Setting
"I must agree with Aetrius that this village is no longer safe, but not for the same reasons."
Her voice was soft and calm despite her somewhat despaired expression.
"Those bandits lost their leader today, and for men like them who follow no creed or any laws but their own are unpredictable enough as it is. Kyero took their leader's head in a single stroke, and they all fled in response. But that retreat means little if there is nothing to ensure it sticks."
She took a breath and let it out on a sigh.
"However, striking hard and fast against numbers like theirs when we have only the four of us is a death sentence. All of us barely fended off five each today, and there are still well over seventy of them left out there. Even with Kyero by our side I doubt we'd survive any kind of blitzkrieg assault against them."
"I could use a drink, or few...If anyone would like to accompany me, you may. I'll be in the tavern if you need my assistance." with that she walked to the door of the room and paused for a moment, Allbeit you'd even want my help though, seeing as how one hand is still broken, ow.." she winced at the pain that shot through her right hand, "Yeah, drinks sound nice..." she said to herself and walked to the tavern, either by herself or with whoever would want to accompany the rather cynical bounty hunter.
Find a way to get the people somewhere safe. But that potentially would hurt the local economy...would it? It was then he realized he hasnât had a shred of sustinence! He now realized why his anxiety was on the rise. He needed food to take the edge off. Old Wolf always told him that if he got hungry, his mind would lose its focus. He needed supper. A great big helping of supper, and the quicker and most filling, the better. He would have voiced this to everyone when Aetrius made the offer, which was two birds in one stone indeed.
It gave him quite a lot to do and gave more opportunity to at least be social with everyone, hopefully he didnât screw it up. So he stretched in his chair, popping a several vertebra into order.
âWell, I feel I can think better with some drink and food, in fact I think Iâm as hungry as a horse, no offense to mine or yours.â he said as he stretched his legs and winced a bit at his hurt one. He then nodded to himself before moving to join Aetrius and whoever else would be joining them downstairs for drink and more pleasant conversations.
"I suppose you are right. None of us have eaten in some time. Best not to make plans on an empty stomach."
She looked back to Okumi.
"Would you like to come with us, miss Okumi? I'd love the pleasure of your company a while longer."
Though mildly condescending to have her parchment cooed over, Okumi seemed to enjoy the attention, still beaming throughout the introduction. As far as the actual conversation went, Okumi stayed silent for the most part, nodding and looking to whoever was leading the talk at the time. In one on one conversation she did her best to hold her own, but it just wasnât practical to try and communicate her thoughts in large groups. Besides, itâd be rude to interrupt the talking only to gesture some vague concepts. Truthfully, she kind of missed being the loudmouth at the family table who wouldnât shut up, but sheâd adjusted to this new form of living, and now barely remembered how she used to act prior.
The conversation moved on to the bandits, a rather normal progression given what theyâd just been through. Honestly, the talk was a little disconcerting to Okumi. She valued peace, balance and harmony â If everyone could get along, that would be the best solution. Unrealistic, true, but it didnât sit well with her as they discussed plans for attacking the bandits unaware. Overall, the attitude around the whole situation was a bit of a downer, Aetrius speaking of the inevitability of another raid and the end of Atlum. Reflexively, Okumi rubbed her shoulder injury. It was true, theyâd been lucky to survive the last assault, but why couldnât they use this time to celebrate rather than looking at all the negatives? Perhaps it was naĂŻve to think so, or maybe immature, but Okumi wasnât fond of this kill or be killed perspective everyone seemed to have.
Still, she wouldnât voice it. Instead her expression was the only thing that gave away her opinion and intentions â Though not many tended to pay attention to the mute girl in conversations. Either way it was a relief to hear that Aetrius wasnât completely defeatist when it came to Atlum. With the comment for drinks signalling the end of the conversation, everyone seemed to be getting up to make their leave, Okumi included. She wasnât the kind to drink â One slip up with her illness could be disastrous â so this was when sheâd likely make her leave. She could do some more work with the dead into the night as long as she rested her injured shoulder by only using her left arm. Then, as long as she got some sleep she could-
"Would you like to come with us, miss Okumi? I'd love the pleasure of your company a while longer."
Snapped from her thoughts as Linde spoke from the doorway to look at her, Okumi jumped to her feet in mild embarrassment. Pointing to herself, she waved her hands dismissively while shaking her head, first mimicking the motion of drinking from a cup before Forming a cross above her face with her arms. Letting her arms fall back to her side, she then gestured to Linde, making the drinking motion again before giving a double thumbs up. Once more letting her arms drop to her side, she pointed to herself, then outside, before pantomiming a digging motion. Overall, it was a pretty spirited performance, but she hopefully got her message across. As much as she liked company, it wouldnât do well to get too attached. Sheâd isolated herself for a reason, so remaining close to people was a risk they shouldnât have to take. Besides, what good was a mute girl in a conversation? Especially one that wouldnât eat and drink with everyone...
