The Merchant's Daughter (S:ARG RP) - Traditional Fantasy IC

[Azseth]

No one had anything major to say after Ateo, there were a few comments about finally being underway or complaining about this or that, but without another word, Ateo turned Boulder and made his way to the gate at a slow pace. Those that weren't mounted did so and the rest turned their mounts to follow.

Eventually they all grouped up as they would stay, those that were familiar stayed together and those that weren’t avoided one another. The exception was Fitch, he rode along the group, up and down and in between and made small talk where it was appropriate, either conversing for a short time or being ignored and moving on. Ateo spoke up some time later, “We’re going to pick up the pace now. We’re still close to the city and relatively danger free, but still, I am going to head out and range in out in front. Please conduct ourselves from here on out in a business-like manner. Look out for goblins and giants. Should be hard to miss a 15 or 20 foot giant, but still.”

“Ha,” came a harsh laugh from the carriage, a laugh belonging to Zakein. Ateo cringed slightly, the laugh sounding more like a croak or rubbing of steel on steel. "Goblins are nothing more than fodder, many are slaves in my homeland, although I find them good for nothing…"

When Fitch replied, it wasn't a sarcastic or harsh reply but actually somewhat patient and warm. "This is not your homeland. Things are different here, I'm sure you noticed a distance from your goddess, and I'm sure you feel magic more differently here than your home. That is not the extent of the differences."

The drowess didn't say anything, unsure if she was being chided or simply informed. "I've studied much at Temple, and of those things I've studied, it was races and monster bestiaries from elsewhere. Goblins here are a lot more unique than most other places. They are not cowardly little creatures who spook at the shake of a sword. They are not slaves to other races and used, as you stated, as fodder. Here on the Peninsula, they are aggressive and capable. Giants, orks and even some humans are subjugated by them. Shake your spear at one, or cast a spell and you'll be surprised to find an arrow in the back, or your spell countered, or even a goblin mage unleashing a spell before you can utter your words. Here, they are fanatical and driven. Some say they worship an old god, but regardless, they would rather die than flee. And yes, one, two or 3 goblins may not seem over whelming. But one would throw himself on your sword just to become dead weight and hinder you. One would welcome you to cast a spell. He can either counter it, or die, but now you're tired, and your spell has left your memory, and now 4 more goblins have joined the fray."

Ateo nodded and added "it's said, however many goblins you see, there are twice as many laying in wait."

"What can you tell me of giants," Temer asked casually, looking at Ateo.

"I haven't chanced upon one, all I know, I've heard."

Nazgruul looked at Ateo after the comment, "but you told your guard, Thom, you fought them."

"No, I said he isn't the only one who has fought them. Just to tame his ego," Ateo answered with a smirk.

"I've fought a giant, and also read much on them. Again, comparing them to elsewhere, here they are more…domestic? Or maybe civilized. Regardless of terminology, you will not find a giant who claims a domain, like sky or fire or sea. Here they are more…racially or culturally defined. They are immensely strong and grow from 15 to 25 feet tall. They have an extraordinary resistance to magic, light, dark or elemental. Good news about that is that they cannot be cast upon even by their own, for healing or augment spells. Anyway, they are diverse. One clan may worship the god of Justice and be relatively good, even work closely with humans nearby. Others eat anything smaller with two legs. But even the most evil fear the goblin horde. Giants need to be handled slowly, and in groups. You cannot tell much by looking at one, whether they are peaceful or brutes, magic user or sword wielder. In combat, slowly exploit them, be on the defensive, let them expose themselves. Running headlong into a giant will get you stepped on or pounded into the dirt."

Ateo listened for a moment more and when it was clear that Fitch was finished, he spurred Boulder forward to move out ahead of the group, leaving them to whatever else they'd speak of.

[Hymusia]

Vel And Ateo.

As the talk of the big bad they were off to face went down Vel slipped into her 'working' mind. It was true the creatures here were much different than those back home and she could not claim having ever fought something not of her own more 'humanoid' races. Elves, dwarves and humans, even other drow but she'd not faced Goblins or giants before. Her ears weren't just ornaments but they listened to everything from the open window of the carriage and then when all was said and done Vel had come to a conclusion.

While the carriage ambled on she leaned out the door and offered a half bow to the two ladies inside. “Well Matron, miss. It would be terribly unfitting of me to not serve my purpose after a contract has been formed. Thus I must not leave the scouting to just one grizzled man and his donkey. De'Myr stay within the carriage, do not so much as poke your head from the window until I return. Matron, I shall not be gone long and my duties will be fulfilled.” With that Vel gave a rather dazzling but reckless smile and she jumped.

Swinging herself up onto the carriage roof she took a moment to gain her bearings and scan the surroundings while regaining her balance. “Mister Ateo.” Polite as she could be, “I'll accompany you scouting.” The very thought of the mule and it's, ugh. The whole thought made her feel nauseous. Looking to the rear of the carriage where the horse trotted behind she swallowed the bile in her throat. It was just an animal, a stupid, treacherous, evil, nasty, vile animal but still an animal. Positively mortified she made her way to the back of the caravan and with a groan she bit her teeth together and hopped down. As she slipped onto the evil mammal's back she severed it's tie to the carriage with a blade and immediately regretted her every move in life up until now.

She grabbed the reigns but the horse was not happy with the unfamiliar weight and she was likewise unhappy with the unfamiliar feel. It was not wide enough nor muscular enough compared to what she rode at home. It's gait was all wrong and it's arse seemed to sashay half a foot out to either side whenever it liked. It's neck was too thin and it's head was too long and it's intelligence while likely greater than the lizards, seemed to neglect to inform it that being ridden was what it was meant for. With a curse word she went pale, for a Drow, and had she not already withstood more humiliation than she could adequately bare she managed to gee the horse into movement in the right way.

There was after all more to lose here than just personal pride. Her family's name dirtied? Fuck no. Her Species tarnished (more)? Fuck no. The respect of her employers? DOUBLE TO THE FUCK NO! The determination that burned in the mortified Drow seemed to reach even the horse who began to behave itself and move as Vel wanted it to. “Damn right you ugly mammal you are my bitch.” She muttered to the horse, who flicked it's ears and understood nothing. With a conscious effort she made the creature move faster, so it might over take the carriage and those travelling in front of it and catch up with Ateo who rode out ahead with his donkey.

Fucking hate that man, donkey, horse. Fuck you that's what, fuck you Ateo. I'll teach you to look down on me you pile of horse shit. Oddly enough her mental ranting seemed to help her relax and grow accustomed to the awful movement of the horse and her utter lack of riding ability. Her feet for instance were not in the stirrups, she had no fucking idea what they were for. She was sat slightly far back on the saddle and the reigns in her hands looked clumsy, still, she didn't fall off so one point to Vel. [ “Ateo.” Uttered in a gentle whisper as she fought to get the horse to slow down again, fucking horse, when it was trotting she continued, “How much scouting have you done before? I am not doubting your abilities but since you are the leader here you lead and leave the scouting to me. I scout better than I ride horses.” An attempt at humour and even a small smile before the horse moved at slightly the wrong angle and she felt too nauseous to keep the grin up.

