The beastman snorted with satisfaction as the lifeless form of the driver crumpled into a heap atop the dirt road. Exchanging the pitiful life of just one was worth quelling the possibility of any disobedience and rebellion in advance of their return. The murder of at least one person had in fact been a premeditated act by the group of Ixal; the offer of freedom and safety on the other hand was naught more than a mere mockery of their captives and a revelation to the shallows of their mercy.
"Face away, featherless cub" an Ixal spat toward Rurutani threateningly as he drew the tip of his sword within ilms of the lalafel's neck. Another followed not two steps behind the first, this one however, held a short but evidently strong length of rope within its clawed hands. It drew continuously closer without even waiting for it's quarry to submit to direction. Little did he fear that an unarmed foe of his stature could do anything in such circumstances. If he would prove defiant then he would show him and the others their place, for it was they who were in control now.
"Turn! Now!" another Ixal, this one bearing down on Siha, echoed the same command as he and his brothers moved to close off all possibilities of escape for the young mage. Similarly, this group wasted no time awaiting their quarrys' cooperation. They moved swiftly yet carefully forward, their every action seemingly practiced to perfection. It was clear that this was far from their first capture and ambush. Nothing was left untended to. Everything had been coordinated to perfection even without the need to exchange words.
"I said..-"
Another sound from the distance suddenly caught the Ixal's attention and cut him off mid-sentence. The patter of feet from a little further downhill dashing across the leaf-lain road toward them. The beasts hardly had a chance to respond before the source of the movement had arrived before their very eyes. The Ixal that had been closest to Siha recoiled slightly in surprise as another male appeared before him, defending the small distance that lay between him and the girl he sought to capture. The creature's beady eyes quickly scanned over the target that had presented itself before him. The miqo'te was armed and ready. It was clear that he had intended to put up some form of resistance on his own. Though, the Ixal wondered, how could he so willingly thrust himself into a hopeless situation like this? Had he eluded their immediate perception then why not flee? No doubt he understood that he stood no chance against such numbers, yet even still and more importantly.... what was that expression? That arrogant and insolent smirk he wore on his face as though he actually stood a chance against he and his clan.
The Ixal's face contorted with an angry snarl. Such confidence, no matter how ill-placed, was a despicable insult to him and his kin.
"YIELD!!" he snapped savagely while jerking his weapon high into the air in opposition to the male. The large and fibrous muscles that lay just beyond his leathery skin contracted viciously as the creature restrained against his overwhelming desire to strike down the man before him - for he knew that he could not turn against their true objective, especially when it was so blatantly unnecessary.
He had to resist the temptation. Not to cave in to the overpowering bloodlust that was consuming his weakened mind.
-------------------------
He could hear her voice, though her question fell unanswered. All he understood was that it was still there, she was still there; heard but not understood, presenting the peace of mind that she was still safe in his arms for now. The sensation wasn't enough. His eyes were too busy analyzing the little dialogue he could salvage amidst the many noises that sought to swallow their context whole. He couldn't take his eyes away. He had to constantly reassure himself that inaction was for the best. That it wasn't cowardice or selfishness or plain stupidity. He had to fight off 'what ifs' with reason for every second a new one would pop up at the back of his mind.
Clover at least was still there. He could not see her. He could hear her voice, feel it as the fragile resonance with each syllable passed through her body and into his. He was protecting at least one person. A bird in the hand...
This was the right choice. It was. What else could be done? Was he missing something? Was he..?
OOC Note:
"Face away, featherless cub" an Ixal spat toward Rurutani threateningly as he drew the tip of his sword within ilms of the lalafel's neck. Another followed not two steps behind the first, this one however, held a short but evidently strong length of rope within its clawed hands. It drew continuously closer without even waiting for it's quarry to submit to direction. Little did he fear that an unarmed foe of his stature could do anything in such circumstances. If he would prove defiant then he would show him and the others their place, for it was they who were in control now.
"Turn! Now!" another Ixal, this one bearing down on Siha, echoed the same command as he and his brothers moved to close off all possibilities of escape for the young mage. Similarly, this group wasted no time awaiting their quarrys' cooperation. They moved swiftly yet carefully forward, their every action seemingly practiced to perfection. It was clear that this was far from their first capture and ambush. Nothing was left untended to. Everything had been coordinated to perfection even without the need to exchange words.
"I said..-"
Another sound from the distance suddenly caught the Ixal's attention and cut him off mid-sentence. The patter of feet from a little further downhill dashing across the leaf-lain road toward them. The beasts hardly had a chance to respond before the source of the movement had arrived before their very eyes. The Ixal that had been closest to Siha recoiled slightly in surprise as another male appeared before him, defending the small distance that lay between him and the girl he sought to capture. The creature's beady eyes quickly scanned over the target that had presented itself before him. The miqo'te was armed and ready. It was clear that he had intended to put up some form of resistance on his own. Though, the Ixal wondered, how could he so willingly thrust himself into a hopeless situation like this? Had he eluded their immediate perception then why not flee? No doubt he understood that he stood no chance against such numbers, yet even still and more importantly.... what was that expression? That arrogant and insolent smirk he wore on his face as though he actually stood a chance against he and his clan.
The Ixal's face contorted with an angry snarl. Such confidence, no matter how ill-placed, was a despicable insult to him and his kin.
"YIELD!!" he snapped savagely while jerking his weapon high into the air in opposition to the male. The large and fibrous muscles that lay just beyond his leathery skin contracted viciously as the creature restrained against his overwhelming desire to strike down the man before him - for he knew that he could not turn against their true objective, especially when it was so blatantly unnecessary.
He had to resist the temptation. Not to cave in to the overpowering bloodlust that was consuming his weakened mind.
-------------------------
He could hear her voice, though her question fell unanswered. All he understood was that it was still there, she was still there; heard but not understood, presenting the peace of mind that she was still safe in his arms for now. The sensation wasn't enough. His eyes were too busy analyzing the little dialogue he could salvage amidst the many noises that sought to swallow their context whole. He couldn't take his eyes away. He had to constantly reassure himself that inaction was for the best. That it wasn't cowardice or selfishness or plain stupidity. He had to fight off 'what ifs' with reason for every second a new one would pop up at the back of his mind.
Clover at least was still there. He could not see her. He could hear her voice, feel it as the fragile resonance with each syllable passed through her body and into his. He was protecting at least one person. A bird in the hand...
This was the right choice. It was. What else could be done? Was he missing something? Was he..?
OOC Note:
![[Image: ecec20e41f.png]](https://puu.sh/xvMxb/ecec20e41f.png)
Characters: Andre Winter (Hy'ur) / K'nahli Yohko (Miqo'te)