"I think I understand, miss Okumi." She said with a small bow.
She stepped halfway out the door, but stopped and looked partly over her shoulder.
"You know, miss Okumi."
She looked all the way back to Okumi with that same smile from before.
"It was very nice to make your acquaintance today, although I'm kind of sad I couldn't hear your voice. Perhaps I could convince you to stay the night at the inn? I'd like to check and, if necessary, replace your bandages tomorrow morning. The most likely time to be stricken by infection for such a wound are within the first forty eight hours after it occurs, after all. So... See you tomorrow?"
As they all eventually would take a seat at the table, Aetrius reclined in her seat, finally getting comfortable. She had ordered herself a few drinks, and as she was beginning her third, she over heard a conversation behind her. A group of five or so men were being loud and rather obnoxious, to not just her but everyone else. She ignored it until she caught wind of part of one of the men's conversations, "Did I ever tell you of that one girl that I had? Ah, a fine one she was....Small, young, pretty, tight, tight body....Never forget one's first" he said as he gave a jovial laugh. Aetrius put her drink down and continued to listen in on the conversation.
"She was with some younger girl in Saharan years ago, five or six I can remember. Sisters, I don't know. All I do know is that she is now some floozey at a whore house in a few cities over. Her name was...K...Kie....I can't remember, but all I know is that she is a rather known one, as well as one of the best, so I've heard." Aetrius had had enough, and stood up, walking over to the table she placed her hand on the man's shoulder tightly and said, "Remember when I told you I'd find you one day...? And that'd I'd kill you when I got the chance?" she said with a growl, the man's eyes widened and he turned to face her, to only be punched in the face with a heavy fist, reeling backwards. "What the fuc....Who re you?" he growled out in pain. "The one that vowed she would kill the man that had hurt the one person she cared about most!" she exclaimed as she grabbed him by the shirt collar and slammed him against the table and pulled her knife to his throat and whispered into his ear so that only he could hear, "I am Korriban "Aetrius" Borral. You raped my sister, Kieran Borral, and I am going to bring justice to her...But before I do I want to know one thing..." she dragged him across the table, drinks and food going across the place as she slammed him back into the table, not realizing in doing so she had reopened the wound on her side, but as she was lost in a blind fury and rage, she didn't give a single shit, she wanted answers and she would get them, "Where is Kieran? Where is she, you sick fuck?" she growled at the coward as she held the blade to his throat, just enough for the blade to knick the side of his neck, "Tell me, or so help me that the gods will even find your worthless life's end funny."
The man whimpered as a warm liquid slowly flowed down his pant leg, "I-I don't even know what you're talking about. I've never seen you, trust me I'd recognize an ugly bitch as yourself." he said as he spat her in the face. Aetrius grinned, and whiped the spit from her face with her sleeve and looked him in the eyes, "I never forget the voice and face that would become my greatest mark yet. Give me a reason I shouldn't gut you like a fish." she glared at the man, not breaking eyecontact or even budging from her position. She finally found the man that had caused so much grief and pain for her and her long lost sister, and if he really did know where Kieran was, she was about to find out now.
He ordered what he hoped was a pint of beerequivalent to his personal favorite brand of brew from Saharan, as it was a favorite amongst his Clan, it was often used as a code that there is family about and gather close. So far, there was none. When the punt arrived he took a long swig from it to take any edge off his headache if it still lingered. âHmm, lacks the malt taste, but not bad all the same.â he assessed. Thus did he enjoy himself after tossing another silver to ask for something warm in his belly, which he received in the form of a plate of three hot rolls with carrots and beef. He was halfway done eating with gusto when he noted Aetrius was not paying much attention to her third round.
Then she got up and began to interrogate a person. It seemed that it was something personal, but it covered a crime thrown upon her family. He wasnât talking either. He decided, against his better judgement, to try and lessen the severity of the situation, by making the tongue loosen with a worse threat, and then maybe a convincing bribe.
âAetrius, Aetrius, you donât threaten to gut a rapist. You threaten to do the Saharan Punishment for that. I wonât bore you with how I know this but the first in a series of steps involves Castration.â He said, exaggerating a rather harrowing punishing process reserved for threats against the more....upper crust living of the old homeland. He fished into his gambling purse.
âOr! We loosen his tongue another way. See Iâm a gambling man and I bet, let me think one? No, two! Two gold that he talks. I mean, worst is Iâll still be two gold richer and heâll be two balls poorer.â He grins wolfishly as he says this. But what he wouldnât say was that he only had three of those gold coins on him, from a lucrative caravan security job. He didnât wish to waste them but if it eased the tension, so be it.
There was a rather loud commotion behind Aetrius from another group of men. Definitely drunk from the sound of things, but something Linde did not expect was for Aetrius to respond to them the way she did. She stood up, walked over, and started to speak rather aggressively to the man as if he had done some kind of personal harm to her. Linde didn't understand but was on her feet immediately until she heard something about someone Aetrius knew being harmed.
