Fantasy Aerumen

[Wert]

Nettle gave a quiet hiss at Mission's threat, continuing to add its scent to Blu.

Esra blushed some, looking away, "I know a few things, yes."

Blu thought she was being modest, seeing as Esra seemed to know a lot. He giggled some, the feathers on the pixie tickling his skin as it rubbed its head behind his ear. The pixie stopped afterwards, perching on the impline's shoulder just before Bast emerged from the caravans with a cloaked Correll behind him.

"Well, he's ready," Bast said, watching the boy sit down, "Can just switch the cloak to Blu's before we leave. Blu, come here, please."

Blu nodded and walked to Bast.

"I don't want you using your glamour on your own," Bast said, an unusually serious expression on his face.

"But, wouldn't it help?"

Bast crouched down in front of Blu, "It could help, but you don't seem to know how to close it off. It could drain your own energy and harm you. You've not rested well, and-"

"The crystals will run out," Blu completed Bast's sentence, causing the man to smile some.

"Yes, exactly," Bast spoke gently, his expression relaxing, "If you are okay with it, I can place one on you like I did Correll, but you have to promise you wont try it by yourself when it fades."

Blu nodded, not having noticed that Nettle had flown and gotten rather close to Bast. The human grimaced when he noticed it, backing his face away as it tried to shorten the gap between them.

"Is this the pixie Esra spoke of?" Bast questioned, staring at the creature, "Are you sure its safe?"

"That is questionable," Mircea commented.

"I'd say, it looks quite old," Bast said, his brows coming together.

Esra frowned some, "What do you mean?"

Bast huffed, smiling at the creature before he snatched it from the air, ignoring its startled squirming, "I'm saying, it is old." He held Nettle out to Esra so she could see it closely, "See the scales on its stomach? There's got to be at least twelve. You don't see these in young pixies, and most don't live long enough to gain more than six."

"So what?" Esra seemed somewhat defensive.

"SO, don't you think there's a reason this one has survived long?"

"I have a better question," Mal said, "Why does it seem to like you so much?" His eyes were glued on the pixie which had relaxed in Bast's hand, using his thumb as a prop for its head.

"Pixies like magic." Esra said, sharing a short stare with Bast before the man sighed and dropped Nettle, the pixie catching itself in the air.

"Anyways," Mircea spoke, "It's chosen to help us, hopefully this magic attraction nonsense wont distract it?" He had a somewhat annoyed look, glancing at the pixie which gave a clicking noise, its mouth opening in what looked like a wide smile before coming to sit on Blu's head.

"I'm fine with you putting one on me, " Blu said, reverting the subject back, "I promise, I wont try it on my own."

Bast nodded, offering a hand for Blu to take before leading both him and Correll inside the wagons.

"Bast seems quite serious," Esra said, a worried look on her face.

"Ay, he gets like that sometimes before a fight." Mircea chuckled weakly, "You've never seen it because, well, Bast hasn't taken most threats seriously in a long time."

Mal chuckled, nodding his head, "I like him better when he is focused."

A few minutes later and Bast left the caravans with two cloaked and hooded figures of the same height. Blu was wearing Correll's old boots, which made him appear taller than he was. As well as the cloak Correll was previously wearing. He flipped the hood back and revealed what looked like, well, himself, but not himself. He lacked the stubby horns, claws, and tail. His skin was a light human tone, his hair a dirty blonde and shorter, and his eyes a shade of green. Bast had managed to make him look human, something Blu wouldn't have been able to do himself.

"I didn't know what to choose so I chose features from the parents," Bast said, a hand coming to rub the back of his head. The pixie still sat on Blu's head, almost resembling a giant sitting in a field of wheat.

Correll was silent, not removing the hood from his head.

"Should we start this, then?"

 

[Never]

"Blue suits you." Mission couldn't help but smirk down at Correll as she stood in front of him. Though the seriousness of the whole thing hit here when she was asked if they should start this. Lythrope was about to be behind them and Mission, thought of the passed couple of days going into a bit of a daze until she made a loud sharp whistle. The hooves of a horse trotted over to her, Ludo's head came into view between her and Correll.

"On your best today, buddy."


Arbonath let out a gruff grunt as he stood up and walked over to the Wagons, "All right then." Arbonath folds away the horse trough against the side of the wagon and then goes and checks each of the wheels one-by-one. His hand wiping over each of the crystals embedded within them - they seem to resonate with a glow and their tightness suddenly goes slack - the wood creaking as they are allowed to move again.

Whilst Arbie was dealing with the Wagon and getting it Travel ready, Foxy was loading it with the tables they had set up and any of the items still left in camp. She picked up Mission's things and draped them on the back of Ludo on the way to the wagons.


"Ah thanks Foxy. Correll get on, I'll be with you in a second."

She rummaged through her belongings and found the Vial of Zykossim she bought earlier and another small-ish contraption, she turned her attention to twinkle-toes.

"Bast." She threw the vial at him, expecting him to catch, "For cooking, i mean not for us. But Mircea, Arbonath, Esra & Blu might appreciate it. I'm trusting you not to poison me."

She then walked over to Mircea and places a hand crossbow and five small bolts into his hand, "I don't know how well you fight, so take this just in case. I mean if you don't want to use it, give it to Esra or something. Just in case."

(Note: Blakkpowder is a less potent Gunpowder: think I mentioned it once before).

 

[Wert]

Correll climbed onto ludo, watching the others prepare to leave when Mircea approached him. A sheathed sword was in his hand, the body pointed at Correll. His voice lowered to almost a whisper, "If you need to use it, then use it. You can't hesitate this time."

Correll nodded, taking the weapon from Mircea and strapping to his side. Mircea being a little doting decided to help him so the male wouldn't fall from the horse.

"Ay, ay, capi-tan," Bast said as he took the vial with him to join Esra and Blu inside the caravans. Esra and Blu had gone to Arbonath's wagon, waiting for Mircea to join them.

Mircea nodded and took the small crossbow as it was handed to him, "we'll use it well, if we must." He glanced towards the caravans, "I'm sure they'd love to see you off, but Lythrope has many eyes. It was risky letting Bast change them here." He glanced to the side, whispering to her where Correll couldn't hear, "A warning.. He will lose focus if his temper gets the better of him. It may be too much to ask, but try to keep him calm, if you can."

Mircea smiled slightly and patted her shoulder as he moved to join the others inside. Bast was making some form of ruckus which he couldn't check on under the circumstances. Mal was standing on one of the balconies, as if ready to go in either direction at a moments notice. Nettle gave a hissing sound when he approached the door, the pixie settling down when Mircea came into view. Mircea reached passed them and knocked on the wall for Arbonath, "ready when you are, don't forget Foxy."

 

[Never]

Mission listened to Mircea and nodded, she wasn't entirely sure how to keep Correll calm - but it was a concern that she'd keep in mind as the events progressed. "I will look after him." Mission looked back at Correll on her horse and made her way over to him, not looking at him right now - she tied her stuff to the horse and then lifted herself up - sitting behind him. Her arms reach under his shoulders - her open palms facing up to him, she pressed her chest against his back and spoke to him,

"If you wouldn't mind passing me the reigns."


