had decided that he would join the "stupid female". The only sign of her nerves was the constant tattoo that her fingers tapped out on the exposed curve of her hips, the way that her lower lip seemed unable to escape the grasp of her teeth.

As the change in command took place, Edreina found herself unable to care who led them, only that they were still going after the beast. The patron's stammering did, however, tickle her amusement. So even the wealthy know better than to cross the knights. Of all the stories she had heard about the dangers of Syliras, about the corruption of the order that protected it, none seemed to be true. Each tick that passed and they were not on their way only bolstered the redhead's desire to turn tail and return to her ship, to safety. But, there was a job here that she could do, so she would sure as hell do it. In an attempt to distract herself, the freckled woman turned to the Myrian and asked quietly, "Have you ever encountered one of these... Balicani...?" If he had, she would immediately inquire about its fierceness. If not, the slight woman would be drawn to the fierce warrior, seeking comfort in the gentle brush of his arm against hers. She had come to trust the savage with her life, and eventually her heart... and though she worried over any outcome of this battle, they had both prepared the night before with prayers to Myri. Now they could only hope that the fierce goddess would look upon them favorably, and that their own strength and wit would not fail them.

[Isolde Seibold]

Isolde didn't quite know what she was doing here. It was obvious that this place wasn't the place for her to be. She could barely handle a dagger, and her skills at Reimancy were iffy, at best.

Still, she didn't move away. The Nuit had been feeling very... well, nothing, recently. She hadn't felt anything in the last few weeks, ever since that day with Kouri out in the Woods. It was worse this time than the times before. Sometimes she thought she could still hear those voices in her head, like grainy whispers, accusing. They were her voices, she supposed, belonging to all the bodies she had inhabited. Male and female. Old and... young. And though she try as she might, she could never make out Wyn's, buried beneath the others. Too faint, now, to hear. That was the one voice she wished she might be able to recall.

The Nuit had taken a new body. This one had short hair, blonde and fluffing out in all directions at the smallest breeze, a haircut she'd given herself in a rare moment of motivation. A cute, pixie face, and still young, perhaps in her late teens. Still female. A bit taller and lankier, making her old clothes fit her strangely, as if they'd been stolen... but she didn't want to waste Mizas on those, right now.

Perhaps that was why she was here. The coin.
Or maybe it was so that she'd starting feeling things again. Snap her out of this emptiness.
Or maybe she was hoping the beast would just kill her and get it over with.
Whichever.

Anyone who knew the Nuit might be able to recognize her, if they tried hard enough. If they looked past the barren expression to the haunted eyes, painted around with black, the color smudged around her lips, too. The clothes were the same, of course, the hood that had been ripped through with a thug's knife a while back, the dress, the boots, all done up in mismatched layers. Just not the body. Or the expression on the dead face that managed to look a lot less animated than it usually did. The fear and hesitance were gone completely, and it appeared that no new emotion had moved in to fill the void.

Not knowing what questions she should ask, the Nuit simply stood where she was. Her dagger was tied to her hip as usual. The flour resting lightly in her left pocket. Perhaps the creature would come close enough for her to blind it. Maybe that could be her contribution. Or, she figured she could do whatever one of the more experienced of the company suggested. She could probably find a way to be useful. She was certain an opportunity would present itself.

OOCSo yeah, first thread with the new body, woot. Hopefully she won't get it wrecked so soon! >.>

[Sagitta]

A young woman stood some distance away from the crowd, close enough to be seen as part of the group. Her hair was pulled into a hasty braid, strands slipping loose. It seemed like she was wearing no armor at all, unlike the people around her. It would only weigh her down. Resting against her back was a pack full of various equipments that one would expect a thief would have - but she was no thief, at least not desperate enough yet. She looked entirely human and ordinary, giving no clue to sightseers that she had been in the form of a surreal creature merely a bell ago.

Sagitta shifted her footing nervously. Not for the first time, she wondered if this was the best idea. She was no fighter, not at all and hunting a monster was not something she would normally do. She usually escape trouble, not go to them. Her talents were far more suited for scouting or spying or . . . anything. Unfortunately, the Ethaefal needed the money. She had got by quite well, but if she wanted to travel, to figure out the little remnants of her memories, the 200 gold pieces were needed. So here she was, with a bunch of ragtag volunteers and some knights trying to capture this terrorizing creature. What was its name again? Bolicani? Balicani? Not that it mattered - her knowledge of creatures was fairly limited. What she did know was that this might turn out bloody, very bloody. No idea how she would help when that happened.

