9/30 Order Dev Hunt

[20:12] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Alright. We are going to lurk in the Dreadwoods. And ambush any Deseti or Cruxati people who move through."
[20:12] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Was that a 'bork'."
[20:13] Sigrun blinks.
(Sigrun)
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[20:13] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Anyways. The goal is to capture prisoners to trade."
[20:13] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Although, if we get lucky and nab someone important, we may just field executre."
[20:13] Frank Armiger says, "Whatever it takes."
[20:13] Zoldak Lelhua says, "We won't stick around for long."
[20:14] Tael gives Zoldak a wary eye.
(Tael)
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[20:14] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Drink up. And keep a hand on the person, or, wolf, in front of you."
[20:17] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Stupid tower."
[20:17] Zoldak Lelhua says, "This should work."
[20:17] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Frank, you're the expert. How does this look to you."
[20:18] Frank Armiger asks, "Hmm?"
[20:18] Frank Armiger says, "This isn't a great location to find people."
[20:18] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Where would you suggest."
[20:18] Frank Armiger says, "Mmmm"
[20:27] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Frank. You wish to get Astrid out, correct."
[20:28] Zoldak Lelhua says, "What's your relation with her, anyways."
[20:29] Frank Armiger says, "Uhhh, Don't worry about it."
[20:29] Tael says, "..."
[20:29] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Then I won't."
[20:29] Ohtli says, "...Huh."
[20:30] Ohtli whispers: There are eastern and western entrances to Deseti. We could try one of them?
[20:33] Zoldak Lelhua whispers: We could just patrol.
[20:35] Ohtli whispers: If you want...I could see if anyone's even in the city. Might not be anyone at all.
[20:35] Zoldak Lelhua says, "There will be people, Oh."
[20:39] Zoldak Lelhua says, "They often spar around here. Should catch some eventually."
[20:40] Frank Armiger says, "Either that or head into the cavern, they are destitute."
[20:40] Ohtli says, "The caves north, yeah."
[20:40] Zoldak Lelhua says, "That would require actually going through the settlement, wouldn't it."
[20:40] Zoldak Lelhua says, "...Do we have too many people to avoid raising alarm."
[20:40] Tael says, "..."
[20:40] Ohtli says, "Only the easter little edge. I don't think there's enough people over there usually."
[20:41] Ohtli says, "They tend to gather in the square."
[20:49] Zoldak Lelhua whispers: Oh. Say nothing. Stay behind.
[20:49] Zoldak Lelhua whispers: Stay behind a tree and wait.
[20:50] Ohtli whispers: ...Fine.
[20:52] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Nab them."
[20:52] He grabs Ichirou by the scruff
(Frank Armiger)
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[20:53] Unseen with his pistol raised, the weapon vibrating intensely with channeled energy, a metallic voice rings out.

"Surrender now, or perish."

Even though that's said a shot suddenly begins to leave the barrel. There's a chance Kyra might dodge it, but if not, it's going to collide directly with their torso.
(Zoldak Lelhua)
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[20:53] As she was grabbed by someone unknown and heard the humming of energy from behind her, Kyra turned pale and slowly put her hands up. Whatever the hell had just happened, she clearly had no clue why someone apparently had her marked for punishment.

"H-hey now...ah'm j-just a doctor..."
(Kyra Ashei'ore)
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[20:55] Frank Armiger simply retorts in turn.

"Greetings, you are coming back with us to crafthold, one way or another. Humanity weeps for the sad state of Gehenna, and so do I. As I work towards a brighter dawn through any gains small or large."
(Frank Armiger)
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[20:55] A low growl comes from near the other voices. There's something big. Far bigger than any creature should be, unseen but felt. With the gun shot it pounces to strike.
(Tael)
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[20:56] Tael whispers something.
[20:56] Sigrun whispers something.
[20:57] Ichirou asks, "Can I send my daughter home?"
[20:57] Tael whispers something.
[20:57] Frank Armiger says, "No"
[20:57] As she heard the sound of energy being released behind her, Kyra, in a last ditch effort, would try to roll out of the way. She'd really rather not get a bullet through her, especially since she had never done anything to upset anyone as far as she knew.
(Kyra Ashei'ore)
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[20:57] Ichirou says, "Shes six, and has no idea whats going on."
[20:58] A similar creature also follow in suit. They, however, emit no sound. It was just speed as they intended to close in on the target.
(Sigrun)
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[20:58] Frank Armiger says, "Yeah, well you two shall come as a pair, now is the end for words."
[20:58] Frank Armiger says, "Lets depart."
[20:58] Ichirou just lets out a huff and turns to Frank just mumbling something. The man nods- he wasn't going to risk anything with these two when his daughter- who he had literally just got back from gaiar- was right there.

He nods quietly. Up up and away.
(Ichirou)
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[20:59] Frank Armiger says, "Shes coming with you too."
[20:59] Frank Armiger exclaims, "After-all you two shouldn't be seperated!"
[21:01] Having apparently(?) somehow managed to dodge the bullet, Kyra would land on the grass and lay there, placing her hands above her head.

"H-hey now! Ah never d-did anythin'!! A-ah surrender, don't...don't shoot that damn thing again!"