Arbie checked on the horses, they were all tied up now and ready to go. He was content with his checking over of the Wagon and he was confident as he had made sure over the passed couple of days it was ride-worthy and kept up to the standard for long travel. He climbed up onto his seat and took the reigns into his hand, Mircea gave him the go ahead and he looked around for Foxy - and she was climbing up. He nodded to himself and lead the Caravan away.

He went to Tore's exit and took it.


Mission trotted and followed the Caravan near to the back of it. She remained calm and just casually travelled with them towards the exit of Lythrope, she was still thinking on the fly on how to keep Correll remaining calm. Maybe it was just about making conversation.

"So Correll, tell me a little about yourself - we haven't really spoken much. How'd you get taken into Mircea's Caravan?"

 

[Wert]

Correll handed her the reigns when she asked for them, remaining quiet as they started off until Mission spoke again. It took him a moment to speak, as if he were trying to put the words together, "He owed my family a favor, and I used it to get away from them." His tone was a bit stiff, as if he didn't want to elaborate on it, or he was holding himself back from something. He glanced around them before speaking again, "What about you, What were you doing before the caravans?"


Mircea sat down slightly in front of Blu and Esra, looking at the two. They seemed rather calm considering the situation. "So, other than scenting Blu, what else is your pixie friend going to do to ward off the fairy?"

Nettle chittered, making a mess of Blu's hair before hopping on to the boys hand. It grabbed his middle finger and bit into it, causing Blu to wince. Droplets of blood came from the tiny bite mark, which Nettle somehow grasped onto like stones. It took the spheres of blood and vanished momentarily, returning empty handed.

"Ah, it's spreading your blood out."

Nettle continued to do this until the small wound stopped bleeding, using its tiny hands to heal the skin before laying across Blu's palm.

"Lets hope that works at all."

 

[Never]

They made their way onto their path, leaving the hidden settlement behind. The wilds taking over their peripherals.

"Ah, I was just looking around for Mercenary work. It wasn't too easy to come by, not that much conflict nowadays. I was mainly guarding noble transport or the passage of cargo. Pretty similar to guarding a Caravan to be honest. I mostly started hunting to get by, been a while since I wore a dress. Hmm..." Mission was sort of interested in Correll's past now though, "So. Home. Miss it? Leave much behind?"

She kept her eyes on the road, looking every now and then into the trees on either side of the roads. She looked as inconspicuous as possible near to the back of the Caravan. She wore her shield on her back too, extra defence.

 

[Wert]

"You could say that," Correll cleared his throat lightly, "I don't miss that place, just my siblings. They didn't want to leave. Can't say I blame them." He went quiet for a moment, rolling his eyes under his hood, "my parents aren't bad people, they just wanted something for me that I didn't agree with. I still don't agree with it." Correll kept under his hood, a hand coming to rub his shoulder.

 

[Never]

Mission kept one hand gripped at her reigns, the left one let go and raised up, embracing Correll's hand on his shoulder. "I can respect that... You have your own mind about you. Quite headstrong for a young man. I wish I was like you when I was younger, I may not have been swayed so easily by my elders. All I can say is... as long as you're happy. You made the right decision. I'm glad you also made the decision to ride with me, I did not want to overstep my boundaries - I just had faith in you being the best choice for this."

Her hand moved from his shoulder to the sword on his hip and gripped it tightly.

"I've got your back, and I have confidence you have mine too - but if you feel like it's too much, just keep your faith in me." She took her hand off his sword and went back to holding the reigns. She looked up at the sky for a moment and continued to ride.



"WHAT? Is the Issue? My spies told me they left, through an exit they didn't know about. AND NOW YOUR FAIRY IS PISSING ABOUT?"

Mana was furious, Rook was having a hard time looking at him. She continued to flex her hand, the Ring on it glowing and dispersing - the Fairy just floated in front of her, not responded - it's aura turning from blue to red every time she flexed her hand. It was futile. She looked at Mana then to Bastion, not saying anything. Bastion spoke next, his deep voice erupting forth calmly;

"Looks like they've messed up the Boy's trail. They knew we were tracking them with one."

"Fuck. Well. I planned for this, it might take us longer to reach them now but we aren't lost."

Mana took out a piece of clothing, he had found it in Alter's tent before he was found in there. A leather belt that didn't belong to the Impline. He tossed it to Rook, who caught it with her other hand.

"We'll follow the hound then, wherever she is the Boy will be."

Rook still remained silent, she gripped the belt tightly with her ringed hand now and both the ring and the belt glowed with a red aura. The belt eventually turning into nothing but dust as it's drawn into Rook's palm. The rider sprinkles the dust over Fairy floating in front of her, it's aura begins to fluctuate still blue until suddenly a deep red and remained that way. It shot off in a direction.

"HYA!" Mana whipped his reigns and made chase, his underlings following close.

 

[Wert]

Correll nodded, unsure what to say in response at first. So far, he hadn't gotten to know the woman much, but she hadn't given him a reason not to trust her words. He looked around them, studying the surroundings as they passed. There wasn't much to go off of about where they are from Correll's perspective. He huffed quietly to himself before speaking, "I appreciate that, Mission. Most don't try to understand it."


Mircea was a bit nervous about this plan. Sitting on the floor with the sprite and child. Though, he'd be a fool not to be at least a little nervous. Bast had gone quiet in the other caravans, which didn't help the uncertainty Mircea felt. It must have been showing on his features, as Esra placed a soft hand on top of his own, giving him a small smile. She glanced over at Blu, Mircea following her gaze to the boy who had somehow fallen asleep in the midst of this. His head was balanced on his knees which he loosely held. However, the pixie on his head was wide awake, emitting a blue and purple light from its palms as it stared at the door.

Mircea inquired, "What is it doing?"

The sprite shrugged, removing her hand from his. She was just as clueless as he was.

Mircea turned his attention away, clasping the weapon that Mission had given them. He used his free hand to knock on the wall again, "You should start to see the edge of a thick forest. That'll be the Westland's border from here. It isn't marked, so be careful." His words cut after that, noticing Blu stirring some in his sleep.

 

[Never]

Mission nodded her head, though Correll might not have seen it - it was how she decided to respond. They continued to ride for a bit.

Arbie smacked his the back of his heel against the wood of the wagon, as a confirmation that he got Mircea's message. The thick forest border coming up, he clicked his tongue and the horses whinnied in response. They picked up a bit of speed as they brought the thick forest quicker around them.

Now riding for a few hours. Foxy saw something in the sky, buzzing wings - humanoid and tiny. She made it so that spotting it wasn't too obvious - her eyes only remaining on it for a split second. The fairy didn't know better. Foxy went to the edge of the Caravan and looked at Mission, her smile beaming as she waved at her.

"Safe travels! It was lovely to have you both with us! Good luck in the North!"

Her voice was loud and acted, but acted well - surprisingly it was less over the top than how Foxy usually was. Mission nodded in response, waving her hand.

"Thanks for everything."

She whipped at her reigns and pelted forward - easily sprinting passed the first Wagon and then splitting off from the path. Ludo jumped into the bushes and thick forest, but the horse was skilled and made easy progress through the forest.

