The fierce, icy wind had stopped, but the rain came heavily, soaking the land. The grass was slick and visibility was lessened by the grey pouring. Thunder rumbled like the deep growl of a primitive beast, and the sheets of rain pounded the forest like loud drums. The smoke from the doused barn filled the clearing and the sky, as if vengeful about the fire's demise.
Kenji turned once the flames were successfully pacified. She began approaching a bound druid. Taff, She knew, The one who has called. She paused a few paces in front of him, her white marble eyes fixated upon him and the metal binding him, those eyes reflecting like a cat's would in the darkness. Her long, wild hair was soaked, plastered against her round face and her upper body. The short dress she wore clung to her petite figure, water droplets streaming down her exposed, pale skin.
She listened to the druid's words, blinking only once as he requested more from her. A twinkle caught in her strange eyes, a flash of mischief. The more that is asked of her, the more that is owed to her.
"I will serve to your desires, Taff Gelligen the Dragonlord." The fae spoke, her soft tinkling voice cutting through the chaos of rain like a hot knife. She turned then, to gaze across the clearing at the distant figures of a white haired female and two others escaping towards the forest through a hailing of arrows sailing through the heavy rains and smoke.
After taking a step or two in that direction, she knelt to the soaked ground. Her fingers sank easily into the sodden earth, where the long blades of grass laced between her fingers like a young lover holding her hand. She closed her eyes, and a strange, pale green glow seemed to flow down the veins of her arms into the earth. After that, a deep, hollow groan ensued, followed by the enormous sounds of snapping branches, rustling of many leaves, and creaking wood that filled the forest full. All around the edges of the thick forest, the trees were shifting. Their branches stretched and braided together, leaves and thorns growing thickly. Vines twisted themselves into the gaps in the branches and leaves, building a rather sturdy barrier all along the outskirts of the forest.
Kenji turned once the flames were successfully pacified. She began approaching a bound druid. Taff, She knew, The one who has called. She paused a few paces in front of him, her white marble eyes fixated upon him and the metal binding him, those eyes reflecting like a cat's would in the darkness. Her long, wild hair was soaked, plastered against her round face and her upper body. The short dress she wore clung to her petite figure, water droplets streaming down her exposed, pale skin.
She listened to the druid's words, blinking only once as he requested more from her. A twinkle caught in her strange eyes, a flash of mischief. The more that is asked of her, the more that is owed to her.
"I will serve to your desires, Taff Gelligen the Dragonlord." The fae spoke, her soft tinkling voice cutting through the chaos of rain like a hot knife. She turned then, to gaze across the clearing at the distant figures of a white haired female and two others escaping towards the forest through a hailing of arrows sailing through the heavy rains and smoke.
After taking a step or two in that direction, she knelt to the soaked ground. Her fingers sank easily into the sodden earth, where the long blades of grass laced between her fingers like a young lover holding her hand. She closed her eyes, and a strange, pale green glow seemed to flow down the veins of her arms into the earth. After that, a deep, hollow groan ensued, followed by the enormous sounds of snapping branches, rustling of many leaves, and creaking wood that filled the forest full. All around the edges of the thick forest, the trees were shifting. Their branches stretched and braided together, leaves and thorns growing thickly. Vines twisted themselves into the gaps in the branches and leaves, building a rather sturdy barrier all along the outskirts of the forest.
The knight's eyes were difficult if not impossible to see beneath his visor but they squinted as he tried to make out the man's words. Unconsciously he withdrew his sword, holding up his shield in the path of Robin's blades. Once the rogue's strikes flew the knight lunged toward the other man's midsection; more to keep the bandit on his toes than actually kill him.
He glanced in the direction of the druid before looking back at Robin. He wasn't sure what the man was saying but he thought he'd almost recognized a name amongst those strange words. Without any way to understand his foe the man pressed on. That was, until Matthew arrived.
Jalsinter was a large man, taking a balanced stance which additionally belied his years of experience. But with another grown man so brazenly aiming to tackle him it took everything in the knight's power and wits to keep him from succeeding. He had seconds to react, not having seen the other bandit until he was very close.
The knight roared, swinging his shield in Matthew's direction (the hope was for his swing to land on the man as he charged forward, the blow worsened by his attacker's own momentum.) And unless the fighter desisted it very likely would happen that way-- at the cost of Jal's defenses against Robin. With his shield out of the way and his footing compromised staggering back against Matt's tackle, the archer had a decent chance to attack.
Though the immediate threat of the bandits demanded most of Jalsinter's attention he was vaguely aware of the rain, the fire dying and the strange noise coming from the woods around them. He wondered if his luck was turning for the better or worst, since he'd decided to leave the brush for this clearing.
He snapped angrily, speaking to himself, wondering just what was going on. To those unfamiliar it would simply sound like he barked words of a harsh, foreign language.
He glanced in the direction of the druid before looking back at Robin. He wasn't sure what the man was saying but he thought he'd almost recognized a name amongst those strange words. Without any way to understand his foe the man pressed on. That was, until Matthew arrived.
Jalsinter was a large man, taking a balanced stance which additionally belied his years of experience. But with another grown man so brazenly aiming to tackle him it took everything in the knight's power and wits to keep him from succeeding. He had seconds to react, not having seen the other bandit until he was very close.
The knight roared, swinging his shield in Matthew's direction (the hope was for his swing to land on the man as he charged forward, the blow worsened by his attacker's own momentum.) And unless the fighter desisted it very likely would happen that way-- at the cost of Jal's defenses against Robin. With his shield out of the way and his footing compromised staggering back against Matt's tackle, the archer had a decent chance to attack.
Though the immediate threat of the bandits demanded most of Jalsinter's attention he was vaguely aware of the rain, the fire dying and the strange noise coming from the woods around them. He wondered if his luck was turning for the better or worst, since he'd decided to leave the brush for this clearing.
He snapped angrily, speaking to himself, wondering just what was going on. To those unfamiliar it would simply sound like he barked words of a harsh, foreign language.