Linde froze in that moment, half-way to closing the gap between herself and Aetrius, and simply gave the man she was interrogating a thousand-yard stare.
For what seemed an eternity Linde did not move, but finally seemed to find her feet again as Lonan was trying to add to the interrogation. She held a hand up to silence Lonan, marching over to Aetrius.
She reached down and cupped Aetrius' cheek in her right hand gently forcing her to look up and placed her forehead to Aetrius'.
"Enough, Aetrius... Enough... Please." She whispered.
She looked Aetrius in the eyes the whole time, her gaze gentle and filled with sympathy.
"This man is not worth the energy you're expending. Please, let go of him. There is a better way to find out about your friend." She cooed softly, her breath brushing against Aetrius' lips.
As Aetrius was looking at the man she was so close to finally killing, she heard another voice that she recognized as Lonan, and growled. He should have just stayed out of this she thought to herself as she could tell he was walking up to the two. She didn't want them getting involved in this, as it could only make things worse and or ruin her chances of finding Kieran.
She didn't break her eyes away from the man as she spoke, "Lolan, stay out of this. For the betterment for you and everyone else, stay out of what you know nothing about!" she barked, she knew she came off too rough, yet again but she was not about to let him slip out of his grasp after all this time. She held the knife closer to his neck and her stare only deepened as her anger and fury rose.
But she heard another voice, and felt someone gently place their hand on her cheek. Her eyes widened and for a brief moment she looked away, breaking her eye contact with the man to see none other than Linde, mere centimeters from her face. She heard her words, but it didn't correlate to her brain right away, as she looked at Linde, for a split second she didn't see Linde, but Kieran. Linde looked so much like her, except the hair color. Aetrius looked her in the eyes, and tears slowly filed her amber eyes as she looked at Linde, reverting back to her last moments she had spent with her sister, "B...but...K-Kieran....he...he hurt you..I-I have to do this. For you....I have to." she said with tears and a whimper in her voice as she looked at the woman before her, and then looked back at the man, her tears still falling as nothing but malice and fury filled her heart. "I have to end his worthless, shitty existence..." her words came out as not simply a whisper but raspy and filled with sadness and hatred.
As the tears streamed from Aetrius' eyes and she uttered those words of an individual named Kieran, Linde was no closer to finding out who this was. But it didn't matter now. Aetrius had looked back to the man with hatred filling her voice as she said she had to end his existence.
Linde wasted no time in reaching further across Aetrius' face with her entire arm to cradle her head against her chest as her other hand came around and rested on her shoulder. Linde turned her head sideways and put her cheek on Aetrius' crown, and cooed softly to her while using her thumb to stroke and toy with the hair and flesh behind Aetrius' ear.
"Shhhhhhh... Aetrius. This man clearly has no fight to offer you, and his life is not worth taking." She whispered.
She turned and kissed the top of Aetrius' head before resting her cheek against her once more.
"Just relax, Aetrius, and I'll show you a better way to deal with men like him." She cooed.
As she kept her death stare locked with the man yet again, who was only able to look at Linde for further help, Aetrius smirked and scoffed. "You're nothing but a worthless piece of sinew that needs to be exterminated..." she growled, the man only coward more at her pure fury and urge to kill the poor bastard. He was the man that had done the crime, that she knew for certain. His voice, his face, body type, even his smell was the same. She knew it was him. After all this time, she found him and was finally able to kill him. As she was about to simply glide her blade across his throat, ending his life, she felt herself being touched yet again.
As her head was gently cradled into someone's chest, Aetrius reluctantly dropped the blade, it clattering to the floor with a metal and wooden sound. Her grip on the man loosened, until she completely let go of his shirt and and her hand fell by her side limply. The man managed to scramble away, and tried to make his getaway, but even his friends or at least drink mates grabbed him and held him for Aetrius, pinning him against the table, "Ye are even a worst bastard than we thought, Micah." the taller man looked at Linde and Aetrius, but more so Aetrius who was only being calmed by Linde, "Aye, Miss? What do we do with him? You get to be the one that does it yourself though. He hurt ya, and will receive his punishment." he said and held the man by his arms, practically smashing him back into the table, not letting him going anywhere anytime soon.
The method seemed to work, as Aetrius went nearly limp in her arms and melted into her embrace. The man tried to flee, but was stopped by his own mates who held him still. Linde, however, wasn't done with Aetrius. She continued cradling Aetrius' head to her chest and stroked/toyed with the hair and flesh behind her ear as she leaned down to whisper in her ear.
"Thank you, Aetrius. I'm proud of you."
Her hand came over and cupped around her cheek, helping guide Aetrius into a fully standing position as Linde smiled up at her and used her thumbs to wipe her tears.
"Now... Let me know you another way to deal with men like this."