Her silvery eyes darted nervously through the crowd, trying to find a familiar face or two. It was unlikely, though. She had mostly kept to herself during her time in Syliras, her thoughts to jumbled and disoriented to actually function normally. Not only that, the knights made her jumpy. And now, this Ser Wade was in charge. It was good, in a way, it reassured her that at least someone knew what they were doing because she wasn't so sure about herself.

[Razkar]

"Have you ever encountered one of these... Balicani...?"

"I have not even heard of Balicani before." The Myrian muttered back to her, eyes not leaving solid-looking lump of armor and weathered skin talking atop the podium. "But if they are send Knight for it..."

Three of them, actually, and Razkar felt that worm of uncertainty in his guts gain another inch. His face didn't express it, perhaps, remaining the usual stern mask he presented to the world, but ever since Edri had told him about this... most definite mis-adventure, his toes hadn't stopped twitching.

"I told you, thing is beyond you," he continued, gaze sliding down to the shorter, thinner female, concern and consternation flashing in his eyes, "See? Knights are taking over, and have plenty of hunters here..."

Well, he was half-right, anyway. There was a small crowd gathered, but as far as he could see, few of them were equipped for hunting a beast that sounded like it could munch down a Myrian Tiger. A hard-bitten hunter or two was here or there, bow or crossbow over their shoulders, but for the most part...

Goddess, don't tell me I'm the most qualified.

A short, resigned sigh... and yet the touch he felt on his arm was enough to dispel most of his concerns. Well, most, but not all. This... Balicani creature was dangerous, monstrous, enough that one of them could lay waste to guarded caravans... and she was going. That meant he was going, and Razkar knew that much as he griped and complained and cajoled, that was the end of it.

"The things we do for our females," he said in his own guttural language, smiling lopsidedly and enjoying the taste of referring to the beautiful Svefra as his. She turned to him sharply, and he shrugged, bow over his shoulder scraping against his leather armor, weapon harness clanking softly. "Just expression from home."

Yeah, like that would fool her, but before she could throw something back at him, the Myrian raised his hand. A predictable chorus of surprised muttering followed, but much less than at the beginning of the season. Razkar had become something of a common sight in the city (or at least in its underside). After a moment the frowning Knight nodded sharply at him.

"Myrian?"

"We know where monster is?" He said loudly in his broken but improving Common, finding that his accent was more of a hindrance nowadays than his vocabulary. "Does it have tear-tory? Live in cave? Water? Nest? And how much is pay?"

A sharp dig in his ribs was the reward for his monetary motivation, but Razkar just hissed back his pain and tossed Edri a quick glare, then went back to waiting for his answer.

[Matthew]

He was painfully out of place in this group of warriors. He could feel eyes and hear chuckles, but ignored them. First off, there was his normal appearance. His pretty-boy looks and sharply fitted clothes were anything but those of a fighter. And then, he didn't look to have any supplies at all. He had a single knapsack slung casually over one shoulder, and then his other hand was just casually slipped inside of his pocket. He would look either incredibly stupid to most of the onlookers, or just perhaps cocky. All of the eyes that knew him would just see that he had come as his normal self. If that was actually being prepared or not, well, that was up to the imagination. His eyes were caught by Razkar as the savage spoke up. Ah, there was the fire-head too. If he took a closer look at the crowd, he could also pick out Isolde and Sagitta. He hadn't know that either one of them had combat skills. In fact, the sight of the Ethaefal brought back forbidden memories of a similar combat situation they had been thrust in together. Hopefully this wouldn't be anything like that. The harlot patiently waited as Razkar phrased his question, and then politely waited for the eventual answer as well. Matthew was the next to step up. He separated himself from the throng of people, coming right before the podium, intense blue eyes glancing up at Peython and Wade. He paused a few moments before speaking, soaking in the two of them, jotting down a few little mental notes in the back of his brain. Then he continued on, voice loud enough to be heard, firm and well-pronounced. "Is there a physical description from any surviving members of the attacked caravans? Size? Characteristics?" He wasn't even entirely sure what the creature looked like. He had taken some time to scan through a book in search of specific information, but hadn't actually bought the book, which left him with only the details he had managed to pick out in the minute or two he had to blur through the pages. He was unprepared, so any further information would have to do. Any answer would recieve a nod, and then a quiet thanks. Then, Matthew simply turned. He stood there at the base of the podium, shamelessly facing down the crowd in front of him, blue eyes flickering back and forth between person to person. He was judging them, in his own little way. Analyzing them. Sizing them up. Funny, coming from the handsome one wearing a too-snug long-sleeved shirt and rather nice black pants. He looked like he was trying to draw some imaginative eyes, like always. Sword, steel, cut, kill. His eyes flickered faster, wheels churning behind the blue windows. His lips were moving, muttering something under his breath. A babble of words and phrases, disconnected to any who managed to pick up what he was saying. Flight, arrows, can't let roam free. Fire, flames, burn. See it before it sees us. Restrict movement. Spur desperation. Take advantage of weak point. He let his mind work on it like a school problem, slipping back into his younger years. In the end, his eyes found those of Isolde, and he quietly stared. Holding her gaze (if she found his), he slowly made his way over to her with a firm look of resolution on his face. "You are with me. Remember what I said about the stammering." He then turned, standing next to her, arms crossed, eyes still glancing around with that flurry of thought blurring behind them. Razkar and Edreina would get a small nod and a motion to come over, if they ever stopped giggling at each other. Sagitta too, and then anyone with a bow. Two would be good. Blue eyes picked through the crowd, and if they found eyes staring back with a bow attached to their bodies, they would receive the motion as well. Best to go ahead and get some form of organization going. His calm demeanor was really all he would have going for him, here. Hopefully none of the men or women in the group would mention the fact that he was a prostitute.