Foxy walked up to Arbonath and whispered into his ear, she then made her way quickly across the wagons until she was near to the back of it. Looking out. Arbie spoke casually back at Mircea in Elvish;

"Scout spotted in the air. Mission has left."


On the path, they rode vigorously and without rest. Their horses were pushed to their limits and seemed to show no sign of exhaustion. Rook raised a finger to her squad on the right of her, Mana and Bastion flicked their heads to see her sign. She then raised both her fingers, their tips coming together and then parting separately. She flexed her hand and and then shot it forward. Issuing the Fairy it's command.

"I'll follow the Fairy to the Hound, she's mine."

"And us?" Bastion replied.

"Clear the Wagons."

Mana' twisted his body to the side and his horse went into the thick forest, it unnaturally moved through with dead set pursuit. Rook and Bastion whipped their reigns and they approached the rear of the Caravan.


As they progressed. Foxy squinted her eyes and saw riders approaching. Three and then Two as one of them sidetracked into the thick forests, probably after Mission. Foxy's head snapped back and she shouted as loud as possible to the rest of the Wagon.

"THREE RIDERS! THEY'VE SPLIT UP!"

Arbonath reacted immediately, snapping the reigns and sending his horses into a sprint - the Wagons picked up pace, but their mass was not enough to outrun riders. He dropped his reigns and held out his hands, closing his eyes he focused on the wheels and they themselves began to pick up speed - the horses managed to match them, but he didn't overdo it do exhaust their legs.


The riders however were on the ass of the Caravan at this point, getting a close look at the Giantess looking down at them. She frowned, her face serious and no sign of cracking. She recognised them and they recognised her.

"Lady Fox?" Bastion grinned beneath his helmet and with a flash of speed leaped from his horse onto the edge of the Caravan, it was a speed almost impossible to keep up with. A Blur even in his heavy armoured state. Foxy went to kick him from the back, but again another unnatural burst of speed had him up and around her before she could connect her foot to him. He was behind her, Battleaxe ready - sending it into her back. The blade bounced off and she stood there, looking over her shoulder with a glare.

Meanwhile, Rook took her concentration off her Pet Fairy as that was now surveying above the forest - looking for Mission. She thrust her hands out at Bastion's horse, her finger's clenched as made movements with her arms - focusing on her magic. The Black Horse screams a whinny and bursts into a liquid shadow which splits and clutches the side of the rear wagon. Their forms shifting and turning into humanoids made entirely of black; about the size of the goblins; they have sharped clawed hands and feet. Entirely in black still, they have no eyes and a gaping maw which has strands of black liquid connected the bottom and top jaw. They crawl against the Caravan, two do anyway against the sides making their way to each Wagon. One remains behind and begins to break into the back of it with it's clawed hands, tearing through the door and searching inside - the other two do the same; going into the next one along together breaking through searching.

Foxy tackles Bastion to the ground, easy enough for her. She smashes two fists into his helmet, the wood behind Bastion that he is laying on cracking from the impact; the clanging of metal ringing in the air. She clasps her hands together and raises them above her head and as she goes to bring her hands down onto Bastion she is smacked right in the back by something. Foxy turns her attention to the origin of the smack and Rook is riding down beside the wagon they're on, manifesting another black spear - throwing it at Foxy's face she jerks back and it flies passed her. With a burst of speed and power Bastion gets from under her and is standing at the edge of the Wagon and begins making his way across the others - his eyes honed in on the driver. Foxy screams and runs after him, her intense strength rocking the caravans as she puts her all to sprint across. Luckily for her she had a constant quick speed whereas Bastion could only move in quick bursts.

Foxy goes to punch Bastion in the back of the head but he ducks and she overtakes him. and stands between Bastion and the wagon Arbonath is on. Rook makes her way closer to the front as well, Foxy curses. The Watery shadows search through the insides.

 

[Wert]

Correll could hear another set of hooves, though they weren't as close as Ludos. He took a deep breath, focusing on the giant trees surrounding them to calm himself some.

Mal had wondered if Bast fled, given that he couldn't find the man anywhere within the wagons, and he sure wouldn't be in Arbonath's own with Mircea there. He shook his head, a thick short sword grasped in his hand. There were other things to deal with, small, black inklings had infiltrated the caravans, one reaching the wagon he was currently in. There wasn't much he could do inside, but still he prepared to strike it. However, he stopped short of the creature as the floor of the wagon appeared to warp under them like water, a sudden flash of metal and light soon joining the oddity. Mal blinked and the creature was gone- dead or dispersed, it was gone. His brows scrunched when a head popped out of the moving floor, Bast's head with a glaring expression on his face. The man held a finger to his mouth in a shushing motion before shooing Mal with the same hand. Mal could only nod, placing the sword at his side and turning his attention to Foxy. He could tell by the ruckus that she probably needed a hand, and Bast seemed to have this part covered after all.

Bast submerged himself in the borders of the caravans, shifting between them until he reached the other two shadows. The world around him was dark save for the outline of the wagons and the looming creatures overshadowing the wagon view from above. He prepared his dagger, his other hand clasping the hilt openly as a fire-like light emitted from it and he ran it through the first creature. The second was somewhat harder, having to follow its oddly quick movements, but he still managed to slice through it having emerged his torso to do it. The dagger rammed into the ground through it, the creature dispersing. Bast wiggled the weapon free from the wood, turning it in his hand as he re submerged himself.

Mal moved through the caravans to the ruckus, the sound of his approach being clouded by Foxy fighting the riders off. He came to the balcony, watching as Foxy leaped over, chasing a rider. Mal huffed and ran forwards through the caravans, balancing out some of the shaking from her footsteps. He quickly pulled himself onto the roof behind the rider and grabbed the man's legs in one swift motion, tossing him from the roof.


Mircea readied an arrow, taking a vial from his pouch and using a few drops to soak the arrowhead and wood before placing it in the cross bow. The pixie, having woken Blu up with it's odd scuttling around on his head, seemed somewhat agitated. Perhaps they were using more magic outside. Either way, Mircea had change his position, hiding Blu behind him. Esra sat on the other side, blowing air through her lips.

 

[Never]

As Bast dispersed each of the creatures, their shadows seeped through the wooden cracks and left a trail of black liquid leaking from the Wagons. Rook looked back, feeling her Magic had been interfered with and that her Minions were gone. She was silent and went back to riding.

Bastion had a grin beneath his mask, that couldn't be seen - but it could definitely be felt in his aura. He stomped towards Foxy with confidence, she was thinking about it all - her past and him. And as he was about to berate her, he felt something around his ankles and his pride went shattering as he was thrown from the Wagon roof.

Bastion crashed into Rook, though she reacted to it with crazy under-pressure confidence. The horse under her dispersed and turned to black liquid like Bastion's - shooting at Mal the black liquid latched onto him.

