Siveen

Kenni noted the hiding place and hurried along with Fayvus, astonished by his mention of the Waponians, those who dabbled in dark magics of old. There was so much he had yet to divulge to her and she anxiously wished he would continue speaking. But they had to reach his room first. It took a few moments, during which Kenni's mind began to drift again...wondering about love and its origins...until they arrived in front of Fayvus' door. Kenni had been hear a handful of times, always enjoying the scents he housed.

Knowing he had something to give her, heigthened her excitement and she waited, fingers tingling, for him to open the door.

On the way to his room Fayvus took a route through the gardens to grab a handful of red grass. He opened his door to walk over to a table to cut up the grass and then put it in the brew pot, which was simmering over hot rocks that he put in the fireplace. He turned around to walk to a chest, pulling out of it a bag of silver, fifteen throwing knives, a hand axe, five lockpicks, two vials of deadly poison, and his own invention. A repeating crossbow.

The crossbow was a unique oak object. There was a handle over the tob that pulled the bolts from within the clip onto the top and clipping the end to the string. There was a custom wooden and glass sight on it too. The clip held five bolts at a time. Fayvus created three clips as well as one hundred custom bolts. Twenty of those bolts were armor piercing. Could take down a knight if shot right. He handed the crossbow to Kenni.

"That is one of the things that I have been working on for the past five years." He said while he strapped the knives, axe, and poisons to the inside of his toga, taking care of the bag of silver too. He walked to the brew to begin carefully pouring it into an empty vial. "The rest are tools that I have used when I used to travel. Very good for battle, stealth as well. That crossbow is the easiest thing to use but I will show you how to aim and handle it. It shoots just as far as the normal kind but the sight makes it easier to aim. Also it does not take much to pull back the handle to resupply the bolts, nor does it make a sound." Fayvus headed for the door now that he had everything he needed. "Come Kenni. We must not keep the King's men waiting."

Keiran stretched after Neecey said some words over the graves, "Well it'll be an early morning tomorrow. Take the bed, We'll divvy up what gear I have in the morning and then see about properly equipping you in town. You might want to wear my cloak for the trip, the cowl will cover your ears and keep people from staring. I wouldn't feel right if you just left with what I've got back in the room." He began to turn to go back to the mill when a question struck him.

"Forgive the question, it's just in Landing we have nothing of elves but stories and you seem so young. But how old are you?" He did a quick look over, but he couldn't tell which Landing stories were true and which were just that," I mean you seem younger about six years my junior but if even half of the stories back home are true; then you could easily be more than ten times my age." He didn't have any ulterior motives to the question, it was just so weird because he didn't know how elves aged.

Packing was a tricky business, needing to keep light. Kenni owned few pieces of clothing so allowed herself only the clothes on her back as well as a brown cloack loaned from another girl about the same size, and one change of clothes. Her pack was desperately empty as she only added two books, one to read and her journal. Fayvus carried writing utensils so she didnt even have to bother with those. Slipping the pack on one shoulder, she wondered how she must look to the girls around her.

The goodbyes were harsh, but quick. Kenni managed to keep a stiff lip and dry eyes until all the hugs had been given and she kissed her farewell to the women of the church. Rejoining Fayvus at the front of the cathedral, his attire drastically changed from his usual robes, she felt the reality crush her lungs. But she held herself high and silent.

The King had managed to summon three Saerian guards to accompany them to the valley below, the largest kingdom in the land having messaged their own compliance with the quest. More would join them by this time tomorrow.

So they were to set off to Mander...Kenni eyed the men joining them, three burly, stoic faces of protection, not friendship. Kenni turned to Fayvus in spite of her fears, muttering, "Such a lively bunch. I surely shall be protected from ever feeling happiness again."

The armor that Fayvus was wearing was a unique type. He wears his studded leather on the outside, one that could stop an arrow with luck, and a fiber weave underneath. The weave was an art taught to him by the Nikians, could stop an arrow easily. A suprisingly well suited armor for the wieght which was very light. He was probably wearing only ten pounds of armor at the moment.

Past the armor his weapons took up most of the wait. His throwing knives were attachted as a vest around his chest, his hand axe was on his belt, he had replaced the glass vials for the poisons he had with metal flasks that he had attached to his belt, and this time he put the silver knife that he always carried in a compartment in his right boot. He stored three lock picks in his left boot and two under his wrist brace.

