RP:For Whom the Bell Tolls
Part of the Rynvale Darkest Night Arc
Summary: As the ominous clock of the Time Lord Vuryal counts down to the announced final hour, the residents and allies of Port Rynvale City face an unexpected bounty hunter attack, and make preparations to defend their home from whatever the parasite will unleash. Little do they know that the bells toll to herald a moment that will change their lives forever.
Characters: Keturah, Daath, Vlontyrr, Leoxander, Arien, Pack.
Location: Rynvale; Healer's clinic, The Jolly Roger.
Keturah was tired by the time she had managed to make her way back to her clinic, and faintly irritated. For the life of her, she had not been able to locate her shoes. She resigned to thinking she had not particularly wanted to wear them anyway. After all, wartime brought with it too many other things she normally did not make a habit to keep on her person: the daggers at either side of her hip, the various pouches tied to her person, or the armor hidden beneath the folds or her robes. She had still managed to relax when her clinic came into view, and spared the stone golem outside the door with a tip of a salute that went largely unreturned by the creature. Seemed it wanted to play the part of clumsily constructed statuary, outside. She was half in the process of removing her staff from her back, chatting idly with the bubbly nurse at her desk. It had apparently been a long day for both of them.
Daath ||| Only mere moments after Keturah enters the clinic, an explosion of some magnitude breaks down the doors, as the golem that protects this place of healing is sent flying across the room to slam against the wall in a clutter of construct and debris. Within moments, and with deadly precision, do ten drow emerge into the establishment. With a combined effort of five drow mages lead by Daath, a darkness fills the room that is like upon a dark moonless night. Leaving the clinic a prime setting for drow, whose natural eyesight picks up on heat. With his gaze falling upon the chosen target, the healer Keturah, Daath points the crown of his staff towards the woman, utter occult verses with masterful ease, unleashing upon the desert native a barrage of dark magic in the form of a dozen or so projectiles. These maggic missiles hold the power to pummle the woman, unless she is able to establish a feasible defence in time. But, due to the darkness in the clinic, and the darkness of the magic used, it would be hard for the woman to even see it coming. All the while, the other mages unleash spells that block the doors with magic, sealing them shut, as well as the windows. Making entrance, or escaping, near impossible.
Vlontyrr is here, among the party of drow. Dressed in pale leather, he holds a deathlance in his left hand, and a dart in his right. The dart, tipped with poison, is sent flying with skillful precision at Sally, the dark fluid on the tip meant to stun her, dropping her like a stone. Five other drow also release their own darts, aimed at any warm body visible to their infrared vision. After this barrage, they bare far more deadly weapons and spread throughout the room, lurking in the darkness to wait for the prime opportunity to strike...that is, if the surprise raid hasn't already incapacitated every surface dweller in the room.
Leoxander heard that explosion. He'd been above, listening. Perhaps raiding the fridge. But the moment commotion struck the rogue was on the move, breaking open the door to Keturah's apartment. And because he was already armed, expecting trouble by the noise, he'd have his compound bow in hand for the cover of any who might survive that blast. There was one entry, and the drow were so prone as to file in, so he'd nock that first arrow with a sneer, before he pulled those metal strings back into archer's deadly pose to fire. This, basically, was target practice, as he was perched above on those stairs. 'Duck hunt', as no one used windows or alternate routes, it was more than likely at least one or two of those filing in would receive an arrow to the chest or throat, armored or not. This would make it increasingly difficult for Vlontyyr and his five more to leak in and throw their blind darts, and perhaps Sally, Keturah, Niccolai, or someone would find the time to retreat to him or the other patient rooms. Who the hell attacked a place of healing, anyhow?
Keturah caught her curse between her teeth as that explosion of clutter and debris rocketed behind her. Sally's scream might well have been captured by the desert-born's palm, as the smaller healer vaulted over the desk, pulling her nurse along with her. It did not provide much cover. Both women still suffered cuts and bruises as the darkness flooded in. Keturah was pushing, pulling and tugging Sally to the safety of those patient rooms, releasing her only when those dark magics began pummeling from behind. She narrowly avoided one, on her own, and had a second rush against her arm on her way to ducking into one of those rooms. She was bleeding. With no idea where Sally was and hardly aware that Leo was there, the healer was pulling one of her canvas sacks free, emptying the contents into the hall. They would hear the shattering of glass if they did not see it first, as those earthen filled spheres dropped and broke against the once pristine floorboards. Keturah murmured too, inciting her own magics. The seedlings dropped immediately burst, taking root as several tendrils of vines began to writhe and grow. Most of them were meant to cling and hold their victims steady, though the drow would find three larger vines barreling forward to catch and slash through any unfortunate enough to meet with those dagger sized thorns.
Daath watches as his attack seems to miss its mark, and watches with that keen eyesight as the rogue appears, sending arrow after arrow towards the drow. One mage down, felled by the lycan's attack. Another one grabbed up by the thorned vines of the druid. But, the last three, which includes Daath, unleash hell upon Leoxander. Lightning, fire, arcane energy, all of this comes for Leo now.
Vlontyrr doesn't seem much fazed as one of the mages goes down; he likely doesn't even like the other drow, anyway. His men, seeing the first round of darts somehow miss all of their targets without exception, cast quick glances at their commander. He nods, and they unleash one more round of darts. Three of them fly for Leoxander, while the other two are aimed for Keturah. Now they take up their other weapons in earnest. Armed with swords and dirks, they advance lithely on their prey, moving with ease through the dark, following the glowing warmth of the surface dwellers' bodies. One man is caught almost at once, however, in a mess of vines, dying without a sound as thornes pierce his neck. Vlontyrr, seeing the death clearly as it is illuminated by Daath's magic, unlimbers his deathlance. Using its reach to his advantage, he stabs into the heart of the plant, imparting the drow death magic into the very core of the druid's creation, withering its vines. One of the other three drow assassins, bearing a similar lance, takes care of one of the others, clearing a path to the back rooms. Vlontyrr moves in at once, keeping low to avoid missiles as he darts forward, launching himself at Keturah bodily, with the hope that, in the darkness, confusion, and flashing spells, she will be unaware of his proximity. He means to tackle her, the butt of his lance swinging out at the same time to club her into unconsciousness.
Leoxander had no choice but to abandon his attack to avoid the counter, that jump off the stairs probably ruining the ascent for the force of that brutal attack. The hair on his arms stood on end for the static electricity of that bolt of lightning to barely miss, and he tumbled in motion behind the flimsy wall of a patient's room, likely taken out easily enough by a second bolt of that unforgivable magic. "Lotus!" He called out, revealing his location but also encouraging her to fight back, to reassure her he was right there to die, if that's what it meant. His bow would be forfeit for the dual wield of blades extracted with a warning 'snick' of sound from belt. It was about then he noticed that one of the archer's bolts was impaled half way through his right shoulder."Get that pile of rocks up, NOW! AND STAY DOWN!" If he had any chance of competing with this posse, it seemed that would land in melee range, because Leo (to his current knowledge) had no ability for elemental, extreme powers. But before he would make such a brash move, further noise would make the drow very much aware of his exact place, because a deep, demanding howl would ring out from that epicenter of chaos, summoning the pack. If they would have seventeen, so would he. It wouldn't be until he glanced to notice Vlontyrr's reckless pounce that he would find himself equally careless, and charged to counter to that tackle with one of his own, for the lead drow noble. More likely if he was focused on the swing of his lance.
