Druids of a Feather

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"Not me fault ya dumb whore! Y'know dem be animals! Y'know dey fer dey ring! Yer dey one stupid enough to git close! Dey lives o'dese men on yer shouldas!" Ironbeard angrily gruffed back at her, shuffling his legs to walk to her. Pointing in accusation. Lady Ox turned sharply at the terrified angry roars Esha let out. "No…" She whispered as she saw blood splatter on the cage floor. The huntress tried to defend her comrade, letting her lifeless prey go trying to lunge for the dark haired Caso. But she was quickly yanked back wards.

Claws digging into the wooden floor, wailing roars seething from her throat as she tried to get to her Tomineete warrior. He wasn't about to let her die or be harmed. She couldn't let him die. Even as whips lashed her back side, she couldn't let him die. Through the chaos her heart lifted as Arkadi turned the tables. A fine warrior, rendering the black haired Caso… Manless. She gave a short victory roar, even through the painful slashes being made on her back. Too bad the dwarf shuffled away and his dagger hit the obnoxious woman instead.

"Enough!" Her old wise voice bellowed as she rushed with a warrior's speed to the men holding Esha. Wielding her stave like a weapon, bashing them away and forcing them to release the huntress. The men drew their weapons, shocked at the crone's speed and agility. The Tomineete warrior yelled at the ones holding Esha, rushing to her as she was released.

Lady Ox stomped her stave on the ground eyeing the men around her with a cold dangerous edge. Esha's panting gave way to heavy breathing as she changed back in to her human form. A tender hand clasping against the warrior's side to stop the bleeding. "Arkadi…" She said worriedly in a sweet gentle voice. No longer holding the malice it once held for him. Orange eyes darting about as she coiled closer to him. In to his arms that pulled her closer. Her expression held worry as he groaned in pain. She wanted to tear down every one. Everyone eyeing her Tomineete warrior with harmful intentions.

But even through his pain and anger there was a smile. Offered to Esha. It brought those strange feelings fluttering in her stomach. Her cheeked flushed as he place his hand over hers though it might not have been seen through the blood that covered her face. His captivating eyes looking into hers as he reassured her that she need not worry. She scoffed softly, using this moment to look down. "Well you're tough hide is bleeding quite a bit." She said looking back up.

The conversation between the mysterious woman and the occupants out side didn't quite register to Esha. Her main focus was the warrior she once tried to kill coming so close to her face. Her brows furrowed curiously at him, coming closer. Making her heart beat louder and her breath softer. Uncharacteristically, she froze. Like it was the first time being so close to a handsome man. She blushed even more as he laid his head on hers, vowing to never let harm come to her. Flustered, she sought out something to take her clouded mind off the moment. Looking to the woman that saved them.

Lady Ox just narrowed her moss green eyes on Kee. "You're need to open your legs to this man led to…" She counted the bodies laying on the ground. "Three deaths. Judging by the… sadly small bit of Caso on the ground it's about to be four. Four deaths on your shoulders." She said walking to the cage with the druids. Sympathy oozed from her eyes and she looked at them. Moving gently to unhook Arkadi's pole from his collar. She didn't respond to Kee's question, opting to ignore the ignorant woman. Ironbeard looked at both before crossing his arms. "Ol Lady Ox be good wit animals. She wanna git dem control rods off em den aye not stop her. Kenne be loosin' more men. But she be right. Dis be all yer fault."

"Be still a moment. I'll get this off you." The woman looked up at Arkadi as he spoke to her. Her expression softened but she didn't smile quite yet. "Why? Because warrior's like you should not be tormented." She said unhooking his control rod and tossing it at Ironbeard's feet. "You heard what they called me. Lady Ox." She mused sarcastically, a knowing smile to the pair. As if saying 'you know that's not my real name'. She walked to Esha to take her control rod off, but not before the huntress let out a warning snarl and hiss. But Lady Ox didn't react, only tossed that rod as well at Ironbeards feet.

The older woman heard the warrior's plea for her to wait but she disappeared into the crowd. She had done too much already. More than she should have but her heart couldn't take anymore. "A bottle of moonshine will take care of this worry…" She sighed to herself as she walked away. Ironbeard shook his head at the man laying on the ground. "Nope. Neva be dey same… Err… Clean dis mess up damnit. Can't have dead bodies in dey streets…" He barked orders at his men, eyeing Kee. "Hims don't work fer ya. Git yer own dumb gits to do yer dirty work." He snapped as the cart started to be lead away, into the slummier part of town. "Wut? Aye brought dems to fight! Like aye bring all dey beasts t'fight! Aye-Urgh Aye done wit yammerin' at yer filth." He waves his fat hand flippantly at her as he shuffled off. Now ignoring her as he cursed to himself.

"Tell me you're okay? That this wound is not fatal." Orange eyes lifted to the man holding her as he spoke. True warrior he replied it wasn't fatal and even moving her hand over a spot where a previous scar staked it's claim on his skin. She smiled to him and his confident comment. But her smiled faltered and her brows furrowed as she listened to the tale. "… You're tribe it too kind. A man stealing from the Rockridge Clan would have been killed. But this old wound was on your leg. A stab here could kill you should it hit something vital." She said looking back to him, her hand strangely calm under his. Joined together.

Again she was reassured that the black haired man's aim was off. Esha ad never used daggers, she had the gift to shape change. She laughed softly. "You are speaking to a huntress and warrior. Making the killing blow it critical in both. But I see what you mean with daggers. Where you have daggers, I have teeth and claws. Same idea applies though." Her mind wondered to the woman that had saved them. The druid. Smelling of savanna grasses. "That woman… The one that helped… She's a druid… I… I don't understand…"

Arkadi felt her confustion. Why would a druid choose to live in this horrible environment? Void of fresh air and free animals? It didn't make sense to Esha, nor did it seem to make sense to Arkadi. "It doesn't make sense to me…" She said sighing as she looked back to her Tomineetee warrior. There is was again. That thought on him being hers. She'd have to deal with these strange feelings eventually.

All the animals screeching, baying, yowling. It was getting to her, in that dark shoddy wooden warehouse. Arkadi spoke, he wanted her to do something but the sudden sound of the satchel caught her off guard. She whipped her head around to hiss dangerously at the beady eyed dwarf. "Heal him good...Bloody hell he betta be worth a fight tonight. Kenne be backin' out now dammit."

"I'll kill you! You're living on borrowed time! I swear on my family's name you're already dead!" She snapped back, tears of rage threatening to break her normally calm voice. The blonde warrior shouting his own brand of venom at the man. But his weary sigh didn't escape her. She didn't want the dwarfs help but she couldn't let Arkadi sit wounded. "Be still…" She said as she crawled to retrieve the satchel, ignoring Arkadi's protests. She wiped the blood from her face, wounds caused from when she refused to from her prey. Finding healing salve and bandages in the satchel, she took a generous amount and placed it on her fingers then on the Tomineete warrior's side.

"He said tonight… That's when we escape." She said as she mended his wound. Her smaller hands were softly stopped when wrapping the cloth around his waist. Her orange eyes met his. His hand moved to softly brush her wild sandy blonde hair from her eyes. Her eyes looked away a moment, her cheeks reddening under the blood coated on her face. "These are nothing. I still killed the bastard didn't I?" She cooed with a devious grin. "Besides. I've had worse." She sat straighter and motioned with their joined hands to a scar on her belly. "Got this one while hunting. Damn boar was madder than hell and bigger than me. I held on though. Even as his tusk went all the way through…" She twisted her torso to show where the tusk had exited her tiny body from the side of her back. Smile bore a proud smile when recalling the event. Her hand still holding his, she sat normal again. Looking back into his captivating green eyes.

But the soft words the followed and his motion caught her off guard. Admitting his rage for them harming her. Her heart skipped a beat as his gentle but rough hands traveled down her face, his thumb softly brushing her full lips. The sting causing her to wince in pain, reminding her of her being slammed against the cage.

There was no escaping the fact now. It was clear to Esha, this man. Once her warrior, he who wanted to claim her life. Saw her differently. Why? She was nothing special. Not to him, nor any man. Her brows furrowed as she looked away. He's acting like we've bed together… but… we haven't. She thought as she looked back up to him. She forced a smile, something deep in her scared to let this man close. His hand moved to her chin, holding it tenderly. "Our path to freedom will be paved in blood." She said looking away as her hand reaching up to take his, pulling it gently away from her face. Then that's all he cares about. Bedding me… But… She fought this inner battle. Habit making her wary of men and their intentions. But no man vowed and fought so hard to protect her.

She tried to look for a change of subject. He offered one, but it brought a look of confusion to her face. She opened her mouth to respond, noting his growling stomach. Damn he asked those question. The important ones. Somewhere deep in her heart she didn't want that. She admired and hated how blunt he was. She chuckled nervously looking away a moment trying to find the right words. "I um… I honestly… Don't know… I mean… It's not like either of us have any pull in our tribes. I may be top huntress and formidable warrior but I have no real pull… Unless you're like the chiefs son or something." She joked. Habit told her to pull away from him. To push him away. But she couldn't, not when he pulled her into his arms.

Her body rigid at first but slowly she relaxed, allowing herself to melt in his protective embrace. "Let's talk about this later. We need to save out energy for when we get out… Plan of action. Kill the dwarf… and anyone else that gets in our way. And find your daggers." She said tentatively learning her forehead on his shoulder. She smiled as he thanked her. "You're welcome. Don't worry about it. I promised we'd both get out of here." He pulled away from her to gather the last of the cloth and wipe away any remaining blood from her face. She sighed looking at him, wondering what he was talking about. Give her what later? What could he possibly have on his person to give her… Unless he wanted to give her a kiss. She blushed and looked for a change of subject. "You're hungry…" She gave a deep sigh. "So am I…" She frowned taking notice of the satchel still in the cage that held the stale bread. "We still have the bread?" She said with a frown playing on her lips.

He went on a long winded vow but not before mentioning someone was watching them. She furrowed her brows and looked around their surroundings, but no one was there. Her heart led her hand to place her fingers over his lips. "Shh. I admire you wanting to protect me but… I am not harmless or feeble. I can handle myself." She said moving her hand back in her lap. "We will protect each other… You know I…" Her words trailed off before she admitted her true feelings. "Nevermind. I vow we will both leave here alive and well. To return to our families." She turned her body so that she lay against his. Her head against his shoulder, her hands lay collected in her lap. Her eyes looking around at their surroundings.

Her orange eyes lifted to him. Yes the other druid. "I don't know… all these animals caged, the lack of nature… I feel… smothered… The people are horrible and corrupt. It makes no sense why she'd be here." She sighed as she lay still in the moment. Listening to the Tomineete warrior's heart beat. It was strangely soothing. Strange. She could listen to it all night. As long as she would be allowed.

There was a calm in the air for the first time since Esha had been thrown into this situation. Her mind thought about her brother. The little one always on her mind. Was he eating well? Was he safe? She sighed deeply as her keen hearing heard soft footsteps. Not the cumbersome shuffle of the dwarf. It was someone being quiet. The huntress sat up, looking about trying to see who it was. Pulling herself from the warrior's embrace. "Do you hear that?" She whispered as she crouched by the edge of the cage. Then she smelled the sooth wild smell of Savanna grasses.

It was Lady Ox, trespassing of course, with a woven basket in her arms. Her moss green eyes looking to the pair with sympathy. A warm tentative smile on her face. "You two look hungry." She said softly pulling out two hunks of cooked venison and a canteen of water. She took soft steps towards the cage and placed the food inside. Esha backed away, a low rumbling growl rising from her throat. "Oh come now little dove. I mean you no harm. Come. Eat this."

Esha stopped growling and just looked at her a moment before moving forward to take the food. Giving the other hunk of the venison to Arkadi. "Thank you…" She said before hastily eating the delicious warm cooked meat. Quenching her thirst with the water before handing it too to the Tomineete warrior. "Ish you're nahme really Lady Os." She said with her mouth full of meat.

The older woman scoffed and shook her head. "No. That's what they just call me. They don't deserve to know my real name… You may call me Luyu." She said in a warm wise voice that made Esha think of her own mother. Luyu darted her head to the door, pausing a moment to listen. "Look I… I don't have much time here. I don't have the keys to this cage nor can I get them in time. But I have seen your weapons of trade and I think this will help." She fished in the basket a moment and produced one dagger, offering it to the Tomineete warrior. It was old and worn, made of bone of some sort. Most likely a dragon but still deadly sharp. Etched in the blade was a cresset moon and a bear paw. "But I want that back." She said with a soft smile. "Once you are in the ring they have to let you out. That will be the time to strike." She took a step back and turned to leave. Esha reached out for her. "Wait! Luyu… I… Thank you." The young huntress was given a soft warm smile before Luyu slipped back into the shadows and left.
 
| "Arkadi..." |

The Tomineete Warrior had been Faintly aware to
something else happening outside their prison but his main concern was Esha. The
tides turned in his beginning hatred to warrant wanting to claim her existence.
He didn't know how long they'd been imprisoned together. It could've been hours
or days really but in such the short time, crimson red circulating in his heart
changed to blue. Warm. Affectionate. Protective.

Never would another
take him as much as she had and he had yet to understand how. Why. Arkadi didn't
want to question it. All he knew was that anyone laying harm to her would die.
He'd not hesitate to kill them. With his bare hands. He heard her voice.
It sounded sweet and gentle. Concerned. He would not let her go. Never.
He let out a low groan when her hand touched his stabbed side, she covered it with
her own warm hand to keep the bleeding at bay.

Rather his side than to have his
privates shredded like the unfortunate man lying somewhere around the cart.
Arkadi grinned. Satisfaction. His bigger hand came down over Esha's, his blood
seeping between their joined Fingers. His burden her own. Green eyes looked into
orange. "No need to worry. My hide is tough..." He did not like seeing
her bruised as she was. His mind kept going back to seeing those men handle her
in such a way.

"No one will hurt you. I'll kill them. Every single last
one." His threatening vow edging closer, his Forehead touched against hers only
a short while.

The grin remained in place. "A scratch to be healed like all the others. No worries."

She'd been looking at something, the occurance outside their
captivity. Arkadi's head turned as well. He still heard Kee's screaming wishing
it had been Ironbeard instead. Bastard. Emerald eyes reverted to the strange
woman Esha looked upon. Why had she stopped their abuse when all the
others chose to stand by to watch, linger and be Feed with the beady-eyed
bastard's lies? Not her...strangely...when looking at her he was reminded about someone nearly gone in his mind. His mother. He was told, he had
her eyes....It seemed the dwarf held some agitation toward this woman
with a determined look in her eye. He wasn't none too pleased she intervened
through his choice words. Lady Ox? Surely that wasn't her name.

She
exchanged words with Ironbeard and when the shorter man became more annoying the
woman closed the distance between them with her own threat.

| "You finish that sentence and they'll be able to follow your blood trail even in the light
of the moon." |

She'd secured silence in the dwarf. Arkadi held
admiration towards her but he also wanted to know who she was. Who indeed. No
ordinary woman. Her stance was warrior like. One skilled in battle. She carried
herself differently than the people in this area. He held Esha still looking to
the woman only.

Kee's hand latched over the dagger's hilt. Her eyes shut
tightly, mouth emitted more screams to the blade damage in her shoulder. She
pulled it out crying out. A sharp look came Ironbeard's way then to the woman
succeeded in stopping the druids' public tormenting. Kee glared at Arkadi with
Esha still in his arms. She vowed to make him pay.

"Keeping my legs closed?" She let out a pained scoff. "Who are you to judge me Lady Ox? I do what I need to do...." Her bottom lip quivered.

"Where are you going?" She held Caso's blood-drenched dagger in her shaking hand. "You're not going to let them go? Ironbeard," Kee hissed. "Are you going to let her do that? And this isn't my Fault...." Her
eyes darted to Caso's spasming body. Most likely he would not be able to have
such a wound repaired. His privates wouldn't be any good, what remained left
that is. His eyes were shut, unknown words came out his mouth due to the shock.
He made not a single movement to stop the woman as she neared the cage.


A co-hort to Ironbeard knelt nearby with a disgusted look on his Face at
the laying pieces, he gasped a little to the woman's approach quickly darting
away. Emerald eyes kept onto the woman rounding the cage. Arkadi went to push
Esha behind him some narrowing his eyes.

No one was going to hurt her. He'd send
them straight to hell...

Her soothing words told him to be still while
she got the rod off.

"Why....?" Why was she helping them? "Who are you?"
Arkadi asked suddenly.
| "Why? Because warrior's like you should not be tormented."|


He was in her debt though. The rod was removed making it
easy to move in the cage. His side lit up like Fire. It hurt but he didn't allow
it to cross his Face nor give any signs. The rod went to the dwarf whom Arkadi saw over and over in his mind suffering immense pain at his and Esha's hands. The woman went around the other side of the cage to do to Esha
what she did to him. Remove her rod. Arkadi heard the warrioress snarl in
obvious distrust. He couldn't blame her. Nothing was as it seemed. That woman
held some pull.

Her scent reminded him to nature in general. One he longed to smell once more. A cleansing unlike the Filth they endured coming to this Foreign place.

She knew...
By the way they Fought. She knew.

They called her Lady Ox...

Arkadi caught her knowing smile. No. It was a name given by idiots. Surely not her own. Not her real name.

| "Stop tormenting them in the
streets and place no blame upon them." |

"Wait..." Arkadi called out but
no sooner that he had, she was walking away. His eyes did meet another pair.
Kee's own. The injured woman did not look pleased in the least. Arkadi gave her
a glare turning to something else less disgusting. Esha.
Her still keeping that tender hand on his wound.

"What about him?" The nosy co-hort pointed to
Caso. "Man will never be the same again..."

"Take him back to my house." Kee said.

He scowled. "You walking mattress...I don't work For ya. He's
your responsibility."

"Fine! I swear all the men here are useless including those at the height to my knees. You're going to pay Ironbeard. I swear...." Her snide remark was aimed at dwarf. "Don't know why he would bring animals like that here..." She held her wound quivering. Some men were moving through the crowd obviously belonging to her. She shot them glares stopping one as he was on his way to tend to Caso.

"You've been injured."

"Nevermind that." Her bottom lip still
quivered. She pulled him to the side where only they could hear the words they
were about to speak. "Do you see that cage? The one being lead away? It has a
man and some other thing inside there with red eyes."

"Red? They appear orange."

"I don't care dammit. Ironbeard says they're druids he captured." Kee watched as the dwarf shuffled off after blaming her For the incident.

His eyebrows raised. He wiped some hair away From his cheeks."I believe he is putting them in the ring. They're strong."
Kee's eyes narrowed. "The man. I want him harmed before he even enters any ring.
That stupid dwarf has bragged about many things...it will be good to shut him
up. Follow that cart to see where it is going then tell me."

"Very well."

"Also...take Caso to the doctor."

"What happened to him?"

"You don't want to know..."

Arkadi's eyes closed as the cart began to move once more. The town had changed around them. Darker. The smell dank. His nature completely obliterated.

