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Al-kin surrendered the iron staff to the human with little resistance. It was the humans' village, their people, their world. It would not do to act in a disrespectful manner.

So, the high chief still sought to protect his guest. It amazed Al-kin that such care was taken in the midst of the confusion. Such humans were a rarity. No, such souls, no matter the race, were rare. To let such a one face danger and perhaps perish seemed unconscionable.

Still, to follow the high chief's directives and not to go against this human, those were also important. And despite the uncertainty of the moment, Al-kin was decided before the human referenced Mamoru.

"My sword!" Al-kin's eyes gleamed and a quiet nod to indicate the guest would follow the human's lead came swiftly on its heels.

Their not-quite circumspect path around the encampment only showed the same intelligence that Al-kin had ascribed by this time to the villagers. Whomever stood before the high chief's tent, it was rather safe to say that they could not realize the extent of solidity in this people, both within their own realm and their own selves.

Eager, Al-kin slipped into the tent behind the older human. Seeing the sword sent a palpable wave of relief throughout the slim body. Fingers reached, palm laid upon the green tinted metal and Al-kin's body suffused with a sheen that was easily no more than a trick of the eyes after entering a dark place.

Don't do every do that again.

"My apologies, ishiba" Al-kin murmured softly to it.

With a care one rarely gave such inanimate objects, Al-kin lifted the sword from its place on the table and slid it home in the empty scabbard worn upon the thick belt about the pooka's waist. Sharp eyes spied the small throwing knife as well and with a smile curving the thin lips, caught it up as well and returned it to its home in a boot. The dagger was not at ready sight and there was only so much time.

Al-kin's steady gaze lifted to the human.

"What harm in being with them, closer in order to be of aid should it be required?" Al-kin's voice rained soft and hummed with a slightly sibilant whine entwined into the whisper. Grey eyes cast over the human as if he were of great interest. But there wasn't enough to combat with what lay outside the fore of the tent. "We will have a care. Come. We mustn't follow the high chief's orders to his detriment, must we?" A small smile twisted that mouth and Al-kin stooped, created a triangle of light in the heretofore closed tent flap, and disappeared into the sunlit world of danger just outside it.

[:heh: I like to think it's because we're all new to one another and trying hard not to go "erk.. sorry, toes, meet heel. Bad heel." Or because we're all just that good. You're on it about pacing, M@x.]

__________________

‘What will my death be like?’ he thought- and knew at once
with abrupt certainty, that it would be just like his life:
... the same balance of bearables.
~Amis

Kahler watched as she collected her weapon with a small fascination, but nothing to the degree that Arlix was familiar with. They knew of sentient weapons, so he didn't question. Simply continued with his observant nature.

He opened his mouth to refute her logic, it had been Arlix's commands after all, it was tabu to disobey the high chief, yet there the woman had gone, out the flap Kahler had made. Looking crestfallen for a moment, he snatched a sword of his own, not even pausing to check the quality before darting out after her. "Come back!" He hissed in quiet tones, trying to beckon her back to relative safety. True Arlix's demands might lead to the high chief's death, but they were his demands. That could not be refuted.

Helplessly, he trailed after her, the protector suddenly having become the follower as he moved up so he was traveling along side her. "We must do as the high chief commands," he said helplessly, though it was obvious by his tone that he was more than ready to follow her. Arlix was his leader, and nearly any fighter out there would die to protect him. As well as the few hidden away for purposes of continuation to their people. That was why the chief's son was in hiding.

[short post, I know x.x good call M@x]

__________________
I will not kill you... in all technicality time will kill you. I'm just a contributing factor ~ Damarian Vasilis Zaccheo

I do not get moody. I get murderous ~ Saigyn

[A Guest?] ~ Advanced -Arlix-
[The Five Lights] ~ Advanced -Laeris Etheral Jostish- -Valcenz-
[Dove's Bane] ~ Advanced -Alloyscious Haryiel-
[Labyrinth] ~ Advanced -Triton Ochayne Demisou-

[Short's needful here. I keep trying to get Al-kin to the fray. Sorry. Get this in and we're back to you M@x.]

Ignoring the human, Al-kin smirked. He wasn't trying very hard to stop his charge.

Ducking down, Al-kin crossed between two tents and emerged within sight of the high chief's tent. There were enough warriors and all of them in Arlix's garb. That left but.. the two figures in the middle. Al-kin hissed at the sight of knotted and twisted wood.

Keep your head down!

