Shards of Twilight [Closed]

[encapturer]

Ashley cracked a grin as Valerian spoke. It was true she was surprised at the mission, but for a different reason than he thought. Still, his response was amusing, considering she was planning to approach this mission carefully.

 

"Understood," Ashley said after the briefing, bowing and saluting in the same manner as Kael and Narth. "We'll... make it back," she managed to say afterwards in reply to Valerian, though the delivery was stiff. She was always formal with those who she considered her superior, and in this case, it was the man in front of her. Kael and Narth were nudging the two sentinels to finish up their business, so Ashley turned around and followed them to the stables.

 

***

 

At the stables, Ashley quickly located the horse she was to ride, with assistance from the two escorts, of course. She saddled up for the first time in months, which made her initial mounting feel awkward. By taking a few moments to re-accustom herself to horse riding, though, her skill quickly returned, and she no longer looked out of place.

 

"Ahh, it's been so long..." She mused to herself, as the others prepared to leave.

[Saiba Aisu]

GM Post Amethyst Order

Characters involved: Ixigo, Dahlia, Brokenheart, Umbra

NPCs: Cyndane, Baltimer

 

Cyndane's face assumed a cold and detached look as her eyes traveled among the assembly, coming to rest on any number of individuals. This set of recruits didn't look overly intimidating, but she had had to make due with worse in the past—much worse. There was no reason to let them know this, though. "I will have silence," she commanded shortly, her icy tones reverberating across the dim room with a strength that belied her small, buxom stature. The low rumble of conversation which had built up since the recruits had filed in ceased immediately, leaving the room somehow meaner with its absence.

 

Every pair of eyes—and one single eye, she noticed absently—was trained on her. Cyndane stood from her thronelike seat gracefully, although it caused little difference in her height. Despite this, she still made an impressive figure in her dress of silken gray, inlaid with its fine designs and cut to reveal a generous expanse of pale bosom. Knowing and taking confidence in this fact, she addressed the assembled recruits. "Those of you here are now recognized recruits of the Amethyst Order," she said, striding slowly towards the crowd down the marble steps, her silken slippers flashing delicately beneath the hem of her gown. "You stand before me, convinced of your overwhelming potential value to our organization." One or two of the people nodded; Cyndane smiled, showing even, white teeth.

 

"You couldn't be more wrong."

 

There was a sharp intake of breath from some of the younger recruits, but Cyndane ignored this. "We are the ones who will determine your value," she said, picking her words with care. "You may consider yourself unique, gifted, brilliant, even. You'll have to lose that mindset if you're serious about joining our ranks." The diminutive woman tossed a strand of her back idly. "You are recruits," she continued, enunciating with painful clarity. "The lowest of the low. You will be starting with nothing—from the very moment you are accepted, your life ceases to belong to you; rather, it belongs to the Amethyst Order, and we shall use it as we see fit."

 

A few of the recruits frowned, but for the most part, the others remained emotionless. Trying to conceal her growing pleasure with this particularly promising set of recruits, she added flatly, "It will be difficult, and dangerous. From the very beginning, you will be sent on assignments that will challenge you, push you, wrench every ounce of cunning and strength from your limbs." She sighed, and for the first time, seemed to express some genuine regret. "I wish there were a way to prepare you for what you will encounter in your service of the Amethyst Order," she continued. "It would greatly increase the number of those who survive the first few months. But there isn't. Knowing these conditions, will any of you withdraw?" The room was quiet; no one moved or raised their hands. Perfect.

 

A smile appeared on Cyndane's pale, icy features. "Very well," she said, seating herself once more. "Elisabeth, Deus, Roland, and Victor, you will remain where you are. I would like to have a private discussion with you four. The rest of you are dismissed." The room filled with a low rumble as the rest of the recruits filed away, leaving only the four people she had requested.

 

"Come closer, you four," Cyndane ordered, Baltimer at her side. "The time has come to send you on your first missions."

 

===

 

Cerce nodded slowly and bowed respectfully before Niobe. He rose and inclined his head to his Alicia, as well. "Thank you, my Lady," he said to Niobe. "Your advice is appreciated, and I promise you—we won't fail." Tightening his grip on his staff, he swept from the tent in a burst of sunlight and headed in the direction of the stables, where his horse and supplies were gathered. A guard indicated which horse was his, a sleek, silvery creature with liquid dark eyes and a gentle, intelligent expression. As he arrived, he noticed Ashley mounted on her steed comfortably—for some reason, he had a feeling that she was an excellent rider.