Foxy just watched Bastion get slung, seeing Mal she cracked a little smile at him. Until suddenly Black Goop stuck to his body all over him, three creatures of Ink formed on him- their sharp claws digging into his skin as they forced him back down between the Gaps of the Wagon. He went out of view of her and she screamed, "MAAL!" A flash in her mind, the exact same thing she had experienced before - the black water attached to her knights donning her House Sigil. Black Veins pulsing from the suffering soldiers than protected her, the burning houses and screaming children. The Scorched Armour of Bastion stepping into view, leaving a trail of bodies and blood behind him - his gaze looked at a Young Fox and she felt that same Aura of his smile beneath his Helmet.

As soon as Bastion felt the Floor path beneath him, his super unnatural speed kicked in and he moved from being slunk onto the ground to latching and climbing up the side of the Wagon. He pulled himself onto the Roof and saw Foxy standing there almost paralysed in fear. He ran over to her Axe out as he smacked her across the face, she jerked to the side and fell to a knee.

Rook tumbled across the ground and her arms whipped out - she released one strand of black water and then another. Both of them latching onto the side of the wagon, the balls of her feet now finding some sort of balance on the earth as it dragged her along like she was surfing against it using the whips of water anchored on the wagons as balance. She leaps into to air and slams into the side of the Wagons further down now, clutching the side with her gauntlet she had let go of one whip but remained on with the other. Rook climbs upon the roof now, scanning the gaps for the Big Dark Man and the pest that dispatched her first set of pets. Meanwhile back with Bastion;

"You remember don't you Evangeline?"

He smacks her across the face again and she fells to both her knees, hands against the floor. Hair covering her face.

"The Lady of Steel? Ha! No resolve!"

Bastion brings his Axe above his head before being pummelled into the gaps of his armour by various hummingbyrds, he took a step back and grunted. Smashing them against his armour with his hand. A familiar dwarvish voice rang out.

"I didn't decide to sit here and drive this thing through hell & back just to watch you sit back and die this easily!"

Foxy's fist tightened and she slowly stood up as Bastion was dealing with the hummingbyrds, as he squished the last one his vision focused on Foxy who was now towering over him. Her shoulder tense and fists clenched, anger slapped on her face. She punched him and he dodged, they exchanged flurries of blows - her fists came at him and his Axe batted her off. His axe then came at her and she deflected his strikes with her forearms. Mid-parrying and striking she drew her sword, taking two hits on her chest like a brick wall. The sharp clangs of metal and sparks erupted from the two as speed and brute force came face-to-face. Bastion however was pushing her back, Foxy kept stepping back as he wailed on her - his axe grinding against her sword again. and again.

She then planted her foot firmly on the roof of the first wagon they were on now and took a hit she knew she could driving her sword forward she managed to drive it into a section between his armour, stabbing through with purchase. He panicked and used his speed to back off, the blade not going too deep - but enough to make him walk away. She saw the black blood on the end of her sword and let out a sigh of relief. Bastion clutched his side and stormed towards her, she went to meet him - knowing that Arbonath was directly behind her and the others were below. They exchanged blows once again, it was almost a standstill - but Foxy had the advantage, Bastion was too busy trying to block her blade strikes not wanting to taste her blade again. Knowing she could easily let the axe bounce off her skin.

Though as she saw an opening and made a feint she went for it, her blade pointed ready to strike down into his neck. But he had been saving his burst of speed for this moment and in one motion he ducked and took the feet from under her - immediately she felt the wood connect with her side. Bastion standing above her, plants his foot firmly on her face.

"Bested. Again."

"Oh aye you think?"

That familiar dwarf voice appeared again as he was now not driving and instead facing Bastion with a Crossbow in his hand, his own design. One Bolt after another was loosed from it, the first struck Bastion in the thigh and he took a step back off Foxy's face - the second hit him in the wrist and he dropped his Battleaxe. The Third and final went straight for his heart, but it was stopped short by the plate armour. Bastion looked down, something was on his side as a Bolt protruded from his chest piece - it was stuck in there, but it didn't get any further. He went to look up at the Dwarf with a grin behind his helmet... But it wasn't a Dwarf he was looking at. No. It was the angry face of a Noble Woman who had lost everything, her fist with it's full force behind it connected with the end of the bolt and she pushed it into his chest through the armour sending the Scorched riding flying through the air -rolling across the roof of the second wagon along. His gauntlets clutched at his chest as he choked - he could not get his fingers through the severely dented armour and he panicked - trying to tear his armour off to get to the bolt inside his chest. Bastion saw sky for a few moments, then a figure looking down at him. Foxy reached down and gripped his chest piece by the top where it opened up for his neck and pulled him close - her nose almost pressed against his helmet.

"For House Fox."

She took her other hand and gripped the underneath of his helmet, ripping his neck from it's torso with little struggle. She threw them off the side.

----
​

Mission rode through the Forest, Ludo being pretty quick as it is. Though her ears twitched and she looked around - managing to pick apart sounds that she was making and sounds that were foreign to her and someone else was making. She was being tracked. She rode for a long while, didn't know how far away they were at this point. Her pursuer was getting closer and closer.

"No you don't." She pulls Ludo sharply to one side as Mana's horse emerged from the dark shrubbery beside her a screaming whinny filling the air. She turned harshly, hopefully not putting too much on her Horse she continues in another direction picking up speed, dodging passed branches and trunks with the closest of collisions being a sliver. But, her pursuer was moving around the trees like a wave of water, liquid, moving as a dance - it was irking and intimidating. He didn't lose speed on her and was gaining. Somehow.

She let out a shaky breath in Correll's ear, her heart pounded against her chest - against his back. But she kept her concentration, being Ludo's second set of eyes at this point.

"C'mon buddy, cmon. You're the best Stead a Knight could possibly have." The Horse let out a sharp breath in response, it's head ducked and bobbed lower - it made it's own judgement movement and went straight for a tree, turning sharply on it's own at the last second which slowed it's speed but it turned at an angle and bolted away. Mission looked back and Mana's horse hit the tree, he managed to turn it slightly as one side of the horse collided against it. It burst into watery shadows and Mana went flying from it, but the liquid whooshed under him and caught the Rider, forming into that of a Horse again and remaining on the chase. It was a perfect manoeuvre by Ludo and any other pursuer would've been bested by it - she realised now that this was how he had been keeping up with them and gaining since the beginning. Their horses weren't alive and didn't suffer from exhaustion.

She pressed the side of her cheek against Correll's and closed her eyes. Muttering to herself in Impline. Mana gained and gained, his hand reaching out - moments away from clutching Correll's shoulder. They weren't looking at him, they had no idea. But he had no idea it wasn't Blu. His clutches inches from purchase. Mission's eyes burst open and she spoke normally in the Boy's ear,

"Look after my Horse."

Her eyes become red and a radiant heat erupts from her as she leaps from Ludo letting go of his Reigns, diving at Mana - taking him from his horse and to the ground with a loud thud, clanging of metal armour and the grunt of two warriors. Mana landed on his back and growled, Mission rolled against the earth off the Scorched Rider and got to her Feat straight away, drawing her Sword and Shield into her hands.

"He's gone - you've failed."

Mana growled and stood up. No weapon in hands he regained his composure. His horse had stopped riding too, but Ludo had taken Correll away somewhere. The distant screaming whinnies of the horse in the distance at it realised it was missing it's Master.