Leoxander shouted, "-Leoxander's howl calls for the wolves of Rynvale, to the Retreat of Healing they are most familiar with.-"
Keturah had no damn idea where the drow were aiming, but it was not as though the vines would stop just because they had grabbed and torn through one of the assailants. Rather, they continued, hooking and grasping to slash through the others. Daath may well have found several of the smaller creepers grasping to hold his legs in place if he did not move, while the larger cousins whipped back in an attempt of ripping through him. However, Vlontyrr's own lance may have saved the mage from suffering the same fate as a few of the others. She felt her vines die, as much as she had felt the magics burn into her arm. She may have been safe enough from those rounds of darts, still hidden behind the walls of the the patient's room that was becoming less and less safe. She was reaching for another sack, when Leo's call reached her. Palm smacked against the floor, magic verse falling from her lips as she worked her mana back into the debilitated stone construct near the back of the clinic. The island stone shifted, trembled and with a low, almost husky howl, the golem was back on its feet, charging down the center hallway with a massive stone fists raised. Keturah had no opportunity to see if the drow ended up pummeled by the construct. She was moving, attempting to find new cover with eyes closed as she used the remains of her magic to feel out where everyone was located. It was the only way she'd known Vlontyrr was coming at her, and the healer was dancing back in an attempt to get out of his reach. That staff might still have smacked painfully into her shoulder or chest, unless Leo's interference saved her from the blow.
Daath can see this is getting out of hand, as the scouts outside signal the mage that allies are awaiting outside. Moving towards Sally in the chaos, the mage unleashes a spell that wraps her in a thick spiders web. Then, taking hold of her, the mage calls out to his brother in their native tongue, signaling him to activate the ring in which he gifted him, while he then turns to unleashing a spell that takes him and his hostage away from here. Daath disappears with a magical aura surrounding him.
Vlontyrr ...has his ring activated, then... Vlontyrr disappears with a magical aura surrounding him.
Leoxander is there somewhere, probably under the debris of building with Keturah and the rock golem.
Mahri answered that call and it didn't take her long to gain entrance to the Clinic. Disappointed, she looks around as she steps in, apparently having missed the fun. Moving through the waiting room, the beta tries not to remember the last time she was here. It made the damage seem that much more unnecessary. Picking her way over debris, Mahri calls with undisguised worry, "Leo? Keturah?" At least, she will if they aren't in that front space.
Keturah:: The golem's fists, apparently, hit the floorboards, damaging the wood all the further. The darkness was likely quick to recede, leaving a bloody desert-born staring up at a damaged alpha. Her brows furrowed, concern and pain drawing across her expression before she was peeling herself from the ground. Her clinic. She could see the damage around her, but it hardly registered. "Leo.." His name slipped first, opposite hand curling around her more useless arm as she glanced around for the attackers. They were gone. Maybe that did not quite register either. "You're hurt.." She could manage that much, when ink-dark gaze flicked his way again. Sally was.. somewhere, unaware she had narrowly avoided being captured, but at the very least, the nurse was only suffering a few cuts, scrapes and bruises for the attack. Keturah might have heard Mahri, but she was watching the Alpha.
Kirien seemed to have arrived only in time for the aftermath of whatever on earth it was that occurred here. He assumed drow; the smell of them was thick in the air, air which still tingled with residual magic that these days did not bother the vampire nearly as much as his allergy did when his own blood ran through his veins. The scout would be following Mahri silently over the threshold, ears pricked up and swivelling, seeking to pinpoint Leo and Keturah's location amidst the destruction. A few rather jagged and vicious looking spines of diamond protruded from one arm, having likely been fused there as a makeshift melee weapon - they dropped off and morphed back into a chunk of half-transparent jewel instead when Kirien came to be sure of the fact that the attackers had already left. He'd step past Mahri after a pause, moving toward the patient's room.
Leoxander moved to his feet from a possibly missed tackle. It was hard to know with the smoke of magic and the dust of broken walls clearing, in the air. A hand moved to that shaft protruding from his shoulder and he snapped the end off to stick out just an extra inch, extractable, but not in the way. "It wasn't silver..." He reassured her, glad of that for his own reasons. A look toward the door and a hand reaching for the Lotus Eater to help her to his side, and he'd be relieved to see pack, rather than drow. "We need a hand in here!" He'd call to them, signifying someone was hurt. There were likely several, considering the monsters had attacked a place people were still healing.
Jaque has psionic tendrils scouting forward in discernment of threat as he sprints through the streets, following ears and nose in track of where the howl had came from. It wasn't until he actually reached to the clinic, coming to a skittering halt, that the gambler mused on why he had been so quick to answer the call of a pack lycan. Chalking it down to instinct, the male presses on into the Clinic regardless, pausing in its threshold to view the disorder within. "Bloody Hell, guy," he murmurs, to nobody in particular, and takes a further step into the building, though deciding to hold his questions. He'd probably overhear answers given to others anyway.
Miya shouldn't have come. She shouldn't be out of bed, much less out in the open at the moment, but she couldn't sit still after that call, not when she knew things were in such turmoil. Her hair was a mess, her clothing ripped and covered with red stains and her face, usually cheery was washed out and pale. She'd first gone for the shop- finding none there, she'd followed the tracks towards the east and eventually found her way to the clinic, albeit a little late. With a hefty cough, the woman staggers towards the window to investigate, eyes widening at the damage done to the Clinic. She'd enter the same way the rest had before her- though slower and with a slight slip of step, but she was here to do everything- if anything- she could to help. Her gaze followed first the beta, and then the fox as she leaned in against the wall- the elf near ready to slide down the damned thing and sit on the floor.
Nalani heard the call and came running as fast as she could, but only too late. She frowned slightly before she made her way carefully into the rubble of the clinic. " What in the seven hells...Happened here?" She mumbled to herself, hand moving from the dagger strapped to her thigh with a small huff. She waited a moment before she would carefully pick around the destruction in careful steps.
Leoxander muttered to Nalani's comment, from the rubble. "That's -nine- hells, kid." Leoxander knew.
Mahri followed Kirien, glancing back only when she heard Jaque. She caught sight of Miya then too, a question flashing to mind before Leoxander's shout turns her attention back to where she's going. Picking her way carefully over rubble, Mahri will eventually find Leo and the healer. The scent of blood was strong, making her nose twitch and immediately silvery eyes land on her alpha. "Who's worse?" She'll heal that person first.
Leoxander motioned his head back toward wherever Sally had made her retreat. "Check on the nurse. Get the healers her way."
Arien had heard that howl, and had scarce resisted the urge to make that shift that would allow her to bolt on the speed of four legs for that clinic. It was only the thought that she might be more useful to the pack in her elven body than that of faux wolf, that had her summoning that gold Warder to her side at the Lair. The dragon's flight was swift and direct, and Vyshyr would be remaining in vigilant guard at that door as the caretaker crossed the all but trashed threshold. "Are they all right?.." It was a quiet question directed at anyone who was close enough to hear, eyes searching the room for sign of Leo and Keturah both.
Keturah still held onto her arm. The pain from her own injuries had begun to ebb in the place of the adrenaline. She moved a little unsteadily, lowering her head against Leo's chest. Her clinic. She was thinking, trying to remember if there had been any patients she knew of. None, fortunately, unless someone had checked in while she was out. "Sally-" The nurse edged into view, blue stare shifting from the room, to those who had entered. She was standing, trying to get over the shock of the attack. "We.. We need to get Niccolai.. here," Keturah said, softly. "To help see what we can save."
Jaque said to Keturah, "I can anaesthetize. Nothing more."
Kirien could smell blood, thick amidst the lingering stench of magic. Trying to ignore that fact, he strode forward to pick his way cautiously over or around any debris to the Alpha and desert-born, their presence and emotions having allowed him to pin-point the two amongst all the chaos. There'd be an unconscious glance back over lean shoulder when the fox heard the voice of that strange gambler, his perception catching Miya's form pressed against the far wall at almost the same time. Kirien paused, sniffed warily as though taking note of something off, before he frowned and looked back to Keturah and Leo. "The hell happened here?"
Mahri glanced at the nurse when she entered and then back to Leo and Keturah. The nurse seemed fine. "Yeah, we'll do what we can Healer." Noting the woman's hold on her arm, she'll do what she does and motion for Leo to help her sit, or that Keturah do it under her own power. "Hope you got some small animals around," she mutters. Else folks are going to be getting awfully tired once the beta put her lesser used skill to work. Another sweep of eyes over Leo and she'll ask, "You want me to take care of the bleeder now or later?"
Nalani hadn't heard Leo's comment, but she would have argued with him if it was a different situation, she looked to Mahri with a questioning glance.