Linde turned towards the man who was being held by his friends, and walked slowly up to him with a very, almost unnaturally calm smile on her face as she gazed at him with almost bedroom-like eyes.
She leaned in close to the man and kissed his nose.
"Would you gentlemen please lay him down on the table for me on his side, so I can see his back?"
Aetrius shook in Linde's embrace, not just from sadness as well as anger. She was so close, so close to finding where Kieran was, if she was still even alive and where she was. She calmed yet again as she heard Linde's voice, and slowly nodded, not a single word came from her mouth, just a simple nod. She looked up as her head was gently lifted, and sniffled. She tried to give Linde a smile, but it was barely a twitch in her mouth. She looked on as Linde had asked the men to turn him onto his stomach on the table, but before they did, Aetrius walked over to the man and looked him in the eyes, "I will not forgive you...Ever...But...You earned my mercy...for now..." she said softly and turned to almost walk away, but stopped and turned on her heel and punched the man square in the face, his body going limp for a moment as his knees buckled. Aetrius smiled slightly, and stepped aside, letting LInde have her way with whatever she had planned. Taking a temporary seat behind LInde she sat.
The two men looked at Linde as she spoke, and nodded. Holding him still after he recovered from being suddenly punched by Aetrius. They flipped him over, forcing him onto his stomach being pressed against the wooden table, his right arm being forcefully pressed into his back keeping him from going anywhere.
Micah looked from the corner of his eyes as Linde enclosed the distance, his eyes widened. "H-he-hey, Missy. Y-you gotta help me. Th-that love of your's is psycho." he stammered, trying to wiggle away, but to no avail as the other men kept him pinned down. Aetrius glared up at the man who had commented on Aetrius and Linde being a presumed couple, she scoffed at his comment, and spoke under her breath, "Pft, please...Not that fortunate...." she murmured, but after she said it she felt her face go a bright pink and looked away, hoping as to no one hearing her retort to his comment.
Linde stood in front of Micah's face and bent her knees until she was in a squat position, her knees held together in front of her body and her arms resting on the edge of the table. And in her eyes was a calmness accompanied by emptiness. No emotion whatsoever. Her gaze was dead, her eyes glossed over. A thousand-yard stare like none Micah had ever seen before.
Linde was silent, just staring at him for a long, long time as he stared back and tried to plead for his life.
Finally, Linde blinked and her eyes returned to normal as she smiled and stood up, placing a hand gently against his face.
"Micah... I'm a doctor. I am sworn to do no harm to those under my care. But you," her fingers slowly started curving until her nails pressed against the flesh of his cheek. "You are not my patient."
Her fingernails dug into flesh, blood seeping out around them as Micah cried in pain. Linde retracted her nails slowly, letting a few drops of blood drip from them to the side of his face.
"My mother was a doctor and taught me everything she knew. She was a beautiful, kind hearted woman. She raised me with love and tenderness. A mother's love. True and Pure. But my father..."
Her hand glided across his bloodied face to his neck as she stepped around slightly for better position. Her fingers slid out to different positions just beside his spine around the position of the 7th and 8th vertebrae in his neck and shoulders.
"He was a general in the Cre' Itian military until two years ago when he retired. And he taught me... Other things to enhance what I had learned from mother dearest. And this," she applied a small amount of pressure to each fingertip in turn, causing various parts of his body to twitch in response. "... This is what I learned."
She pressed down hard with all ten fingers on each point, and suddenly Micah's body began to spasm and tremble uncontrollably as Linde's face darkened. She was still calm, but there was another emotion now present in her face. Or, rather... A lack of emotion. Apathy.
Despite the pain Micah was in, Linde showed no signs of caring or acknowledgement of it. Nothing at all. It was as if she was staring into a chasm of darkness, and it was staring back at the world through her. She released her pressure, and Micah's body slowly calmed as his breathing began to become deeper, harsher, and more erratic.
"... Kieran." She said coldly.
She pressed her fingers down, and his body spasmed and trembled again. But this time muc more violently. Her pressure had increased. But a moment later, she let go. And as his body calmed, she knelt down, fingers still in place, looking him in the eye with that cold, apathetic glare.
"... Kieran." She repeated.
Aetrius watched on silently as Linde continued to interrogate the man, if that's what one would call it. It was pure torture, and Aetrius was relishing in his pain, maybe a little too much. But maybe it was deserving. Who knows, but all she knew is that she wanted to know where Kieran was, and then to put an end to his life, herself. She did twitch and wince when Linde did pop her pressure in between the spinal plates, something Aetrius absolutely hated. But she looked on regardless at the sight, and it also impressed Aetrius how such a kind and gentle soul could be so cruel....but also...made her feel something other than intrigue? She wasn't sure, but perhaps for another time.
Micah on the other hand was in complete agony, and wished for it to end at any moment. But it seemed like an eternity for it to ever end. Perhaps it wouldn't and this would be his fate forever. But as it continued, he eventually grew too weak and between gasps for air and pants, he softy spoke, "Veilbrand...She...she's in Veilbrand..." he said through panted breaths.