"What good it will do," Al-kin hissed and then nodded to the human. Perhaps their cover would forge a compromise. From their vantage they could both see and were in close enough proximity to be of service were it needed.

__________________

‘What will my death be like?’ he thought- and knew at once
with abrupt certainty, that it would be just like his life:
... the same balance of bearables.
~Amis

The old man's patient expression slowly grew stern as he listened to the chief's boisterous speech, and his grip on the knobbly staff tightened. "Your predecessors were wiser men than you", he continued - this time leaving the chief's title out. Raising one of his bony fingers, he tightened his lips and fixed his ancient eyes on the High Chief's visage. "Had we chosen to attack your village out of the blue, we could have reduced your tribe to ash. My... all too young companion betrayed our eagerness to deal with the situation, and made a spectacle - but not a single one of your people is hurt in the least". He put his hand back on the knob of the staff. "We have obviously not come to harm your people, and we are not asking for a banquet and a welcoming parade. We are here to settle a debt, nothing else". He leant forward, eyes thin as thread. The darker one held his arms crossed, letting his now-cold gaze sweep over the line of barbarians. "One more chance now, chief", continued the gnarled one. "Will you give it over to us?"

Before the chief had time to reply, however, the old man's head turned to the side. Tilting his face slightly up, he first took a deep breath, then a quick sniff. When he turned his head back to the High Chief, his face was a mask of earnest contentment and goodwill. He nodded twice, his purple-clad companion looking on with an eyebrow lifted. "Is your patience so finally up, ancient man?", the southlander asked. The "ancient man" ignored him completely, and instead shifted his head slightly to the right, looking up as he spoke. "So, it offers itself up? Is our debtor of the noble kind, perhaps - or maybe just ignorant? Or perhaps even wise? Yes, I know you are here!"

At this point, the hairless invoker opened his mouth again, shouting and gesturing wildly towards the surrounding warriors. "He is here? This instant! You must come out here and reply for your crime, or I promise to kill you horribly for what you cost me!". The elder one cleared his throat, silencing the southlander. "It is as my companion says. I am a gentle man by nature, but if you force us to go through an entire clan of bystanders to get to you, I assure you that you will be returned to the earth forcefully and slowly. The next choice is yours".

Arlix stepped forward, and continued to step forward until he was right before the gnarled figure and jabbed a finger at the other's chest. "Any chief before me would make the same choice whether they are wise or not. Regardless if you came in as kittens, or as murderous marauders, the fact is is that you and your companion came in as a threat. Drop your arrogance in a land that is not your own and we will likewise let down our weapons" he compromised, still not about to step down. "We will not cow before you simply because you choose to waggle your fingers. It is better to be dead than to be a coward" he said coolly, still not seeming to care at all that he was standing before two people that could easily smite him.

"If you are a gentle man by nature, prove it" Arlix finally stated. "Drop your aggressive pretenses. You do not have any authority here. Either be welcomed in a peaceful nature, or leave" he repeated again. It didn't get any simpler than that, and Arlix was not about to budge on the decision. In fact, if he had done any different, he knew he'd probably lose face in his people's eyes. He was their leader; their idol. It would never do to meekly bend knee to these strangers. Any other chief would have done the same, it was how their culture was. Even if Arlix wanted to compromise the situation; which he didn't truly feel partial to now, it was not what his people were expecting of him. He wasn't so much a singular leader, he was an outlet, a representative for what his people expected.

Arlix tilted his head across the way, watching the outskirts when the third party was mentioned. Very faintly, he saw Kahler and his gaze hardened. As much as he didn't want to, Kahler would have to be rebuked for the slight. He should be out of sight.

His attention turned quickly back to the gnarled figure and his companion.

"This is your last chance to abide by my terms. If you do not, you will leave this land as corpses"

__________________
I will not kill you... in all technicality time will kill you. I'm just a contributing factor ~ Damarian Vasilis Zaccheo

I do not get moody. I get murderous ~ Saigyn

[A Guest?] ~ Advanced -Arlix-
[The Five Lights] ~ Advanced -Laeris Etheral Jostish- -Valcenz-
[Dove's Bane] ~ Advanced -Alloyscious Haryiel-
[Labyrinth] ~ Advanced -Triton Ochayne Demisou-

The high chief presses his aggressor, the voice whispered.

Al-kin could only nod. It was true, the high chief made it difficult for anyone with power to hold back. He increased his chances of an altercation and that was something that Al-kin could not see the man doing and surviving in this particular case.