Quintus shook his head at Iskra's actions, ever the stubborn woman, she exited through a hole in the wall instead of heeding his advice. Giving a few moments pause he followed behind at a steady walking pace, if anyone were to look it'd appear as if he was a hunter, confident in the direction of his next kill. Which was good, because it would create the illusion that he was attempting to capture the girls instead of attempting to aid them. He was still smirking at Atoli's comments, when upon exiting he noticed the wind and rain, the storm had arrived faster than anticipated, to his side he could see arrows flying towards the girls whilst the odd creature from earlier listened to the young captive speak. He paused, gazing around and taking in the situation. The sound of swords clashing drew his attention to the merc and knight still in conflict, a moment later and a second merc attempted to tackle the knight, nearly succeeding. Quintus was a bit torn on what his next action should be, assisting the merc's and hopefully allowing the girls to escape, or escaping with them himself. The creaking and cracking that accompanied the forest moving made his decision for him, a wall of leaves, vines, and bark arose around the area, forming into a...well..... wall. The source he deduced being the creature before him, there was no helping it then, it may very well come down to a fight. Quintus drew his sword, pointed downward, and walked towards the mercs.
Iskra was quick on her feet, to be expected of a bandit such as herself. She darted through the grass, managing to avoid arrows, be it luck or skill. Had she kept going at that pace, she might’ve had the chance to escape before the wall had formed. But the woman heard the heavy footfalls of the horse and had turned to look, and that was her demise.
One arrow hit straight in her shoulder and she stumbled, the second one lodging into her calf; the woman let out a strangled cry as her leg gave out from beneath her, sending her falling to the dirt. Yet she staggered up to her feet, and through the pain she made one final attempt at escape; and she was met with the wall.
Iskra pressed her hands into the surface, staring at the trees and vines that made it up, before sinking to the ground and pressing her head against it. If there was one good thing that came out of this, it was that Pentre would not be able to get in. But it would only be so long before he found the walled in area...
Shaking, Iskra brought her hand to her mouth; her injured arm refused to move, but one hand would do. And then, she whistled, a loud shrill noise. At first, it sounded like a Bird call, odd as it was, but the mercenaries would know what it was. A signal. That man had mentioned her bandits were in the forest. If she could signal them, they could come to her aid. That was her hope.
One arrow hit straight in her shoulder and she stumbled, the second one lodging into her calf; the woman let out a strangled cry as her leg gave out from beneath her, sending her falling to the dirt. Yet she staggered up to her feet, and through the pain she made one final attempt at escape; and she was met with the wall.
Iskra pressed her hands into the surface, staring at the trees and vines that made it up, before sinking to the ground and pressing her head against it. If there was one good thing that came out of this, it was that Pentre would not be able to get in. But it would only be so long before he found the walled in area...
Shaking, Iskra brought her hand to her mouth; her injured arm refused to move, but one hand would do. And then, she whistled, a loud shrill noise. At first, it sounded like a Bird call, odd as it was, but the mercenaries would know what it was. A signal. That man had mentioned her bandits were in the forest. If she could signal them, they could come to her aid. That was her hope.
(( knights and guards))
justify]As Iskra had made her escape from the barn, she had ran away from the clearance, far enough that Pentre finally was able to caught sight of her white hair, standing out in the night, in the not too far distance.
He had motioned at the guards to march forth to capture the woman, advancing with a proud smile of success. There was no way this wounded bandit would escape his hands, twice. This time, he would have her.
The hooves of their horses mingled with the sounds made by the hooves of the paid mercenary's horses, making it difficult to determine from which direction they actually came from.
"Go hunt that wench... I want her... in my hands... alive! I sentenced her to death by hanging, not to death by exhaustion nor death by shooting. Take great care that my prescribed manner of execution is carried out accordingly! Seize her, but do not kill her, or else you will hang in her intended noose" warned Pentre in louder barks, marching forth determined like a hawk about to snatch the prized prey.
His victory was assured, the wounded prey had no possible escape this time round, that was until he reached closer proximity only to be met by a thick, solid wall of vines, trees, grass, mud and growths, much too tall to even permit sight of the white haired woman and her fate.
A growl of frustration and anger slipped alongside some profanities most improper of a knight and lord of the realm, that clearly reflected the fury at this woman escaping his grasp yet again.
Then he heard her whistle... a clear warning that others may be lurking in the forest, men who knew how to get to her, men who under a blade might deliver her into his hands.
"Circle the area and stand watch... there must be another entrance and we will find it. Search for the bandits who might dare come to her aid too." barked Pentre moving away to go and find other ways to get to Iskra, his impatience and annoyance clearly visible for all to see and hear.[/justify]
justify]As Iskra had made her escape from the barn, she had ran away from the clearance, far enough that Pentre finally was able to caught sight of her white hair, standing out in the night, in the not too far distance.
He had motioned at the guards to march forth to capture the woman, advancing with a proud smile of success. There was no way this wounded bandit would escape his hands, twice. This time, he would have her.
The hooves of their horses mingled with the sounds made by the hooves of the paid mercenary's horses, making it difficult to determine from which direction they actually came from.
"Go hunt that wench... I want her... in my hands... alive! I sentenced her to death by hanging, not to death by exhaustion nor death by shooting. Take great care that my prescribed manner of execution is carried out accordingly! Seize her, but do not kill her, or else you will hang in her intended noose" warned Pentre in louder barks, marching forth determined like a hawk about to snatch the prized prey.
His victory was assured, the wounded prey had no possible escape this time round, that was until he reached closer proximity only to be met by a thick, solid wall of vines, trees, grass, mud and growths, much too tall to even permit sight of the white haired woman and her fate.
A growl of frustration and anger slipped alongside some profanities most improper of a knight and lord of the realm, that clearly reflected the fury at this woman escaping his grasp yet again.
Then he heard her whistle... a clear warning that others may be lurking in the forest, men who knew how to get to her, men who under a blade might deliver her into his hands.
"Circle the area and stand watch... there must be another entrance and we will find it. Search for the bandits who might dare come to her aid too." barked Pentre moving away to go and find other ways to get to Iskra, his impatience and annoyance clearly visible for all to see and hear.[/justify]
((group of mercenaries and rogues))
Matthew looked up as he saw Quintus returning over to them.