At the notion of that, Aetrius jumped to her feet and walked to him, forcing her way past Linde and smashed the man's face into the table, and grabbed him by the back of the hair, "What part of Veilbrand? Where is Kieran?" she demanded, her voice was filled with anger and fury as she was so very tempted to just smash his head into the table until it was nothing but sinew and chucks of flesh. One of the men looked at Aetrius and calmly said, "The Love Dove...It's a rather highly costly, popular place there...Or so I've heard..." he stuttered, looking away in shame. Aetrius looked back at him, "Thank you...Now...When was the last time you saw her?" she barked at Micah, who only spoke without moving anymore, as blood spilled past his now broken nose, mouth, and teeth, "A...A month ago...Just last month...She....she's a good one, ya know..." he chuckled weakily. With that Aetrius had heard enough, she was about to use her blade to simply slit his throat, but she opted for a new approach, she simply hit him on the back of the head with the knife's hilt, and walked away, knowing all she needed.
But as she walked away, her adrenaline and anger slowly melting, she collapsed to her knees, holding her side as she was able to feel a hot liquid on her side. "Dammit....N-not now...Not now..." she mumbled, she needed to leave, now. To find Kieran. But as her wound was now reopened, she wasn't even able to ride a worse, let alone go on a long journey to Veilbrand.
Linde thanked the men holding Micah and walked over to Aetrius, helping place pressure on her wound as she helped her back to her feet.
"Come, Aetrius. Lay down here on the couch. I will tend to your wound and we will go rest at the inn for the night. You can't travel right now. Not like this." She cooed.
"L-let's just go back to the inn to check this wound..." she sighed and stood up slowly, trying her best to walk back to the inn. She looked at the bar keeper, who had a look of shock on his face as to what took place in his tavern. "I apologize...Use part of the money for the damages I cost...I'm sorry..." she said kindly and turned to go back to the inn.
âHoly Heresta in a handbasket.â He breathed out as the information was finally dealt out like a straight flush. He pulled his hand away from the coinpurse, more time for gambling with it later. The situation now was to head back to the inn and help his friend back.
Yes, he was certain of it. Aetrius would be someone he would gladly call a friend. For Not only can LonĂĄn respect her fierceness, but her stamina for withstanding pain. Pulling out one more silver, LonĂĄn tossed it to the bartender. âYour tip for the wonderful meal. Sorry about the mess.â He rationalized with a small grin as he grabbed the final roll he had not yet consumed, as he decided to gift it to their absentee friend Okumi and prepared to head back to the Inn with Linde and Aetrius.
âYes, better you get treated, again, as well as deal with our current problems before planning a huge trip like that indeed.â He remarked. Whatever the incident was about he didnât care, but the circumstances of it mattered to Aetrius, and therefore his honor (as well as the laws of his homeland) dictated to side with her for that debacle. He was glad the fiend was dead, to not harm anyone else ever again.
âLet us return to the Inn.â
That night they all didn't sleep very well. The threat of the bandits, the mystery of Kyero's presence, the number of dead civilians and the state of the village...
Next morning, they went downstairs and quietly ate breakfast together at Linde's request. They didn't talk much, but they enjoyed a nice meal to start their morning and the down time and peace was very much needed for their weary minds. And as they exited the inn, Kyero had returned just as Linde said he would.
He stood in the middle of the street, brown cloak covering his face and eyes once again as he was out in the open.
"Kyero?" Linde asked with a yawn.
"I followed the bandits yesterday to a cave system outside of town near the forest just Southwest of here. I wasn't able to get very far inside, but from what I could see they are well defended within its walls."
"I see. That proximity also explains why they were able to attack again so soon."
He nodded.
"That's right."
"So what should we do about them? I mean, I'd rather not kill them all if we don't have to. Thinning their numbers should suffice. But, knowing you..."
"You probably won't like my suggestion."
"... What is it?"
"Sekhai Smoke."
"You're right, I don't like that suggestion."
The morning came, and stretching his limbs he got up from his bed and spent the first few minutes staring in the mirror. Silently calling upon a prayer to his goddess for strength to see another day, he then got properly dressed, in is clothing first and then his armor that he has used for several years. It was all routine. He then met and enjoyed breakfast with the group, feeling a bit more at ease and even felt tempted to crack a joke.
As he walked out into the morning sun, and squinted a bit as his eyes readjusted. Lindeâs friend Kyero had returned with news of the bandits and a possible idea. He watched the two discuss it for a time before he gave a small whistle to signal he was coming into the conversation.
âSouthwest you said? The proximity does indeed make Atlum unsafe for the townsfolk, so we need any ideas possible.â he stated before popping his neck, before hearing Lindeâs worry about the suggestion. âWhat about the smoke makes you not like the idea? Surely smoking them out is a good way to take them out one by one? Unless thatâs not what this smoke does?â He ended his line of questioning by asking the obvious, mentally slapping himself for sounding like a dunce in front of everybody.
