Taken (Semi-closed) (On Hiatus)

[K'nahli]

OOC Note:

 

 

In case anyone wants a better idea of what the area looks like then the below image gives a pretty decent idea. Just imagine that the road is sloping upward and that the carriage is facing toward the camera(i.e the higher part of the hill cuts across it's left side).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My descriptions are a total fail, sorry (^^) ;

 

 

Andre followed closely behind Clover as she led the way to the pile of debris that obstructed the caravan's path. Upon arriving before the blockade, the hyur analyzed it with a subtle eagerness, a perhaps noticeable but lightened expression of puzzlement forming over his features. Something about it appeared... unusual. The way the branches had been stacked did not lend very much to believe that it had been a natural occurrence; it was messily placed of course, but not so much that it would have been unreasonable to wonder if it had indeed been man-made. The male's eyes followed along the the length of the pile to the left of the road, to where it greeted the base of the grassy slope from which it has presumably fallen or been blown down. Oddly still, there were no obvious signs of movement.

The thick layer of grass that carpeted the slope wasn't significantly tall, no more than a few ilms in height, though regardless... it still should have been fairly easy to detect any disturbances that would have been expected to come about from such large branches and rocks tumbling downhill.

 

The hyur glided his eyes along the slope while humming a bemused tone as the scene left him somewhat bewildered. His azure eyes quickly looked back and forth around his surroundings as though seeking an answer from elsewhere, though it didn't take long before the lack of which caused him to lose interest and return to squat before the mound of branches. He reached his arm in a small arc before him to form a claw which then gripped the other's wrist to gently slide the length of the woolen sleeve covering his forearm further up until it reached his elbow; moving then to repeat the process on his opposing arm. With his shirt at least partly safe from being sullied by the muddier branches, he moved closer and reached both of his exposed arms far in to the dampened pile of branches, collecting the largest bundle that he was capable of carrying before withdrawing and returning back to his feet. Casually, he then turned, naturally expecting to see Clover - whom had been beside him but moments ago - walking back toward him in search of another branch or two; instead, however, he saw Clover not walking, but running... fleeing it had almost appeared in fact, her direction taking her off of the main road and downhill amidst the trees.

 

Andre's brow quickly furrowed as the unexpected sight both puzzled and worried him greatly. While it wasn't unlike the girl to go running off after something that caught her interest, it didn't seem quite like something that Clover would do in this particular scenario, particularly when she had been so eager to assist with the task at hand. To say the least, it wasn't something that he had quite expected, let alone one that he could rationally justify to himself.

 

"...Clover?" his voice chased after her weakly, too quiet for it to so much as be overheard by anyone nearby.

 

His eyes quickly retreated back over his shoulders, looking about himself and examining anyone who may have been nearby before speaking again.

 

"I'm sorry, I'll be back in a moment!" he called out to the others so as to not cause them any alarm, if possible, before he pushed himself into a jog and hastily cast away all of the branches that he had been carrying as he reached the end of the road. The immediate section of the lower slope that dropped away from the path's right flank was significantly steeper than the rest of the land and made it difficult to traverse downward, especially with a quickened pace. Numerous hollows, carved naturally from the structure of the land and the weather it had suffered, were littered beneath the long and tangled blades of grass that concealed the uneven topsoil that lay between the narrow trees; all of whose existence seemed to serve no other purpose than to conspire with the exposed tree roots in order to hinder Andre's movement in an attempt to cause him to stumble headfirst into the soft ground.

Luckily, however, he managed to avoid a scenario similar to the one at the river months previous... this time, at least.

 

"Clover! Slow down a moment..!" he called to the oblivious girl with a voice just low enough for the others not to hear as his distance from her slowly but surely closed down.

 

 

 

-----

 

 

"Now! We should charge now!" a guttural voice anxiously croaked free from out of a concealed beast's leathery gullet.

 

"For what reason need we tarry? Let us away!" another throaty voice echoed the former's wishes before stealing a step forward with eager suggestion. The thin layer of fallen leaves failed to protect much of the fragile soil that was repeatedly torn and tossed by the sharp talons which decorated his restless feet. He was halted however, as a thin, yet muscular arm was cast out before his path by another in total defiance.

 

"You will wait for my order" the deeper voice directed clearly, delivered with a harsh tone that was not made to be argued against.

 

 

Hidden within the darkness, not far above from where the caravan had come to a stop, the Ixals shuffled restlessly - their weapons gripped firmly under their gnarled fingers as they awaited the words that would grant them freedom from the thick patch of woodland that concealed them from the view of the unsuspecting travelers below. Their numbers were significant, accumulating to more than what the men and women below could ever hope to fend off even were they all apt fighters, as was the beastmens' intention. Intimidation tactics - used to ensure a quick and clean process.

 

The leader, evident by his superior armour and greater stature loitered just behind the border of where the penetrating, morning light clashed against the woodland's resilient pool of shadow. His thick, coriaceous skin  was a dark and morbid shade of grey that blended fairly against the flaky tree bark in whose shade he patiently resided. The caravan's driver was the victim of the creature's persisting watch, his beady, green eyes flickering analytically with every subtle movement the hyur man made - waiting for him to tie down the chocobos and to turn away from the hill from where the beasts would soon charge.

 

 

It didn't take long before a deep breath, that resembled the hiss of serpent, escaped the creature's grotesque beak, having now been finally greeted with the sight he had been waiting for. The man whom his gaze has vigilantly stalked had, at last, secured the chocobos to a nearby tree and had moved on to assist with the removal of the debris; a diversion of their own making. There was no quick escape for any of them now; nor would the spooked birds cause confusion should they wish to charge off alone.

 

 

The leader growled lowly with decision as his misty, deep-set eyes met with those of his impatient second.