It was unfair, really.

It's never been given to you that life would be fair.

Again, a nod was the only response to the voice as the stranger stood, hand pressing upon the human guard's shoulder. Any words that may have been said are left to the singular squeeze upon the man's shoulder before the human's charge stepped out into view from the shadow of the tent.

Like a cat in daylight, just called to, the stranger did not go round about, but instead, walked directly for the group. Perhaps a new presence could shatter the tension leading to violence. Perhaps it would only serve to add fuel to the fire. Al-kin would be ready for both.

Slender fingers reached down to the waist belt and in a practiced move of thumb and forefinger, unhooked the leather latch set over the hilt of the sword strapped there. Fingers curled over the pommel and then slid into place about the hilt; a gesture not so much of attack as assertive certainty. Designed to state there here, there was another in this crowd, one more for the warted and twisted old man and his doused companion to go through.

The weight of the new appearance depended solely on how important the particular show down between the high chief and the leader of the pair would prove to be. Still, in preparation, Al-kin took a breath and drew upon the ley lines which crisscrossed the camp, surprised to find them stuffed fat and almost overly full. In response to the draw, an almost imperceptible greenish tint rose about Al-kin's form, so light it may have been missed altogether.

No, there was no flash or ostentation with Al-kin's preparation. For it was not Al-kin who stood in the midst of the fray. What cause could there have been in creating another scene, another reason to destroy?

It was but a short walk to where the nearest men stood flanking the high chief. Al-kin did not assume to be granted leave to stand so close. Rather, the creature took place, silent and watchful, some half way around the circle, large grey eyes narrowed against the bright sunshine. Yet there was no missing the newest arrival, for Al-kin was as tall as the taller of the humans and yet cold and slim as the blade which rested at the ready, along one long thigh.

__________________

‘What will my death be like?’ he thought- and knew at once
with abrupt certainty, that it would be just like his life:
... the same balance of bearables.
~Amis

"You live in a beautiful world, chieftain. If only you were aware of the luxuries life has afforded you". The wizened old visage relaxed again, and the elder one let his left arm fall from the staff. "Very well. We will agree to your terms, whatever they may be. We will have to insist, however, that you hand us what we seek - there simply is no getting around that". The younger one let his folded arms drop a slight, and sighed deeply. It was unclear whether he sighed because he would not get to raze the village, or if there was some other reason.

There was no time for the chief to reply, however, before a slender figure appeared out of the crowd, heading for the trio. Nodding contentedly, the old man smiled at the newly arrived - a friendly smile, without a hint of ill will despite his earlier words of death and debt. Turning his entire body to face the barbarians' guest, he spoke up. "Very good. I assume it is you that we are seeking? Of course it is - you are not one of these people. You can come closer, child, without worry. A few metres of distance would not help you in the least".

"Now!", cried the darker one, who apparently could not hold his tongue any further, and pointed an accusing finger at the stranger. "How will you pay your debt back to us? Speak, or I take the pay from your charred corpse!", he shouted. His companion put a gnarled hand on his purple-clad shoulder. Judging from how the mage suddenly stiffened, the grip must have been painfully tight. "Now, did I not just commit us to not acting violently? You have tried to kill this one before, and without even offering your name".

Not giving the mage time to reply, he turned once again to the newcomer. "This", he offered, gesturing towards the mage, "is Kalai. He is a mage from the far south. I", he continued, gesturing towards himself. "Am...", his speech halted, as he stroked his chin and seemed to concentrate, as if trying to remember something from the ancient past he certainly must have been part of. "Hmm, well. Names are of little importance. You may call me Ask for the while being. Most would call me a druid, I believe. He and I have been hunting together for some months. Now, I have two questions for you to answer". He raised two gnarled fingers, folding one for each question spoken. "One. who are you? Two. Are you aware of the loss you have caused us, or should I explain why we are willing to sacrifice all these people solely for revenge?"

Arlix's posture hardly relaxed as his gaze remained on the two before him, and he was about to reply that they had a preferable place to do business, for he still wasn't really intending to 'hand over' a person into the midst of these two. Especially with the one overly eager to commit slaughter. His gaze traveled calmly to Alarin, as though seeming to ask whether or not she were willing to submit to the mercy of this pair. His gaze also single handedly seemed to ask where she desired that he stand in the affair. But of course, that decision was quickly made when it was apparent that the taller of the intruding two meant to attack.