"I am okay." He opened his eyes to Esha's concern. "It is not Fatal. I have been stabbed before." He took their bloody hands From his wound passing to his thigh to hold over the spot. "Here. By a kin. He'd stolen more than his Food share, winter had approached
harshly, I had caught him. He attacked me without warning. His hand, the
one used to clutch his weapon, was maimed and he sent into exile. A punishment
less severe than death. In Tomineete there lies no reason to steal more than
your share. Everyone is equal including the tribe leader. His son. We are all
the same." He eyed her. Their joined hands on his thigh.

"You don't have to worry. His aim was poor. When you wield a dagger, you must apply pressure. Be skilled with the weapon as though it is one part to you. Strike in a spot where your enemy will least expect it but can never Forget. Make the attack count. Killed?" Their tribes were very different, Arkadi noted, one caught stealing in her tribe would be killed. "Then I am lucky I didn't get stabbed more. We would not be here to have this talk." He still made light to the situation.


He wanted her not to worry. About him. His head turned some curious at the mention
to their rescuer. The woman. "A druid? Living amongst these people?"
He looked around to seek out that one but only Found closed in spaces
the more the cart went down the dank new area and sounds echoed in his ears.
They were brought to some building, huge, wooden. To him, it appeared peculiar.
The cart was pushed to some corner between other cages. Filled cages at that.
Other animals captured. Imprisoned by the damn beady-eyed bastard. Their
screeching igniting a Fire in his heart. The yearn to be
Free. Freedom.

"Esha...I want you to..."

Arkadi never Finished his sentence. The satchel landing inside the cage stopped him. Not only
that but From a distance someone watched them. A man with amber eyes. It wasn't
a dangerous look. One more along the curious lines. The Tomineete warrior looked
down then back up only to see the man had gone. Like the druid woman. Odd.


| "Heal him good...Bloody hell he betta be worth a fight tonight. Kenne
be backin' out now dammit." |

The tired warrior sighed. "You better not
come near this Fight. I will shove my Fist down your dirty throat. I promise
you. As she says, you're living on borrowed time. Those beady eyes are going to
ripped out their sockets and crushed better yet...I will do to you what I did to
that other." He didn't want to argue anymore, it didn't soothe his hatred to
destroy the dwarf. The time would come soon. Very soon. They both vowed on it.
He watched her move telling him to be still.

"Esha..." Arkadi wanted to stop her. Have her
rest some but she was on the move to healing his wound like the previous night.
He winced at the touch to the broken Flesh though his eyes never left hers.


"When we escape. Tonight...." They were coated in dry blood, a mess by
all standards, still trapped in the cage. She vowed to not leave him but should
the matter come down to her escaping, he would ensure she did. He reached to
stop her hands wrapping the cloth around his waist. He held them in his bigger
ones.

"You were hurt too...." Green eyes examined her hands. The blonde hair against her Face. Very gently, he reached up to push it back in order to see her eyes. The wound was still tender but within time it would heal...like the others.

"Seeing them hurt you like that....I cannot seem to escape
the image. I wanted to kill them all. Make them hurt as they were hurting you."
His Fingers trailed down to her lips where the cut was. The bruising to her Face when slammed into the bars. Now she was trying to play off that hurt sustained in their battle before the storm. "That you did." It wasn't like he was going to scold her. No.

She did what she had to do. He looked to her stomach where she pointed with their joined hands to a scar caused by an incident with hunting a boar. The tusk had entered her belly then came out her back. She was lucky to be alive.

"Was this a gift for someone or do you have a Fixation on boars? You are a daring woman but I know this. It wasn't a simple task to have been on Tomineete land." He admired that. Greatly so. She was a well experienced huntress but still, Arkadi wanted not to see her harmed again. It bothered him more than she would know.

What.....happened now....?


"So...what happens when we are to return home?" His head leaned down some. Stomach let out
the most unsettled growl indicating he needed Food as did she. Arkadi ignored
it.

"We go about our lives as though this never happened? Forget one
another...?" He didn't want that. The druid just didn't know how to tell her
what he meant. What did he mean?

His words and Feelings were going all over the
place. He did not want to see her harmed by anyone nor could the thought settle,
once they reached Freedom, she would be sought out by someone. Argh.
Did he like her? Yes....Arkadi wrestled in silent turmoil.

The looks she gave him.
Determination. She wanted to escape as he did, her admired her a great deal and
how she tended to him like no other. A strong woman Esha was yet at the same
time vunerable too.

She was as confused as he. Not knowing the real answer on what happened when they went home. It was when she made the joke about him being a chief's son that brought him to pull her closer.

Into his arms was she drawn once more. Like she would always be because the Tomineete warrior's Feelings had changed. This much he knew. He couldn't sort them out though. Couldn't explain them when he wasn't entirely clear but the sole thing he did know was that harm would not come to her. Not on his watch. Not ever. "My Father is Tomineete's Chief." He told her while looking away a moment. "I am his son. His only son." He left it at that not asking her anything else on his question. At the moment she did not want to talk about it and he was not the type to dwell on such issues when one did not want. This did not change how he Felt. Towards her. Nothing probably would.

"Thank you." He told her sincerely. "There is something I wish to give you later." His daggers. Could he have been mistaken? They meant a great deal to him and lost they were now but she had made her own vow amongst those words unspoken. He gave her a look, a habit he seemed to be taking more and more, there was more cloth From the satchel therefore the young warrior retrieved it to wipe any lingering blood From Esha. His stomach began to betray him with more Frequent growling and he knew that she was hungry as well but...

"No." The idea in eating the bread did not suit well with him. He shook his head vehemently.

"We must be on guard." His eyes went around now to the caged animals very much like them. "Someone was watching us. I promise to protect you Esha. You have my word. Nothing will happen to you. I meant what I said, I will kill anyone laying harm to you." He let out a long sigh growing ever so Frustrated being locked up in the cage. He wanted to see about this so called ring.

What awaited them there and when they would escape and rampage. The beady-eyed bastard lived on borrowed time. Once more, he looked at her, this time For the reason she had something to say. Her Fingers over his lips stopped any thought he had cold. The touch....playing along the sensual lines that no other woman crossed. Arkadi's heart skipped a beat letting out a thud. He had to look elsewhere. To those cages. The various creatures.

| Shh. I admire you wanting to protect me but.. I am not harmless or feeble. I can handle myself. We will protect each other...You know I... |

Immediately his emerald eyes rested back on her words. What did not get spoken. What had she wanted to say but did not? He only Fathomed a guess. "I did not mean to imply you are as such." He shook his head. "I only...." Now his words ceased.

"You are a strong woman. I respect that very much...and yes we will leave her alive...Esha..did you...nevermind." Arkadi replied drawn to a silence securing the other in his arms. With her head on his shoulder, his arm lay pressed to her body, hand raised slightly to smooth down her hair watching her closely. The distant look on her Features.

She was thinking about many things, so was he. Her Fingers having been on his lips. The touch. He wanted to press a kiss to them but it may have alarmed her so the only thing he could do was savor the touch on his lips. With his other Free hand, Arkadi lowered it down to her lap covering those collective smaller ones.

"Yes. We will leave here alive and well. There are some things I need to show you, when danger does not lurk at every corner and we have rendered the beady-eyed bastard in the ground. His mind wandered on the druid woman. The one referred to as Lady Ox.

"They called her Lady Ox...perhaps it is something here which drew her to stay. A loved one. I Feel caged. Smothered too...I miss my woodlands around Tomineete. My Father. He is most likely worried." Would she....meet with him? Arkadi's head dropped back some. He was thinking to much. Placing the cart before the horse.

Their tribes were enemies. Tomineete would not overlook Esha hunting on their land. The tribesmen would attempt to kill her. Chastise him For bringing in one enemy to them....as a mate but what about his Father? The man told him to love with his heart and nothing less. Love?

"Damn it..." He cursed outloud. Too much was on his mind. He was soon silenced. Footsteps. He heard them as clear as Esha's own heartbeat which skipped a beat during a quiet time where no words came out her mouth. She'd been thinking about something...

"I did." He looked at her when she sat up. Was it that man he saw earlier? Watching them. The Tomineete warrior wasn't stupid. He noticed that one's amber eyes even From the distance. They were open marks considering the rat bastard beady-eyed dwarf displayed them out in the open. It was a very unsettling Feeling, he wanted resolved. His Fists clenched preparing For yet another round with the onlookers.

His side, where stabbed still hurt, but he really didn't pay it much attention. Who was here to badger them? Had they not done enough? His bare back pressed to the cage bars, aware to the animals in their respective cages silenced, sensing the one's presence. They were malicious or angered....strange.

Arkadi's narrowed eyes absorbed the druid woman From earlier. The only one not taunting them. She was here. Lady Ox....still Arkadi could not get the nickname out his head even while looking at her. The tentative smile on her Face. They both were hungry, his stomach betrayed him occasionally, he thought to simply let it go...but it wouldn't be wise considering what they would have to experience in the latter hours. Fighting...

Arkadi said nothing. His eyes Focused on her and her only even as she pulled out two hunks of meat. Cooked. Venison and water. He heard Esha's low growl, the hesitation to trust. He still looked at the woman, her eyes. One would not be here as she was nor approach their cage knowing Full well what happened in the square but here she was. With Food. Water and urging For them to eat.

| Oh come now little dove. I mean you no harm. Come. Eat this. |

Arkadi did not move. He wanted to know her name...Her aura seemed to make Esha react to take the offered Food and passed him his share. The Tomineete Warrior did not eat. He watched his one though...made sure she was sustained. His eyes went back to the woman. He declined the water at the moment.

"No." He whispered. His words stained with affection. "You drink now. I will have some in a little...." The young man was on edge but soon, his guard dropped. He placed his hands on the cage Floor with his head bowed.

"Thank you...." For providing the Food...he'd wanted Esha to eat all the while. Something in him Felt...satisfied as she ate and asked the ringing question: This woman's name. It couldn't be the association with Ox. No.

"Luyu....are you not a druid? Why...are you here?" She reminded him greatly to his mother. He didn't know why..."I am Arkadi and this is Esha..." It served them to give her names as she had done...still...Arkadi couldn't help but be reminded to his own Father. It made him long to be able to tell that man he was alright, he needn't worry but the cause was lost. He still did not eat. In Tomineete, the women were served First. To eat First. They were considered treasures.

They kept the home stable. Some hunted....they gave birth to the sons and daughters. Home training did not become lost on him. He watched his one and Luyu, she seemed to be in some hurry, well he couldn't imagine she had enough time to talk with them. The bastard dwarf would most likely return. She wanted to help them. More than she already had done but their cage would only be opened when Arkadi and Esha were brought to this ring.

"You've done enough," He spoke. "You risk a lot to be here. Thank you Luyu." Once Arkadi was satisfied Esha had eaten her portion, he began to eat too. Quickly. The venison he tore into with the same teeth he used to bite the orange-eyed woman. It was good. A great difference than old bread. He paused eating when she spoke something. Weapons of trade...his daggers.

"My daggers." Arkadi crept closer near Esha. He Finished chewing the meat then swallowed deciding he needed to wash it down with some water.

He waited until the beautiful woman had possibly taken another drink before settling on a small gulp. He would leave no pieces to be Found should the dwarf sell what did not belong to him.

His daggers. He only remembered vaguely having lost sight to them in the heated battle. The capture. Luyu brought out a dagger to him. He could tell by the design it was a grand relic, the younglings in his tribe would be thoroughly interested to see such a weapon, his palms opened up. When it was placed in his hand, he touched the shapes etched in the blade. "It means something to you." Arkadi responded looking into the woman's eyes.

"I will keep it safe until I return it back to you because I want to know how you got it among many things." Where did she come From? How did she end up here. His curious nature was in complete wonder. She was mysterious.

"We will strike hard." He turned to look at Esha now. Luyu was leaving, back into the shadows. Arkadi did not say goodbye. He knew she would be seen once more.

Right now at the pressing time, they had to get their strength up. What awaited them was anyone's guess. In order to survive....they would have to kill...do atrocious things. Emerald eyes looked upon the woman.

He wanted to...


The man covered up the body with a white sheet stained with blood as was the white apron-like cloth wrapped around his thin waist. Beneath small glasses, his coconut-colored eyes retained a sadness in them. He shook his head to the whoring woman. Kee. "I've never seen anything like this before. To deliberately ruin a man in such a way. There was nothing I could do. The impact not only rendered his....ahem....it cut into a vital vein. There was too much bloodloss by the time you got him to me. What the hell happened?"

Kee, her wound bandaged, turned around looking around the small household with glowing candles providing the better light portion. She did not answer him. "Caso...he was always a good Fuck."

The doctor's eyebrow raised.

"It was Ironbeard's Fault..."

"...Hmm. I have been hearing his name around town much. Usually it is associated with drinking. What has he done now? Did he do this to Caso?"

"No. He brought wild animals into town."

"Well dear me...did Caso linger to close to the cage?"

"No, it was a man and some other thing with orange eyes. The man attacked Caso." Kee had an appetite to dance around the truth. The doctor seemed even more confused.

"A thing with....." He rubbed his chin. "Orange eyes...? What...does that mean?"

"Hush."

"What? Don't talk to me like that. You still owe me payment. That wound does not come-"

"Oh would you just be quiet. I'm upset. Fine...the usual?" The manipulative woman asked.

"No damn apples. I need to get paid too woman."

Kee rolled her eyes. She stalked toward him where he took a step back confused. She dropped to her knees.

"Wait. What are you...." He stammered. "S-Stop....."
The curtain door opened with the amber-eyed man standing still having interrupted the payment arrangement. The doctor shrugged Kee away turning around embarrassed. He coughed some. "Damn you..."

"You know you wanted it." She turned to the amber-eyed man. "Well."

"They're not Far. He still has them caged. I stepped away a moment but Lady Ox was there with them. I could not hear what they were saying but she gave them Food."

"She called me a whore today basically," Kee pouted. "Said nothing would not have happened had I kept my legs closed. I have class."

Neither man said anything.

"I have a great idea. I want to scar him. The emerald-eyed man. His act against Caso has caused a death."

"Scar him how?" Asked the amber-eyed man.

"Acid." She answered turning around looking at the doctor. "Ironbeard said they were to go into the ring. We will do it then and you will put together a potion. I know you can and I know what you once were before being a so called doctor."

"You're going to threaten me?"

"No. I am going to sleep with you to change your mind. Should you not then I will destroy the name you've made here. They will hang your head across a tree and send your body parts up a river."

The doctor could say nothing. He only looked to the amber-eyed man lowering the curtain door as he departed.

"I want his Face so hideous no woman will look upon him other than in pity. I know you can make something like that."

"You're a bitch."

"Yeah. I suppose." Kee shrugged. She began to open her clothes but he stopped her.

"Keep your wasteland," He grimaced. "I wouldn't sleep with you even should you give me a coin. I may have done bad things but I know what I like in a woman and that is not to have a body ravished by every other male in town. You Filthy little tramp. That woman was right...keep your legs closed. I will make what you ask but I hope who ever you are trying to do in does it to you, oh, excuse me...you can't scar something that was never attractive to begin with."

Kee did not smile. "Wouldn't your daughter like to know what her Father did before he came to town?"

"Leave her out of this!"

"Then I suggest you keep your comments quiet. I will show them. I'm not a dumb whore....make enough...I am going to splash Ironbeard too..."


Arkadi had eaten his venison. Every little meaty portion. He'd not left any. He was hungry. He swallowed the scent down with water still looking at Esha. Luyu's dagger was close to him.
To hell with it.

He didn't know what was going to happen.
He didn't know how his Feelings were changing and she was there.

To hell with it.

He made a movement in a crouch walking to her. His hand clutched the dagger to keepsake close to his heart until the real owner once more held it. One arm reached out to wrap around Esha's back holding her in place. A change since they lay together in the most innocent ways. In this position she may be looking up at him. He looked down at her. His hand with the dagger came to her own, his Fingers prying hers open to wrap over the weapon.

"Let Freedom come to us tonight." And with those words spoken, the Tomineete warrior lowered his lips to hers in a light yet distinctive kiss. How long had it been since he tasted another? A woman. Too long. He risked it all. A slap. Curses. Perhaps even being bitten, he risked it and not gave a damn. He'd wanted to do this. Should he perish in their campaign to be Free, Arkadi wanted to touch in her a way he'd not Forget.

His Esha...
Could she be...? Is that where his Feelings lied?
 
"… You're tribe is too kind. A man stealing from the Rockridge Clan would have been killed. But this old wound was on your leg. A stab here could kill you should it hit something vital." She said looking back to him, her hand strangely calm under his. Joined together. But it was true. His merely exiled the thief. Just like with the Tomineete Clan, there was no reason to steal more than your share. Her chief may have been kind but he left matter like that to Alpha. The head warrior. He was never generous or sympathetic.

She nodded softly to his question to her clan's ways. "I think it's a little extreme myself, yes. The Alpha Warrior likes to have his say in matters like that." Her tone was respectful but it was clear she didn't agree with some of the choices her clan made. She glances at their hands joined together on his old wound. Orange eyes met green as he spoke again. Was that… humor? She gave a soft warm laugh. The laugh that didn't belong to a warrior, nor a woman covered in blood. "Yes because I need someone to talk to in here." She mused, smiling at him softly.

Her eyes looked around to the old dank wooden building. The sounds of the animals made her mind wander. "That woman… The one that helped… She's a druid… I… I don't understand…" It didn't make sense to Esha. Why someone would willingly place themselves in this chaotic, cramped, noisy place. She looked back at him as he started to speak. Wanted her to… run? But he never finished what he was saying. A satchel landed before her. Her vicious orange eyes snapping to the bastard dwarf.

"I'll kill you! You're living on borrowed time! I swear on my family's name you're already dead!" She snapped back, tears of rage threatening to break her normally calm voice. The blonde warrior shouting his own brand of venom at the man. But his weary sigh didn't escape her. She didn't want the dwarfs help but she couldn't let Arkadi sit wounded. She snarled as she watched him shuffle away. She grabbed the satchel and moved back to Arkadi. Applying the salve tenderly to his side. "Be still…" She said, wiping her own blood from her face.

But his soft actions surprised her. Stopping her hands from finishing her task. Mentioning that she'd been hurt too, his tender but strong hand touching her face gently. Her cheeks reddened under the coat of blood on her face as he admitted how angry it made him to see her hurt. She stammered looking for something to take her mind off his tender touch. His finger tracing her lips reminded her of the cut she received. "These are nothing. I still killed the bastard didn't I?" She cooed with a devious grin. "Besides. I've had worse." She sat straighter and motioned with their joined hands to a scar on her belly. "Got this one while hunting. Damn boar was madder than hell and bigger than me. I held on though. Even as his tusk went all the way through…" She twisted her torso to show where the tusk had exited her tiny body from the side of her back. Smile bore a proud smile when recalling the event. Her hand still holding his, she sat normal again. Looking back into his captivating green eyes. It made her heart skip a beat.

It was clear as day to Esha now. The same man that once vowed to kill her was now feeling much different. And her? How did she feel? These thoughts made her head foggy and hard for her to think. He's acting like we've bed together… but… we haven't. She thought as she looked back up to him. She forced a smile, something deep in her scared to let this man close. His hand moved to her chin, holding it tenderly. "Our path to freedom will be paved in blood." She said looking away as her hand reaching up to take his, pulling it gently away from her face. Then that's all he cares about. Bedding me… But…

Fixation on boars? She couldn't help but laugh again at his comment. "No. It wasn't a gift. And no I don't have a fixation on boars. It was one of my first hunts with the hunting party. It was just what we happened to come across. One of the bulkier party members was supposed to draw it's attention. And it decided to go for the smallest one in the party…" Her fingers traced to old scar on her belly. A smile of pride in her face. "I probably should have ran but… Damn thing learned the hard way that size doesn't matter." She smiled again as an uneasy silence fell between them.