 

"Show death to any who would challenge Garuda's might"

 

The beast's eyes lit up with delight upon hearing his commander's words, his gaze not taking long to return eagerly forward.

It was time now.

 

For the shortest moment, an odd and deathly silence fell upon the forest. Each one of the Ixal that stood quietly in formation became perfectly still with anticipation as they awaited the final order from their leader. They watched with both excitement and intent as the towering, horned monstrosity before them turned to look on down the slope once more and introduced the distinctive sound of metal grating off of metal to resonate loudly throughout the air - their leader's weapon now drawn and hanging low by his side in readiment.

 

 

 

"Seize them."

[Melodia]

Looking at the debris, he knew it might be some time before they could get moving but he was ready to get a move on. He wasn't exactly looking forward to being stuck in the woods after dark. He remembered his time in the archer's guild and knew that the woods could be hazardous at night.

 

He moved to the rubble silently, just ready to get to work. He was ready to relax once they arrived. And he wanted to get in touch with Alulu via the pearl he'd brought with him. He missed her back in Limsa already, like a schoolboy in love.

 

He smiled and got to work.

[Knight Kat]

Elsewhere in the forest...

 

The Twelveswood was in its calm before the storm. The forest was already known for its huge tree canopies that cast large shadows on the forest floor, but the overcast sky made the morning even darker. However, this was not a problem for the small figure who followed the trail left by a group of Ixal. She knelt on the leaf-littered forest floor, and examined the tracks left by their bird-like feet. Her lithe fingers, exposed by her black fingerless gloves, lightly touched the indention of the foot-print to measure its depth, and the hardness of the soil itself. She closed her dark blue eyes, and sniffed the air several times.

 

“They are not far!” She said to herself as she furrowed her brows, and slowly rose to her feet.

 

Kiht Jakkya was in her hunting gear. Deepwood green and black leathers with a velveteen bandana, an assortment of knives and two harpoon spears strapped to her back. She had a rather serious expression as she looked ahead to survey the continuing Ixal trail.

 

The Ixal had no idea that Kiht was following them. That, or they did not care. The lone Moon-Keeper scout had started on her nightly hunt, but she picked up the trail of the Ixal, and her personal vendetta against their kind made her decide to pursue them. This was not the first time she had done something like that. Her anger often fueled her to follow them, to watch them and to learn about them. There was little in the world she hated more than the Ixal.

 

Normally, Kiht would be heading home at that time of day. She preferred to be nocturnal, but she would not give up her hunt that easily. She was happy that the sky was overcast, and felt that the coming storm only gave her an advantage. The more shadow, the better. The rain did not concern her. She knew how to fight in a downpour if she had to. However, she had not planned on fighting. There were far too many Ixal for her to fight. She would trail the menacing Beastmen, and report their activity to any authority with the means to stop them. Any day Kiht could turn Wood Wailers against Ixal, and watch them fight each other was a good day.

 

If only it were so easy this time.....

[S'imba]

S'imba sat in silence as he watched the others work he climbing into a nearby tree to get a better view of the surrounding area.  He couldn't help but feel a slight tinge of guilt while the others were working to get the wagons back on the the road.

When he saw the girl simply just run off he nearly gave chase curious to where she was going.  When the Hyur instead went after her he yawned and went back to watching the others work.  It still felt eerie as he sat in his tree, he couldn't shake the feeling they were being watched. He continued to scan the surrounding area looking for any sign of danger.  Suddenly he shivered as it seemed all noise in the forest had stopped then his ears perked up to a sound that he knew all to well, one of the very sounds he had been running from.  The sound of blood hungry steel leaving it's sheathe.  It was faint but his Miqo'te ears picked them up all the same and it was still unmistakable.  He looks up in horror as the hoard of Ixali fell on the group.

[Clover]

Andre's voice barely registered at that moment. The girl kept running with her back turned to him, eyes fixed on the black cat she was following. So focused on that single task she was that neither did she notice the small, treacherous rock that made her trip over. It only took her two seconds, perhaps, to prevent her own falling, and that had been enough to lose sight of the cat. She stopped running then.

 

As the hyur quickly scanned her surroundings and caught her breath, her friend finally reached her.

 

"Andre..." Clover said when she saw him, and albeit she was the last person who should look confused at that moment, she actually did. The next words had the same disappointment that were found in her eyes as they travelled to the side. "I'm sorry, I thought I'd seen something important..."

 

She'd left the carriage, left everyone else with a task she should be performing herself. All because of nothing.

 

"I'm sorry," she repeated after sorting her thoughts, looking at him. Neither her voice nor her eyes were pitiful, or sad, or full of guilt. That was simply a serious and honest sound.

[Melodia]

Ruru had heard the sound, the metal hang in the air nearby and looked around with an instinctive crouch. His training had ensured an immediate defensive posture and awareness to circumstances like this. And while he hadn't worn the armor in a while, the Paladin instincts kicked in.

 

That scraping metal sound...so close.

 

That was the sound of....what?

 

Danger.

 

He dropped the rock he was carrying and looked aorund the group, attempting to get a read on who was present and who was not. He didn't want to panic anyone and he he moved at a rapid pace back toward the carriage....to his gear. He needed his blade. And while Kink would have his hide for breaking his cover, he didn't care at this point. His hide was preferable to losing his life in the woods.

[Siha]

The task itself wasn't so bad and though she knew she'd be cleaning mud off of her arms and some of her coat for a few hours when they returned she did the moving with a light hum. She didn't notice the young woman was gone until the other Hyur, a blonde man, apologized to everyone and took off after her. Concern, even for a stranger, rose in Siha's chest but a quick look between her task and the direction of the two had her choosing the former as the most important. The blonde man seemed to know the girl, so it was likely he'd be able to retrieve her just fine, and hopefully when they got back the debris would be cleared if herself and the Lalafell gentlemen kept at it.