Ateo didn't race on ahead, so he was not far away at all when he noticed Vel getting out and mounting (if that's what you'd call what she was attempting to do) and gradually..not so much riding as much as staying ahorse and making her way over. "You're very out of your element," he stated ambiguously and offhandedly, no callousness to his tone. Was he talking about the surface, being on a horse, scouting, or her attempt to try and be polite and civil?

He studied her as she approached and continued to as she rode beside him. Boulder also looked towards the two and if donkeys could glare, Boulder was glaring at the horse. Both Ateo and Boulder were surefooted and headstrong, but their strongest bond was in that they both hated horses.

"I'm more of a ranger or scout by trade, I guess. Not the type to sneak into a stronghold and steal something without having anyone know I was there, but out in the wilderness, I can blend and watch and have a knack for reconnaissance. It would serve you well to take lessons on riding. You're a few steps from having it down, but the way your riding, your ass is going to be sore and in need of a good rubbing in a few hours. I am sure Fitch or Temer would oblige you if need comes about." He smirked at her as he teased, not meaning to insult but keep things light and casual. Ateo was a hard one to gauge, prone to angry outbursts one moment, then quiet and brooding the next, and then later still he'd talk to someone as if they were long time companions.

Out of her element? Of course she was she was on an evil mother fucking horse. "No shit." Was her very well thought out response, civil and polite, not her strongest point. Clearly nor was horse riding, they moved far too weird for her. The surface, well the only real difference was the day star despite how the humans liked to dramatise the underdark. At least Drow were honest and forthright when they disliked each other, humans were even sneakier than Drow!

Vel was actually somewhat surprised when he said he was a ranger and scout by trade, no fucking way! For a moment she was astounded and almost lost her balance on the horse -that would never have happened on a lizard, just saying-. "You? Seriously? Don't take this the wrong way but rangers and the like don't usually have such a stick up their ars---I mean. Really? That is surprising." A forced civil(ish) smile and slight nod of her head as she seemed to agree with herself. "So you're one of those annoying...I mean wonderful, people that can do pretty much everything? Jack of all trades, master of none, that about right? I'm not trying to be offensive I just--What? Oh hell fucking no, I'm only riding this ugly fucking thing for your benefit. You go out there and get shot to shit because you're too busy 'blending in' to notice the fucking goblin behind your back we're all screwed..." With a deep sigh and roll of her eyes she quickly added. "I mean thank you that would be delightful but i don't plan on riding for long. Not horses anyway."

At the comment of Fitch or Temer touching her rear end she shuddered visibly, just, ew. "If I hurt my rear you can kiss it better." Vel commented aloud, rolling her shoulders which were already stiff from the way she was trying to ride this stupid mammal. Clearing her throat before she finally got to the point, "So, what's the plan for this reconnaissance malarcky Boss?"

He was slightly thrown off by Vel being so…talkative. He hadn't met many drow, in fact, the three in the party were more than he'd met previously, but those before, and even the other two seemed more eager to talk to themselves and reserve comments to non-drow for when there was something derisive or derogatory to say. He couldn't help but grin at her comments and he shook his head, answering her after he initial question about being a jack of all trades. "Not a jack of all trades. Ranger best describes me, but I have my more…devoted skill set, but that is most likely not something that would be of use for what we're headed for."

He looked over his shoulder and made sure the others weren't leaving or killing each other even though he knew at this point, all would be well. "But I guess in some vague sense, I could be considered that. I'm no knight but I can fight mounted. I'm no archer, but I can shoot a bow. Nor am I a mage, but I can cast some spells. I always learned to fight to be able to kill and never really focused on what I'd describe myself as."

"And for the love of all that is holy woman, move forward on that beast. Loosen your legs, you're squeezing the damned thing to death. Relax. Don't try to move with the thing, or brace. My riding teacher said riding is easier for a woman. It's like being fucked. Open your legs, relax and enjoy it. You're riding like a seasick boy on his first boat. Anyway. My ranging has taken me to goblin camps and outlander strongholds, and some place I'll never speak of. I'll be fine if you feel the need to sit your pampered ass inside a cushioned carriage, I'd understand."

"Oh, and. If offered the choice, a mule would be a better decision next time. They're slow and methodical and they are smoother than a damned horse any day. But anyway, plan is to venture up ahead and keep my eyes open. I don't anticipate us even potentially even really needing to be on the look out for anything for a day or so. But as you mentioned, I don't seem very much a ranger, and truth be told, I've been a glorified houseguard for far too many years, I have to work some of the kinks out."

Nodded lightly, it made sense, it wasn't exactly the same that was for sure but it was very similar to their house. Degrassi rarely sat back and thought about what they've learned or amassed and when they do they usually came to the knowledge that they too, at least information wise, were jacks of all trades. They were still primarily stealthy fucking assholes though. "Ain't a thing wrong with that Ateo, it's good to be well rounded. Me, I have some inherited skills, don't loose them but don't mean I'm able to teach anyone it either. Stealthy as fuck when I want to be, no really, aside from that i can get information out of pretty much anyone if given enough time and incentive but that's about it. You got your bases covered." To that she seemed almost impressed, which was certainly saying something.

All of a sudden he was giving her horse advice, at his advice she moved forward in the saddle and it did feel, admittedly, quite a bit more comfortable already. Then he told her to loosen her legs, "Get to fuck, I'll fall off!" Clearly a little more scared than she wanted to admit and so cleared her throat for her second retort, glad her hood was covering her face and hiding the blush on dark skin. "Well Ateo no wonder I can't ride, I've never been fucked. Think many people wanna fuck an assassin?" She snorted, as if she had actually won something by making this point but in actuality she was embarrassed to admit it. Only one time had her job asked her to lay with someone and that... Not thinking of it, not thinking of it, not thinking of it.

He chuckled at her comment. "Assassin or not, the only people who fuck for something other than pleasure are whores. So unless what is between your legs is your method of assassination, you should try it. Many people do it, and there's a good reason for that. And occupation is not always discussed when bedding a woman." Then he quickly added, "unless she IS a whore I guess…"

With a breath she added, more quietly and perhaps a little humbly, "Besides, I'm a lot of things but I ain't pampered. Never have been, life down there doesn't give you much chance to be. Even for them I guess, it's hard and it's ruthless and it's dangerous. Down there if you get too comfortable you get killed. Usually by us because someone wants your house or something. Same as up here just, more open."

"Well, I can understand that. The merchants, they are a untrustworthy, awful lot. Always plotting and scheming and while straight out assassinations are not the commonplace, attempts are not unheard of. Mostly, plays are made via blackmail or extortion or sabatoge. I loathe merchants."

She seemed to almost grow contemplative and then she shook it off and grinned at the mule and him "Mule, got it. Prefer ore lizards though, big bloody things with enormous teeth, not an advantage down there, everyone's got some really but up here, if nothing else they look scary. You should try riding one at some point."