âBy Herestaâs gaze Iâm not on top of my game today. Well as the Old Wolf says, âYe ask a stupid question laddie, you get a stupid answer! Like how cheese is made!ââ He thought.
"Sekhai smoke is a paralyzing gas created by Te'i Sai. It paralyzes the lungs to cause death by suffocation, and is meant almost specifically for situations like this. But the problem I have with it is that it's too easily carried by the wind. If Kyero uses it inside the caves and it leaks outside, it could spread to any other number of villages and settlements for miles around and turn them into ghost towns."
Linde looked back to Kyero.
Kyero. I'm sorry. But I can't let you do it. You must know of another way to deal with them."
Kyero shook his head.
"I'm afraid I have no other suggestions, Linde. The likelihood of it spreading to nearby settlements is low, and I found it worth the risk."
"It's not worth the risk! Not even close! We're not using it!" She barked.
Kyero sighed, seeming to relent to her declaration.
She went with the others to eat in the morning, allbeit she didn't eat much, if anything. Her mind was too busy trying to think of her plans. To leave the others and go on by herself and possibly end up getting herself killed, or wait until she could heal enough for her to get Kieran like the others suggested. All she knew is that when she could, she would be leaving for her sister. No second thoughts. When they all left the tavern, and found Kyero, she went to be by herself for a while. She went to the stables where her horse was put and sat down on a barrel next to Bree. She placed her head against the horse' head and sighed, "I don't know what to do, Bree...I finally know where she is...but...what now?" she said to no one but herself in all reality. She needed new armor as well, as the bolt itself caused damage to the suit as well as when Linde had cut into it the first time to help with the wound. But for now she was dressed in her secondary set of armor that she had brought with her. She sat there for a few minutes, just thinking whether to leave or not, she needed help and sadly Bree was of no use to her.
He thought it was a good plan, but the problem was if the caves had two or more entrances/exits. The problem was also that they were well defended down here, which might make it impossible.âIts either that or another alternative, even evacuation of the remaining population. Iâm willing to help figure something out if need be. Unless of course, thereâs another little present to give the Bandits to make them feel sorry that is.â
At this point however, he was hoping Heresta would bless them with a strategy thatâd benefit everyone. He then looked around and half wondered where Aetrius walked off to. âProbably tending to her horse. I should check on Hawk when I get the chance. Heâs probably gonna scold me for wasting silver and not getting anything to recompense for it. On the other hand, who died and made a horse Financial advisor?â
"You raise good points, LonĂĄn. If it has more than one exit burying them is a waste of resources and time."
She glanced to Kyero.
"Any ideas?"
Kyero was thinking, index finger and thumb resting under his chin.
"Give me a moment..."
Linde sighed.
"I have one idea we can try, but it will be time consuming and require a good deal of coordination and cooperation."
"... And?"
"We need to thin the herd to send the greatest message. Those with numbers fall not to shows of force, but superior intellect and tactics. The best way to do that with our numbers and resources is to set traps at staggered intervals around the cave entrance to slow them down or kill them as they leave and spread out. Dead falls, hanging nooses on a trigger, small poison gas bags hidden in leaf piles, and more. Like I said, it will be time consuming and require coordination and cooperation. But if we can set these traps without getting caught or allowing any of them to escape the area, we can thin the herd and destroy their morale. They'll be an easy clean up afterwards."
"But our physical conditions..."
"Will not be an issue. If this works, I can take care of the stragglers on my own without risking further injury to you all. But I could use your help setting it all up."
Linde wasn't crazy about leaving it to him to clean up the stragglers, but their bodies were still too raw from what had happened to risk a fight. They would have to trust Kyero to do his part when the traps did theirs... If they did theirs.
The night was peaceful. With people retiring to home to rest and eat, Okumi set about her work lit only by the moonlight and the faint orange glow of the nearby lanterns. Some would have found it eerie or disconcerting, but to her, she felt an odd obligation as she moved about her work. With her injury to her shoulder it wasnât particularly fast or efficient, but she hadnât grown up as the kind of person to complain about that. The trundle of the wheelbarrow wheel squeaked as it moved, along with the soft sound of dirt being parted faintly filled the air. The maiden continued making the trip back and forth from the streets to the graveyard, depositing the bodies, digging graves and getting each into their own separate tomb for rest as she buried them. Not just the villagers. Even the bandits that she and the others had slain. While sounds of bar brawls and raucous laughter came from the inn and taverns, Okumi separated and isolated herself, but continued to do the work that needed to be done.