 

The forest was silent around them, something that made the girl pause, she might have been naive to the workings of society but nature was something that was entirely familiar. She was a Moon Keeper after all, and her clan had lived and hunted just like any other traditional family before she'd broken from them. The silence was a red flag and the blonde found her ears slicking back and her eyes widening as she looked around, something was wrong. It wasn't identifiable what it was but something was causing the forest to still, her ears were back up in a flash and she listened for anything that was out of place, her body stiff as she cradled the sticks and her tail wrapping around her leg.

 

She heard it, a faint noise, but one that rang clearly to her all the same. Steel grating against steel as it left its casing. She dropped the sticks, everything in her body screaming at her to run but one look towards each of the remaining passengers glued her to the spot. She couldn't leave them to face whatever was about to descend on them alone, good fighters or not they could get hurt, the though made her wish she'd grabbed her crook from the cart and she eyed it. Her bag was there, her Grimoire, maybe she could make it. She suddenly darted towards the cart again, but she wasn't going to make it, she could already hear whatever it was making their way out of the woods towards them.

 

There were many.

[K'nahli]

 

 

If anything goes against anyone's wishes then please let me know and I will edit accordingly. It may be necessary depending on S'imba's tag should he want to intervene at a specific time and not after this tag's timeline. Certain aspects were left vague however, so hopefully little to none of that will be necessary. Sorry for the long wait! ;

 

 

 

An innocent look of curiosity was drawn upon the hyur's face as the girl explained herself. He eyed her carefully as his thoughts wandered upon the truth that lay beyond her vague answer.

 

("Something important?")

He echoed to himself inquisitively with genuine wonder as to what that could have possibly been, or perhaps meant.

 

His eyes quickly scanned about the surrounding area, rolling over the green, dew-laden shrubbery and between the narrow, dividing trees that sheltered them, though he found nothing of interest - as he could have well predicted. Curiosity teased him as he considered inquiring further, though perhaps it was better not to distract themselves further as the others were hard at work, he thought. The hyur's sapphire eyes glided back to meet with Clover's gaze once more, choosing to merely smile reassuringly toward her in an effort to dismiss the girl's unmistakeable sense of guilt for indulging in her sudden impulse, innocent as he felt assured it had been.

 

"We should get back before the others begin to worry" he replied simply, waiting only for a nod of understanding from Clover before turning on his heels and leading the way forward with Clover following only two steps behind him.

 

 

-----------

 

 

The horde of Ixal screeched loudly as they charged downhill toward the dazzled passengers. Though the distance may have granted the illusion that the travelers had some time to react, the reality of the situation proved to be a fickle ally. The significant stature of even the lesser Ixal meant that they, in addition to their long and powerful legs, were able to propel themselves forward and downhill with surprising speed. The massive claws that decorated their thickly-scaled feet dug deeply into the ground with ease, anchoring them firmly and offering them unparalleled balance and agility over the disadvantageous and uneven terrain. The group quickly subdivided as the Ixal selected their individual targets and bore down upon them with great determination, using their numbers in correlation with their surprise offensive to obstruct any and all opportunities that their opponents had available to resort to, be it retreat or rebellion.

 

It was then and without warning that a large, feathered arrow sliced through the brisk, morning air and crashed into the caravan's wooden frame with a loud 'thunk'; landing no more than six ilms before the lalafel whom had been hurrying to reach his equipment. The sudden commotion startled the pair of young chocobo greatly as they stirred and pulled frantically against their ropes in a futile attempt to flee, chirping nervously all the while.

A harsh and taunting cry echoed throughout the forest air as a notably more powerful Ixal threw his head upwards and bellowed a blood-curdling shriek in raw excitement. He held his massive bow skyward, glorifying his prized weapon by allowing it to bathe it in the morning's dreary light. The oncoming storm made this seizure all the more perfect to the faithful servant; the perfect tribute to Garuda - Lady of the Vortex.

 

Arrogantly, the creature lowered it's gaze upon the travelers once more, his weapon falling to return passively by his side before he slowly strode tauntingly toward them as his fellow brothers quickly dominated the scene and made their way to isolate and subdue their quarry before they had an opportunity to offer any meaningful resistance - or at least was their intent. Beady, deep-set pearls, tawny in colour, peered out from beneath the creatures large skull of which eagerly advertised it's frighteningly-large, protruding, blackened horns. The towering Ixal's fearless gaze pierced through the comparatively, tiny form of the caravan driver whom returned the creature's glare with widened eyes that spoke volumes of the man's sheer terror. The hyur anxiously pressed his back firmly against the caravan's solid frame as though hoping he could somehow pass through it and fade away from sight. The archer, on the other hand, relished in this golden moment. His jaws parted slowly with a threatening snarl as he bore his sharp and crooked fangs menacingly, finding nothing short of sadistic pleasure in tormenting the fearful driver whom remained frozen with terror. The man's eyes repeatedly darted from side to side, his anxiety surmounting to greater levels all the while as nothing but further Ixal that would only impede any attempt he made to escape greeted his blurred vision. It was in that short moment that the Ixal archer launched himself forward, slamming its clawed hand defiantly into the woodwork next to the man's head - demanding the frightened male's attention forward - and drawing his demonic head very close, mere ilms from a face that was painted pale from dread. The back of the driver's head struck the caravan sharply as he recoiled from the beast that had appeared so suddenly before him. The man's lips quivered lightly with fear, his jaw venturing to open in some weak attempt to seek words that would help relieve him from this situation; words that, in his heart, he knew did not exist.