"Sir... this... knight errand seems to come from foreign lands and he fails to understand that we work for the king, we are the arm of the law at present." explained Matthew, clashing swords with the Jalsinter, he received wounds from this foreigner and that was definitely not well received, the anger at the injuries making him all the more determined and brute in his counter attack
"Make him understand this commoner here was captured for daring to offer shelter to the fugitives... high treason and all that, knight to knight and all that sort of nobility drebble... before we get seriously harmed" urged Matthew struggling and straining to fight off the knight
Robin wasted no time, the distraction and unexpected intervention from Matthew made Jalsinter distracted enough that he lowered the guard. Robin, a well trained slaver, knew this was the cue he required to act swiftly and decisively to ensure a victory.
He approached the knight from behind, hitting him hard with the hilt of the sword against the knight's head. If the impact was well received this would render the man unconscious and thus easily disarmed and captured.
No sooner the wall was raised, Glendale and Haldor slid down from the trees and rush forward with Rufus to help capture Iskra and, with some luck, Atoli as well.
"Well that was one hell of a chase, let's get these slaves back to the barn where Aynor may decide upon their fates..." muttered Haldor getting a nod from Glendale and Rufus
Rufus was a tall, strong man, closer to a giant than to a man, given his stature and strenght and unfriendly looks. So they left it up to him to grab hold of Iskra and bring her indoors, over the shoulder like a potato sack. After all, she was much too wounded to walk of her own accord.
"Be still and surrender, woman, if you want your head over your shoulders a little longer" frowned Rufus most unhappy, not grateful for the run he had to undertake and the tiredness this chase caused him, which made him all the more dangerous and grumpy.
"Toss your weapons aside and be still, I will grab you and take you indoors, away from this ungodly weather" informed Rufus giving a clear indication the travel to the barn would be inglorious and undelicate and not up for discussion either
Matthew looked up as he saw Quintus returning over to them.
"Sir... this... knight errand seems to come from foreign lands and he fails to understand that we work for the king, we are the arm of the law at present." explained Matthew, clashing swords with the Jalsinter, he received wounds from this foreigner and that was definitely not well received, the anger at the injuries making him all the more determined and brute in his counter attack
"Make him understand this commoner here was captured for daring to offer shelter to the fugitives... high treason and all that, knight to knight and all that sort of nobility drebble... before we get seriously harmed" urged Matthew struggling and straining to fight off the knight
Robin wasted no time, the distraction and unexpected intervention from Matthew made Jalsinter distracted enough that he lowered the guard. Robin, a well trained slaver, knew this was the cue he required to act swiftly and decisively to ensure a victory.
He approached the knight from behind, hitting him hard with the hilt of the sword against the knight's head. If the impact was well received this would render the man unconscious and thus easily disarmed and captured.
No sooner the wall was raised, Glendale and Haldor slid down from the trees and rush forward with Rufus to help capture Iskra and, with some luck, Atoli as well.
"Well that was one hell of a chase, let's get these slaves back to the barn where Aynor may decide upon their fates..." muttered Haldor getting a nod from Glendale and Rufus
Rufus was a tall, strong man, closer to a giant than to a man, given his stature and strenght and unfriendly looks. So they left it up to him to grab hold of Iskra and bring her indoors, over the shoulder like a potato sack. After all, she was much too wounded to walk of her own accord.
"Be still and surrender, woman, if you want your head over your shoulders a little longer" frowned Rufus most unhappy, not grateful for the run he had to undertake and the tiredness this chase caused him, which made him all the more dangerous and grumpy.
"Toss your weapons aside and be still, I will grab you and take you indoors, away from this ungodly weather" informed Rufus giving a clear indication the travel to the barn would be inglorious and undelicate and not up for discussion either
Taff looked hopeful as his eyes caught sight of Pentre, it seems salvation had finally arrived, only to be knocked down by the wall that would prevent the lord knight reaching them altogether.
Still this also meant his captors, the Onyx bandits, would not reach him either, thus salvation had indeed arrived... of sorts. He needed time to negotiate with Iskra concerning the release of the captive prince. If she wanted to have his own guts for garters afterwards, Taff would gladly surrender to her wrath, so long the future king remained unharmed.
All these negotiations needed time and with the wall keeping them all trapped, he would have such time for sure. His smile of relief and satisfaction could not be greater.
"I thank you so much, Kenji, you indeed brought my salvation for now" thanked Taff as polite as he was known to be
"What favour or price will you seek in return?" asked curious looking up at the fae who had accomplished so much in such little time
Still this also meant his captors, the Onyx bandits, would not reach him either, thus salvation had indeed arrived... of sorts. He needed time to negotiate with Iskra concerning the release of the captive prince. If she wanted to have his own guts for garters afterwards, Taff would gladly surrender to her wrath, so long the future king remained unharmed.
All these negotiations needed time and with the wall keeping them all trapped, he would have such time for sure. His smile of relief and satisfaction could not be greater.
"I thank you so much, Kenji, you indeed brought my salvation for now" thanked Taff as polite as he was known to be
"What favour or price will you seek in return?" asked curious looking up at the fae who had accomplished so much in such little time
Slowly, Kenji stood from the soaked ground, her bare knees scuffed with wet dirt, her fingers looking the same. The ground where her grasp had been dug still pulsated with the eerie, green glowing. Through the chaos of rain and fighting men around her, Kenji’s marble eyes were fixated upon Taff as she approached him again. Her gaze shifted from his face to the chains that bound him, contemplating. One of her pointed, slightly downturned ears, similar to a cow’s, twitched with thought.
A shiver went down her body and her silvery eyelashes fluttered, as she began to invoke the power of Imitation from deep within her being. Her left arm began to morph, with each pulse becoming something more and more different than the humanoid arm that was there before. It began to be very large, looking a bit silly for her petite figure, and covered in a dark, thick fur. The fingers hooked into wicked looking claws and muscles bulged under the layer of shaggy fur. In a few steps, she closed the distance between she and Taff, then gripped the metal chains firmly in the strange arm. Clenching her fist around the metal links, she tested their strength, then gave a mighty tug.
