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Was Esha safe? It was the first words from his mouth. It made the elder druid gush with warmth for a fleeting moment. It also did well to remind her of why she was doing this. Her great bear head nodded, her lips curling not in a snarl but a smile almost. As much as a bear could smile, she tried to convey that the wily female was indeed well. As least she hoped. She hoped the woman had not moved to find her mate. Luyu did not pull away when the younger man took her bear head in his bloody hands. Truly and honestly thanking her. It made her remember a time she'd forgotten. A man she once loved. Her mossy eyes just looked at the younger male. She nodded again when he mentioned her dagger. She'd not forgotten about it. Even in all this chaos. But their reunion was dashed by the sounds of yelling, clanking of metal, and the thundering of horses hooves.
Both took notice and bolted, Luyu gave a loud grumble to Arkadi. Throwing her head for him to follow. She led him into thick brush which scraped and clawed at her fur. She knew this would be more painful for him but she needed to loose the men on horse back. Through this thick brush they could not follow. Mossy eyes looked back to the other's hesitation. She roared urgently, almost pleading with him to follow. She moved again, hearing his painful grunts as he threw himself into the brush. She winced to herself, knowing the pain had to be somewhere near unbearable. But yet still he moved on. Wide mossy eyes darted back as she heard the men shouting and screaming at their steeds. But the brush was too thick, the branches and bushes too low for the horses to follow.
Branches cracked under the bear's force and tangled bushes grabbed and clawed at her fur. But her thick hide protected her from most of the harm, save for her face. The bear trampled blindly through the brush. But she didn't need to see, with a nose that would put any hound to shame she knew the way. By smell alone she knew the way. They ran on and soon Luyu's jaws came around Arkadi's arm ever so gently, tugging him west ward. The sound of the river getting louder and louder. The ground near them wetter and wetter. She let him go just before they came to a shallow river. She roared at him to follow as she followed only a few more feet up stream. The huge ursine jolted to a stop as she looked back, wild mossy green eyes looking into the darkness. She sniffed the air, trying to smell past the wounded druids blood. Trying to pinpoint the garrison of men. Close. They were very close.
She turned towards Arkadi, her head gently knocking him into a bush hidden from view. His look of confusion was not lost to her. But she didn't have the voice in this form to explain. Her next actions might have made her look as though she was rabid. She heaved a bellowing roar that echoed through the forest. Birds chittered as flew from their roosts. She made more raucous roars as she attacked a near by bush. The sound she made were those that she made in the ring. Meant to intimidate and frighten. She bit down on the helpless bush and thrashed her head from side to side. She stopped and in an instant she turned into her human form. Dusty grey blonde hair a mess, splattered with blood. She screamed as if she were being attacked. A helpless fearful scream, nothing like the hardened warrior she really was. Hastily she grabbed a broken branch and smeared the tip with blood. She looked to Arkadi. "Stay hidden!" She hissed as she fell to her feet in a crumpled heap. Just then the men burst from the bushes. "Lady Ox!" They called to her, aiding her to her feet. "I am well… I am well… That bear…" She gasped as though she'd just defended herself from a huge ursine.
"Did you see a druid man come this way? He is vicious!" But Luyu scoffed as she sat on a nearby stump, glancing over hoping Arkadi would remain hidden. "I thought he was naked and bloody to be honest." She said looking down. "Yes I saw him. He ran down the river to the east just before that damn bear attacked me." With those words most of the men set out to give chase east down the river. Away from where Esha was hidden. "I will stay with you, Lady Ox." One man said. She laughed warmly and patted his shoulder. "You'll need all the help bringing that bear down. Go with them. I am tougher then I look." She motioned for him to go. After much hesitation he left her alone. With Arkadi. Her elbows on her knees she gave a great sigh as she took a moment to rest.
Luyu breathed the fire from her lungs as she sat a moment, her tension faltering away with the sounds of the guards. She was happy that they'd never brought their hounds or they never would have lost them. Her body was battered and blood, but not as much was the Tomineete warrior. She heaved a sigh, eyes sliding to the warrior as he halfway crawled back to him. She had her elbows on her knees, hands hung between them, soaked in blood. She was hunched over, her heavy breaths began to slow. That warm almost motherly smile took over her weary blood stained face. She sat straighter and took the dagger back. A chuckle bubbling from her as her smile only widened. Her thumb wiping away the blood that soaked the bear paw print carved into the hilt. "I haven't had a battle like that in… Hmph. A long time." She said, her face showing the warrior in her almost enjoyed the deadly battle.