But his change of subject was a hard one. Damn he asked those questions. She admired and detested him for being so blunt and straight to the point. She chuckled nervously looking away a moment trying to find the right words. "I um… I honestly… Don't know… I mean… It's not like either of us have any pull in our tribes. I may be top huntress and formidable warrior but I have no real pull… Unless you're like the chiefs son or something." She joked. Habit told her to pull away from him. To push him away. But she couldn't, not when he pulled her into his arms.

Comfort. Like she'd never known. Not even in the secret meetings she had with her chief. He held her the same way but there was no comfort. She was always secretly on edge. Even though it had been him that nursed her back to health after that near fatal night. The night that left a bite scar on her shoulder and her emotions burned forever. Not even he brought such comfort. The Tomineete warrior words brought shock to her face.

"My Father is Tomineete's Chief. I am his son. His only son."

He was joking. He had to be. But he didn't seem the humorous type. Her mind shot back to her dream. Or vision? It had to be a vision. She could only imagine how his father would feel if he thought his only son was killed by a Rockridge trespasser. She pulled away slightly to look at him. Serious expression upon her round face. "Are you serious? … We have to get you back home then. Before a war breaks out…" She stopped herself from saying more. Convince him of what? To let them be… what ever it was that was going on between them? She sighed curling back on his shoulder. "Let's talk about this later. We need to save out energy for when we get out… Plan of action. Kill the dwarf… and anyone else that gets in our way. And find your daggers."

He started on a long winded vow to protect her, angry about her harm and the dwarf. Her heart led her hand to lay her fingers on his lips. Softly hushing him. "Shh. I admire you wanting to protect me but… I am not harmless or feeble. I can handle myself." She said moving her hand back in her lap. "We will protect each other… You know I…" Her words trailed off before she admitted her true feelings. Feel safe when around him? Those words would only add to the confused feelings swimming in her mind. His gaze darted from her as she touched his lips. Then the action dawned on her. Perhaps her heart was dragging her into thoughts she'd rather avoid right now.

He seemed to stumble over his thoughts and words just as she was. But he finally was able to choke out that he didn't mean to imply she was weak. And admitted he admired her. Pulling her hand from his lips and holding them in his lap. She smiled at his comment. Her mind lingering on his words not spoken. His hand tenderly trying to cull her wild hair from her eyes. She wasn't looking at him but she knew his captivating green eyes lingered over her features.

Her tribe would never stand for this. She'd have to leave. Leave her brother and mother behind. And her father as well. She knew this was not a question of if her family would accept. Her father would just go along with it. Not caring either way. He was not a hardened warrior. Her mother however… No she was sure she'd scoop up Arkadi in her arms and mother him. Esha was sure the first words out of her mother's mouth would be children. Children? Oh goddess was she thinking that far ahead?

The blonde warrior's curses brought her to look up. Was his mind wheeling around like hers was? "What is it? What's wr-" Her keen hearing heard soft footsteps. Not the cumbersome shuffle of the dwarf. It was someone being quiet. The huntress sat up, looking about trying to see who it was. Pulling herself from the warrior's embrace. "Do you hear that?" She whispered as she crouched by the edge of the cage. Then she smelled the sooth wild smell of Savanna grasses.

It was Lady Ox, trespassing of course, with a woven basket in her arms. Her moss green eyes looking to the pair with sympathy. A warm tentative smile on her face. "You two look hungry." She said softly pulling out two hunks of cooked venison and a canteen of water. She took soft steps towards the cage and placed the food inside. Esha backed away, a low rumbling growl rising from her throat. "Oh come now little dove. I mean you no harm. Come. Eat this."

Esha took the venison tentatively but took the food from her anyway. Esha stopped growling and just looked at her a moment before moving forward to take the food. Giving the other hunk of the venison to Arkadi. "Thank you…" She said before hastily eating the delicious warm cooked meat. Quenching her thirst with the water before handing it too to the Tomineete warrior. "Ish you're nahme really Lady Os." She said with her mouth full of meat. Her warrior on the other hand was not so trusting. He eyed the woman dangerously. Watching her every movement. He didn't even eat when Esha offered the food. Even though she knew he was hungry. He declined her offer of water, telling her to have her fill first.

The older woman scoffed and shook her head. "No. That's what they just call me. They don't deserve to know my real name… You may call me Luyu." She said in a warm wise voice that made Esha think of her own mother. Luyu darted her head to the door, pausing a moment to listen. "Hm?" She said looking back to the warrior. "Oh you're welcome… Why am I here?" she gave a soft chuckle. "Why not? My tribe is long gone and they have such interesting gadgets. I shall have to show you some when you are free."

Gadgets? What was she talking about? Esha didn't understand. The woman smiled at the mention of their names. "Well Arkadi… Esha. It's a shame we had to meet like this. But… Look I… I don't have much time here. I don't have the keys to this cage nor can I get them in time. But I have seen your weapons of trade and I think this will help." She fished in the basket a moment and produced one dagger, offering it to the Tomineete warrior. It was old and worn, made of bone of some sort. Most likely a dragon but still deadly sharp. Etched in the blade was a cresset moon and a bear paw. "But I want that back." She said with a soft smile.

Luyu nodded softly, a knowing smile on her warm aging face. "Your welcome dove." She looked back up to him as he spoke about her bone dagger. She smiled at the distant memory. "Yes it means something. Because I earned that dragon bone. You two are not the only warriors here." She said in a knowing tone as she pulled away from the cage. "Wait! Luyu… I… Thank you." Esha said, her venison now gone. Luyu just nodded as she slipped from the building.
It was just Esha and Arkadi now. Again silence filled the space between them. Belly full and thirst quenched it was time for Esha to relax as much as possible before their great escape. A weary sigh escaped her as she laid on her back. Her mind dancing around so many different things. Her brother. Mother. Her growing confusion around the Tomineete warrior. She closed her eyes trying not to think about it. She didn't rouse to the warrior's movements. It wasn't like he meant her harm. Wait, what was he doing? She felt his arm scoop under her and the hand that held the dagger opened her hand. So both held the weapon. Together. Orange eyes looked up at him completely baffled and confused.

He was so close now it caused her heart to jump start in her chest. So loud she barely heard his words. But anything he said before didn't register. She inhaled sharply as her breathing shuddered to a stop. Her cheeks involuntarily reddened as his lips touched her in a light but distinctive kiss. She let out a murmur of surprise, her emotions flying every which way. Her first reaction was fight. She gripped the dagger and jerked it back, aiming for Arkadi. Panic set it. He means to take it from me! Her thoughts screamed at her.

Fear. Complete terror set in and her body kicked into high gear. Reacting like this was a fight for her life. But her heart also thundered loudly from the way he tasted. Never had she been kissed like this before. It was like a jolt of electricity caused her heart to beat out of rhythm. Frozen just a fleeting moment before her body went into fight mode. Her arm slipped under the one scooped under her back, forcefully knocking it away and shoving him back at the same time. Her powerful compact legs swooping under his, aiding in tossing him off her to the side. But oh no. Esha did not run from this. She growled dangerously and leapt onto on him. Never letting her grip on the dagger or his hand go. Her legs straddled him as her other hand grabbed the dagger. Now both hands threw the weapon down close to his neck.

"What the hell are you doing!?" She growled dangerously, an animalitic viciousness in her orange eyes. "You think just because we shared a tender moment you can take it from me? I don't think so." She said dangerously through gritted teeth. Her cheeks a rather interesting shade of red. She was blushing. Terribly. Her eyes searched his captivating green ones, her hands shook lightly from her excitement. Why was it so hard to threaten him? His kind eyes, no doubt with shock but still. It was there. The tender side. She tried to keep her hard edge but it was crumbling away like a dry river bank.

Her breath shuddered and she gently let her grip go. "Don't do that again…" She said in an unsure voice, pushing her hands and the dagger away from his neck. One swift motion and she was off him, curled in a corner farthest from him. Her orange eyes watching his every move as her hand absentmindedly touched the old bit on her shoulder. But it also strangely hurt to be so far from him, even though the cage was so small. Her arms wrapped around her body in an insecure way.
 
To hell with it.

Arkadi made a movement in a crouch walking to Esha. His hand clutched the dagger to keepsake close to his heart until he could give back to Luyu what she let him borrow. One arm reached around to wrap around Esha's back to hold her in place. He looked down at her. His hand with the dagger came to her own, his Fingers prying hers open to wrap over the weapon.

"Let Freedom come to us tonight." And with those words spoken, the Tomineete Warrior lowered his lips to hers in a light yet distinctive kiss. How long had it been since he tasted another? A woman. Too long. He risked it all. A slap.

Curses, perhaps something else because in the moment he wanted to do this. Inside him yearned to have her closer. He wanted to touch her in a way that he would not Forget. Never. Never to hurt her. Hurt was not something he wanted to do when taking this moment, it never crossed Arkadi's mind, to wound her or try to turn away but he did so without realizing it.

Without taking the time to understand truly what she'd meant about her shoulder. Somehow hurt her...and now it was too late. The dagger was gripped in a not so pleasant way. It caused him to release the hold pulling back immediately hearing the surprise mummer. The weapon was aimed at him. She took the kiss as he wanted more. Arkadi's own arm went to block in case she went to stab him, his arm would be torn open but otherwise the attack would stop there.

"Esha..." He managed to say her name. It didn't matter. His arm around her back was knocked away. He did not grab her. Not as he would've the night when they Fought one another. Hesitation wouldn't be optional. Now, she had mixed how he Felt to do something he normally wouldn't. In the shove, he was pressed to the bars with his hand contained by hers. He held on in the non-threatening manner. She was on him.

Their eyes meeting. The weapon at his neck and his emerald eyes solely on hers. She asked him a question which he did not answer. His chest continued to rise, breathing hadn't changed. He did speak to her latter comment. "It wasn't my intentions take anything From you." He says calmly.

"I had a moment where I wanted to kiss you and nothing more. Should you believe something has been taken then use the blade as you have the opportunity now but know this, I never wanted to hurt you." He stared up at her orange eyes vicious by all aspects, directed on him to kill, her words venom through clenched teeth like when drawing the beady-eyed bastard in conversation. Red swelled her cheeks, her hands shook while latched onto that blade pointed at his neck.

No. Hurting her was the last thing he wanted to do. Even at this moment, Arkadi tried not to hold her in his arms. Doing so would most likely start a Fight he did not want as he could not draw a hand to her as he did the night they were captured. "I never want to hurt you." Should he only be able to say one thing then that would be it. He didn't. Someone had though. He'd kill the one responsible. He continued to look at her. His Esha.

The warmth still evident in her eyes despite the dagger against his neck. She hadn't harmed him. His eyes watched her lessen the grip, her body moving From his with the warning to not do that again. Kiss her? Arkadi sat up still watching her. Conflicted by his own term. She wanted him never to kiss her again? In a corner curled up like someone lost, someone not wanting to be harmed again and touching the scar on her shoulder.

"Then next time I will ask." His words are low, his own legs are spread and raised at the knees, hair touched over his bare shoulders and as she looked at him, he looked at her. Had she been touched? Violated. The thoughts circled in his mind pertaining to what happened. It was a rule by death. A man never lay with a woman unless she was willing.

Force brought on rape and thus death. He couldn't imagine it. He broke their gaze to run his hands through his hair. "I don't want to hurt you. Not like before. I have made promises to you, I hope that you can remember my words. What I told was truth. In here." He pressed a hand to his heart. "I will not hurt you. That I can promise." Arkadi then released that hand across his chest to stretch out at the distance they were From one another.

"Freedom. It is ours to obtain tonight. You and me." Would she hear him. Hear his words? He took a chance to move toward her. "You vowed to help me return to my home....where my Father awaits I'm most certain. To seek out my daggers. We would do this together." Arkadi moved slowly. "I am not going to hurt you." He'd keep saying it until she understood it. He was close. His hand still extended to hers.

To grasp, to hold onto. For comfort. Footsteps echoed in the distance with those animals making some noises in their cages. Minimal. Someone lurked in the shadows. A individual cloaked as dark as night, unseen by all aspects, approaching this area quickly and alerted by the animals growing more and more restless. It could not be told whether or not the person was male or Female. Arkadi heard. His hand still lingered to be grasped by Esha when he looked over his shoulder to see the person in black standing right outside their cage holding something. A glass bottle. Emerald eyes observed this one and saw what they meant to do. The glass was hurled. The Tomineete warrior pushed Esha with hurried Force behind him whether she wanted to be touched or not. The bottle broke against the bars shattering the contents inside with Arkadi turning his Face away in time as the hot liquid sprayed some of his back turning the skin red. He let out a loud outcry like one enraged slamming into Esha then rammed to the western bars shaking. His breathing increased and blurry eyes saw the culprit running away. He screamed out again grabbing the metal bars squeezing on them hard. In a quick swoop, he raised up striking to the roof of the cage like an animal unaware that it had been captured. Now he was brought down on his stomach and backing into the corner looking around wildly as the red splotches on his back grew bigger. Emerald eyes looked at Esha without a word being said. His hands reached out to touch at the air or even the woman but then he rose to slam to the roof again trying to get out.
 
Never had she been kissed like this before. It was like a jolt of electricity caused her heart to beat out of rhythm. Frozen just a fleeting moment before her body went into fight mode. Fear. Complete terror set in and her body kicked into high gear. Reacting like this was a fight for her life. She let out a murmur of surprise, her emotions flying every which way. Her first reaction was fight. She gripped the dagger and jerked it back, aiming for Arkadi. Panic set it. He means to take it from me! Her thoughts screamed at her.

He pulled the hand from her back to shield himself should she decide to attack him. But she didn't. She knew her training and his words. A prison this small she had to make a killing blow. Cutting his arm would do no good. Her arm slipped under the one scooped under her back, forcefully knocking it away and shoving him back at the same time. Her powerful compact legs swooping under his, aiding in tossing him off her to the side. But oh no. Esha did not run from this. She growled dangerously and leapt onto on him. Never letting her grip on the dagger or his hand go. Her legs straddled him as her other hand grabbed the dagger. Now both hands threw the weapon down close to his neck.

"What the hell are you doing!?" She snapped dangerously. An animalistic viciousness in her voice. "You think just because we shared a tender moment you can take it from me? I don't think so." She said between gritted teeth. But he didn't even fight back. Even with death so close to his neck, he just gave in. What was he getting at? Esha just didn't understand. And looking in to his captivating eyes made her hand unsure. It shook lightly as she tried to keep her vicious edge.

His voice was calm and sympathetic. She also saw in his eyes. He… didn't want to take it from her? But just wanted a kiss? Had she misjudged his intentions? No. That couldn't be. All males wanted was self gratification with out care for the woman. At least that's how Rockridge warriors were. Why would this Tomineete warrior be any different. But his eyes… They said so much more then his words. He said again that he meant no harm. Her grip loosened as her hand shook. Her ragged breathing as her hard edge was crumbling away. What was this man doing to her? It couldn't be good.

"Don't do that again…" She said in an unsure voice, pushing her hands and the dagger away from his neck. One swift motion and she was off him, curled in a corner farthest from him. Her orange eyes watching his every move as her hand absentmindedly touched the old bit on her shoulder. But it also strangely hurt to be so far from him, even though the cage was so small. Her arms wrapped around her body in an insecure way. Orange eyes watched him watching her. He spoke again. A joke? Maybe? Or was he serious? Ask permission to kiss her? Oh Esha was confused now. He still wanted a kiss even after she held his life in her hands?

She was still willing her heat to slow down, thundering in her chest. Making her breathing ragged and fast paced. "Don't want to hurt me? What was that about?" Her voice shook with fear. "You held me to you and held a dagger…" Her voice trailed off. But he placed the dagger into her hand as well. "What else was I to think?" Her voice shook as she looked away closing her eyes and running her fingers through her hair. She took deep breaths to calm herself. He made a promise on his fathers name that he'd not hurt her. She remembered that vow. She looked back to him, his hand moved from his deep chest to motion towards her. He began to move towards her again. She pressed herself against the bars as her orange eyes watched him carefully, her body crouched and her hands down at her sides. Ready to lunge at him should he pose a threat. But his movements, his eyes. Those green eyes said everything she needed to hear. Her posture remained defensive, but this was forced. Again her edge was crumbling away with his tender voice and captivating eyes. "Freedom…" She softly repeated as her eyes watched his hand extend to hers. "You promise? You promise your not interested in… hurting me?"

Her words had a different meaning but she couldn't bring herself to say the real word. What she thought he meant to do. She took a deep shuddering breath as her hand slid closer to his along the floor. Tentatively she reached out, waiting a moment looking into his eyes. Her fingers softly touched his palm as a smile ghosted her face. Her hand retracted at the sound of foot steps, her head darting over her shoulder. Before she knew what was going on Arkadi grabbed her and pushed her behind him.

She gasped as the glass shattered and her Tomineete warrior shielded her from harm once again. Despite their spat moments ago. He still cared. The angry sizzling and the searing smell of flesh made her shake her head. Panicked she looked again to Arkadi as he let out an animalistic cry of rage. She knew then this was no mere glass. But a poison acid of some sort. "Arkadi!" She gasped just before he slammed her against the opposite bars. She let out a painful yelp f surprise as she was winded. Reaction drew the dagger in front of her for protection but her hand waivered as she watched him spiral into madness. "Arkadi! It's acid!" She gasped.

But suddenly he seemed to forget where he was, slamming his body into the top of the cage. Trying to break free. Like an animal. Caged and confused. Her body pressed against the bars she held the dagger close as she watched him in panic. She kept dodging him, sliding from one side to the other trying to put distance between him and her. No… this wasn't just acid. His eyes, the tenderness was gone, only a confused madness remained. It was more then acid. It was also warping his mind. "Arkadi! Listen to me! Calm down. Everything… will be alright…" But she wasn't even sure of her words. Level headed the Tomineete warrior was formidable. But with this acid mind warping poison he could be made stronger. She could see flashes of his back, foreboding red splotches grew with the passing moments. As did his insanity.

Esha pulled upon the strong will that kept her driving forth all these years in hard times. If she panicked and freaked out she knew it would only made his reaction worse. Touching him could drive him deeper into madness and it could mean her end. So Esha did the only thing she knew to calm herself. She sang. "The earth is our mother, we must take care of her. Hey yanna, ho yanna…" Her soft voice sang out, in a calming mother like tone. Still unsteady but she kept singing. "Hey yan yan. Her sacred ground we walk upon, with every step we take." Her calm voice sang softly, her orange eyes watching Arkadi. "The earth is our mother, she will take care of us…" She finished her song as she looked to Arkadi. "Calm down." She slipped the dagger behind her back. Hidden under her leather blouse. Her hand slipping around the canteen of water.