Leoxander frowned at Keturah, his hand cupping her skull briefly in comfort, though he'd turn to look after when she moved. "No, we need to get everyone the hell out of here, Keturah." He rarely used her name, perhaps she'd listen that way. They had the cove, the Garrison, even the JR seemed more secure than this place, despite it's lack of defensive wards. "Can I get less g'damn questions and more bloody help?!" He'd yell at the crowd for how they stood around, boggled. This was a war, remember?
Leoxander said, "Get everyone to the warehouse. Now." Leoxander knew better than to stay in one place.
Keturah disagreed, it showed in her eyes when she turned that glance back to Leo. "Supplies are precious.." It was murmured, with a look to Jaque whom she considered asking to numb the pain away so she could work. "..Ah. Fine.. Fine.. Sally." The nurse frowned, arms folding over her middle. "I.. need to go home." And Ket would allow her that much, though the nurse might have to suffer the clinic's atmosphere a little longer considering the golem that was suddenly blocking the hallway.
Mahri blinked at the yell. "G'damn..fine." Turning on her heel, Mahri ushers with a sweep of her arms, everyone towards the door. A scowl will settle on her face, though. Nodding to Nalani, the beta tilts her head towards what is left of the door, "C'mon, to the warehouse. C'n heal the stubborn ass as well there as anyplace else." If she had to.
Keturah's golem tried to move out of the way, into the waiting room.. or outside that hole its body had created in the initial blast.
Nalani gave a nod to Mahri before she made her way out the door, waiting for them outside.
Miya watched, figuring there were better people around to try and help than herself. She'd reach over head to grab ahold of the windowsill as orders to go to the warehouse were made, and she'd barely get herself back up and on two feet before she'd look around once more to see for herself that Keturah, Leo and Sally were not injured too horribly. After golden hues find each one, she'd turn to start towards the exit just to her side and head off towards the Roger- but not before pausing outside the door and thinking it better to wait for someone to walk with.
Leoxander glanced toward the surviving Rock Golem, to suggest. "Carry her..." He motioned toward the druid, knowing she'd stay to her wits end to make sure everyone else was alright. Leo would he herding the rest of the pack to the warehouse, with a snap. Leoxander exits west.
Kirien had asked out of habit but he could mostly work out what must have happened here, especially with both Keturah and Leo being listed… Shaking off the brief tightening of his chest in concern, knowing this would have happened eventually, the fox raised a hand to mouth, fingers working into the correct position before he'd emit a shrill whistle that carried and echoed oddly about the building. Arien's dragon warden might spot Camaero before anyone else did, the gray running up the street not long after that sound had faded into the air. "Camaero can help carry supplies-- or people." He'd have called Nameless had he known where the wyvern was. That said, Kirien would be off on a search for anything that felt particularly precious or useful in some way.
Keturah didn't argue with Leo, or the golem who was snaky a stony hand her way. She'd cradled along the crook of its arm, all the way to the warehouse. She did attempt to call around it's arm, toward Kirien. "Supplies.. We'll have to come back for them." Keturah gets carried. 'Cause Leo told the golem too. hah.
A short time later at the Jolly Roger
Kirien , for once, did not head straight for the kitchenette. He'd half-dismount, half-fall from Camaero's saddle with what looked to be a box of dressings and bandages under one arm; the one thing he'd managed to salvage from the debris before hurriedly following the others out of the clinic. Though he was unsure of just how much use it might be, the fox moved to set the box on one of the tables near the bar and popped it open, poking at the contents.
Arien murmured a quiet word to the gold at the door, before she turned to cross into that familiar, safe territory. Between the golem and dragon, the shop was not entirely without some defenses, now. A concerned gaze drifted across the room, Keturah's grip on arm noted, as was Miya's apparent faintness. The elf hadn't failed to note Mahri's hawk like vigil of the alpha's state, and was content to leave her mate to the beta's tending, if he would accept it. Her soft spoken words were directed at the royal healer, for now.
Arien said to Keturah, "How bad is it?" she was closing the distance between herself and the druid, then."
Arien would offer a glance back toward Miya near the door.
Arien said to Miya, "are you all right dear?"
Keturah paused, eyes flickering toward Kirien and the box he had recovered with more than a little relief. Funny, that she might find comfort in such a thing. She'd noticed Miya then, dark brows furrowing pensively. Before she'd the chance to address either of them, though, Arien was there. Her hand moved slowly from her injury, palm sticking to the bloody fabric momentarily. "Am not knowing.. Not broken.." Burnt and bloody, beneath the not-so protective covering her robe, but not broken.
Keturah shifted her attention to Miya, again.
Nalani slowly followed the rest of the group into the building, slightly delayed by the fact she had been staring off into space but she made her way to the bar, awaiting instruction from anyone that cared to give her any at the moment.
Miya 's head had started to lean down, closer and closer to falling onto the table top when Arien was heard. With a jerk of her head backwards, she'd fling her arms out to balance herself before looking the alpha's mate directly. "Yea... think I'm sick... is all." She hurt. Everywhere. Looking down at herself for the first time since awakening, she'd understand the reason she'd been getting such odd looks from everyone. A hand moved to poke slender fingers into each slash in her corset, the only thing found being tender flesh, and no wound. Odd. She tried hard to remember what the hell happened the night before, and how she ended up in that cottage Araina had been staying in, but nothing came to mind. "Caught some sort'a bug." It seemed fitting to her anyway, though she couldn't help but fidget with her left hand; whatever lay under that bandage was starting to burn.
Arien was softly aglow with mana in that lantern lit gloom of shop, a hand reaching out for the druid's damaged limb. Already her brow was furrowing gently for the awareness of the damage wrought. From what she'd been able to pick up, drow..and bounty hunters. It had been so long since anyone had attempted to claim bounty from the list.. It had been too much to hope that it had been given up on. The elf was reaching for a dagger on her thigh, a precision slice offered through the bloody material to expose the damaged limb beneath. The whisper of a prayer and her focus was entirely on that healing balm that was flowing from her body into the druids, healing tissue nerves and skin, from the inside out. Slowly, carefully, to ensure that total restoration. Keturah depended on her hands for more than one trade.
Leoxander was still just standing there, healer approached or not. He'd hold that towel to his shoulder with broken arrow shaft sticking through, his stare locked hard on the island surface.
Kirien decided he was not fond of bandages. He'd be trying to shake off one that'd someone wrapped itself round his arm as he made for Miya, concern evident on the vampire's features and in that blind eye. Others were being tended to from what he could tell, and though he thought the elf was not really physically injured in any way, she did seem terribly…off. A hand fell to her shoulder that might subtly be more of a relief than it outwardly seemed; he was still incredibly inexperienced in the art of siphoning away others emotions and it would likely take a good while of prolonged contact between the two for Miya to feel any better, but she might notice the heavy sensation inside her beginning to lighten, just slightly. "Miya?" It was just her name, but there was a question and worry tinting that tone of voice. Seemed he did not believe her claims of merely being ill.
Mahri follows Leo, after making sure everyone else was taken care of. Mainly Keturah. Thank the Gods for Arien, though she'd likely never say so aloud. At that center island, the beta stops and waits for Leo to settle, "Let me look." His shoulder, she meant, darting a glance to the wound. Unless, of course, his own healing ability had taken care of it.
Keturah was watching Miya, perhaps a little rudely. Arien's movement, drew her focus back to the highborn, and the desert-born's eyes closed again as that fabric was cut free. She exhaled softly as that healing balm began to sink into her body, taking comfort in the warmth and receding pain of her injuries. "..The cuts and bruises.. are fine, yes." In case Ari did have plans to expend extra energy on anything but the worst of her wounds. The healer managed a weary smile, though it went no higher than her lips before fading away all over again. Her clinic. She closed her eyes.
Leoxander suddenly turned on Mahri, a shove against her shoulder likely sending her stumbling back from him. It seemed the rogue wasn't going to let anyone near him, for the moment, and there was a strange look on his eyes, first glaring upon the beta, then around the shop for any other takers of his patience.