"If they are anything like a horse, you can keep them," he snapped quickly. He wasn't angry, but for when Ateo thought of riding a horse, he pictured a scene more like what she described. Ateo hated horses…

Vel grinned, "Nah, they're a lot like your mule, well, I suppose any mule, just...bigger."

Glancing out at the horizon as it appeared before them she nodded lightly, "I'll admit, my first time doing something like this, usually it's in city jobs you know? Go spy on this person, go kill this person's second aunt, go steal this. However, if it's one thing my kind has it's a freaking amazing survival instinct. So why you're shaking off the cobwebs just keep an eye on me, if I leg it you better be following." She was teasing clearly, she never ran from a job no matter how dangerous, no matter how much... More...fucking...wine!

"The larger the city, the larger the corruption," he said softly, almost to himself. "If you run, there isn't a hole deep enough to hide." He was smirking and joking, but there was definitely a truth to his words. His mouth hung open as if he'd say more but snapped it shut suddenly. Truth be told, he hadn't really talked with anyone, besides his men, this long in years. The vast majority of his talks with anyone was business, and even when talking openly with his men, they didn't care or pry about pasts. They talked about fighting and whoring and drinking. He needed to be more guarded with his words.

Nodded to the man's wise words, "I'd drink to that but then I'd most certainly fall off this beast. Still, we're not working for one of them cocks we're working for a guy you clearly think something of. So fuck the rest in my opinion." Glancing briefly to Ateo she was tempted to ask about his past, the information might be worth something, however for now the contract made him an extension of her employer and by her own morals she didn't snoop on an employer. Once it was over she was going to go open season on his history mind you, if they lived. "I don't run. I might be a Drow but I have a code, see this scroll?" She tapped the second of three in her corset and had she removed it he would see it was the Merchants one. Ateo only nodded in response. "I didn't have it drawn up just so your boss didn't screw me over. If I put my name to a contract the job gets done, I don't welch on it. It's part of my moral code. Only way I don't finish a job will be if I die doing it." Vel seemed pretty serious on that too, it might have been weird for a Drow to think about moral and honor but everyone needed something to cling to and this was what she did.

"I find that very…interesting. I hope you don't take offense to that."

Vel only shrugged, understanding completely how one would think that of a drow. "As for sex, well I'll take your word for it on it's uses. Never had interest in it if I'm honest. All that gyrating and sweating, rather embarrassing I think. Besides he..." She stopped but before she could say anything, he simply added "it's like eating. You don't eat to look good doing it. You eat for the end result. But, I've only been with one woman myself, for what that's worth." She shook the softness from her tone and changed the subject again completely. "So, this girl, don't take offence that I've forgotten her name but I don't like getting attached to things, or people, makes my job harder. What does she look like? Not saying we will but if we get separated it might be an idea if we know what we're looking for. I'm not a good Samaritan so I won't be saving any stray girl I see in the hopes that it's his daughter."

It was his turn not to take offense, he simply scanned the horizon absent mindedly as he spoke. "Dahlaholtrah. Quite a mouthful. Try Dahla. She's a girl of almost 9. She's not bigger or smaller than most girls her age. Brown eyes, blonde hair. She has a slightly visible scar on her hairline from fighting one of her cousins, and she recently cut her hair to a boys length, just to spite her mother, who wanted it to be long and flowing. She's mouthy and too smart for her age. In fact, when we get back to the group, I have an illusion based spell that will show you all her exactly as I last remember her."

"Dahla, I will try and remember it, long blooming names. Can't say Dro--Wait...what? Not... but the way..." Vel, rendered speechless, it wasn't the revelation itself but the sudden understanding of all the things prior to this moment. Ateo's rage at her unprofessional attitude, the Merchant's utter despair, the awkward looks of those that had helped interview them. Nine. Human's were nothing to most Drow, amusing toys at best but someone had to be incredibly broken to think a Nine year old ought to have her fate be sealed in such a way. Besides from what it sounded like, "Me and her are going to get on like a house on fire. I like spirited kids." Then again this wasn't to say she was a 'kid' person, in fact for the right money she'd kill anyone, even kids. It seems though no one had the kind of money required for that kind of job, Vel was a cold-hearted bitch yes but children.

"I admire ya even more I think. If it were a friend of mines kid...well it...nevermind. Don't have friends, they're liabilities, still, I would not be able to sit here and be a collected as you are. The way she was spoken of i assumed she was at least of age but this? This...no wonder your'e so protective of this job." Vel wasn't about to make empty promises about getting her back in one piece and reuniting her with her father and all the rainbows and unicorn, fairy poop that went with it. They both knew the likelihood of that was slim and Vel was not even going to suggest he possibility of her demise. No, Vel wasn't attached to this, it wasn't her family, it wasn't his and she had to be professional. "If somebody is holding Dahla though, I'm going to really enjoy making them let go."

“I appreciate the admiration, but it’s not necessary. I want to get her back, simple as that. And as far as being collected, or calm...” He looked over his shoulder, back at the group for some reason, as if he was a kid about to tell a secret or something. “I’m burning with a rage inside that hasn’t been there in years.” How long had it been? 50 years? 70? “But. Anger is a gift. And the gift of my anger and my rage,” he smirked, shaking his head as his eyes glazed over for a few moments, “they are something to behold.” He blinked a few times and turned back to Vel. “Whoever has done this is already dead. Just a matter of me, of us, getting there.”

He turned away from her and asked…or said, out of nowhere, “you are curious about me. Probably more so than any of the others."

His almost secretive whisper made her feel momentarily special, then incredibly nosy. She wanted to behold his anger, she really did, preferably not directed at her as that would seem to be a rather unwise idea. Fitch, that Cassandra woman and the Merchant all seemed to hold Ateo in high regards. To look at he appeared to be just another human, though perhaps that was racial prejudice rather than physical attributes. Yet there was something that, even if she wouldn't admit it, made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end and when he had shouted at her, she'd been just a little bit afraid for the first time in years. Still, surely it would reveal itself, hopefully the man was right and whoever had taken Dahla was now being picked out from between a giants toe. Then hopefully Dahla had the good sense and street savvy to stay hidden and out of sight until they got to her. She had a feeling anything, giant or other wise, that got between Ateo and Dahla was going to regret it.

"Oh gods am I that easy to read?" She replied when Ateo confessed to having noticed her curiosity. "I am yes, information is sort of what my family does, among other things, so whenever there's something interesting we tend to prick up our ears. You're an interesting man Ateo, even at the interview I thought that and now more so. God breaker has nothing to do with a monk or a priest or any kind of clergy from any kind of bar. The respect you command in those two back there is not the kind from a simple ranger or even warrior, you hide yourself better than most as well, throwing up walls so people can't see. The others, they're easy enough to read despite their attempts not to be but you? Only a man with secrets would be that careful with his words and the words others say about him." She paused then, a small smile at her lips, indeed Ateo was an interesting enigma. "However, it is in my code not to pry into an employer's secrets while I am contracted to him. You are the physical extension of my employer so I won't ask and I won't pry...until our contract is complete and then you're fair game Ateo." Her tone light and surprisingly playful for a Drow.