"Let me help you Arkadi. Calm… Be calm." An easy calm tone coaxed the warrior to calm down. "Let me wash your back off. There is more then just acid on your skin…" She said looking as calmly as possible to the warrior. She thought if she could wash it off, she could maybe relieve the madness consuming him. Cautiously she moved closer to him. Closer till she was able to pour the water on his back, trying to wash away the poison. She knew it wouldn't help the acid but maybe it could make him stable again. Whether it worked remains to be seen.
 
Hurting her was the last thing he wanted to do. Even now, as the moment he thought right turned ultimately wrong, Arkadi Fought the urge to bring her in his arms. Hold her tightly. Doing so would most likely draw out a Fight and given how she reacted now, it was not what he wanted. "I never want to hurt you." Should he be able to say one thing then that would be it. No. He did not want to hurt her but someone had though. The signs were there and he vowed without hesitation to kill them. The one responsible. Arkadi continued to look at her. His Esha.

The questions she hurled his way with the warmth still in her eyes and the dagger against his neck. She hadn't harmed him. His eyes watched her lessen the grip, her body removed From his with the warning not do that again. Kiss her. He sat up still watching her. She didn't want him to kiss her again...his emerald eyes watched her move to the cage's corner curled up like someone lost, someone not wanting to be harmed again and touching the scar on her shoulder.

"Then next time I will ask." His words are low, his own legs are spread and raised at the knees, hair touched his bare shoulders and as she looked at him, he looked at her. "My giving the dagger to you as well." He explained. "It only meant....it was not a notion to bring you harm." True, he may have went about it wrong but they were beyond those two young warriors in the woods determined to do one another great damage.

"I don't want to hurt you. Not like before. I have made my promises to you. What I wanted you to have thought...was to have a little more trust in me and remember my words. What I told you was truth. In here." He pressed a hand to his heart. "I will not hurt you. That I can promise." He then released his hand across his chest to stretch out at the distance they were From one another.

"Freedom. It is ours to obtain tonight. You and me." Arkadi took the chance to move toward her. "You vowed to help me return to my home where my Father awaits I'm most certain. To seek out my daggers. We would do this together." He moved slowly. "I'm not going to hurt you." Those words would be spoken over and over until she understood it. Now he was close. His hand still extended to hers. He nodded when she said the word. Freedom.

"Yes Esha. Our Freedom. Take my hand. Know that with it grasped I will not harm you. I am your warrior as you are mine and I will never hurt you, it is no interest to me. I promise but know this...the one that has done you a dishonor...." She didn't have to say it. Not the real word. Esha had been violated. Raped. Arkadi wasn't stupid. The signs...they were there.

"I will kill them." He meant this. The one having done what he could only confirm by her telling him had better put distance with their Feet, as soon as they escaped, the Tomineete warrior was coming. No doubt in that. He looked into her orange eyes as she touched his palm, the welcomed touch. One to let him know she had heard his words and as he went to speak again, the chance was destroyed. Eradictaed. Footsteps echoed in the distance with the animals in cages making noises. Minimal. Someone lurked in the shadows.

A individual cloaked as dark as night, unseen by all aspects, approaching this area quickly and alerted by the animals growing more and more restless. It could not be told whether the person was male or Female. Arkadi soon heard. He looked over his shoulder to see the person in black standing right outside their cage holding something. A glass bottle. Emerald eyes observed this one and saw what they meant to do. The bottle was hurled. Without blinking, the Tomineete warrior pushed Esha with Force behind him. His instinct only to protect her kicking in. The bottle broke against the bars shattering the contents inside with him turning his Face in time as the hot liquid sprayed on some of his back turning the skin red.

He screamed. Let out a loud outcry heard by anyone in the area. Enraged, his body slammed into Esha then went against the western bars shaking. He would not hear Esha calling out his name nor her words. His breathing increased and blurry eyes saw the culprit running away. Screaming out again, Arkadi's hands grabbed the metal bars squeezing them hard. In a quick swoop, he raised up striking the roof of the cage like an animal unaware they'd been captured.

The action brought him down on his stomach and backing into a corner looking around wildly as the red splotches on his back grew bigger. Emerald eyes looked to the other in the cage without a word being said to her words that he calm down. He pushed up to the bars more, his hands reached out to touch at the air or even the woman but then he rose to slam the roof again attempting to get out without no success.

His vision to Esha was blurry. A moving blur....meant to do harm. He nearly lunged at her but stopped. Something kept him From doing so. Instead his legs kicked out some. His hands going to his head, ears. In pain, he screamed out, the sanity slipping away and reality becoming darkness.

He rammed into another side, body pressed up against the metal bars, those which hindered his Freedom. Hands tightened around them and words in Tomineete's ancient tongue let loose From his lips.

"Ursha |Father|...Naino |Mother|....Feingon |Darkness|" He shook the metal bars looking all around crazed. The animals making noises helped absolutely nothing. It served to bring out hissing noises brought on by Arkadi. With a quick glance back to Esha, his eyebrows narrowed, he crouched, ducked low like a predator eying their prey, clearly unlike the warmth in his eyes earlier. He moved back still holding those bars. What was she doing? He hissed. Those white teeth bared.

But....

| "The earth is our mother, we must take care of her. Hey yanna, ho yanna. Hey yan yan. Her sacred ground we walk upon, with every step we take. The earth is our mother, she will take care of us..." | A gentle voice through the darkness. Sweet. Familiar. The damaged man's grip on the bars loosened. The song....he heard it...
Arkadi pressed his head to the same bars he held muttering inaudible words, shaking. The red splotches now bubbled to peel at his skin with blood coming to rise. He did not move anymore as the woman approached him. His eyes closed. "Naino..."


A bump in the wagon roused the eight-year old child awake as he'd been sleeping in the back propped on various blankets made by the extrordinary velvet in many colors. He'd been lying on his stomach. Naked. The water long since dried on his body in due part to the sun overhead above the thick trees and the calm wind on this noon day.

Even at his young age, the blonde hair, unkempt, was long, around his shoulders though a bit lighter but it would change as he grew older. He yawned sprawled out more as his right hand enclosed over the blankets then his head rose and the other hand came under his chin, eyes were still closed and little lips smacked together as he remained this way smelling in the Fresh scent provided by the Forest.

All he'd ever known. Nature but they'd been traveling For days. Away From Tomineete and without notice to his Father, surely the man would be mad, Arkadi had been warned on numerous occasions not to venture Far without protection, least away From the village's territory, but here she was, taking him with her, to sell other blankets she made the hobby to making, in order to be able to gather Food. The past winter had been harsh, not much Food to go around. The elder ones, some, passed on due to starvation and many, though not voiced outloud, blamed Arkadi's Father and she would not tolerate it. Something had to be done.

His emerald eyes opened. Not a single scar riddled his young Face. He looked up to see only her back as she sat to the wagon's top with her hands on the reigns steering the two horses. Arkadi wondered at times whether she was even born in Tomineete like he and his Father, they used not these wagons nor horses rather their own Feet to travel but she had this transportation, hidden, so it made the conclusion to be, this trip, wasn't the First. A strange one she was, sharing his long blonde hair and emerald eyes. Arkadi, awake, stared at her back. She wore a thin white garment. As though sensing eyes on him, the woman looked back, she smiled.

"My piglet is awake."

Arkadi closed his eyes again sharing her smile. "I'm not a piglet."

"You are to me." She insisted. "Pink and screaming when they brought you out me. My world."

Arkadi's head dropped down on the blankets. He let out a small groan to her laughter. "How much Further?"

"Not that long."

"What are we going to do?"

The woman turned her head back ahead to watch the road riddled with dirt and grass. "Sell these blankets. Not the ones you are lying on but others. The earnings will Fetch us Food to bring back to Tomineete my love." She explained.

"Father will be angry he could not come."

"Let him. This venture was For a good cause."

"....I'm hungry."

"I know my young one, I know. Can you hold out a little longer? You will have something to eat. I promise."

Arkadi's head raised. He nodded with a whispered okay. He rolled over on his back peeking between his hands at the sun glistening tree leaves. He could hear her humming. A song and it sounded serene. It made him Feel at ease to close his eyes once more.

Mother....Naino...


| "Let me help you Arkadi. Calm...Be calm." |
He hadn't moved. The insanity driven man. His hands still on the bars. Her warmth came closer to him. Her words did not have a reaction in him like the song. It was only when the water came on his back that he cried out taking hold to the bars once more. It hurt. The past and the present merged in one. He lurched Forward breathing hard. "Es.....ha..." Arkadi let the bars go. He slipped down in a laid position on his stomach writhing to the water pouring on the wounds soaking away the blood. Like his eye, he'd have permanent scaring on his back. He kept calling her name.


The wagon came to a stop as did his mother's humming. The eight-year old rolled over on his stomach, legs kicking up some as he viewed the woman's back. She was looking at something. He stood up now, walking shoeless in the back over his blankets toward her, one arm wrapping around her neck. Her hand raised to pat his arm. She'd been looking at another overturned wagon with men standing beside it. Seven. They did not look like the warriors in Tomineete, rather more rugged. Harsh. Foreboding. "Piglet, put on your clothes." His mother told him without taking her eyes away From the men now staring back at her.

"What's wrong Naino?" He asked.

"Please do as I say."

"Okay..." Arkadi knelt down to put on his pants. The overturned wagon had been some accident. Possibly caused by these men and they were stealing the spoils. Had been at least. Arkadi knelt in the back looking up at his mother. "Who are those people?" He was not answered as the woman was trying to turn the wagon now, to go another path. Hastily.

"Stay down my love." She shouted to him. He complied. The wagon was turning and those men were coming. Running now. Arkadi held onto the wagon side as it veered in a more right direction, those horses doing their best to pull the contraption and in a manner away From the site, Arkadi's mother looked over her shoulder to the ones pursing. Her only thought relied on her child. To protect him. The men were coming quicker than the wagon could move. "My love, come up here! Come to me."

One arm opened to him which he latched onto bringing brought to her body in a swing. She would hold him as she climbed onto one horse prying loose the reigns to leave everything else behind. The other horse broke loose while the woman held her child to her as they took to another direction, their hair whipping in the wind. She looked over her shoulder to see the wagon crash into the trees but those men still pursued.


"....They killed her." Arkadi mummered. Sweat coated his Forehead as he spoke in a low voice trapped in the cage with Esha. His senses gradually returning but he talked in words broken. His listless eyes directed to the cage bottom where he lied. "Song....sing the song to remind me. They killed her as I lay in the bushes." He spoke. "Tortured her. My Naino...mother. I could do nothing...sing the song....to remind me...." The warrior turned some, his eyes on her. He reached out. "Esha...don't leave..."
 
She pressed herself against the bars as her orange eyes watched him carefully, her body crouched and her hands down at her sides. Ready to lunge at him should he pose a threat. But his movements, his eyes. Those green eyes said everything she needed to hear. Her posture remained defensive, but this was forced. Again her edge was crumbling away with his tender voice and captivating eyes. "Freedom…" She softly repeated as her eyes watched his hand extend to hers. "You promise? You promise your not interested in… hurting me?"

His words explained that by taking his hand meant his was her warrior and meant no harm. Her warrior? Was a strange thing to think. Even if he wasn't Tomineete. No warrior had earned that right, to be her warrior. Or no man had earned the right to call her his. But maybe Arkadi did. Painful memories flooded back and she gave a pained expression as she looked down a fleeting moment. He was vowing to kill the man that had caused her this scar and this emotional pain. "You can't kill what is already dead… But… Thank you for the offer." She said, a smile ghosting her face.

She took a deep shuddering breath as her hand slid closer to his along the floor. Tentatively she reached out, waiting a moment looking into his eyes. Her fingers softly touched his palm as a smile ghosted her face. Her hand retracted at the sound of foot steps, her head darting over her shoulder. Before she knew what was going on Arkadi grabbed her and pushed her behind him.

Everything that followed happened in a flurry of chaos. Glass broke and the smell and sounds of sizzling flesh invaded the air. The Tomineete warrior flew into a rage like madness, slamming her into the side of the cage. The like a confused wild animal fought to get out of the cage. Esha did her best to dodge him, holding the dagger out in front for defense. But it was quickly clear that this was not just acid seeping into his skin. But a poison that warped the mind. "Arkadi! It's acid!" She gasped as her hand waivered in front of her.

"Arkadi! Listen to me! Calm down. Everything… will be alright…" But she wasn't even sure of her words. Level headed the Tomineete warrior was formidable. But with this acid mind warping poison he could be made stronger. She could see flashes of his back, foreboding red splotches grew with the passing moments. He spoke in a dialect she didn't quite understand. Screaming as he cupped his hands over his ears as if to drown out some noise. Sure the other caged animals were not baying, howling and screeching but Esha knew this was not the cause.

Arkadi too up a aggressive defensive stance, hissing angrily at her. Esha pulled upon the strong will that kept her driving forth all these years in hard times. If she panicked and freaked out she knew it would only made his reaction worse. Touching him could drive him deeper into madness and it could mean her end. So Esha did the only thing she knew to calm herself. She sang. "The earth is our mother, we must take care of her. Hey yanna, ho yanna…" Her soft voice sang out, in a calming mother like tone. Still unsteady but she kept singing. "Hey yan yan. Her sacred ground we walk upon, with every step we take." Her calm voice sang softly, her orange eyes watching Arkadi. "The earth is our mother, she will take care of us…" She finished her song as she looked to Arkadi. "Calm down." She slipped the dagger behind her back. Hidden under her leather blouse. Her hand slipping around the canteen of water.

"Let me help you Arkadi. Calm… Be calm." An easy calm tone coaxed the warrior to calm down. "Let me wash your back off. There is more then just acid on your skin…" She said looking as calmly as possible to the warrior. She thought if she could wash it off, she could maybe relieve the madness consuming him. Cautiously she moved closer to him. Closer till she was able to pour the water on his back, trying to wash away the poison. She knew it wouldn't help the acid but maybe it could make him stable again. She jerked back a bit as he cried out in pain.

She let out a shaky sigh of relief when he called her name. Her singing worked. She didn't know how but she wasn't going to question it. "Yes! Esha. That's right. It's me Esha. Be calm Arkadi." She shuddered in sadness and horror as he writhed in pain. It the little time she'd been with Arkadi he had come to impress her as a warrior. She had come to even respect him. To see him in this much agony tore away at her heart. She scooted closer as she continued to hum the tune of the song. "I'm sorry this hurts you. But it's helping." She poured the rest of the water on his back, his blood soaking the wooden floor of their tiny prison. "Shhh I know. I know it hurts. Come back to me Arkadi. I don't know where you are but come back."

Her hand shakily reached for his, her fingers tentatively and tenderly touching his hand. His broken words broke her heart as he painfully spoke. Killed who? Esha didn't understand. But she still scooted closer, her hand moving away from his arm and to his sweat drenched face. "Who? Who killed who?" She wasn't even sure why she was asking but he was at least talking to her. Now calm. Her fingers ran threw his sweat dampened hair, removing the blonde mess from his face. The huntress leaned closer, her hand tenderly caressing his forehead as she listened to him again.

What ever poison was thrown at him it made him remember something terrible. Her eyes became glassy as tears threatened to leak from her orange eyes. He'd watched his mother die. She shook her head, forcing the tears away. "Don't blame yourself. You had to be just a boy." She was now scooted close enough for her legs to be touching his arm. Leaned over tenderly caressing his hair to keep him calm. She tilted her head as he turned his. He asked her not to leave.

Perhaps it was the shared tragedy they both had been placed in that drew Esha closer to this warrior. Or it was something deeper that tugged at her young heart. But even as she threatened his life just moments ago, she could not resent him. She leaned down, looking at his hand as she shakily took it in her. Leaning down until she looked in his eyes. Those captivating green eyes. "I'm not leaning you." Her voice held so much weight and confidence that if Arkadi reached out his hands he could hold them. "We are leaving together. You and I. I'm going to find who did this to you. And I'll make them pay." Her later words were dark and threatening. A promise she aimed to keep.

Timidly she laid on her stomach next to him, her hands still holding his. She made a promise, she'd not leave him. She sighed in desperation as she looked around and listened. The animals quieted as Arkadi quieted and an eerie silence hung in the air. Esha laid with Arkadi for a while. Another couple of hours before the animals started back up again. Esha jerked her head towards the entrance of the building as she slid to a crouching position. Her hands still tendering and now protectively hold Arkadi's. She sneered angrily and growled deeply as the smell of beer and fabricated cloth seeped closer to her.

"Time a make me a rich ol' bast… Wut in dey name o'me hair beard?! Damnit woman! Aye said heal hims not fuckin' kill him! Son of a grave rat… He's fuckin' broken!?" The squatty dwarf snapped angrily. Esha stood over her warrior. Her Tomineete warrior and gave a deep hiss. "I didn't do this! Someone attacked us with acid!" but her words obviously hit deaf ears as the dwarf kicked his short legs and spat angrily in dwarvish. His gibberish degraded beyond what Esha could understand. "It was a cloaked figure. Couldn't tell if it was a man or woman…" She said to the tiny dwarf as his lackeys came up behind.

"Boss there expecting you… Just send the female out an-" But the man didn't finish as he had a canteen smack against his head. Esha was a good shot. "I'll be dead before I leave him alone!" She snarled angrily. "Gahhhh no time. No time. Kenne be backin' out now… DAMNIT… Git dey cart to dey ring… Dey gonna havta fight like dey are." He kicked a rock away as he started to shuffle off. The lackeys nodded and grabbed an ox and fixed it to the cart. All the while deep growls and hisses seethed from Esha. Far more threatening then she had been before. She was being overly aggressive to protect her weakened warrior. She promised him.

Wild orange eyes darted around as she clung to her warrior. She'd not leave him. She made a promise and she'd die before she broke it. The cart moved through the slums again, dirty grimy. She looked around trying to watch their path, trying to make a mental note of which way to run when they escaped. The dagger still hidden in her back, she waited. Till no one was looking and she silently slid the dagger. Motionlessly she took Arkadi's hand to hers and placed the dagger in his hand. "Here. You're gonna need this. We're getting out okay? Do you understand? I'm not leaving with out you alive. I promise." She said looking to a huge wooden sphere. The ring.

It was massive, like a coliseum. The gladiatorial ring. The noise level from the crowd was deafening. Screaming, cheering and jeering. So much so that Esha covered her ears. The cart was led down a dark tunnel. The coppery smell of blood and the stench of sweat and tears permeated the walls of this forsaken place. She was sure this place knew more death then she could imagine. And she planned to add to the number. Horrible screams and horrendous roars echoed though the dank dark tunnel. Her ragged breathing and thundering heart were barely audible over the noise.

The cart continued until it reached tall thick wooden doors. A few burley men waved the cart over and approached with thick hooked poles. Esha growled dangerously hissing angrily. "Enjoy your last breaths! You're all dying tonight!" She snarled deeply. But they seemed unphased. Hooking the poles to the bars of the cage. Esha lunged for the pole but the men yanked hard, pulling the cage from the cart. Esha tumbled away from Arkadi a moment. She jerked back to her feet as the maneuvered the cart next to the huge wooden door. The cage door against a smaller opening in the door. The men connected the cage to the door with chains. Making it impossible to be broken away. Once connected one bellowed to another hidden from sight. "Cage is ready!" and with that a wooden slot the same size as the cage opened.