 

He drew closer to her, stroking the muzzle of his own beast gently. It snorted happily. "So you're leaving on a mission, as well?" he asked.

[Tempest Dahlia]

"Huh. First mission already. This is going to be a lot of fun."

 

Elisabeth stood, her cloak swishing silently behind her. She walked slowly, her heels clicking on the ground with each step.

She reached her employer, eyes affixed on Cyndane's own. She showed no sign of anything except interest: Her glossy red eyes shown with sin, and greed, and lust...

"Orders?" She asked in a charming voice.

[Umbra]

Roland, still in pain from the guard's (I didn't catch his name, I'll have to ask the Lady about that.) punishment, looked at the others. The priest was there, and the strong one. Roland thought him a soldier, or maybe a worker. You didn't get a build like that out of nowhere. The third, a woman he hadn't seen before, allured him. As he first looked upon her face, and saw those red eyes (demonspawn) she repulsed him. However, as he got a complete look at her, he could revise that opinion. That dress of hers was different, more elegant and exquisite than the others' clothes. It reminded Roland of the days before the Twilight, the nobility at his father's court. (She must come from a noble family.)

 

Roland's attention turned to the two men. The priest was interesting, as Roland had been given hints at his ability - something about a tiger, a beast Roland had only heard of from the merchants. The other man was a blank page. From Cyndane's quick summoning, Roland could devise that the man's name was Victor. In the old tongue, Deus meant God and was most likely a name the priest had taken for himself. Roland nodded at the two, and then turned back to Cyndane.

"As you wish, milady."

Then, he recalled something.

"Milady, if I may ask, has poor Eridan's eyesight returned yet? The cleansing light should have worn off by now."

[Guest Ixigo]

Victor felt cold sweat down his spine as he watched the woman called Elisabeth enter. Oh, she was pretty alright. But good looks wouldn't fool good ol' Victor. No, that woman was dangerous. Then again, everyone was. He gave Roland a forced smile. Damn, that man looked the worse for wear. What had happened to him?

 

Drowning all plausible answers he did not want to think about, Victor tried to focus on Cyndane.

[The Warden]

Deus approached Cyndane, curious for his own mission, considering the way she reacted to hid, 'gift'. He took in the other members with him. The man called Roland looked like he had suffered some form of punishment. 'Ah yes, I remember whilst praying outside, he had blinded a guardsman and Cyndane had taken offence to it, causing him to be whipped' he thought. The man Victor he had looked at before and despite being physically strong, didn't hold much interest. The woman Elisabeth seemed quite attractive, but they were always the most dangerous.

[Tempest Dahlia]

Elisabeth flicked her hair to the side pointlessly: lt was already neat and fixed the way she wanted, and it bounced back to it's original form down her back. She blinked twice quickly, all the while keeping her charming smile and staring at Cyndane directly. She remained silent.

She felt as all three men looked at her, one by one.

Perfect... I'm starting to like this place... She thought idly as she stood there.

[Saiba Aisu]

GM Post Amethyst Order

Characters involved: Ixigo, Dahlia, Brokenheart, Umbra

NPCs: Cyndane, Baltimer

 

Cyndane smiled slowly, and tossed back a strand of her silvery blonde hair. "Gentlemen," she said, addressing Victor, Deus, and Roland, "I have the pleasure of introducing Elisabeth Soleigami." Her dark gaze paused slightly upon the other woman. "Elisabeth is also a recruit, although she has been working with us for a little longer than you. I am sure you will find working with her a thoroughly enlightening experience."

 

The silvery-haired woman's voice lost its pleasant tone as she turned towards Roland—evidently, she had not yet forgotten his demonstration upon her guard. "Baltimer tells me that Eridan's eyesight has returned," she replied sleekly, smoothing down her dress. "His eyes are still bloodshot and weak, but we believe he will make a full recovery, fortunately for you." She rearranged herself upon her thronelike seat, and her features assumed a much more businesslike expression.

 

"Very well," she said to them. "The time has come to dispatch you on your first missions. The Amethyst Order does not take kindly to failure, so I would suggest that you throw yourselves wholeheartedly into making them a success." Cyndane pressed her fingertips together as she regarded them interestedly. "For these missions, you will be divided into groups of two, based upon my personal knowledge of you and your talents."