The tug may have yanked on Taff a bit, but mostly did damage to the chain. The links bent stubbornly with the first tug, but with a second, rougher rip of them, a few of the links snapped under the pressure and the binds loosened, falling at Taff’s feet. Kenji shuddered again, the fur on the arm beginning to shed off rapidly, creating a pile on the wet ground. The chains dropped from the hand as it became her’s again, the metal quite uncomfortable on her bare, fae skin.
Kenji stood in front of Taff, completely her own self once again, soaked and dripping from the chilly rain that poured relentlessly. She was grinning, displaying two rows of teeth that looked like a shark’s. “Taff Gelligen,” She greeted in a sing-song voice. “What I would like in return for my gifts to you…” She tapped her finger on her chin, playfully feigning pensiveness. “One of your’s must return with me to Home, to be my companion.” Her eyes that reflected like a cat's would also flashed with impish mischief.
A shiver went down her body and her silvery eyelashes fluttered, as she began to invoke the power of Imitation from deep within her being. Her left arm began to morph, with each pulse becoming something more and more different than the humanoid arm that was there before. It began to be very large, looking a bit silly for her petite figure, and covered in a dark, thick fur. The fingers hooked into wicked looking claws and muscles bulged under the layer of shaggy fur. In a few steps, she closed the distance between she and Taff, then gripped the metal chains firmly in the strange arm. Clenching her fist around the metal links, she tested their strength, then gave a mighty tug.
The tug may have yanked on Taff a bit, but mostly did damage to the chain. The links bent stubbornly with the first tug, but with a second, rougher rip of them, a few of the links snapped under the pressure and the binds loosened, falling at Taff’s feet. Kenji shuddered again, the fur on the arm beginning to shed off rapidly, creating a pile on the wet ground. The chains dropped from the hand as it became her’s again, the metal quite uncomfortable on her bare, fae skin.
Kenji stood in front of Taff, completely her own self once again, soaked and dripping from the chilly rain that poured relentlessly. She was grinning, displaying two rows of teeth that looked like a shark’s. “Taff Gelligen,” She greeted in a sing-song voice. “What I would like in return for my gifts to you…” She tapped her finger on her chin, playfully feigning pensiveness. “One of your’s must return with me to Home, to be my companion.” Her eyes that reflected like a cat's would also flashed with impish mischief.
As she flew through the clearing it became apparent that the men were fighting something else. Atoli was about to glance over her shoulder when an arrow whizzed harmlessly between the flight feathers of her left arm. An involuntary squeak slipped through the harpy’s mouth before she flapped her wings harder, seeking the safety of the forest.
Iskra was in front of her and sprinting in the same direction. For reasons unknown to her, Iskra turned her head, distracted by something. In the next moment, an arrow took the woman’s shoulder and calf and fell before Atoli’s eyes. With a startled grunt Atoli stopped dead in her flight and fell to the ground, crouched close by Iskra. She didn’t wish to share the same fate as the other bandit and kept low; hoping her dark small form would be overlooked...
The harpy could practically taste the magic that flowed nearby and frowned as the forest became a wall of vines and leaves. Atoli looked behind fully now to take in her surroundings. Quintus was walking steadily toward the group of fighting mercenaries, sword in hand. They seemed to be busy with a man that looked to have armor that was alight with orange glowing runes.
It was then that her gaze settled on...it. To one side of the fighting men were two figures. One of them rose from the ground with glowing pale eyes. The harpy’s nose wrinkled, knowing instinctively what they were, and she muttered quietly to herself, “Fae...”
Atoli’s attention was torn from the otherworldly being when three men came upon her and Iskra. When they neared, Atoli sprang up with a shrill ear-splitting scream; sounding more like murderous banshee than a small and frightened harpy. They seemed to have focused on Iskra which she used to her advantage. When she leapt up she focused her own attention on the largest of the men who was currently in the process of bending to grab Iskra, and brought her avian feet up to dig her talons into the man’s side.
Atoli beat her wings and sought to clamber onto the man’s back while trying to do as much damage as possible with her long sickle-shaped talons; all the while screaming with a fury that belied her internal fear. If she was successful on getting onto the man’s back, she would try to launch herself off from him and make a break for the tree tops past the wall of vines. The harpy was much more concerned for her own safety than that of the downed Iskra; that ungrateful she-wolf was on her own now as far as Atoli was concerned.
Iskra was in front of her and sprinting in the same direction. For reasons unknown to her, Iskra turned her head, distracted by something. In the next moment, an arrow took the woman’s shoulder and calf and fell before Atoli’s eyes. With a startled grunt Atoli stopped dead in her flight and fell to the ground, crouched close by Iskra. She didn’t wish to share the same fate as the other bandit and kept low; hoping her dark small form would be overlooked...
The harpy could practically taste the magic that flowed nearby and frowned as the forest became a wall of vines and leaves. Atoli looked behind fully now to take in her surroundings. Quintus was walking steadily toward the group of fighting mercenaries, sword in hand. They seemed to be busy with a man that looked to have armor that was alight with orange glowing runes.
It was then that her gaze settled on...it. To one side of the fighting men were two figures. One of them rose from the ground with glowing pale eyes. The harpy’s nose wrinkled, knowing instinctively what they were, and she muttered quietly to herself, “Fae...”
Atoli’s attention was torn from the otherworldly being when three men came upon her and Iskra. When they neared, Atoli sprang up with a shrill ear-splitting scream; sounding more like murderous banshee than a small and frightened harpy. They seemed to have focused on Iskra which she used to her advantage. When she leapt up she focused her own attention on the largest of the men who was currently in the process of bending to grab Iskra, and brought her avian feet up to dig her talons into the man’s side.
Atoli beat her wings and sought to clamber onto the man’s back while trying to do as much damage as possible with her long sickle-shaped talons; all the while screaming with a fury that belied her internal fear. If she was successful on getting onto the man’s back, she would try to launch herself off from him and make a break for the tree tops past the wall of vines. The harpy was much more concerned for her own safety than that of the downed Iskra; that ungrateful she-wolf was on her own now as far as Atoli was concerned.