Bright light invaded Esha's eyes. It surprised her and she squinted until her eyes were able to focus. The reddish sand was deeply stained from all the blood that had been spilled there. Her eyes shot upwards to the walls. But they were tall and layered with razor sharp spikes. Some of which still had rotting victims and skeletal remains hanging from them. Rows upon rows of seats were filled with spectators waiting to see the blood bath. Many were already taking bets on which would win.

Another hook lashed the top of the cage, sliding the cage door open. For the first time in days, the door was open but Esha was reluctant to leave. She clung to Arkadi, worried more about him then she was about the blood bathed arena.
 
Arkadi's head raised to look up at his mother, her light blonde hair blowing in the wind. He did not understand. Why were they running? Were they not suppose to sell the blankets in order to obtain Food For Tomineete? Why had his mother turned the wagon around, more importantly set the horses loose in which they rode one while the other escaped somewhere in the undying Forest and the transportation carrying those priceless garments crashed into some trees.

Arkadi in his youth did not understand. He sought a look by his mother. The one with a protective arm around his naked upper body and another stretched out, her hand gripping the reigns to steer their horse, Firmly. Beyond the trees they moved. The wind whipping hard at their Faces and was no less keeping that unrestrained hair out.

The woman, with her emerald eyes, would not look down at his own nor did she show any emotion which may have made the situation worse than it was. Occasionally would she look behind. To those men. Their own once hidden horses coming to aid them as their heavy weight climbed upon the animals galloping From paths unknown, they came as quickly as the mother gained a lead never letting her grip on her child loosen.

It was about him. Him. "Yah. Yah." The woman tugged on the reigns more leaning Forward some with Arkadi pressed to her chest. She had been no native to the Tomineete Tribe. Her true heritage lying in the seedy world drenched in sin, a world she'd not have her boy see. Not many had known this as she'd been a child when abandoned in nature by a whoring mother and a Father too drunk to remember his own name.

Abandoned to cry amongst the trees and discovered by a boy whom not only would become her husband and lover but a Father to their only son, Arkadi, a soul destined to be Tomineete's chief. He would take her back to the village where childless druids raised her as their own and no one outside the circle knew her to be any different.

Coming From such a background made her stronger than most and it was that strength which could not have her stop as she knew what men these were. Rogues. Whores to thievery themselves. They lacked the moral standing between right and wrong and would not hesitate to do her harm as well as the child she protected.

"Naino....I'm scared." Arkai cried out. "We are going to Fast..."

"Hush baby..." The woman called out. To her right came one man shrouded in a cloak and behind was someone else. To close them in. What could she do? Trying to turn left would have her ram into another able body and the Forest was thick. It nearly took her a day to come at this point. A decision needed to be made....

She slowed the horse down in attempt to turn through an opening. Her beast collided to the one directly behind. The impact toppled both animals to the ground where Arkadi was thrown out his mother's protective arm to tumble between the bushes rolling and crying out until he made a complete stop with his head hitting a rock. His emerald eyes widened some then shut slowly. Force awakened him abruptly.

Hands digging into his blonde hair shaking him. Frightened eyes, blurry, looked all around viewing in a moment pure bushes then the trees, someone raised Arkadi by his head trying to make him stand but his little knees buckled, his arms reached up automatically to make a grab at the one which held such a tight grip on his hair. The man shook him glaring down with wretched hazel eyes, the only thing visible in his otherwise cloaked Face. Arkadi's heart beat quickly.

He stared up at the man For the longest time then became aware to sounds not too Far away. He didn't recognize them. The curious child, crying out some, searched the source. He saw torn white cloth lying on the ground bloody, saw track marks in the dirt and a movement to blonde hair being pushed back and Forth.

His silent mother. Surrounded in a haze by those men having chased them. They were doing to her, something any person should not be made to endure and yet with this, the woman made no screams, she would keep quiet. For her son's sake, as not to have him worry.

"Naino." Arkadi squirmed. "Mother."

"Shut up boy!" The man shook him again. He turned his attention to the show. Hearing the grunting noises overtaking the Forest.

"Mother."

"I said shut your mouth." The man threw him down to the ground. He raised his boot to kick the child in the stomach. Arkadi cried out rolling over. The breath gone From his lungs. He whimpered. Those grunting soundes Filled his ears. He still called out to his mother.

"My love.....my love.....hear my voice....Mother is okay. Hear my voice. I am with you. Always. Always. I love you. We....will never be apart-" And the woman is silenced with a dagger to her neck, her eyes retained no warmth, her blood began to coat the blade draining down her smooth skin and onto the ground. Her arms hang out loosely.

"Mother..." Arkadi cried out.
The man, having kicked him, yanked him up by his hair as his comrades continue to taint the dead woman's body. They care not what happens to the child. Not in the least. Arkadi views his mother, her lifeless body being savaged, as he's dragged through the woodlands by his hair, like some rag doll. The man looked down some, his other hand pulling back the cloak to reveal the glimmer to a dagger.

He takes it out Flipping it up and down to let the child see. He pulled him along where the trees opened to a pathway most Foreign, it lead out in a small resting point cliffside overlooking another lower part to the Forest. This portion held a lake below. The man dropped the child's hair opting to kick him once again.

A cry gurgled out Arkadi, he whimpered shielding his eyes to the sun, loose in this portion, he began to cry now at his mother's death. The abuse he sustained. As the man hovered low, reaching out, that child's instincts latched on in a bite to the bigger hand going to grip his hair again.

He bit down hard not letting the man's hollering stop him. Not even the blood rising and spilling along his little lips and chin. It was when that dagger came carving up the right side to his Face that Arkadi let go temporarily blinded by the cruel attack. He only saw his attacker mere seconds more then the above trees. Force kicked him over the side where he plunged below and water became his only view.

The darkened water and his mother's Face. He was alive though and a swimmer having been taught by his Father. Arkadi's insides exploded in pain as he propelled to the surface taking in a huge breath. He swam to the small shore where he drug his body out to lay shivering unable to move From this spot. Lost he was. Truly. "Naino..." He called out to the woman whom would not answer." The little child laid there merely.


They raped and killed her.
His mother.

"They killed her." Arkadi mummered. Sweat coated his Forehead as he spoke in a low voice trapped not only in the cage with Esha but the memories to his past. They'd been pushed to his mind where thought to be lost but through the violence, they resurfaced. His senses were gradually returning but he still talked in broken words. "Sing the song to remind me. They killed her as I lay in the bushes. Tortured her. My Naino. My mother. I could do nothing. Sing the song to remind me..." He turned some with his hands and eyes reaching out.

"Esha...don't go." Her Fingers pushed aside his dampened hair and it was in this moment that the Tomineete warrior was vunerable the most. Haunted. He did cast the blame within, never Forgetting his sire's Face when the entire village had scowered the woodlands in search. They discovered the shivering child and his mother up above. Her entire body maimed.

The pieces lying scattered. It was some sport to them. Arkadi's Father never told him about this rather the villagers in the hunting party spoke about the tragedy, word eventually reached the tribe leader's son. His hand grasped Esha's leg, not threateningly. "Don't go...." His hand departed her leg only to be taken up by her, their eyes met. She wasn't leaving him.

We're leaving together.
You and I.
I'm going to Find out who did this you.
And I'll make them pay.

Who did this. To him. His back seethed angrily. The water coating the blood, washing away the poison but the damage had already been done. His skin would be scarred. Like those over his Face and inner leg. It made the once intact Flesh blister heavily, tear, and pus. He dare not lie on it even in the wicked state drawing back to a more understood state. His eyes Followed Esha, lying on her stomach, the song she sang very much playing in his head. Calming him. Their hands still tightly together. The tired warrior's eyelids Fluttered closed, unwillingly. Fatigue took him and the last image he saw was her. Esha. "Can't kill what is already dead....but I will make sure you never hurt again..."

Esha. Her song. Orange eyes looking back at him in that mysterious manner.

Her song.

Tomineete.
That woman at his side. With him.
Images Flashed. Nothing ever concrete and long.
His mother.
Father.
Ironbeard being slain like oatmeal.
The cage.
The animals.
Arkadi kissing Esha. The panic set in to her. The promise he made not to hurt her. She was raped. His one. He would protect her, as his mind overlapped with the possible Future, present, and past, the warrior's body shook some. He was unaware to the time but those animal sounds broke through his thoughts and the warmth near him seemed to move in another position but that wasn't important. The images continued to Flash in his mind. His dead mother. Her warm embrace. What she called him when he was only a little one. As he saw her, he saw not a woman massacred by dirty men but as she normally was. A happy wife and mother. When she vanished into the darkness, Arkadi saw Esha now, coming to replace her, his mind preoccupied as his body shuddered to go in the same direction to Esha's warmth. Ironbeard returned....

Esha...
She..
Was the reason.
The reason he needed to keep going.

Freedom. It had to be obtained. They made promises to one another. Yes. His broken scattered mind slowly but certainly sewed back together. Arkadi could now hear them talking or rather Esha trying to explain to the unreasonable bastard what took place. Someone threw acid. A cloaked Figure, he remembered, though what took place afterwards proved to be anyone's guess. The bottle exploded. The contents sprayed upon him as though his body had been set ablaze and during it all...the memories...one Figure was clear. That woman with the orange eyes, her glorious being crept it's way into Arkadi's thoughts where it would remain. Forever.

Her voice and the dwarf's then came more Followed by silence. Emerald eyes opened slowly, the woman was crouched over him. Protecting him. He turned his head to look up. To see not only her but the bastard set to die horribly as well as other men. Even those animals in their cages. It was the darkened night.

A strange smell lingered in the air. From what he gathered, there was a panic yet they would still be taken to this ring. Arkadi moved under her to settle more on his side discreetly, eyes capturing a monkey in the nearby cage looking. Big brown eyes looked into his own. Both had one thing in common. Wanting to be Free. Free...

Yes....

Arkadi's hand squeezed Esha's to let her calm down. Everything would be alright. His eyes closed again.

"I think she was right..." One lackey motioned to the ground where the broken glass remains lie. "Do you smell that? Like something mixed in with potions. Look at his back, tore through, only person I know that makes things like that is Doc, rumor is he's a war criminal but doc? Really? I don't think so. He wouldn't simply make something like that."

"Probably Kee threatened him into doing it. She was pretty mad today. Dirty whore, legs are always open...." Another spoke. "Let's hurry to the ring, see what they can do. Boss is going to be the joke around should this turn out to be bad...."

"Thought he already was..." The one let out a small laugh. "I heard he slept with Kee that's why he was so Furious with her today. Broken romance..."

"You've been reading that stupid book too much Gray Shades. Don't know why you want to read anyway, doesn't serve anyone any good. Look at me, can't read worth shit."

"....Serving a dwarf....I see. It's "Fifty Shades of Grey" by the way. Pretty decent."

"Shut the hell up."

"Just saying...."

Arkadi's eyes only opened when in his hand came the dagger in his hand. He looked at her then does leading them along to make sure they were not looking. He then turned back to her. His head nodded. "Freedom...is ours. Tonight. We both....leave together." He caught a look to the massive wooden sphere in the distance. Their stop. He'd never seen anything like. He turned on his stomach edging closer to her, matted hair clung to him. The screaming only did one thing. It ignited his heart. To save her. His one. This was what they looked at, these people. Saw men and beasts alike slaughtered or slaughtering one another in sport.

What about druids? No. They'd not seen such and he was certain what happened tonight would not be Forgotten. Their view to the coliseum like ring was shortened and now the cart was being lead down a darkened tunnel.

"Hold onto me." Arkadi told the other. He kept them close. The sounds too loud to drown out. Their movement stopped until reaching some thick wooden doors, what was happening? Unknown men were waving the bastard's men over, they approached with thick poles almost bringing the blonde to think a repeat to the day's events was on the horizon, he was making room to climb up, hearing his Feisty one hiss her threats.

The poles came against the cage, the woman tried to lung at them but those men pulled and the cage was brought down, Arkadi slid to one side making sure to not add any pressure on his back. He held on to the metal bars reaching out to Esha, seeing her tumble away. All he could see was the cage being connected to some small opening, the workers outside were placing chains on the cage's door.

Why? He wondered. Someone yelled something about the cage being ready. With that spoken, the slot door? opened with a blinding light considering they'd been in night's dark grasp, Arkadi shut his own eyes but his nose absorbed the decayed smell associated with death. Very vissible it was. Many had died here. In this private hell. He opened his hues to the blood-stained sand, the tall walls litered with corpse remains over the razor sharp spikes.

Those having lost the battle and seeing it all were people. Among those people, the woman Kee, hidden under a cloak veil. She had been the one to throw the poison and no one else. Arkadi saw her. The cloak. She wasn't a very smart woman at that. Doing a deed then leaving evidence behind. Esha was near him again, clinging to him, as he held her. It mattered not whether they were looked on or even the Fact the cage door was open, just right now. He would be alright. He was here. She brought him back. A smile touched his Features.

"We will get through this. We cut a path, anything lying in the wait. You and me. Us. I am Fine." He was trying reassure her. "You stay close to me...." The Tomineete Warrior sat up to hear a very loud spectator cry out.

"Eh...what the Fuck is dis? No one is doin' nothing! I ain't paid my money to see some blonde bitch be holdin' a cat woman thing. I want to see blood! Fuck Ironbeard, lying drunk. Shoulda known he's been smelling his own ass again!" The balding nearly toothless drunk, not by his own saying, threw a bottle....

Arkadi looked at Esha one more time. "Let us gain our Freedom." He eased out the cage to properly stretch his legs looking around and at the bottle coming down. With incredible Force, he, wielding the dagger hidden by eyes, smashed the bottle into pieces as it sprayed over the sand. And For the act. Snatching up a piece, the Tomineete warrior threw it in precise aim to stab the man in the neck causing uproar.

The victim gasped trying to reach at his neck but blood gurgled out his lips and he slumped over while ruthless people robbed him to any spoils he might've had. Whether Esha was close to him, Arkadi looked around at them until he saw Kee again. He pointed to the woman, her eyes widened to be picked out. She didn't like the way the druid looked at her. A hidden rage lingered. Revenge would have to wait.

More pressing matters were at hand. The source to the roaring. From what was gathered, it was a battle orgy. Men and beasts thrown together to see whom came out victorious. With the newcomers thrown into the mix, it was on. Arkadi's mind went to battle mode. He gripped Luyu's dagger now determined to survive. To see her survive. Coming on their right was three men. Enemies to each other, they made the Fatal mistake to judge the druids as being weak. Grave mistake. Arkadi growled. He let out a cry much like when being hit with acid though this was more in control.

Determined. He sprinted like a madman to cut their path. The odds, he glanced over his shoulder to see Esha near. Always stay near. Never stray away as he would keep close to her. He needed her as much as she needed him. The blade came tossed in the air, Arkadi caught it in his right palm gashing it without hesitation to one man's head chipping into his skull, the tip pressed to the brain inside spurting out a horrendous amount of blood.

The instant kill made room to watch the body drop over then move onto the next all while making sure the woman was alright. She could handle her own, true, but what would he be should he not have some worry over her? His curled Fist took the second man's jaw by surprise so hard that his head turned, eyes shut in a blink, mouth opened shooting out spit caked teeth. A groan Followed. Arkadi countered again. The haymaker second punch landed directly to his victim whom now spit out blood. His weapon dropping with his body. He was very much dead, rendered in a permanent coma. Now only one remained. Esha's prey. It had begun....
 
Deep threatening animalistic hisses and snarls seethed from the huntresses throat. Directed at the dwarf in question. She was crouched over the Tomineete warrior protectively. Her smaller hand never leaving his. Her orange eyes shifted, taking on a more cat like appearance. Her nails even grew to sharp points. She'd not leave him. Not now. They'd have to drag her lifeless body from him.

His back looked a mess. Soaked in blood and puss, angry open wounds were matted with his hair. She was sure he wouldn't be able to move. That being she had to protect him. But softly, like a ghost, her hand holding Arkadi's was gently squeezed. Her head motioned to look but the moved it back to watch the threat before them. He was aware. This was very good news, but her elated feeling didn't show.

Doc. The name stuck like her claws in flesh. So he was the one that made the potion. Bullied by Kee, or so the men thought. It didn't matter to Esha if this man made the potion. It was who hired him to do so. Kee. Her blood would spill by the end of the night. That Esha promised.

"Stop that jibber jabberin' and get the cart hooked up…" The man whom Esha's had nailed in the head said. Rubbing his sore head from where the canteen hit him. A sour expression on his grizzled face. "What ever happened between Kee and Ironbeard happened in the past. Probably wise not to bring it up around him…" He added as he muscled the ox to the cart. "And stop reading that sissy shit. Makes us thugs all look bad when we have a literate one in the bunch." He snarled somewhat playfully.

Wild orange eyes darted around as she clung to her warrior. She'd not leave him. She made a promise and she'd die before she broke it. The cart moved through the slums again, dirty grimy. She looked around trying to watch their path, trying to make a mental note of which way to run when they escaped. The dagger still hidden in her back, she waited. Till no one was looking and she silently slid the dagger. Motionlessly she took Arkadi's hand to hers and placed the dagger in his hand. "Here. You're gonna need this. We're getting out okay? Do you understand? I'm not leaving with out you alive. I promise." She said looking to a huge wooden sphere. The ring.

It was massive, like a coliseum. The gladiatorial ring. The noise level from the crowd was deafening. Screaming, cheering and jeering. So much so that Esha covered her ears. The cart was led down a dark tunnel. The coppery smell of blood and the stench of sweat and tears permeated the walls of this forsaken place. She was sure this place knew more death then she could imagine. And she planned to add to the number. Horrible screams and horrendous roars echoed though the dank dark tunnel. Her ragged breathing and thundering heart were barely audible over the noise.

It surprised Esha when Arkadi roused at the horrible sounds that drown out their thoughts. She could barely heard his words whispering into her ears. But she willingly followed him arms into his embrace. His protective embrace that eased her worries about all of this. She knew they had to get out. They will get out. To bring the Tomineete prince back to his father. And her back to her little brother. Her cat like orange eyes wide with anticipation and excitement. Her arms wrapped around her neck, tenderly avoiding his back. Her head next to his as she spoke in his ear. "To the death we fight tonight. For our freedom. For our families." The thought crossed her mind to apologize for her aggressive actions when he kissed her. But Esha was cocky. She knew she could apologize later. Because she planned to escape.

Being so close to the warrior brought those strange feelings to surface. Focus! Focus! She told her self. The cart continued until it reached tall thick wooden doors. A few burley men waved the cart over and approached with thick hooked poles. Esha growled dangerously hissing angrily. "Enjoy your last breaths! You're all dying tonight!" She snarled deeply. But they seemed unphased. Hooking the poles to the bars of the cage. Esha lunged for the pole but the men yanked hard, pulling the cage from the cart. Esha tumbled away from Arkadi a moment. She jerked back to her feet as the maneuvered the cart next to the huge wooden door. The cage door against a smaller opening in the door. The men connected the cage to the door with chains. Making it impossible to be broken away. Once connected one bellowed to another hidden from sight. "Cage is ready!" and with that a wooden slot the same size as the cage opened.

Bright light invaded Esha's eyes. It surprised her and she squinted until her eyes were able to focus. The reddish sand was deeply stained from all the blood that had been spilled there. Her eyes shot upwards to the walls. But they were tall and layered with razor sharp spikes. Some of which still had rotting victims and skeletal remains hanging from them. Rows upon rows of seats were filled with spectators waiting to see the blood bath. Many were already taking bets on which would win.