Leoxander just breathed for those seconds to follow, hard, a hint of a growl in his exhales.
Kirien blinked round at Leoxander, mildly surprised.
Leoxander was clean shaven on the face, though, just to point that bit out.
Mahri was caught by surprise. That's the only reason she goes stumble back, but not far. In shock, she stares at Leo before she glares right back. And she might have said something if it didn't appear he was about to so. To prevent it, Mahri's lips press into a tight line.
Leoxander shifted a predatory look around, as though suddenly, his pack were his enemies.
Miya 's eyes shifted up and back as a hand fell upon her shoulder, and in a flash of remembrance of the night before, she'd jerk to her feet and hold her breath, though the moment she did she was unsure just why. A deep gulp was taken before the woman seemed to calm, eyes moving left and right in her head in hopes of finding no one staring at her and her overly jumpy state; besides, she wasn't the one that needed attention right now. "I... um..." She simply looked at Kirien then, unable to come up with anything to say, though she knew what his tone with her name meant. She couldn't remember, just knew something had happened. Again she'd claim a seat, hands coming to rest upon her face as she closed her eyes and tried to think. Hadn't she had a date last night? She was supposed to meet Faramond for dinner but, no, he never showed. "Just a bug..."
Mahri says, very softly, "Leo.."
Miya also turned to see Mahri get shoved and Leo looking angry. Uh-oh.
Arien flickered a look to the desert born's dusky features. They had been after her. For not the first time Arien felt the burn of that self imposed guilt. They were all paying a price, for fighting her war..one they had thought won. She had refused to negotiate with that Time Lord, once, and now none whom she loved, could live in peace. The flow of mana emitting from her body wavered slightly, with that shift in focus, with that recurring temptation to test and see, if this time, she might not find some way to purchase their peace. It was only awareness that the parasite could not be trusted to honor..anything, that kept her in her place. A quiet sigh and she'd murmur "No, they're not fine Ket..We need all of you intact, for whatever comes.." And the elf would be continuing that healing service, suddenly quieter and more thoughtful than she had been when she came in.
Arien looked up at the sound of that growl..
Leoxander mighta hiccuped a breath.
Leoxander seemed to be the loose bull in the room, surrounded by red.
Arien watched Leoxander, Keutrah's arm lowered gently to her side.
Leoxander eyed Arien's Armor-of-Light, in the sweep.
Arien moved toward the doors, and swung the great metal barrier open wider, the night winds and moonlight spilling into the room.
Mahri 's demeanor changed the longer she watched Leo. Raising her hands in a manner that indicates she, of all people, wasn't a threat. A quick glance might be tossed over her shoulder at Arien before attention snaps back to Leo. Taking half a step forward, she speaks, "Leo. Let me look at that shoulder, hm?" She really did not want to force the issue.
Keturah did not argue. She'd allow all those hurts to be healed without a word more. Looking more tired than anything, the desert-born spared a pensive glance toward Leo, dark brows furrowed. She'd.. be heading toward the box, though, poking through the supplies Kirien had rescued.
Arien said to Leoxander, "We..are not the enemy.."
Nalani turned her gaze to settle on the alpha and beta with a suprised look, what had happened?
Kirien lifted his hand when the elf abruptly stood, feeling as shaky as the foundations of the clinic had been when they left it; he reminded himself silently to check on the place later in an attempt to work out just how unstable the building was. It should be safe, he thought, but…he'd not had the time earlier to inspect it fully. "A bug…" he repeated softly, still seeming disbelieving - Leo's behaviour was drawing Kirien's attentions away from Miya and any further questions he'd have wanted to ask her were held back, lingering a moment on the tip of his tongue. The emotion had the vampire tightening his jaw some, appearing almost nervous. He might've shifted in front of Miya to put himself between the two, just in case. That was not a good feeling.
Leoxander looked toward that open door, and not Mahri. Perhaps a distraction to her approach. His brow furrowed hard, as he stared toward that exit.
Leoxander slumped back carefully, a step back, then a lean, on that island counter. The rogue was soon involuntarily sitting on the hardwood floor against that island, staring at the doors.
Leoxander was obviously not that injured, physically.
Miya :: It wasn't the first time someone had stepped between herself and an angry alpha, so Kirien's move, though hopefully unneeded wasn't protested at all, she knew better than to draw attention. STill she'd stare in the general direction of the blonde, the elf trying hard to not just focus on remembering, but also on the need to run, should things get worse.
Arien would remain by that door, holding it open. The alpha was free to choose. to stay, or to go. He was not imprisoned, he was not bound. He was what he was by the power of his will alone. Inside, was the family he fought to protect, outside was the enemy he would hunt to destruction. Which he needed more now, only the rogue wolf would know.
Leoxander said, "Why would they... attack the healers...?"
Mahri lowers her hands and steps aside. She won't hinder what escape he seemed to need. Hell, if he wanted to run around with an arrow stuck in his shoulder, who was the beta say no? And she was called stubborn..
Leoxander said this to open air. Even pirates had code.
Leoxander tried to breathe, but he was having a little trouble, watching that exit.
Arien 's eyes would be settled, calmly, on what she could see of the alpha's.
Mahri said to Leoxander, "Because they don't care." Since he'd chosen to stay instead, Mahri edges closer. "Because there is a price on all our heads? Because the could? Who the hell knows but they did."
Leoxander seemed to work on this as though the arrow had punctured his lung - which it hadn't.
Kirien recalled the names Araina had given him back at the den a few weeks ago. "The list.."
Leoxander let his head fall back against that island structure, now looking toward a sole skylight.
You said to Leoxander, "Bounty. Ket, is on the list." It was a quiet answer.
Leoxander seemed to be looking at the sky, perhaps for help, through that pane. His leather jacket still spilled with red ooze.
Leoxander continued to just look... up.
Leoxander said, "Death... Luck... anyone?"
Leoxander spoke to the air, still. Mahri won't hesitate much longer. What with Leo there bleeding. Although her steps are unhurried, there is a sense of urgency too. Crouching next to the settled alpha, Mahri will give him a second to either tell her to go to hell or give some indication he'd be open to her inspecting the wound.
Arien was moving now, from that door, toward the male where he sat looking for help from the direction it would not come. His help, was all around him, now.
Leoxander had a broken arrow shaft lodged in his right shoulder, and he didn't seem to protest her nearness. He was busy pleading the gods.
Kirien seemed a little bemused by all this, and worry shone clear in his eye. His gaze did not leave the Alpha even for a moment; but he did take a step forward.
Arien said to Leoxander, "Leoxander.."
Nalani continued to stare at the alpha with a curious gaze but otherwise sat quiet, her gaze only moving from him when Kirien had shifted, and she gave the fox a questioning glance, then her face fell at the mention of the list and she had to force back a growl, she clearly hated that thing.
Arien addressed the alpha, with much the tone the caretaker at times used on the deltas.
Keturah glanced up from her foraging, swallowing back the guilt that rose to her throat. She had been on this list. And her name was the reason Leo was standing there with a shaft poking out of his shoulder. Still, she watched him, even if fingers fussed restlessly with the bandages.
Arien might have offered Mahri a glancing nod that might encourage the Beta to begin, while she addressed the male.
Miya wasn't sure what to do, so she remained in her seat for now. It would seem everyone else was headed towards Leo, and she'd wait to see if he'd accept the comfort of others surrounding him before she would do the same.
Leoxander finally leveled his eyes on the elf.
Arien reached that island and planted her pale palms on its surface, leaning over to close the distance between herself and the alpha.
Arien said to Leoxander, "You don't get to stop fighting..until we do.."
Leoxander murmured to Arien in a tone few others would hear. He was losing his composure. "...The healers, Arien..." He couldn't swallow it down. Even ruffians didn't assault a clinic, in a war.
Arien would hold that look, for as long as he would leave it there.
Arien said to Leoxander, "Then it means we are dealing with worse than ruffians. And to know..is to be ready. For anything."