“Not that easy to read, no. It’s just…the common place. Ever since coming in to Arbich, everyone has wanted to know about me. More so after the Riots. Notoriety only increased people wanting to know about me. Some have spent money trying to find out about me, lots of steel. The Detlran’s have given up only but recently. To a large extent, my survival depends on no one of this realm knowing my past. I value my life very much. But you. I can see you looking, even when you're not, and the need or desire to know is almost palpable...”

He took out a water skin and drank heavily of it before putting it back to his side. “And pry if it entertains you, it will just end as it always has,” he grinned almost daringly, but didn’t look at her as he spoke. “Anyway, who said I was in charge? I know Marcurio didn’t, or if he did he failed to tell me.”

“I will tell you this, as it is of no real consequence to anything. The village we are headed to, Small Haven. I spent lots of time there growing up, was raised a few miles out of town. I am not looking forward to seeing it in ruins.”[/QUOTE]

The jack-of-all seemed to have her pinned and she could not help a small chuckle that slipped from her lips, "To pay for information, well I had never honestly thought of that before. Money can lie after all." She paused as he continued, his existence relied on his secret being kept? "If we survive this, buy me a diamond, they are a delicacy back home. Do this and your name will never leave my lips to my people, for all I am Ateo I am not a cold-hearted murderer. Besides, for a human, you're rather palatable." Her jest was as light and gentle as her laughter, though there was a large portion of truth to her words. She was not in the habit for freely ignoring secrets but if Ateo purchased her a diamond that in itself constituted a contract, under said contract she would not be able to break the terms but for obvious reasons this would have to be her exception in the written rule. For if his name was on parchment, people would pry.

"You are the most trusted to the Detlran's, a seasoned warrior if only minor, clearly a tactician. Who better to lead us? Fitch perhaps? Zakein? Tremer? Perhaps I? No, of all the gathered, perhaps minus Zakein, I am sure you would find that they agree such a position is yours. Sorry about that but leadership, never been my style personally." A little bravely she released the reigns with one hand and flapped the air as if to rid a bad smell, quickly catching the reigns once more and gripping for her life. As Ateo continued to speak she paid attention, quiet and unresponsive even though he dropped such a beautiful nugget.

Of no consequence perhaps but records and people would exist somewhere, they could speak, they would with the right influence, then it was all about following the trail, chasing it and once catching a corner not releasing it. It perhaps, was like a blood hound with a scent, a tiger with her kill, the chase, the thrill, it bubbled inside Vel. If ever a chase would be satisfying and fulfilling she felt this one would be it, the once in a lifetime white whale. It was almost enough to salivate on, a good informant, a good spy, why any crumb was enough to begin the hunt. Shaking her head she dismissed such thoughts, at the very least until the contract terminated, "Besides." Half whispered to herself, "This way I won't betray you." The Drow had no intention of betraying but ah did the lure of a hunt seem tempting, the last great hunt had been him and such a burden was both euphoric and soul destroying. The thought of a new hunt like him, perhaps better, perhaps a hunt that would finally wipe that cursed man from her minds eye, it was almost too much to bare and Drow could be awfully single minded.

Clearing her throat she spoke once more for his ears, "Small Haven? A pretty name and sufficiently descriptive no doubt. Is it certain that it is already in ruins? I will admit my home towns name left much to be desired, though no one can deny the beauty of the crystal mountains. The walls sparkle like an endless night sky and when the moon beams hit it just right at the peak of the season's they sparkle with the most radiant of lights." If only to keep Ateo's mind off his town and her off the scent of her trail she would ramble like this.

“Fitch, despite my thoughts of him in general would make a good leader. He is not as people generally think. Benjamin, Cassandra. I’d almost say Temer, but he is not familiar with the area. All have potential. We will see. Maybe a leader will not be necessary and no crucial decisions will be made.”

He watched her wave her hand at the horse and sympathized. He loathed the beasts, plain and simple. After she spoke briefly of his past, diamonds and Small Haven, he said flatly. “I can see your wheels spinning and while it’s amusing understand that a great many know of my upbringing in Small Haven, except maybe the people who live—who once lived in Small Haven. Anyone seeking my past would look there first, there is simply nothing there to learn." One thing that no living being knew was that he was actually half human, half elf, and while he inhireted the majority of his human blood's traits, age was one of the those that the elven side of him was expressed. "And I’m not so sure the term “ruins” would be something the town was capable of becoming. It was by no means large, most structures were wood or straw or mud. There is no militia or guard, no walls. I’m sure a goblin attack would have left it laid to waste. It’s sad, but the cities and countries cannot protect its people, not always. And the hordes know this. But they’ve never been this brazen or united. It almost makes me think something more is happening, something I really don’t want to be a part of.”

He listened to her describe the city and took it in. He was unable to really picture it mentally. Ateo was a somewhat traveled, but he’d never seen anything like that, deep down, Ateo was an extremely simple man. At the end of the day, he’d like to have been spending his life with family, perhaps working and watching his kids grow. He was never one to go off and seek exotic places and sights.

“Sounds. Memorable. I myself was mainly raised in shacks and hovels.”

Once again Vel snickered lightly and uttered a short but not completely honest apology. It wasn't he fault he was so damn interesting! For a while they continued to ride and chat casually, about nothing of any real significance at all.

[Zhaliora]

After Vel had left the carriage and taken the horse and rode up next to Ateo, Zakein turned towards De'Myr. "Now that she is gone, do you wish to tell me why you came to this land or do you want me to force you to tell me?" "There is nothing to tell, mother, my reasons are my own." "Oh...I am afraid that's the wrong answer" before De'Myr could even react, Zakein had drawn her rapiers and pierced De'Myr's shoulders just under the collarbones and released their magical energies into her, adding to the pain. A small shout of pain could be heard from De'Myr before she caught herself and closed her mouth, riding out the pain. "I told you, my reasons are my own, mother" De'Myr said defiantly. "Why do you keep brining these things upon yourself, dear? At first I thought that slave was a good idea, a tool for you. But then, you fell for her, and she for you, despite your punishment. *Sigh* Don't you see girl? I wanted to make you stronger, and I did, I even got Lolth to look in your way."

Zakein removed one of the rapiers from De'Myr's shoulder. "And then Lisha died and you became even stronger, you even gained Lolth's favour! So why!? Why did you not come home!?" Zakein's voice had already rose to the level of shouting before she lowered her voice again. "With the powers you now have, you could have became a matron mother, easily, but instead you ran here. But why? Why did you run to this Lolth forsaken land? Haven't you noticed? Her voice is weak in this land, her favour runs short and we are like blinded fools in the dark, even our power have diminished compared to how it was in Thürian, even if that land is not of Lolth." Zakein removed her other rapier from De'Myr's shoulder and looked at her daughter; "Why can't you tell me the reason? I......do not wish to force you......." Zakein almost looked sad. "What is it with mother today? Is she trying to fool me into thinking her weak, or that she ever actually have cared about me?"