 

"What is it that you fear?" the Ixal hissed cockily after taking a moment to relish in the man's unmistakeable body language. The fine wood beneath the creature's claws scratched and creaked heftily under the weight he placed upon it, ringing a very alarming and ceaseless reminder to the male as to how close he lingered to potential death.

 

The driver lifted his chin and parted his lips a little further in an attempt to answer the domineering presence that hunched low over him, only to be denied once again by the strangling fear that closed off his throat relentlessly.

 

"Haaaaaa?" the beast spat again as both slobber and drool foully pooled within it's large jaws and oozed repulsively out from between it's scum-coated fangs.

 

The man twisted his head away slightly as he tried to evade the putrid stench that was blasted toward him with each heated breath without antagonizing the vile creature before him. It was truly sickening - smelling almost as though he beast's entire mouth had been canvased with a thick layer of compounded, rotting meat that had resided there for more than a few moons. Still, he could find no words to offer the creature; none.

 

The ixal grunted firmly before he finally withdrew from the man's proximity and returned to a standing posture, his eyes, however, still fixated viciously upon him.

 

"Garuda has no use for such cowardice..... flee now before I feed you to the wolves" his distorted voice barked unforgivingly, gifting the man with no less than a rotten glare of contempt before turning his back on him to briefly inspect the other prisoners.

 

The man hesitated momentarily in complete disbelief. Such an opportunity was inconceivable, an indirect offer of mercy from the savage tribe of beastkin. Though there was no time to over-think the matter, he couldn't allow himself to tarry long enough to let such an opportunity escape him. The man's eyes quickly darted to his immediate right as he faced uphill to where the carriage had initially been heading. A group of Ixal stood firmly between him and the freedom he had been offered. His frantic glance dodged anxiously between them, fearing intervention as each one eyed him darkly with intent. However, their presence there was not born from any intention to obstruct him and defy their superior, he had to believe that. He had to believe that much and move; quickly.

 

The man hastily pushed himself away from the caravan and dashed past the Ixal and the travelers

whom they held at blade-point. Stumbling in the process, the man clumsily passed through the group as quickly and as carefully as possibly, his eyes every vigilant - almost expecting to be struck as he by the beasts as he approached, or to have them deliberately stand before him.... but to his complete surprise; they did no such thing.

The male exhaled suddenly in both disbelief and relief...for though they made no effort to provide clear passage for him, neither did they make any effort to stop him. The man took no chances with the blessing he had been bestowed with and hastily sped uphill with all that he had, leaving everything and everyone behind him - hardly even slowing himself as he leapt over what remained of the barricade.

 

 

The large, black-horned Ixal peered uphill toward their leader whom calmly descended, alone, having excused himself from the actual seizure and merely observing the process with a similar confidence to that of his second. Their sharp glares met briefly as they both came to a mutual agreement.

The black-horned Ixal exhaled slowly yet sharply before spinning to return his eyes upon the hyur's distant, fleeting form. An unusual calmness in both his attitude and the smoothness of his movement silently testified to prodigious, archery skills.

 

He raised his bow.

 

 

-----------

 

 

The strange sound that suddenly announced itself from afar stole the male's attention. He drew to a gradual halt as he tried to analyze the noise, initially uncertain of what it could possibly be, though simultaneously worried about the natural sense of aggression that it seemed to be carrying with it. When the answer announced itself not a second later, as the Ixal's drew within sight above the incline that stood between them, the male could feel the blood draining from his face with bitter realisation.

 

His reaction was immediate and instinctive, too fast for even a single thought to fully formulate within the young hyur's mind before he roughly grasped Clover's hand and pulled her forcefully behind the nearest tree that provided sufficient cover for the two of them to remain out of immediate sight. His hand shifted upwards toward her abdominem, holding her tightly against his form while his remaining hand had quickly closed itself over her mouth to prevent her for making any sudden sounds. Quickly, he then moved his head to peer out from behind the tree and inspect the scene that was occurring almost mockingly before him. He watched as a crowd of Ixal surrounded his traveling acquaintances and drew their weapons on them threateningly. The male's muscles tightened and released involuntarily, his hands trembling as his conscience waged it's own war against instinct. Abandoning civilians to such a fate was not in his nature, inconceivable... but risking Clover's well-being - only to add fuel to the fire and fail in his attempt - challenged that nature sternly. There were far too many for him to deal with alone... even with most of the Ixal remaining out of view, this much was certain to the hyur, but even still.....

 

The hyur grunted angrily as he caved to rationality. He brought his head forward again, briefly relieving himself from viewing the ongoing scene that vehemently fueled his bitter frustration.

 

 

"Clover" he spoke suddenly. His voice came quietly with a solid and emotionless tone.

 

"They number too many for us to have any hope of fighting off. They cannot know we are here" he continued while relieving some of the pressure that his hand held across her mouth.

 

 

 

Some odd but indecipherable chatter could be heard a moment later. The thick and harsh voice was difficult to interpret over the skittish chocobo cries and the taunting squawks of the other beasts that leered over the travelers, though it was just audible enough to determine that it was an Ixal who was talking. Andre turned to glance around the edge of the tree again, his brow furrowed in focus as he attempted to discern what was being said, all to no avail.

 

 

".....!"

 

A gasp escaped the man's lips as he saw someone fleeing the scene in the direction of Gridania. Andre's eyes followed the person closely, taking only a moment to realise that it was the caravan's driver. The hyur's eyes grew wide with worry, fearing the man would be hastily pursued, though a lingering sense of urgency cheered on the man's attempt; if even just one person could make it out alive, then.....

 

His thought was cut short.