Obviously she had no intent of fighting back, and was going to go along with whatever her unseen assailants had planned for her.
(Kyra Ashei'ore)
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[21:01] The bolt of energy flies right over Kyra, crashing into the Cliffside behind her. A hand suddenly reaches out and grabs her by the collar, dragging her along wordlessly.
(Zoldak Lelhua)
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[21:01] With that Frank Armiger attempts to grab Ichirou's hand and lead him off, to passive as hell crafthold.
(Frank Armiger)
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[21:02] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Regroup in Huang."
[21:03] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Huang. I don't trust them in Crafthold's prisons."
[21:04] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Nothing with happen to you. You're bringing a gift, after all."
[21:04] Frank Armiger says, "Alright, I'm heading uhhh there."
[21:04] Ichirou asks, "You realize Ive already talked to them about setting up a clinic there?"
[21:04] Nodding invisibly, he just shrugs and begins walking towards Huang, uncaring of the fact he was in imminent danger.
(Frank Armiger)
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[21:04] Frank Armiger says, "I mean, you probably don't have much to worry about then."
[21:04] Ichirou says, "Im not at this point."
[21:05] Ichirou says, "<Is he lost?>"
[21:05] Frank Armiger says, "<I haven't been here in FOREVER>"
[21:08] Veritas whispers something.
[21:08] With that he reaches Huang, nodding he just stands around as he waits for other invisible peoples to arrive.
(Frank Armiger)
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[21:08] Ichirou says, "....."
[21:09] Had just followed along, trying to be as non-threatening as she could be. She was trying to not dwell on the fact that her heart could have just been ripped open by a bullet from some unseen aggressor.
(Kyra Ashei'ore)
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[21:09] Kyra Ashei'ore whispers: Ichirou, what the HELL is going on?!
[21:09] Ichirou whispers: Invisibility potion.
[21:09] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Throw them in the prison over there."
[21:09] Kyra Ashei'ore whispers: Ah gathered that much but. Why us?!
[21:09] Ichirou says, "-Shrugs-"
[21:09] Ichirou asks, "Bad timing?"
[21:09] Ichirou says, "Iunno."
[21:09] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Actually."
[21:10] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Frank, are you still here."
[21:10] Zoldak Lelhua says, "I don't think they will be very useful."
[21:10] Frank Armiger says, "Yeah, I'm here."
[21:10] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Do with them as you wish."
[21:10] Frank Armiger says, "UHHH, Hmmm..."
[21:11] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Lead the way."
[21:11] Frank Armiger says, "Well, what to do with you two."
[21:11] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Oh. Tael. Sig. Stay here."
[21:11] Tael says, "..."
[21:12] Ohtli asks, "...Zoldak?"
[21:12] Zoldak Lelhua says, "We'll be right back."
[21:12] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Frank. Head north."
[21:12] Tael says, "..."
[21:12] Ohtli says, ". . . ."
[21:12] Frank Armiger asks, "UHHH, should I collar them?"
[21:12] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Do so."
[21:13] Frank just shrugs, and attempts to place a collar around Ichirou's neck. More or less he could resist if he wanted.
(Frank Armiger)
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[21:14] Frank Armiger says, "Ah you know what, enough of this invisibility shit."
[21:14] Zoldak Lelhua says, "I'm following."
[21:15] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Easy."
[21:15] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Follow me."
[21:15] Tael whispers something.
[21:15] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Ohtli. Stay with Tael and Sig."
[21:15] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Pet them or something."
[21:15] Ohtli asks, "...But...Why?"
[21:15] Zoldak Lelhua says, "We're hauling them to Gaiar."
[21:15] Ichirou says, "...."
[21:16] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Someone, somewhere will want them."
[21:16] Ichirou says, "Not my daughter."
[21:16] Ichirou says, "Not again."
[21:16] Ohtli sighs, looking more than a little cross. She stands watch with the two wolves though. Albeit begrudgingly.
(Ohtli)
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[21:16] Zoldak Lelhua says, "And if not, I'll release them."
[21:16] Frank Armiger exclaims, "I mean, this time you'll be together!"
[21:16] Ichirou says, "Let my daughter go."
[21:17] Ichirou says, "Please."
[21:17] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Fine. Hand her to Oh."
[21:17] Zoldak Lelhua says, "The drakanite girl."
[21:17] Ohtli asks, "--Sir?"
[21:17] Tael says, "...."
[21:17] Frank Armiger exclaims, "Oh no, Families shouldn't be seperated!"
[21:17] Kyra Ashei'ore says, "She has nothin' t' do with this...whatever ya' want from us. Please."
[21:17] Ichirou says, "Lisas going to fucking kill her."
[21:17] Zoldak Lelhua says, "Well Frank, it's his call."
[21:17] Zoldak Lelhua asks, "...You know Lisa?"
[21:17] Tael summons an illusion in the air of the girl. The mouth of the illusion has an almost comically large mouth and is talking with what might be Deseti's leadership.
(Tael)
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[21:18] Ohtli says, "...I don't think children would be well put in Gaiar."
[21:18] Sigrun boredly lays herself on the ground.
(Sigrun)
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[21:18] Ohtli says, "If I can. I will look after them."
[21:18] Ichirou says, "Send her to Avery if at all possible."
[21:18] Ohtli says, "I know Avery. I can find her."
[21:19] Frank Armiger says, "I'll send her to hell"
[21:19] Ohtli asks, "Wait...is Avery still in Deseti?"
[21:19] Ichirou says, "Not really."
[21:19] Ichirou says, "She just sort of wanders around."
[21:19] Ohtli says, "Thank the Serpent. That would've been awkward."
[21:21] Ichirou just holds on to his daughter for a moment giving her a hug. If he was going to back to Gaiar, he was as good as dead. At least his daughter was ok... He had almost had to make this trade before... This was no different... At least everyone was safe.