[Viper]

Having seen the poster on the bulletin board the day before about a hunt for some such monster...a Balacini was it? Viper rose early the next morning and prepared, even having gone so far as to buy armour piercing arrows...just in case. A hunter he was. But he also had begun to develop greater ambitions for his new life here in Syliras. A life that would require the Kabrin Road to be made safe. The fact that there was coin as a reward was simply a bonus in his mind. Right now, all his interests pointed toward this job needing to be accomplished.

It didn't take him long to gather his things and move out, heading to the rendezvous point mentioned on the poster. He approached the group that had gathered still astride his faithful Strider. His eyes panned through the crowd as he tried to deduce the quality of people the poster had intrigued enough to call up. His face betrayed nothing since most of it was still hidden behind his mask that protected his face from the elements, but inside he was left wondering what a few of these people here were thinking. Viper didn't recognize any of them, so truly he had no idea what type of skills they actually possessed. But some of them looked as though they never should have left the safety of their own homes this morning, much less the city and onward toward a monster. Of course, thankfully there were a few exceptions.

Granted, he himself wasn't going to be the best fighter here most likely. ...Right? His eyes manages to find a rather fearsome looking fellow standing next to a women whom he also seemed to know. Precisely what he was hoping to see there. Then there were several woman. He had been surprised by the last couple women he had met, so although they didn't seem to threatening, looks could be deceiving. He'd venture no opinion for the moment, and would at least for now assume they weren't insane.

Viper dismounted and listened carefully from his position on the outer edge of the group what the rather well to do looking gentleman had to say. The sight of the Knights entering and apparently taking over the operation did much to belay any concern he might of had just a moment before.

Questions soon began to fly back and forth, and so far, all that was asked was what he wanted to know. So for now, he'd just sit quietly and listen. While doing so, his eyes continued to scan the different people for ones he might want to stick close to. No matter what the beast, team work was most likely going to be the key to success here. Just like out in the Sea of Grass. Except in this situation the predators were still somewhat foreign to him. And knowing one's target was another important piece of the puzzle to get right.

To Viper's great surprise, a man in rather fancy clothes for a hunt, managed to bring over the most aggressive looking person here with a simple gesture. Did they know each other perhaps? As he watched the players in this "game" shift around, a smirk began to tug at the corner of his mouth. Ah. So. Groups were already beginning to form. And not just the two...four?...five? Well that's interesting. He may be a bit of a dandy, but at least he understood the importance of a group. The question now was, how effective are they together?

All these thoughts were racing through his mind when their eyes caught sight of each other. Viper was pleased to see the same summoning gesture the man had given to the others who were now beginning to join him. A gentle, slow, nod of his head was all the indication Viper gave him in response. While keeping an ear out still for what was being said, he made his way over to the small band of... friends? acquaintances? or were they merely picked out of the crowd for some skill they each seemed to posses. Time would tell all. After joining up, he gave them a nod, and in a friendly tone said simply, "Greetings."

