Closed The World That You Know...

[Prophet]

58th of Spring
4th Bell

“I don’t care if you don’t like the idea.” The Rayvekh’s hands moved furiously to emphasize her point. No choice. Her dark eyes bore down into the man shamelessly revealing her passion for her work and lack of patience with the subordinate. Before the man even had a chance to protest, the woman’s right hand come up to silence his words. “This is the decision that’s been made. Take two men, the slave, the volunteers and use the Guardian as your guide.” Helena Swiftrun was not a woman to be trifled with and today was no exception. She had gone back to weaving a harness for her hunting cat. The man could have argued more but the way her hands crossed the fibers spoke volumes about how she might just as easily flay the skin from his bones.

Admitting defeat, Aris nodded his head in respect and exited the tent. Once outside he placed his hands on his face and took a deep breath. Slowly, he pulled his fingers down along his features as if to wipe away the degradation he had just endured. Aris was a man who didn’t like to soften his words but given the task ahead of him, he knew that he had to find an outlet for his frustrations before carrying out his orders. The Tavehk left the space set aside for the leadership and made his way to where there was a small training space. Several training posts formed an arc but because it was so early, no one was using them.

Aris walked right up to the closest one and started laying open palm strikes against the post and the extremities. The routine was slow at first; a left cross, a right jab then another cross. Each hit sent a shockwave through the watchman’s arms which seemed to invigorate him. Single strikes morphed into combinations of two, three four and even five hits. The post began to shake and creak under protest from the abuse but this acted as motivation for the Drykas. For ten chimes, Aris pounded away on the training device until sweat formed on his brow in tiny beads. Feeling satisfied, the man made his way to the barracks to retrieve the first of his company and fill them in on the mission.

Aris walked at a brisk pace around the training area and into the larger tent where many single Ra’athi stayed. Most of them were young and viewed the barracks as a way to be on their own away from the watchful eyes and an ankal. The entire set-up encouraged the recruit to think and feel more like an adult since many had not ever made decisions on their own. When the middle-aged man entered, several young men who were playing some kind of game of chance stopped what they were doing to give the elder watchman their attention. Aris waved over two young men that he frequently used as part of his patrol or when he needed to be certain something was done properly. Sparrow and Taggert trotted over and began adjusting their gear in preparations for duty. The look on their Tavehk’s face was enough to confirm their suspicions.

“Get the girl from the River Flower and meet me behind the Amethyst line.” Aris looked from Sparrow’s light eyes as a nod of agreement was given and then to the dark orbs of Taggert. The young man smiled and nodded as well. Having his orders confirmed, Aris left the tent and went to gather his things for the long journey that lay ahead.

+ + + + +

Each volunteer would receive a special visitor at the 5th bell. A Ra’athi of no particular standing or importance would rouse them from their tents and instruct them to pack for the trip. Everyone saw the woman being escorted through town to the medical tent. The rumors flew and the speculation had some up in arms while others were packing up shop to head for the coast. The select few who stuck around long enough to offer assistance were noted but politely turned away. A week later they were contacted and explained that a journey to help the poor woman might be in order but no other details were offered. Several days later, the journey was set to begin. Each watchman would be especially polite but would not answer any questions in regards to the details of the endeavor. It was not their place and likely information that was not given in the first place. The Watch was big on compartmentalization. Once the volunteer was ready to leave, they would be led to the outskirts of Endrykas behind the line of tents and shops that belonged to the Amethyst clan.

+ + + + +

5th Bell

Merevaika was in a small cage made of sticks that were tied together with strong braided rope. Her gear had been stripped long ago and was kept in a chest that doubled as a bench for her guard. The watchman was older and had many scars. His eyes never left the young girl. He seemed restless yet fully content to burn holes into her skin with his stare. The intense silence was broken when the dimness of the tent was flared by the flap being tossed aside allowing the first graces of Syna’s light to cover everything. The guard squinted and wrapped his big fingers around the hilt of his gladius. When he saw the figure, he stood upright and released his weapon.

Aris stepped through and though he was not as tall or muscular as some, his sun-dried skin and well-defined muscles made for a striking silhouette. He nodded his head towards the tent’s entrance and the watchman on duty nodded then left without hesitation. When the flap closed again, Aris stepped forth towards the cage and drew his dagger. He cut the bonds that held the front together and allowed the gate to fall to the floor. Stepping back, he eyed the girl inside. Without giving her a chance to move or speak he began his prepared speech.

“You are a thief and as such, your life means very little. It has been impressed upon me that you could be of use in a convoy that I am leading.” Dangerous. Unknown enemy. Aris walked over to the chest and kicked it open. He stooped down and took her weapons and pack sorting through them quickly. His eyes seemed to watch her constantly. When he was finished, he dropped everything but her blades and the quiver of arrows. “Some want to see you put to death for your crimes. One of my men thinks you are worth saving. He says you have honor but that it’s been lost.” He waited a moment and peered directly into her eyes. Choose life. Help. Another pause soaked up a few ticks of silence before he continued. “Or stay here and learn what it feels like to be the earth beneath a strider.”

+ + + + +

The Team :

Helena
Evain
Sparrow
Taggert
Aris

6th Bell

By the time the volunteers had gathered everything they require, Syna would be above the horizon. There was a small woman with dark hair nestled into braids standing alongside the woman who’d been escorted into town by the Underwatch. They were flanked by two young men that held the bearings of great warriors. On the left was a man of mocha skin with light eyes and a few scars. He had broad shoulders, big hands and muscles that seemed to dance in the light of early morning. His barrel chest was crossed by a weapon’s harness that was intricately made but well-used. He had a bright smile and couldn’t help but show it when the rest of the party began to arrive. On the other side was a man who was taller but had a slighter build. His muscles were long and graceful like those of a lion. He had lighter skin but deep, dark eyes that matched his scruff and dark hair. He wore an axe on each hip and had a look of mischief that promised fun and excitement. His smile was charming but he gave off an aura like the aroma of a strong drink that was absolutely as enticing as it was dangerous.

There was a man and woman a bit removed from the group. She was dark hair with green eyes and seemed to be unarmed. Some might recognize her while others might not. The man beside her seemed cold and hard as a glassbeak’s horn. The light eyes acknowledged each new arrival but always went back to the woman in his charge. Talking was discouraged with simple hand signals by the woman with dark braids. She was obviously in charge and did not wish to speak until the entire party was assembled.

Once everyone had gathered, the woman motioned for each to come in a bit closer. “I am Helena Swiftrun, Rayvekh of the Watch. You are all here for the same reason.” Help. Investigate. Helena motioned towards the Chaktawe woman next to her. “This is Evain. She doesn't speak Pavi but does understand some Common.” The watch officer placed a hand on the smaller woman’s shoulder reassuringly. “She escaped a slave camp in the Sea of Grass and wound up in the tunnels where the Underwatch rescued her.” Brave woman. Scared. Helena motioned to Aris who steped forward as he placed a firm grip on the prisoner’s elbow. “Aris Riverwatcher is my Tavehk and will be your expedition’s captain.” She motioned for him to take over.

Aris looked around meeting the gaze of every person in the circle before beginning his speech. “We’re going to travel back to where Evain was being held. If what she said is true, the safety of our people might be at stake. If anyone has second thoughts, now is the time to leave.” Again, his crystal blue eyes danced from one member to the next looking for doubts and fears. He had no stomach for games but could understand one without martial training to realize a bad situation and walk away. Aris motioned towards the two pillars of men in the group. “These are two of my best watchmen, Sparrow and Taggert.” Brave. Trustworthy. Strong. Each man stepped forward and made some kind of wave or acknowledgement. Sparrow’s was just a wave and a polite smile. Taggert’s was a heavily laced grin of seduction and a twinkling glimmer in his gaze. Aris shook his head. “Leave your striders with your escorts. Where we’re going, we won’t need them.” He nodded to his superior and turned to leave bu Helena spoke up once more.

“Before you depart, Evain brought something to share and it’s important you all read it.” Aris rolled his eyes. He had argued about this letter and its relevance to their goals. The letter was produced by the small woman with black eyes and handed to the closest volunteer. Each was given a chance to read it before it made its way back to the runaway slave. The letter is old and some of the words are faded. The parchment was obviously buried somewhere but has been painstakingly cleaned and preserved. The look in the Chaktawe’s eyes would incline one to believe it was her diligence that preserved the evidence. "It's in Common so if you can't read it, just pass it along."

Secret :