 

At Cyndane's side like a constant, protective shadow, Baltimer spoke. "Only one of the assignments will require leaving the Amethyst Order's quarters. This assignment will fall upon Roland and Elisabeth, whose abilities allow them to defend themselves or attack as necessary. I will give you further details as we prepare—there is no need for Deus or Victor to know of your assignment just yet." The heavyset warrior turned and began to stride across the room towards an alternate exit, one which led to a stone tunnel lit by flaming braziers—clearly, Elisabeth and Roland were supposed to follow him. Cyndane turned once more to them, saying, "Baltimer does not like to be kept waiting. You had better hurry along."

[Tempest Dahlia]

Elisabeth bent slightly, holding the sides of her ebony-colored dress as he did- Her way of a formal farewell.

She turned and followed the shadow of a man through the stone tunnel, not waiting for Roland to catch up. She was deeply curious as to what exactly she'd be doing, but she decided that she'd let the gentleman in front of her be just that- A gentleman.

[Umbra]

Roland gave a half-hearted smile, and went into the tunnel. As he stood in the archway, he turned around, eyes fixed upon Cyndane.

"For you, my Lady."

Without a word, a small orb of purple light appeared on Cyndane's shoulder, hovering soundlessly - as silent as it's creator when he turned back into the tunnel and hurried after Baltimer and the red-eyed one (Elizabeth?) who had already gained a significant lead. The tunnel was in better condition than he first thought, and it was easy to walk even though his back ached with every step.

[Naimo]

Hyena followed Ashley to the stables, and took one disapproving look at the horses. "Funny that we're being asked to have horses. I think I shall refuse," she said. She suddenly grinned maniacally. "Hyenas don't need horses - you do not see animals such as wolves or foxes on steeds." She raised her head higher, as if trying to look down upon the horses before her. "I shall run, oh yes." There was a tone in her voice which clearly indicated that that was her final decision, and no one could do or say anything to change her mind.

[Otaku-sama]

Paradox walked to the stables, carrying a sack full of his supplies along with the food and drink for the trip. In his hand he had his book of spells, a tattered leather bound volume with jewels encrusting the spine. He inspected the animals in the stable and chose a small mare. He stroked its head and his whinnied.

 

"So, I guess me and Cerce will be off. We need to check for the source of the Geists we fought earlier."

[Saiba Aisu]

GM Post Amethyst Order

Characters involved: Ixigo, Dahlia, Brokenheart, Umbra

NPCs: Cyndane, Baltimer

 

OoC: From this point onward, you are to depart on your missions as directed by Cyndane and Baltimer. Feel free to RP any details or events you find necessary, but be wary of God Modding. It is suggested that you read only your mission post since they're very... lengthy! For Roland and Elisabeth, I will control any enemies you encounter during this mission. If you have any additional questions concerning your missions, please do not hesitate to post an IC query or PM me for further details. Good luck!

 

===

 

[spoiler=Elisabeth & Roland Post]

 

"We'll make a quick detour in the Armory," Baltimer said, leading the way along the stone tunnel and taking a quick left into a large, well-organized room where various weapons were held. He gestured towards two chairs by a small rectangular table, indicating that Elisabeth and Roland should sit down. "As you both know," he said gruffly, "the Senate's latest actions have bordered on tyranny and despotism—the power they have held for so long has only made them that much more corrupt. Recently, the Amethyst Order has begun to direct its energies towards weakening the Senate from within. Since our headquarters lie beneath New Antioch city, we are in the perfect position to do so."

 

The heavyset man paused and drew up a chair from behind him, sitting with the mechanized click of armor. "Cyndane has decided that the best way to go about doing so is to capture and execute as many high-ranking Senate officials as possible. With the majority of its ruling body in disarray, their corrupt government will soon topple into chaos. This is where you come in: although it's still far too early to go after the members of the original Golden Triumvirate of the Senate—they're too well-protected—we can begin our conquest by capturing individuals of lesser importance who possess important information of its workings."

 

Baltimer pulled a slender roll of parchment from his pocket and opened it upon the table, revealing a detailed sketch of a middle-aged man with unusually beady black eyes and a hunched, diminutive figure, similar to a rat. "This is the man you two will be kidnapping," Baltimer said, indicating the drawing. "Togira Ken is not a Sentinel, meaning that his protection will be considerably less than those of other members of the Senate. He is easily recognized by his ratlike appearance or a large crescent-shaped scar on his left palm." He slid another parchment across the table towards them, bound with a hexagonal purple seal. "This document contains a record of Togira's regular movements within New Antioch, as well as his home address and any miscellaneous information concerning his possible security—I have no doubt it will be immensely useful in deciding where you will kidnap Togira. Once you have done so, you are to return him, alive, to our headquarters."