[Wade]

Wade (the young one, not the prestigious knight) stood by quietly. He wasn't certain if he should be here considering how well everything turned out last time he'd responded to a bounty. After those events, though, the monotony he had previously embraced in his everyday life had become increasingly overwhelming. He had an insatiable itch to end the daily cycle of waking up early and chasing animals around until he was so sore and tired that he felt he'd earned the ability to soak his troubles in an ale.

Wade was bored. It was not a quiet bored, though, not after recent events. It was a heavy boredom that pressed upon him and demanded that he go and do something different and get his mind off of things.

He watched the proceedings with some interest. He worried for what was turning into a rag-tag band of bounty-seekers and wondered if they might just end up swept aside by whatever beast it was they were after. Whatever merchant was funding this enterprise didn't seem to care too much about organization. They were just being drawn together by some small sum of cash and tossed at the problem in order to make it go away.

Then, of course, Ser Wade stepped forth and took over, causing the younger Wade to immediately feel more at ease. The Knights were powerful and organized. If a Syliran Knight was guiding the reigns their little troupe might very well plow over whatever was before him. Wade also remembered this knight in particular leading the charge that rescued him from his last ill-fated venture.

He looked about at the rest of the group. He was a stranger to all of them and wondered briefly if he was an unprepared youngster out of place amongst a group of veterans. Though he did see at least one intimidating figure, he could spot at least a couple more that seemed less qualified than he to go out and hunt a monster. Wade had shed his soft skin at the beginning of the season and was now a bit more battered from his time in the forests. He took comfort in that his hands had more calluses than some of the others.

Wade stretched the muscles that wished they could go back to bed. He hoped that his shortbow and battleaxe would prove useful in when they came across whatever it was they were after. He would ensure that the gold reward would be well earned.

[Radiant]

WadeFrom now on, I'll refer to Knight Wade as Ser Wade and... Young warrior Wade as well... Wade!

Even at this early in the morning, smaller groups were already forming from the plethora of hunters and warriors clamoring the Sacred Arch Hotsprings area. A particular group caught Ser Wade's eyes, a pretty boy was organizing his own squad, including the obviously eye-catching - and famous - veteran Myrian warrior.

Natasha had told him that this "Razkar" beat up the particular squire that was selling drugs a season ago, he also made his name by frequenting the Fighters pits, and doing mercenary jobs, but rumor told that he was beaten by a little girl in a brawl. Ser Wade just scoffed it and regarded the particular rumor as some bullshyke made by his losing opponents to stain his reputation.

He also noted the Svefra woman who seemed to be the Myrian's friend, a particular screw up happening in her ship that involved two knights investigating and found two dead bodies made her name rather well-known among some of the knights. Proof that if you hang out with a Myrian, you would only get trouble.

Ser Wade also noticed the young axe warrior with the same name as he was. He nodded in acknowledgement, Wade (the young man) had fought courageously against the Yukmen with the dire wolf Kelvic, Ama, even though they were outnumbered. Ser Wade also had talk with the young man, finding him to be a good and brave boy, he would do very well to join the order, it was only a matter of time until the young man made up his mind.

"Hmmm..." Ser Wade rubbed his stubble, pondering the questions asked by the Myrian. Not on the answer, but on how to phrase it in simple words so the Myrian could understand him. His common was visibly broken, Ser Wade didn't want to confuse him and made him look stupid "Yes, the monster is often spotted in the mountains east of the Lykolav Mines... though it's active and moves around a lot. Reports said that it attacked outposts and the fields as well. As far as territory goes, we assume that it considers the whole Cobalt Mountains and Bronze Woods to be its territory, that's why we need to put it down. You can't exactly tame a Balicani" He spoke rather slowly, trying to make the Myrian understand his words "Nest? Our limited knowledge that it seemed to have no particular method of 'nesting' and simply sleep anywhere where it likes, it's gigantic though and wouldn't not be likely to sleep inside caves... unless the caves are large enough for it to fit in"

Ser Wade frowned a bit at the mention of "pay", he didn't answer and gestured for Peython to speak. The advocate jerked in surprise and stammered nervously "W-well! All t-that participate will be paid two hundred gold mizas! A-and y-you are free to loot whatever is valuable f-from the Balicani!" His confidence from before all but gone at the presence of genuine authority. The mention of money brought some excited murmurs among the group. Ah, mizas make Mizahar go round after all.