"Alright..." He muttered handing the little girl over, biting his lip as he just tried his best to smile at her.

"Its alright." He said, turning away and walking back to Frank.

Ichirou then crossed his arms and readied himself to meet his maker.
(Ichirou)
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[21:23] Reaching into his sleeve, Zoldak pulls out a long, shimmering chain. He loops it around a hook on Kyra's collar, before moving to do the same with Ichirou's. Pulling on the metal cord, he coaxes them to move with him.

"This way."
(Zoldak Lelhua)
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[21:23] Ohtli looks decidedly troubled as the Ookami man hands over his child to her. She takes her with no less care than she was given and cradles her to her chest. A little bit awkwardly, a mark of inexperience, but she's trying.

"...Her name? And yours?" she asks, looking between the man and his daughter.
(Ohtli)
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[21:24] The Oscuri just shrugs, this situation was far out of his hands as Zoldak had them chained and being pulled by himself.
(Frank Armiger)
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[21:25] Ichirou says, "Her names Rose, Mines Ichirou."
[21:26] Looking almost petrified with fear, Kyra winced a bit as the chain was wrapped around the hook on her new collar. She clearly had no clue what was going on, or why she had been wrapped up into anything of this sort. But, there wasn't much she could do at this point other than follow along and try to keep her head on her shoulders. As she was coaxed along, Kyra would start to move, glancing back at Ichirou and his daughter as they were separated.

All of the work that they had done...their triumphs...what had it all been for, in the end?
(Kyra Ashei'ore)
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[21:26] Watched the scene with admittedly angry, red eyes. They glowed with a crimson static that danced down his fur and body, but as he saw the red-headed ookami show such devotion to his daughter, the expression softened. The wolf looked away, to the ground, anywhere but at the man and the girl. His ears drooped and he shivered, slowly returning tot he white wolf and Ohtli.

As the drakanite girl spoke to the man's daughter, he laid down, watching her curiously.

For some reason, most of his ferocity had all but disappeared, and he seemed once more like a dog than the great, black dire wolf he was.

He was failing.
(Tael)
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[21:26] Ohtli says, "...I swear. She'll be safe. You have my word."
[21:26] Zoldak Lelhua says, "We'll be back. Shortly."
[21:26] Ichirou says, "Thank you..."
[21:30] Ohtli is...shocked. To say the least. That all happened very quickly. She finds herself, suddenly, in possession of a small, strange child that is not hers. She watches the horizon until the girl's parents are a distant speck.

Then she looks down, down to the fledgling life in her arms with bewilderment, desperation- completely and utterly gormless.

She gives a solemn look to the two wolves, holding the child a little bit tighter, protective. Her wings rustle uncertainly.
(Ohtli)
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[21:31] Tael gives Ohtli a sad look. He almost looks ashamed, if a wolf can look that way.
(Tael)
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[21:32] Sigrun looks to the small child and then to Ohtli. She didn't look happy about the situation, but she wasn't too heartbroken over the ordeal.
(Sigrun)
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[21:33] The Drakan continues to look between the wolves and the baby in her arms. Panic starts to set in and boy is it perceptible as HELL. The irritated ruffle of her wings becomes wholly -nervous-. She says, true to Ohtli fashion, what her expression and bearing clearly give away outright already.

"...Oh sweet Serpent I have no idea what I'm doing."
(Ohtli)
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[21:34] Sigrun says, "..."
[21:34] Sigrun whispers something.
[21:34] Tael whispers something.
[21:37] The wolf, for some reason, rolled its head. He crossed on paw over the other and looked at Ohtli. An illusion filled the air, showing the old forms of Sigrun and Redtael helping Ohtli with the child. He nodded once and looked to the white wolf once more.

Ohtli could tell they figured out how to communicate with one another now in a more efficient way.
(Tael)
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[21:38] Under almost all circumstances, Ohtli had a strong dislike of illusion magic. For a whole fistful of reasons. She regards the silent, shifting images and nods with some relief.

"Right...right...It'll be okay...It'll be okay. How hard could it be?"

The Drakan doesn't sound very sure about anything she's saying at this point, but starts to lightly bounce the child in her arms.
(Ohtli)
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[21:39] Tael whispers something.
[21:39] Sigrun whispers something.
[21:40] The white wolf lets out a low whine. She was happy Tael was able to produce illusions to aid in communication, but still, the situation was bad all around.
(Sigrun)
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[21:40] Ohtli says, "--Hnooouhno..."
[21:41] Ohtli says, "...This...this is going to be -really- hard to explain to Windy..."
[21:41] Tael whispers something.
[21:41] Tael whispers something.
[21:41] Tael gives Ohtli a comical look. If he could laugh he might have.
(Tael)
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[21:41] Sigrun whispers something.
[21:42] Sigrun whispers something.
[21:42] Tael whispers something.
[21:43] Ohtli feels that sense of anxiety start to rise again, nervously bouncing the child. "Tae, I don't need to be a wolf to know that look- you're not helping."
(Ohtli)
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[21:43] Tael stands and points his nose towards the dojo, indicating that they should perhaps take the kid there.
(Tael)
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[21:44] Ohtli asks, "That's...that's probably a good idea, but what if Zoldak comes back looking for us?"
[21:44] Tael says, "...."
[21:44] Tael lies back down. He starts summoning the little black and white butterflies as illusions. This time they seem to move in order to entertain the child.
(Tael)
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[21:46] There's no telling how long Zoldak's going to be. She may as well get kinda-sorta-comfortable and resign herself to her fate. The Drakan seats herself near the two wolves and puts the child in view of Tael's dancing butterfly display. Ohtli gives the wolf-magi a wordless nod of thanks.
(Ohtli)
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[21:51] Tael made the butterflies flutter more. As they increased in quantity and beauty, their wings changed from black and white to multiple, dazzling colors. The wolf's tail wags as he continues to try to make what was likely a traumatic experience for the child a little better. The kidnap of those people felt...