As she spoke, Arkadi took notice of a shall dropped by one of the men. Quickly using it to cover his wounds. A pain in her side made her remember the vicious bite the behemoth druid let her. She winced and held her hand to the bite on her side. So her surprise the young mauled warrior walked to her and with out hesitation he picked her up. Part of her wanted to protest and demand to be put down. But Luyu was rather wounded, and he was such a handsome druid. She could pretend for just a few moment he was sweeping her off her feet. Even though she knew very well that was not the case. She made sure to stay still as he steadied his grip on her. "Oh! Well… Alright then… I won't argue with this." She mentioned as she took the moment to rest. "Just follow the river… I'll tell you more when we get close." She no longer looked to the sky, they were safe. There was no point.
His voice but a whisper but she could clearly hear him. "How long have I lived here? Oh dear now… A while now? Ten years or so… Longest time I've been in one place." She said with a sigh. Her hand gripped his skin in the one place she could find that wasn't torn or bleeding. Much to her surprise the Tomineete warrior said she reminded her of his mother. This pulled a chuckle from the elder druid. "I'd hope your mother was much better behaved then I was. I've become quite calm and docile in my age." She mused to herself. Thinking back to wild an rambunctious youth. As they moved the forest became thicker. With thick sturdy and old trees. But there would have been a welcoming feeling surrounding the druids. As if going home. This was a very old part of the forest, possibly one the humans didn't venture into. He then asked why she looked to the sky.
An annoyed scoff escaped Luyu as she glanced to the sky. Thinking back to her strange stalker Divinigos and why he never showed up. He was so keen on 'studying' her as he liked to say. More like irritating her then anything. "I told someone to meet us. To help in our escape. The bastard never showed… As you can see. Stupid lizard…" The last words were mumbled but still understandable. Why hadn't Divinigos showed? What was he doing? Oh she was going to be fuming if he was still in his under pants. She briefly wondered if he might have cooked stew. Most likely… Not.
They came to an old and ancient tree, the very same one Esha passed. Clearly old and having the look of magic and mystery. It sat on the edge of a cliff where a small waterfall rushed past. It's gnarled roots twisting and snaking out of the rocks. Moss hung from the trees webbing branches. Still hiding the secret entrance. "This is the tree. Put me down please. We'll never fit like this in the tunnel." She waited and steadied herself as her feet touched the ground. "Thank you." She said sweetly as she patted his shoulder. She walked to a mass of roots, what looked like an impenetrable wall. "This is a safe and sacred place. Druids once flourished here… But the human encroachment drove them further away. But some of the forest still has their enchantment on it. These roots are like trying to bend iron… But with a druid's touch…" She reached out, moving the roots aside as if they were limp blades of grass swaying gently in a summer breeze. "They bend to our will… I believe this was a druid sage's sanctuary. Come. Follow."
A druid sage was the spiritual leader of the tribe. They harbored much more magic then the warriors or hunters. Able to commune with the forest it's self and their ancestors. It's even said the could hear the Forest Mother's voice. Often seeing visions of the future they guided the chiefs and kings of the tribes. If what Luyu suspected was true, this was the place where the sage would pray and heal others. A truly holy place for druids. She led him down the same dark path as Esha. The elder sniffed the air with a smile. "The smell of fruit tells me she came the right way." Luyu said with reassurance. She could feel the anxious power of the male, and did her best to quicken her pace. Once she came to the end she stepped aside, letting Arkaid pass.
A calm feeling took over Luyu, and she gave a sigh of relief as she looked around the grotto. The hole of sorts somehow was brighter then the night out side, even though trees hung over the hidden place. Seeing around the place was not a problem. Her eyes took in the ivy and morning glory that crawled up the stone sides, lavender and white flower showered the sides. She looked to the shack and back at the waterfall. It didn't take her long to realize Esha was bathing in the cool healing waters. She raised a brow and realized she'd need to get the pair some clothing that didn't have blood soaked in. Meanwhile she'd yell at that stupid oaf for not helping her.