With a shout of warning, his steps led him ever so closer and the scimitar came up in a metallic blur so the tip pointed precariously at the figure's throat, ready to plunge home in a heart beat despite the other man's apparent control. "You can go wait outside of our home if you continue as you are" he threatened as though talking to a child throwing silly tantrums before looking back to Alarin as though making sure the man didn't do anything with his magic while Arlix was busy threatening him.

Seeing as Alarin was in plain sight, Kahler moved to push into the circle of men and stand back at his chief's side as any good soldier would. He too held his blade ready, prepared to jump in on the high chief's behalf. Arlix hesitated then, lowering his sword with the tip to the ground, though just as ready to bring it up to bear should he need it.

"You are all on my ground," Arlix said suddenly, cutting over the man's questions and demanding everyone's attention with a deep, thick voice. "And with that being known, all under my terms." He held out his arm towards Alarin then, gesturing her into the circle and his men parted to allow it. "I decree that you will settle your debts in words only, in the neutrality of fair ground." He realized that he didn't have much authority to be demanding so out of two people completely not part of his customs. But then there was the follow up.

"If you do not agree to these terms, then you; Ask, can take your companion Kalai back out of this place and wait until my guest is ready to leave, then you can fulfill your revenge as you call it away from my people and away from our lands." He spread an arm out, encompassing the view his land held as his gaze moved to the old man. "Do you accept me to host your negotiations?"

It was still obvious as to who's side Arlix was on, and really was it so hard a choice? Though Alarin had initially came as a prisoner, she had explained herself with no violent intentions, and her actions had backed that up. But Ask and Kalai had come charging in screaming and yelling like snot nosed, spoiled children; or at least, he was quite sure it was Kalai doing the tantrum. Not only had they been throwing a fit, but they were threatening the very existence, and trying to humiliate Arlix's position. It was more than obvious who's side the chief would initially be on, but now he was seeming to act more of the middle man, as though foolish behavior out of either party would be strictly dealt with.

__________________
I will not kill you... in all technicality time will kill you. I'm just a contributing factor ~ Damarian Vasilis Zaccheo

I do not get moody. I get murderous ~ Saigyn

[A Guest?] ~ Advanced -Arlix-
[The Five Lights] ~ Advanced -Laeris Etheral Jostish- -Valcenz-
[Dove's Bane] ~ Advanced -Alloyscious Haryiel-
[Labyrinth] ~ Advanced -Triton Ochayne Demisou-

[Very nice reply, Kio!]

Al-kin watched the broken man's face turn away from the chief. There was little recognizable emotion to read in those lines covering cheeks and brow. In truth, the elderly mage looked a great deal like an archaic species himself, alien behind the leathern mask of time.

Though Al-kin felt shock at the certainty in the elder's voice and claims, there was none shown. Rather, as cool as water, the shifter regarded the older man and considered nothing, offered nothing.

Nothing was required, for as the elderly mage had taken opportunity of speech from Arlix, the high chief stole space for Al-kin to provide answers. It was a blessing in disguise, that additional time given through Arlix's intercession. What may have been said would have possibly only inflamed the young southerner all the more.

And how will you respond? Mamoru sighed.

For an imaginary companion, the voice had a point. Al-kin gazed at the older man and then, with Arlix's expectant wave, passed through the villagers to the center of the circle, there to stand aside of the high chief and his warrior.

It came as no surprise that Arlix had the presence to pull off such terms. Nor was it a surprise that he should have chosen to make them thus. It was in the best interests of his people that magic users did not create discord within the village or even the lands. Al-kin had seen before the destruction and pain such great magics were capable of causing.

With a low bow, middle finger and thumb pressed just above the heart, Al-kin flourished a distant obeisance to the high chief and his word. "I abide by your decision, High Chief. However," and at this, the slender creature stood, turned and regarded the elder and his companion, "if these find it too difficult to accept such direction, then I will go with them to the river, cross it and there, outside of the High Chief's lands, will do such battle as might suffice to appease their anger, one way or another, though it would pain me to do so. It is not in the best interests of these people nor the three of us outsiders to cause carnage when understanding or recompense could be made in ways far more beneficial. It is my belief that such madness of the outside world taints our lands and spirits. I would not have this upon myself or any others if I were capable to avoid it."

While in such formal speech, the delicate body of the stranger moved with sinuous grace and in the voice rang chords of accent which did not reflect greater known tongues. "Will you not both put aside the pettiness of the Now and meet with myself under the wisdom and direction of this human?" One delicate hand sloped out to encompass Arlix. "I promise to answer what questions I may. Perhaps we can discover what has caused such devotion to my downfall that you both would follow my footsteps for the days' passing."