 

Baltimer turned over the first parchment, revealing a heavily-detailed map of New Antioch with their present location marked in red. "This map will help you navigate the city, and the place that will serve as your lodging during this mission's duration is indicated"—his finger moved to a star-like symbol in blue—"here. The house belongs to a fish merchant couple sympathetic to the Amethyst Order's cause, and they have agreed to provide housing and food for you; while you are there, you will be posing as their niece and nephew. While their lives are unimportant, do not bring trouble down upon them or otherwise inconvenience them unless absolutely necessary—the Order is seeking to unite the people underneath our purple standard, not alienate them." He patted his clothing and pulled out a tiny vial half-filled with a few drops of amber liquid. "This paralyzing poison was prepared for you by the Lady Cyndane," he said, laying it carefully upon the table. "There is only enough for one use, but you can transmit it through needle, sword-tip, arrow, food, drink, whatever. Once ingested into the bloodstream, the poison will paralyze the target for seven hours. It's entirely up to you whether you use it or not, or whom you use it on."

 

He turned back to the map of New Antioch, tapping the red cross that marked their location. "Since our headquarters are underground you'll be have to take one of the various tunnels that lead to the city above. While this normally wouldn't be a problem, we've had some recent trouble with Senate guard forces patrolling too closely to some of our most conveniently-placed routes. For this reason, you'll be traveling along the old catacombs just west of here towards an exit that will lead you to a largely-deserted section on the banks of the Anora River." Baltimer's finger traced a meandering line marked in green that snaked towards the river. "From there, you are to make your way to the couple who will be offering you lodging during this time. From the point of your arrival, you will have two weeks and a half to capture Togira—if you have not managed to do so, you are to return through the same way you arrived. Be sure not to raise any suspicions, avoid the Senate guards when necessary, and make sure to avoid leading anyone to the tunnel, whose entrance is fortunately well-concealed."

 

Baltimer rearranged himself on his seat and frowned. "I should warn you," he said heavily, "that the Catacombs have been overrun by strange beasts for a while now—this is one of the main reasons we can ensure that you won't be bothered or noticed as you travel along it during your mission. Although we're not exactly sure what makes these creatures unusual, it's not your job to find out. If you or Togira are attacked, kill the beasts immediately. It is imperative that you return here with him alive." Baltimer leaned back in his seat, sighing heavily. "I wish we could lend you some form of armed escort, but our forces are spread too thinly at the moment, and the Lady Cyndane has decided that any more than two operatives would draw attention. Your clothes and supplies"—he grunted and arched his head back towards two small packs hung on the wall from hooks—"contain a rudimentary amount of food in case you need it, a few medicinal tools for the occasion you are injured, as well as the clothes you will be wearing during this time."

 

The Captain of the Guard smiled grimly at the two recruits. "You leave within the next two hours. Any questions?" he asked.

 

 

 

===

 

[spoiler=Victor & Deus Post]

 

"Very well," Cyndane said, turning from the departing group and gazing back at Victor and Deus impassively. "Your abilities are largely useless in combat," she mused, "therefore, you will be carrying out your assignment here, within the Amethyst Order's headquarters, at my discretion." Her black gaze narrowed as it fell upon the ex-priest, Deus. "Your ability to induce illusions in targets is quite useful," she said softly to him. "However, am I right in guessing that it has its limitations? Perhaps you eventually become exhausted? Or could it be that you can only use your illusory tricks on a certain number of people? Maybe your illusions are dispelled if you are distracted or wounded—there could any number of complications, no?"

 

The silvery-haired woman smiled slightly, her cold features amused. "For this reason, you will be working with Victor to create a device that enhances your abilities and reduces or eliminates any difficulties or limitations you currently have to deal with. Victor's ability allows him to create or enhance such tools after careful study, so you may have to eventually subject him to a demonstration." She shifted on her seat. "I will not pretend that this assignment was premeditated as Roland's and Elisabeth's was, since we had no knowledge of your talents until today, Deus. However, you must be sure to dedicate yourselves completely to this effort—not only because it directly benefits you both, but also because I am almost certain the Leader will take a personal interest in these powers once notified.