"However, I will force you into telling me if you don't tell me very soon" Zakein's expression turned into one of anger and malicious intent. "So, make it easier on yourself, dear." "I told you...." "Andre'umakk wun jiv'undus, jhal ori'gato ol naut tlu nym'uerus dal l'do'suul" A loud scream could be heard, coming from De'Myr as she turned and tossed in excruciating pain, but no one outside the carriage could hear her scream. "You hold the record of holding out against this spell. But I wonder, just how much pain is the information worth to you? You know I can do a lot worse things to you, but my rapiers magical energies should do that just fine combined with the spell." As Zakein spoke De'Myr's obsidian skin turned blue as her veins started closing, only allowing blood to travel to the brain and back as Zakein held her hands over De'Myr's head and heart. "Make it easier on yourself and tell me now, or do you want me to dig into your mind as well?" "It's Lisha! Resurrection! This land! Hold the key!" De'Myr grunted out in-between the pulses of pain. "Now, that wasn't so hard now was it?" Zakein said and released the spell.

"So this land hold's the key to her resurrection?" Zakein looked outside the window and mumbled over her breath "Like mother, like daughter, we truly are a cursed family." She turned and looked towards her daughter again. "You'd better stay still for a while, or you might die. Even if you're a disgrace sometimes, you're still my only daughter, my son's can't lead the house. But I swear on Lolth herself, that if you should bring the house down, I'll tear myself away from Lolth's embrace and claw my way back into this world and have your head." Zakein sighed as she put her hands over De'Myr's body again. "O'goth elakar hery lu'rei wund charnag v'dri" she said and De'Myr's wounds started to close up and her obsidian colour returned to her features and she fell into sleep. Zakein cradled De'Myr's head "Why did you have to follow in my footsteps, just like my mother before me, you foolish girl."

[Azseth]

Benjamin sneered to himself as Ateo rode off ahead of the rest of them and was soon followed by one of the dark elves. Contrary to the circumstances as to why Benjamin was even here, Ateo was not very high on his list of "most liked people" by any means.

He found Ateo condescending, transparent and pompous, even too sure of himself. Leave it to Ateo to call in a favor that was all but forgotten and act as if he were doing so with regard to the individual he was using. Benjamin would have had more respect had Ateo came out and said "you owe me, it's time to pay" and not dressed up calling in a debt owed with a myriad of niceties.

On top of it, Benjamin didn't even like the fact that he owed the man. Did he save his life? Yes. But he didn't ask for it, hadn't expected it or anything of the sorts, and if that damned dwarf hadn't made mention of a debt for alife, Ateo would have been none the wiser. But it was his fate to be tied up in this garbage and be off in some quest to save a girl who was most likely dead. Many looked at Ateo as the superior fighter of the two based on the fact that Ateo saved him, but it wasn't as if the incident had anything to do with either of the two's battle prowess.

"Haytruu, you look tense. Is something ailing you?" Fitch's spoke in what to him was a low voice, but it could still be heard by all but the two up ahead and there was the constant sound similar to boulders rubbing together as he asked his question. Benjamin sighed audibly and looked in the general direction of the eerkro but decided he had nothing to say to the large warrior, so he didn't reply back.

Fitch however seemed to preconcieved idea that there would be no answer so he just continued on, talking to no one in particular. "It sure is nice to be on the road again. Nothing feels better than being on the road, and for such a good cause and good man."

At that Benjamin snorted and asked "good cause? The girl is dead. None of US would survive a week amidst goblins and giants, let alone a spoiled city girl. We'll be bringing home a body or nothing."

[Hymusia]

Cass and Serenity.

Cassandra's plan was to take up the rear, heavy armoured and a warrior no less she was the best candidate for such a position. She could keep an eye out and defend should anything come up on the flanks of the party. With the garish carriage it was also rather likely that they'd draw more attention than they wanted to. The initial ride was peaceful though, quiet and serene, one could almost forget they were riding to war, more or less, to rescue a girl. One could forget the ills of the land and admire the beauty that remained. Though such a carefree life style was not one that overly appealed to Cassandra, as a member of the holy order she had to keep in mind all possibilities.

Lost in her thought's she was roused as one of the dark skinned creatures slipped out the carriage and, with the grace of a drowning fish, rode her horse up to Ateo. At this point she turned to Serenity and offered a gentle smile, “Forgive my silence, child, I've been thinking and in so neglected you. Perhaps I've spent too much time alone. What are your thoughts on this mission and on our companions?”

Serenity, whom rode next to Cassandra, was lost in her own thoughts as they rode along. It took a moment before she registered that Cassandra was talking to her. She turned her head around towards Cassandra. "I've.....been deep in my own thoughts as well" Serenity offered a insecure smile back. "I think that this mission is a great cause....but...I am worried about the girl. I don't thi-..I hope that the girl is still alive. I truly want to save the girl and bring her back home." Serenity tried her best to sign with one hand while she held the reins in one hand. "I don't know too much about our companions. Ateo seems to be aloof and arrogant, but he cares a lot about the girl. I..don't have a clear picture of the rest, but I don't like the feeling that I get from Zakein. But I don't know what to make of the feeling. What about you?"

Nodded lightly, without being said she knew what Serenity had meant at first, she wasn't sure the girl was alive. In all honesty, Cassandra doubted it as well, however Ateo believed her to be alive which was good enough for her. The man was as Serenity said, arrogant and aloof but she had seen him fight, she had seen what he could do and she respected him for it. With or without him though she planned to see the mission to the end, even if it meant going on alone. When Zakein, one of the Drow, was bought up she glanced over to the carriage where all had been rather quiet since Vel's departure, a little too quiet. It was suspicious, the three of them were all suspicious.

"I try not to make snap judgements but Fitch is someone I respect already, he, despite his appearances, seems to try and think with a level head and that in invaluable. Benjamin reminds me of one too many of the old veteran's that often try and visit our home. Bitter almost, I don't know. I do not trust any of the dark skinned women, they are all by design shifty and dangerous, the only one that even seems remotely tolerable is the one riding in front. Perhaps though that is because she is the only one who hasn't made a song and dance about her powers or toughness yet." Cassandra felt a little bad at bad mouthing the people she worked with, she saw their merits too however she had to also see their flaws. "The others I have yet to truly get a read on, they seem as if their minds are elsewhere, perhaps to their lined pockets and Temer, I truly do not like him, though I can not explain why."