Wrong.

They weren't Yin. They weren't Zabuza or the La'hebas. They weren't people he'd want to destroy as he been instructed to do. This was all becoming even more complicated- he was meant to find balance, something he thought would make his life easier. But this?

It didn't bode well for the future, not at all. And with more political problems coming in to the north that the wolf was unable to respond to, things were seeming to get more and more desperate.

Still, here beside Sigrun and Ohtli, the dire wolf allowed himself to get lost in his own illusions, if only for a moment.

A minute to believe this is all there was to the world.
(Tael)
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[21:56] The Drakan is similarly conflicted. Not only were they not targets that were at fault, but they were a family. A family that had surrendered without a fight. A family now being taken to -Gaiar-, of all places.

Hell, she hadn't even been involved in the ambush itself. She'd been asked to stay behind a fact that still bothered her. More than she cared to admit.

She tries to find some semblance of calm in the presence of the two wolves. Speaking with Keaka before had only affirmed it- times were dark, only getting darker. But she'd be a fool to give up now in the face of what's to come. There is still work to be done.

The child is still and calm, thankfully, in spite of the recently traumatic event. Either the poor girl is asleep or the Ookami's butterflies keep her at peace. One thought can't shake itself from Ohtli's mind, however.

If she has children of her own, is this the kind of world she will be bringing theminto?
(Ohtli)
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[21:58] Ohtli says, "...I don't like this. I don't like this at all."
[21:59] Tael keeps the butterflies going but lets out a low whine and a nod.
(Tael)
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[21:59] The white wolf nods slowly in agreement. She was pensive as she watched the butterflies.
(Sigrun)
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[22:01] Ohtli says, "I hope it gets better."
[22:01] Tael whispers something.
[22:02] Sigrun whispers something.
[22:02] Sigrun whispers something.
[22:06] Tael whispers something.
[22:12] The wolf kept up the illusions for the child, even putting on the semblance of a small little show of flower characters to keep the kid happy. He gave Ohtli an empathetic look- the kind that spoke that he agreed; often he'd found himself wondering how and why the world was as bad as it was- why wars never seemed to end.

He looked up at the stars and remembered times when he was able to travel across the continent with nothing to worry about but delivering a message or a package too late. His biggest worries then seemed like minor, trivial things at best.

There didn't seem to be a place in the world where one could ever leave all the conflict behind.
(Tael)
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[22:14] Sigrun still does nothing more than lay there.

Despite the circumstances, she was getting a bit impatient. She looked over to Tael.
(Sigrun)
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[22:15] Sigrun whispers something.
[22:15] Tael whispers something.
[22:15] Sigrun whispers something.
[22:16] Tael whispers something.
[22:16] Ohtli asks, "Zoldak -is- coming back...right?"
[22:16] Tael looks over to Ohtli. It seemed like the two wolves might have been discussing that.
(Tael)
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[22:17] Sigrun bluntly shakes her head at Ohtli.
(Sigrun)
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[22:17] Sigrun whispers something.
[22:17] Tael stands and motions with a pull of his head for Ohtli to follow them.
(Tael)
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[22:18] She has little other option, and she'd rather not be here in Huangzhou alone. The Drakan rises, child in her arms, and starts to follow behind the two wolves.

What a motley little group they make for...
(Ohtli)
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[22:19] The dark dire wolf strode in to Summer Waters with a white one behind him, as well as a drakanite carrying a small child. His red eyes glowed softly, in a familiar way that Maiya may recognize. He bowed his head towards her as he sat on the pathway leading to the house and tilted his head.
(Tael)
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[22:21] Ohtli steps behind the two wolves, following closely in their footsteps. She carries a small child in her arms, her wings drawn near around her protectively as she paces after the beasts with cautious, wary eyes.
(Ohtli)
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[22:22] The green eyed white wolf strolled along, eventually reaching Maiya and her home. Their tail thumped against the ground as they looked at Maiya.
(Sigrun)
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[22:30] It seems once more that others would show up. A Drakan carrying a child and two wolves, some that seemed to be familiar? At leas their presence but he wasn't quite sure. Once more he would break off the training again to take notice of the group, a wave going out to them.

"You know these wolves Mom? There's a sense of familiarity but I can't put a finger on it."

His brown eye would stare between the group, taking in all their aspects. The two wolves clearly did not lack intelligence so he was curious how they came about, walking into a place with people like this. Most wolves he had seen stayed in the forest and they for sure didn't.

It was an appearance he was rather curious about though.
(Ricard Waishen)
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[22:30] Tael also has a collar on with what looks like a strange device on it. Occasionally the wolf closes his eyes and the device glows before he opens them again.
(Tael)
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[22:32] The Shewolf tilted her head, curiously. "I've not seen these wolves in these woods, but they're very familiar." She wonderred for a moment, approaching both of them, extending her hands to both of them, to gauge their responses to her doing a gesture of affection, to pet them.