There was no hiding it, Esha was scared. Terrified really. All the noises, all the smells all the feelings she had were making her head swim with fear. She breathed heavily, her head darting around. She slammed her eyes shut and started to take deep breaths. She had to focus.

"It's okay to be scared. But you can't let it rule you." The alpha warrior's words rang out in her mind. But her warriors voice spoke through the roar of the crowd and even over her thoughts.

|"We will get through this. We cut a path, anything lying in the wait. You and me. Us. I am Fine. You stay close to me...."|

With that he moved from the cage and she followed. Letting her grip on his neck and shoulders release. She pulled away to look him in the face, her fingers dragging along his shoulder. His slight smile lifting her spirits more then she could convey. Her head jerked to the angry voice screaming above all else. A drunken man. Spouting about how he'd not come to see this. But another caught her ears. Spiking that hidden fear within her.

"Damn look et that one eh? She in there to fight?" He boisterously nudged his comrade. "Yea guess so. Damn shame. I bet she's a biter. I'd love to tie her up and have some fun."

The huntress stood with her back to Arkadi's back. Her fingers refusing to loose touch of him. The men she could hear voice their terrible thoughts and she wanted nothing more then to silence them. Suddenly Arkadi moved just out of touch. She jerked around to hear a glass shatter. Dangerous vicious warrior, her warrior. In these bowls of hell he'd been awakened. She was humbled by his ability to regain his focus. Lashing out with the hidden dagger to render to bottle into nothing.

She laughed, hinted with venom but still warm like a mother or sister. Laughed at her warrior's true aim. "That was a nice shot." She cooed as her eyes followed to the three men walking into the ring. She backed closer to him, a stern look upon her face. "Just so you know. I was taking it easy on you when we first met." She said with a… Flirty smile? Yes. Her full lips curled into a flirty smile to him as her eyes looked back to the men advancing upon them.

She looked back to Arkadi as he pointed to someone. Who? Oh the woman he pointed to drew out a dangerous hiss and deep growl from Esha. Her orange eyes lock furiously onto the woman Kee. Her blood would be spilled tonight. Esha promised.

The hardened look took over her warrior as he stepped with determination towards the men advancing upon them. Her orange eyes focused on her prey, not as food but a fight for survival. This was much like the sparing pit back home. Only the looser lost their life. Not just their dignity. Arkadi charged them men and Esha followed. Determined to stay close to him. The crowd went into an insane uproar as Esha changed before their very eyes. She jumped in the air and in mid leap, tawny fur erupted all over her body. Dark brown striped chased up her short powerful legs. The sandy blonde ridge on her back shook as her padded paws landed on the ground.

Oh Irnobeard was beyond pleased. People would come just to see that. She was down right lovely. A beautiful creature. And deadly. She charged past Arkadi and his first victim. His blood splattered on her tawny pelt as guttural growls rumbled from her as she charged forward. But she lashed out a claw at the second man. Making him jerk away missing her attack but landing into Arkadi's fist. Staggered off balance by the Tomineete warriors fists, the huntress wasted no time sinking her teeth deep into the man's leg. Rendered in a permanent coma by him, but this was not enough for the huntress. The moment he hit the ground she let out a cougar roar and pounced on the incapacitated man. Biting down hard into his weak neck and snapping it quickly. Blood spurted across her muzzle as she shook her head violently. The action bathing her in blood.

The remaining man charged forth, blindly to his own death. The mighty cat turned and charged the man, dropping her current lifeless prey. She leapt again with a terrifying cougar like scream, lashing her claws into the man's armor. Relentless in her attack, her weight slammed the man to the ground. His sword sliced across her hide but her now thick pelt barely felt the blow. Her long sabers slammed with such force around the man's skull that the crack of his bones could be heard from where Arkadi stood. The man grabbed a tuft of fur as a last act but her powerful jaws repeatedly bit down, continuing to crush his skull.

Her maw now splashed with blood, she whipped around snarling viciously as she spat out brain matter and skull fragments. The cat darted her blood face up at the Tomineete warrior making sure he was still in one piece. Of course he was but she still worried for him. Leaving her twitching prey she circled back to him, low grumbles rumbled from her throat as blood dripped from her mouth. Panting as she eyed more men coming behind them. Eyeing the druids warily now.

She made a bark like growl as she mock charged a group, forcing them to scatter like lambs to the slaughter. Two circled back around thinking they'd take out the Tomineete warrior. A huge barbarian and a smaller lithe one. The barbarian dragged a great sword along the ground, swinging it in a wide arch trying to cut Arkadi in two. The cat yowled in warning, focused on the men going for Arkadi that she missed the barbarian standing in front of her. "Me smash little kitty!" A deep bellowing voice called from behind her.

She jerked her head back in time to see a massive self made wooden mace swinging at her. The impact was like a snow buffalo hitting her in the side, a painful yowl erupted from her as she flew through the air and tumbled some distance away. She rolled back to her feet, growling in pain as she forced her self to her feet. She was pretty sure she sustained bruised maybe even broken ribs but this would not stop her. She crawled along the ground and to someone else, she appeared gravely wounded. The Barbarian fell for it. Holding his mace high to come down and smash her small head.

But the cat erupted with surprising force and speed, leaping at the mans throat. Her claws embedded into his shoulders as her jaws clamped down on his face. He let out a surprised yell and grabbed her by her neck. Pulling her painfully from his face. Blood pooling from his wounds. But Esha's back feet kicked and raked furiously, ripping open the barbarian at his stomach as he held her. He howled in pain and ripped her off him, tossing her to the side. She quickly rolled and regained her footing as the man dropped to his knees trying to contain his insides.

~ ~ ~

"You're going to be there… Right Divinigos?" Moss green eyes narrowed on the slender man before her. His long straight hair was shimmering white with blue hues. His blue eyes focused on an old book in his delicate hands. Unique eyes, blue with a slit in the middle like a snakes eyes. His skin a strange pale white color, much like his hair with out the blue. He looked human, maybe a bit elvish with his delicate elegant features. But his ears were human. "With clothing on of course?" Luyu said to the man as he sat merely in briefs.

Luyu was moving with purpose and speed as she darted around her home. She strapped a satchel on her side and quickly filled it with medicine. She was sure she'd need them. Why was she doing this again? Bah she didn't know why. All she knew was Divinigos was the tie breaker. She needed his eccentric self to make an appearance. "Are you listening to me?" Divinigos licked his finger as he turned the page. "Fascinating…" His calmly voice mumbled, oblivious to Luyu and her scurrying about. "Oh bloody hell. You useless lizard."

That prompted a scowl. "I'm not a lizard. Warm blooded not needing the sun to energize my body and hollow bones. Substantially larger brain size-" That's where Luyu but in. "That's debatable. Look. Just don't be late!" He turned his attention back to the book. "Yes yes bear bear. Away with you. You are disrupting my time learning about dwarven history and their immunity to magic." He frowned as he turned the page again.

Luyu watched him a moment before grabbing another set of hand crafted daggers. "Remember what I said? Wait thirty minutes and come. I just need to get the druids out of there. You don't need to kill or set fire to anything. Just fly in and cause a distraction…"

"Able to handle magic imbued stones without consequence… But are unable to do proper magic themselves… Fascinating…" He turned the page.
 
"Eh...what the Fuck is dis? No one is doin' nothing! I ain't paid my money to see some blonde bitch be holdin' a cat woman thing. I want to see blood! Fuck Ironbeard, lying drunk. Shoulda known he's been smelling his own ass again!" The balding toothless drunk, not by his own saying, threw a bottle....

Arkadi looked at Esha one more time. "Let us gain our Freedom." He eased out the cage to properly stretch his legs looking around and at the bottle coming down. With incredible Force, he, wielding the dagger hidden by eyes, smashed it into pieces as it sprayed over the sand. And For the act, he snatched up a piece throwing it with precise aim to stab the drunk in the neck causing an uproar. Arkadi pressed into Esha, his hand coming to reach down and hold her hand. His head turned to her laughter, her compliment. "My aim was a little lax..." He smiled some giving her a Full look when she mentioned their encounter. When they First met. She took it easy on him. This made him grin more matching her....smile. Quite different. It was alluring...and it radiated a beating to his heart. Was she....Flirting? And he couldn't very well ask about it or pursue it now given where they were and his daze but as soon as they escaped. He would....

More pressing matters were at hand. The source to the roaring. From what was gathered, it was some battle orgy. Men and Beasts thrown together to see whom came out victorious. With the newcomers thrown in the mix, it was on. Arkadi's mind reverted to battle mode. He gripped Luyu's dagger determined to survive. To see her survive. Esha.

Coming on the right now was three men. Enemies to each other, they made a Fatal mistake to judge the druids as being weak. A Grave Mistake. Arkadi let out a growl. It was a cry much like when being hit with the acid though this was one more in control. He sprinted like a madman to cut their path. The odds, he glanced over his shoulder to see Esha near. Not only near but she changed into her true Form. The crowd went wild. The people shouting, impressed by what they saw. Enamored by the blood spilled. This was a game to them.

Always stay stay near. Never stray away as he would keep close to her. He needed her as much as she needed him. That blade came tossed into the air, Arkadi caught it in his right palm gashing it without hesitation to one man's head chipping into his skull, the tip pressed to the brain inside spurting out a horrendous amount of blood. The instant kill made room to watch the body drop over, The Tomineete warrior side-stepped, holding that dagger's hilt Firmly all while making sure the woman was alright but she was more than alright. Esha had been charging past him, his First victim's blood spilling on her pelt in the road to that second man.

A direct path Arkadi intended to go. She was Fierce. A Force to be reckoned with. The second victim let out a startled cry as the druid's claw came at him. He ducked back to avoid serious injury but staggered around to meet Arkadi's Fist. A hook right onto the jaw so hard that the man's mouth opened, teeth came spat out, a loud groan Followed with Esha's vicious attack sinking into his leg. The emerald-eyed one wasn't done. He landed a second haymaker punch directly to his victim whom vomitted up blood. His weapon dropped with his body. Very much dead For all purposes, he came to be rendered in a permanent coma. Arkadi's eyes turned on his one, her lithe body pouncing the coma-induced man, a roar coming as she bit down into his neck, snapping it, he would be like all the others, dead. Never to wake.

The blood sprayed on Arkadi's pants leg. He crouched down beside Esha in a protective stance allowing her to Finish, to do what she needed to do undisturbed. He drew his dagger-wielding arm up clutching it. Eying that last bastard. His head shook slowly, From side to side in warning to that one, not to do it. Not to come. His warning went unheard. Blinded with the ideal to overpower the united two, that stupid one came charging, even having seen what happened to the other two, he was about to get in a hit to the blonde, yet Esha provided him with a quick death. Arkadi came in a dash knocking his smaller dagger to the sword belonging to the now grounded man. Steel clashed against steel, he drove it up and into the air spinning until coming to strike back down in the ground.

"Esha!" She'd been struck, he saw the blade touch to her hide, it made him seethe with anger, was she hurt? His hand ran across her body in quick inspection, rage Filled him, he lowered down stabbing the man in the Face with Luyu's dagger. Blood stained his chest. They combined their power to turn that body into nothing able to be repaired. He breathed heavily. Eyes looking at the bystanders sitting above, that woman Kee standing now, wide-eyed, now capable to see the damage they could do. Arkadi met those eyes again, emotion drained From them. Her time was coming. Soon.

Their battle wasn't over. He rose, his hand running over Esha's back. More came. From behind. He turned slightly over his shoulder, Arkadi counted six. Six to approach. Six to die. The young man turned around, his long hair stained with blood, it touched against his Face along with some sweat. His teeth bared at the same time Esha growled. The group scattered as she pretended to charge at them. Arkadi eyed the rather large barbarian. His colossal sword dragging against the ground and another coming at him, he was angled away

From Esha, hearing her warning growl. He ducked back at the huge arch, his head turning to look at his one, A Foe had come to her Front. Arkadi's eyes widened dramatically. It happened in slow motion. The wooden mace striking her side. The sound. That sound against her body. That sound. Having to witness her harmed when he swore to protect her. Wouldn't let anything happen to her like...his mother. His teeth clenched down. He let out a raging scream to enter the entire arena. Murderous. It silenced the crowd in awe, no one took a breath. His heart pounded in his ears.

ThumpThumpThumpThump. No one was allowed to touch her. Never. Not to harm. ThumpThumpThumpThump. Arkadi whirled around. He ducked low on his knees, legs spread, elbows touching the red sand, he looked with a snarl to the huge barbarian with the sword. The next swipe missed him entirely. He pushed his body up and onto his back, Foot went directly to that one's privates crushing it with a most brutal timed kick.

The huge man hollared dropping his sword. Flipping to right side up, the Tomineete warrior lunged at him, the dagger stabbing in his neck repeatedly, the blood gurshed out heavily, the victim crying out by each stab. Arkadi lowered his mouth that neck latching on as hard as he could tearing out Flesh and veins. With his mouth Full, he turned to the other approaching warrior spitting the contents in his Face, blinding him.

"Agh...ye bloody-"

The dagger cut into his eye gouging it out and Facial bone. The body dropped. Now back to the big one. Arkadi did a Full swing with the blade wounding his chest, tearing it open. He didn't care about the body only Esha. Esha...where was she? She'd been thrown. He saw her crawling along the ground. He was running to her aggressor. That one trying to smash her head in. "Don't you touch her!" He screamed. Esha was already on the attack in a surprise move, her claws to his shoulders, jaws to his Face. A death grip. The yelling by the man went unheard by Arkadi. The attack was quick. He saw her be thrown down and the man dropped to his knees trying to recover. He wouldn't. Arkadi came at him stabbing him in his neck. He hooked the dagger up then dragged it out From his head. He kicked the corpse aside dropping near Esha, there was no point to being modest now.

Blood stained them both. For the moment, he dropped the bloody dagger to hold her cat Face looking into those orange eyes, wanting desperately to touch that wound. To make it better. She was okay. She was okay, that's all that mattered. He rubbed his Face to her muzzle? The affection only lasted seconds, there was heavy pounding in the sand now. The battle no where near over. He grabbed the dagger wielding a look back From the shadows. A wild behemoth with the hardened chocolate brown skin raked it's huge claws into the sand shoveling it aside. The wide mouth bared back to reveal those sharp jagged teeth, riding on it was some human man with a tribal mask covering his Face.

He rode it like a horse, reigns and all. The beast weighed heavily down on the two raising on the two back legs, it held one clawed had up. Arkadi stood his ground protectively near Esha. The attack was imminent. The impact knocked him clear across the arena. He grunted hitting the sand in a tumble, shoulder popping out. "Agh....." Arkadi gritted his teeth landing backside. That torn skin lit like electric current passing through him. Though it didn't matter. He rolled on his side and up again seeing the behemoth going to land a strike at Esha now. Arkadi snarled, using his good arm, he slammed the weapon to his chest in taunt. The monster hissed. It's owner obviously angered.

"You Fucking beast!" A whip slashed the hide.

The bellow echoed into the arena as more opponents came to join the battle. The behemoth raised up knocking it's owner down. "Nrghh...huh?" Looking up, his last seconds saw the creature reach to step and squish him with it's Foot....the body was completely torn apart. Now the beast was beserked. Those other Fighters coming into the ring were batted aside like Flies. It wanted Esha and Arkadi.

Arkadi was running back now.

Kee's bottom lip quivered. She had to leave. Now. She was pushing aside people done with watching the violence....

With his shoulder dislocated, Arkadi ran with the usage of only one. The behemoth knocked Esha aside in pursuit to the one taunting it. The Tomineete warrior. Both ran at one another with exceptional speed. Emerald eyes burning into red.

"Minna ley..." Arkadi spoke at the last minute, Tomineete power. To draw enemies under a hypnotic spell. The creature was stunned, Arkadi used his good arm to clutch the beast's bigger one swinging up on it's back where the previous ass sat. "Minna ley!" Screamed the blonde. The behemoth was ally For the moment. It turned at Arkadi's beckon, turned back to her. It ran to protect Esha, to knock away any enemy coming at her. The crowd squealed in delight.

"Come Esha!" Arkadi reached out to her, the beast lowered........until the spell broke.....It screeched reaching up, seizing the one on it. "Damn it..." Arkadi cried out. He was then thrown to the wall. Hitting it knocked the wind From him. His shoulder popped back into place luckily. The beast chucked others into the wall and the spectator seating, patrons were knocked down into the ring too. One man grabbed onto Kee's cloak as he was on the verge to Falling.

"Let me go!" The whore screamed. Too late. Her cloak ripped and she was sent down right with him toppling in the sand with a thud.
 
She laughed, hinted with venom but still warm like a mother or sister. Laughed at her warrior's true aim. "That was a nice shot." She cooed as her thoughts swam. His fingers intertwined with hers and his back pressed against hers. He was being humble about his aim. She smiled at the thought. "Just so you know. I was taking it easy on you when we first met." She said. Her full lips curled into a flirty smile to him as her eyes looked back to the men advancing upon them. That warranted him to look upon her fully.

But the sultry smile faded as the mass of men and beasts alike flooded into the ring. Many already locked into combat. What caught her attention were three closing in the distance between them. The crowd only cheered more as she shifted into her true form. Sleek like a panther she stalked towards the men. Rushing blindly into Arkadi's awaiting hands. His dagger slammed into his first victims face. His blood spraying from him, splattering on Esha's tawny panther pelt. But she was locked onto the second one coming.

Arkadi was vicious in his own right. His brutality and savagery was nothing new to Esha. It was the knowledge of how gentle and caring he could be. Savage beast one light and yet in another light a caring protective man. She couldn't help but admire him. Together they took down the second stupid man to come too close. Tomineete warrior knocking him down, in a coma now. But no he'd not be allowed to still breath. The moment he hit the ground the Rockridge Huntress let out a cougar roar and pounced on the incapacitated man. Biting down hard into his weak neck and snapping it quickly. Blood spurted across her muzzle as she shook her head violently. The action bathing her in blood.

The remaining man charged forth, blindly to his own death, not heeding Arkadi's head shake. The mighty cat turned and charged the man, dropping her current lifeless prey. Her warrior charged the man, the clashing of blades irritated her sensitive ears. She leapt again with a terrifying cougar like scream, lashing her claws into the man's armor. Relentless in her attack, her weight slammed the man to the ground. His sword sliced across her hide but her now thick pelt barely felt the blow. Her long sabers slammed with such force around the man's skull that the crack of his bones could be heard from where Arkadi stood. The man grabbed a tuft of fur as a last act but her powerful jaws repeatedly bit down, continuing to crush his skull.

Her name called drew her head up, spitting out bits of brain matter and skull fragments. She stepped away from her twitching prey. Dead now but his brain was still sending jolts of signals. She coiled close to him, his hand tenderly touching her side. Nothing more than a nick that barely drew blood. Blood dripped from her ruby soaked fur. Soft growls rumbled from her as she eyed the crowd. Orange eyes darted around the arena as his hand slid over her back. A deep growl seethed from her throat as six more came closer. The ridge of sandy blonde fur stood on end as she made a mock charge at the men letting a bark like growl jump from her throat. Scattering them like lambs to the slaughter.