"He can't survive without you."

"Who said I was going anywhere?"

"I will enjoy drawing your soul from it's Husk."

"AH!" Mission swings her sword, a couple of runes on her sword lighting up as she unleashes and arc of fire at him. He simply dodges to the Hound's left and it passes by him - hitting a tree behind him and setting it alight. She was studying him, she had seen what the others did - but not Mana the leader. He was the most unpredictable right now. Her eyes narrowed behind her shield, looking at him as he slowly circled and approached.

"Ever the tactician. You must be wondering. Let me put you at ease, let me put to rest any predictions or expectations you have of me. I have... nothing. Just my sword." Mana's Greatsword forms in his hand and he brings it down Upon Mission, she deflects it. She measured his strength from this one attack and adjusted how she would deflect with her shield. It was strong, it was exhausting - she would have a better time dodging rather than taking the hits. Which she tried to do, they exchanged blows and she tried to move around him and get a better vantage, he was trying to keep up with her - but the Whit of Mission was something he wasn't actually prepared for. Mana growled as she circled him with ease, he had heard of her fighting prowess before but had underestimated her - the stories of the Black Hound's tactics were boasted, but as a dueller no one really spoke about it - it was overshadowed by her genocide. Mana managed to keep up with her, his greatsword he treated like it was lighter than a dagger and this surprised her too. But she did not underestimate her opponent, she had overestimated him. Her sword found the inside of his leg and the back of his knee. She sliced open his wrist and then drove her sword against his back.

Mana dropped his blade and fell to his knees, his fighting arm limp. She stood in front of him, the tip of her sword lifted the bottom of his chin so that his gaze found hers.

"I expected more."

"..."

"You'll pursue us no further." Mission brought her blade back, ready to thrust it forward before Mana says something in his unique language. A Trigger word "Rook". His horse dispersed into water magic and struck Mission from the side, clashing into her shield she was sent prone onto the ground, the water liquid forming into the black creatures that roared in her face - peering over her shield, their claws clutching and not able to get through. Though she was struggling on the ground. Mana flee'd and left, his Greatsword disappeared as he could not pick it up to fight. He ran and would live to fight another day.

 

[Wert]

"BAASSSTT" Mal yelled angrily. He tried to pull the inkly beings from his body to no avail, getting more frustrated with each attempt as they reattached quite quickly, "STOP WATCHING AND HELP, DAMMIT!" A soft and echoing chuckle signified that Bast was in fact watching the events unfold without interfering.

"Stop squirming," Bast whispered, waiting for Mal to calm just long enough for him to strike the creatures with a leap, submerging into the wall of the caravan across from Mal. His head came to poke out behind the rider who wasn't fighting Foxy at the time, his pupils thinning into slits as he watched her. He re submerged one last time before hopping out of the roof, landing lightly on top of it.

The big man huffed, taking a second to catch his breath before climbing onto the roof.

"Mal," Bast said, speaking to the other human as if Rook wasn't between them, "Catch." He slung a glowing hand out, a rather large hammer appearing from the empty space and flying at Mal. The boulder of a man caught the weapon, though he also had to catch his footing.

"You trying to kill me, too?" Mal grumbled, his eyes focused on the rider despite who he was speaking to.

Bast hadn't made a move yet, but Mal wasn't keen on waiting to see what the rider had in mind for them. He slammed the hammer into the roof, sharp, sturdy ice quickly growing from the impact and encasing the roof towards the rider. Bast dodged the edges of it by stepping back, he didn't want to touch it knowing Mal's favorite elements.


Correll pulled the reigns after some distance was place between them, "whoa..whoa," He patted Ludo on the neck, looking back. It was dangerous for him there, but he could no longer hear the sound of clashing metal because of the distance. His heart faltered for a moment, hands gripping the reigns tightly as he looked out at the gap in the forest on the other side, but he instead just grumbled to himself. Correl couldn't deal with leaving her behind, dead or alive. He groaned before leaning in and hugging Ludo's neck, closing his eyes, and whispering, "To you who shines, take our bodies and make them feathers. Take our forms and make them clear. Bring beast and man the safety of light and dust." He sighed, lifting himself up and grabbing the reigns again. He couldn't see it, but he could tell that his prayer had been answered. "Go back to her, Ludo." Both Correll and Ludo had become invisible, in a way. The horse's steps not making noise aside from dead leaves wafting and crunching from the horses movements. They reached Mission after some moments, the rider she had fought had left her. He took the sword from his side, hopping off of Ludo and quickly stabbing the black creatures that wouldn't remove themselves from Mission's shield.

"Mission," Correll whispered, "Are you alright? Where's the rider?" He almost held a hand out for her before remembering she wouldn't see it.

 

[Never]

Rook's gaze flicks back and forth, surrounded by two people now. She calculated her odds and thought. I'll give it a go. The big dark man referred to as Mal struck first and she reacted quickly. Rook stretched both her arms out - unleashing two water whips from each palm. One at Bast and One at Mal, both latching around their necks in one quick motion. Whilst doing this Rook had ran off the side of the Wagon - yanking Bast down onto his belly unless he does something, she thrust a hand out and the other side of the whip shot out and attached to a tree - the tension tightened and would pull Bast straight of the Wagon if he doesn't free himself. It was also a quick distraction for him.

Rook banks on Mal's stature being quite tough and him standing his ground, she uses this to run across the side of the Wagon, her whip around his neck using him as a swinging anchor. Rook quickly swings around between the Gap of the Wagon from the side where Mal just was and lands on the balcony. She lets go of the whip and thrusts her hands out, making a clutching motion at something in the air. She focuses on her splattered Water and reforms it all into one big inkling creature about 6 feet tall - the monster instead of claw hands has hook blades on the ends of it's wrists and then starts to yank doors from it's hinges and makes it's way to the first wagon through the rest - searching.

Rook leaps back onto the ceiling and forms two Black Water daggers in a reverse grip in her hands; she charges at Mal and attempts to dice him up.

---

Mission can't get her wrist properly pointed in an aggressive direction, becoming frustrated that these creatures were so relentless at pushing them down but still clawing at her shield. Neither side was getting anywhere with how dumb they were, just as she was about to do something else they suddenly freeze and one by one turn to lifeless black liquid which splashes against her face. She kept her mouth closed and eyes closed.

She shook her head and sat upwards, getting up with help from her sword and looks around - getting a clear view of her surroundings.

"I think he ran, I cut him up bad."

She runs over to where he was kneeling before her and looks around for tracks. "We can track him down and finish him...Wait... Correll? Where are you?"

 

[Wert]

Correll followed her, looking at the ground and then to the forest. He blinked when she asked where he was, having almost forgotten about the prayer. "Ah, I'm beside you." He reached his free hand out and touched the side of her face, making skin to skin contact and whispering something inaudible. To Mission, be probably seemed to suddenly appear beside her, his rapier held tightly in his other hand. Ludo also became visible to her, looking happy to see her. "We can track him if you want, but I am also worried about the others."