 

Andre watched in horror as the man was suddenly thrown to the ground and sent tumbling, limply across the forest's path. The sheer force of the massive arrow that had sliced through his back caused his body to lurch forward through the air with a sickening crunch as the arrow savagely tore through the man's fragile body, the now, crimson-tipped steel emerging, in part, out from the other side through the ribcage it had so viciously punched through.

 

Andre shot his head forward once again, his face a canvas - saturated with a thousand emotions in that instant. His grip on Clover tightened unintentionally as rage and lament tortured his mind without relent.

 

 

How strange it seemed to resent choosing safety and refuge over danger and captivity.

[Clover]

Eyes open and lips slightly parted. The image of the Ixal in the distance didn't get much of a visible reaction from Clover. Everything happened inside, as if the world had come to a halt and time had stopped. But time hadn't, and neither did the beasts. Her paralysis only lasted until a friendly hand grabbed her, effectively pulling her out of sight. Another hand covered to her voiceless mouth right after, as if there had been any sound there.

 

In such an unfamiliar proximity, Clover had become a pair of unblinking eyes, windows that hid a hurricane of thoughts behind. She couldn't see the scene from her position, but she could see him. The look in his face was one she'd seen before.

 

Ah, her heart was beating fast; she noticed.

 

Andre voiced his suggestion then. They should simply hide there and let the Ixal have their way with the rest of the travellers. What would happen then? Death? Torture? Clover lacked mental images for that kind of situation, but she'd seen blood before. The mere sight had felt completely wrong, just like the look in Andre's eyes as he took another glance at the scene and gasped. Wrong. Wrong.

 

"Andre..." she whispered his name now that his grip on her mouth had loosened. Her wide open eyes lingered on his, on everything she was seeing there. She was scared, that was a noticeable fact, but she still managed to remain composed.

"If we cannot fight them on our own, we should try to run to Gridania and inform the Twin Adder about this."

[S'imba]

Watched the group trying to decide what to do.  His first instinct was to jump into action.  But them some images of his friends swam into his mind as he imagined what the would say.  Arvic would yell at him for rushing in without a plan, while Xax would definitely chew him out for trying to go it alone again.  He looked back to the fighting still considering running while he continued to imagine his friends reactions.  Nanarou would definitely whack him over the head and say ("Why didn't ye call me for help, ye dumb furball.")

 

When he watched the Ixal move towards the people he just met it drove his reasoning out of his mind, now wasn't the time for thinking it was time for action.  Jumping out of the tree he grabbed the claws he had on the side of his belt and charged.  Deciding that the healer was the one that would need the most protection S'imba placed himself in between her and the group of Ixal that were moving towards her.

 

 

As the adrenalin pumped through his veins he gave a smirk, he wasn't afraid, he was in his element now.

[Melodia]

The arrow had nearly struck him and slammed into the carriage. Ruru froze in place knowing that wasn't a miss. He'd trained in the archer's guild...knew a warning when he saw it. He slowly raised his hands as the Ixal swarmed in. He wasn't afraid of them....it was the ones he couldn't see. The one out there in the Shroud, watching them, unseen. The ones who had fired the warning shot. They were the ones keeping him at bay. His eye darted around, taking a mental note of who was there...some of the party had gone in different directions and he prayed to the Twelve they hadn't been killed. But he guessed they might not be...at least not yet. For had the Ixal wanted them dead, from their vantage point, they would have already cut them down.

 

So the question burning through his mind was simple: Why weren't they already dead?

[Siha]

 

I'm so sorry about the delay I got busy and then didn't notice I was holding things up! Sorry sorry sorry. ;---;

 

 

She never made it to the cart just as she'd predicted that she wouldn't, half way there the Ixal descended on the helpless passengers. She ground to a halt, ducking as an arrow slammed into the cart and crossing her arms over her head, her cowering was momentary however as she scrambled back from the Beastmen to try and put some distance. When they bore down on the driver, intimidating him her eyes widened and her heart sped, they were going to let him go? Was he in on this whole thing? What could the Bestmen possible want with all of the passengers? That last thought was more frightening than the others, she could only imagine exactly what the horrible birds would do with them and none of it was anything good.

 

Her eyes jumped between each of the beastmen closest to her as she back away slowly, she wasn't going to be able to break the lines they'd formed even running into the forest was dangerous with an Archer on watch. The fact was only driven home as she watched the horror unfold with the driver, his run and then tumble down the hill as an arrow embedded itself deep into his back. A small whimper escaped her at his death and she wrapped her arms over her chest to curl her fingers against her arms. They were quickly advancing towards her and she squeezed her eyes shut, without her grimoire she wasn't sure she could fend them off, even with her fledgling pugilism...

 

Speaking of pugilism, her eyes jumped open at a scuffling of feet, she couldn't just close her eyes and die. She refused to. Surprise replaced her defiance, her body uncurling slowly as she straightened and stared at S'imba in mild shock. "W-What are you doing?" she called to him but it was in concern now, they'd kill him if he wasn't careful. Her own hands balled into fists and her figure shook lightly, wavering in indecision.

[Knight Kat]

 

 

I have nothing to post about my character until the current scene with the passengers is complete. Please continue, I will watch and wait for my opportunity.

 

 

[K'nahli]

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:

 

 

Andre and Clover, as you can probably tell ,will have no real significance until the Ixal move on so their posts should not be waited on until that point ^^

 

 

[Melodia]

The order to turn was barked and he eyed the blade drawn to his neck. He knew a fight was pointless and the rope brought forth told him that they had plans. Why show a man rope if you planned to kill him? He wondered this but turned as ordered, not interested in dying today.

 

Not insterested in leaving Alulu alone.

 

He whispered almost silently as he held his head down, back turned to the Ixal.