Mahri didn't need Arien's encouragement. She leaned over Leo and prodded gently around the protrusion. "I'll need to push it through," she murmurs to no one in particular. A glance toward's Leo's face then she presses a palm to the broken off end. Of course..that's with Arien hovering above too so she might be able to at least..help..
Kirien seemed a little bemused by all this, and worry shone clear in his eye. His gaze did not leave the Alpha even for a moment; but he did take a step forward.
Leoxander just looked toward Mahri's face. He did not seem phased by the prospect of healing that was to come. "The bloody healers, Mahri..." He said to her...
Leoxander just scratched a hand roughly through his hair.
Arien would nod Mahri's way, that she was ready, whenever she made to push that shaft through.
Leoxander might be staring at Kirien as this happened.
Miya stood slowly, booted feet carrying her after Kirien so she might be nearer, though not close enough to bother, the alpha, beta and Arien.
Keturah said, a little quietly, "Is not as if Rynvale's healers are going to go pissing themselves over drow.." She was speaking to the box of bandages, then, it seemed.
Leoxander said to Keturah, "Lotus..."
Kirien caught that look, blind as he was, and huffed under his breath. He'd cross what distance remained between himself and the group, his tail a blur of movement behind him. "Breathe, Alpha." It was not an order, but a request as the fox came to seat himself on the floor close by. "An' don't look up. That's the wrong way to look for help." He might've wrinkled his nose some, casting a brief glance to that overhead skylight.
Leoxander somehow now wanted to make certain she was alright.
Keturah offered him a smile. It was as much as she could do, now.
Mahri met Leo's gaze and held it until he looked away. "Yes, I know." Then, she shoves. That was the easy part, pushing it through enough til the cool of leather could be pulled off the end and the jacket removed so Mahri could work a hand behind Leo's back to jerk the arrow the rest of the way out. And, hopefully she could be quick about it.
Leoxander flinched. He couldn't help it. Physical pain still registered, however hardened his exterior. He'd recover his composure swiftly enough, a breath sucked in through sun spotted nose as he ignored the throb of flesh, the trickle of blood. He'd recover soon enough, though, just groaning through grit jaw at his disapproval of the technique.
Arien was content for now, to fix her attention to the beta's efforts to restore the rogue, and she'd be swallowing those words that bubbled up on her tongue, all the things she could say and do, to try to make this dark moment pass more rapidly. He might have found a stabilizing hold on his shoulder as the beta made swift work of that removal, and she found herself wincing internally for his discomfort.
Mahri mutters, "If you had a better idea to remove it wolf..." without much heat behind it. Dropping the arrow, hands will press to either side and the beta's eyes close. This..was the tricky part. Maybe there'd be a few rats, bugs, anything to draw energy off of that wasn't anyone in the Jolly Roger. If nothing else, Mahri'll tap into her own and feed it through those hands so the hole left behind will; first stop bleeding; and second, begin that burning itch annoyance of closing from the inside out. The strongest in the room, and nearest, may feel a bit tired even if Mahri did her best to negate it by using her own energy. Which will still leave her pale and tired.
Kirien kept quiet and tried not to focus on the feel of that arrow pushing through flesh. He winced a little all the same, hit by a burst of pain from the Alpha which he quickly tried to swallow and breathe through himself - even if he did not need to breathe, the action of inhaling deeply still registered as an attempt at calming himself down.
Under two hours remain...
Arien said, "The healers will be fine. They would be foolish to attempt at breeching the clinic again, and if you're worried, we can move them to a more secure location at the garrison. It's not too far out of town.."
Miya reached as close as she was going to go- the woman a foot or two away from the others as she bent her knees and took a seat in the chair closest to her. Golden eyes watched Mahri and Arien as they worked on Leo, and she'd again rest her elbow upon a table and her chin within her right palm.
Arien might have swayed slightly, and reached fingers to stabalize herself against the island, as her life force was tapped to aid in his healing. A glance was offered Mahri's way, concern registering for the beta's paleness.
Keturah watched the healing, silently. She'd little magic left, anyway, but her fingers still twitched, restlessly.
Leoxander looked toward Mahri, as she healed him. Leoxander said to Mahri, "It's.. time."
Leoxander looked from her, around the warehouse. "It's time. Call the pack..."
Roelstra had poked her head in through the doors of the Jolly Roger, having come back from a jaunt to the mainland to collect and review any paperwork left to her by the handful of Rangers in Larket. Some confusion has her stepping in further, a frown creasijng her brow.
Mahri blinked at Leoxander. "Time for.." but he was already looking away. And damnit, Mahri wasn't in much shape to do much but try to recover herself as quickly as possible.
Kirien 's tail might've ruffled up a bit, sensitive ears pinning back some. "Time for what.." He might've patted Leo wherever he could reach - a knee, or something. Whether he was trying to reassure himself or the Alpha with that contact was questionable.
Roelstra speaks up, walking forward, not yet seeing that Leo is injured. Her clear contralto voice pipes up. " Indeed. Time for what?"
Yasmine had headed for the Jolly Roger when the sounds of howling had been heard throughout the night. Once her nieces and nephews were carefully kept away in the cottage, minus another, but she had an idea where to look, she headed out and through the door. Whatever war was coming, it was going to be tonight.
Nalani didn't like the sound of 'it was time', so she slid off the barstool before she made her way to the group, shoulders tense. " That doesn't sound good." would be mumbled as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Arien 's eyes settled on the rogue then, with those words. That passing wash of unsteadiness faded and she was unfolding upright again. Time.. planning. This, she could handle. Leo was alpha of his pack, and she was still a commander of the city's forces, ready as they were in that manned fort.
Leoxander said, "It's time to fight."
Leoxander stared toward a wall.
Leoxander said, "It's time.. to defend our land."
Yasmine catches the tail end of the conversation, brows furrowing at the sound of this. She was ready, it was the rreason she was back.
Mahri 's on the floor, pretending she wanted to be there. "Fighting. Alright. Just..gimme a few." Only a few minutes. All she needed. And then the door is opening and the beta looks over to see a familiar face. Her own features are carefully and swiftly schooled into a blank mask.
Miya heard the sound of the doors opening behind her- the woman turning to eyes the white haired woman with raised brows. When the... How? Confusion took over the woman's features as she stood shakily and headed towards the other. "Yas?" Her bandaged left hand came up to wipe at her eyes before she'd look the woman over again. "What are... you doing here?" When the hell had she come back?
Roelstra 's frown only deepens when Mahri's expression shift into a blank mask the vampiress used herself many times. Which she uses mostly when she's upset. Damn. She hoped the beta wasn't upset at her. She couldnt fathom why she would be. To Leo, she looks over and speaks up again. " I'll summon the Rangers from the Cove, then."
Mahri wasn't looking at Roelstra.
Keturah furrowed her brows, staring down at the box with little attention focused anywhere but Leo's words. This was what Finn had been alluding to? Or the worst to come. Gaze.. found Miya again, and the healer was moving slowly to the woman, offering a gentle brush of fingers to get her attention. After, she was done speaking with Yas, of course.
Kirien thought he felt something familiar and was following Mahri's gaze toward the door, blind eye falling upon Yasmine's form. The vampire's expression was unreadable however, and he was looking back to Leo after a moment to stare at him in silence. His head fell in a short nod of understanding. He'd follow this man until the End, whatever End it might be.
Arien spoke quietly. "It would help if we had an idea what was coming.." she murmured. "The sea guards our flank, and we know he seems prepared for siege. Our best bet may be to move north. We can't cede the high ground Leo. The officers at the Garrison will try to hold the line..perhaps the pack can help there too. If we can keep them beyond the bridge..we can hold the city secure.
Arien might have glanced Roe's way, then.
Arien said to Roelstra, "No. Leave the rangers at the cove. We'll need militia on our flank, in case they try an approach by sea."
Roelstra said to you, "The Rangers.." The vampiress meets your gaze, an authoritative glint hardening her emerald greens" Where would you want me to position them? Near the harbor? Or perhaps closer towards the forests and the den?"