His skin was no longer scented with oils, instead Fayvus rubbed dirt on his skin to give off a musk. It was better to smell the same as an enviroment than to smell nice dead. He had also scubbed his mouth out with grass as to not have any distinct breath.

Fayvus turned to Kenni after shared her comment. "They are meant for your protection though I wonder how experienced they are. They look like they have never fought a battle outnumbered by more than two to one." He smirked at the thought of the guards before continueing speaking. "I think you will like this journey. The world is an intersting place, even the bad parts. If you have any questions on anything just ask me." He finished telling her.

Kenni had plenty of questions, especially about the Nikians he had mentioned earlier. But the group was heading to the stables for horses. Having ridden before, Kenni's only worry was being out of favor with the beast she was given. The "protectors" each chose their personal horses while Fayvus and Kenni were left to choose some of the training beasts. Fayvus went about choosing his own, while Kenni stood back a ways. She knew horses could be fiesty and she glanced over them warily.

Then the horse on the end, a gray coated, muscled animal, caught her attention. While the other horses were nibbling at apples or facing their windows outside, this gray one was staring straight at Kenni. Strange. Slowly approaching, she wondered what interested the horse, reaching a cautious hand forward to pet his nose.

A hand snatched her arm before she touched anything. It was one of the guards for her traveling protection. Standing nearly two feet taller, he loomed over her with a dangerous glare. "This beast shall not be suitable for anyone in our caravan."

"Why?" she inquired at once.

"He is a wild beast, only trouble making."

"He seems fine to me."

In response, the gray horse whinnied, agreeing. Kenni smiled. The guard did not.

"I wont allow it."

"He is harmless."

"He has been quarantined to the stables for his behavior. Do not test me girl. The Skyes may have chosen you, but your protection is under my command."

Kenni stared up to him firmly, not caring about the politics of the manner. Her eyes found Fayvus, wondering if he could help, but doubted it almost at once. Sighing, she turned to the gray horse and stepped closer before the guard could react and she petter his nose softly, smiling and even leaning the side of her head against the horse's. In response, he made a contented grunting noise.

"His name...is Storm." Kenni decided it from the color of his coat matching that of storm clouds. "He will be my horse. And you will be okay with it."

Storm neighed and nodded his head once. Kenni laughed, seeing the guard's astounded expression.

"Grab a saddle for me," she directed him. "I'll prepare him myself."

Fayvus utterly hated riding military mounts. Unfortunately they were the fastest transport at the moment. It was just a thing about riding on the back of a breathing animal. The horse he picked was a breed that was used in steppe grasslands. They were both fast and smart, a small and shaggy creature too. His favorite type of horse. Staring at the horse he placed his right thumb on it's third eye. The thumb had a small trickle of magic flowing through that would help bound it's loyalty to him. Too small to even notice. "You are now Harbinger. You are my legs, my ears, my senses. We are linked for this journey. My name is Fayvus Tritnai." He whispered to his new horse. It nodded as if it understood. He was preparing the Harbinger when he began to watch Kenni choosing an unbroken horse. Storm...How ironic for the situation. He thought to himself.

He walked over by Kenni to look at Storm. He slowly raised his hand to pet it with a cupped palm. He began the pet the mane of the horse. "A wild one this one is." Fayvus told the girl. "I prefer camels myself. Generally they are much smarter and travel hardy though they are not as fast as horses. With the exception of a few."He said looking between Storm and Harbinger. "When you ride I want you to ride next to me on my left side. Two guards will probably be at the front with one to the back. I will teach you how to use that crossbow once we are on the road. That there horse may be the difference between life and death on the road. If it is loyal that is." He telling her.

Fayvus led Harbinger out of the stables before mounting. They were linked now by a very low grade magic. A druidic spell. The two would be able to sense each other's emotions while they were within five feet of each other. He had been certain to exclude certain...less desirable emotional links. "Come on. We have to hit the road now." He yelled to those still in the stables.

Neecey turned when Keiran spoke. The ages of elves had always been a mystery. Elves would live to be hundreds of years old, outmatching any human. They lived through the Mother, and She granted them their long lives.

"I have seen eighteen summers." She explained. "But I am 36 in my culture. Our lifespan is different from yours, for we live and die with the Mother. When the winter comes, we have reached a crucial moment in life, and when the Summer comes we celebrate living through the hardships of Winter."