The Rockridge huntress had not heard them enter. Just before they came through the entrance she'd submerged her entire body under water. Under the water all she would hear was the soothing rush of the water fall and the faint beat of her heart. She held her breath a moment, allowing the cool water to ease her many wounds. She held her breath longer then she normally would, coming up with a small gasp for air. She noted how clean the air felt in her lungs as if soothing her from the inside out. Standing up in the high waist deep water she brushed her now clean sandy colored hair from her tan face. Eyes closed, her fingers running through her hair, lips parted so as to breathe through her mouth. The cool water trickled down her cut and bruised body. She wasn't directly facing Arkadi and Luyu, but the Tomineete warrior would see a full view of her naked upper body. Her fingers gripped her hair, trying to squeeze the water from it. She was still unaware that Arkadi was seeing her.
The dark hair warrior's body trembled as he dropped to his knees at the rivers bank. His heart beating so hard and fast he could barely breathe. Chief Urin pushed past him and looked desperately to the other side. Rhaon scowled as he came behind the gasping warrior. "Rest now." He said calmly as he gripped the man's shoulder firmly. He stood and walked to his chief's side, looking on. He scrunched his nose at the lingering and pungent smell of death and decay that lingered in the air. His heart sank with the smell. Heavy erratic breath not from the weary warrior drew his attention. Urin was on the verge of a break down. The smell making him think the worst. Before the alpha warrior could say something Urin bolted to the river, jumping in quickly to inspect the other side. He was now trespassing.
"Urin!" Rhaon yelled at his chief. The other's moved to follow but the grizzled warrior was quick to stop them. "Halt! Do not follow him! You will break the pact." He snarled at them, his warning heard and they all stepped back. His dark eyes looked back at the chief having now reached the bank. He curled his lips in annoyance and groaned before moving to follow Urin. "No one follows me!" He snarled as the men nodded. Urin moved frantically and bolted for the over powering pungent smell. "Urin you fool! What are you doing!?" Rhaon seethed behind him. But he didn't care, a shaky hand shoved back the brush. An opossum hissed dangerously and jolted away from the rotting carcass of the boar. A shuddering sigh left the chief as he fell to his knees. It was not Esha's body.
Rhaon only looked a moment, it was not the smell that caught his attention now. It was the tale on the ground. He crouched and inspected the foot prints. To an untrained eye it looked like nothing more then a dusty spot. But the trained warrior saw a re-enactment of the events. Paws changed into foot prints, another came from behind. His eyes furrowed, but there was a scuffle. Esha fought bravely. This amused the warrior. His eyes watched the invisible dance to the tree, slowly he paced until a sharp pain bit into his toe. He hissed and sneer as he pulled his foot away, picking his foot up to see a trickle of blood spot his toe. "What manner is this…" He knelt lower. Glass? His fingers pulled the broken bottle up. Someone else was here. Urin sniffed the near by bushed in an animalistic way. Ale and fabricated cloth hit his senses. He stood up when Rhaon hissed. "What is it?" He walked to the elders side. "Glass…" Rhaon smelled the glass and looked as though he was drowsy. He shook his head and stood up. "Sleeping powder… Tomineete have her alive." He deduced.
"No. The scent is faint but it doesn't lead to them. But away." Urin stated as he looked around. A deep growl rumbled from his throat as he looked to his chief. "Look at the signs. She's been taken." He tossed the broken shard to the side as he focused on the frantic leader. "Yes but… I'll follow it."
"What? No. The line is drawn here! Leave her to her fate and get the tribe prepared for winter." The elder's voice held no comfort, no asking. He was telling. Challengeing. Urin turned to face him, a growl seething from his throat. "I am the chief! What I say goes! Gather those men and bring them. We hunt them down. We will find Esha. Where ever she is."
Rhaon was appalled and shocked. He looked to the bank at the group of hunters and warriors that traveled with them. If Urin brought them, the tribe would have no one to protect them and no one to hunt for them. They'd surely die. His one eye narrowed on the man he once called friend. "You would condemn our tribe to death!"
"To find her I do what it takes!" Urin shot back. Rhaon knew then, there was no turning back. Urin's mind was lost. There was only one thing left to do. Only one thing that would save his tribe. It wasn't something he wanted, never did he want this. But it had to be done. He squared his shoulders, standing taller as he looked down at the chief. "You are not fit to govern our people. I challenge you as chief!" There was a chorus of gasps and shudders from the other bank as Rhoan had just challenged Urin as chief. Urin just stared in disbelief, unsure if he really heard Rhaon correctly. But the elder male stared to pace around the chief, and his challenge was clearly not a bluff.