A soft communicative howl being made, telling them who she was, but being words do not work in howling, there was no name given in clear detail to them.

Blue eyes locking upon the friendlier one. "You seem excited to see me." If their fur represented their air, there'd be definate skeptic curiousity, after all, whoever heard of a blond wolf?
(Maiya Waishen)
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[22:34] Oh...Oh these two didn't know. It seemed the burden of introduction falls to Ohtli. She steps forward, nods to the matron, and resituates the bundle of the child in her arms.

"These two wolves are Tael and Sigrun. They've been cursed. They were traveling with me and I followed them here, ma'am.

"The black one is Tae. The white one is Sig."
(Ohtli)
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[22:36] The white wolf allows the petting; out of all the people so far, she offered no sort of adverse reaction to Maiya's contact.

Luckily, the arduous task of trying to communicate who they are is left with Ohtli -- she was happy the Drakan was there to accompany them.

The white wolf seemed to be in a good mood.
(Sigrun)
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[22:36] Leo Black says, "This is cute... hm."
[22:37] Ricard Waishen asks, "Who was that?"
[22:42] Tael and Sigrun? That would explain why they were familiar. He had a few conversations with Tael but Sigrun was definitely more familiar. It was quite odd seeing them in this form, as actual wolves. He was used to seeing them as Ookami. Truly a sight.

"A curse? This doesn't seem like all that much of a curse to me. Seems like it would be kind of fun to walk around as a wolf. I do wonder what that's like"

He could probably ask them if they ever regained their human forms, but right now they clearly weren't able to speak, or at least from what he could tell they weren't.

"What do you think of it Mom?"
(Ricard Waishen)
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[22:42] Sigrun rolls her eyes.
(Sigrun)
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[22:42] Ohtli says, "Well...they can't talk. So..."
[22:42] Tael lies down on the ground and lets out a small sound.
(Tael)
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[22:43] Ears flicking as she'd look at the two. A curse? Something that should be an honor, although, not if it were permanent, like the curse implies it is. Gently continuing to pet the white wolf, waiting for the black wolf to either be pet or show how he took being pet- although? Tael huffed.

It was a sign of indifference. "Alright Red." She'd simply reply, turning her attention back and forth.

"It'd be good if it weren't potentially permanent." The Shewolf didn't know however, whether or not the two could fix it or not. She wasn't there afterall.
(Maiya Waishen)
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[22:44] Ohtli says, "--I'm Ohtli. Priestess of the Serpent. For...for what that matters."
[22:45] Ohtli says, "I'm a friend of theirs."
[22:46] The white wolf nods happily in regards to Ohtli's comment of being their friend.

When the curse is mentioned as potentially being permanent? She shakes her head, as if to explain it was only temporary. Other than that, she wasn't really able to do anything in her current form.
(Sigrun)
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[22:47] Ohtli says, "I don't think it's forever. I've only seen parts of their explanation. I think...it is a test. From their Gods."
[22:47] Tael looked guilty, even as a wolf. Maiya's words were enough that he put his head back up. He was clearly caught up in something due to the device on his neck, and his attention was rather split.
(Tael)
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[22:52] He wasn't sure if not being able to talk was a real deal breaker for that. It was clear that they could in some way communicate still and understand them, even if it was just through movements and gestures. It was better than not even being able to do that in some way.

"It is a pleasure Ohtli, I am Ricard."

He'd listen in on what else they had to say in regards to Singrun and Tael's curse. A test from their gods? Now that was a rather interesting one and really made this seem even more like a blessing in some way than a curse. Even if it was a temporary one.

"A test? I wonder what it would take to do one of those. Or to be able to be a wolf in some way."

He sounded a bit eager and interested in this, maybe a bit to much but it's not like he was old. Maybe this was just the leftover bits of his childish curiositycoming out. Who knows?
(Ricard Waishen)
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[22:55] The Shewolf peered over her shoulder at Ricard, thinking for a moment, did he not value his humanity? It was in part a balance between man and beast to value your humanity as an Ookami. Even still, Maiya's gaze went back to the Ookami. "What's with Red's neck?" She'd ask Ohtli, curious, it was to get the last bit of information she'd need going forward.

If she was going to help them, she'd need to know. Even still petting Sigrun's head gently, Maiya calmly passed them a smile. "A test from Asena and Saekanis both, it's undoubtedly something you two are impressed by. You both know of my ideals, but fortunately, from what I know of you, I know both of you are towards Saekanis, you don't need any guidance in that regard." She knew that half of the work was probably already done, but what were the constraints of the trial?

"Are there constraints you know of, Lady Ohtli?"
(Maiya Waishen)
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[22:58] The Drakan shakes her head, the feathers tied to her horns shifting.

"That's a device given to him at the hold. It's supposed to help him communicate, but I think someone has the other half. I don't know of any...constraints, ma'am. I'm sorry."

She tries to explain what she can, but above all she is troubled. A persistent set of thoughts gnaws at the back of her mind and won't let go. Ohtli looks down to the child again, unable to keep her eyes off of her for long.

"...I feel I should go. I should get back to the Crafthold. Sig, Tael. If you're comfortable to stay here, I can fly back alone."
(Ohtli)
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[23:00] Tael looked to Ohtli and shook his head, nose pointing toward the child she held. An illusion stirred in the air, showing none other than a small form of the Sultan Yin reaching for the kid. Tael quickly dismissed that illusion and continued with more:

Eiphraem Kang, erupting in anger. Perseus Kang trying to calm him down. Zoldak handing people over to the vampires, and apparently partying with them. The images flip all too quickly almost, but the wolf hoped he got his point across. His nose pointed once more to the child and then to the house, red eyes wide.