It was the early hours of the morning by the time she finished, and already, her body was protesting the strain. She was fit, but doing such work while injured wasnât necessarily the smartest idea. Still, every single one was buried, their graves marked by twigs and a small note. She probably could have left at that point, having already done more than could be expected of her, but even if her traditions and beliefs were thought to be foolish, sheâd continue to carry them out. Sheâd continue the legacy. Standing in prayer, she gave her respects to those parted. Even if some of them had been reprehensible in life, in death, they would have the opportunity to be cleansed of their sins. One day, everyone would find peace if that is what they sought. All things deserved a respectful burial, and the opportunity to return once more to the Earth.
Taking a brief look around her for any bystanders, Okumi saw none. Pulling down her mask, she took a deep breath of the night air. It was only at times like this, when her job was done, and everyone was safe and at rest, did she feel like her burdens were lightened. Staring over the mass of graves she had made, Okumi felt a mixture of melancholy and pride in her work. âMay your body find rest, and your soul seek peace.â Okumi spoke, barely more than a whisper, before pulling her mask back up to her face. Sheâd planned on staying at the Inn, even before Lindeâs offer. Though she was still cautious about having her injuries inspected, she was satisfied that sharing the same parchment sheâd given to the doctor about her disease would be sufficient for Linde to take proper hygiene and medical care. Turning to head back to the inn, Okumi expected she wouldnât get that much more sleep, but she was somewhat used to that with her lifestyle. Her body could rest when she was dead.
Morning couldn't come soon enough. She wasnât sure why, but sheâd had a restless night. That wasnât to say the bed was uncomfortable - It was better than the bedroll and items sheâd prepared at home, but there was something nagging in the back of Okumiâs mind. Maybe being in an unfamiliar place or amongst so many people left her body on edge? Regardless, she was tired given her time last night, and the poor rest wasnât helping that. But it was a new day. Work didnât wait for the weary. Having woken earlier than the rest intentionally, Okumi ate and drank in privacy, before the later meet up for dining in the commons room. There, she sat and watched them recharge and eat, politely denying inquiries into her own eating habits. Afterwards, the group made their way outside to meet with Kyero, returned from his scouting mission.
Listening to the discussion and plans for eliminating the bandit group, Okumi looked away, paying attention, but not enjoying the subject of discussion. She understood the intention of the group, and protecting the people and town of Atlum was a noble thing indeed. However, no matter how misguided her thoughts may have been, she found it senseless to go openly seeking to kill so many men. Was pre-emptive violence really the only answer? And when would it stop? Should everyone adopt that attitude, would war never end? Would people ever grow to trust their neighbours? Okumi found herself restless thinking of such topics. If she were to defend this town, was this how she wanted to do it?
For a moment, there was silence as it seemed the plan of attack was settled on. Taking a step forward, Okumi realised this was her chance to speak. Or rather, to display her opinion. Well⊠To do so would take time and a lot of work. Writing on such a complex thing wasnât going to be easy, so sheâd need to be brief and get the main point across. Pointing to herself, Okumi shook her head, then made a simple motion of her thumb to her neck, wrenching it across. She then gave a short bow with her hands together, a clear apology. Gesturing to herself again, she pointed up the mountains, âwalkingâ a pair of fingers on the palm of her hand, before tracing out a box with a triangle on top of it in midair in front of her. Taking a few more steps in that direction, she turned to face the others before waving, intending on making her leave. She had to return to her home. This wasnât the kind of life for her. Killing, even to protect others, she didnât have the stomach for it. She was a shrine maiden. And as a shrine maiden, her job was to honour the dead, not bring about more. Returning to her temple, sheâd return to her simple, peaceful life.
At least⊠Thatâs what she thought at the time.
How wrong she could be.
"No, we have to find another way Kyero. Even with traps and your skills, there will still be too many of them."
"Do you have a better suggestion?"
"I... I don't know."
Kyero sighed softly.
Linde, meanwhile, noticed Okumi as she began to make her way to what Linde could only presume was her home. The box with a triangle on top was a universal sign for 'Home,' and Linde jogged over to Okumi and gently gripped the fabric of her outfit at the elbow.
"Miss Okumi. I-... I'm sorry."
She gave Okumi a small bow.
"I almost forgot you're a shrine maiden. The thought of killing people must be horrifying for you. I'm so sorry."
Linde offered Okumi a smile.
"We will find another way. I am not fond of the idea of killing that many myself, no matter what they did to this village. There must be another way. A better way. Wouldn't you agree?"
She kept a grip on the fabric of Okumi's outfit, gently gripping between her thumb and index finger, and turned to look at Kyero.
"Please." She whispered.
Kyero took in a deep breath, looking down deep in thought as the subtle glow beneath his hood became a bit more visible.
"A non-violent solution." He whispered.
The glow faded, and he looked up to Linde from beneath the hood.
"... There is a way that could work, though I prefer the thought of eliminating them to this."
Linde let go of Okumi, watching Kyero intently.
"It will require some reconnaissance. I was only able to get far enough into the caves to confirm it is in fact the same group. But I don't know what they intend to do yet."