Dear Tremir, I know many seasons have passed since we last saw each other. So many seasons, so many cold winters… Perhaps your golden hairs are no longer golden but grey, just like mine. Perhaps your hands shake as much as mine, filled with old scars and wrinkles. I imagine it is so with you too. I apologize for writing this to you after all this time, for getting in touch with you when you clearly said to me you never wanted to see me again. I beg you to forgive me one last time, but there was something you must know. I’ve been thinking about it, and it is only for you I can gather the courage to write this, for nobody else was ever close enough to me to even plant a seed of trust like you did. The day you left me you said that there was something wrong with me, that I was closed in a husk I refused to leave and that you couldn’t take it anymore. I didn’t said a word, nor did I bother to turn around and face you while you wept. You were right. It took me a long time to realize it, but you were right. I know it is far too late to try and mend my mistake and my behavior to you. I know you found someone else when you moved, that you had children and your children had their own children. I never gave you children nor a reason why I refused to ever have one. You were my man, perhaps the only one that I ever felt connected with in this long life of mine. It is only now and after all this time that I have gathered the courage to confess it all, to give you an explanation you deserved. Now that I am nothing to you but an old and painful memory, I am certain you will realize that what I’m about to confess is the simple truth for I have no reason to lie to you. You always asked me about my past, and I always steered you away from asking. I yelled at you, I cried to you in attempts of burying this scorn that has haunted me ever since I was a child. Now you, and only you, will know as to why I was so distant. I was a child back then, no older than ten winters old. I lived in a now forgotten place, one that nobody but me remembers, for it died before my eyes. It was a village, much like the one I first met you, when your blue eyes crossed mine and your smile shined below your mustache. We were simple folk that tried to survive this new world that had befallen upon us, trying to earn our place in this world my parents always said it was a blessing. Remember how the elders spoke of their memories underground? I believe most of the townsfolk recalled those times, and that was perhaps the fuel they needed to work as hard as they did. They worked hard, and even I had to contribute with my effort in the altruistic fantasy they desperately craved to achieve. Despite the hard work, we still starved whenever the crops didn’t quite produce enough for us all. We were united, together in fortune and disgrace no matter how harsh life itself went. I believe it was back then when I first recall crying of joy, despite the hunger and disease that threatened us all. The closeness we had between one another was surreal, so pure and so intense it truly brings tears in my eyes even if that bond we held has long since been extinguished. I cannot really remember how it started, or why it started, but suddenly that bond we had faded away. I was a child, a young lady trying to combine games with work in whatever ways I could craft. I remember I volunteered to fetch something only to trot around the village with a grin and return a bell later. Smiles greeted me everywhere I went, until those dark days befell upon us all. We drove seven men away from the village, men I remember always smiled to me. The reason is unknown to me, but I remember there was a tension so thick it froze the blood in my veins. We ousted them like dogs, and despite me being too young to have a say in the matter, I still consider it to be a decision I had some sort of weight on. I asked my mother and my father, whom glared to each other as they tried to keep me from knowing the truth and lied to me in attempts of protecting me. I found the answers later on by my own means, finding part of the livestock tortured beyond what my vocabulary can possibly express. I felt it then, how part of my innocence died and withered just like those skinny lambs did. It’s funny how something done by others has an effect on us, when something done to others is reflected back on us. The next few moons I experienced something different. The skies had turned grey and the bond of the villagers was slowly being torn. The joy of our simple lives was gone for some reason. My father left in the middle of the night, pitchforks in one hand and a torch on the other, speaking hush whispers to my mother who then loomed over my brothers and me. Every night it happened, my father leaving in secret while my mother watched over us only to pretend nothing had happened once the sunset came. Nights were never the same for me since those days, reason why you always woke up and found me watching over you rather than dreaming beside you. I never asked them as to where my father went, as to why my mother’s tears fell from her cheeks the way they did, for my eyes were always shut in attempts of trying to maintain their secret theirs. Each night, I grew more and more curious as my mother grew sadder and my father wept once he returned in the morning. Perhaps it is this what scared me of ever having children, and why I refused to have yours no matter how much I wanted to. I have been a coward my whole life, ever since those long nights in those distant days I barely remember. It kept happening, night after night, until my father stopped coming. Ever since that day, my brothers and I were never allowed to leave home, no matter how sunny it was. My mother was always weeping the short time she was home, coming home during the day to cook us something to leave again, and returning in the night to only gaze at us before she locked the door behind her. We had no windows so we couldn’t see, but we could hear the screams in the night. We could hear a mob crying, yelling messages we couldn’t understand… and those crazed shrieks approaching from the distance. We hid under the bed at night, and just like our mother we no longer slept in the night. My bothers cried, and I cried with them, for I was truly scared. I was a young girl that didn’t understand, that was locked away in a room while a wild world swallowed my village and my mother’s soul. Do you remember your mother’s face? Every time I try to imagine mine, my mind shuts off completely. Her face is a mystery to me, her hairs are unknown to me. Even her voice is lost after all this time, salve perhaps for the sound of her weeping. That is a sound I will forever remember, a sound I hear everywhere I go for it is wedged in my brain like a splinter. It is that the only thing I remember about her, that and her salty kisses she gave us before she left. I never believed my mother was as unhappy as she seemed, no matter how loud her crying was. I had joy imbued in my being so deeply I was refusing to see the truth of it all, about how much pain she was in after she lost her husband – my father. The day you left me and shut the door behind you is perhaps the day I realized how much pain she was in. She was a good mother that loved us beyond what word could ever express, that much I know. I’d like to say I loved you as much as she loved my father, but I told you I didn’t want to lie to you. I’m not sure how much time passed since we last saw the daylight, other than the brief instants the door was open as mother came inside. One of those days, when the sounds of conflict were present even during the day, our mother came home. As she opened the door, the sunlight mixed with the sounds of the metals crashing, with the screams overlapping one another, smoke from a fire entering the only room we owned. Unlike the previous days, she wasn’t weeping. Tears still flowed down her cheeks, but she had a smile in her face. A smile for us, her children. I remember we were happy to have our mother back, right there with us. She was normal once again. We were all tired and she took us each to our beds, stroking our hair as the smoke that had filtered inside the room brought our need to sleep. She had forgotten to lock the door, something that surprised me as I had associated the door with my mother. We were slowly forgetting about the fear, falling into a deep sleep tick after tick. I was the only one awake, for it was me the one that witnessed what my mother did. As she caressed my oldest brother, in her hand a knife appeared. She slit his throat while I watched, crying for him as her other hand pressed against his lips. She did it again with my other brothers, ending the life of her three sons. I watched and cried in silence too, knowing that I was the last one. My mother was not a monster, no. My mother was the most loving person in the world, the only one that had protected us from the cruel world we were forced to live in. She wanted to kill us so that we didn’t suffer. It was love, do you understand? A love so intense and pure that even death would never banish it. She suffered as she cut through the flesh of her sleeping sons, I knew it. She was the bravest and strongest woman I ever knew, one who was willing to suffer herself instead of her children experiencing a bit of it. I didn’t know that back then… I was afraid and I fled. I ran to the door as my mother chased after me, I opened the unlocked door and I ran outside. Only then I saw, when it was too late to go back. I saw the massacre, the bodies, the barricades and the fires. I saw those monsters dressed like men having their way with my neighbors. They weren’t killing them, not all of them, but instead focusing on inflicting as much pain as they could. When they didn’t find someone to relief their insatiable thirst of pain, they tortured themselves. I… I cannot write any further about what I saw. Words are not enough, but even my thoughts fall short whenever I try to recall what happened. Seventy winters I’ve spent trying to find a meaning for what I saw, and even now I cannot express it. What I did know is that my mother was only trying to protect us from that fate. I fled the village and only looked back when the night had settled, to see what I once called my home burning into ashes. Since that day, I’ve regretted leaving that room and leaving my mother. I have carried this scorn with me all my life, this deep mistake that had damaged me so much my whole life has been spent trying to forgive myself over said wrong decision. Now that I finally confess, I know what the answer is. I know that I never became a woman, for I will always be that little girl that stared at a locked door. I have not left my room since the day you left me, spending my days staring at the door just like my mother did. I mourned you as she mourned my father. I am the last piece of the puzzle, the one that escaped and the one that bears the memory of all those who lost their mothers in that forsaken place. The moment this letter reaches you, dear Tremir, I will finally do what my mother wanted for me. The knife is sharp and ready to dig inside my neck, to cut through my veins and let this pain escape me forever. I ask you forgiveness for never telling you this, once again trying to match the strength of my mother by keeping you ignorant about what goes outside the door. I am glad you escaped me, for I am a trap, an empty husk as you said that is filled with nothing but regret. I’m scared to step outside my room, to step into the world and see the fires ablaze and the monsters dressed like men shrieking as they destroy this world. Know that, despite all those winters, I still love you and I still miss you. I’m glad you found joy in this life when I couldn’t give you any, for I never had any. Signed, The little girl with grey hairs.

Letter courtesy of Cocoon

Aris was glad show and tell was over. He turned and started walking north leading the young brunette in front of him. The two watchmen used encouraging gestures for the rest to follow and then fell into step behind the troop. Helena watched them until they became small and then headed back to the Diamond spoke and continue to handle the duties of her position.

+ + + + +

8th Bell

The processional had been quick, forced and silent. None of the men spoke but this was probably due to the sour mood of the man in front. Aris seemed out of sorts without his strider and it was showing. He fielded no questions and shot dirty looks or demeaning signs whenever one of his men tried to converse. Suddenly, a pale figure emerged from the grass. The man was hard to see at first because of Syna’s position in the sky. As the group drew nearer, strange markings and scars adorned the man’s face and head. He was…different.

Secret :

Deathspark

Aris exchanged a few signs and followed the odd-looking fellow. The brand on the back of his right hand was an arch signifying his place in the Underwatch. His skin was pale, his eyes bleached but his body appeared to be made of stone. The muscles and bones seemed chiseled with a master’s skill. His form was a testament of the harsh reality that exists within the tunnels. Certainly this man had stories to tell but he did not even look at anyone other than Aris. Sparrow and Taggert herded the party along until they came to a small ring of rocks in the ground. It looked like a well but was no higher than a foot or so above the dirt and only about four feet across. The tunnel guide walked up and dropped into the blackness without a moment’s hesitation. Aris stood there a moment and then shoved his captive into the hole and jumped in after her. The girl with black eyes went next, a small squeal trailing behind her. The rest were left to follow.

The well was a slide or chute formation that would catch the backside of each visitor and send them down quickly and then spit them out after a few chimes’ ride onto a bed of furs and grass-stuffed bags. The walls were lined with sporadic torches and it would take a few chimes for the eyes to adjust. There was an eerie drip that echoed from somewhere deep witin the catacombs. Talk and pleasantries were not allowed. The scarred man took a count and when all were accounted for, he marched off down the tunnel ahead of them.

[Ixzo]

❖5th Bell❖

Before he could touch her, Ixzo's eyes snapped open. She froze, which was perhaps not the best reaction, at the sight of the dark figure above her. "Time to go." The ominous words cut through the morning haze, and Ixzo shrunk back at the deep voice. Her tent had no lock on it, all one had to do to enter was untie the cords which held the entrance together. She was frozen out of shock. She'd never had one of these horse people simply walk in. "You have one bell to prepare."

With those words, he turned away and Ixzo shifted, sitting up. She hadn't been sleeping as deeply since she had given Iollu back, and not living in the same tent as Rufio had bothered her too, but she wanted to give the woman space as much as she could bare.

"What?" Ixzo croaked, and the figure stopped before leaving her tent.

"You've volunteered to help the foreigner?" He asked, his voice turning up in question. She noted that no signs accompanied his words, and she wondered if he did so because he knew of her difficulty with his language. Very few horselord's bothered to make this effort for her to understand.