Jalsinter snarled as the smaller Matthew stepped back into a fighting position and glanced in the direction of Robin-- right in time to receive the blow to the head from the crafty slaver. The metal of his helmet creaked as the hilt made contact; the runes upon them flashed, almost in response to the surreptitious attack. The tension remaining in the man's posture and the growl that swelled from his throat indicated that the blunt force trauma didn't quite reach his skull, however.
He clashed with Matthew but stepped back, jabbing his elbow in Robin's direction. If not still pinned between the two he'd strafe to the side, eager to face them both rather than exposing his back to either of them. He rapped the blunt of his blade against the surface of his shield and spoke again, his voice clear but calmer than before.
Then he winced as the harpy, though a small distance away, screamed. He squeezed the handle of his sword and glanced in that direction, his eyes soon after trailing towards the wall of vines which surrounded them. He grumbled something both irritable and uneasy.
He clashed with Matthew but stepped back, jabbing his elbow in Robin's direction. If not still pinned between the two he'd strafe to the side, eager to face them both rather than exposing his back to either of them. He rapped the blunt of his blade against the surface of his shield and spoke again, his voice clear but calmer than before.
Then he winced as the harpy, though a small distance away, screamed. He squeezed the handle of his sword and glanced in that direction, his eyes soon after trailing towards the wall of vines which surrounded them. He grumbled something both irritable and uneasy.
Quintus nodded to Matthew and his request before sheathing his sword, he waited until the knight made a mistake, creating an opening. A shriek caught his attention from the direction of the girls, it sounded like Atoli, his eyes widened. It was too late to rush over, and doing so would blow his cover, he hoped she was alright.
Her shriek however had given him an even greater opening to take advantage of. Walking over he examined the knights armour, the glowing runes likely aided him the same way they did in ancient folklore, but he wasn't invincible. The knees were less armoured and the armour wouldn't dissipated a hard blow to the side of the knee. Taking a step back he aimed a kick full force straight to the side of the knights knees, hard enough to cause some major discomfort but not enough to break the joint. Crossing his arms he looked into the other knights visor before stating simply "Calm". If anything would get it through the mans head that they were on the same side it'd be a non lethal, weaponless attack by another knight and a bit of pain. That or it'd make thing worse, he grinned to himself, either outcome would be beneficial for Quintus.
Quintus held up his arm at a ninety degree angle, before barking orders at the mercs "stow your weapons, and cross take up less aggressive stances, he'll get the message unless he's brain dead".
Her shriek however had given him an even greater opening to take advantage of. Walking over he examined the knights armour, the glowing runes likely aided him the same way they did in ancient folklore, but he wasn't invincible. The knees were less armoured and the armour wouldn't dissipated a hard blow to the side of the knee. Taking a step back he aimed a kick full force straight to the side of the knights knees, hard enough to cause some major discomfort but not enough to break the joint. Crossing his arms he looked into the other knights visor before stating simply "Calm". If anything would get it through the mans head that they were on the same side it'd be a non lethal, weaponless attack by another knight and a bit of pain. That or it'd make thing worse, he grinned to himself, either outcome would be beneficial for Quintus.
Quintus held up his arm at a ninety degree angle, before barking orders at the mercs "stow your weapons, and cross take up less aggressive stances, he'll get the message unless he's brain dead".
Robin threw up his arms as his superior denied him taking any revenge, Matthew immediately following suit too
"Fine... fine... orders are orders... I suppose..." grumbled the rogues taking a few steps backs and sheathing the weapons so assume a less threatening stance
The last thing they needed would be this righteous knight Quintus reporting to Pentre that the mercenaries had refused orders.
Pentre would definitely deny them further payment and throw in some charges of rebellion too, and that would not do them any favours. So the easiest option was indeed, withdrawing a little and doing as instructed, even if reluctantly.
Haldor and Glendale saw Atoli attack Rufus and came to the man's aid, swatting at the angry bird with wooden staffs and discarded logs as if ushering away a wild beast.
Their timely intervention would hopefully keep Atoli busy enough that Rufus, despite his injuries, would grab ahold of Iskra and take her inside as he had planning on doing all along
"Fine... fine... orders are orders... I suppose..." grumbled the rogues taking a few steps backs and sheathing the weapons so assume a less threatening stance
The last thing they needed would be this righteous knight Quintus reporting to Pentre that the mercenaries had refused orders.
Pentre would definitely deny them further payment and throw in some charges of rebellion too, and that would not do them any favours. So the easiest option was indeed, withdrawing a little and doing as instructed, even if reluctantly.
Haldor and Glendale saw Atoli attack Rufus and came to the man's aid, swatting at the angry bird with wooden staffs and discarded logs as if ushering away a wild beast.
Their timely intervention would hopefully keep Atoli busy enough that Rufus, despite his injuries, would grab ahold of Iskra and take her inside as he had planning on doing all along
The knight was disoriented enough by the screech that Quintus had his opening. He shuffled back, his stance shifting a bit to compensate for the pain in his knee while he turned his attention on the other 'knight'. His eyes widened a bit upon seeing the man; he was like nothing Jal had ever seen before. He saw the other man's gesture and heard him, unsure of what it meant but suspecting it was a call for peace.
He looked quickly toward Robin and Matthew, seeing them stand down as well before he decided to do anything to calm himself. The beleaguered knight lowered his blade and shield, slowly returning to a calm stance (though his eyes continued to dart between the three, out of paranoia.)
Once settled he nodded a bit in the direction of the fighting and looked at Quintus; though his expression was hard to see within his helmet, it was questioning. He spoke again, his words starting soft but ending with a harsh, inquisitive note.
He looked quickly toward Robin and Matthew, seeing them stand down as well before he decided to do anything to calm himself. The beleaguered knight lowered his blade and shield, slowly returning to a calm stance (though his eyes continued to dart between the three, out of paranoia.)
Once settled he nodded a bit in the direction of the fighting and looked at Quintus; though his expression was hard to see within his helmet, it was questioning. He spoke again, his words starting soft but ending with a harsh, inquisitive note.