Yasmine glances from the group gathered to the woman before her, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she found the one she had been looking for. "You are safe." Carefully, she places an inked hand on her shoulder, "Are you feeling alright? You were sick quite a bit of last night and-" She glances down to her left hand, sliding her other to lift it up. It was then she spotted the silver ring on those digits. "You can't wear silver anymore..." No details about last night were spared.
Leoxander looked toward Arien, not even aware he was healed. It still hurt. "Then a troop of us move, to the ground where the noise is. And we make our attack when he's ready to." He didn't know what else to do. Two hours.. he couldn't just sit on his hands.
Leoxander laid his head in his hands for a moment.
Ranok enters the room. His longcoat sweeps towards the ground, "I'm ready to go where ever it is you lead. We've still got resources that weren't used before."
Arien said to Roelstra, "The navy of Rynvale can hold the harbor. There's only a small patch of ground to guard, that separates the western part of the island from its heart, just south of the fishmarket, along the oceanside walk. A patrol there should be enough to ensure that none can outflank us with a non harbor landing."
Yasmine said to Leoxander, "Who is staying close to the children? If things go array, someone needs to be there to get them out."
Mahri pushes herself up to her feet. She'd keep an eye on Yasmine most of the time, something cold glinting in silvery eyes before attention is drawn away. There was still last minute planning to do, "I have a wing from the Eyrie at my disposal along with Sora. I can cover the skies."
Miya blinked softly, "Of course I'm safe..." Why wouldn't she be? The she wolf's reference to last night had her brows furrowing and her head tilting to the right, "I was... with you last night?" Why the hell couldn't she remember? Looking to her hand, she'd frown- she wasn't taking her engagement ring off, she'd never thought she'd get one from the rogue, she sure as hell wasn't going to hide it now. "Why? What do you mean not anymore?"
Arien glanced toward Leoxander, “Perhaps scouts, to observe his movements there. To bottle out troops so close to his Lair, when we don't know his intent, will be dangerous. But we can make a stand in the plains just beyond the fort, if we must, and have some place for the scouts to fall back to with reports when he makes his move.
Leoxander nodded to Yasmine's words, but he did not speak or lift his head. Apparently the rogue was taking a moment, there, on the floor, to himself.
Mahri of course, won't move far from the alpha.
Nalani narrowed her eyes on the two new people, watching them closely, the worry wasn't particularly hidden either but her face was emotionless as she waited, arms still crossed.
Leoxander took a slow, deep breath. Despite that minutes were counting down. Kirien , still sitting beside Leo and trying to ignore the gathering tension and raised emotions filling the air, looked up at Mahri. "I'll have Nameless join your wing, if I can call him back." As for him…he'd likely be on the ground somewhere, in his own domain. He'd be marginally more useful where he could actually see, after all. Blind gaze might've turned in Yasmine's direction again, before drifting thoughtfully toward Miya. Yasmine places her hand gently over Miya's, bracing her for what she was going to say. Leaning in she offers a few words with her, quickly though now that the minutes seemed to be precious things.
Kirien was leaving the Alpha to his breathing, but not about to shift away just yet. Leoxander lifted his head, and he spoke. Demands. "Pack, you'll not work alone. Take another with you, spread out, protect the city. I need a small fleet of you with me, we're going to the source. The rest of you fall back to the cove or the garrison, alert the troops and have them ready to defend the lands.." He was still staring at his business wall, dazed.
Yasmine whispered something to Miya.
Leoxander said, "It's all or nothing, now."
Keturah was standing close to Miya, anyway. Improper as that might have been, the desert-born was going to get her word in- even if it only came in hushed tones for the woman to hear.
Keturah whispered something to Miya.
Keturah gave the woman her space back, turned back to the rest and watched in silence.
Kirien flashed Leoxander the ghost of a grin. "Guess where I'm goin'."
Athyaron had gotten here just in time to hear Leo's last words, grateful for the fact he had kept his son with Yasmine, who likely had enough sense to keep him out of whatever was happening. "The hell is going on?" the ranger asked quickly, having just been basically told to come here.
Yasmine repeats her question to Leo once more, "What about the children? Someone does need to keep them all in one place, and can move them if the moment does arise."
Athyaron said to Yasmine, "Speaking of them...the hell is my son?"
Yasmine said to Athyaron, "With our nieces at the cottage."
Leoxander looked toward Yasmine, above the rest. "The ship, in the cove. Angelo should have his wards up, now if not before."
Leoxander said to Athyaron, "It's time to fight, Hunter."
Athyaron said to Leoxander, "-grins- Excellent. The blood of prey shall stain the ground tonight."
Yasmine nods to the Alpha, she would gather the others up from her own home and take them to the ship. "Who is going there to watch over them?"
Athyaron said to Yasmine, "Good. And if...something goes wrong tonight....I give you full guardianship of him..."
Mahri narrows her eyes at Yasmine. Her own son was on that ship, with her ward. Not to mention now was probably not the time to be whispering things that could distract people and weigh on their minds when things got hairy. And they would. The beta fully expected them to. Ignoring Yasmine for now, she nods to Kirien, "If you can, do so."
Leoxander looked toward Arien, for that answer. She was the one to concern herself over wellfare, over warfare.
Miya would turn to Keturah and dip her head, "Been looking for him for a bloody half a month now." She would, as soon as she found him no doubt, but things, she was almost sure, were going to get real ugly between herself and the runner. Yasmine's words, though they had come first, took a moment to register. Eyes widening, she'd turn slowly back towards the white haired woman and then back down at her bandaged wrapped hand. Right hand shifted to remove the wrap, and slowly she'd reveal te source of that burn she'd been feeling all day. The flesh around the silver ring was burnt; the skin raw under the metal. "Save my..." Again she gulped.
Kirien said to Mahri, "He shouldn't be too far. Might even be back at the house by now.." Kirien said, "...I'll call him."
Mahri gives Kirien something like a smile. Not that he'd see it but the fox could probably feel her relief at his offer.
Yasmine glances to the elf as the smell of burnt flesh reaches her nose. She nods to her, "Yes. I had to make a decision, I am sorry." Sorry was not what she wanted to say, but what she'd rather say was kept to herself. Instead, she registers place and time. Eyeing the alpha once more, she speaks, "Athyaron and I need to move three children. Where shall we meet once they are secure?"
Nalani couldn't help but give a bit of an worried glance to the fox. Her shoulders were tense and she was shifting her weight slightly, she hated this waiting, it caused worry to claw at her stomach and many 'what ifs' to echo in her mind.
Arien felt that look from the rogue, and turned to settle eyes on him. They had known the children would be aboard the vessel, how had they not thought to determine who would remain? The caretaker, had to be a general tonight. Her thoughts turned instinctively to Sophie, but had anyone seen the female? And Gwen.. In tonight’s madness, she was almost certain that she had heard she was unwell. Still..
Mahri said to Nalani, "How bloody sneaky can you be, Coyote?"
Roelstra said to you, "Fair enough. I shall remain with you all in the mean time."
Arien said to Leoxander, "If you need me to Leo.. I will stay with them." none, could know the cost of that offer. It would mean, leaving her land in the hands of her mate..utterly. It was her final act of faith.
Leoxander just sat against that island, head in his hands for the moment.
Nalani said to Mahri, "Depends." Her words sounded confident. " How sneaky do you need?"
Arien looked at Leoxander.
Leoxander looked toward Arien.
Leoxander said to Arien, "I need you."
Kirien felt that, might've smiled some in response. He still did not move but he would turn more fully toward the door, hands raising to cup round his mouth; and he'd release a haunting, exotic call, which like the previous sound used to summon Camaero, echoed strangely about the shop, ringing briefly from the walls. It seemed Nameless was indeed close by because a few moments later, the wyvern appeared in view from the direction of Kirien's home, landing smoothly before the shop, nudging his way through doors parted wide enough for his lithe frame to slip through. Standing then, with a final pat to Leoxander's knee, the vampire led his winged companion slightly out of the way of the others to murmur to him.
Yasmine glances over to Arien and could hear how much it worried her to say something like this. Before the alpha could answer she steps up, "Arien you are needed. I will watch over them."