"This day?" She understood now. She had asked to help the woman, fear for the foreigner and perhaps empathy. She had nearly been in the same position nearly a year prior, and only one man had helped her. She later learned how lucky she had been to remain free after finding this city.

"One bell," He said, turning at the entrance of her tent. The stranger, who she recognized be to be of the law-enforcing men in this city, remained outside the tent. She could see his shadow crouch just outside the entrance prepared to wait. Flipping the pelts from her legs, Ixzo slipped from the bedroll, attempting to be as silent as she was quick. She hadn't asked much questions. She had asked to help days ago, and had been told of a journey they would take to do so, and now they were. How long would they be gone? She did not know. Nimble fingers emptied what scraps remained in her bag. Razor and soap were stuffed in the bottom, of least priority. She could handle going without a bath for days, although the humans rarely appreciated it. Who knew how long they would be gone? Her whetstone was tossed in, just in case, and rag for whatever.

Ixzo slipped in the rest of her necessities, an empty water-skin, flint and steel, an extra shirt and trousers. The bag still spared plenty of room, but Ixzo didn't need much more. With a last thought, some smoked meat and roots were stuffed in as well, although not nearly enough to live a week on. She was sure her hunting would come in use no matter where in the sea of grass she would go. She could be without comfort, and if she needed to toss items on the way, it would not be an issue. Having not slept with anything, Ixzo slipped into her leather breeches, leaving her calves bare. Still l braided from the night before, Ixzo let her Mohawk fall to her back, wrapping the green breast wrap around as well. Shrugging into her fur vest as well, Ixzo began to clasp on her belt. It was a bare outfit, not to many human preferences, but it was an easy one. Nonrestrictive incase her lion form suddenly became a necessity. Without thinking, Ixzo slipped an axe onto each hip, and then tucked her angle knife into its hold just beneath the right axe. Since she still had room in the bag, the Kelvic settled the quiver so it poked out of the opening, storing her extra arrows. She rarely used the quiver, preferring to keep her shots in hand for ease of access, but who knew how many she needed.

Once her bow was around her shoulder, Ixzo stepped out of the tent, stooping to fill her water skin before tying it to the strap of her bag.

She turned to the watchman, who seemed to be eyeing the weapons. An amused grin slipped into her groggy eyes, and she patted her left axe. "Protection." She said simply. He shrugged, and stood, already turning towards their destination.

"Wait!" Ixzo gasped.

"What more do you need?" He asked, but not as rudely as she would have expected. Why was this horseman so nice to her?

"I must speak my goodbye." She shrunk back, pleading with her eyes. He opened his mouth, and she blinked, ready for the protest, but instead the man sighed. A quick glance up at the lightening sky.

"Two chimes." He allowed. Ixzo grinned, dashing away for a moment. She would have liked to tell Iollu goodbye, but she would not make it to the child's tent in time. However, Rufio, she would.

❖6th Bell❖

Once she had rushed to say goodbye to Rufio, Ixzo followed the watchman to the outskirts of violet tents. Ixzo did not yet know all the clans, so this one was unfamiliar to her when she saw the rest. Wide silver eyes took in the group before her and she realized this may not be as she had assumed. Abruptly, Ixzo's hand flew to the string of her bow which rested between her breasts, unusable at the moment. She was thankful to bring her weapons, as this was not the help she was expecting to give. The lioness took in the man's words, introducing the steel eyed Evain, the hollow woman who seemed fearful and wary yet strong and determined. What had this woman seen? What would they see because of her?

"We’re going to travel back to where Evain was being held. If what she said is true, the safety of our people might be at stake. If anyone has second thoughts, now is the time to leave." Her jaw clenched at the thought of danger to the Drykas… to her Rufio, to her Iollu. She could not cower to them, if it was so dangerous, could she?

Nerves dragged Ixzo's ankles into the sand, slipping grainy dirt into her sandals. Was this worth it? Couldn't she better protect them at home? But when the piercing blue eyes met hers, the Kelvic's mind was resolved. Of course not. She couldn't risk letting whatever "danger" this may be reach them. What had this woman started?

As the speech continued, Ixzo watched those around her, but not long enough to hold the gaze of any woman she recognized. A smug thought popped into her mind as she realized all the volunteers were female. Did the men not have enough bravery to do this? Of course there were men among them, but that was their job. Those who had gone out of their way, they were all female. Of course they are. Ixzo thought, she'd always thought the Drykas had it wrong thinking men to be the stronger gender, it could only be clearer to her now.

Although curiosity killed the nerves in her fingers, stinging them with anticipation, her eyes fell to blank scribbles when it was passed to her. Showing as little emotion as possible, fearing the embarrassment of not being able to read, Ixzo passed the fragile paper on, hoping this was not very important, hoping she would not seem ignorant.

Although she had to try less to hide her embarrassment when they were told to leave their mounts. It wasn't smugness that filled her, since watching the women depart from their beloved creatures was hard enough, but a sense of worth. At least a sense of not being worthless. If she had had to follow these men and women on foot, she would never have been able to help. It was likely they would have told her to turn around. Still, a frown unintentionally creased her lips as she watched the separations. She didn’t understand it, but she could assume how much it may hurt for them to leave their beasts behind.

❖8th Bell❖

When they followed the strange man, Ixzo worked her way to the front. Long, powerful legs and endurance where on her side as she neared the man. Curiosity pulled her more than anything, although she wouldn’t dare ask. Suddenly he was more scarred and marked than her, but it didn’t seem as if all his were intentional, like hers. She didn't dare ask, but the Kelvic marveled at the pale skin. She saw how the sun affected the lighter humans and races, making very little difference on her already dark skin. But this man was ghostly pale, nearly ashen, how? How could he escape the bearing sun above, even during the winter months when it was not so brutal? There were no trees, but that made little difference. Even under the canopy of Taloba, most Myrian's grew darker as they aged under the sun.

When she reached the tunnel, she suddenly understood. She knew of these tunnels, scattered throughout the grasses. Occasionally she would use them to hunt the hogs that rested on their edges, but she had never been curious nor brave enough to look further into them. Was this where the strange man lived?

Once a few had gone in, even the strange captive that they carried along, there seemed to be a lull. Some seemed even hesitant to leave the sun behind. Ixzo glanced back for a moment, catching eyes with the young blonde Healer from a while ago. Was she nervous? She couldn't tell.

Silently, as she had been all morning, Ixzo pulled her bow from her shoulders, clutching the weapon before her. Even though her heart hammered in her chest, she gripped the bow and string before her and followed the rest, mimicking their jump as best she could. A gasp let lose all the air in her lungs, and they seized immediately, not allowing her to refill them as the air flew up above her, filling in the parts of the tunnel she passed through. For only a tick, Ixzo contemplated death. But then she was at the bottom, something soft cushioning her tumble.

Thoroughly freaked out, Ixzo rolled away from the softness beneath her, grabbing her bow as it had fallen from her grasp with the landing. It took the Kelvic only a tick for her night vision to adjust, taking in the caverns around her.

"What--?" But she was shushed before she would ask, eyeing the rough stone walls around her. There were torchlights, to guide the weak human vision, but little else for her to understand. Still confused, she nodded anyway, stepping closer to the bound woman in order to make room for those who followed down the tunnel. Returning to her silence, Ixzo filed in next to the rest, following the man after he had taken all of them in.

Again, Ixzo found herself trying to shoulder closer to the man. Curiosity had never benefited her, and she wanted to know how he had gotten his scars, were they intentional? Why did the Watch trust him so easily? Who was he?

"Hey," She whispered, wide silver eyes not having an issue in the dark as she tried to connect with his as he walked, unsure if he would be able to see as well as her. "Who are you?" She asked, rushing out the words, matching his pace, and hoping for an answer rather than a punishment for speaking.

Myrian | Pavi "Speech" Sign | Common | PC/NPC "Speech" Sign

[Jasmine Stormblood]

4th Bell

Jasmine walked out of her tent with Lara and Haven on their leashes. She wanted to drop off the pair at a friend's tent along with payment. The woman had been one of the first volunteers to go into the grass in aid of the watch. After signing up she instantly recognized Amunet from a distance. Not many here in Endrykas had the same red hair as the young healer. As time grew nearer Jasmine felt a nervousness grow inside her. She was unsure what abilities that she could truly contribute to the group of hunters and martial artists. Sighing the blond shook the thoughts from her head, if the Watch members had not deemed her worthy of some use; then they would have sent her away as many others had been done. Smiling softly Jasmine heard barking up ahead which caused Haven to bark and pull farther ahead.

“We are going,” Jasmine said with a laugh and called out to Razor, “hey Razor is Onyx in?”

“Yeah out back, Jasmine. Oh these two must be Lara and Haven,” Razor said with a smile walking over and giving the drykas woman a hug.

“Yep. I will take them around back,” Jasmine said with a smile and ushered the pair around to where the woman was.

Onyx stood to greet her childhood friend. Jasmine laughed when the woman tightly hugged her. So much strength in the smaller woman it often amazed the blond drykas though such a strength was useful by nature. After saying good bye to the pair Jasmine looked at Syna figuring that it wouldn't be long before the Watch would send out their messengers. Jasmine hurried on back to her home to make sure everything was packed, but she wanted to check with someone about whether Chaser would be needed for the journey. For now though packing was a required evil, thankfully Jasmine had not bothered to go back by town to get more supplies for the week.

Stretching Jasmine worked out some of the tense muscles in her shoulders trying to relax her nerves. The last thing she needed was to appear nervous while everyone was being briefed. Chaser snorted knowing that something strange was going on.

“Don't worry big boy. I won't be gone long,” Jasmine said with a smile.

Jasmine walked into her tent with a serious look on her face as she sat down. Grabbing her bags the woman pulled her first pack which was the bigger of the two packs she had. Rolling her smaller a lighter bedding up tightly it was the first to go in the bag, next the woman grabbed a couple of her tops that showed some of her midriff. Pushing them over the left of the pack Jasmine grabbed some light weight pants and pushed them over to the right making an area in the middle for the brush, toothbrush, and a weeks worth of food. Grabbing her water skin Jasmine attached it to the outside of the bag where she had an extra opening for easy access.