----

Bast's body started to melt the moment the black water wrapped around his neck, soon turning to sand. He warped his form against the wind to submerge himself again, following the giant inkling. It took a moment for his body to reform, though the sand made it easier to move through the caravan's borders. He quietly emerged behind the creature inside the wagon, taking a second to think before he held his hand out, the other wrapping around his wrist. His pupils enlarged as he focused, taking a deep breath and whispering to himself. It started with a faint light on his palm that quickly grew and shot out at the black water, moving up it's body. The light consumed the inkly substance in its path, sucking it away until it formed a mass that writhed in the air as the energy pressed against the water. Bast blinked, somewhat surprised as the mass came to a stand still, bulges coming to grow from it before it exploded into a flash of bright light. Dust filled the room, causing the man to cough some and wave it away. "Well...I guess purifying works." He muttered to himself, having to catch himself on the wall before submerging himself in it again.

Mal turned and watched as the rider made the creature, taking a few steps back, the ice avoiding his foot steps. He focused on his breathing for a moment, uttering a casting, "Be still and cold, freeze the very air I breathe." It took a moment and a portion of his magical energy, Rook coming to charge at him with black daggers. He balanced himself and swung the hammer towards her, whether it missed or not there was ice that followed. It shot from the air like a sheild and the layer already formed on the roof like blades. If it made contact with the rider, it'd quickly grow over and into her armor. At which point, either way, Mal took a step back and swung the hammer in the opposite direction, the pulsating light from the ice coming to let loose a string of lightning that strengthened as it bounced between the ice.

 

[Never]

Mission rests her hand on her Horse as it approaches her, now visible to her. She stands up and let out a sigh, "Me too. Get on." Mission would assist Correll onto her Horse and then climb on after him - riding off through the Forest.

---

Rook falters as she feels her Inkling get completely vaporised, as she was about to expertly dodge the Ice coming towards her - instead she almost falls from the feeling and brings her arms up creating a quick crude water shield as the Ice and it clashes, more force behind the Ice she gets smacked back from the Momentum. But the Ice doesn't touch her. The clanging of metal on the wood as he helmet rolls across and falls off the side. Her High Elven face in clear view of Mal. She Gazes at him, her head whipping in his direction - looking directly into his eyes with her pulsing pitch black holes for eyes, black water streams of tears leaking down her cheek and black water leaking from her mouth too passed her chin. One of Rook's pointed ears have been torn off, the other still sort of whole with slits carved into it. Her skin almost a sickly ash colour, her hair black and damp looking clumped up strands draping her face and armoured shoulders.

Rook casts an Illusion on the Big Man, hopefully paralysing him - his Ice Shattering around him. The warping sounds of a demented eternal gasp filling the air as her form expands massively - towering above him, his surroundings dark and fearful. In reality she stands up, her hands spread out and she converts the now uncontrolled Ice into her evil water and forms five of her creatures from it - they all run across the rooftops and head towards the first Wagon where Foxy is. Rook slowly walks over to maybe paralysed Mal and forms her Daggers again - she goes to drive the left blade into his gut.

 

[Wert]

Mal would've dropped his hammer from the sight if he could, but he couldn't even move to do that. His gaze was focused on the image before him, his eyes wide. He didn't lose focus on this until a sharp pain shook him from the outside in, breaking the illusion. The big man shook his head and grabbed the sword before it could be plunged further into his gut, pulling it outwards against the rider as he started to step back. His attention was caught for a second as light flashed behind the rider, noticing that Bast had already taken care of the inkly creatures. "No true sense of honor," He growled as he fought to keep the blade still, "Using dark magic to shield yourself while you hunt a child and his protector. Is that what you call honor? Or, perhaps you're just another lackey following orders, your own sense of judgment having been smothered out by those above you long ago." A slight smile showed on Mal's face, the man coming to glare at the rider as ice formed over her sword from his hand, and in the air around them minuscule ice crystals began shaking against each other at such a speed that a muffled cracking sound could be heard. "People like you make me sick," His voice was low rumble, not a faltering word despite the pain he felt. He suddenly bashed his head against hers. Lightning erupted from the air, striking the expanse of the roof with a loud bang, the bolts ricocheting from unseen crystals in the air in a mass. Mal used this moment to create distance between him and the rider, the lightning not seeming to affect him as it coursed through his body. The ice dispersed, bursting in the air just as Bast emerged on the roof behind the rider, his skin covered in something black. He was quick to make a move, looking to come at the rider bare handed until weapons formed in his hands. Fire and sand coiled around his arms as the weapons swung to strike, they'd puncture either side of her neck if she didn't dodge or repel him.

 

[Never]

Rook looked up at Mal as he spoke at her, his grip tightened around her wrist she just stares at him as he talks about her thought process. There was a shake in Rook's eyes that Mal would be able to see through - a hint of feeling even if her face did not show it. He then headbutted her, her head snapping back as he backed up the lightning around her attracted to her armour as it zapped at him - though she made no noise and just backed up herself. It seemed the Pest was also back, and approaching - she spun around and instead formed a couple of water shields in her hands and blocked the first strike that would go for her neck.

From her hands erupted water tendrils that acted as whips as she backed up, redirecting attack after attack as Bast came from the left then the right - he ducked low and spin around, extending his leg out trying to sweep her from it. But Rook had jumped into the air and brought her arms down, both whips coming down from above. Bast easily blocked the attack with a slick back flip to boot, getting back so she didn't land right on top of him. His sand and flames spun around his arms, he could see that he was thickening her water and it was getting heavier but the water she was producing was sheer.

Rook suddenly swung her arms wildly and unleashed a couple barrages of water knives at Bast he did his backed up, batting them out the air - the couple that got passed clanged against his armour and spun off the the distance. Rook used this opportunity to press him now - Bast suddenly backing up as he inputted sand into her water attacks and managed to get flame to graze her metal - heating her up slowly.

Before Mal could charge in and do anything to help Bast, he would feel a small hand grab his wrist from real low. "Wait MOMENT, Please." The small clearly green figure steps forward passed him, holding a Tome in her hands - looking rather large in them she lays it on the floor and opens it up - she could be heard muttering to herself.

"Hitch a ride to steal my Mushrooms back, but nooooo Guilty friend make Guilty FEEL BAD FOR NOT HELPING AGAINST BAD ARMOURED DHOLAAR!"

Meanwhile, Bast would notice a hooded figure - also quite short - strangely enough a long peak protruding from the shadow of it's hood. It was Fast and nimble and both Bast and the hooded figure circle Rook, trying to get attacks in - she was now starting to real back not able to get the upperhand on her 'human' foe. The Bird creature ducked low and went for her feet, Rook was getting hot and bothered and was finally starting to feel some levels of exhaustion from Bast's onslaught of attacks. She focused on defending and building up a swirling water tornado around her for defence over time.

The Goblin begins to chant in her native language words written in this book, the symbols glow blue and come out of the Tome, floating in the air and then trailing towards her hand from the pages...

"Laalshaalcaann taash orec...

...ecr Lhorelaan an or horthaan...

...ecr kol'daan agaan or keklaarul'daan...

...Chaanr or dech dhuul duuc ghaan ac maach ghaan rhec daan akorelaan or Ghac...

...Naannuunraan or taklaakhec ac shuuker or Duugec. Ghalaan daal Okaarthec."