 

"I'm sorry, dear."

[S'imba]

S'imba's heart pumped furiously his senses sharpening.  He was filled with absolute terror but he wasn't about to show, not about to give into it.  Instead he locked eyes with the Ixal who was ordering him to surrender.  His eyes narrowed into an unblinking stare of determination a stare of dominance a stare defiance.  The anger the Ixal was showing only served to fuel these feelings.  He knew he couldn't win but that wasn't the point.

 

"No!" He said in a calm but forceful tone.  A no so defiant even the most enraged warrior would stop, fall silent, and stare at him.  "I didn't escape slavery in Ul'dah just to end up in a new set of chains." His smirk widened "Why waste an opportunity to ruin a perfect slave raid. To let that slip from your fingers would satisfy me to no end.  I would rather die a martyr then willingly enter bondage again." His eyes narrowing further.  "If I die it will serve to undermine you, that fear you hold over others would vanish.  Sure the stories may start how I stupidly stood against an entire raiding party of ixal alone but over time  the story will change.  People will tell stories of how S'imba took on and ground you beneath his heel.  That would be how you were remembered.  Instead of being known as S'imba the slave boy I'd be known as S'imba the legend.". His smirk widened into a grin "I like the sound of that." Without warning he went on the offensive.

 

Charging into the group immediately in front of him.  He struck the first with a fist in the side of his head dropping him dead.  Then he turned with a jump kicking the one behind him with the heel of his foot knocking him to the ground before S'imba stomped his neck.  The third he jumped behind an delivered a punch to the spine in his neck dropping the Ixal to the ground.

 

Turning to the rest of the group thought three down...

[Siha]

Siha watched in horror and awe as S'imba refused to yield to the Ixal despite the clearly overwhelming odds. Her heart sank however because even as he laid three clearly low, she could see more muster up to take their place, she'd be surprised if they didn't kill him, and he was doing this for what? Pride and to protect her. Guilt twisted in her stomach, she shouldn't have spoken to them, she should have let them take her immediately and this wouldn't be happening, then he might have stayed back and not thrown himself into danger. Always a liability, that was what she was. She ground her teeth, watching him as she stayed low to the ground, he wasn't going to die for her. She wouldn't allow it.

 

The girl's violet eyes jumped between the Ixal, seeking out any of them that looked to be the smartest or even reasonable. If she had to she'd willingly give herself up to save this strangers life because he'd shown the same regard for hers and the others still present. But she had to wait for the opportune moment, if and when they downed or subdued him then she could make her case for his life and not a moment sooner.

[K'nahli]

Even with the arrival of S'imba, the two creatures that had leered over the lalafel did not allow the situation to distract them to the point of losing focus. The creature wielding the rope snatched Rurutani's relatively, tiny and frail arms and tugged them behind his back to meet at the wrist before fastening them tightly together. Upon finishing, the Ixal that had committed him to his bonds gripped the back of his head firmly and shoved him forward into the side of the caravan, pinning him there with the strength of a single arm as he moved his attention to the pressing matter of the miqo'te that threatened his kin but a few yalms away.

 

The archer's glare fell upon the miqo'te as he announced his intentions to resist with a remarkable passion. It was an intriguing sight to behold, enough to bring a wry smile to the creature's face. Though the amusement he found within the miqote's words was short-lived.

His brothers had all but expected the man - whom laughably defied their dominance - to actually lay such blatant assault to them. Before they had even found true reason to ready themselves to fend off their foe, the miqo'te had already launched himself forward and lain each them down with quick and skillfully landed blows. The archer's smile faded as the first of his brothers was grounded - and had distorted into a grimace by the time the second had been struck down; though before the third and final member of his kin had fallen to join his incapacitated brothers on the soil below, his bow was drawn once more. The Ixal snarled viciously as his long and gnarled fingers released the immense tension that was placed upon his bowstring, sending an arrow soaring past his brothers to slice through the fleshy thigh of his pride-driven victim. A thin spray of crimson droplets rolled through the air like an unfurling whip and splashed into a linear design across the ground behind his prey as the arrow pierced through this leg cleanly. His muscles served as a constricting snake that instinctively clenched around it's helpless prey from the sheer pain the grievous wound had induced, trapping it effectively.

 

 

"Insolent scum..."

 

The aggression rumbled low out from of the archer's throat. His eyes locked on to his victim that lay immobile and confined to the ground a short distance away.

 

 

"I would see to it that you scream for a mercy that will never come.." he croaked darkly as a distant clap of thunder echoed from the distance. The malevolent Ixal slowly pushed himself forward. The soft soil squelched loudly beneath his large feet as he slowly stalked toward the downed miqo'te. The animal hide that clothed the midsection of his bow groaned with discomfort as the Ixal's grip around it grew even more intense. A low and continuous growl gurgled from the pit of the beast's throat all the while as his rising anger soon began to earn him various, silent stares from his brothers-in-arms. Some appeared to share his sentiment, others looked to fear needless slaughter, for that was not their objective; though not one would voice an opinion that contested whatever intentions he truly harboured.

 

 

The leader's presence on the hillside had been one of perpetual silence. He lay but a short distance behind the others that had moved to become involved with their targets' apprehension, his eyes following his Second closely, though with an attitude that suggested mere indifference to the archer's dangerous levels of agitation. Calm was this particular Ixal's nature. It was as though he foresaw everything that has and had yet to happen, unmoved by both the worries that had caused his kin to stir with anxiety and the rage that had silently rallied for the archer to show death to the man who slew their brethren.

 

 

"Kuzal.." the voice of a nearby subordinate quietly called toward his leader with a detectable hint of anxiety.