"I don't have any experience with Drow's before, so I can't tell." Serenity looked towards Temer; "I must agree with you there. I also find something strange with the man, I don't know what either though." She turned her gaze towards the horizon; "I wonder how this adventure will end. I hope, that we find the girl and bring her home, but I don't actually think so, I don't even think that we'll be able to find a body." Serenity sighed; "I just hope that none of us add to the death-toll if she is dead. But I really, really wish that we find the girl unharmed." Serenity shifted in her saddle and accidently poked the horse with her sword and the horse reared up and threw her off before it darted away, leaving her lying on the ground in confusion and pain.

Cassandra was about to answer Serenity's concerns when the horse reared and bolted. "Serenity are you alright?" Her sister did not seem in any way grievously harmed and assuming she got a good response she offered her hand down to the woman to help her up, "Your mount is likely half way back to the city by now. We could give chase but we'll lose the party. However your pack is there, what would you like to do." Serenity jumped up behind her now on the saddle she awaited the girls decision. If they were to give chase they would have to be quick.

Serenity turned and looked towards the way the horse ran. She patted Cassandra on the shoulder and pointed towards the way the horse ran. "I need to get that pack, there is something I hold very dear in it" she signed very quickly and wrapped her arms around Cassandra's waist.

Didn't even need the sign to know they were going after the horse, with a nod given she turned her own steed and with a kick to his flanks the horse sprinted off at a gallop after the run away horse. They'd catch up to the others, it wouldn't be difficult with the wagon and how loud they all were. Besides her horse, while not as muscular or tall as Fitch's was a beast itself. Long powerful legs covered the land quickly and without effort despite the extra burden of the extra rider. The stallion would be parched later and hungrier than usual but such was a given of course. "I can see her up in front of us." Sure enough there was a smallish speck that was kicking up dust as it moved away from them, with another cry for the horse the stallion raced towards the escapee horse.

Serenity held Cassandra in a strong embrace as they raced after the horse. Once Cassandra spoke, Serenity tapped her abdomen as confirmation of the horse. "How should we stop it?" Serenity tapped Cassandra's plate in morse code. She contemplated the idea of jumping onto its back or around its neck to stop it. But she was unsure if she would be able to do it.

Luckily the horse after it's initial scare had started to slow from it's frenzied gallop to a light canter, meaning they would catch up with it without to much effort at all. Morse code was one of those things she wasn't too good with, especially through armour, however Cassandra was intuitive and answered what she assumed the question to be. “ I'm going to pull up along side it and catch it's reins. Hold tightly to my waist and we should be able to calm her down in no time.” Cassandra stated, gaining quickly on the horse and rearranging her own grip on her stallion. No doubt had this been one of the kindly offered steeds from the stables she would not be able to do such a risky stunt, however this horse and her had been together quite some time and they had a mutual bond and trust with one another.

Freeing one hand from the reigns she swiped once at the mare's unsuccessfully, then twice before catching it around her wrist and hand on the third attempt. A swift tug on the mare's reins as she gripped her own with both hands again, “Woah girl, steady, steady. Easy now.” She ushered to the horse, attempting to slow it while slowing her own, with hope the 'pack mentality' would aid her somewhat, the stallion being a few hands taller and of course male there was hope that Serenity's horse would respond well.

The mare slowly started to slow down it's pace as Cassandra held its reins. The horse snorted a few times before it calmed down completely and stood still. Serenity hopped of Cassandra's horse and walked in front of her own horse. She slowly reached out her hand and stopped a few inches away from its snout and waited. The horse did not react to her, it reached down to eat some grass instead. Serenity however, was not put off by the horse's behaviour and stood still, holding out her hand to the horse. It took a good ten minutes until the horse raised its head and closed in on her hand. The mare smelled her hand and then gave it a lick. Serenity smiled as she reached up her hand to its head and patted the horse and closed the last distance and slowly raised her other hand and stroked its mane gently. Since she was mute, she could not talk to the horse, so she let her body and motions do all the talking as she tried to ask the horse for forgiveness for hurting and startling it.

She patted the horse for another ten minutes before she moved to its midsection and patted its belly. She put one foot in the stirrup and slowly lifted herself up onto the horse and then put her other foot in the other stirrup and took the reins from Cassandra. "All right, lets go back to the others, if we find them."

Twenty minutes had easily passed while she waited for Serenity to bond with her horse. She understood how hard it was for the mute but at times like this she did wish the poor thing could speak. Patient as stone though Cassandra waited and when Serenity was mounted she nodded lightly. "It won't be easy, they have quite the lead on us now, however if we follow this road and their tracks we will catch up with them in no time." Cassandra wasn't worried about them mind, she was just concerned herself about what would be thought of them for being tardy and of Serenity. A lot of 'adventuring' was about first impressions and such things could be changed easily by the wrong bit of gossip. "If we ride hard we should be able to catch up. I feel bad for our mounts but we can water and feed them when we rest." With a firm pat to her own steed's neck she geared it into motion, travelling easier now with less weight and still at quite an impressive speed for the burdens it carried.

Serenity did not usher her horse on right away. She reached into one of the saddle packs and took out a winged, golden trinket. The trinket also had a face, a crude replica of one of her sisters face. She grasped the trinket in both hands and kissed it before she put it back into the bag. Cassandra had by this time gotten a small lead on her so she got the horse into a gallop and it was not too long until she was next to Cassandra again. "For my sisters, I can't fail, I will bring that girl back even if I have to drag her back from death's embrace." Serenity nodded to herself before she turned her gaze towards the road in front of the pair. Serenity pulled up her hood and dared to turn her eyes spectral as she tried to see into the distance. She could not see the party itself, that meant that they were more then five kilometre's away, but she could see the tracks of them. She quickly returned her eyes to normal and glanced over towards Cassandra. "I wonder how long our horses will be able to ride in this tempo, and not to mention the way ahead of us when we catch up with the others again."

[Terminal]

Temer affectionately patted the man of his gelding as he rode along - he hated horses, but that was on principle. No sense in fighting the back that carries, in a manner of speaking. Also, it was more of a test than anything else - none of the horse's hairs came loose as his plated fingers brushed at them. He hadn't forseen any complications, but it never hurt to check - a regular horse would have begun to lose weight immediately, and would have been reduced to a skeletal husk within days, hence why he had asked for a gelding. Beasts of burden were all cursed to suffer the burden that was Mot's influence when one of his acolytes rode them. The only way to get around this inconvenience was for the animal in question to be castrated.

Being a worshiper of Mot was not a pleasant thing. He was a cruel and greedy god - his insatiable hunger was legendary, and the risks carried by his followers great. Temer had already given up his eyes, the ability to drink clean water (he either had to drink fetid water or blood) and his potency. And he was one of the lucky ones, to have given up so little and have been given so many blessings in return. He was confident that he, at least, would make it through the job alive. He had experienced goblin hordes before, and while he had never so much as lain eyes on a giant by the way Fitch described them, they could either be negotiated with or avoided. And if worse came to worse, he had a horse - bravery was the better part of valor, but death was also highly overrated. His only real concern was that, given the speed they would be moving at, he wouldn't be able to stop at every body in order to use the ritual on them.

He made a silent promise to at least make sure he would use it on anybody in the party who fell. That was the decent thing to do.