Once her first bag was packed Jasmine moved it to the side and grabbed her smaller bag that she would use for weapons and anything else necessary for the trip. Opening the bag Jasmine put the flint in the bottom of the bag, grabbing her two daggers she decided to wrap them in a piece of pelt to keep the tips from piercing the bag. Jasmine grabbed a couple of extra apples and put them on top in case she would need them later on in the day. After making sure that she was happy with the way the bag was packed Jasmine moved it to the side as well. Grabbing her quiver Jasmine took inventory of how many arrows she had at the moment. She was short at only 5 arrows so she made a note to run and grab another group of arrow before the next bell hits. Looking out Jasmine decided that she had at least 15 chimes before the next bell. Putting the quiver down Jasmine walked out and whistled as Chaser walked over.

“Let's go grab me so arrows before I head out,” Jasmine said patting his side and used the yvas as a leverage to mount up.

Clicking her tongue Chaser trotted into town towards the supply store. Walking in Jasmine got another round of twenty arrows before hurrying home to get them put in her quiver.


5th Bell

Jasmine heard a man call from outside of her tent. Making sure her daggers were in her bag Jasmine walked out putting the bag down by the opening to the tent.

“Yes?” Jasmine asked not recognizing the young man.

“I am here to escort you to the meeting,” the man said looking at the woman before him.

“Oh yes give me just a moment to make sure I have everything,” Jasmine said and quickly went back inside the tent.

She grabbed her second bag that hung down from her shoulder which had her food and necessities for cleanliness should they have the time. Jasmine put the quiver on her hip making sure it was fastened securely. Grabbing her bow the woman stepped out of the tent and whistled while fastening the flap closed tight . Chaser neighed and raced over slowing before his rider. Jasmine mounted up and followed the man as the pair rode to where the others were beginning the gather. Looking out at the sea of grass Jasmine was nervous. Chaser felt the nervous energy of his rider and started tossing his head. Jasmine shook her head and patted his shoulder wanting to make sure that she felt the muscles under the skin. Something as calming as that could help her make it through anything she was soon face.

Jasmine jumped down and stands in line as Chaser's yvas had her bags on it while they were still at the city. When it was time to go Jasmine would take the bags from Chaser and let her escort take him back into town to be watched over. Jasmine looked around the line and rolled her eyes seeing all of the volunteers she knew except one. She didn't know exactly who the second blond was, but she recognized Ixzo and nodded some when she looked at her. Looking Jasmine saw the woman that the shops had been buzzing about, Merevaika was standing between two male Watch members. The last person that Jasmine recognized was Amunet, though short the red head stood out amongst any crowd. Seeing so many familiar faces helped Jasmine's nerves calm down. At the sound of a powerful female voice Jasmine turned her attention forward and watched the introductions of everyone that would be in the group for the trip to help the woman.

Jasmine looked down seeing a paper with writing on it being passed to her. She didn't even pretend like she could read it and just passed it on to the next person who was apparently able to read it. The woman stood watching she could tell that the man who would be leading them hated the idea of them reading whatever was on the paper. After some time everyone said good by to their striders before following the man into the Sea of Grass.

8th Bell

Jasmine walked into the grass following everyone. She noticed a man after several chimes pop out of the grass causing everyone to stop. Quickly the woman stopped in order to keep from running into the man before her. Peeking over his shoulder Jasmine used the movement to pop her back; so that she could keep going however much farther without nearly as much pain. She was used to the bags, but just not with so much in them. Jasmine was surprised at how pale the man appeared, so pale yet he seemed to live in the Grass as an outsider. In her mind the two made no sense, but a part of the woman knew that everyone would find out who the man was at some point. Slowly the group walked forward once more Jasmine was amazed to see Ixzo push her way to the front of the group. Jasmine, no matter how curious, knew when to keep her distance from an uncomfortable and angry drykas.

She moved a little closer to where Amunet was walking wanting to stay back in case anything went down. Soon the man disappeared down a hole. Surprised Jasmine slowly and cautiously stepped forward looking down at the hole. She watched as Ixzo held on to her stuff and jumped down the hole. Looking around Jasmine moved her quiver and bow in front of her before jumping down the hole as well. She gasped and held in the scream as a few ticks passed -which to her felt like a few chimes- before she landed with an oomph on a soft pallet of furs. Shaking her head Jasmine slowly stood and moved out of way while keeping her eyes closed for a few ticks. She opened her eyes once more to see that some torch light was all the group would have to work with. Grabbing her bow and quiver Jasmine leaned the bow on the wall and tied her quiver back onto her hip. She spotted Ixzo once more chasing after the man with the scars. Jasmine was very confused about what had the woman so fascinated.

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Merevaika]

5th Bell

Merevaika spat at the ground beneath her guard's feet. At least they deemed her dangerous enough to deserve a guard. His eyes didn't flicker, still staring hard, boring into her as she pushed her back against the sticks that formed this cage. A cage! Like a common animal, they had left her to this cage. Of course, perhaps she had acted like an animal when they put her in, kicking and scratching and biting, but who wouldn't? She had been fighting for her freedom. Huh. What freedom had she got? None, that was the answer.

Of course, she had debated escape. The cage was only sticks, after all, and with enough effort, she was certain she could break through them. It was the guard who stopped her, staring her down with his burning eyes and scarred face. His gladius looked imposing; whether or not he could use it wasn't even a question. He could strike before Merevaika freed herself from the cage. An experienced, armed guard against a unarmed captive like herself would be suicide. Not that there was any other fate for her than death, but trying to avoid it now would be futile. Later, she assured herself, later she would have the right opportunity.

Who was she kidding? Merevaika simply lounged there, trying not to accept her fate. She was well and truly caught and all she could do now was play with them. "Could I have some water please?" she asked, batting her eyelashes as well as she could without turning her face to disgust. Silence from the guard who was simply content to watch. "You cut me when you placed me in here. Could I see a doctor?" Nothing again. Merevaika hadn't been expecting it. There was no cut and she wasn't thirsty. A few chimes of silence, and she bared her teeth, shrinking into the ground. She could do nothing.

Syna's light shocked her, but she quickly moved into a defensive position. A silhouette lingered at the entrance, then nodded towards her guard. He left them alone. Merevaika snarled at the stranger, knowing that this wasn't a good sign. He approached, cutting open the gate and Merevaika almost made a run for it, until he began to speak, of all things. Merevaika only half-listened, watching him in the same manner that he watched her. He spoke of danger but Merevaika didn't care. He moved over to the chest, taking possessions; the weapons - the blades and the arrows - he kept, dropping the rest.

Someone wanted to keep her alive. But who?

Whoever it was, she wanted to live to find out. Life. The sign hung in the air, waiting. Then she moved to the things, still in the pack. She slung it over her back, taking her bow tightly in one hand. No arrows to fire, but she didn't care. With a weapon in her hand, she felt safer. Felt stronger. "Where are Beast and Eryunt?" Dog and horse. He didn't seem happy with he request, but she remained grounded, repeating the question. Not that she was in a position to make orders, but this was her Strider. Eventually, he gave in, taking her to where they were. She settled first by Beast, staring into those large red and green eyes. Matching yet opposites. "Hey there Beast," the dog only growled, "Good girl. Thank you so much for saving me." She reached her hand out and the dog licked it slightly.

Then the woman moved to her Strider. She wrapped her hands around him, seeing in the corner of her eye how the man watched her, careful not to let her escape. Eryunt, if I leave you, I'm sorry. I don't want to. I don't ever want to leave you." The horse snorted, breathing into her hair. What was her fate? What was his? Whatever it was, it wasn't together, as the man moved to have them taken away. To the appropriate business! Her animals were much more than that, much much more. No one could replace Merevaika, yet they had to. The animals weren't happy either, and both were fighters. Beast growled and bit and Eryunt stomped his hooves snorting. She wanted them back.

6th Bell

They had joined a small congregation, standing removed from the group. Merevaika watched the people who gathered, sizing each one up for a glimpse as to why she was here. All women, all young women, but they had weapons too, one with a bow, no, several with bows. Merevaika stifled a chuckle. Of all the mighty men that called themselves Drykas, only those of the watch were here. The rest weren't - she recognised a few, but didn't make eye contact.

Merevaika was pulled forward by the man called Aris, who gave a short speech. She ignored him, mostly, taking this time to observe the women and the Watch. She wanted to know who would help her and who wouldn't, who would be a problem and who wouldn't. She wasn't truly planning escape, because she didn't have Eryunt, but she knew that it was good to plan ahead anyway. No Striders were to accompany them. Her thoughts were broken with his words. Where on Mizahar could they go without needing Striders? She understood her separation, but had assumed it was a special case. If none were bringing their horses, what were they doing?

These were all volunteers. She was special enough to have been chosen to join them. What did she have that they wanted? Her hand moved to the golden antlers on her thigh, then to the red sunbursts in her eyes. Was she given her life back because she had something that would be useful? Or was she given life because they needed cannon fodder?

A letter was passed around but no one thought to give it to her. She wasn't a volunteer, she wasn't here because she chose so. She was her to do what they told her to. Merevaika didn't care anyway. It wasn't like she could have read it. Words were something that were meant to be spoken not put on paper. They lost all meaning and significance that way.

Once they began to move, she was dragged in front Aris, almost leading the procession. If she could, she would lead them all to a glassbeak's den. Lead Aris, anyway. Of course, she couldn't do anything.

8th Bell

She noticed his declining mood as they moved away from the city. He didn't have his Strider and was feeling the consequences. Merevaika found herself smiling. At least he had to feel the same pain she did. They met a man covered in scars and strange markings, pale like snow. He was Striderless as well, but Merevaika couldn't see his windmarks. Was he even Drykas?

They reached a well of sorts and it was small, smaller than expected. The scarred man walked up to it, dropping down into the depths without a thought. As if he had done so before. Merevaika wouldn't be surprised if he had. Of course, she had no ideas what it was, where it lead, why they were going underground. It made her think back to the stories of when the Drykas lived underground - was this a passageway to their once home?

