Jax thought about the growth of civilizations, how Orran itself spread and sprawled across the land like a hungry beast, snapping up nations and nature alike, all for the glory of the Empire. 

But still, Orran was his home, its inhabitants his neighbors and countrymen. Good people, worth protecting. 

"Mm, I suppose it must be harder for you, being part water spirit and all, connected to nature and all that. City life isn't for everyone I gue-"

A man's cry rang through the forest. Short, pitiful, and most likely to have ended in violence. "I suppose your right," Jax muttered to Kae as he secured the straps to his shield, his sword hanging comfortably from his belt. If they could hear the screams, that still meant they and whoever attacked them were too close for comfort, especially if the rumors of the bandit camp in the woods were true. 

[i]Thwip![/i]

More feeling the arrow than seeing it, Jax instinctively dove for the ground, tackling Kae along with him as he felt a rush of air pass just where his neck would have been. There was a short bark of laughter as a man slid out from the foliage around them. The bandit wore light clothing, colored in a way to break his figure and blend in with the forest around them. An axe rested comfortably on his shoulder, a hand holding it in a way that made it seem to be a part of the bandit than a harsh instrument. "You've got moves," the bandit purred, "I'll give you that."

Jax quickly clambered to his feet, standing between Kae and the bandit, shield raised and hand clasped firmly on his sword handle. 

"Ooh!" The man whistled, head swinging to the side. "And quite the gentleman too! You've got the man there, girlie."

"We've got no gold. Only a tent, bedrolls, and supplies for a few days. We've got nothing of value but the clothes on our backs," said Jax, taking on a professional tone that had handled killers and drunkards alike.

"You've got the very pretty sword and shield there. I'd say that's worth some value," said the bandit, axe waving generally at Jax.

"The only way you'll get either is if I stick you in your gut."

The bandit gave a wolfish grin. "That can be arranged. But no, we're looking for live bodies. An, arrangement of sorts."

Jax stared at the man, occasionally flicking his eyes to the sides to find the other bandits that were not doubt accompanying the one standing in front of him. "What for?"

The bandit shrugged. "Surrender yourselves and come with us to find out, or don't and die. Your choice."