At that Benjamin snorted and asked "good cause? The girl is dead. None of US would survive a week amidst goblins and giants, let alone a spoiled city girl. We'll be bringing home a body or nothing."

"Oooh, I HOPE we find a body! A body means a funeral!" Temer said in a slightly more enthusiastic tone than was socially acceptable. "And that means I get to embalm the corpse, groom it, dress it and then direct the ceremony - all very expensive procedures which ensure my continued employment at the end of this job. Although I also suppose a good deal of that will be cut out if we find the body in pieces. If her head has been cut off, I still think we could manage a wake if we could find her torso intact - I've dealt with worse than that. But if they've eaten her we'll have to settle for a cremation. I hate cremations - do I look like a potter to any of you? I couldn't make a decent urn to save myself from Mot. Oh, and hey, if there is a funeral you could all come! I'll bet you anything lunch will be provided! A word to the wise, if any of you loveless bastards want people to attend your funerals, provide lunch." He fell silent for a moment before speaking again.

"Oh, and that reminds me: I don't suppose any of ya have any interest in making up your final dispositions in the chance of your unfortunate and likely horrible demise at the hands of goblins? I can make sure your possessions get to the right people for a small fee, and considering we're all rolling in gold right now I don't think any of you have to worry about collateral."

[Azseth]

Benjamin's speech got him a few sideways looks and Fitch's face turned slightly cross. He growled and was about to open his mouth when Temer interjected.

Almost on queue, Temer's speech ended and in a flash, the girl Eternity was t hrown from her horse. The two were well behind them, so any dialogue was lost to those up front, especially Ateo and Vel. A few heads turned at the movement and were surprised when the two mounted Cassandra's horse and bolted off.

"HEY!" Fitch managed to yell, which got everyone's attention if it wasn't focused in that direction already.

The two females didn't heed him or anyone else and bolted off on their horses.

Benjamin watched, assuming that the girl somehow lost her horse and the two took off after it. "I sure as hell am not going after them," he muttered and gave his horse a soft kick, urging it forward.

Up front however, Ateo stopped at the "HEY" but didn't turn around. His ears perked up and in front of him, he heard…nothing. But there was something a moment before. He scanned, one hand on the hilt of his katana, the other on one of his throwing daggers as he waited…and then suddenly, a small pack of wolves hiding in the brush took off in a rush. They weren't hiding from them, and they weren't waiting in ambush, but they were hiding.

Ateo's eyes moved ahead and he scanned. The road went on ahead and turned slightly to the left and on both sides of the road, this far from Arbich, the woods started to thicken and creep up nearer to the road. It wasn't a PERFECT place for an ambush, but they were still relatively close to Arbich and if Ateo were going to attempt an ambush, it would be a good place to find travelers who were not yet on guard…much like the group behind him was not…

"Vel, go back and tell everyone to ready themselves and be prepared. Something ahead isn't right."

Dark skinned girl's eyes had become two narrowed slits, despite her fear of falling from the steed one hand had left and it stroked at the handle of a blade. Something wasn't right if asked to explain it she wouldn't be able to. It was a certain 'intent', something as untangiable as the wind and yet there, few people really developed a true taste for it. Hairs on the back of the neck, the urge to turn around when you are alone. All feelings similar to this, it was a survival instinct and yet until the wolves darted away she had no idea what was awaiting them.

As if broken from a trance Ateo's words called the girl back from her thick thoughts and intent stare, glancing first to the man and the rider and then, briefly to the words. "It will be done...be careful." Not that the latter words were of import for a man such as he and yet she felt compelled to say them anyway. With a perplexed look on her face which she soon shook free she returned both hands to the reigns and turned the horse to return to the others and deliver the message, the ride of course was not a long one but she made certain to get right on close to them so she might speak in a low enough voice for all to hear but those outside their caravan. "Ready yourselves, there is something up ahead." The horse was side stepping and pacing until finally the Drow bitch grew fed up with it and as it paced she released her grip on the reigns and slipped off, the horse, now freed of it's burdensome rider standing sted fast.

Meanwhile, Ateo continued on at a brisk pace and suddenly the moment he hit the bend, Boulder bucked wildly, spun and off went Ateo. Ateo expected this to a degree and after the first 2 times, he wasn't ever caught off guard. When Boulder bucked and spun, he simply let himself get sent up into the air and landed with in a roll. Boulder would retreat back to the group, or show up soon enough, he always found his way back.

There was absolute silence and tension in the air that could almost be felt. Ateo hated silence spells, they were like cheating, but he knew he was inside the effects of one right now. He took a few steps forward, hand on his katana still. Just about this time, Boulder made it's way to the group and didn't stop, just continued running past them, stopping finally about 30 feet back where he pawed at the ground and did a weird mule snort.

Ateo had finally moved up past the bend, out of sight from the group behind him and decided to cast a simple dispell magic spell. Making a few signs by bending his fingers, he whispered "hertah dirtah akto."

And all hell broke loose.

Standing literally in front of him was a giant clad in animal hides and then there were about a dozen goblins, it looked to be about 6 to each side. While it took the goblins and the giant a few moments to come to the realization that if they could see each other, so could their enemy, Ateo went into action, rubbing his fingers and muttering "latch teelon" which created a bright FLASH of light while his other hand reached for a piece of charcoal he had on pouch, the dust was enough to work the spell, and said louder "reetya brutahl abseloot" which instantly cast a large, but low globe of darkness, roughly 20 feet wide and long but only about 7 feet tall.

All that happened in course of less than 3 seconds and then he hopped back, out of the globe as he heard several darts or quarrels ZIP past him. The flash was meant to get his opponents moving, lunging at him and it did, 3 or 4 of the goblin warrior jumping towards him just as the globe of darkness feel.

The giant panicked at seeing it's target disappear into the dark and just as Ateo hoped, it swung it's large club, most likely a mommoth bone but definitely the bone of a very large animal or creature, and it swung in a downward arch, moving slightly off horizontally. Two of the goblins who had jumped at Ateo moments before were instead met by the giants club and they FLEW out of the globe, tumbling and spinning out of Ateo's line of sight.

The club had narrowly missed Ateo and he could feel the wind rush past him, but the force of the club smashing into the ground sent him staggering and he could only assume left a large indent in the earth. At this point, more bolt and quarrels flew at him and he realized he needed cover as one of the bolts smacked into his leather armor and stuck. He ran at the nearest 2 goblins, one of which was mouthing a spell and holding an open palm at Ateo. "Tien," was all Ateo said and the goblin instantly looked shocked, finding that his mouth, tongue and lips were suddenly numb and unable to speak or form words.