The next questions came from the pretty man who was more suited in the Herald's Arms than to be venturing out to the Mountains, but still, Ser Wade didn't want to judge by appearance alone, perhaps the man was secretly an all-powerful mage? Who knows. Ser Wade answered him nonetheless "Yes, here..." Ser Wade took out a scroll and opened it, revealing the rough picture of a Balicani. Snake-like creature with bat-like wings, massive jaws, dangerous horn, and sharp talons. "It's about twelve feet in length, wide wingspan, scale said to be strong as iro-"

Some of the crowd began to murmur and sounded fearful, Matthew's question served as an indirect test on who was experienced and who was just here just because they thought they could get an easy job.

"-n, many many sharp teeth, sharp talons, and can spit venom" Ser Wade explained matter-of-factly. Some of the crowd began dispersing, showing their true nature. Now, only about twenty men and women were left, including Matthew and his group. Peython just shook his head, he should have known that those people who left were genuine cowards... or smart, he wasn't sure. Ser Wade didn't even seem to register the dwindling group, it was half the size that it used to be earlier.

"Alright, I assume that everyone that stays after hearing what I just said just now still have the guts to continue? Good. Peython! I take it you have the transport ready, don't you?"

"T-transport, Ser?"

"Yes, transport, carriages, to carry these hunters. Are. We. Clear?"

"Y-y-yes, Ser! R-right away, Ser!" The advocate then scampered back to his horse and galloped to Syliras.

After a bell, Three large carriages capable of carrying up to ten men each arrived at the Sacred Arch Hotsprings, each pulled by four horses and manned by a coachman. "Thank you, Peython. Alright! We will be journeying until we reach the Evantide Outpost then we will make camp there first, doing some preparation, planning, warm-ups, et cetera! Then we'll leave the carriages and continue on foot to the mountains. I assume Peython has everything prepared... yes?"

"Y-yes, Ser Wade!" What could the advocate do? Disobeying the Knight doing the right thing? He could only begrudgingly accept.

Ser Wade then begin directing the hunters to enter the carriage, Edreina, Isolde, Sagitta, Razkar, Matthew, Viper, and Wade were in one carriage together with three others. The Knights rode their own horses while Peython well... he stayed behind, he would only hinder the journey.

The caravan filled with hunters then begin moving North along the Kabrin Road, heading to the Evantide Outpost. The journey was rather uneventful... with no noted interesting events.

10th of Bell, Near Evantide Outpost

Syna was already shining in the sky when the caravan reached their designated site. Ser Wade gestured for the caravan stop and he, along with his two knight companions, disembarked from their horses and began preparing themselves for the hike. The hunters also disembarked from their carriages and did their own respective preparation activities.

OOCAlright, feel free to make a post detailing your reaction to Wade's speech, the journey to the campsite, and whatever preparation you need to do (Lunch, planning, etc). I will move on with us moving through the mountains in my next reply.

Also, I suggest keeping the Map open in a tab to get the general idea on where our group currently is.

[Razkar]

Two hundred. Not bad at all.

Razkar's lips curled upwards and his eyebrows popped up and back down before he nodded. At the Knight, not the rotund dignitary who seemed to be deflating with each passing moment in Ser's shadow. He leaned down a little at his side, speaking out the side of his mouth to Edreina.

"Good price for day or two hunt."

Then he heard familiar voice booming out from the crowd, nearby, filling attention immediately. The Myrian was smiling softly before he'd even laid eyes on the tall, athletic speaker. Ah, the harlot. He certainly knew how to become the center of attention when he wanted to. His own question was answered with Razkar's in the clipped, authoritative tones of Ser Wade, a piece of parchment was unfolded...

"Goddess..."

The image on the canvas should have been impossible. A bat? A serpent? A wolf? A hawk? It was all of these and none of them, cobbled together by millenia of merciless "progress" that surely must have started with a demon's wet dream come to life. Even motionless and confined to a scratched charcoal sketch, the horned, fanged monster oozed malevolence.

The Ancient Enemy. That was what Razkar was immediately reminded of, and his gaze became hard and hateful.

Myri... I believe this victory will meet with your approval... for only those who infest our jungle are more repugnant than this abomination.

The crowd seemed to melt away as the echo of Ser Wade's words did the same. Half of them, at least, decided that matching wit, skill and steel against such a monstrosity was folly, and took their leave. Razkar didn't even acknowledge them; it wasn't that he looked down on them or pitied them or despised them.