Perhaps it had been on purpose. Though looking at Iskra, practically heaped on the ground, it was much easier to believe it had been on accident. During the chaos, Iskra had grabbed one of her daggers and threw it at Rufus, hoping to do quite a bit of damage based on the force. Yet instead, the blade flew at Atoli, and Iskra cursed her luck, slumping into the grass without a word. There was, however, the faint curve of her lips, almost like a smirk. Perhaps the woman had intended on hitting Atoli? Or maybe she was just trying to figure out another way to weasel herself out of this predicament.
When Rufus lifted her, she hissed in pain, and gave a solid kick to his back, though in her position there was little damage she could do, “Injure me furzher and Onyx vill see you do not survive until spring.” Quite the threat coming from a woman who couldn’t move one of her arms. But she wasn’t going to put much fight up now, having taken in the situation. Iskra would continue to observe and make her efforts later....and hopefully she would be able to make it out alive. Pentre might strangle her himself if he got his hands on her after this, and Iskra wasn’t too keen on that.
When Rufus lifted her, she hissed in pain, and gave a solid kick to his back, though in her position there was little damage she could do, “Injure me furzher and Onyx vill see you do not survive until spring.” Quite the threat coming from a woman who couldn’t move one of her arms. But she wasn’t going to put much fight up now, having taken in the situation. Iskra would continue to observe and make her efforts later....and hopefully she would be able to make it out alive. Pentre might strangle her himself if he got his hands on her after this, and Iskra wasn’t too keen on that.
The harpy hissed and batted at the staffs that swung at her. A gale of air and wind was whipping about from the force of her furious wing beats. As Atoli’s wings came up to properly launch herself into the air, the dagger flew at her. It found its mark and dug into the soft flesh of her under-arm.
The harpy’s scream twisted into a pained cry. Her footing atop the large man slipped and she tumbled to the ground with a soft thump, stunned. Atoli gasped from the pain that seared through her wing and looked at the dagger that was lodged there. Instinctively, the creature sought to pull the offending object out. With a quick jerk the dagger was yanked out. The injured arm tucked against her body protectively as blood spurted; soaking her feathers. She pressed her other hand against her arm to hold it tight to her side.
Her green eyes were as round as an owl’s as she looked at the men. She was now quiet save for her panicked breaths. She didn’t realize that the dragger came from the Bandit King. The creature stumbled back in vain to keep her distance from them. Her gaze looked past the men to seek out the human who lent her aid when she sought it out previously.
“Q-Quintus!” She called out to him. A clear note of panic put a shrill tone in her voice.
The harpy’s scream twisted into a pained cry. Her footing atop the large man slipped and she tumbled to the ground with a soft thump, stunned. Atoli gasped from the pain that seared through her wing and looked at the dagger that was lodged there. Instinctively, the creature sought to pull the offending object out. With a quick jerk the dagger was yanked out. The injured arm tucked against her body protectively as blood spurted; soaking her feathers. She pressed her other hand against her arm to hold it tight to her side.
Her green eyes were as round as an owl’s as she looked at the men. She was now quiet save for her panicked breaths. She didn’t realize that the dragger came from the Bandit King. The creature stumbled back in vain to keep her distance from them. Her gaze looked past the men to seek out the human who lent her aid when she sought it out previously.
“Q-Quintus!” She called out to him. A clear note of panic put a shrill tone in her voice.
Haldor came over to Atoli to seize her, to stop her wandering away and getting more hurt
"Worry not... slavers never let a single captive go to waste, yourself included, bird woman. You are curious enough to fetch some gold, maybe, or a neat pile of silver at least... animals don't go for much but some is better than none" muttered Haldor taking Atoli in arms carefully.
"Now you be still and you will be alright, pet... if you move too much, you will make the wound worse...." warned Haldor in a soft and somewhat kind and calming voice
"Do as commanded there won't be need for further injuries" assured as he wrapped Atoli with his cloak, it would limit her movements and chances to escape but it would keep her warm, a fair trade, as far as he was concerned.
When Rufus took Iskra in arms, and heard her remark, he burst into a chuckle
"Onyx?! You?! Keep daydreaming... wench... there are no women bandits among Onyx except for their leader who is far, far away" assured Rufus in the know.
"If you escaped from them, you need not worry, we are taking you back to their fold...for a fee. Do not see it as selling you to them, see it more as charging them for escorting services" mused Glendale
"Now then, be still, do as told and you will live to see these Onyx bandits soon enough... maybe you can talk them into taking you in. I doubt they would want a liability as you are... but you never know... if you are charming enough and warm them up in ways you women know about... you might get lucky" muttered Rufus
Glendale went about collecting the weapons off the two captives and following Haldor and Rufus back to the barn, gazing over at the distance at Robin and Matthew and Quintus who indeed seemed to be in deep conversation
"Worry not... slavers never let a single captive go to waste, yourself included, bird woman. You are curious enough to fetch some gold, maybe, or a neat pile of silver at least... animals don't go for much but some is better than none" muttered Haldor taking Atoli in arms carefully.
"Now you be still and you will be alright, pet... if you move too much, you will make the wound worse...." warned Haldor in a soft and somewhat kind and calming voice
"Do as commanded there won't be need for further injuries" assured as he wrapped Atoli with his cloak, it would limit her movements and chances to escape but it would keep her warm, a fair trade, as far as he was concerned.
When Rufus took Iskra in arms, and heard her remark, he burst into a chuckle
"Onyx?! You?! Keep daydreaming... wench... there are no women bandits among Onyx except for their leader who is far, far away" assured Rufus in the know.
"If you escaped from them, you need not worry, we are taking you back to their fold...for a fee. Do not see it as selling you to them, see it more as charging them for escorting services" mused Glendale
"Now then, be still, do as told and you will live to see these Onyx bandits soon enough... maybe you can talk them into taking you in. I doubt they would want a liability as you are... but you never know... if you are charming enough and warm them up in ways you women know about... you might get lucky" muttered Rufus
Glendale went about collecting the weapons off the two captives and following Haldor and Rufus back to the barn, gazing over at the distance at Robin and Matthew and Quintus who indeed seemed to be in deep conversation
Iskra looked guilty hearing the scream, and Atoli’s panicked voice, but she was certain the harpy would come for her throat if she realized it had been her attack. So she sat silently while she was stripped of her weapons, thankful she had left her prized dagger at the hideout. And when Rufus began to speak, her lips curled into a small smile, soon growing to a wolfish sneer. “Oh? Vell I assure you Onyx knows how capable of varming men up I am. I’ve burned many men at stake for retaliation. Fire is great at varming bodies, is it not?” She chuckled, as if thinking back on fond memories and not countless executions and murders, “I’ve become especially good at making zhem go cold zhough, Johann knew zhat vell enough vhen I cut his heart from his chest vith knife he proposed to me vith.”