Cut hands trailed her bare skin as her head leaned to the side, allowing the calming feeling of this place to take hold of her body. Orange eyes opened softly to the faint voice. So faint and timid she wasn't sure she ever heard it. Her hands rested behind her neck as she looked up. As if a static zap hit her, she inhaled sharply with eyes shooting wide. Mouth open unsure of what to say. She was shocked that Arkadi was standing there seeing her from the front. She made a squeak as her cheeks shot red and her hands clasped her naked breasts to hide them from his view. "Arkiadi!" She gasped again as the stunned Tomineete warrior lost his footing and fell in. The splashing water made Luyu look back as she walked to the shack in the wall. She gave a snort of amusement before opening the rickety door and walking inside.
Esha jolted down so that the dark water covered her chest, though she still held onto her breasts to hide them from view. She should have been fuming that he was staring at her. She was sure she should have wanted to gouge one of his eyes out for even looking at her. How long had he been there? But all she could do was laugh. Her warm laugh that in no way should come from a brutal warrior or huntress. Truth be told she was happy to see him. And angry at the same time. Angry that he'd just ran off like that. "Serve you right for just gawking at me!" She said shoving away the giggles. Trying to sound honestly pissed. "How long were you standing there?" She snapped at him with more ferocity in her voice. She moved an arm to cover her chest. Her free hand reached out to splash water at the disoriented warrior. She wanted to both hug him and punch him. Considering her lack of clothing she decided it best to not do either.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm also pissed at you for just leaving like that! You could have been killed." She scolded as she tried to scowl at him. Curling her other arm around herself as she looked at him. Luyu moved quickly to find them more clothing. Darting in the small hut and to another rickety door. She flung it open and darted up the stairs into the main part of her house. Her home was much more modernized as far as druid living goes. And it looked more like a cozy cottage then a druid's den. Much to her annoyance Divinigos the white haired man was gone. His absence was a relief and yet an annoyance. Where the hell was he? Stupid lizard. She found a clean pair of brown pants, holding them a moment. Knowing this meant he was still running around in his underpants. The thought made her shudder and shake her head. She then searched briefly to find a tan leather one piece dress. It was not proper attire for winter nights as it would not cover her shoulders and stop at her thighs but it was what she could find at the moment. She darted back down the stairs and back down through the small hut and to the lake.
"I know your angry with him but think to the future. The past cannot be changed so why worry over what happened. He is here now and so are you. And so is a set of dry clothing for you both." She said to Esha, trying to calm the angry woman's wrath. Esha shot Arkadi one last annoyed look before she stood once more walking to the bank. She still hid her chest from him, arms coiled around herself. Her cheeks blushed deeply but it didn't matter what he saw now, seeing as he was staring at her for some time. Or so she thought. She did turn away from him so he could not see her naked lower half once she stepped from the water. Showing him only her naked back side. "Thank you…" She said softly as she took the tan leather dress. Her hand moved over her own skin to dry it as best as she could before she stepped into the dress. A single leather string came from the front to be tied behind her neck so as to keep the dress from falling off her.
Luyu folded Arkadi's new pants and placed them on the bank. "I will start you a fire and get medicine for your wounds." She said as she started to walk away. Esha called to her. "Luyu… I… Thanks. For everything." She said almost emotionally. The elder female smiled and shook her head. Esha closed the space and gave her a warm hug, which was returned. "Your welcome." She said beaming as she finally pulled away. Leaving them along once again.
Esha gave a deep sigh as she walked to the bank once again. Giving Arkadi a playful scowl as she picked up her clothing. Kneeling by the water's edge she dipped them in the water and began to wash away the blood. "I'm glad your well though…" She added softly after a moment. Orange eyes chancing a glance at the other. Her smile faded slightly as she watched the blood wash from his body. "Well you needed a bath anyways… Right?" She said trying to crack a smile. But the devastation to his body made it hard for her to do so honestly. Her hands squeezed her clothing wringing out the water. She looked them over with a soft frown. The crimson liquid was already stained in and would never come out. She sighed and placed them next to her. Her eyes looking over Arkadi's form once more.