 

"Will you say nothing? Nezul will kill him on the spot"

 

 

Kuzal's glance remained on the large back of the fearsome archer, the one known as Nezul. His formidable size and exceptional archery skills had easily seen him to a level of great respect among his kin. As a result, he was not one whose opinion would be openly contested. Only a superior could rightfully do that without the fear of causing disrespect. Only Kuzal could challenge the archer's opinion.

The temperate Ixal offered his concerned clan's member no response. A slow blink, at best, seemed to acknowledge that his concerns had at least not fallen upon deaf ears, though even his glorified leader's calmness failed to fully convince him away from the shores of uncertainty and apprehension. Nezul was, and always had been, a loyal and obedient follower, but so too was he strong-willed and passionate for their unified cause. Without Kuzal's intervention it would be naive to assume that he was not capable of making his own decisions.

[S'imba]

S'imba felt the arrow into his leg, it took a second to register then like a lightning bolt felt like he had been struck by a lightning bolt.  As his leg began to spasm he fell to the ground, he wanted to scream in pain though he refused to give them the satisfaction he had to defy them to the end.  Remembering what Shark had said about handling pain focused everything he had on his chakra it didn't remove the pain but at least he could keep from verbalizing his pain.  

 

His eyes watered as the archer approached him and he clenched his teeth in pain. When he spoke he forced a smirk, anything he could do to fight them he was going to do, they weren't going to break his spirit.  He had to show his fellow captives that they didn't have to give in.  "Why won't you kill me?" He asked then forcing him into a sitting position he attempted to stand but fell back to the ground.  He wasn't going to be able to do anymore.  Every fiber of his being wanted to lie their on the ground and writhe about but he couldn't do it.  "You think I'm ever going to give up and beg for mercy?  Like I said I've spent too long in chains I'm not going to spend another day in them."  

 

 

He was going to force the Ixal to lose control that was the beastman's greatest strength and he was going to break him.  He knew what awaited them all if they were taken by the Ixal a life of forced labor and torture...he wasn't going to let them do that.

[Siha]

S'imba went down and her breathing oddly slowed, her eyes narrowing in on the pain in the Miqo'te male. The anger in the Ixal that towered over him with the bow. When the blonde male began to taunt his would be killer, of all things, she took purposeful and quick strides forward and an authority rang in her tone that she didn't expect, "No!" Startled she paused and then rushed forward, falling to her knees in front of S'imba and shielding him as best she could with her own lithe figure. "P-Please" she added and her demeanor shifted as she looked up at the Ixal, she sounded pleading and submissive, hoping that it would calm his anger. Did it sicken her to have to be that way, oh yes, but it was for good cause.

 

"D-Don't kill him, please. H-He's not useless, I can heal the leg a-and make sure he cooperates. Just let him live, I'll let you bind me, no resistance" she promised but didn't offer her hands just yet. She carefully shifted under the Ixal's gaze, hoping he wouldn't just toss her aside and kill S'imba, withdrawing her gloves she willed the contact with his skin not to trigger her visions. That was the last thing that any of them needed. Aether rushed down her palms where she pressed them and into the wound, it wouldn't fix it completely but it'd mend it enough for him to walk and for it not to bleed while it healed. Her violet eyes glanced to the wound but then they moved up to keep a steady gaze into the other Miqo'te's eyes while she silently prayed her could understand her motives.

 

We need you..please...just for now, she pleaded silently, her gaze burning with intensity until her healing was done and she removed her hands. The other two Hyur, they had left, if they weren't dead then they would send help and even if they were there was no way that her friends wouldn't notice she was gone. She hoped. She only had to keep herself and now the two others alive until somehow they could escape, she could do that, I can do this. Pulling her black gloves back over her fingers she turned again on her knees to the Ixal and held her hands up, "He c-can walk, but please, we won't be any trouble now" she soothed and winced, almost expecting a blow.

[K'nahli]

S'imba's words held no weight with the Ixal archer. His arrogance deserved no acknowledgement, no response. He continued to trudge slowly forward, his towering stature likely appearing even larger than before to the grounded miqo'te. His fellow Ixal continued to merely look on, consumed by the waters of uncertainty but seemingly absent of intention - leaving Nezul to commit to whatever he had truly wished to do, with no-one moving to argue with his motives.

 

That was, until the briefly forgotten Siha made her presence known to them once again.

 

 

Nezul drew to an eventual halt as the female miqo'te thrust herself between him and the wounded male. His eyes quickly fell upon her but the girl's sudden invasion of the scene failed to provoke even a flinch from the archer. He looked down upon her pleading form as the thick poison that was his contempt pumped fervently throughout his entire being. Such a despisable act was an inconceivable notion for the proud Ixal. They would sooner embrace an agonizing death than suffer the disgrace that came with but a single plea for mercy.

Though opposite seemed to be the case for featherless ones. Often was he met with such pleas, such exaggerated cries for mercy or freedom in exchange for ransom or information. It was so sickeningly pitiful.

 

Regardless, Nezul made no attempt to impede the girl. Silently he stood and listened to her every word, little did they seem to phase him however. S'imba may have caught him and his brothers off-guard with his retaliation but no such thing would happen a second time. This female, no matter how strong she may otherwise prove, could offer no meaningful resistance before she would find herself in the same place as the male miqo'te she shielded. Defeated in the dirt; as was the true place for any who would stand against the Ixal and their deity.

As for ensuring the male's cooperation, the concept was almost laughable. It mattered little to Nezul how strong the pugilist believed himself to truly be. He would break; just like all of his featherless kin prior. They always did, for their kind knew nothing but weakness.

 

He watched in silence as she quickly turned away and sought to tending to her ally's wound. Her work was swift and clean, impressive even, succeeding in both partially sealing the wound around the rigid arrow and stopping most of the bleeding. A temporary fix but one that was both necessary and effectual nonetheless.