It was an old custom, but it was how the Elves lived. The Mother gave them life, and they lived and died with Her. Celebrating when her plants and creatures returned to her land after several days without, was a beautiful moment. Everyone celebrated and moved up in age, for they had survived. And, when the first snowflakes fell, the would mourn the loss of their great Mother's power. They would move up an age, for they had been blessed to enjoy the Summer.

"It is how we live," She explained. "It is...hard to explain to someone outside of Elven culture."

She chuckled quietly, covering her hand with her mouth. "Thank you." She realized that must have sounded random and quickly moved to correct herself. "I mean, thank you for earlier. You saved my life and I am eternally in your debt. The Mother thanks you as well. She says that you have great power hidden inside, if you would just listen to it."

Neecy smiled kindly and turned back toward the mound of dirt.

"You're right, it is a little confusing," Kieran replied. "Though I think I'll have to disagree with the Mother there; I have only what I've carved with my own hands and if I had any power then I could have saved them. But at any rate, that's seven of my family off to the Skye and in exchange I got an interesting little sister...for the moment at least."

At that moment he became aware of blade in his boot, he drew it and the sheath out and thought a bit. He walked up to Neecey and held the curved instrument out to her.

" Here, take this until we can get you a proper blade; the throwing knives aren't good for anything else except improvising a punch dagger." He considered telling her about how it was his family's oldest possession, but that would be unnecessary.

It was getting dark, and he figured it was about time that the two of them got back inside. Just because they were near a town didn't mean that the woods would be safe at night.

Neecey listened intently to Keiran's words. It wasn't uncommon for the humans to disbelieve the ideals of the Mother. Although the Nikians were a special case. They believed they too came from the Mother, but they treated themselves and others like savages. She tilted her head when he referred to her as a little sister. He definitely seemed older, in actual human years than she. She didn't find the term offensive, just strange. Most humans looked upon Elves with disdain or blatant fear. Humans do not like what they do not understand.

Neecey was shook out of her thoughts when a blade was thrust into her hands. Keiran explained that it was fine until they could get her a proper weapon. A proper blade, he had said. "I am better with a bow." She explained. "I've grown up learning it. I can use a blade such as this in case of emergency, but a bow would keep me alive for longer."

He led her inside, silent. The darkness was descending upon them, and Neecey could feel the hairs on her neck stand on edge. The darkness was a fearful time. Dark deeds happen in the darkness.

Keiran nodded at her words as he walked back to the mill. When they entered he applied both bar locks across the door, he had taken great care in burying the bodies but that didn't guarantee a predator of some form wouldn't come for the smell. At any rate he wasn't about to take the chance of them coming in the mill, since there were no windows on the first floor and the second floor was a closed loft; any window entry would have to occur on the third floor. Since the room was on the third floor there wasn't much room for mistake should something figure it's way up but since they were near civilization his caution should be enough. He lead the way upstairs and even went through the pains of pulling up the ladder before closing and locking the trapdoor leading to the third floor.

"Forgive the paranoia but I have a feeling that evil is afoot this night and I don't intend to leave any openings that a bit of caution could prevent." He knew he sounded stupid as he said this but years had taught him to trust his instinct. "You go ahead and take the bed, I'll seal up this floor and the two above us." the third floor was an effective living area but it was meant to house only one person. He went around closing and locking the windows on the floor before ascending the next two floors and repeated his work, he even sealed the hopper on the roof and double checked his work. Everything seemed sound enough.

With everything said and done, he went into the bedroom and sealed it too before setting himself down across from the door. Since he'd let the fire die and didn't have the resources to light it for anything besides warming tomorrows breakfast, he closed the sealing flap on the chimney as an afterthought.

The band started away, sooner and more put together than Kenni anticipated. The dream, then the telling, and the King...now here they were, on the open road to Mander. Fayvus rode on her right with two guards ahead and one behind, as the nurse had said. Kenni wasn't used to riding horses, having not needed to go anywhere. But Storm was understanding and gentle, guiding her just as much as she was guiding him. Smiling, she gave him a grateful pat and pet on the mane.

"Why are we heading to Mander?" she asked Fayvus. "Are all the scouts from both kingdoms meeting us there?"

Mander was more direct in their route, she knew, having looked at a few maps over the years. But also straight through the forest beyond Mander. Though shorter, wasn't it more dangerous.