Ateo continued forward in a blur and in one smooth motion, drew his katana and lashed out at the goblin next to the magic user. The straight thrust hit the goblin just as Ateo felt the ground tremors behind him indicating the giant was hot on his tail. Using the goblin on his sword for weight, he shifted his body weight and violently smashed the caster with a backhanded fist, catching him full in the face and without waiting, continued the spin, sliding his sword out of the dead goblin as he did and promptly made a beeline for the thick, wooded forest…

[Zhaliora]

Zakein could hear the loud thump in the ground as the giant's club hit the ground and she was shook from her thoughts about her daughter. She quickly looked around, trying to spot where it came from. Vel had told them that something was up ahead, but not an exact location. She opened the carriage door and walked out of it, leaving De'Myr behind inside as she closed the door. It would still take quite a while until De'Myr woke up anyway. As she looked ahead, she could see the massive giant in the front. She had fought giants in her homelands, but here, at least according to Fitch, they were different. She calmly walked towards the giant so that she were in front of the group before she drew her rapiers and continued walking.

As she walked around a bush, she came into close proximity with a goblin. Ori'gato elg'cahl z'hren areion ussta velven she said and dashed towards the goblin at high speed, a wicked smile on her lips as she closed the distance. The goblin took notice of her and started its own charge at her, sword in hand. Zakein smiled as the goblin began a overhand slash at her and she nimbly ran one of her rapiers along its sword, directing it away from her while she slashed at its throat with her other rapier, sending blood spraying everywhere. Another goblin came around a bush and it began to chant a spell. Zakein quickly chanted Ori'gato venorsh lgos ultrin as the mage finished its chant, but nothing happened. Its expression turned into one of fear for a few seconds until it drew its shortsword and waited for Zakein to attack. She laughed at the goblin and walked towards it like an angry god of war with blood dripping from her left rapier.

She did not fear these weak goblins. Despite what Fitch had said about them, they were still weaker than her, and those weaker were always going to be trampled upon by those whom had power and the will to use it. She easily dodged the goblin's blow and stuck her left rapier into its hand, making it drop its sword before driving both rapiers into its chest, killing it instantly. By now, a few goblins started to encircle her and she she grinned a evil cheshire grin and closed her eyes for a moment and let the goblins in closer before she started her dance of death. Her movements were like a blur as the goblins got cut down one by one and soon she was bathing in their blood. The rest of the nearby goblins started to back away from her cautiously but still at the ready to strike at any given opportunity. Zakein laughed and started to taunt them in their own language, or at least the goblin speech from her homelands, hoping that they would speak something similar.

It worked however, and quite a few goblins started to approach her again when the giant looked her way and swung its club down at her. She rolled backwards and stabbed a goblin behind her as she slowly backed away, circling her rapiers around. The goblins were easy enough, but she did not want to take any chances to fight them all alone and the giant at the same time, either would have to do. She ever so slowly backed towards where the rest of the party were at, striking down a goblin or two as her dress were now deep red from all their blood upon it. She had not wanted to turn to magic just yet. She wanted to know what these goblins were capable of doing, if they were good enough to be taken back to her lands to breed with the local ones, and the answer, was yes. Besides, if anyone else in the party saw her fighting before, or if she would cast her true magic, the chances of them betraying her out of fear would increase. She had to play the weaker one for a moment, but still keep herself above their level.

[Azseth]

The moment the giant attempted a lazy swing at the drow and she dodged, the giant smiled to himself. Most people thought giants to be dumb and slow, and giants knew this. This one saw the laziness in her dodge and that was what he'd hoped for. The little thing danced around, killing the goblins as the giant strode forward, watching, taking it all in; her speed, her patterns and the confidence at which she moved.

The giant continued forward at a slow, lumbering pace, hoping that this would have the little woman expecting another easy dodge. Then, faster than any one NOT having fought a giant before would think it capable of moving and faster than the last swing coupled with the slow, lazy pace from moments earlier would have anyone expecting it able to move, the giant bellowed loudly and emitted a physical yell deep from in his chest that would leave anyone, friend or foe alike, shaken by a non-magical affect. It would disorientate, confuse or at least dizzy or stun those within it's affect, and in the same motion, the giant raised it's own club up and swung it down at the stupid dark skinned elf girl, it's speed many times faster than the swing from seconds before.

[Hymusia]

Vel.

Vel had darted into the shadows and with them she had melted away to nothing, first her clothes, so close to the colour of darkness, her skin and her weapons until even her bright eyes and hair faded like a disappearing moon behind a cloudy night sky. She moved like only a shadow might, with liquid precision and grace, keeping step with the idiotic bitch called Zak. She had clearly not listened to a thing Ateo had had to say and while Vel would have happily disregarded anything the human said an hour ago now she had a dose more respect for him. It was not the words they had exchanged but a feeling he’d imparted upon her, one he was probably not aware of and something she herself could not put into words.

A ‘typical’ Drow in her method of showing off, Zak left herself open to many a weak spot as she danced about as if she were queen of the blades. Vel on the other hand found she had to break cover to slash a throat or cut an Achilles heel to slow the goblins from their attack on her patron. Each time breaking her camouflage only long enough to attack before retreating again, it was not flash nor was it graceful, it was brutal yet elegant. She was jaguar hunting in the shadows while like a swan or a crane Zak prattled about.

Up in the tree branches as the goblins grew suspicious of the stealthy attacker, Vel watched even the giant look bemused by the Drow’s flitting about, which of course could not be good. As the woman pirouetted it lumbered forth with a feigned slowness and bent down. Vel wasn’t sure what she was expecting but regardless as its mouth opened she covered her ears. Just in time as the giant roared but sensitive things still picked up the sound and she fell from the tree, her concentration broken and her camouflage failing.

Her ears rung and her legs felt like jelly, her eyes saw three of everything but they saw one thing clearly enough. Zak was about to get side swiped by the giant and the stupid mare was far too proud and cocky to realise she was far outclassed. With a desperate effort she staggered to her feet, pinning a goblin with one of her blades as it came in for an attack, though not with the strength or feeling in her limbs to retract the blade again she released it. Forcing her mind to focus she ran towards the sharpest image of Zak and the giant and with a great effort shoulder barged the idiotic Matron to the ground, narrowly avoiding the giant’s swing.

Vel wasn’t so lucky, while she had barely been hit at all the sheer size of the weapon had her spin in the air before rolling end over end in the dirt a good fifty feet away. Upon ceasing her Catherine wheel of motions the Drow assassin lay still as the goblins began moving in for what they hoped to be an easy kill. Blood coated a small knobbly corner of the giant’s club, it had sprayed across the ground where Zak had been standing moments before and where Vel had been struck and it began to leak into the dirt around the girl, her arm at an awkward angle, her shoulder dislocated if not shattered completely from the strike.

With a great effort Vel managed to swipe at the inside thigh of one goblin who screamed and flailed before she managed to get herself to her knees, no weight on the one ruined arm, panting and gritting her teeth to stop herself from screaming in pain. Despite her dark skin she’d gone incredibly pale and her eyes were even less focused than they had been moments before. Still there was a sharpness within the pupil’s, a determination that was the reason her family was so famous. It was that of a cornered animal, one who was about to die, it was the sheer wild will to cause as much damage as it could before it was snuffed out.