He looked to Maiya and frowned. He showed another illusion; this time of a red-head ookami alongside a blonde one. They turn into a black and white wolf, completely subdued by the color they are each branded with. They walk down a pathway until both have the opposing color fill half of their wolfen body. It's only once the split is perfect that they are returned to their true forms.
(Tael)
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[23:06] She'd simply smile upon Red. "You're adopting them when you revert, aren't you? Or are you having that man watch them? Left if the prior, right if the latter." Telling him directions to look to answer her, since howls couldn't really explain, nor could barks. Maiya got Tael's point regarding the baby, however the images were self explainatory. To Maiya, it was clear that Zoldak was a coward, and quite a reputable one at that. Sacrificing his own people for prolongued survival and support from Apoprya's incursion.

"You are a brave man Red. To confront everything that was before you at your home, I'll help you every step of your way, even in watching the child until you are capable yourself if she's staying here." Maiya pointedly resting her gaze on Sigrun.

To everyone, including Ohtli, Maiya had one more question, she looked a little tired anyway. "Shall we get into the house?"
(Maiya Waishen)
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[23:10] Illusion after illusion, Ohtli pales. Her suspicions are confirmed it seems, vividly, if there's any truth to some of the illusions she's shown. The Drakan holds the child tighter.

"...No. This is my fault. I gave my word I'd look after the child. But it's my fault that her parents are gone," she mutters. The Drakan looks chiefly to the illusion-using wolf for more answers.

"...I can't go home then? You're saying I should stay here for now?"
(Ohtli)
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[23:15] Tael shook his head to almost everything Maiya said. Why did this have to be SO frustratingly difficult! The illusions erupted once more into the air. They told a tale of five sneaking around in the darkness; three people and two wolves. They nab two other forms that appear and drag them off.

One of the figures, a man in a top hate and mask, tells the wolves and one other (Ohtli) to stay behind while he takes the others somewhere. It is here where the illusion forms of Eiphraem Kang, Perseus, and Iosefka Coza became maddened, yelling heads. The device around the wolf's neck appears and the heads begin to circle around it, growing angrier and angrier until it is all dismissed.

The wolf sighed. Exhausted. Trying to divide attention between this and the device that continued glowing and demanding a moment of concentration to drive something through it.

He looked to Ohtli again, ears drooping, and once more an illusion of Yin appeared, holding the child, while people in chains walked free towards a waiting Eiphraem Kang and Eirene.

The dire wolf gave the drakan a look as if he was begging someone to understand.
(Tael)
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[23:17] Ricard simply stands by his mother, observing.
(Ricard Waishen)
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[23:17] Ohtli asks, "...They want the child. To have Huangzhou's prisoners go free?"
[23:17] Tael nods.
(Tael)
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[23:17] Ohtli says, "I...I guess...she'd be safer among her people...I think? Sweet Serpent, I don't trust Deseti, but..."
[23:18] Tael marks the ground with his paw and points towards the house with his nose once more. An illusion of Eiphraem gives an order.
(Tael)
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[23:18] Guilt weighs on her heavier than any yoke. Her words trail off and, as the wolf clarifies, she nods.

"...For how long?"
(Ohtli)
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[23:19] Tael closes his eyes and the device glows.
(Tael)
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[23:19] Ohtli says, "They're using this child as a bargaining chip, I...I don't like it."
[23:20] Ohtli says, "They asked for her to go to Avery. Not to Yin."
[23:21] Maiya Waishen asks, "Whose child is it?"
[23:21] Tael an illusion of Yin appears once more.
(Tael)
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[23:21] Sigrun emits a quiet whine.
(Sigrun)
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[23:21] Ohtli says, "It's not Yin's...is it? It was that man's."
[23:23] Tael persists with the illusion of Yin.
(Tael)
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[23:23] Tael Avery Emberstone joins the Sultan in the image.
(Tael)
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[23:23] Ohtli asks, "...You're saying...it wasn't that man's?"
[23:23] Ohtli asks, "You're -sure-, Tae?"
[23:23] Tael nods.
(Tael)
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[23:23] Ohtli says, "It's...it's -Avery's- Oh...Oh sweet Serpent, why..."
[23:23] Tael causes the illusion to take the form of Avery and Yin holding hands as the child appears in a cradle.
(Tael)
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[23:23] Ohtli says, "Stop- STOP."
[23:23] Tael dismisses the illusion and cowers slightly.
(Tael)
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[23:24] Ohtli asks, "Then...then why did that man call this girl his daughter?"
[23:24] Tael causes an illusion to return. This time showing Avery leaving Yin and holding hands with the doctor.
(Tael)
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[23:25] The more she sees, the more the Drakan looks understandably upset. Time only makes it worse as she looks between the image and the child, one after the other.
(Ohtli)
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[23:26] Sigrun releases a breath through their nose, but didn't seem that all shaken.
(Sigrun)
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[23:27] Maiya's head bounds idly nodding to Tael. "Avery comes here from time to time, Red? Is the child safe here with Avery around ever? Or is there reason to have her taken elsewhere?" Maiya's hands went to ruffle Sigruns ears, a bit of affection for her sister, in the state she was in.