The night was falling around them rapidly, insects zipping through the air and torches being lit to guide them. Kenni felt her spine ride with chills, but she turned to Fayvus to fight her anxiety. "Shall we begin the crossbow lessons?" She definitely needed to know how to defend herself on this open road down the mountain. Who knew what the darkness could hold.

Nervousness was beat out of Fayvus when he worked as a merc in Wapone. When they were to cut across easy ways. A bad idea on the safe side but wise on time managment. Though what the Waponians taught him was to finish the wounded off instead of carry them as luggage. For all intents and purposes the injured are the same as dead bodies that take up important resources. When Kenni asked him why they were following their chosen path he simply answered, "Time."

The night had fallen upon their party and Kenni was asking about her lessons on her crossbow. Fayvus held up his hand in a fist and shouted "Yeild!" To the guards so that they would stop. He nudged Harbringer closer to Storm so that he would be able to show the young girl how to hold the weapon.

"First we must discuss the process of reloading. Each of these magazines hold five bolts and you just need to put it in as so." Between each action he taught her how to perform the action by example. "To reload just pull this here lever. When shooting hold it against your shoulder and look through the sight as such." He proped the crossbow against her shoulder. "The crossbow is even easier to use than a spear. A normal crossbow is more powerful and has more range but this is easier to reload and can deal more shots in a short time spam. All you need is practice." He took out a magazine filled with practice bolts. "Try to shoot that stump one hundred and twenty feet away." Fayvus suggested pointing at the stump.

Nodding her head, Kenni adjusted her stance and copied Fayvus' examples of how to hold and reload the crossbow. She was not nearly as fluid in her motions, cheeks reddening with frustration as she struggled to fit the bolt in just right. But when she finally was able to aim, she felt better, both eyes open, the sight lined perfectly, or how she thought, with the stump. There would be some kick to it, and she adjusted her heels accordingly and slowly exhaled, counting down in her head.

3...2...1...

Thwang!

The bolt left the crossbow like a diving lightning strike, a spinning death awaiting the make-believe enemy she was firing against. However, the bolt didn't reach its desired destination, veering slightly to the right and nicking the edge of the stumped wood before striking the earth. Kenni slumped, hardly satisfied with such a shot. She began reloading at once using five bolts this time so that she could shoot one right after the other. Again she took aim and tried to calm the irritations with herself in her mind.

As she focused on the sight however, another in their midst readied to attack, shoulders shivering with anticipation amongst the shadows of the trees. Daylight was fading faster and faster. When inky blackness covered the lot of them, the guards, the older man, the luscious redhead girl...the wolf man would attack.

"Load in some combat bolts. Do not worry child you will be fine. If that stump was a real enemy it would be bigger." Fayvus told Kenni. "Continue march! Quicken pace!" He yelled to the gaurds and they began to turn to a fast pace. He wanted to get to the following town as soon as possible. He knew of what dwelled in this forest. During the pace he pulled the hand axe in his right hand and one of his silver throwing knives in his left. He looked at the sky and it showed an outline of the moon. His moon dial had showed him the night before that this night was a full moon.

"Kenni. There is silver bolt in one of those magazines. It may just be my paranoia but I feel as if we are being watched." He told her

Neecey couldn't sleep. Keiran had welcomed her into his home, but the young elf felt uncomfortable in her surroundings. She had passed out here earlier, but she was completely without her sanity. She was grateful to the man, but she couldn't bring herself to relax. She sat on top of the bed, her legs crossed beneath her.

She tried meditating, hoping that the calming thoughts would help her relax into sleep. She wished she had her charm, a necklace that her mother had always worn before the maiden died. It was just a simple charm, something Neecey would use to speak with the divine Mother. Her mother was once a priestess, one of the elves who could communicate directly with the Mother. The charm was used to help speak with the Mother.

Neecey didn't know how it worked, but it helped calm her. She had lost the charm when the Nikians had taken her. Without the charm, Neecey wasn't sure she could actually speak with the Mother; she wasn't sure if the divine Goddess could hear her when she did have it. Only those blessed can speak with the Mother. However, the young elf placed her hands together, and closed her eyes.

Vila nosar yon bonir! Ilimas sirimi esth loith!
(Move quickly my child! Someone needs your help!)