Her decision to rise and perform such an action without permit was a risky endeavour on her part, but one that would luckily see the girl come to no harm.

Death was the last thing either of them wanted for the wounded male.

 

"What use would we have for yet another of your kind that stole no breath?" Nezul hissed venomously once the girl had returned to face him.

 

 

"Even the wolves cannot find savour in your kind's worthless flesh"

 

He took another slow step forward before lowering himself into a crouch to bring himself in front of the female's humble form. Slowly, he drew a finger beneath her chin, allowing the sharpened tip of his claw to prod uncomfortably into the flesh that canvassed beneath her lower jaw. With a careless nudge, he forced her head to tilt further upwards until she had no choice but to meet with his glare.

 

"If you wish to take responsibility for that waste of meat then so be it... the next arrow will be for you" he warned darkly as his misted, pearl-like eyes pierced deeply through her. The threat was undoubtedly genuine, but it was the male whom remained behind her that was the true target of Nezul's words.

 

The Ixal continued to eye the girl fiercely as a very brief moment of silence followed. His gaze upon her seemed to grow ever deeper as though he were trying to read her very thoughts. A faint snarl escaped out of the creature's distorted beak as he unintentionally bore his ferocious fangs once more.

 

"I will, however, make you a deal, female..." he spoke once again. His gaze was unrelenting and the danger as close as ever.

 

 

 

 

"...Tell me where the others went and I will spare you and your allies further torment" he continued with a more subdued tone, perhaps the closest the creature could actually come to sounding somewhat genuine and friendly. His gaze briefly wandered around him, meeting with both the lalafel whom remained bound and held behind him and the miqote who lay subdued to her rear.

 

 

 

"And spare me your deceit... lest the concern you displayed just now was naught but a farce" he added with warning while bringing his gaze back to her once more. The danger this time echoed from the ferocity that fueled his glare rather than mere words, though it was just as real as before.

 

No, even moreso.

[S'imba]

When the Ixal threatened Siha with an arrow he knew that he was beaten and all he could do is look into the eyes of the gigantic archer that now stood above him. He gave a look of complete and utter loathing of beastman.  The pain was lessened to the point is was bearable but he made no attempt to continue the fight...for now. He sat there in the dirt trying not to make the fear of what was yet to come overcome him. 

 

He looked over towards Rurutani and a small smile formed on his face. Pup had taught him how to escape from rope, and he had gotten quite good at it. He turned his gaze back to Ixal and Siha waiting for her response.

[Siha]

The Ixal's words were harsh and his rigid resolve even worse, the beastman didn't seem any less unruffled by her compliance and she swallowed as he crouched but her mouth seemed to have gone dry. The mere touch of the captor sent a shudder through her, not simply because he was Ixal, but because she knew that whatever intentions they had for them were dark. The prick of his claw against her skin had her chin rising just as he wished and her large violet eyes caught the misty gaze of their captor with almost glassy fear, she was afraid but more for the others than herself, she didn't want them to be hurt. Anything was better than that.

 

She didn't dare nod with his claw pressing to her jaw, "I-I understand" she whispered quietly, fervently, if that was the price of his defense then so be it. When his tone shifted she could practically taste the poison in it, no matter how friendly he tried to sound she had been subject to this trickery many times before and her pride stung, it was always her and maybe before she would have fallen into the trap but she knew there wasn't any friendliness here. She couldn't glare though, not even show a scrap of rebellion, so she swallowed and forced some sort of relief into her figure as though she undoubtedly believed him. Meanwhile her thoughts raced, she didn't want to give up the others who had disappeared into the trees, but there wasn't any way they could have missed the sound of the scuffle at this point.

 

The others would think she was a coward and her heart raced at that but she swallowed her pride, hopefully they would understand, and hopefully the other two passengers were long gone by now or at the very least not in the direction she was going to point the Ixal. "I..." she stammered her words carefully, her eyes widening with misery as she looked at the Ixal and a bit of fear, "t-they..." finally she forced defeat into her tone. "They went that way...earlier" no doubt she'd pay if they found out she was lying or wrong, but her finger pointed in the direction of the slope that Clover and Andre had gone down, but her direction was much farther south than they had gone. "It looked like they might have been circling back towards Thanalan for something" she mumbled and glanced to the others as best she could with forced guilt in her eyes, she would plead with them later if need be.

 

Finally she forced her eyes back up to Nezul and waited with baited breath to see exactly what the Ixal would accept of her explanation. No doubt he'd send scouts out but hopefully the two Hyur had heard and were gone by now, a few precious moments ticked by as she thought of more distractions but she couldn't delay his orders once he gave them and maybe the other Ixal would move without them anyway.

[S'imba]

S'imba ears pricked up at her deception he decided he would try and help and validate the lie.  Using the subtle body languages that only a Miqo'te could preform he flicked his tail playfully hoping she would understand what he was doing.  

 

"Traitor!" he shouted trying to move away from her and drag himself into a position between the Ixal and the direction she pointed.  He stood slowly giving him the impression he was in more pain then he really was.  "I won't let you take them too!" Wondering if the Ixal was going to shoot him again or beat him and drag him off in chains.  He didn't care though all he wanted to do is sell her lie.

[Melodia]

Ruru was bound and couldn't see the others clearly. He heard the discussion and when Siha uttered her words he tensed and shook his head the best he could.

 

"No! How could you?!"

 

He had no idea of her intentions and his reaction was natural, believing that the woman he'd only briefly met had just sold the souls of two others from the caravan to the Ixal. He swallowed hard and glared praying that she wouldn't soon sell his soul to the their captors.