For once, the Voice was silent. But then, it took a great deal of focus for Al-kin to place the subtle weaving of ley lines which might be drawn upon should the Southerner and his guide refuse to be swayed to either way. It would be the village which would pay dearly and Al-kin had wishes to contain as much of the suffering as was possible given the meager scope of the powers of the People.

__________________

‘What will my death be like?’ he thought- and knew at once
with abrupt certainty, that it would be just like his life:
... the same balance of bearables.
~Amis

Ask did not react at all to the sword tip pointed at his companion - it was more or less the reaction he had expected. Kalai, on the other hand, bit his lower lip and shifted his eyes downwards, and small beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. The perceptive onlooker might have taken notice of how the glyphs on the invoker's sleeves had taken on a fierce glow as the chieftain's steel approached their wearer's neck, and of how lithe, ebony fingers swiftly moved to pull a thread from the fabric. Whether this or the scimitar was the reason for Kalai's sudden anxiousness is up to speculation, but he did seem to grow a lot calmer as the glow began to fade. Of course, this was at the same time the chief removed his blade...

Kalai never spoke in return - perhaps he did not trust his temper, or perhaps he feared retribution from the wizened man beside him. At any rate, the invoker found himself pulled aside by the old man's iron grip. Ask gave a weary sigh and mumbled something about men of titles, before speaking up. He did not turn to face Arlix, but let his gaze rest on Al-kin. As the guest finished her speech, he replied without much emotion, "Host if you will, High Chief", unceremoniously accepting the chief's terms, it appeared. There was no telling whether he would care to remember those terms if things did not go as he wished, however.

"Now, you promise to answer my questions", he said to the sword-wielding shifter, "and yet, you answer one of my questions indirectly, and the other not at all. It is clear that you have no idea of what you have done-", the rest of the sentence was drowned out, as Kalai clasped his hands over his face and gave a pained groan. "He cost us this much, and doesn't even know!? Agh, I cannot believe this!". Ask waited patiently for his companion's unintelligible - but, rest assured, highly creative - curses to die down before continuing. "As I said, you obviously do not know what grudge we hold against you. I will explain, in the hopes that we can come to a solution that does not involve too many returns to the Earthmother. I suppose the explanation is rather simple".

"It happened a few days ago. You should be able to recall the exact moment - I have troubles conceiving that anyone would easily forget the fireball volley Kalai sent after you only moments after you ruined our plans. As I mentioned earlier, the two of us have joined together to form a hunting expedition, and we have spent the better part of a year hunting exotic - and oftentimes dangerous - creatures across the world. Our reasons for this hunt are our own, but part are them is what drives most everyone. Money. Now, that day when we had the misfortune of happening upon you, we were moments away from catching one of our most precious quarries yet. Kalai, please explain - this is your area of expertise, after all". Making a sweeping motion toward his companion, Ask took a step aside.

Kalai, who was still wallowing in self-pity, looked up in surprise, but quickly regained his dignified posture and cleared his throat. In but a moment he went from temperamental to calm and professional, as he attempted to explain the situation in his broken speech. "The difference is in the colour. Not gryphon of a normal colour, but red. Different in the flesh, in the blood, in almost everything. Bones and gastroliths are good for the trophy rack, good for the money. Blood, gall, all fluids - mixing them right I would recommend for explosions, or in another way for... different effects. The ancient one could use the feathers, and somehow keeps tendons fresh for my laboratory. There is also the feathers, and fur, and intestine. All useful. All rare. All are expensive! If we catch it we are rich, but you! Augh! You bumbled through the trees like some idiot, it hears and takes off!". With an expression of mile-deep irritation, Kalai began to massage his forehead, as though he were having a headache. Nodding, Ask spoke up again.

"To those who know how and where, a red gryphon can easily be worth more than a dragon", he said, and his voice resembled dry leaves crumbling 'neath a boot. "It only adds to the gravity of the situation that such creatures do not generally inhabit these lands - which means that it must have fled too far to be pursued. Calling what we lost a king's ransom would be taking it lightly, and let me assure you that men have died for fractions of its worth". Locking his ancient eyes with Al-kin's, he asked, "Now. If not with your life, how you will you pay for this slight? And another thing. To answer the question you did not reply to the first time: introduce yourself".