The Goblin's eyes were lit up and her posture straightened and she looked at Rook, spreading out her arm as the lettering swarmed around her forearm it shot forward a barrage of symbols on route to strike it's target.

Meanwhile Rook batted off a few more strikes from her foe with her fluid water element, swirling around her - directing limbs and strikes away from anything vital. She managed to produce enough water overtime to create a couple of whips - thrusting downwards without even looking at the Kenku behind it - grabbing it's ankles and then bringing her arms over her head she swings the Kenku over like a Hammer and it's hard beak smacks into Bast's head as he tries to strike her and instead sends them both reeling back. Rook manifested her water swirling around her into a ball above her head - her pitch black holes staring at her targets as they lay on the floor. The sphere turns into that of a barrage of Black Water Daggers all pointed at Bast and the Bird.

Rook jerked forward suddenly, like the wind was struck from her back as a symbol smacked into her back - the others found her wrists and ankles and neck. The flurry of magical lettering floating around these designated parts like manacles forced her magic to end. The water splashed to the ground and her eyes pulsed, but she still had movement. She roared for the first time into the air and her head twitched around looking at Mal and the Goblin and started stomping towards them.

Guilty looked up at Mal then back at Rook then back up at Mal again.

"GET IT THEN!"

(She's defenceless. Go get em big guy u_U)

 

[Wert]

Mal nodded, using a hand to push the goblin back some so he wouldn't hit her as he took stance and swung the hammer at her. At first it swung sideways towards her, which she managed to dodge by stepping back some; however, Mal took the build up of the first swing and used it to twist the hammer up over his head and then downwards to strike her. It made contact with her head, bringing the rider down against the roof at such a force that it shook the wagon and splintered the wood. Unconscious or dead, she was down and bleeding. Bast had helped the Kenku straighten itself after being tossed at him, moving to nudge the rider with his foot. "Is she dead?"

"I'm not sure," Mal grumbled.

Bast looked her over, pulling the fairy ring from her finger, "I'll take this off your hands." His pupils had thinned again, avoiding eye contact with the others as a sword formed in his hand, "Now, I say we make sure she's dead." He stood beside her, preparing to plunge the blade into the space between her armor on the left side where her heart would be.

"Wait," Mal spoke, making Bast pause and look up at him with an annoyed expression, "Mission might have questions for her."

"She's already dying, Mal, and we don't exactly have a place for interrogation. If we bring her to the elf city like this then we'll be seen as suspect, not her."

It seemed Bast had already thought this through, at least somewhat. Mal looked displeased, "Then I'll do it." He took the sword as Bast handed it to him, using a good bit of force to sever the rider's head from her neck. The head rolled, falling from the roof and leaving the body behind.

 

[Never]

"NYEH!" Guilty falls on her butt pretty easily as Mal pushes her back, she scurries back over to her Book and closes it with a thud - she brings it close to her and hugs it - watching as the big man stepped up to take on Rook head on.

Rook looks up as the hammer comes down on her not really able to do anything she tries to raise her hands and CRACK! He face meets the top of the wagon faster than she could gasp for breath. Her neck was snapped in a strange direction and her body twitched. One of her gaping eyes was staring up as the people crowded around her. The Big man, the Pest and the Bird looking down at her. The bird left as the other two spoke, she felt something get taken from her finger. She tries to hiss but it's just a gargle.

Guilty watches as the hooded bird walks up to her and crouches next to her - placing a hand on her hair it ruffles it and then looks back at the others.

Rook's eye widens as Mal brings the sword down to her neck and cleaves it straight in half, as he tears through it her mouth lets out a painful screech before silence. Her head rolls away and falls from the Wagon, melting into black liquid as it splashes onto the floor. Her body does the exact same, but her armour is left behind - the liquid soaking the ceiling as the black begins to fade from it becoming normal water.

---

Foxy & Arbonath was just done with Bastion only a minute before the others took out Rook. Foxy was sitting there with her knees against her chest, hugging her knees, Arbonath had quickly hopped back into his seat and his heel kicked the wooden wall of the first Wagon, he calmed the horses down and steadied their travel,

"Looks like we survived. Should I find us a place to stop or keep going?"

---

Mission finds the Path with Ludo and they erupt from the tree line, landing on the dirt she looks around. It's completely clear, she didn't know how far own the path they were but there were Wagon tracks on the road. She also noticed black water clogged between them. She bit her lip and couldn't see any other signs of activity right now.

"Although I hope tey got away, I hope they're not too far."

Mission could feel Ludo breathing heavily between her legs as the chase in the forest and sharp turns had taken the exhaustion out of him. She looked down at Correll and then back to the road.

"We will have to take it easy. Hope you're not sick of me."

She clicks her tongue and Ludo steadily trots to down the Path.

 

[Wert]

Mircea lowered the crossbow when Arbonath spoke. It had been difficult trying to keep Blu calm with all the commotion from the fighting, the boy was holding his knees and shaking at this point. Esra was rubbing his back, speaking softly to him. The purple elf turned to the wall and spoke loudly, "We should make a stop for now. We can make camp, or, if you want, there should be a small town ahead."

"Are you okay to move?" Esra asked Blu, a small hand rubbing his shoulders. The impline shook his head, thinking he'd probably fall if he tried to stand at the moment. He managed to speak, "Is Mission back yet?"

Mircea glanced at Esra, the sprite focused on Blu. She sighed, "No, but I'm sure she's okay. She's strong, you know that. I'm sure her and Correll will be with us soon." The boy nodded gently, his focus on the floor. The pixie on his head seemed to have fallen asleep, its wings low and its head bobbling.


Mal groaned, a hand coming to cover his bleeding stomach as he turned to the goblin, "Thank you for the help," his eyes moved to the bird fellow, "You as well. I'm not sure how long that would've gone on if you weren't here."

"Enjoy the ride," Bast said while he was removing the water from the roof, soon tossing the armor onto the balcony below. He looked out to where Foxy had been, seeing her hugging her legs. He quickly made his way to her, hopping between the wagons.

"Foxy!" Bast exclaimed, "I'm glad, you're not too hurt." He looked to the side some, as if not wanting to admit something, "I think Mal will need some help getting back inside. His stomach is injured... Are you okay to help, or would you like some more time?"

---

"I'm not," Correll said quite firmly, looking at the forest around them. It was huge and verdant, a welcome peace compared to the fighting. He pet a part of Ludo's mane, "I was worried I would have to fight. I know I'm not the calmest person, but I don't like fighting meant to kill." His eyes trailed back to the horse for a moment, remaining quiet until he thought of something, "Do you think they'll make camp?" he was cut off from continuing futrther by a bright light that slowly formed over him and the horse like liquid and quickly melted away. "Ah, we can be seen again."

 

[Never]

Arbonath grumbled, and whipped at the Reigns. He took Mircea's advice and carried on the path until they got to the Town, staying on the road for now. He was pretty scared of stopping just because he'd have to look at the damage that was done to his beautiful wagons. A tear fell down his cheek as he thought about all the hard work he'd have to do to fix it all.