Neecey's eyes shot open, but they weren't greeted with the bedroom. She was flying through the forests by the mill, flying through leaves and twigs before seeing a group of people walking along the path. A flash of fire red hair, then zooming through leaves landing on a hunched beast stalking them nearby.

Her mind was back in her body, her vision greeted with the dark bedroom. Not wasting any time, Neecey grabbed a hold of the knife Keiran had given her. She was already bolting out of the mill, not bothering to tell her host where she was going.

They were in danger.

Keiran started when Neecey took off like she did, he couldn't tell what was wrong but her expression wasn't that of someone running away from something. He stripped the room of his gear with practiced haste and tore out after her. She was fast, incredibly so and he had a hard time trying to catch up with her even with his longer stride.

Instinct kicked in and forced him to roll before he could get into the clearing where she'd been headed. He'd caught a glimpse of a group of people there, notably a red headed girl and an old man in strange armor. He didn't have time to focus on that though, in front of him was a large wolf like creature that was beginning to stand on its hind legs. Apparently he'd rolled out of the way of the pounce, at any rate he heard more in the clearing and he knew wolf behavior; these the ones they saw were the scouting party. A howl from the clearing gave his fear more weight, hopefully there wouldn't be much of a pack.

He set back in a relaxed stance, a loose body gave nothing away. A fact given away by the beast's surprise when he not only charged when it did but he ducked under the wolf's slash as well. When the arm full extended above him he grabbed the wrist and punched the elbow. The fur on the creature was remarkably smooth in contrast to the matted appearance. He felt and heard the elbow break under his fist, but it felt like punching a stone wall. Since he had to slide as part of the dodge, he was gliding into the creatures legs. He took that opportunity to slam a booted foot into a straight knee cap, he felt it give as well but it felt like kicking a tree trunk. He spun and stood out of his slide and was reward by seeing the monster shift its weight to two "legs" the bone was sticking out of the back left and front right legs.

"With a body like that, I don't think I can use my blades on you. Looks like we're going to be doing this the old fashioned way." For some reason the beast didn't try to retreat the way an animal would, it sought to pounce on him again. He rolled around the good claw and shattered the elbow; the creature bit at him but the folds of his cloak had somehow trick it into biting air. He used the momentum of the pounce to duck under and claim its last leg before letting the creature crash into the nearest tree. He used his booted foot to shatter its jaw when it trick to howl for help, it felt like kicking a rock. At that point he tuned into the remaining noise in the clearing, he didn't have time to finish this one off. He drew his scimitars as he ran, with enough speed, he might actually be able to cut into these things.

Neecey felt the wind rush through her hair, the whistling sound in her ear bringing comfort. Normalcy. The clothes she had taken from Keiran's home were weighing her down, the material too loose and baggy. She was fast, but not as fast as she could be. Without thinking, she began stripping the clothing off, pulling the shirt up over her head and letting it fall to the ground as she continued to run.

She could feel her speed picking up. Even as she kicked off the boots and let her bare feet touch the Mother. She felt connected to her, which helped her find her way. The pants took longer to get off, but once they were, Neecey could move and shift positions quicker. She was left with nothing but her old Nikian clothing, although she despised them, they would do well to move quicker.

With her connection to the Mother, Neecey knew that the beast was up ahead, closing in on the group of travelers. The elf stopped running, gripping the knife tightly, and listened. She could feel their movements through the ground. The Mother had showed her one beast close by, but there were several more approaching. She could also feel Keiran running after her.

He had found one of the beasts, and quickly dispatched it. He was good. Fast as well. Neecey quickly began running again, the beast Keiran had taken out had managed to successfully call to the pack. They would be on top of the group soon.

Neecey quickly moved towards one of the trees and climbed up, sticking the blade of the knife into her mouth to free her hands. She moved across branches swiftly, like a squirrel. She moved above the group, careful to not make too much noise. She could see the weapons they had, a crossbow and spears even. As she passed them, she waited patiently in the trees, wishing she had a bow.

She wasn't as good at close combat, distance was her forte. She could easily take out the pack that was slowly stampeding towards them with a bow. Hopefully, Keiran would get here soon and he could help her dispatch the creatures before the young elf got too overwhelmed.

Neecey quickly spotted the beast that was originally shown to the elf by the Mother. It moved quietly, waiting for the rest of its pack to get here before attacking the traveling group. What were they doing out here so late? It was dangerous to travel at night; especially under a full moon.