She looked at Aris, confused. The look on his eyes told her everything, but it was too late. He pushed her in, Merevaika tumbling into the darkness and suppressing any sort of noise. Had this all been a ploy to kill her? She doubted it though - a man had gone in before her and she could hear others following. If they wanted her dead, they could have done it much more easily. The slide was rough but well tended, or so it seemed, for the darkness meant Merevaika could only feel her way around. She was spat out onto soft furs, tumbling away from the entrance as Aris followed. He hadn't left her enough time to get up and even look around, let alone run. Clever, of course, but annoying.

Only a few torches gave light to the darkness, Merevaika having to wait for her eyes to adjust to the colours in the strange tunnels they were in. The strange man counted those who entered, allowing Merevaika to take a better look at them all. The girl she had pretended to be an archery teacher too. Amunet, the healer who had saved her. Another blonde, and a woman with scars and markings across her body. This woman moved to the scarred man, questioning. That seemed like a good idea. They knew next to nothing. Only that it would be dangerous, not just for them, but for the people of Endrykas. Leaving that woman to speak to that man, she had her own questions.

Merevaika turned to Aris, red parts of her eyes glowing even brighter, it seemed, in the darkness. "What is this? Why are we here?" She didn't care for the fact they were to remain quiet. They should have known by now that she didn't listen to anyone. "Why am I here?" That was of course, the most important question of them all. Why was a woman who could have been put to death for her crimes among them? Why had her life been spared? Merevaika didn't even notice it, but her knuckles had gone white with gripping the useless bow.

They had moved towards the front, but the scarred man still lead. Merevaika made sure to be ready. At the front, they were more susceptible to attack. Not that she could change anything. She was unarmed and simply following, while the man had all her weapons. "Please, a weapon. I won't hurt you, I just want to defend myself. You said it was dangerous - I'm no use dead." She spoke without looking to him, keeping her eyes on the path they travelled. Once again, she wasn't in the position to be making demands, but she didn't care. She would make them all she wanted, until she got what she wanted.

[Waisana]

5th Bell

It was a gentle but firm shake that roused her from her sleep, the young doctor waking bleary eyed and confused. She became aware that she'd been awoken by someone and sprang in to alertness. Her mind was revolving around the idea of someone needing help, healing or why else would someone come to get her? Her hands shaped a variety of questions before she could focus her foggy vision to assess the situation.

Trouble? What? Where?

She took in the appearance of the woman who had roused her, a grim smile on her face at Waisana's reaction. She spoke softly, no doubt aware that the Opal clan woman was not alone. Her sign added precision of meaning to her speech, conveying much in a short space.

"You are helping the Watch. This is your notice." Trip. Pack. Quickly. "I will bring you when ready," she explained precisely, turning to exit the tent.

"Wait!" the blonde hissed to get the Ra'athi's attention, a hand placed on the other's shoulder to get her to turn her focus back. The hand was shrugged off, the woman of the Watch regarding her with raised brows. "How much do I pack? How long are we going?" Where? The woman simply shook her head, her face blank as she indicated that she would wait outside.

Waisana stood staring at the pavilion entrance even after the Watch woman had exited, her mind flying through possibilities. She had no idea where she was going or what she would face there. She might be gone for bells, a day, several even, the teen didn't know. She needed to prepare for the worst but she didn't have much in the way of the medicinal just hanging around the place. There was a sense of urgency about this that made her doubt that she could take a trip to the River Flower in order to stock up so she'd have to make do with what she had. Her backpack always held some ripped rags and cloth oddments that could be turned into bandages but she added in her small supply of tolm, which was versatile enough in teas to make the drinker drowsy, ease their pain or relax their muscles, as well as her supply of crushed vyfox flowers. They had dried out somewhat but she'd found that water and heat could revive them enough for dressing wounds. To it she added her waterskin, some spare clean undergarments, a white blouse and some brown trousers. A week's worth of rations was added, something that she had kept aside for just this occasion, packing all that she had and hoping that it would be sufficient.

She took some cold water to wash with, shivering and patting herself dry quickly before she dressed quickly. She undid her braids, hair flowing in tight waves around her shoulders. She brushed it rapidly, using her comb to divide her hair into two sections that she tied off with strips of material for the purpose so that she was left with two ponytails. Her fingers moved quickly and clumsily, separating each ponytail in to three parts. She crossed two pieces over one another, the one from the outside crossing the one in the middle and then slipped the remaining outer piece between them. She repeated the same pattern, alternating between which outer piece she crossed inwards, a new middle piece moved in each time until she'd reached the end of one ponytail and tied it off. It was messy and terribly loose but it would do for the moment. She did the same with the second ponytail, tying it off as well before throwing her hair things and the ties in to her backpack too.

She wrapped her cloak around her, threw her bag over her shoulder and went to say a quick farewell to her brother. She roused him, murmuring that she had to go on a trip before she stepped out of the tent. Now she would be in the hands of this woman of the Watch who would bring her to whatever place she was required to be.

6th Bell

Waisana had prepared Drusine for travel and set off with her escort on horseback. They travelled in silence to the collection of Amethyst clan pavilions, the members stirring with the light of Syna's dawn. They didn't say anything to anyone although they drew some curious looks and no one disturbed them, seeing that they were people on a mission.

They arrived at a point where there was a gathering of people, some of them members of the Watch and others whose faces held passing familiarity, people she had no doubt seen while moving around the mobile city. Herself and her escort dismounted, Waisana joining the group with some hesitance. The woman with the abrupt gestures was clearly in charge, allowing no one to talk or ask questions in her presence. There was a strange woman with terrifying eyes beside her although the teen only caught glimpses of them when the foreigner--for what else could she be, looking like that?--allowed her to gaze to travel. Her eyes were entirely black as far as she could see. There was no white in her eyes, just solid black, and it terrified her. She avoided looking at her again. She wasn't really sure where to look. The girl did spot Ixzo and tried to catch her eye to nod in recognition and offer the smallest of smiles but not risking any communication greater than that.

When a fair group of them had gathered, the woman in charge beckoned them in and began to explain the situation. The doctor blanched as the story was unraveled and she realised what she had gotten herself in to with her concern. The idea of slavers set her nerves on edge but she knew that she might be able to helping in some way, perhaps not in terms of combat but at least she could provide medical aid to those who needed it. As a result, she remained where she was when she was given the chance to back out now.

When they were told to leave their Striders, the girl decided that bad things were ahead of them. They were going somewhere that horses couldn't go, that was the only answer and that meant underground. Obviously she'd never been in the domain of the Underwatch and she didn't think she'd ever have reason to be down there. It couldn't be right, being down in the earth with no sky, no light, no air around you. There was nothing natural about such a situation but the blonde kept her misgivings to herself.

A letter was produced for their examination by the woman, Evain. The doctor took it, reading it with furrowed brows as her lips moved silently and she ran a finger under each line as she read. Not every word was understood by her but she could read enough of it to get the gist. It sent a chill through her and she wondered why it relevant to this situation. She didn't like the connections that her thoughts tried to make. She passed it along hurriedly, not wanting to touch it any more by the time she'd come to the conclusion. It gave her the creeps, it wasn't right and she didn't like where this might be going. There was no backing out now though, it was too late. She could only walk behind the Watchmen and hope for the best.

8th Bell

It was far from enjoyable to walk through the Sea of Grass as part of this little band. There was no talking allowed and she was too intimidated by Aris to risk any signs to anyone. Instead she focused on where she was stepping, her pack feeling like it was growing heavier and heavier causing her to shift it around for her own comfort. There didn't seem to be any end in sight, no clear destination and she wondered if they would simply walk through the long grasses forever without end.

Waisana came to a stunned stop when the pale man appeared from the grasses, sending her heart stuttering. It wasn't his looks that did it but the shock. All the same, she had difficulty trying not to stare when she grew near enough to get a good look at him. His face was a patchwork of queer marks that stuck out starkly on his unnaturally pale skin. He appeared bleached as if he'd never seen Syna's grace and she understood why when she realised that he must spend his life in the tunnels below.

This peculiar figure had been awaiting them it seemed and he led the way to an entrance in to the ground. The teen hung back, watching as Aris shoved the girl he kept such a close watch on--what had she done to warrant such treatment?--in to the bowels of the earth before allowing himself to be swallowed up as well. When her own turn came, the doctor dragged her feet a bit, not eager to enter that dark space but she received some polite encouragement from one of the Watchmen and threw herself in to the entranceway with a shriek as she found herself sliding down, down, down through a narrow and dark space. Her breath came in rapid, frightened gasps as she thought she might suffocate before she hit the softness at the bottom. She had no idea how far she'd travelled or for how long but it had been too much in her opinion.

She rose on unsteady feet and stumbled away from the mouth of the chute and further in to the dark, damp tunnel in to which they'd been spat. She trembled more from fear than cold although the temperature had certainly dropped just as much as she had. Her arms were wrapped around her as Aris checked over their group before setting off. Still on shaky legs, Waisana moved with them.

[Amunet]

No sooner had she returned to Endrykas from Riverfall then she a call for volunteers for an unknown expedition to some unknown place came up. Very little details was forthcoming, but it had to do with that escaped slave. Amunet put her name in the hat so to speak as the likelihood of medicine being needed would probably be high. If there was one slave, such as the one that escaped, there would be others. The Watch Command said they would send someone when it was time. Days had passed as the Healer settled back into the day and life of a Drykas. Drak had clung to her more upon her return. The boy insisted on staying as close as possible to her every day. While she indulged it a little, she had to have several gentle conversations to remind him that she did have work to do. Amunet was also sensitive to the fact that the boy had lost everyone except her and that was a scary thing for a boy. It was a cruel fact of life amongst the Drykas in the Sea of Life. The act of living was precious and precarious at the same time.