Even wounded the moon light cast him an alluring light. The water only helping to accentuate his defined muscles. Her cheeks flushed once again and she looked down. She moved to sit on the edge of the bank, letting her legs dangle in the water. "Come here. Let me help you wash the blood off." Her voice was gentle but demanding. Once he moved closer she cupped her hands and gently poured water on his back. Washing away the blood that coated hi, wincing at the full damage done. She gasped and cooed to him. "Oh Arkadi… Your back…" Her fingers touched his shoulder as she looked at the devastation with a deep frown. Her fingers gently rubbed the one unharmed spot. "I have avenged you at least… That bitch is dead…. Very dead…" Her voice took on a dark tone as she poured more water over his back gently.
Both took notice and bolted, Luyu gave a loud grumble to Arkadi. Throwing her head for him to follow. She led him into thick brush which scraped and clawed at her fur. She knew this would be more painful for him but she needed to loose the men on horse back. Through this thick brush they could not follow. Mossy eyes looked back to the other's hesitation. She roared urgently, almost pleading with him to follow. She moved again, hearing his painful grunts as he threw himself into the brush. She winced to herself, knowing the pain had to be somewhere near unbearable. But yet still he moved on. Wide mossy eyes darted back as she heard the men shouting and screaming at their steeds. But the brush was too thick, the branches and bushes too low for the horses to follow.
Branches cracked under the bear's force and tangled bushes grabbed and clawed at her fur. But her thick hide protected her from most of the harm, save for her face. The bear trampled blindly through the brush. But she didn't need to see, with a nose that would put any hound to shame she knew the way. By smell alone she knew the way. They ran on and soon Luyu's jaws came around Arkadi's arm ever so gently, tugging him west ward. The sound of the river getting louder and louder. The ground near them wetter and wetter. She let him go just before they came to a shallow river. She roared at him to follow as she followed only a few more feet up stream. The huge ursine jolted to a stop as she looked back, wild mossy green eyes looking into the darkness. She sniffed the air, trying to smell past the wounded druids blood. Trying to pinpoint the garrison of men. Close. They were very close.
She turned towards Arkadi, her head gently knocking him into a bush hidden from view. His look of confusion was not lost to her. But she didn't have the voice in this form to explain. Her next actions might have made her look as though she was rabid. She heaved a bellowing roar that echoed through the forest. Birds chittered as flew from their roosts. She made more raucous roars as she attacked a near by bush. The sound she made were those that she made in the ring. Meant to intimidate and frighten. She bit down on the helpless bush and thrashed her head from side to side. She stopped and in an instant she turned into her human form. Dusty grey blonde hair a mess, splattered with blood. She screamed as if she were being attacked. A helpless fearful scream, nothing like the hardened warrior she really was. Hastily she grabbed a broken branch and smeared the tip with blood. She looked to Arkadi. "Stay hidden!" She hissed as she fell to her feet in a crumpled heap. Just then the men burst from the bushes. "Lady Ox!" They called to her, aiding her to her feet. "I am well… I am well… That bear…" She gasped as though she'd just defended herself from a huge ursine.
"Did you see a druid man come this way? He is vicious!" But Luyu scoffed as she sat on a nearby stump, glancing over hoping Arkadi would remain hidden. "I thought he was naked and bloody to be honest." She said looking down. "Yes I saw him. He ran down the river to the east just before that damn bear attacked me." With those words most of the men set out to give chase east down the river. Away from where Esha was hidden. "I will stay with you, Lady Ox." One man said. She laughed warmly and patted his shoulder. "You'll need all the help bringing that bear down. Go with them. I am tougher then I look." She motioned for him to go. After much hesitation he left her alone. With Arkadi. Her elbows on her knees she gave a great sigh as she took a moment to rest.
Luyu breathed the fire from her lungs as she sat a moment, her tension faltering away with the sounds of the guards. She was happy that they'd never brought their hounds or they never would have lost them. Her body was battered and blood, but not as much was the Tomineete warrior. She heaved a sigh, eyes sliding to the warrior as he halfway crawled back to him. She had her elbows on her knees, hands hung between them, soaked in blood. She was hunched over, her heavy breaths began to slow. That warm almost motherly smile took over her weary blood stained face. She sat straighter and took the dagger back. A chuckle bubbling from her as her smile only widened. Her thumb wiping away the blood that soaked the bear paw print carved into the hilt. "I haven't had a battle like that in… Hmph. A long time." She said, her face showing the warrior in her almost enjoyed the deadly battle.