 

"You will have any materials you require that are within reason, Victor," she continued, addressing him. "In addition, you will also be granted the use of a state-of-the-art workplace and smithy, which I am sure will be to your satisfaction. You will be expected to collaborate with Victor for a minimum of four hours daily, Deus," she added. "After this period has elapsed, you are free to pursue your own interests or rest within your quarters, provided you do not leave the premises or cause any trouble. Victor, after Deus leaves you, your work time will entirely at your own discretion—however, be aware that I expect some form of early results within the next week or so."

 

Cyndane smiled sweetly at the young blacksmith. "For your sake, I hope you were telling the truth, and that your ability does extend past fashioning indestructible goblets. Now, have I made myself quite clear?"

 

[Guest Ixigo]

Excellent! Victor thought gleefully as he realized he wouldn't have to fight mutated creatures and abduct Senate agents. Then his task actually started sinking on him.

 

Wait, what?! No way! I'm supposed to create something that can... do what? Enhance this guy's power? Illusions? How on earth am I supposed to do that?!

 

Of course, he was smart enough to conceal his uncertainty and hope that the sweat that was running down his face could be attributed to the relatively swamped, dry environment. "But of course, my Lady. We will struggle to our utmost limits in order to fulfill your expectations." He only hoped that Deus fellow was an easy person to get along with. If he wasn't... well, this task was already close to impossible to begin with. He did not want to find out just how Cyndane would react to his failure.

 

"With your permission, my Lady - it might be best if we started immediately. It will take some study to determine exactly what is necessary to complete this assignment..." He trailed off, hoping that Deus would not cause any problems and drag him down with him.

[Tempest Dahlia]

Elisabeth smiled and flicked her hair to the side. "Alive, huh? Not my kind of party, but this should be interesting."

She stood up and stretched, her cloak beating silently againgt her puffed dress as she moved her limbs from side to side.

"O- Ahhh... That feels nice-"

"I have one question," she said once she was done stretching. "What if our little masquerade is blown and he - or anyone else - Manage to find out who we are? Surely that could greatly ruin the mission, if i'm correct?"

[Saiba Aisu]

Baltimer eyed the young woman impassively, watching her stretch. He smiled grimly. "Of course," he agreed with her. "Having your true identities discovered could be cause for alarm, and might have you caught and thrown into Senate prison—perhaps even executed. Therefore, I suggest you don't blow your cover, and do your best to stay in-persona."

 

The Captain of the Amethyst Guard looked once more at the detailed drawing of Togira Ken. "As for Togira, he has never seen you before, and you are both new, unknown recruits of our Order. You should be relatively safe when dealing with him."

[Umbra]

Roland nodded at Baltimer, then eyed the map carefully. He tried to memorize as much of it as possible, should such knowledge prove useful. Or, which Roland hoped wouldn't happen, they would lose it. Not only would they be unable to find their way in New Antioch, anyone who found it would know the location of the Order's hideout. That could not be allowed to happen, at any cost.

"One question, captain. If we only bring Togira here to execute him, why is it so important that he survives the journey here? There are many places one could hide a body in the city; the river or the catacombs stick out as the most obvious."

[Saiba Aisu]

Baltimer frowned at Roland, evidently displeased. "Did you not understand me?" he asked. "We are not bringing Togira here to execute him—rather, he is to be interrogated for useful knowledge of the Senate's inner workings. He is useless to us dead, so you must bring him back alive. After he has been drained of any useful information, we may execute him. However, since he's not a high-ranking official, his death would not accomplish much in the way of causing disorder among the Senate."

[encapturer]

Ashley maneuvered her horse such that she was now facing Cerce, who was already mounted on his. "Yes, we have to deal with some strange bandit problems." Indeed, she still didn't know what to make of her mission.

 

Ashley sighed as Hyena claimed she was going to run the entire way. She was beginning to think that her body was more beast than human, and anything is possible after the Twilight. Of course, the horse will still was carrying supplies, and although they were just a few saddlebags Ashley felt it would be difficult to transfer the materials around.

 

She took her dagger out of its sheath and extracted the broken spear from it in the form of the familiar black mist. Once the spear came into existence and the unpairing of the two items confirmed, she moved her horse next to Hyena's prepared one and touched it's saddle. That saddle faded into the black mist and was absorbed into the one on Ashley's horse.

 

"Run if you like," Ashley said to Hyena as she placed the broken spear into her saddlebag. "Just don't dart too far ahead." That girl just has too much energy, Ashley thought to herself.