Amunet was usually an early riser but this was early even for her. Before dawn there came the quiet tap of her tent as she answered the Watch escort that told her it was time. The girl was well practiced in readying to travel with her mare. She packs in kits and sections. The way the redhead organized was important as it provided her ease of packing and unpacking when the tents moved. It was as much as a necessity as breathing. She packed in her back pack and yvas bag what she normally would take with her when she knows she is going to treat an outlying pavilion. The studious girl wasn’t sure what she would be dealing with but it was logically safe to say it would be more than a couple of people. She advised the escort she had to settle Drak and her animals with the Whipmane Pavilion and stop at the River Flower for additional supplies. The escort was prepared for these requests.

With his help they had gathered the sleepy Drak as they walked the few hundred feet to the Whipmane Pavilion. Amunet tried to pitch her tents half way between the River Flower and the Whipmane Pavilion which had grown fast friends and good for Drak. They had been gracious in taking care of him when she had to handle things or gone for long periods. Drak became friends with the boys of that Pavilion. Still the boy protested when he realized he was being deposited with the Whipmanes.

‘Ami, nooo don’t go.” He said sleepily as he hugged her and didn’t want her to leave again.

“Drak” she knelt down to look the scrawny boy in the eyes. He had shot up while she was in Riverfall. “This is for Endrykas. I have to go, people need my help.”

“Cant they take another Doctor or something? “ He said sullenly. The elders of the Whipmanes didn’t quite know what to say to console the boy as Amunet tried her best to reason with the child.

“Afraid not. Nehrar needs to run the River Flower and the White Lily and with spring babies being born both to the herds and our people, I and one other can be spared for this expedition. We have to make sure that whatever is out there is not a danger to our people.” Amunet closed her eyes as she knelt close to the boy as the escort looked towards the east. He gave a tap on his arm that indicated that time was running short.

“Ami, please don’t go.” He said as his face scrunched up in a worry as he wrapped his arms tightly around her neck. “please.” He said more sternly.

It took a moment to unwind the boy from her neck as she looked into his eyes. “Drak. I have to go for the good of Endrykas, make sure our warriors stay healthy and strong. I will be back. I came back this time didn’t i?” She pointed out as she was fighting tears. It took some effort to control herself as she pulled him to her again to hug him tightly. “It will be alright. Be a good boy for the Whipmanes and help camile and Leia watch Gary and Gertrude.”

He sniffed as he rubbed his eyes. “Camile and Leia are not going with you?” He said as she looked up at her..

“Nope. You are in charge of them. “ She said as she cupped his chin. He brightened a little. The red head petted Camile a moment or two and then knelt by Leia who seemed to know as she purred and rubbed against the young woman’s cheek. “You take care of Drak, girl.” She whispered to the cat. She stood up and with a sign pushed herself away and didn’t look back.

The escort was a hardened warrior, but even he could tell how hard it was for the Healer and the boy. He put a silent hand on her shoulder before she got up onto her mare. Amunet nodded once to her escort before telling him she had to stop by the River Flower for supplies. The red head was the healer. Of course she needed supplies for this. While she didn’t know what she would come up against she did take general items that was logical for any expedition. Items to take care of wounds, herbs for head aches, purgatives in case of poisoning or toxins, herbs to settle the insides, pain relief herbs that went into her bag. She always had two skins of water on her. one for drinking and one for making medicines and poultices. Her pack always had at least a small pot, two cups and two bowls. She had taken a little bit of coal from her stores with her in case they didn’t have any fuel and her special lantern was on her yvas. Most would think that its just a plain lantern but it did have a way of going blue when it detected ghosts. She wasn’t sure where she was going but the girl was going to be as prepared as she can. Amunet could improve and create when the situation demanded it but as her grandfather used to say: ‘prepare for the worst and hope for the best.’

That brought a tear to her eye as she bit that back closed her eyes briefly to gain control of her emotions. The young healer then turned to head out from the River Flower and back onto her mare with the waiting escort as they made their way towards the area behind the amethyst clan line. She dismounted and was surprised to see Merevaika there and nodded towards her. The dark haired woman was a tad grumpy but that didn’t surprise Amunet. The girl looked at the gathered as she provided a nod to Aris and Helena till a few more gathered and the briefing began. Her eyes trailed over the former slave that she learned was named Evain as she was pointed out and provided the woman a polite and kind smile before the letter made its way to her hands. Aris of course provided them the out. It was the noble thing to do but like Amunet ever quit on anything. She thought of her brother and there was no way she would quit. The safety of Endrykas was also the safety of her brother.

There was other introductions as she looked at Taggert and Sparrow and provided them with a polite and kind smile. The Watch well knew this red head as they were tasked now and then to go find the wayward free spirited girl when she went out into the Grass over long. They had to leave their striders as Amunet sighed and went to pull her pack, lantern and yvas bag off as well as the skins of water. Shetanae did not like this at all. The mare nuzzled her shirt and pulled at it as her ears went back in concern.

“I know. Looks like you cant go with me on this one. You will be set the graze soon and you can keep an eye on Drak.“ The young lady whispered as she put her little arms around the big head. The mare sighed and snorted as she took her head and shoved her forward. The ten year old mare well understood the necessity though she didn’t like her companion going alone. Amunet watched the mare follow the escort and other horses away before turning and catching up to the others. One of the warriors was waiting for her and took the yvas bag. She seemed the shortest one and the most burdened by supplies.

She read common a fair way as she trailed over the words carefully. The letter was passed from the Elain’s hands and to each person in the group. Amunet may have been one of the persons who took their time looking over the document. Hazards of analyzing and reading scrolls in her studies of medicine and philters, you paid attention to writings. One never knew when something interesting came in the details. The girl paid attention to how the script formed in neat price rows and spacing. It spoke of a rather horrendous account that chilled her to the core as her brow furrowed. What, by the gods of creation, was this letter speaking about? It spoke of family, town, community and then of fear, murder and walking abominations of some kind. It was ambiguous and not clear.

She smelled the paper as the odor of the preservation substance used reached her nose. She felt the paper and how thick it was and thin in worn areas after its endurance in the soil. The soil? Was this buried? More questions rose as the moments passed as she read it a second time. Aris was getting impatient by his very movements as she passed it along and secreted the details within her mind till they would make sense later. This happened all too frequently as she would gather details till they made sense later. Sometimes it took a few minutes, sometimes days, sometimes weeks before something made sense.

She put those thoughts aside as she made note of their group. She waved to Jasmine and smiled widely. There was also Waisana which she knew by reputation and seeing her in the River Flower. The other darker one she had seen around Endrykas from time to time but didn’t know who she was. The red head moved towards Jasmine to catch up with her as it had been some time since they spoke, but then circumstances had kept her busy. The Gods did have their ways and it was not always clear. Amunet tried to keep an open mind as to this fact. Rak’keli seemed to favor the pursuit of knowledge as it seemed the more she knew, the more she could heal. The opportunity to learn something new was something she looked forward to and put that in the forefront instead of the horrendous thoughts from the letter.

Aris stopped the progress of their walk as they came across some pale scared figure that tore at her heart. The girl had never seen anyone of the underwatch before and this made her very curious. Part of her wanted to help him but there was little to no compulsion. She was not put off by his appearance. The girl would worm her way around the larger men to take a good look at this person. The mark on his hand did not go unnoticed.

He proved to be limber and nimble as he took them to a small opening in a innocent outcropping of rock and jumped down it. She tried to stifle a gasp with a hand over her mouth as she saw no one go after him. One by one she watched them go down till it was her turn. The warriors did not let her go last. She looked down the shoot. ‘Oh Great. Just like the cave in summer.’ She took a deep breath and climbed in to let herself slide down. The girl focused to see if she could land on her feet safely and without falling on anyone. The slide was held no incident that required her abilities. It was not like she ended up in a pool of water like last time. It took her several chimes to adjust her vision before she saw their guide. The girl righted herself and looked behind her with the warrior who had her yvas bag as she offered to take that burden from him as she was the Healer and he probably needed to keep an eye on their rear. There was one hand on her pack and one hand on one of the two daggers at her waist which was not too far from a slingshot and pouch of stones. It was just as well she was down in caves again as she shouldn’t run out of ammunition.

Amunet, once her eyes had adjusted, gave each individual a quick look over to make sure the trip down the slide caused no injury. Mere was of course agitated but this was the sort of circumstances that left the uncertain sometimes irritated. The walls of Semele had her hand on the walls as she gave a quick prayer to Rak’keli for strength and health and Semele for guidance and safety during their passage. For someone young, she was the reverent sort. The girl fell in line and started down the path set before them as she signed to others quietly as they moved of reassurance and comfort. The uncertainty and disquiet was thick. Mere and the dark woman felt it necessary to say words but these caves as she recalled in her summer adventure could echo horridly. The young woman put a gentle hand on Waisana as if to provide some solace or comfort. The signs of readiness and focus was transmitted. She might be young but this was not her first trip into caves. The girl checked her pouch of stones and stopped a moment long enough to light her lantern. It burned normally as she kept an eye on it. The hurried signs of the warriors had her running to catch up again. It seemed she was always catching up today.

[Prophet]

For several bells, the strange man led them all through the tunnels. The going was easy though it was more than likely strange for the Drykas. The torch and brazier lights were dim and waivered often. The smell of dank and damp filled the stale air which was hot in some places and cold in others. The sounds of water dripping continued but would go silent on occasion; faint echoes of a scream or a claw scraping the rock would also venture into the eerie symphony the tunnels created. The only time the procession ever paused was at a crossing so Aris could check to make sure they still had everyone in tow.

Several times, Ixzo tried to start a conversation with the Path Guardian. He initially ignored her without so much as even a glance to acknowledge the strange woman. The second time she spoke up; he turned and stared at her with curious eyes though he never broke his stride. He opened his mouth wide and stuck out his tongue…or what was left of it. The scarred man, his molten metal tattoo and his pale skin all seemed to fit that he would be a self-made mute. He signed in Pavi that he belonged to the Underwatch and showed her the scar on his hand.