---

The Kenku nodded it's head, It hid it's knives in it's sleeves and helped Guilty up who was still clutching her book. "Yes.... I think you would be ok. But saw you stabbed; Feather face here got squarky."

The bird ignored Guilty and approached Mal, it was slightly taller than Guilty but a lot shorter than Mal. IT place it's rough hands against Mal's wound and looked closely at it, sensing something wrong - it looked up and made a noise from it's beak, "REST." It was strange, the voice did not suit the bird at all, it also had an accent of that of a northerner; but Kenku are relatively known to be southerners.


Foxy as zoned out for a bit and didn't really acknowledge the man approach her. She suddenly snapped out of it, looking up at Bast when he mentioned that Mal had been stabbed - she looked worried and quickly stood up. They could heal him pretty quickly since it had only just happened, and wasn't too far along like Mission's wound. She scooped Bast up for some reason and ran over the top of the Wagon's approaching behind Mal and the others pretty quickly.

She placed Bast down, "Sorry. MAL! Get inside NOW." She grabbed his wrist tightly and pulled him away, she didn't even notice the other two on the Wagon.

Guilty and the Bird looked at each other.

---

Mission smirked a little at Correll's response, though she felt slightly mean - she was just tryna keep it light, but he seemed to answer quite seriously. She listened to him and appreciated his compassion for her Horse, keeping her eyes on the road however. She was becoming quite comfortable with the lad. Before she could answer him the invisibility wore off and they were revealed.

"Ah. Well, we should be fine." She says as her nose twitches, taking in the scents. "And to answer your question, I would guess they haven't unless they know they're clear of pursuit. So I kinda hope they have."

They continued to ride on, Mission spoke up with curiosity on her mind, "I didn't know you could cast Magic."

 

[Wert]

Correll nodded, but hesitated when she commented on the magic. He lightly bit the inside of his cheek before speaking,"I can't, not really. I know some fire summoning, but it's barely enough to start a forge off." His fingers toyed with a few loose strands of Ludo's mane, "It wasn't my magic. My family calls it a blessing, we can pray to a-...well, something, and it'll usually be answered if reasonable, in one way or another." His head turned to glance behind him, "Only Mircea knows. I'd like to keep the number of people who know down for now."

---

Mal complied, not willing to try and fight against Foxy.

Bast balanced himself on the roof, looking at the other two who were left. The goblin and the kenku seemed adrift. He sighed, "You are welcome to come inside if you want. They wont bite until you do. Just... don't go through our stuff. They may do more than bite you." The man then hopped down from the roof, grabbing the armor when he got down and putting into the wagon before moving to the next one. He kept going until he reached Arbie's Wagon, opening the door to see Mircea pointing a crossbow at him. "Whoa there, it's just me. There were some stowaways on board, but they helped us." He looked at Blu and smiled, going to pick the boy up as the others stood. "Hello, little one, we're okay!"

Blu's tail would've been curling if he had one, staring at Bast's face, "what is wrong? Your eyes are weird.."

"What?" Bast said in mock surprise, coming to swing the boy into his arms and tickle him, "there's nothing wrong! See!" He tickled his sides, making him laugh and shaking him out of the scared state he was in. "Bast is perfectly fine!"

Mircea didn't seem pleased, as cute as it was to watch them. Bast was obviously avoiding explaining his eyes, and Blu didn't seem to notice it. He rubbed his neck, feeling somewhat relieved by it. At least Blu wasn't as scared at the moment.

"Come on, don't want Arbie having a meltdown for being in his wagon longer than needed," Bast said, carrying Blu with him as Mircea and Esra followed, closing the door behind them. Bast sat down on Blu's cot, letting the boy go as he reached for freedom. The man laid down there, rolling onto his side to face the wall as Blu sat down and crossed his legs on the bed. The Pixie moved to lay on Bast and sleep.

"Well," Esra said, a gentle smile on her face.

 

[Never]

"Your secret is safe with me, I've got a few of my own. Fire though, I know Fire - not that I can really Cast Magic directly myself. It's more second hand, you must have some ounce of talent to be able to produce it - especially as a Human. The praying thing though, that's something divine and something I don't really understand. Something I didn't really have interest in. Until I met Mircea."

Mission continued to ride down the Path steadily, keeping a look out for any signs of activity that she'd be able to pick out. She wondered a few things about the boy, it was her desire to know and churn that knowledge in her brain into a plan; even if she didn't need to. Ever the cold tactician.

---

Foxy took Mal into the Caravan and sat him down, it was a bit of a squeeze - the two of them quite large in stature. She looked at his wound and squinted, it looked mostly okay for now. Yet he needed treatment now, later they left it the worse it would get.

"I'm going to get Bast." She stood up, but was halted in her movements from a voice.

"WAIT."

Foxy turned to see the little green creature and readied herself suddenly, confused at the sight and slightly spooked by the stranger.

"I Heal." Guilty trots over to Mal and leans her Book against the big man, starting to flip through the pages. She muttered as she read through, reading different spells. Anyone with a bit of Goblin knowledge would know what she was muttering,

"Don't you dare hurt him."

Guilty wafts her hand at Foxy, rolling her eyes - continuing to read her book. The Goblin's eyes then brightened when she found what she was looking for and then sat on her butt, reading through the page multiple times. Her eyes shone and change colour, she then placed her hand on the wound of Mal and spoke;

"Drerekokhaan daan okaagec dar an huugelkakhaan...

...raan akuukulkuun' tolkuukaal tuuch...

...nuuncaann daan khrakhogach rhegec...

...uulc Ogarthelakhaan daan Agakaan. "

The Arcane Runes shot from her book and hit Guilty's outstretched arm, turning into a glowing energy which travelled across the limb and went into the target. The target being Mal - a wave of yellow washing over him.

"No use Magic for.... hmmm... one day. But okay now." Guilty grins at him and Foxy.

 

[Wert]

Correll gave a short chuckle, "He has a way of doing that- stirring interest in people, I mean. How do you think he gets so many customers? It's not because that many people start off wanting their future seen by a wanderer." He quieted for a moment before speaking again, his voice softer than before yet growing firm near the end of speaking his mind, "To me, it can be kind of unsettling. Even though he means well, his demeanor can be off-putting when you know he's probably seen more people's lives end than anyone should- and he can't do much to stop it, from what he says. Yet, he's always so calm, it doesn't make sense." Correll stopped, realizing he was starting to ramble and getting a little upset. He huffed, coming to rub his hair, "Anyways, Divines, yeah. Divines are tricky."


---

Mal glanced at the bleeding hole still in his stomach, then to Foxy, a brow risen. He took his sash from his shoulder and used it to apply pressure to the wound. It seemed that when the goblin said 'heal', she really meant to clear the infection. At least, from what Mal could tell. The scorching pain in his stomach having lessened to that of a usual stab wound- painful, very painful, but bearable to one such as himself. He'd had his fair share of wounds before, as the scars on his face and torso would attest. A weak chuckle left him, "Well, thank you," He was looking at the goblin again, "You're quite the resourceful one, eh?" Mal looked back up to Foxy, "If you will, can you ask Mircea to stitch me up? I'd do it myself, but I'm a bit shaky at the moment."