 

According to Paradox, the men were going to go investigate the geist outbreak. Ashley was fine with that, arcane practitioners like those two were probably best at that, anyway, and she was in no hurry to fight something her weapons were useless on. "Good luck," she said to Paradox and Cerce, hoping that their mission wasn't as strange as the one she was on. With Narth calling out to everyone to leave, Ashley turned her horse to him, and began following him out of the camp. She took a deep breath as she left the stable.

 

Let's.... do this.

[Tempest Dahlia]

"I think that's all our questions, no?" Elisabeth noted Baltimer's angered expression. "Well then, may we be excused? l need to go freshen up."

"Oh yeah-" Elisabeth turned halfway to Roland, bending slightly so they'd be face to face, see as she was standing and he was sitting.

"I never got your name, handsome." She said, eyes fixed on his expression. "I like to get to know the people i'm working with on an intimate level."

[Saiba Aisu]

Cerce nodded to Ashley and Hyena, his emerald eyes filled with confidence and a strong sense of camaraderie. Evidently, he was convinced that their mission would be successful. "Thanks, Ashley," he replied, mounting his horse with a graceful movement and patting its arched neck, making sure his supplies were in place. "My thoughts go with you and Hyena," he continued, placing his staff sideways upon the saddle and tying it in place, within easy reach. Cerce grabbed the reins with a practiced air—although he did not enjoy riding much, horses had been common forms of transportation in Erzet, and he was confident of his seat.

 

"Even though I've only known you both a short while," he continued, "I've come to believe that you can be trusted. Best of luck to you!" So saying, Cerce snapped the reins softly and dug his heels gently into the steed, which started forward at a moderately quick trot. As they moved, he dug in his robes for the map Alicia had given them, marking the ruined tower to the southwest. "Come on, Paradox!" he called, clicking his tongue and digging his heels in once more. The beast checked its pace and then wheeled forwards past the boundaries of the Avalon Camp, hooves making rhythmic pounding sounds as they stepped onto the dirt road that connected the hills.

 

===

 

Baltimer snorted and stood from his seat. "Like I said, you have two hours to use as you please before your departure... Just be sure to not lose these." He indicated the parchment bearing the detailed drawing of Togira and the details of his comings and goings, as well as the map of the Catacombs and the city above.

 

He turned and began to stride from the room. "I would advise that you try and not stray too far from here, since the confines of the Amethyst Order are labyrinthine and easy to get lost in." So saying, he inclined his head and strode from the room—within a moment, the stone walls had swallowed him up.

[Otaku-sama]

Paradox followed suit and took off after Cerce at a trot.

 

"Good fortune my friends! May the gods bless you and protect you during you mission!" Paradox called back to Ashley and Hyena as his steed caught up to Cerce. He rode quietly for a few minutes of awkward silence with Cerce until he decided to do something useful. Paradox reached into his bag and took out a pestle and mortar along with a handful of different herbs. As he put the ingredients into the bowl, you could see that he was putting colourful roots and leaves that seemed to shimmer a bit in the sun. He began to crush them into powder, their aroma strong enough to smell at least a few paces back.

[The Warden]

Deus bowed after hearing his instructions. 'A device to enhance my own power and to remove my limitations, how on earth are we meant to achieve that? he thought. 'As you wish my lady, I shall work with this, smithy as best as I can' he stated and bowed again. He turned to the smithy in question and studied him over. 'He doesn't seem to show uncertainty, I must have faith in this endeavour' he conceded, hiding his own mental conversation. 'When you are ready, we shall begin' he stated.

[Naimo]

Hyena grinned and nodded back at Cerce. Then she turned her attention back to Ashley. "Oh I won't ... but if I do run too far ahead, I shall spend the time regaining energy and waiting for you to catch up. Much like in the same way I like to race snails sometimes, ooo they're so fun!" She gave a rather childish smile, then began to walk her way out of the stables, still following Ashley. She wasn't going to run ... yet.

[encapturer]

"I'm sure they are..." Ashley replied, smiling back. Hyena, for some reason opted to walk instead to run, which she seemed more comfortable doing. Ashley turned her head to face forward, figuring that Hyena will probably get on all fours eventually.

 

At the outskirts of the camp, Kael handed Ashley and Hyena maps, detailing the path that they will be traveling. It seemed simple enough, except for the part at the end where they would pick up the caravan's trail. Ashley noted that it was going to be a two-day ride indeed. She smiled at the fact that she was going to travel once again, although this time it will not be for fun.