He turned to look at Lonan.
"I propose that you and the one named Aetrius come with me into the caves to uncover the intentions of these bandits. If we confirm they seek further harm or damage to Atlum, then I will require your help to employ an ancient fear tactic to frighten them away from this land forever. I will explain if this chance arises."
"And if we confirm they have the intention to disband as per your deal with their leader?"
Kyero sighed in irritation.
"Then we will leave them be."
Linde smiled and returned her gaze to Okumi with a small bow.
"Miss Okumi, while Kyero takes them to investigate the bandits, would you please stay with me a short while longer? I am curious to learn about the shrine you come from, if you are willing to share."
He watched as the supposed Red Eyed Demon ponder in thought for a minute or two and then rehearsed what seemed to be a recon mission with two outcomes. A scare tactic or leaving them be, and it consisted of just him, Kyero and Aetrius.
âScare tactics.â he said with a small click of his tongue, feeling slightly disappointed in going the nonviolent route but understanding the rationalization of enough blood has been spilt for this village. Both by the Storm and the Bandits specifically. Besides, the Old Wolf pulled several scare tactics in his day. He even dressed up as a devil one time for the purpose of spooking his grandmotherâs clan, the day they first met. The resulting beating she gave him, according to the man himself, was worth seeing her beauty go pale with fright.
Mentally shaking his head, LonĂĄn put up a small accepting grin. âAll right, better then nothing. Lets go find Aetrius and tell her the plan then. The sooner we go, the sooner we can ensure the villageâs safety.â He confirmed with a nod. He knew that heâd have to leave Hawk behind on this one. Caves are no place for a horse, even for a stallion as brave as him. But it couldnât be helped.
"Very well."
He glanced to Linde.
"I will keep them safe. You have my word."
"Mm. Please do. Because if you don't, I think you know what's waiting for you." She said with a kind smile.
Kyero smirked as he lowered his hood to hide his eyes.
"Of course."
He turned to Lonan.
"Come."
He led Lonan away as Linde remained with Okumi, turning to her with a smile and tilting her head slightly.
"I do hope you'll forgive me for prying, miss Okumi, but... You are afflicted with a grave illness, aren't you?"
Her smile shifted slightly.
"Even if I wasn't a doctor I could have put that together from your mask and your use of hand gestures to communicate. And as a doctor I can't turn away from this. Will you tell me your affliction? Maybe I can find a way to help you, or at least make your condition more tolerable?"
Meanwhile, Kyero and Lonan reached the stables where they met with Aetrius.
"We have decided to survey the caves and discern the true intentions of the bandits. If they intend to disband, we will leave them to their devices. If they intend otherwise we will frighten them out of Cre' Est forever. Will you accompany us? I could use your help."
She looked up at the two and thought for a moment then spoke up, "I honestly do not see why you would want my help in this, seeing as I'm as injured as I am...But...If it's recon that you need, I can easily help with that. When it comes to stealth I may as well become one with the shadows." she said with a slight grin, she crossed her arms as she paced a bit to think further, "You said caves, correct? I remember seeing them when I arrived. Shouldn't be too hard to track those bastards down. And if they want to fight, we fight fire with fire...Calculative that is of course." a slight chuckle came from her, then she looked back at the boys, "When do we leave? I'll prepare at once."
"We can leave as soon as you're ready."
He glanced around and saw the people of the village wandering around, and looked back to Aetrius.
"For obvious reasons I'd prefer we left sooner than later. I can't hide my eyes forever in crowds like this."
He pulled his hood down slightly further as one man off to the side seemed to be growing a little too curious about him.
âI got business to take care of Hawk. Be good.â He said as he pulled out several crossbow bolts and put them in a quiver on his left hip. Checking the rest of his equipment he took a moment whilst Kyero was still talking to Aetrius to utter a prayer to Heresta.
âHeresta, Mother of War, Mistress of Battle. Guide me this day to victory. Guide me to Honor for My Clan. Guide me to attain my hopes and dreams. To this I pray, Amen.â
He then turned to the other two and nodded at Kyeroâs statement eyeing his actions and then the curious man. âI agree. I am ready to go when you two are. Let's go and take care of them once and for all.â he stated, looking at the two with an eager look in his eyes along with a wolf-like grin.
Aetrius held the reins out to Linde as she spoke, "Linde, please watch over Bree while I am gone. Make sure she doesn't get into any mischief, or get lonely. She tends to do get lonely when I am gone." she chuckled, for Bree to only huff at her owner and smack her with her tail. Aetrius glared at Bree playfully, "Looks like no one will be getting dinner tonight then." she chuckled, and pat Bree once more, then turning to Kyero and Lolan, "Whenever you're ready, Kyero, we may leave." she eyed Kyero and Lolan, her and the latter were both equipped with long ranged weapons, and Aetrius had her blades with her just in case things went south. They would have what they needed, so she hoped anyway.