She didn't speak otherwise at this point, other than a nod to Ricard. Appreciating his sentiments this far, but not really agreeing that being stuck as a wolf by force was pleasant, she'd rather have the ability to go between at leisure.
(Maiya Waishen)
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[23:31] Tael let out his own exhale as Maiya asked the question. It was something he didn't know the answer to. If a wolf could shrug. He turned once more to the device, bowing his head as he closed his eyes. As it continued to glow when he wasn't paying attention to it, the wolf seemed to get sadder and sadder. Whatever was going on in his head was putting a great burden on him.

An illusion appeared of Zoldak and Eiphraem yelling at one another, and ending with Zoldak walking away, leaving the archon sad and alone. Tael closed his eyes to commune with the device once more.
(Tael)
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[23:32] Maiya Waishen says, "I honestly don't understand why they haven't done away with him if he's a coward and so indignant about it."
[23:32] Maiya Waishen asks, "Is the child one that Ichirou would have gone to crafthold to demand?"
[23:32] Tael nodded.
(Tael)
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[23:33] Maiya Waishen asks, "Is it the blue haired dwarf's daughter?"
[23:33] Tael causes an apparition of Yin and Avery to appear once more.
(Tael)
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[23:33] Maiya Waishen asks, "They are her parents together?"
[23:33] Tael shakes his head.
(Tael)
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[23:33] Ohtli asks, "Just so I'm clear...We're to wait here? Until we're commanded otherwise, Tae?"
[23:34] Tael nodded.
(Tael)
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[23:34] Maiya Waishen asks, "One of them are her parents?"
[23:34] Tael nodded again.
(Tael)
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[23:34] Maiya Waishen says, "Hmmm. . ."
[23:34] Maiya Waishen says, "Well, let's get inside, overt sun exposure is never good for a little child Ohtli."
[23:35] Ohtli says, "...Yes, ma'am. Of course."
[23:37] Maiya Waishen says, "Please sit."
[23:37] Tael makes his way to a chair- before realizing... he cannot sit in it.
(Tael)
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[23:37] Ohtli takes a seat in the chair for all three of their sakes...Er. Four.
(Ohtli)
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[23:38] Sigrun sits in the chair, anyway.
(Sigrun)
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[23:38] Maiya Waishen says, "Go ahead and make yourselves at home- Heh. . . Cute."
[23:38] Ohtli asks, "If this isn't happening soon...is Eiphraem going to be upset if I get some rest?"
[23:39] Ohtli looks, obviously, to Tae and his magical device.
(Ohtli)
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[23:39] Maiya Waishen says, "Feel free to stay as long as things need to be the way they are."
[23:39] Maiya Waishen says, "Be right back, goign to put this sushi on the stall."
[23:39] Tael ...watches Sigrun sit in the chair and won't be outdone. He clumsily climbs on to one and tries to get comfortable. Once he is, he shakes his head at Ohtli.
(Tael)
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[23:41] Ohtli says, "Thank you, miss Maiya."
[23:41] Ohtli says, "I'm just...going to rest a little."
[23:41] Maiya Waishen asks, "Are any of you hungry by the way?"
[23:41] Ohtli says, "No, no. But...thank you, ma'am."
[23:41] Tael glances at Sigrun.
(Tael)
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[23:41] Sigrun nods.
(Sigrun)
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[23:43] Ohtli's tired, but sleep isn't going to come to her easily. She tries to shift herself in the chair to find some comfort and unfurls her wings to wrap around not only herself, but the small child.

She looks to each of those present, the Ookami woman and the two transformed wolves, and gives them each a nod of gratitude.

Then her eyes close. Slowly. The Drakan desperately tries to find rest amidst all this turmoil.
(Ohtli)

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[17:33] Ohtli asks, "...Avery?"
[17:35] Avery M. Emberstone asks, "...Ohtli?"
[17:37] A grim-faced wind Drakan marches slowly towards Avery. She is burdened by something wrapped in her arms and held close to her chest.

"I've been looking for you. I...hope you're well."

It's an awkward subject to broach, and one that she feels more than a little bit of guilt over. Ohtli approaches with the thing in her arms- a child.

"As much as I'd like to catch up and talk to you...This needs to come first. I gave my word it would be done."
(Ohtli)
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[17:40] Varn takes a seat on a bench before pulling out a small assortment of papers. He sighs at them, shaking his head as he takes a look around and beings writing.

(Varn Holt)
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[17:43] Arthur Rowan asks, "What is it, Shiva?"
[17:43] Shiva Vel'Heim says, "I came to request knowledge. Does one still remember the bowl. Yes? Such a tragic event. . . Nightmares. An obvious ploy we'd failed to realize."
[17:44] Arthur Rowan asks, "What knowledge do you want, then?"
[17:48] The Drakanite marched up to the other Drakanite. Avery contracted her slit gaze, squinting in examination of the one she's scarcely seen for the longest time.

"I don't enjoy people looking for me."
Her head shakes.
"Usually means something bad. Like an attempted assault, or even just something I don't really want to hear."

Avery breathes in, giving a large exhale outwards. She didn't quite know what Ohtli wanted from her at the moment, but her eyes occasionally glanced downwards towards the apparent burden she had been holding.

"What do you.. want?"
(Avery M. Emberstone)
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[17:50] "...I'm not wanting to hurt you," she explains. Which, naturally, meant that the news she brought might've been the latter. The wind Drakan offers the child forward with a dip of her head.

"A man name Ichirou had this infant...He said that her name is Rosie. And that...that she should be looked after by you.