Aris was less than kind in his treatment of Merevaika. He jostled her and refused her pleas for more weapons. Anytime she stopped and he wasn’t prepared to do so, he would move her along. Once, he nearly burned her with his torch because she had stopped so suddenly. He was honestly trying to not be overly rude but the lawman in his spirit kept reminding him how much he hated thieves. It was a touchy situation but one that would likely smooth over as time wore on and eventually be finished completely once the mission was over. Aris did keep in mind some words from a friend that the prisoner was very useful in a tussle. After her most recent request for a weapon, Aris stopped and pinned her against a wall. His whispered voice would carry but amidst the cacophony of the world underground it would become muddled. “Stop!” Bothersome. Ridiculous. “When trouble comes, you will get a chance to prove your worth.” He gave her a meaningful stare and then pulled her from the cold stone and moved them on with the rest of the group.

It had been well past four bells since the group had left the wandering city. They came to a crossing that was most strange. They emerged from a single tunnel into a rotunda with a higher ceiling but the floor went downhill towards eight different routes. It was at this point that the guide turned and made his way to the middle of the column where Evain was standing with her head down. He came to stand before her and pointed at options. She nodded and stepped around people until she stood on the sloped floor. Something in the air smelled different and there was a visible shake to the girl’s frame. Large black eyes stared down the second from the right. With hesitation, fear and anxiety, the girl pointed a shaking finger towards the path they had to take. The scarred man with pale skin nodded and walked to the entrance and then peered into the black. He stood there for what seemed like a bell but it was more like twenty chimes. Wind whistled from deep places far away and more strange smells and sounds filled the dome area where the adventurers had gathered. Once, the two watchmen had tried to start a conversation with the healers but were silenced by quick raps to the head by Aris. No more talking was attempted by the men.

The guide turned after that grueling examination of the tunnel’s black interior and motioned for Aris to join him. The man marched the prisoner forward but left her in the middle, open and alone as he went to confer with the Underwatch. The pale man signed quickly. New path. Unknown. Proceed. Question.

Aris did not look pleased. Danger. Question. He looked behind him and used his body to shield the signs from everyone else. Your name. Question.

Death Spark. Danger certain.

Proceed.

Aris motioned for everyone to follow and Deathspark led them down the dark tunnel. It was shorter and narrower than the one they were in previously and if anyone bothered to look around with some skill, she would see the dust on the floor disturbed only by a single set of tiny feet and the occasional handprint where that body fell. The prints belonged to Evain and she seemed very uncomfortable to be back in this place. When everyone began to move, she did not; at least not right away. When Jasmine walked past, the dark-eyed young woman fell into step with the bouncing blond and nearly clung to her as they made their way in the almost darkness.

It was different in this tunnel than all the ones before. These seemed unused and older…much older. The air was heavy with moisture and oppressive. Perhaps the most disturbing thing was the darkness. The black did not seem bothered by the torches but rather feed upon the light. The fires seemed to barely flicker at times and every now and then a stern breeze would rip through from somewhere deep in Semele and steal the light and oxygen for a moment. It was beyond chilly here in this chute of rock and touching the walls only made fingers cold and bones ache.

For nearly a bell, the going was slow but steady. Aris could hear the steps waiver and knew they must rest. He moved along taking his prisoner with him until he reached the guide. He clasped the man’s shoulder and nearly got his arm broken for the trouble. Merevaika’s dagger slipped from his pack in the fray but all was quickly resolved with a signed apology from the pale man who looked almost blue in the dim light.

“We must rest.” Aris spoke, a bit short of breath himself. Deathspark acknowledged and everything stopped. There was a ringing of packs hitting the rock floor and sighs of relief as water was fetched from skins and some food stuffs were unwrapped. This break would last twenty chimes. After which, Aris and his men encouraged the women to prepare to move onward. After a brief inventory was taken by the watchmen, signs were passed and Aris gave a nod to the guide to continue. Too bad they would never get the chance.

A tiny vibration could be felt all around them as if the world was trembling. The tunnel groaned which caused concerned looks and glances of inspection but nothing changed…at least not that one could see. Suddenly, the tunnel floor collapsed and all were plunged into a weightless fall surrounded by darkness and the sounds of tumbling rocks. It was not a short drop. There were two lights that remained lit; the one held by Evain and Amunet’s lantern. The light would go on unhindered to reveal that the group had slipped into a very, very large room. It was dome like and nearly thirty feet high. All too late they would see the mercy of Semele that their impact was going to be padded by a placid pool of inky black liquid. A large rock would hit first and then bodies, gear and more rocks. Fortunately, the floor had crumbled into nothing so that most of the pieces were smaller than a woman’s head but there was much debris.

After everything had come down, all would be in the water. It was cool but not cold and fresh as far as one could tell. The torches would be out and the only sounds would be gasping for air and splashing which echoed endlessly off of the water, the high ceiling and far off walls. The group had fallen into the middle of the pool which was deeper than any of them, even if they were good swimmers, could dive. No light. No direction. A chime went by… three… five… nothing. What could be worse? Maybe it’s the fact that no one can really swim or maybe it’s the strange lights rising from the deep towards their feet. Two orbs of light about the size of an egg basket drew nearer and nearer to the surface of the water and bubbles rose from them which disturbed the surface even more. Whatever it was, it would be at their feet in moments. If this wasn't terrifying enough, more lights were rising from the black depths. There were three, now four and more just kept appearing all floating upwards towards the party.

[Ixzo]

Silver eyes grew wide at the stump that stared back at her. At first, she hadn't even realized what he was doing by opening his mouth, until she saw the jagged remains of the organ hiding beneath his teeth. Her attention was distracted by his quick and swift signs. She didn't quite understand them, but nodded along, her mouth still hanging slightly agape. He had answered her question? The Kelvic wasn't entirely sure, but the lack of hostility that followed comforted her curiosity enough to step back.

For the first time, she could give her mind a bit of a break. It was clear that no Drykas would tell her what was happening, and when she glanced at the weary faces surrounding her, she realized she was not the only one in the dark. Of the many faces, while she had seen them around, she only recognized two. The two blonde women, Jasmine and Waisana, who had gone under her notice, with her focus more on how much danger she was getting into, were now the center of her attention. She had finally grown used to hovering on the edge of most of the Drykas life, but the two familiar faces flooded her with a comfort that she'd hadn't realized she missed.

With more stealth than she had put into approaching the strange man, Ixzo slowed her pace until she was near the two, a short smile breaking through her generally weary expression when she met their eyes. Her acute awareness of these two women was only broken when the brunette was slammed against the wall. In reaction, Ixzo stopped short immediately, hand flying to the hilt of her dagger, resting underneath her axe. Grinding her teeth, it took her only a tick to duck her head and continue forward, ears only alert to the snarling behind her. She didn't understand most things about these horse people, although most of her questions were answered, their habit of keeping slaves still made the Kelvic tense.

Even so, not much words were spared when she caught back up with Waisana and Jasmine. After the few seasons she spent hunting for the Drykas, her ability to endure had picked up quite a bit, yet by the time the group stopped, she was feeling the trek. She never walked so far for a hunt, and being away from the sun or moon was making it seem more tiring than it might have been.

Patience, however, she was glad to have had down. Watching the Chaktawe woman point towards the tunnel, and then the strange scarred Drykas stared down it. Knowing her eyes were better than his, Ixzo craned her head to get a view as well, but to no avail. The firelight flickered in her vision, confusing her vision between adjusting to light or darkness, like dawn or twilight would. She quickly gave up, letting her weight fall back on her heels and settling into a crouch. Not quite sure how long it would take, and looking for a way to rest her sore legs.

When they finally started back up again, the Chaktawe had attached herself to Jasmine. Ixzo watched them wearily. The soft presence of her Lady of Light tingling the tips of her finger. She wanted to give this damaged soul something substantial, but she didn't dare intrude. Instead, Ixzo moved closer to Waisana, giving Jasmine and Evain space.

Entering into the tunnel set her hackles up immediately. Even with the disrupting light, the lioness' eyes picked up the marks on the floor immediately. The path of struggle that lead opposite them. As a hunter, this might encourage her, thinking the tracks as easy prey. But one quick glance at the terrified Chaktawe quickly erased her instinctual examination of the marks.

As soon as the signal to stop was given, Ixzo collapsed on the floor. The hard, cold rock beneath her was welcoming to her legs, which seemed as if they had lost all their blood in the past few bells. She groaned, pulling her arms above her and stretching out, not particularly worried if this would be a problem for anyone else. After a few moments of dramatics, Ixzo sat up, following the lead of others and sorting through her packs. All she did was drain her waterpack and fit it into her pack as well, leaving more room on her belt. She hadn't brought food stuffs, as she was counting on her hunting, should they have been out in the wilderness. Instead, the Kelvic chewed on her nail, watching the others carefully.

Her and Jasmine were hunters, which made sense to Ixzo. Whatever they were doing, surely their weapons were in use? She had volunteered, after all. Waisana was a healer, which was also beneficial. It would have been stupid to for a group like this to venture into the wilderness without one. Of course, with so many people, did they not bring more? Silver eyes peered at the redhead and the brunette prisoner, curiously. Was the red head also a healer, was that why she was there? Why would they bring a slave? Of course Ixzo would value the brunette, even with her apparent temper, if she knew why she was of use.

A dark thought edged into her brain, gathering a sinking feeling in her chest. She knew how these humans cared for slaves… was she disposable? Was she bait for something? What had they gotten into?

Before the Kelvic could worry too far, the faint vibrations jolted her eyes away.

"Something's coming." The whisper was involuntary, muttered in the foreboding tone of her mother's tongue. She said it as if the others had not felt the same thing, although when fear forced her feet back under her, raising back into a stand, she saw that everyone was feeling it.

But before she could properly stand, the ground beneath her disappeared. A yowl, among other shrieks, flew from her mouth, as the Kelvic grasped for anything she could. Panic blinded her, but it didn't keep her from feeling the burn on her arm as she collided with a rock. Too soon afterwards, she was quickly enveloped in cool liquid, as she floated down. For only a tick, the lioness accepted the cool intrusion over her ears, soaking into her hair as she sunk. But then she was kicking. Her pack fighting against her as she strove back towards the surface. Although she was beat, Ixzo made it to the surface.