The woman looked far too pleased at his knowledge of the clan, especially with the lack of women, “You’re...vrong about anozher zhing, Onyx has second female. A Knight I’ve occasionally allied myself vith serves us, she’s razher dangerous force vhen she’s vorking under my will. But someone like you vouldn’t know, she vears men’s armor vhen accompanying me. But vhy don’t ve ask our friend,” She nodded her head towards Taff, “How far away Onyx is?”
“Oi!” She called to him, “You zhere! You said my men have your friend, da?”
The woman looked far too pleased at his knowledge of the clan, especially with the lack of women, “You’re...vrong about anozher zhing, Onyx has second female. A Knight I’ve occasionally allied myself vith serves us, she’s razher dangerous force vhen she’s vorking under my will. But someone like you vouldn’t know, she vears men’s armor vhen accompanying me. But vhy don’t ve ask our friend,” She nodded her head towards Taff, “How far away Onyx is?”
“Oi!” She called to him, “You zhere! You said my men have your friend, da?”
Taff considered the fae's demand and payment and nodded in acknowledgement
"Your wish is granted, lady of the forest... stay by me and when the prince is returned safely and out of danger... I am all yours, I will accompany to your home and do your bidding as you have been doing mine, each favour repaid, if you would find me as worthy enough of your presence" offered Taff
It was then, awaiting for Kenji to reply that he heard Iskra's voice addressing him, making his blood run cold
He swallowed hard, heart beating hard and fast in fear, his words stammering in a low mumbled squeak that could not even be heard with ease. He coughed to compose himself and returned the address.
"Certain bandits known to you hold my friend to ransom.... please... I will heal all your wounds and those of your friend if you but assure me that mine will not be executed nor permanently maimed" asked Taff
Rufus slapped Iskra's back bursting into a loud chuckle
"Nice try with your accomplice over there but it will not wash off ... you may shut your gob. Now I know for sure and certain that you are but an impostor, no knights ever travel nor assist the most deadly crowd of rogues, assassins and thieves" concluded Rufus now certain Iskra was lying and impersonating Onyx leader.
"But no matter... since you are so fond them, you will soon face them and.. you will be all theirs... and... they will be all yours" assured Rufus leaving the matter as settled and bringing the two captives back into the charred smoky barn
"Your wish is granted, lady of the forest... stay by me and when the prince is returned safely and out of danger... I am all yours, I will accompany to your home and do your bidding as you have been doing mine, each favour repaid, if you would find me as worthy enough of your presence" offered Taff
It was then, awaiting for Kenji to reply that he heard Iskra's voice addressing him, making his blood run cold
He swallowed hard, heart beating hard and fast in fear, his words stammering in a low mumbled squeak that could not even be heard with ease. He coughed to compose himself and returned the address.
"Certain bandits known to you hold my friend to ransom.... please... I will heal all your wounds and those of your friend if you but assure me that mine will not be executed nor permanently maimed" asked Taff
Rufus slapped Iskra's back bursting into a loud chuckle
"Nice try with your accomplice over there but it will not wash off ... you may shut your gob. Now I know for sure and certain that you are but an impostor, no knights ever travel nor assist the most deadly crowd of rogues, assassins and thieves" concluded Rufus now certain Iskra was lying and impersonating Onyx leader.
"But no matter... since you are so fond them, you will soon face them and.. you will be all theirs... and... they will be all yours" assured Rufus leaving the matter as settled and bringing the two captives back into the charred smoky barn
The question was apparent in the tone of voice the mystery knight used, the question probably to do with why so many people were gathered here fighting, or perhaps why his side looked more like bandits than kingdom soldiers. Thinking it over the language sounded familiar, almost similar to German, perhaps German mixed with French...though the words didn't seem to quite fit. It was similar to his own experience with the local dialect when he's first arrived, at first they had spoken a language similar to English, but with odd accents and foreign words mixed in. Perhaps he could give German a go, rusty as he was in the language.
"Guten tag fairer Ritter, wir meinen es nicht schaden, wir sind geschäftlich hier aus dem Königreich" he stated simply to the knight, the hope being that it'd be familiar enough that the knight would be able to communicate with him, or at least use a different, more similar dialect. Of course, German could be completely off but... hopefully his luck would hold out.
whilst he attempted to play the role of translator the pained shout of his name made his blood run cold
“Q-Quintus!”
It was the harpy girl, Atoli, the panic and strain in her voice easily evident. Quintus had to keep himself from jolting at his name being called, something must have gone very wrong. Looking towards the other knight he simply placed a hand on the mans shoulder and gave a nod before heading in her direction, barking out orders for the two merc's to his sides
"keep aggression out of your stances or he'll get defensive, I'll be back shortly" he stated simply before marching with furious intent towards the barn. Stopping in front of the blasted thing he realized he had been clenching and unclenching his hands into fists. The act though simple brought forth a thought.
Why exactly did he care about a non human bird girl that he'd known for less than an hour?
entering the burned husk of what was once the barn he slowly walked towards where the girls where being held, noticing the trickle of water falling through the holes in the barns roofing as he passed by, and as he entered the area and looked at the pained expression on Atoli's face a feeling came over him, and a thought. She looked so very familiar, to a face long since turned to ash.
Making his way towards her he noticed the blood dripping down from her arm and her side he kneeled to her side placing a hand on her shoulder and depolarizing his visor to give her a comforting look. Looking at the wound he deduced that save for being painful, and the possibility of future infection it would be alright. A moment later a very stupid plan came to mind. Leaning close he whispered "play along" to Atoli and gave her a slight nod before standing and walking towards the mercs that had brought them in.