As she spoke, Arkadi took notice of a shall dropped by one of the men. Quickly using it to cover his wounds. A pain in her side made her remember the vicious bite the behemoth druid let her. She winced and held her hand to the bite on her side. So her surprise the young mauled warrior walked to her and with out hesitation he picked her up. Part of her wanted to protest and demand to be put down. But Luyu was rather wounded, and he was such a handsome druid. She could pretend for just a few moment he was sweeping her off her feet. Even though she knew very well that was not the case. She made sure to stay still as he steadied his grip on her. "Oh! Well… Alright then… I won't argue with this." She mentioned as she took the moment to rest. "Just follow the river… I'll tell you more when we get close." She no longer looked to the sky, they were safe. There was no point.
His voice but a whisper but she could clearly hear him. "How long have I lived here? Oh dear now… A while now? Ten years or so… Longest time I've been in one place." She said with a sigh. Her hand gripped his skin in the one place she could find that wasn't torn or bleeding. Much to her surprise the Tomineete warrior said she reminded her of his mother. This pulled a chuckle from the elder druid. "I'd hope your mother was much better behaved then I was. I've become quite calm and docile in my age." She mused to herself. Thinking back to wild an rambunctious youth. As they moved the forest became thicker. With thick sturdy and old trees. But there would have been a welcoming feeling surrounding the druids. As if going home. This was a very old part of the forest, possibly one the humans didn't venture into. He then asked why she looked to the sky.
An annoyed scoff escaped Luyu as she glanced to the sky. Thinking back to her strange stalker Divinigos and why he never showed up. He was so keen on 'studying' her as he liked to say. More like irritating her then anything. "I told someone to meet us. To help in our escape. The bastard never showed… As you can see. Stupid lizard…" The last words were mumbled but still understandable. Why hadn't Divinigos showed? What was he doing? Oh she was going to be fuming if he was still in his under pants. She briefly wondered if he might have cooked stew. Most likely… Not.
They came to an old and ancient tree, the very same one Esha passed. Clearly old and having the look of magic and mystery. It sat on the edge of a cliff where a small waterfall rushed past. It's gnarled roots twisting and snaking out of the rocks. Moss hung from the trees webbing branches. Still hiding the secret entrance. "This is the tree. Put me down please. We'll never fit like this in the tunnel." She waited and steadied herself as her feet touched the ground. "Thank you." She said sweetly as she patted his shoulder. She walked to a mass of roots, what looked like an impenetrable wall. "This is a safe and sacred place. Druids once flourished here… But the human encroachment drove them further away. But some of the forest still has their enchantment on it. These roots are like trying to bend iron… But with a druid's touch…" She reached out, moving the roots aside as if they were limp blades of grass swaying gently in a summer breeze. "They bend to our will… I believe this was a druid sage's sanctuary. Come. Follow."
A druid sage was the spiritual leader of the tribe. They harbored much more magic then the warriors or hunters. Able to commune with the forest it's self and their ancestors. It's even said the could hear the Forest Mother's voice. Often seeing visions of the future they guided the chiefs and kings of the tribes. If what Luyu suspected was true, this was the place where the sage would pray and heal others. A truly holy place for druids. She led him down the same dark path as Esha. The elder sniffed the air with a smile. "The smell of fruit tells me she came the right way." Luyu said with reassurance. She could feel the anxious power of the male, and did her best to quicken her pace. Once she came to the end she stepped aside, letting Arkaid pass.
A calm feeling took over Luyu, and she gave a sigh of relief as she looked around the grotto. The hole of sorts somehow was brighter then the night out side, even though trees hung over the hidden place. Seeing around the place was not a problem. Her eyes took in the ivy and morning glory that crawled up the stone sides, lavender and white flower showered the sides. She looked to the shack and back at the waterfall. It didn't take her long to realize Esha was bathing in the cool healing waters. She raised a brow and realized she'd need to get the pair some clothing that didn't have blood soaked in. Meanwhile she'd yell at that stupid oaf for not helping her.
The Rockridge huntress had not heard them enter. Just before they came through the entrance she'd submerged her entire body under water. Under the water all she would hear was the soothing rush of the water fall and the faint beat of her heart. She held her breath a moment, allowing the cool water to ease her many wounds. She held her breath longer then she normally would, coming up with a small gasp for air. She noted how clean the air felt in her lungs as if soothing her from the inside out. Standing up in the high waist deep water she brushed her now clean sandy colored hair from her tan face. Eyes closed, her fingers running through her hair, lips parted so as to breathe through her mouth. The cool water trickled down her cut and bruised body. She wasn't directly facing Arkadi and Luyu, but the Tomineete warrior would see a full view of her naked upper body. Her fingers gripped her hair, trying to squeeze the water from it. She was still unaware that Arkadi was seeing her.