Catli popped into her mind as she struggled to stabilize herself. Suddenly her light packing seemed far too heavy. Glancing up, Ixzo confirmed that the roof had stopped falling, although even after a few chimes the struggling didn't seem to stop. Gasping for her own air, Ixzo took a moment to allow her eyes to adjust before eyeing those around her. For the first time in bells, she could see around her with the clarity of night, although it was disrupted by the bobbing struggling figures, eyes wide with blindness.

Raising her hand, she was about to provide light for them, when the glow from beneath her distracted her. Panic seized her heart once again, releasing it at about a million miles an hour as she watched the orbs float towards her, anticipating the worst.

Myrian | Pavi "Speech" Sign | Common | PC/NPC "Speech" Sign

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine walked with the group after everyone had made it down the shoot. Looking around the young woman jumped a little hearing the slam turning her head over towards the noise. She could make out the leader, Aris was it, pinning Merevaika to the wall growling at her. Growling gently her eyes narrowed at the man not completely trusting him. No matter how much she had been asking him for a weapon, no amount of frustration was acceptable on a mission like this. Everyone's life is on the line and seeing another member of the team pinning someone against the wall was not cool. Jasmine looked over and caught what appeared to be the man sticking his tongue out to Ixzo. Confused the woman looked over as the signal to continue walking was shown to the group. Shifting around her pack some the girl followed beside Amunet as she had before.

Soon enough the group had come to a huge room with many tunnels branching off it. Looking around Jasmine became very confused about how the woman leading them with the pale man would know which tunnel to go down. Jasmine smiles seeing Ixzo finally notice her and start making her way over. It was a little nerve racking in the tunnels to say the least. All the woman could see was a darkness about her which caused her great inner stress and nervousness that she was sure would show in her eyes.

“Which way do we go?” Jasmine asked without thinking which in turn caused her to receive a glare from the pale man that was leading them, “my bad.”

Jasmine moved closer to Ixzo and Amunet keeping her head as low as possible. The pack on her back was becoming far to heavy for her to carry much farther without having a few chimes to sit down and rest. The drykas watched as the small chaktawe pointed down a smaller path while shaking violently. Slowly everyone filed in behind the pale man, Merevaika, and Aris. Watching Jasmine was slightly startled when the woman latched on to her arm with a death grip. Smiling gently the blond put a hand over the woman's hands before slowly venturing into the tunnel with all the others. Jasmine saw tiny prints left in the dirt from where the woman had used the tunnel to escape at least that was her assumption.

After some time Jasmine could no longer feel her legs beneath her any longer. It was sheer will power and the need to keep up that kept her walking. When everyone was given the signal to rest Jasmine fell on to her butt with her back against the wall of the tunnel. She drank some water and rubbed her calves trying her best to get some of the soreness worked out of them. Jasmine made a mental note to walk and run more when this was over. While stopped Jasmine looked around taking a mental note of what everyone could do. Naturally all those from the Watch were obvious warriors, Amunet, a healer, Ixzo a hunter, Merevaika had been Jasmine's archery teacher some time last season but that was all she knew about the woman. Jasmine was not aware of what the woman did for an actual living; though with the way she was being treated the blond guessed it was nothing honorable. Soon Jasmine's eyes landed on the other blond trying to figure out who she was and what her abilities were.

The small chaktawe woman was still latched on to her arm so Jasmine was only able to take out a small piece of dried meat as well as her water skin. The woman drank from the water skin for several ticks. Bringing the water skin down slowly Jasmine wanted to only drink what was necessary and not over indulge too early. Jasmine looked over hearing Ixzo say something while looking down at the floor. Confusion was the first thing that Jasmine felt hearing the kelvic's words. Closing the top over her water skin and putting it up, Jasmine stood to her feet despite her legs screaming at her to stay down. The woman planned to walk over and ask Ixzo if she was well, only when her first step was taking the floor gave out from under everyone. A sharp scream left the woman's lungs involuntarily as the group plummeted through the air. Jasmine looked trying to figure out where they were to no avail as the torches and lanterns hit the inky blackness first causing all sources of light to be diminished instantly.

Jasmine hit the darkness with a splash; she was unable to scream as the cold wetness around her caused the woman to seize up. Shaking Jasmine quickly flailed to the top and gasped for air trying to find something to grab on to. The woman was unable to swim and her flailing was sure to give this away. Groaning gently when a rock slammed into her back from above caused the woman to go under for a few ticks before resurfacing gasping for air again. She used one hand to move her long hair from in front of her eyes. Shaking her head soon all the woman heard was the gasping breathes of the others from the group. Jasmine opened her mouth to ask what everyone would do next only to stop seeing a glowing light coming from below them. Gasping Jasmine watched the strange lights as they quickly rose to meet the group of strangers. The woman hoped and prayed to Syna that the strange light was not a monster unknown to them that could cause them all harm in some way.

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Merevaika]

Aris wasn't happy with her begging, slamming her against a wall. It was cold against her back and for a second she feared that he was going to end it all. Then he spoke a few words and shot her a meaningful glare, and she shot one back, hers colder, stiffer, more deadly. She would wait, she would wait for this trouble, but if he didn't hold up his side of the bargain, or at least, whatever this was, he would be sorry. Very sorry.

Her legs started to hurt from walking, moving through the darkness silently. She had strength, once, but it had gone, the darkness sapping it just as much as exhaustion. Her body was used to sitting upon a horse, not walking, and when she did walk - in her case, it had been sneaking into Endrykas recently - it was slow, stealthy, with the idea of staying quiet. There was no point even attempting that in these caves. Everyone in the group moved too fast and too loud for one to be stealthy.

They reached a large rotunda, the scarred man and the girl with black eyes moving into the middle. Jasmine spoke, seeming so innocent and young. Merevaika couldn't tell whether it was fake, sarcastic, or real. She didn't really care, truth be told. The air seemed to tense as the girl with the black eyes shook, moving towards one of the openings. Merevaika peered down it, letting djed move to the starbursts in her eyes. She opened them, not even realising she had held them shut, and began to focus on the opening, waiting for the trails to come into sight. If there were any. Her magic was weak, not able to see far into the past. Yet it didn't matter if something had passed by seasons or years ago. She wanted to know if anything had gone through recently. She only kept hold of the magic for long enough to get a look at the trails. The magic made her dizzy, and as Aris marched forward, dragging her a little with him, she stumbled, hand moving to her head as she stifled a headache.

She stood alone as he left her, recovering from the magic that she had tried. No one else would have noticed it, not properly, unless they knew the magic itself. Amunet seemed the only one who did, Merevaika making sure to avoid her gaze. From where she stood, she could see a little more than the others, yet it wasn't much. Only one pair of signs was clear. Danger certain. Merevaika almost laughed at that. Of course it was. Did it really need stating?

But they moved down the corridor anyway. It was dark and covered in dust, littered with footprints of those in front, and joined by tiny ones from before. Neither of the two men in front of her had feet that small, and besides, they moved the opposite direction, as if fleeing. The handprints Merevaika could only wonder whose they were. Perhaps the girl with the black eyes. She didn't know.

But this narrow tunnel reminded her too much of the caves she had been in. Moisture clung to the air and it was dark, so dark. Her shoulder brushed against the wall, shuddering with the cold. Merevaika reminded herself that she had survived that. Now, she had all these people with her. Supplies, food, a way to make fire. She wasn't injured either. Not physically, anyway.

Merevaika moved back a little, finding Amunet in the darkness. She knew back when the letter had been handed out, the girl had seemed to be able to understand it, and this was only getting stranger. Maybe the letter held something that made it clearer. "Amunet," she whispered, getting her attention. Letter. What written. Tell. She wanted to know, watching curiously. She would answer no questions though, nor give a reply. Only silently listen to what she had to say, or leave, once it was done or if Amunet had nothing to say.

After a few chimes, Aris grabbed her, Merevaika fighting a little then realising there was no point. She was tired and needed to conserve her energy. He moved to the scarred man, who also fought, although not with meaning. Merevaika's eyes darted to the clunk of something falling from his pack; the dagger that lay on the ground dropped. She moved to snatch it, hoping he hadn't noticed. A quick movement, and she would have it, tucking it in her boot to hide it from the Watchman. If she managed to get it, she would feel empowered. If sng, moving through the darkness silently. She had strength, once, but it had gone, the darkness sapping it just as much as exhaustion. Her body was used to sitting upon a horse, not walking, she didn't, she didn't. No dwelling on it. Always planning ahead.

They stopped, Merevaika slinking to the ground. Her waterskin was full, but the water old, a stale taste reaching her mouth. It was still refreshing and she drank a good amount, leaving the rest. They had walked so far yet there was no sign that they were anywhere near. She needed to save everything she had. Rummaging through her pack, she managed to find some rations. Small things, for she ate most of what she had, but it satisfied her hunger to have a few mouthfuls, regaining strength. Yet it seemed there wasn't time to rest, for soon enough Aris got them all to go again, preparing to leave.

There was a shudder, followed by a groan. The dark woman muttered something in a foreign tongue. Then the floor fell, stone tumbling as the group joined them. Merevaika didn't scream, fighting the feeling of her lungs being torn out. She clung to bow and pack, hands wrapped tight around the only thing that was whole.

Darkness enveloped her as the water caught her, giving her life when she should have met death again. She sunk, tumbling and flailing. This time, it was deep, deep enough to drown in. This time, no waves moved to sweep her up. This time, there was no Eryunt to snatch her up and pull her out.

Merevaika moved quickly, knowing she couldn't swim, but trying anyway. Swinging the pack over her shoulders and hooking her bow across her body, Merevaika tried to stop the bubbles trickling out her her mouth. Then she realised that they were her way free. Kicking hard and pulling with her arms, she moved towards where they had gone, moving through the cold water as a chill overcame her. She burst out, gasping for breath and splashing in the water.

Suddenly there was light, yet from the wrong direction and from the wrong things. Bubbles of light started rising towards them, bubbles rising off them at an even quicker rate. Merevaika sank underwater terrified, then kicked up, trying to move away from them. Her splashing got her nowhere, and she had to come up with something now. Even if she had a weapon, she couldn't attack, not in this water. She could barely breath, let alone fight. But hey, if she had been kept alive this long, these lights wouldn't hurt her. She hoped not, anyway. Like that would do much to help her.