In a voice filled with cold malice he growled out "which of you two fools decided to wound the girl? you know what, doesn't matter, patch her up, NOW" he finished with a sharp bark of the order. It looked like this really would end up sparking into a fight soon he thought, taking a hidden look at the surrounding environment for possible escapes and advantages. Then again if he played this right he could pass off his care for her by making her appear innocent of any crimes, making their attack of her lose any justification, he just needed to watch his wording he thought before audibly sighing. Well at least this is almost over he thought to himself. Unfortunately for him the universe was just getting started.
"Guten tag fairer Ritter, wir meinen es nicht schaden, wir sind geschäftlich hier aus dem Königreich" he stated simply to the knight, the hope being that it'd be familiar enough that the knight would be able to communicate with him, or at least use a different, more similar dialect. Of course, German could be completely off but... hopefully his luck would hold out.
whilst he attempted to play the role of translator the pained shout of his name made his blood run cold
“Q-Quintus!”
It was the harpy girl, Atoli, the panic and strain in her voice easily evident. Quintus had to keep himself from jolting at his name being called, something must have gone very wrong. Looking towards the other knight he simply placed a hand on the mans shoulder and gave a nod before heading in her direction, barking out orders for the two merc's to his sides
"keep aggression out of your stances or he'll get defensive, I'll be back shortly" he stated simply before marching with furious intent towards the barn. Stopping in front of the blasted thing he realized he had been clenching and unclenching his hands into fists. The act though simple brought forth a thought.
Why exactly did he care about a non human bird girl that he'd known for less than an hour?
entering the burned husk of what was once the barn he slowly walked towards where the girls where being held, noticing the trickle of water falling through the holes in the barns roofing as he passed by, and as he entered the area and looked at the pained expression on Atoli's face a feeling came over him, and a thought. She looked so very familiar, to a face long since turned to ash.
Making his way towards her he noticed the blood dripping down from her arm and her side he kneeled to her side placing a hand on her shoulder and depolarizing his visor to give her a comforting look. Looking at the wound he deduced that save for being painful, and the possibility of future infection it would be alright. A moment later a very stupid plan came to mind. Leaning close he whispered "play along" to Atoli and gave her a slight nod before standing and walking towards the mercs that had brought them in.
In a voice filled with cold malice he growled out "which of you two fools decided to wound the girl? you know what, doesn't matter, patch her up, NOW" he finished with a sharp bark of the order. It looked like this really would end up sparking into a fight soon he thought, taking a hidden look at the surrounding environment for possible escapes and advantages. Then again if he played this right he could pass off his care for her by making her appear innocent of any crimes, making their attack of her lose any justification, he just needed to watch his wording he thought before audibly sighing. Well at least this is almost over he thought to himself. Unfortunately for him the universe was just getting started.
((OOC - Atoli / Iskra can asked edit if too OP in the healing end))
"It was this blasted woman who insists on claiming she is an Onyx bandit. Her thrown dagger injured the pretty bird. Who needs foes having such helpful friends eh?" accused Rufus loud and clear finger pointing at Iskra
"Goodness, I have never seen a worse shot if I tried. She was way off target... wouldn't pass for a rookie among us, never mind Onyx quality" spat Haldor shaking his head at the total miss.
"Better keep her well watched at all times and away from any blades before we have more or worse injuries among us" muttered Aynor nodding in agreement at the well made remark.
Glendale nodded in agreement
"Aye aye, we are slavers... you know... slavers never injure stock, not as bad as this for sure, else the slave looses value, see? I for one would not pay the same for a wounded slave than a healthy one for sure" muttered Glendale matter of fact, the pair assuming this was why Quintus wanted the harpy healed.
Robin and Matthew grabbed Taff and brought him into what was left of the barn
"Walk... slave... and no funny business" warned in a low voice, the pair disregarding the foreign knight since they had been ordered not to attack or show aggression and so opting for the opposite end of the scales, completely ignore he was even there.
Taff took a deep breath and ventured into the family home, walking over to Atoli and Iskra, placing hands upon their shoulders in a firm but not painful grip, whispering ancient druid words that would heal both of them, leaning closer to Iskra so she heard his words clearly
"Remember... what was done, could be just as easily undone... you owe me one favour or two after this... common courtesy, you know..." murmured Taff softly.
Once he was satisfied the message had been delivered, Taff stood back coming to rest at the other end of the room, remaining close to Bart who was the least menacing of them and the least bright too. Bart remained in a corner so as to not get in the middle of the others' way, mostly waiting for food.
"It was this blasted woman who insists on claiming she is an Onyx bandit. Her thrown dagger injured the pretty bird. Who needs foes having such helpful friends eh?" accused Rufus loud and clear finger pointing at Iskra
"Goodness, I have never seen a worse shot if I tried. She was way off target... wouldn't pass for a rookie among us, never mind Onyx quality" spat Haldor shaking his head at the total miss.
"Better keep her well watched at all times and away from any blades before we have more or worse injuries among us" muttered Aynor nodding in agreement at the well made remark.
Glendale nodded in agreement
"Aye aye, we are slavers... you know... slavers never injure stock, not as bad as this for sure, else the slave looses value, see? I for one would not pay the same for a wounded slave than a healthy one for sure" muttered Glendale matter of fact, the pair assuming this was why Quintus wanted the harpy healed.
Robin and Matthew grabbed Taff and brought him into what was left of the barn
"Walk... slave... and no funny business" warned in a low voice, the pair disregarding the foreign knight since they had been ordered not to attack or show aggression and so opting for the opposite end of the scales, completely ignore he was even there.
Taff took a deep breath and ventured into the family home, walking over to Atoli and Iskra, placing hands upon their shoulders in a firm but not painful grip, whispering ancient druid words that would heal both of them, leaning closer to Iskra so she heard his words clearly
"Remember... what was done, could be just as easily undone... you owe me one favour or two after this... common courtesy, you know..." murmured Taff softly.
Once he was satisfied the message had been delivered, Taff stood back coming to rest at the other end of the room, remaining close to Bart who was the least menacing of them and the least bright too. Bart remained in a corner so as to not get in the middle of the others' way, mostly waiting for food.
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