Two circled back to her warrior. A lithe one brandishing his own daggers and a huge barbarian dragging a great sword. She gave a warning yowl as the barbarian swung his sword in an arch at him. Vicious and agile he leaned back enough to miss the attack. But his eyes? He looked horrified… "Me smash little kitty!" Her head jerked back to the barbarian in front of her wielding a huge wooden mace. He swung hard and Esha only had time to turn to the side. A painful yowl left her as she was grand slammed into the air. Hitting the ground some distance away, she growled painfully as she rolled herself on her belly. She associated the feeling of being hit by a snow buffalo back home.

Her orange eyes shot to the murderous raging scream. What was that? Surely… No it was. It was Arkadi. Beyond furious to see her damaged. It made her shudder to hear such a scream. Even the advancing barbarian took a look back as she took this moment to move. She moved along the ground, front paws digging into the ground. Bobbing her head submissively and dragging her back end as if she were mortally wounded. Her ploy worked and the man let his guard down. Big mistake.

Holding his mace high to come down and smash her small head. But the cat erupted with surprising force and speed, leaping at the mans throat. Her claws embedded into his shoulders as her jaws clamped down on his face. He let out a surprised yell and grabbed her by her neck. Pulling her painfully from his face. Blood pooling from his wounds. But Esha's back feet kicked and raked furiously, ripping open the barbarian at his stomach as he held her. He howled in pain and ripped her off him, tossing her to the side. She quickly rolled and regained her footing as the man dropped to his knees trying to contain his insides.

The only sound now was the screaming of the two victims being savaged by the two druids. She rounded back and slinked quickly back towards her warrior. Barely visible through all the blood that covered his being. Even more blood covered him as he stabbed his dagger into the crippled barbarian. Nearly severing his head. Her ears and whiskers perked forward as she came to sit slightly slumped forward as he fell to his knees. With out a proper voice she could not say she was fine. Something clearly changed in this warrior. Once wanted her death now was clearly more. He dropped his dagger and took her bloody cat face in his hands.

He rubbed his face affectionately on her muzzle. She blinked slowed and chuffed at him. A short breathy snort usually made by tigers to show their mates and cubs affection. For Esha the sound gave the same meaning. Within seconds it was back to reality as the ground thundered under them. Her ears plastered against her head and she rose up on all fours slowly. Oh she was not ready for what was lumbering their way.

Skin a muddy brown and claws that could impale her and her warrior both. Teeth that could render them into nothing in moments snarled deeply. A behemoth. Esha hissed deeply at it, now taking notice of the man astride it. She laughed inside. One could not command a behemoth like that. It was amazing he'd not been thrown thus far from it. She only had time to flatten her body against the ground before it reared up on it's legs and swung it's massive arm. Knocking away her warrior.

Oh how she let out a hellish scream. No. She promised to protect him. She promised to take him back to his father. That he'd not die here. She'd taken down a drake, might as well add behemoth to the mix. That hellish cougar scream silenced the crowd as she lunged to the beast. Biting and clawing her way to it's throat. The creature knocked her down but like a true cat she landed on her feet. Making sure to dart between it and Arkadi. The whip lashed its side and the beast grew tired of the abuse. Reaching up to grab the tribal masked man, slamming him to the ground. Mashing him into nothing.

A glint of something flashed to her side, and it made the great panther hop side ways. Just dodging a batterd man wielding two axes. She growled angrily as she lashed her claws at the man, raking his wide blade as he blocked. Thundering behind her and another object slammed into her. This time it was the fist of the behemoth. She landed hard into the other fighter, knocking both to the ground. What in the world? It ran right past her.

No… His arm was hanging uselessly and he was… What was he doing? Taunting it? No. He shouldn't. It could kill him. She jumped off the fighter, whom also shoved her off, and started to run towards the Tomineete warrior.

Both charging at one another. No this wasn't bravery this was suicide. She roared in panic as they suddenly stopped. Words spoken seemed to lull the beast. Arkadi's power of beasts just with words brought awe to Esha's orange eyes. She'd never seen anything like it. A bellowing yell sounded behind her, no beside her, no on the other side. Damnit she was surrounded. Three axe wielding men was really bad news. Her mind raced with which one to take down first but the ground beneath her shook was the behemoth charged towards her. It smashed one man into the other with great force while rushing over to snap the last in it's jaws, biting the man in two. Esha was bathed in blood and she jumped away before the back half of the man fell upon her.

Orange eyes wheeled around to face the beast and her warrior. He called for her but she hesitated, even as it lowered down. She hesitated. She didn't trust this damn thing for as far as she could throw it. Which was not at all. And with good reason. It's rage consumed it once again, blazing red eyes burned into the panther as she backed away. As if time slowed down, it bellowed and grabbed her warrior. The one she vowed to protect. The one she promised to keep alive. Tossed him like a rag doll, slamming him into a wall. Thankfully not impaling him. Another piercing roar bellowed from Esha. She leapt flawlessly high into the air from a dead stand still. Leaping on the beasts face.

The fight with the drake in her mind. She had to blind it first. This beast was no different. Her jaws clamped down on it's eye, her claws embedded into it's flesh keeping her held fast. She knew she hit her mark as more then blood splattered into her mouth. The beast bellowed in a painful rage, raking it's claws at it's face. But Esha let go just in time and dropped to her feet, bounding quickly to her fallen warrior. Spitting out blood and it's chewed eye ball from her maw. The beast flew into a rage and began to fling fighters everywhere. She dodged one that flew by her, slamming into the spikes. Others rained upon the crowd.

Her padded paws skidded to a halt before Arkadi and she shifted back into her human form. She was crouched over his, lifting his head from the stained sand. "Arkadi! You better get up! I'm not leaving here with out you!" She demanded of him. Rolling him gently on his back. Chaos was everywhere. All around. Patrons were somehow being tossed in the ring also. Easy slaughter for the men wanting their revenge as well. She hadn't noticed Kee for the moment. Only the man rushing towards her and Arkadi. She didn't hesitate, she let out a battle cry and snatched the fallen dagger next her warrior. Rushing in and swinging the dagger into the first mans neck. Blood sprayed on her. She viciously ripped the dagger out and bit down, ripping fleshy bloody chucks from his neck. She shoved his gurgling form to the ground as two more surrounded her.

She spit the flesh out and hissed dangerously as she backed towards Arkadi. She crouched beside him, placing the dagger by his hand and shifting in an instant into her feline form. A hellish scream seethed from her cat muzzle at the men coming towards her. Backed into a corner she hissed with more urgency, lashing her claws at the men. Crouched low, protecting her warrior. She'd not leave him. She'd not let him die. She lunged for the man on the right, sinking her saber teeth deep into the only non-armored place, his groin. He howled in pain and slammed his dagger down into her shoulder. Blood spurted from her wound. But she didn't let go, even as she let out a muffled yowl of pain. For nothing she'd not let go. She used her strength to shove the one in her grasp into the other man knocking them both down. She shook her head violently, tearing the man's privates out. Hitting a major artery he bled out fast. He slammed his dagger down again but Esha let go just in time to snap her jaws around his arm. Chain mail armor did nothing to stop the crushing power of her jaws. Snapping the bone within. She left him, leaping back to her warrior. Panting in pain heavily as her own blood streaked her tawny pelt. Moving back to protect her warrior.

Something caught her eyes. The felines face darted to the flowing robes that frantically darted around the ring wall. Could Esha be so lucky? It was her. Kee. A deadly focused determination snapped in her eyes. A piercing roar left her as she called to Kee. Letting her know she dead was soon.

"Fuck dis!" the squatty dwarf was quick to slip out a short sword and gut a man trying to topple over him. He'd not be going out like this. How was he supposed to know one of the druids could talk to beasts!? He shuffled away quickly, eagerly avoided the edge. "Git dey hell outta dere! We catch em when dis be ova!" He demanded of his men.

The sound from the ring was a craze now. Echoing in her ears and staining her nose with fresh blood. It made Luyu sick. Why was she doing this? Saving these two? A piercing scream froze her movements. Arkadi's scream. No doubt seeing his love harmed. "Damnit! Hang on you two!" She said as she ran at full sprint, falling to the ground as lumbering paws drove her forward with incredible speed. Shifted now she lumbered forward, patrons screaming at the site of this animal so big moving with such determined speed.
 
Blood stained them both. For the moment, he dropped the bloody dagger to hold her cat Face looking into those orange eyes, wanting desperately to touch that wound. To make it better. She was okay. She was okay, that's all that mattered.

He rubbed his Face to her muzzle. His heart pounding to the sounds she made, unable to properly talk to him but he understood these sounds. The comfort toward them both. In this situation. Arkadi relished her touch. It brought him back to his days in Tomineete. He longed to show her. Yes. He would, when they were safely From this hell. Alive. Together.

The affection only lasted seconds, there was heavy pounding in the sand now. The battle no where near over. He grabbed the dagger wielding a look back From the shadows. A wild behemoth with the hardened chocolate brown skin raked it's huge claws into the sand shoveling it aside.

The wide mouth bared back to reveal those sharp jagged teeth, riding on it was some human man with a tribal mask covering his Face. He rode it like a horse, reigns and all. The beast weighed heavily down on the two raising on the two back legs, it held one clawed had up. Arkadi stood his ground protectively near Esha.

The attack was imminent. The impact knocked him clear across the arena and he heard that hellish scream. It lingered in his ears. He grunted hitting the sand in a tumble, shoulder popping out. "Agh....." Arkadi gritted his teeth landing backside. That torn skin lit like electric current passing through him. Though it didn't matter. He rolled on his side and up again seeing the behemoth going to land a strike at Esha now. Arkadi snarled, using his good arm, he slammed the weapon to his chest in taunt. The monster hissed. It's owner obviously angered.

"You Fucking beast! Get that cat! Now damn you, worthless shit!" A whip slashed the hide. The bellow echoed into the arena as more opponents came to join the battle. The behemoth raised up knocking it's owner down. "Nrghh...huh?" Looking up, his last seconds saw the creature reach to step and squish him with it's Foot....the body was completely torn apart. Now the beast was beserked. Those other Fighters coming into the ring were batted aside like Flies.

It wanted Esha and Arkadi.

"No...Esha!" The behemoth attacked her mercilessly slamming her into another Fighter. Seeing her hurt had his urgency to return to battle important. He was running now.

Kee's bottom lip quivered. She had to leave. Now. She was pushing aside people done with watching the violence....With his shoulder dislocated, Arkadi ran with the usage of only one. The behemoth knocked Esha aside in pursuit to the one taunting it. The Tomineete warrior. Both ran at one another with exceptional speed. Emerald eyes burning into red. He could very well see and hear that lovely one coming at him but to turn toward her would end what he planned to do. May get them both killed, it wasn't something he could afford.

"Minna ley..." Arkadi spoke at the last minute, Tomineete power. To draw enemies under a hypnotic spell. The creature was stunned, Arkadi used his good arm to clutch the beast's bigger one swinging up on it's back where the previous ass sat. "Minna ley!" Screamed the blonde. The behemoth was ally For the moment. It turned at Arkadi's beckon, turned back to her. It ran to protect Esha, to knock away any enemy coming at her. The crowd squealed in delight.

"Come Esha!" Arkadi reached out to her, the beast lowered........until the spell broke.....It screeched reaching up, seizing the one on it. "Damn it..." Arkadi cried out. He was then thrown to the wall. Hitting it knocked the wind From him. His shoulder popped back into place luckily. The beast chucked others into the wall and the spectator seating, patrons were knocked down into the ring too. One man grabbed onto Kee's cloak as he was on the verge to Falling. "Let me go!" The whore screamed. Too late. Her cloak ripped and she was sent down right with him toppling in the sand with a thud.

"Ugh..." Arkadi gritted his teeth, pressed against that sand, a momentary savior to his shoulder having popped it back into place From the earlier disconnection. He'd been thrown a tremendous distance and he was surprised more hadn't been broken in his body. The wind had been knocked out him as he remained in a sitting position, legs spread out, chest heaving, and those emerald eyes absorbing everything going on. The violence. How Far it had been taken. This was dangerous. He and Esha did not belong here. Esha. In his absence, she challenged the raging behemoth. In an upside down view he saw her climb onto the beast whom wanted to counterattack by shoving her aside but her agility proved greater as well as her size. The behemoth let out a loud bellow as claws entered it's Flesh, Esha cut down it's vision by taking out one eye. The astounding bellow Filled the entire arena. Arkadi heard it too. He was at the moment lost in thought.

They had to escape. No, right now, he had to protect her. He had to get up. His body weighed a ton and certainly did he smell blood in his nostrils. His own? Or maybe someone else's. The behemoth's victims. He heard her voice. Esha's. His daze abandoned him to see her coming to him, in her true Form, dodging the body haze, was this what these people relished in? Complete chaos? His Father would have a wide-eyed to hear the tale he had to tell him. She was at him instantly. Returning to her human Form. He shook his head covering her hands on his Face.

"I am Fine. Now that you are here..." He shouted to be heard. His strength coming back. As he was rolled on his back, he let out a strangled cry due to the injury caused by Kee having not been healed. It was like Fire ripping through him. He bit down on his lip rising to meet her, his bigger hands on her smaller ones. He examined her. It tore at him to see her as she was. Having seen her harmed, damn, how weak was he? Damn it all to hell. He couldn't hold her. They were being Flanked. Arkadi's head turned over his shoulder to see, not the Fallen Kee, but a man coming at them. His inner instinct had him to reach out, For that dagger, though Esha beat him to the punch. She snatched it up and surprised Filled him, her outcry, watching her protectively defend him.

Come to take down the First in a bloody mess with the crimson liquid spraying over her body, the victim was reduced to a gurgling mass dropping in the sand. He took the dagger with hurried intensity as she came back at his side reverting to her Feline Form, another cry escaping her, the urge to protect him. He'd not let her do it alone. His palm enclosed around the dagger, he was up quickly, the third man posing a hazard regaining his bearings after being collided into by his partner, he now was trying to attack Esha whom was on her second enemy. Arkadi swung Forward his dagger clipping the man in his chin. He lowered a Fist in a high uppercut catching him in the jaw and hearing the surprised cry.

He brought down that Fist knocking him in his chest immediately pressing the dagger into his heart. He kicked the body aside withdrawing Luyu's weapon to stab him in the head. He turned over his shoulder, at the precise moment his one had that man by his privates and to see her stabbed through the shoulder. His white teeth clenched down, jaw tightened, what the hell...? Like a madman, Arkadi was coming.

His rage knowing no bounds to see her hurt. It was like his stomach dropped heavily, all responsible had to die. He screamed out whirling around, that man about to harm her again, Esha managed to duck under the attack to render him more useless by snapping down on his arm. Even Arkadi could hear the bone snapping. He came up behind his one lunging out to wrap a non-loving arm over the man's body stabbing him several times. As the man opened his hollaring mouth, the dagger embedded inside ripping the tongue out and coming to make a permanent scarred Fixture to one soon to be dying.The Tomineete Warrior knelt rushed, his arms engaged over Esha's body, trying to stop the bleeding coating her skin.

"You're hurt...my Fault. I should've been paying more attention. Forgive me." His hands went back to touch her, trying to be able to do more. He heard that injured behemoth's cry, the beast slammed into more bodies going as Far as to pluck patrons From the above seating, the arena had turned into a nesting ground. "What's....the matter?" Arkadi Felt Esha moving, turning to look at something. But what? He Followed her gaze. To that whoring woman. Kee. She must've been thrown down here along with the others, she was responsible.

Arkadi's Face retained no emotion. The woman was lying atop the sand coughing, looking around Frantically, trying to Figure out a way. She screamed as a lower torso came thrown overhead, the inner organs spilled out against her cloak as she rose to her knees. How had she ended up here? She should've went home. The piercing roar caught her attention, wide-eyed, she had looked in the direction it came From seeing both Arkadi and Esha together. Dangerous apart but a Force unstoppable when together. They looked at her. Her eyes widened even more knowing....knowing that they knew, what she'd done.

"No...." Kee whispered. Where was Ironbeard? He had to...save her. She'd gotten on her knees a time long ago, he did this. He had to save her. "Ironbeard!" The useless woman shouted. Standing up, she realized one ankle had been sprained badly making running a chore yet, she was going to run anyway, she wanted no part to those druids. They caused her enough trouble. Kee whirled around moaning to the pain. She hobbled through the organ stream on the sand, bodies everywhere, armor torn and weapons ownerless. She turned back over her shoulder, eyes staring into orange.

Fearing them.

No mortal man noticed her, they were too busy Fighting each other and the behemoth to pay real close attention, patrons were even being robbed. Arkadi looked back to Esha. As much as he wanted to kill Kee, he could only imagine what it looked like to Esha at seeing a man harm a woman, he didn't want to give her another reason to look at him in any way which would remind her about what happened in the past. The look in his eyes told her, he'd cut a path, to Kee. Through all the chaos. The woman wouldn't get away with what she'd done to him and at the same time, they could look For a way out.

"When we escape this you will rest." He demanded, it wasn't up to being discussed, they both would tend to each other. For now, it was about survival. He regained the strong touch on the dagger. Yes. A path he would cut but For a second time, he would attempt to bring that behemoth under his spell to do so. Longer than the last. Arkadi looked at Esha closely. His eyes reflecting that they were in this together. Now...he Faced ahead, his loose hand, the one not holding the dagger, dug into the sand. Blonde, matted bloody hair stung against his Face, the Tomineete warrior let out a loud scream to echo the area, it made some look at the two but mostly served to draw that behemoth's attention. It swiped one low patron to a wall where the body broke with a sickening crack, blood splattered directly underneath where the indentation remained as it slipped down, the one-eyed creature bent down on all Fours now seeing Esha, the one whom got away. Oh, this did not bode well. It saw them both but the viewpoint had been cut down 50%. Arkadi crouched protectively to his one. His eyes stared into the beast's. "Minna ley." The hypnotic words abandoned his lips.

"Minna ley....Minna ley." The behemoth charged now, bolting through, trampling Fools in the way, their body parts sticking underneath and between the creature's claws. The way it looked, the imprisoned beast would do the same to Arkadi and Esha but as it came again, one muscular arm extended, it swiped Arkadi in a throw, upon it. Once more had the Tomineete Warrior brought it under his spell. He continued with his native tongue words, the beast turned around acting as a shield to Esha momentarily.

It swiped at her to throw her onto it. It was like a raging beast, the heavy steps thundering throughout the ring, claws embedding into anything standing in the way. The target being Kee. That wicked whore, still attempting to Flee, she glanced over her shoulder again, screaming at the sight. The druids on a beast. Coming at her. Where was the exit? She called out again to the squatty dwarf unable to see what he was doing let alone where he was but Arkadi could see him in the stands, Fighting, attempting to escape, oh how he wanted to bleed that turnip dry. And he would, having put them in this situation to begin with.

Two more mortal men were torn in half, their organs sent Flying, as the beast closed in on Kee, Esha could do as she pleased now, the whore continued to hobble along seeking to distance herself. She met Arkadi's gaze. Those emerald eyes showing little emotion For the deed done against him. Death. Everything happened Fast. The behemoth turned, the spell dwindling, as it's resistence Fought hard to be released and in a quick moment, it reached to snatch Arkadi again tossing him up and onto the spectator seating area where he grabbed the bar to swing his body over into the seats.