Mahri moves towards Nalani with a quick look down at Leo and another at Arien and Roe. The latter receiving a brief grin. She was still not up to snuff, but it'll have to do. Turning to Nalani she says, "We are going to need to know what we're up against. I want you to scout." And then to Kirien, "You too if you can."
Athyaron knew there was no getting out of the combat that was to come. It honesty excited and saddened the hunter greatly..as he had only just started making up for all the time he wasn't around when Bo'az was younger, but he was needed by the looks of things. And there wouldn't be any sense in attempting to lie either. Arien knew full well that he was a decent leader when the time came for it, as well as a damned good archer on his own.
Mahri heard Yasmine and a low growl might rumble in her throat at the offer to stay with the children on Leo's ship. Turning around, the beta will look squarely at Yasmine, "Angelo has it warded." Nothing would get on that has intent to harm, but that didn't mean Mahri was anywhere near comfortable with a wolf who all but ignores the beta being around her son.
Arien said to Leoxander, "Then, I will be what you need."
Kirien seemed to have been muttering something about diamond with Nameless but he paused so as to blink round at Mahri. "...I'm goin' with the Alpha, if I can. Scoutin' I can do if you need me though."
Leoxander listened to that call. He felt the pat on his knee. He'd look toward the steed and rider, while the beta gave her demands.
Athyaron said to Yasmine, "Yas...I'm serious. Phina isn't herself..and anything could happen to me tonight. If it does...he's yours to finish raising."
Ranok resides quietly. His group of men and machine were ready. He didn't need to dwell on things.
Leoxander said, "Arien, Mahri... you two make sure the cubs are there and secured. Get Ang' to perform the wards he's been prepared for. The rest of you... be prepared to fight for this territory."
Tysinni enters quietly and takes a seat on the edge of the crowd. She simply waits.
A giant clock tower strikes 11 o'clock. It is soon followed by, "Bring out your dead!" being shouted.
Mahri shouted, "But I'm not dead!"
Yasmine glances over to Mahri, but her face remains blank. She would go where she was needed, and if it was the battle field or watching the children, then so be it.
Leoxander shouted, "None of us are dead, Parasite! -The defiance is followed by a deep howl!-"
Mahri darts a glance towards Ranok. So patient he was, while the pack and a guest finalized plans.
Miya wasn't exactly sure what to do. She stared down at her hand, fingers splayed out into the air, and just... watched. Sure, she'd spoken to Leo about becoming a wolf, about joining the pack and enduring the change- but she'd still had questions she wanted to ask before anything happened. Too late, it would seem. Honey colored eyes shift slowly back towards Yasmine and she'd speak softly, "After all this... we talk." I was a plea more then a damand, but the woman needed to know what exactly happened, that the other would need to save her in such a way. Her attention shifted then to Mahri, then Kirien, Arien and lastly Leo. She needed to know what to do, though with all the questions and growls being tossed about, she'd remain quiet- finally settling into a chair and clutching the edge of the table.
Yasmine nods to Leo as she glances over to Athyaron, a silent thanks of what he was offering. She would take care of the children, but she would fight alongside of him as well.
Athyaron shouted, "Only one dead will be you this eve ya bastard -a loud and deep howl follows Leoxander's-"
Kirien shouted, "~The earth gives a violent shudder and a roar in the wake of those first few howls, clearly stating a similar sort of defiance~"
Yasmine said to Miya, "We can talk if we all survive the night."
Kirien 's little earthquake shook the shop a little, but it quickly ceased. "Sorry," he might've muttered to any who cast him glances.
Mahri shouted, "~The beta's own joins the growing volume of howls, blending and harmonizing with the defiant calls~"
Gwenilyn shouted, "I'm not dead, nor do I intend to be!"
Kirien 's wyvern nudged him in the small of his back.
Keturah winced, and ran her fingers through dust covered hair. There was a small, selfish part of her that knew exactly where it wanted to be at that moment. The healer, the one who had grown to call the island home, however, grounded her in that shop amid the howls, warspeak, and tolling of the bells.
Arien shouted, "~ the winds above Rynvale swirl into storm force~ A general's ire answering"
Nalani gave a nod to the woman in response to her orders. " Yes ma'am." She paused for a moment, eyes closed as she collected her thoughts.
Niawtu shouted, "*A howl raises amongst the other howls, one that is so cold and eerie it could raise the dead. Infact, it is so odd one would scarcely recognize Nia's voice within it. It almost sounds like it's taunting the others*"
Tysinni grabs onto something to steady herself. "What the..."
Kirien shrugged to Tysinni, only mildly apologetic. "What can I say? I felt left out an' I ain't a good howler."
Mahri slants a slightly amused look towards Arien as she hears the wind. "Gonna be hard to fly in that, Elf." Kirien's little ground tremble ...well.. he'd get a smirk for his trouble.
Roelstra shouted, "Ive already died. Once. That's all I intend to do. But I'll be damned if I let -anyone- on this island die tonight!"
Tysinni gives Kirien a slight grin, the brief levity lightening her mood. "It was very impressive."
Athyaron said to Kirien, "I can kick you hard enough so that you'll howl. Can't guarantee you'll be a decent mate afterward though..-smirks..little light humor before hell itself rose-"
Mahri adds, towards Leo, "Angelo's wards are set. Nothing should be able to get on Eternity that intends harm to any on board."
Yasmine raises a snow white brow to the foxling and his ground shaking as well as the whistling wind. So many with a bond to the earth itself. Seeing as she wasn't pack, she found no reason to howl with them, but she would fight along side them anyway.
Nalani shouted, "-Another howl was added to the echoing of the howls-"
Yasmine said to Mahri, "Tell Angelo thank you then for the wards."
Roelstra shouted, "*That's all the dying I intend to do."
Arien said to Mahri, "Just a message..you'll have clear skies."
Tysinni winces slightly at the sound of so many howls, so close together. It was truly and intimidating sound.
Xion shouted, "~A late reaction howl starts up lowly more human then anything.~"
Yasmine carefully takes up Miya's hand and slides the silver off. It burned her fingers for the moment between placing it in a piece of cloth, but she offered it back to the woman.
Gwenilyn shouted, "*a fae's song of defiance rises in the night to harmonize with the howls*"
Kirien :: Nameless had flown through worse storms than the one brewing above the island, and seemed relatively undaunted. Apparently finished his little talk with Kirien, the wyvern made his way to Mahri and would probably try to lick her, but either way he'd nudge his large head against her shoulder. "Tha's his way of sayin' he'll be listenin' to your orders too," Kirien explained to the beta as he followed Nameless over. He might've glanced to Athyaron but merely smirked this time, instead of snapping at him. Leoxander seemed to be ignoring most everything, sitting where he was.
Mahri grinned her appreciation of Arien's message. Afterwards, she is heading for the door. Sora was in her head and anxious to be off. Hopefully Nameless would be along with her.
Miya pockets the ring handed back to her- the woman rising and heading back behind the bar to find some sort of liquid to dunk her still burning hand into. She wondered, while all the howling was going on, if she should attempt it or not, what with her current news. She doesn't however, the woman content with drowning her hand into the nearest pitcher of water.
Roelstra shouted, "*An old elven war cry rises amongst the howls, words not spoken in war time for a number of centuries.*"
Mahri will be followed by Nameless, but not before the beta says to Kirien, "He can communicate to me through Sora. Or you..or something." However the hell they were going to do it. A look at the shoulder-nudging wyvern and Mahri takes her leave. Whether or not it's noticed. Putting all thoughts of Lan'teus, Rhocielle and even Micah from her mind, the wolf prepares mentally to go to battle.
Kirien waved to Nameless, who'd turned to accompany Mahri out the door.
Athyaron simply returns Kirien's smirk as he sits up against a wall, reflecting on the few things he actually cared about. Pack was family of course, but only a handful of people were truly close to the wolf. Yasmine, Araina, Ally, Eilyo, Ceraphina..when she wasn't trying to kill him, Yasmina, Bo'az...yes, this would be fought for all of them. He'd give it his all. No more holding back, no more excuses. It's time that the one who had led the Fold's archers against Helich had returned.