The elf slowly moved further down the tree, careful not to make any noise. Few leaves fell as she descended, but not enough to give away her position. As she neared the lowest branch, she wrapped her toes around the center and let her weight descend onto the limb. She slouched down, her back curving around her frame. Her green eyes never strayed from the beast.

She watched it pace back and forth in wait, its yellow eyes scanning the pathway and resting on the group. He was hungry, and wanted to attack. But its pack wasn't here, and he would need it. He knew.

This wasn't an ordinary wolf, too large, its body not like regular wolves. The Delocians came across them a few times. Half wolf, half human; hunting on their land, killing innocent elves. It would be difficult to dispatch them, especially without a proper silver blade. The only thing she could do was completely immobilize it. Silence it.

Dropping down, Neecey's legs wrapped around the limb as she swung upside down from the branch and let her body swing. A few leaves fell, the noise alerting the beast. Exactly what the young elf wanted.

Waiting, knife gripped in her hand tightly, Neecey could feel her muscles tense up, but she ignored it. Blood was rushing to her head, but she kept her mind clear and focused. This was her only shot. She had to make it count.

As the beast neared her, Neecey raised her blade, he stepped underneath her and she brought the blade down, sinking the sharp edge into his neck. He tried to howl, but Neecey had successfully cut through the vocal chords. She twisted the blade, blood spilling out over her hand, before pulling it out. One down, at least a dozen to go.

There was a howl that made Fayvus shiver. Even worse he heard fighting in the distance. Harbinger became nervous as there was most likely a creature approaching them. He dipped his entire knife into the paralysis poison vial and corked it again. A guard began to yell as he saw a creature charging straight ahead of them. It was a Lycan. "Block formation around Kenni!" Fayvus yelled as Harbinger began to make an oval charge.

The creature was to powerful to be killed in one clean shot so Fayvus got Harbinger closer and closer so that he could throw his knife at it. Within ten feet of the beast he threw the knife where it completely pierced it's right shoulder. Harbinger rode around it for five seconds before it collapsed due to the poison. Fayvus got off his mount, walked over to the beast, pulled out his knife, and stabbed the Lycan's eye with it.

Fayvus stood up straight now to call out to the guards. "Stay in open ground! Spear them in the neck or under arm when they charge! Protect Kenni at all cost!" There was yet another charging. Fayvus charged the beast head on yelling a fierce Nikian battle cry.

Coming to the beast, it luckily, attempted to pounce him. Fayvus kicked some dirt in it's face and slid underneath the creature, slicing it's genitals in the process. He swiftly got on his feet as the Lycan was still painfully trying to pick itself up. Fayvus cried out as he made a under hand sweep with his hand axe at it's neck. He heard the weapon crunch into it's spine in the back. He was glad his weapons weapons all had silver in them. Though fancy there was an unmistakable use for silver when dealing with the supernatural.

The old man seemed to know what he was doing, much more so than the armored idiots he was with. He assumed this "Kenni" person was the red head, at any rate he changed his dash to reach her at full speed, his cloak streaming behind him and cowl covering his face. If he'd thought about it, he would have realized it was a bad idea, an entourage like this meant she's important. After all he still had both scimitars out and held low, if he were in Landing, this might be forgivable but this wasn't Landing.

Fortunately, reflex caused him to jump and go over the girl and he brought his blades into a forward cross as he landed behind her. "Pardon me ma'am but would you be so kind as to tell me what these creatures are, and if you've seen a girl about your age come by?" He felt plenty of hostile looks, but this small break until the pack showed up was no time for such things. He decided to get the second part of his question answered himself, "Hey Neecey, get over here and cover me, the Bodkins won't do shit against these things but I'm pretty sure the Broadheads will do the trick; only got five so make em count." The weapons the old man held had a similar sheen as the dagger he'd given to Neecey and they seemed to cut these things easily. None of his other equipment looked anything like that... he had a feeling this wasn't going to be easy.

The following moments passed in a blur, all leading to a man approaching her, blades drawn and face hidden. He spoke without her ears listening, the crossbow in hand nearly slipping from her shivering fingers. Never had she witnessed such a nightmare in reality, Fayvus twisting and slicing like a man of the wild, the clash and clang of metal attacking the air and sudden creatures. And blood. So much blood the air grew rank with the scent as more beasts charged forward.