"I gave my word. It was my duty to make sure this little girl was safe and that she was given to you. I'm sorry."
(Ohtli)
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[17:51] Avery M. Emberstone says, "Omae wa mou shindeiru."
[17:58] "I'd certainly hope not. Especially not in a place like this."

Avery tilted her head in wonder of what Ohtli might have in store for her. Hopefully it was good news- wait no. No it wasn't.

"Ichirou. What?"

Her head tilted once more, like an owl.

"Sorry? What are you even sorry for?"
A hand raised to glide through her hair, taking off a rather uncomfortable headband that has been on for way too long.

"Why..?"
(Avery M. Emberstone)
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[18:00] "I'm sorry that he's gone," she replies after a breath of hesitation. She offers forward the child again. It is not hers to care for. Her duty, her promise, had her deliver it to Avery.

"Ichirou. An Ookami man. Did you know him?..."

She'd been told the two had known one another, but there's no telling anymore what's fact or fiction. Instead there's the hard truth of what she's promised.
(Ohtli)
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[18:06] W h a t? Gone? Ichirou? Where's he gone to, then? Ichirou. Yes, I've known him."

She stared at the offering, bringing her hands up to receive it this time. She'd take the child with hesitance. After all. It was her kin. Her family.

"Ohtli. Where?"

She'd attempt to cross her arms- only to find one problem. She couldn't exactly do that at the time being.
(Avery M. Emberstone)
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[18:07] There is a palpable pang of guilt in the face of Avery's reply. She should have foreseen it, given what she was told. But this is part of her task, too. Not only part of her promise, but her duty to a friend.

Now there's an even longer pause. Though so much of her cries to look away she faces the woman, eye-to-eye, and speaks.

"The vampires. Him and another were taken to the vampires, Avery."
(Ohtli)
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[18:15] "You're telling me that... Ichirou was taken to the vampires. why?"

Anger festered, growing multitudes in a matter of seconds. Azure flames of determination burned intensely in her eyes.

"The same vampires that... Wanted to capture me, yes? The same vampires that did all of those horrible things? Why would he be taken to the vampires at all?"

The woman's nose flared, huffing out a breath of curiosity, with a hint of that anger. Why would Ichirou even have to be taken to the vampires?

"And you're saying that he's gone, yes?"
(Avery M. Emberstone)
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[18:22] She saw this coming, too. She'd braced for it, but it made it no less painful. Yet, on her honor, she continues. With the truth. Slowly, carefully, never breaking eye contact or flinching even as she could feel her friend's anger.

"...I was part of a hunting party that was trying to capture prisoners from Deseti to exchange for the ones taken from Huangzhou," she starts, verbally plodding along at an even measure. Ohtli has known this was coming, known this would demand explanation. It's been given thought.

"But the one leading our hunting party did not take the prisoners where they were supposed to go...They were supposed to be kept in Huangzhou. Safe. Secure. Looked after.

"Instead the hunt-leader took them to the vampires. The rest of us were unaware."

Ohtli pauses. That guilt continues to weigh on her. It weighs on her because she knows, even if deeply indirectly, the matter was her fault. On some level, however minor, she is partly to blame.

"...Avery, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

The wind Drakan means every painful syllable.
(Ohtli)
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[18:32] Warm fire mana began to heat the air, her amulet humming with great intensity. It was.. not much actually but it was outputting it anyways.

"Ichirou. Isn't- Wasn't from Deseti. He left it." Her tone became serious, sharp and low. Her lips parted and a pleasant blue drink was lifted to her mouth after some struggle with a pocket. She downed it whole, stretching moments afterwards and hurling the bottle straight into the ocean. More so the shards of it.

She stretched, her bones creaking and moving at the signs of repair. Faded scars began to lift themselves, making her worn body look much better. Though the scarring was permanent. An always-present reminder.

Avery grunted, standing at full height, uninjured in the slightest.

"If they were going towards the north, almost completely opposite of the way Whatever-zoo is, wouldn't that raisesuspicion?" She moved closer, a good couple inches away from Ohtli.

The amulet thrummed, embers sizzling off of the enchanted thing. Inferno began to encircle Avery as well, a regular aura of fire.

Her hand reached behind her to draw a sword.

"I need one last enchantment."
(Avery M. Emberstone)
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[18:33] Avery the baby was of course, protected. She's not that bad of a caretaker.
(Avery M. Emberstone)
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[18:33] Avery child* whatever anymore
(Avery M. Emberstone)
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[18:34] Avery i dont know
(Avery M. Emberstone)
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[18:36] Of course it had, after the fact. They were tired, they'd been traveling. And even further...

"...He said they'd be safer in Gaiar's cells. He might not've trusted the people of Huangzhou to not get raided."

Her words are no less honest as she looks her friend right in the eye. Even as she reaches for her blade.

"We'd come to stop in Huangzhou and none of its people were anywhere to be seen either."
(Ohtli)
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[18:37] Ohtli says, "...If there's a way I can repay this. In blood, or coin or...I don't know -something-..."
[18:37] Avery M. Emberstone says, "No- I don't care about that."
[18:37] Ohtli asks, "Avery...you know I didn't mean them any harm. Don't you?"
[18:39] Avery M. Emberstone says, "Whatever. I need a new enchantment."
[18:39] Ohtli says, "...I can help you foot the bill. I don't know anything of echantments. Otherwise I'd do it for you."
[18:39] Ohtli says, "I know it doesn't mean anything...but I'm sorry. And if there's anything. Anything at all..."
[18:40] Avery M. Emberstone says, "All I need is a runescribe. That's it."