Kirien said to Mahri, "Aye, through Sora. She should be able to understand him an' translate."
Ranok looks outside a moment. Two silent, hulking monstrosities sit out there. One had a soldier next to it, the other was on a cart. The thumping of the smaller one's footsteps might have been heard, "I'm ready to party. Give me a target and we're going to rip them apart."
Athyaron said to Ranok, "Five gold says I kill more than you. "
Kirien said to Ranok, "The heck did you bring? Explody stuff?"
Mahri passes Ranok, and who ever asked for a target she replies to, "Jus' s'long as ye keep outta m'way, take whatever target you bloody well please."
Arien was moving then, toward that quiet form sitting in the middle of the room.
Tysinni wanders over to where Ranok was sitting, listening to the discussion of various devices he provided for defense. She remained quiet, patting various parts of her body as if to reassure her weapons were still in place. Fighting was not her forte, but she'd be helping as she could.
Arien whispered to Leoxander, "Come home, my love.. or I will come home to you."~ the elf turned her lips into the skin of his throat in a kiss farewell~"
Nalani said to Kirien, "Hey, Kirien? " She had lowered her voice a bit. " Be careful... okay?"
Ranok goes outside. Mahri would know what the hell those things were, having seen them in action. Everyone else would see vaguely man-like things of metal. Ranok climbs into the larger of the two sitting outside, "Yes, Kirien. Quite."
Yasmine looks to Athyaron, "We'll stick close to one another tonight, take on whatever comes our way, alright?"
Roelstra looks to Leo and Arien, nodding to the pair as she heads to the Cove along with Mah and anyone else going that way. Her player has to log, but Arien has my permission to NPC Roe and the Larket Rangers if she so desires.
Leoxander looked up at Arien. Forget the rest. He loved her. "I'll come home..." He tried to promise, pulling the elf down for a sincere, man-to-woman kiss. His eyes held hers.
Miya remains behind the bar, though her eyes shift from her cooling hand towards those around the room. She'd wait still, listening to words here and there.
Kirien shifted his gaze from the door to Leo, then to Nalani when the coyote spoke to him. There might've been a blink before he leaned over slightly to squint at her, then, surprisingly, gave a broad grin. "Of course. You too, aye?" Rocking forward briefly, he'd press the very briefest of kisses to the girl's brow before straightening back up.
Ranok closes the hatch. The machine he sits in hums with power. Its feet shuffle in two solid, heavy thuds. The arm flexes its sausage like fingers, as Ranok can be heard to say, "Athyaron, do you want to keep that bet?"
Athyaron turns his gaze to Yasmine and nods. "Stick together...right."
Arien whispered to Leoxander, "We'll go sailing.."
Arien was alone on an island with that rogue.
Athyaron said to Ranok, "Every kill from those things won't count...."
Leoxander nodded his head at whatever Arien said, and eventually, he'd finally push to his feet, gripping her for help.
Keturah had her box, dragged it closer as she stood. She would be headed for the coves, then, or the garrison. Wherever the healer was needed most, that night. Still, she stood by the door, she and her golem both watching the knockers in silence.
Tysinni slips outside, taking a quiet moment to breathe deep the night air. Turning, she watched the others go about her preparations. She knew some of them, was friends with a few but still had no one to really say anything to this night. What was a thief doing getting ready to go into battle? She didn't have much of an answer to that. Ty watches as Ranok climbs into his contraption, before strolling on over in his direction. "Try not to kill yourself...or me with those demon-spawned monstrosities." Her words are belied by the slight smile she offered her friend.
Arien held him up, and that touch would offer up a flood of mana, or light, and life and strength to bloster him for whatever lay ahead. She'd release him when he desired it. And eyes would turn toward that door as well, aware that she'd need to be making her way soon, toward that red sailed ship at anchor.
Yasmine nods to Athyaron, and before they both left, she circles around the bar counter to Miya. "Are you alright?"
Nalani might have blushed a bit at that before she grinned at the fox, " Careful is my middle name." That, of course was a lie at it's finest. As she walked past the fox, a brief bump would be given from her shoulder, as said before, a reassuring gesture better for another form. " Don't die or I'll bring you back to get you myself. For Rain of course. " She mumbled before she made her way to the door, and to Mahri, " Want me to go ahead and head out?" She would ask the beta.
Arien said to Leoxander, "If you need me..call. Vyshyr can get me there in a heatbeat."
Leoxander bumped his brow to the elf's with his nod of promise, but then he would move by her. "I need four, with me." He called our knowing Kirien was counted amongst those.
Miya shrugged her shoulders, she was, to a certain point. "I just... don't know what I should be doing. I don't know how I can help..." She'd cough again, the elf falling backwards to lean into the back bar.
Ranok stomps in his Doorknocker he's come to call The Bypass. "I know what I'm doing, Ty. Johhny?" The smaller Doorknocker does the same as Ranok. The soldier's face can be seen in the viewport, answering Ranok, "Ready, boss! Gonna sock it to 'em or what, huh?"
Athyaron couldn't help but snicker slightly at Nalani and Kirien, though deep down he wouldn't admit it had reminded him of a time he too was like that.....with both Phina and someone else..wherever she was, he hoped she still had that choker. Sighing somewhat, the ranger cast his eye out upon the horizon, just waiting for a signal.
Yasmine catches the woman carefully by the shoulder, "My nieces and nephew are going to be on that ship. Watch over them for me." She offers a gentle squeeze before looking to Leo, "I will go with you."
Athyaron said to Leoxander, "I'm goin' too."
Kirien 's ears perked up and he turned to approach the Alpha, nudging an elbow lightly against his side. "I'm your wingman. Of a sort." He grinned.
Mahri said to Nalani, "Yes. Report to Leo whatever you find, see, or smell no matter how small a matter it might be." Then she's gone, heading towards the Tower.
Miya said to Yasmine, "Alright. I'll see if I'm needed on the ship."
Athyaron said to Nalani, "-turns his gaze to her- I'll keep Kirien outta trouble for ya." Mahri exits south.
The giant clocktower sends out two bells, signalling the bottom of the hour to all within ear shot.
Leoxander looked around from the door, to whoever was willing, or offered, or knew it their place. "We're goin' to the gallows." He announced. Right at the core of where it all begin. It made enough sense to him, though, there would be plenty of defense on the island.
Kirien 's hands raised to remove his gold-rimmed glasses, stuffing them into a pocket as a dark-coloured visor was withdrawn instead and slipped on. He might be blind, but the fox would rather not end up with shards of rock or whatever came flying his way in this upcoming battle lodged in his eye. There was a pause before he blinked at Leo, suddenly bemused. "The gallows? In Kelay? We're leavin' the island?"
Leoxander exits south.
Athyaron said to Miya, "Keep my boy safe ya hear?"
Yasmine nods to Leoxander, "Than to the gallows we shall go." She glances over to Miya and offers a small smile, "Please be safe, for me." With that she moves to step around the counter and return to Athyaron's side.
Miya said to Athyaron, "Of course."
Keturah watched Leo, might have tugged on the leather of his jacket, if he past close enough, but then he was gone. The desert-born and her golem would be turning to the shopping district, though, for a brief stop before making their way to the Eternity together.
Leoxander shouted, "Defend the island at all costs!"
Tysinni overhears the plans for heading towards the gallows. She rolls her eyes, having had enough of Vuryal's flair for the dramatic to last her for eons. "Yes, to the gallows." She starts to walk off, muttering under her breath.
Athyaron turns his gaze to Yasmine and offers a nod, before daringly wrapping one arm about her waist in the briefest of hugs. He wasn't one for showing emotion...but damned if he wasn't at least going to let her know he did care about her.
Nalani gave a nod to the back of the woman before she turned her gaze to Athyaron, a brief thankful look was given to the wolf before she was gone out the door.
Arien had nodded an assurance to Yasmine, before she slipped out that door.
The giant clocktower in Hollow chimes three bells...