Distantly, Kenni heard herself respond, "Lycan," to the mysterious man. "They are Lycan. Only silver can do enough damage." she had read about such creatures when young, before the priestesses of the church forbade such pages to exist within the young girls' grasps. "And no...no girl."

Kenni acted as if her limbs were controlled by some other entity, Storm neighing encouragingly to her. Seeing Fayvus, she aimed the crossbow a few feet to the side of him, an approaching wolf man ready to take charge. Kenni located the sight, exhaled slowly, and released...

...the bolt found the throat of the beast. Lips pressed together tight, Kenni refused to believe what she had just done. Instead, she turned to the man. "Help Fayvus," she said, indicating her nurse.

Fayvus was slowly pacing his way back to the group when he saw a man, particulary a Landing like himself, run to the group. He fastened his pace. When the Landing got there he apparently showed no hostility but Fayvus did not let his guard down. The guards seemed edgy still for they did not do a single thing to prevent this stranger from entering the formation.

A bolt wizzed pass his direction as he found a Lycan with the bolt logged into it's neck. It would kill the beast in time but it would be too long. As it began to recover from the shock the nurse swept in from behind, cutting the Lycan's left hamstring. The creature yelled in pain. Fayvus rounded around the beast in a jog ten feet away. Upon it raising completey Fayvus threw two knives into it's chest. After dropping he gathered his knives.

After gathering his knives Fayvus he jogged back to the guards. "You do you fools do anything right?!" He glared at the guards before turning to the strange Landing who had broke through the formation unapposed, ready to hack the man to death if he posed a threat. "Who are you and what is your purpose here?"

"Keiran Greywind; Landing scout, Vanguard of the Northern Sands, was here visiting family when my guest bolted out here. I followed, lost her when one of those things attacked me. We got less than five minutes before the rest of the pack shows up." The first part of his introduction wouldn't have meant anything to someone who wasn't familiar with Landing but it came out from habit any ways. He sheathed his swords and drew his bow, "If my guest were here I'd have her use this and I'm fairly certain she could out shoot anyone here."

"Very well Scout Thackery. I am Fayvus Tritnai. We were traveling when these beasts showed up." He told the Thackery. As a Landing himself he understood the long introduction though he still like Nikian introductions more. Harbinger returned to him and he was glad the horse was loyal. "The pack will no doubt have an Alpha Male. If we have not already killed him they mayl return. We would need to kill him or at least hold off until day light. For now I suggest we head out perhaps to higher ground." He addressed the group.

He mounted Harbinger and turned to Kenni. "Keep a good hold on that crossbow, your aim is improving. I would suggest to aim for the heart next time though." He suggested to her while wiping some blood off of himself. He took a spear from one of the guards and dripped a small amount of poison onto the tip of the spear. He signaled the guards to follow in the previous formation. "You may follow if you wish but you would have to follow from behind the front two guards." He told the young Landing.

"Old man you're really in no position to be calling any shots right now. I've been in this area for over a week and I can tell you we're in no local terrain. Hell even if we were in the terrain that should be here, your horses would just get in the way." Keiran pulled out his Broadheads while continuing, " You see I had family a fair running distance it the way you're headed, it's all down hill the left leads to thicker woods before hitting a road and the right's the river and not a fjord at that." He didn't continue with his movements, it'd be of now use.

"The fact remains I've run through here several times and this is the first time I've even seen this clearing, much less the path you came in from. It should be straight forest, so here's an interesting tale that began a month ago. On nights of the full moon the Wolf's Road appears and leads into a glade shaped like the full moon, use your eyes it's perfectly round." Keiran gave them two seconds for it all to sink in before continuing," Furthermore it seems that the path out will only appear when the full moon is obscured, any other attempt will just bring you back into the glade. Sadly, we have a clear night sky; face it, we're trapped in a fairy tale until the moon sets there's no way out."

He swept the entire group with his gaze, removing the lower half of his cowl, "You lot must have been in some rush to avoid looking into details that recent and ignoring a common map. But due to that you've brought the Lycan: appetizers." He rested his gaze on the armed men, "A main course," the eyes went to the horses, "and dessert." With that he ended his stare on the red head, "If you want to eat out the clock, I suggest you get off the horses and form up, we got nowhere to run and even fewer places to hide; and if the Lycan here are anything like the ones back home... you can't afford to be wounded."