The dark hair warrior's body trembled as he dropped to his knees at the rivers bank. His heart beating so hard and fast he could barely breathe. Chief Urin pushed past him and looked desperately to the other side. Rhaon scowled as he came behind the gasping warrior. "Rest now." He said calmly as he gripped the man's shoulder firmly. He stood and walked to his chief's side, looking on. He scrunched his nose at the lingering and pungent smell of death and decay that lingered in the air. His heart sank with the smell. Heavy erratic breath not from the weary warrior drew his attention. Urin was on the verge of a break down. The smell making him think the worst. Before the alpha warrior could say something Urin bolted to the river, jumping in quickly to inspect the other side. He was now trespassing.
"Urin!" Rhaon yelled at his chief. The other's moved to follow but the grizzled warrior was quick to stop them. "Halt! Do not follow him! You will break the pact." He snarled at them, his warning heard and they all stepped back. His dark eyes looked back at the chief having now reached the bank. He curled his lips in annoyance and groaned before moving to follow Urin. "No one follows me!" He snarled as the men nodded. Urin moved frantically and bolted for the over powering pungent smell. "Urin you fool! What are you doing!?" Rhaon seethed behind him. But he didn't care, a shaky hand shoved back the brush. An opossum hissed dangerously and jolted away from the rotting carcass of the boar. A shuddering sigh left the chief as he fell to his knees. It was not Esha's body.
Rhaon only looked a moment, it was not the smell that caught his attention now. It was the tale on the ground. He crouched and inspected the foot prints. To an untrained eye it looked like nothing more then a dusty spot. But the trained warrior saw a re-enactment of the events. Paws changed into foot prints, another came from behind. His eyes furrowed, but there was a scuffle. Esha fought bravely. This amused the warrior. His eyes watched the invisible dance to the tree, slowly he paced until a sharp pain bit into his toe. He hissed and sneer as he pulled his foot away, picking his foot up to see a trickle of blood spot his toe. "What manner is this…" He knelt lower. Glass? His fingers pulled the broken bottle up. Someone else was here. Urin sniffed the near by bushed in an animalistic way. Ale and fabricated cloth hit his senses. He stood up when Rhaon hissed. "What is it?" He walked to the elders side. "Glass…" Rhaon smelled the glass and looked as though he was drowsy. He shook his head and stood up. "Sleeping powder… Tomineete have her alive." He deduced.
"No. The scent is faint but it doesn't lead to them. But away." Urin stated as he looked around. A deep growl rumbled from his throat as he looked to his chief. "Look at the signs. She's been taken." He tossed the broken shard to the side as he focused on the frantic leader. "Yes but… I'll follow it."
"What? No. The line is drawn here! Leave her to her fate and get the tribe prepared for winter." The elder's voice held no comfort, no asking. He was telling. Challengeing. Urin turned to face him, a growl seething from his throat. "I am the chief! What I say goes! Gather those men and bring them. We hunt them down. We will find Esha. Where ever she is."
Rhaon was appalled and shocked. He looked to the bank at the group of hunters and warriors that traveled with them. If Urin brought them, the tribe would have no one to protect them and no one to hunt for them. They'd surely die. His one eye narrowed on the man he once called friend. "You would condemn our tribe to death!"
"To find her I do what it takes!" Urin shot back. Rhaon knew then, there was no turning back. Urin's mind was lost. There was only one thing left to do. Only one thing that would save his tribe. It wasn't something he wanted, never did he want this. But it had to be done. He squared his shoulders, standing taller as he looked down at the chief. "You are not fit to govern our people. I challenge you as chief!" There was a chorus of gasps and shudders from the other bank as Rhoan had just challenged Urin as chief. Urin just stared in disbelief, unsure if he really heard Rhaon correctly. But the elder male stared to pace around the chief, and his challenge was clearly not a bluff.
Cut hands trailed her bare skin as her head leaned to the side, allowing the calming feeling of this place to take hold of her body. Orange eyes opened softly to the faint voice. So faint and timid she wasn't sure she ever heard it. Her hands rested behind her neck as she looked up. As if a static zap hit her, she inhaled sharply with eyes shooting wide. Mouth open unsure of what to say. She was shocked that Arkadi was standing there seeing her from the front. She made a squeak as her cheeks shot red and her hands clasped her naked breasts to hide them from his view. "Arkiadi!" She gasped again as the stunned Tomineete warrior lost his footing and fell in. The splashing water made Luyu look back as she walked to the shack in the wall. She gave a snort of amusement before opening the rickety door and walking inside.