They just weren't a factor anymore. He kept his eyes on the Knight and his to shining flankers, absorbing every word. Soon enough the deluge of information was at an end and carriages were sent for.

Razkar gave a little sigh and looked around them. They must have made an odd sight: the slender, alluring Svefra that reeked of boundless curiosity and shining thirst for adventure... and the Myian who seemed like the dark opposite of that thirst, channeled instead into blood lust and a deep, driven desire for conflict.

He saw Matthew and tipped his head, cocking an eyebrow at the sight of him.

"You come for this? Strange, must say. But..." His black eyes flickered up and down, taking in the strong, vigorous frame and the mind he knew was sharp behind the look of a dandy, a harlot (which he was, after all). "... could be useful."

Others stayed behind, and some stood out from the rest. The quiet, watchful male with short dark hair and a large ax strapped to him, looking like a squire but carrying himself like a commoner. Perhaps he sought to prove himself?

Another veiled his face like a bandit, narrowed eyes staring out at the world with a hunter's calm. Razkar cocked his head at the sight. He'd almost think the figure was a Dhani, so still and absorbed... but no. He didn't smell right.

"I think we have enough." He said simply, and waited until Edri turned to him with a frown before smiling down benevolently at her, the expression utterly at odds with his next words. "They distract monster. Get in his eyes. Few die, but such is Fate. Give us chance to put steel in flesh and end hunt."

Razkar shrugged again, the eternal fatalist, and settled back on the balls of his feet, a familiar "at ease" he'd learned well in Taloba.

"No cave, though... no... spur-lank, for you, hmm? Ah, well... plenty of other to do..."

Five bells later

He dozed on the carriage because, well, why not? Syna had barely ushered in the new day before he and his woman (his woman; another mental milestone) set out from the Docks, trekking long to where the bulletin boar directed them. The carriages were barely even that: little more than covered wagons but with enough space to hold the ten of them well enough. The Knight said the attacks were on the Kabrin Road, and further into the mountains and the Bronze Woods, where the creature's territory probably was.

So Razkar had stretched out, bow across his chest with his arms crossed over it, and closed his eyes...

Some watched and wondered if he dreamed, and what of. In truth, he was only partly in that 'scape. The call from within him was rising, rising, rising, a distant drum that was now sending bass thumps through his body.

Ever since the slaver ambush. That... unshackling. The Myrian finally free to be a Myrian again, bereft of stone walls and gleaming metal paragons... just him, his enemies, and his blades. He felt the delicious abandon of the jungle caressing his fingers from the inside, drawing them to his weapons.

So many in here. Too many. So easy. Never see it-

His eyes snapped open and a panorama of trees met them beyond the carriage. They'd been cantering along for a while now, some of them talking, others quiet... the steady, comforting sound of whetstone over steel calming his nerves.

Razkar gritted his teeth until he felt his fangs bite into his gums. Blood Song. That was what he'd named it. A call to violent action that was the very baseline of his people, yet all but denied among these barbarians. And now, he thought with a smile as he imagined that grotesque beast stalking out in the darkened trees, we can sing...

Warm, concerned flesh touched his arm. Edreina. Looking up at him as she clutched his arm. Even the gesture took his breath away, stilled the drum beat. Others would look at her now and perhaps sneer, grimace, wondering what sort of female consorted with a scarred and marked savage. But she didn't care.

The Myrian smiled back at her... and pressed his forehead to hers briefly, patting her hand.

"Eager to get out. Get to hunt."

Weapons. They would calm him and, of course, she needed her direction. He spoke as he took out his quiver and bow.

"We made offering to Myri last night," he looked pointedly at the scar on his hand and hers, evidence of where they'd bled into his offering bowel and said old, old words to the Goddess-Queen, "But only fool believe She give victory without work. Without knowing weapon, knowing plan."

He held up an arrow, not broad and flat like most, but thinner, longer, a steel stiletto mounted on a three-foot-shaft.

"Made to pierce armor. Knight armor. Monster has scales. Monster so big, scales will be bigger, be tougher. So... need to break through. This is what I use." He sighed heavily, grimacing and frowning at his bow. "Problem is, get monster to ground. Is like... fighting Zith. Cannot fight in air, unless you have wings. So bring down, or trick down, onto ground, where you are..."

He glanced around the group of humans and the wild mixture of steel and iron they carried. More than enough... if they did it right.

"... and cut to bits before can go to air again..."

The carriage rocked and the horse neighed and the woods stopped their endless progression. Apparently they had arrived.