Esha jolted down so that the dark water covered her chest, though she still held onto her breasts to hide them from view. She should have been fuming that he was staring at her. She was sure she should have wanted to gouge one of his eyes out for even looking at her. How long had he been there? But all she could do was laugh. Her warm laugh that in no way should come from a brutal warrior or huntress. Truth be told she was happy to see him. And angry at the same time. Angry that he'd just ran off like that. "Serve you right for just gawking at me!" She said shoving away the giggles. Trying to sound honestly pissed. "How long were you standing there?" She snapped at him with more ferocity in her voice. She moved an arm to cover her chest. Her free hand reached out to splash water at the disoriented warrior. She wanted to both hug him and punch him. Considering her lack of clothing she decided it best to not do either.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm also pissed at you for just leaving like that! You could have been killed." She scolded as she tried to scowl at him. Curling her other arm around herself as she looked at him. Luyu moved quickly to find them more clothing. Darting in the small hut and to another rickety door. She flung it open and darted up the stairs into the main part of her house. Her home was much more modernized as far as druid living goes. And it looked more like a cozy cottage then a druid's den. Much to her annoyance Divinigos the white haired man was gone. His absence was a relief and yet an annoyance. Where the hell was he? Stupid lizard. She found a clean pair of brown pants, holding them a moment. Knowing this meant he was still running around in his underpants. The thought made her shudder and shake her head. She then searched briefly to find a tan leather one piece dress. It was not proper attire for winter nights as it would not cover her shoulders and stop at her thighs but it was what she could find at the moment. She darted back down the stairs and back down through the small hut and to the lake.
"I know your angry with him but think to the future. The past cannot be changed so why worry over what happened. He is here now and so are you. And so is a set of dry clothing for you both." She said to Esha, trying to calm the angry woman's wrath. Esha shot Arkadi one last annoyed look before she stood once more walking to the bank. She still hid her chest from him, arms coiled around herself. Her cheeks blushed deeply but it didn't matter what he saw now, seeing as he was staring at her for some time. Or so she thought. She did turn away from him so he could not see her naked lower half once she stepped from the water. Showing him only her naked back side. "Thank you…" She said softly as she took the tan leather dress. Her hand moved over her own skin to dry it as best as she could before she stepped into the dress. A single leather string came from the front to be tied behind her neck so as to keep the dress from falling off her.
Luyu folded Arkadi's new pants and placed them on the bank. "I will start you a fire and get medicine for your wounds." She said as she started to walk away. Esha called to her. "Luyu… I… Thanks. For everything." She said almost emotionally. The elder female smiled and shook her head. Esha closed the space and gave her a warm hug, which was returned. "Your welcome." She said beaming as she finally pulled away. Leaving them along once again.
Esha gave a deep sigh as she walked to the bank once again. Giving Arkadi a playful scowl as she picked up her clothing. Kneeling by the water's edge she dipped them in the water and began to wash away the blood. "I'm glad your well though…" She added softly after a moment. Orange eyes chancing a glance at the other. Her smile faded slightly as she watched the blood wash from his body. "Well you needed a bath anyways… Right?" She said trying to crack a smile. But the devastation to his body made it hard for her to do so honestly. Her hands squeezed her clothing wringing out the water. She looked them over with a soft frown. The crimson liquid was already stained in and would never come out. She sighed and placed them next to her. Her eyes looking over Arkadi's form once more.
Even wounded the moon light cast him an alluring light. The water only helping to accentuate his defined muscles. Her cheeks flushed once again and she looked down. She moved to sit on the edge of the bank, letting her legs dangle in the water. "Come here. Let me help you wash the blood off." Her voice was gentle but demanding. Once he moved closer she cupped her hands and gently poured water on his back. Washing away the blood that coated hi, wincing at the full damage done. She gasped and cooed to him. "Oh Arkadi… Your back…" Her fingers touched his shoulder as she looked at the devastation with a deep frown. Her fingers gently rubbed the one unharmed spot. "I have avenged you at least… That bitch is dead…. Very dead…" Her voice took on a dark tone as she poured more water over his back gently.