Not a pleasant thing he wanted to do again. That beast was now coming on the other end chasing some Fighters, to maul their bodies and look to escape on it's own too. Arkadi shook his head hearing screaming, the onlookers still abandoning their seats having seen something, he couldn't bother with it now, his blood was raging. That beady-eyed bastard lurked nearby. Arkadi would make good on his word to prolong that death. He swung his legs over the edge to a seat coming to stand in the row behind, making sure to give a look at Esha below, that no harm came to her. He could see Ironbeard shouting orders to his men while at the same time trying to defend against Frantic patrons and Fighters the behemoth had thrown up in the seating, him being one. That bastard, Arkadi snarled, he ran in a sprint leaping over seats, clutching Luyu's dagger close not knowing she was coming, in this hazy hell.

"Oh shit! The druid!" One man under the dwarf cried out pointing. "Up here, what the Fuck?!" His running would be too late. Arkadi snatched him up by his neck squeezing so hard, the instant snap broke the man's neck. He tossed the body across some lower seats. Another came to replace him, defending using a sword, The Tomineete warrior countered with the dagger. Metal scraped against metal in a clash only the emerald-eyed man applied pressure. He shoved Forward knocking the sword away to bulgeon(sp?) his enemy to death gouging out pieces of his Face advancing on the shorter man. Like death. His teeth were clenched.

The rage at being treated like trash Fueled him to curl one Fist to knock the short sword away should it come to attack him. He brought that same Fist to Ironbeard's Face. "She told you! Borrowed time you beady eyed bastard! What made you think you could get away with it? ANSWER ME!" Arkadi grabbed that one up holding him hostage to other men coming down the aisles and up, they had the druid surrounded. Arkadi looked From side to side, back to Front, he wasn't giving up. Not now.
 
Time seemed to be slowed. Screaming battle cries were but jumbled echoes in her cat ears. She could hear his words. Beckoning her to jump on, but she could also see the behemoths eyes and the bloody rage that consumed it. It was like someone took the sands of time and turned it on it side, the beast raised it's clawed hand up grabbing her warrior. The one she vowed to protect. Tossing him like a rag doll into the wall. The goddess must have guided his path because he didn't hit the spikes.

A piercing roar left the great cat as she leapt flawlessly onto it's face from a dead stand still. She knew she had to blind it in order to even have a chance to bring it down. Even with her hunting party or warrior caste this was an epic vision. But Esha was doing this alone. Arkadi had to be far too wounded to properly aid. Her jaws slammed down on it's eye as her claws locked her into place. She chew viciously, knowing she hit her mark when more then just blood splattered into her mouth. The beast let out a horrendous bellow and it raked is claws at it's own face trying to get her off. But the agile Esha was quicker. She dropped from it's face, landing on her feet and bounding quickly away from it.

She charged full speed towards her fallen warrior, dodging bodies flying as she made her way to him. Stipping out the beast chewed eye ball from her maw. Her padded paws skidded to a half before his upside down form. Shifting in an instant to her human form. "Arkadi! You better get up! I'm not leaving here with out you!" She was breathing hard, her own blood and a mixture of her victims running down her mouth. She shook her head. He wasn't fine. But like a true warrior he was claiming he was fine. She rolled him on his back and she winced at his pain. "I'm sorry Arkadi." She said gently.

Orange eyes searched green as his hand came to rest on hers. "I'm sorry." His pain caused a strange manner of feelings to stumble around in her heart. "We're going to get out of here. We have to get out of here…" Her words trembled as she failed to feel her own words. All she knew was to react. Because if she thought, it looked hopeless.

Chaos was everywhere. All around. Patrons were somehow being tossed in the ring also. Easy slaughter for the men wanting their revenge as well. She hadn't noticed Kee for the moment. Only the man rushing towards her and Arkadi. She didn't hesitate, she let out a battle cry and snatched the fallen dagger next her warrior. Rushing in and swinging the dagger into the first mans neck. Blood sprayed on her. She viciously ripped the dagger out and bit down, ripping fleshy bloody chucks from his neck. She shoved his gurgling form to the ground as two more surrounded her.

She spit the flesh out and hissed dangerously as she backed towards Arkadi. She crouched beside him, placing the dagger by his hand and shifting in an instant into her feline form. A hellish scream seethed from her cat muzzle at the men coming towards her. Backed into a corner she hissed with more urgency, lashing her claws at the men. Crouched low, protecting her warrior. She'd not leave him. She'd not let him die. He grabbed the borrowed dagger with urgency and got to his feet with surprising speed.

She lunged for the man on the right, sinking her saber teeth deep into the only non-armored place, his groin. She felt Arkadi move beside her, attacking the man that was coming to the other's aid. He howled in pain and slammed his dagger down into her shoulder. Blood spurted from her wound. But she didn't let go, even as she let out a muffled yowl of pain. For nothing she'd not let go. She used her strength to shove the one in her grasp into the other man knocking them both down. She shook her head violently, tearing the man's privates out. Hitting a major artery he bled out fast. He slammed his dagger down again but Esha let go just in time to snap her jaws around his arm.

Chain mail armor did nothing to stop the crushing power of her jaws. Snapping the bone within. In a flash he was again at her side in the fray of combat. The ferocity of which his victims received his blows would have put anyone off. But Esha found it… honorable and almost romantic how he was willing to defend her so fiercely. Once Arkadi had him she jumped back, panting heavily from the pain in her shoulder. Her own blood staining her tawny coat. There wasn't much in hiding it, it hurt like hell. Tomineete warrior rushed to her side, grasping his hand down on the wound. Trying his best to stop the bleeding.

She snarled painfully as she turned her head towards him. His fault? Her wound wasn't his fault. She shook her head no but something caught her eyes. The felines face darted to the flowing robes that frantically darted around the ring wall. Could Esha be so lucky? It was her. Kee. A deadly focused determination snapped in her eyes. A piercing roar left her as she called to Kee. Letting her know she dead was soon.

Esha could see the fear in the woman's eyes. Like a deer staring into a pathers eyes as it held a choke hold on it. She knew she was going to die. Esha took a deep breath, shoving away the pain. Moving one paw forward as Arkadi said she must rest. She looked back at him, simply to give him a look. He was the one that needed to rest. Not so much her. But she'd argue that with him later when she had a voice.

He moved his hand and again, gave a bellowing cry that challenge the behemoth. Esha looked at him wide eyed again. Was he seriously going to call upon it again? But what else was there to do? This was their best option. Maybe get the beast to ram the door and make a path out. The cry was heard by the beast, and it came charging. Aimed to claim the life of the one that claimed it's eye. Her heavy breaths returned as panic set in. Arkadi was saying his magic words but the beast kept charging. Orange eyes darted between beast and man, praying he knew if it wasn't working.

She wanted to roar at it, to defend him. To charge forward and rip it's other eye out. But She had to give Arkadi a chance. She had to let his magic work. Maybe it was all the chaos that broke it in the first place. The spell broke when he spoke to her. She feared speaking to him now would break it again. She shifted into her human form and pressed her body between the spikes on the wall, praying that would save her should it not stop. She grabbed Arkadi's by his chest, from behind her arms draped over his body to pull him from harm should things go bad.

But suddenly she could see the rage subside. It was under his control. Scooping him up on it's back. More men rushed to the couple, seeking to attack the beast while it had it's back turned. But under the Tomineete warriors command it wheeled around and knocked them away like annoying flies. Esha clasped her hands to her mouth to stop the elated laugh trying to escape. She couldn't make too much noise should it break the spell again. It turned to her and, albeit unwillingly, she allowed it to scoop her up too. She lands on it's back, her hands grasping the thick wiry hair on it's back. She crawled to come to sit behind Arkadi, though careful not to touch his grievous wound. "Can I just say that's an amazing ability?" She said with excitement as she placed her hand on his hips to steady herself.

She held on, watching the beast rip and tear people that were stupid enough to stand in it's path. This was certainly one way to cut a path to the sniveling whore. From atop her perch she could see the chaos in the stands. Her keen vision spying the squatty dwarf. She growled softly, thinking to herself he was next. Once the beast slowed Esha wasted no time leaping from her perch. Once again padded paws hitting the ground as she took her true form again. Stalking towards her prey as she hobbled along the ground.

Her head snapped to the beast again as the spell broke yet again. Her heart ached as it tossed him again. But this time into the stands. Well that was good, maybe he wasn't hurt too bad. And now he could find a way out. But that meant dealing with the entire area alone. Esha looked back to Kee, whom and hobbled to the same great doors that she and Arkadi entered from. Uselessly pounding on them for her freedom. No one was listening.

The tawny cat stalked even closer, allowing suspension and fear to fill her prey. Vicious snarls and hisses seething from her throat. Suddenly Esha leapt from her place nine or more feet away, slamming her body into Kee. Her fish hook claws raking the woman's face. She let out a hellish scream as she took delight in her actions. Knocked to the ground, Esha made sure she couldn't get away. Lashing her claws into her thigh as she savaged her foot. She tossed her head from side to side until she did enough damage to make her foot fall off. She repeated the process to the other foot.

In a futile effort to protect herself, Kee tried to push Esha. Big mistake. She dropped her savaged leg and slammed her jaws around her hand. Cleanly biting off her fingers. Her ferocious cougar screams filled the area as she mutilated the womans arm. Her jaws snapping down on her second arm and rendering into shreds. She was over top of her prey now, making good on her promise to give this woman as much pain as possible before her death.

"Fuck dis!" the squatty dwarf was quick to slip out a short sword and gut a man trying to topple over him. He'd not be going out like this. How was he supposed to know one of the druids could talk to beasts!? He shuffled away quickly, eagerly avoided the edge. "Git dey hell outta dere! We catch em when dis be ova!" He demanded of his men.

Ironbeard turned his head to see the angry druid charging him. "Wut!? How dey hell? Jus' run!" but his squatty legs could only carry him so fast. He ran with urgency hoping the men screaming behind him would stall the druid long enough to get away. He could hear the battle behind him. And he wanted none of it. He turned in time to see the warrior coming at him. He swung his sword and the man just punched it away. Who punches a sword swing? Ironbeard needed a change of underpants right about now. He didn't have much time to react as the man slammed his fist hard into his face. Blood splattered from his nose and mouth as he groaned in pain.

He breathed heavily but a smirk came across his face as his own men surrounded the one attacking him. "Ya out numba'd bub. Ya drop me now, aye not switch ya so bad. Sides. Ya dame be alone wit dat hell beast now. Ya really wanna kill me jus'ta see her die?" He was betting on Arkadi dropping him for his beloved. At least that's what he was hoping for. One hand grabbed the warrior's hands, while the other slyly fished out a vial of something.

Kee was no longer moving, but that didn't stop Esha from chewing out her throat. She only stopped savaging her corpse when she took notice of the crowd forming around her. At least five armed men aimed at taking the druid cat out. Orange eyes watched intently as they cornered her against the wall. She hissed dangerously moving away from Kee's lifeless body to face the new threat. She leapt one man, slamming him to the ground. His hands moving up to stop her jaw from slamming down on her face. Two other rushed to her sides, aiming to stab her form both sides. In an instant she shifted back, lithely dodging the attacks. She staggered back, crouching low as she growled dangerously.

One man closed the distance and rushed her blindly. She grabbed his arm and bit down savagely on his neck, ripping his artery out. Pushing his body into the other men. She dropped to the ground and shifted again, charging forward she swung her head low tripping another man. She leapt on him with a vicious scream and bit down on his arm. But now she was able to be completely surrounded. Men on all sides slashing their swords at her cutting her tawny hide. She twirled around snarling viciously lashing her claws at their attacks. She knew her situation was dire, and it was only a matter of time before she could no longer fight off four men.

THUD. Something slammed hard into the great wooden doors. With enough force to cause the men to turn. Screams of urgency and fear could be heard from the other side. "How the hell did that one get out?!" One man screamed. "I don't know just kill it!" But their voices were drown out by the bellowing roar. It was a sound Esha and Arkadi would know. By heart. It was an animal neither would want to find in the forest alone. Be it protecting it's food or cubs.

THUD. The bear on the other side bellowed angrily as blood pooled from under the door. A crack started to form as it heaved all it's weight into the door. THUD! And the door slammed open, knocking one man to the ground. The other three scattered and eyed the massive bear lumbering out. It was a chocolate color with thick blonde strip on it's back. The beast stood on it's hind legs and roared so loud it made the men hold their ears. One man rushed the bear thinking he's gut it while it stood.

It came down with incredible speed and force, slamming it's massive paw down on the man's head, ripping his jaw right off. He fell on the ground in a crumpled heap and the bear wasted no time bouncing it's whole weight down, smashing the man. It huffed angrily, chomping it's jaws as it stared down the remaining. It's greyed muzzle baring it's teeth. That smell. It hit Esha like a warm summer breeze. Savanna grasses. And those eyes. Not filled with rage but intelligence. Now that she really looked at the bear it looks like a mixture of all the bear species she knew. The bear's moss green eyes looked into Esha's as it huffed again. This time, in greeting.

Like a lioness greeting her pride mate, Esha bounded to Bear Luyu. Tail raised as she rubbed her face on her shoulder. She was beyond excited to have her help. Luyu bellowed a deep roar again, signaling the fight wasn't over. The men moved in again, now this bear was standing between their freedom. But they'd not have it. Luyu charged, her lumbering form jolting with incredible speed as she barreled into the men. They stabbed and smacked at her, but it only fueled to piss her off. Her jaws snapping arms like twigs. Her weight crushing men and armor under her weight. Esha leapt on another man, biting his neck while he was distracted by the bear in his face. But all this commotion had to be drawing the attention to the behemoth.
 
Arkadi crouched protectively to his one. His eyes stared into the beast's. "Minna ley." The hypnotic words abandoned his lips. He repeated them twice more. The behemoth charged now, bolting through, trampling Fools in the way, their body parts sticking underneath and between the creature's claws. The way it looked, the imprisoned beast would do the same to Arkadi and Esha but as it came again, one muscular arm extended, it swiped Arkadi in a throw, upon it. Once more had he brought the creature under his spell. He continued with his native tongue words, the beast turned, acting as a shield to Esha momentarily.

It swiped at her to throw her onto it as well. It was like a raging beast, the heavy steps thundering throughout the ring, claws embedded into anything in the way. Arkadi turned his head slightly with the woman's warmth ever present behind him, her hands on his hips, her beautiful scent still present despite the death all around them. She complimented him. His ability to talk with the animals in a way that they were under a trance. "I will tell you what the words mean. How they should be used." He answered, one hand coming to touch one on his hip. A gentle pat.

Their target was Kee. The wicked whore. She still tried to Flee screaming at the sight to the druids on the behemoth coming after her. This was an utter nightmare. She called out to Ironbeard but the dwarf would not hear her Fighting his own private battle in the stands above.

Two more mortal men were torn in half, their organs sent Flying, as the beast closed in on Kee, Esha would be able to do as she pleased now to the woman trying to hobble away in escape. It was too late. The behemoth turned, the spell dwindling on the unsuspecting druid still bound. "Esha." Arkadi called out a moment too late when she leapt down to the sand. In a quick motion the beast grabbed Arkadi tossing him up and into the spectator seating area where he grabbed a bar to swing his body over into the seats.

Kee whirled around as she had reached the great doors locking away her Freedom. Her body pressed against them as she stared wide-eyed into orange eyes, palms moistened, they banged to the door as though by some miracle that would open them. Her breathing became erratic. She could not move any Further, Esha was upon her. Stalking closer. Looking at her. The whoring whore's bottom lip quivered. She shook her head, eyes trailing to the behemoth raking men down as they attempted to Fight it.

"Go away!" She took a chance to yell, she whirled again, back to her enemy, a costly mistake. Her view was only those doors. Sealed. Forced knocked into her body, the sheer assault caused her to cough out, the wind leaving her lungs in abandonment. She cried out much like earlier as the dagger embedded in her Flesh. This time it was no simple blade but claws. The animal's hellish scream was countered by one in pain. Kee screamed.

Like a banshee. The pain. It was unlike anything she had Felt before. The woman's arms went up, trying to Fight, she was rendered to the ground kicking and screaming, her screams only growing worse as those claws entered her thigh, the woman's Feet becoming torn, the bone exposed. It was like lightning coursing through her body, the will to Fend leaving her gradually, Esha being too strong. Too great a warrior. Her screams slowly died down, she could only see and smell her own blood before darkness took over.

That Bastard...Arkadi snarled. His thoughts murderous. Unkempt much like the golden blonde hair draped over his broad shoulders. Since Freed From their cage, the Tomineete warrior and Esha had been through hell and not yet returned where they could easily share a conversation as with one another as they had on this journey, gradually getting to know one another.

The behemoth had literally tossed him in the above seating where he could see Ironbeard shouting orders to his men while at the same time trying to defend against Frantic patrons and Fighters the enormous animal had thrown in a rage. Some remained alive, others, mere limbs wrecked through the monster's strength and slain across the seats. He ran in a sprint leaping over seats, Luyu's dagger was held in his hands tightly. Everything had gone to hell.

"Oh shit! The Druid!" Someone under Ironbeard cried out pointing. "Up here, what the Fuck?!" His running would be too late. Arkadi snatched him up by his neck squeezing so hard the instant snap broke the man's neck. He tossed the body across some lower seats. Another came to replace, defending using a sword. The Tomineete warrior counted with the dagger. Metal scraped against metal in a clash only the emerald-eyed man applied pressure. He shoved Forward knocking the sword away to stab his enemy to death gouging out pieces of his Face advancing on the shorter man. Like death. His teeth clenched. Rage built within him. Rage at being treated like trash over their captivity. Arkadi moved quickly. His Fist curled up to knock away the short sword and brought that same Fist to Ironbeard's Face.

"She told you! Borrowed time! Did you think you could get away with it?!" He grabbed him up, holding him hostage to the other men coming down the aisles and up, they had him surrounded. He eyed them all through all the chaos. Here was the opportunity. To kill the one whom caused both he and Esha immense pain. It was delicious. The thought to permanently shutting the mouth to that one taunting them but in some sick lowly way Arkadi had to thank the beady-eyed bastard, he'd not been close to Esha, surely they would've destroyed one another in the Forest that night. Esha. Esha. His grip tightened around the dwarf vaguely hearing Ironbeard's words, being surrounded, the truth he already knew, these men poised to defend the shorter one, why? He must be paying them well and even while being captured, his hostage threatened him.

Oh, pure bullshit. Wet hair stung against his Face. Revenge or Esha...which was more important? There was no question. No hesitation. He Felt hands on his own, it made him react violently, with a Final look at those men, Arkadi brought his mouth to the dwarf's right ear and latched on with a bite much stronger than anything he did to Esha, now a deep regret. He clamped down hard enough to tear a piece, with one shove, his Foot smashed into that one's ass sending him Forward. Distracting the men ahead, blood drained out his mouth and down his hairless chin. He Flipped backwards over some seats sitting the ear piece at one man then breaking another's jaw with the dagger poised as a batting weapon. His heart beat quickly, he made a run, leaping over seats to reach the edge having a view over.

He saw her. Chewing on a corpse. Surrounded. That wouldn't do. Arkadi sprinted down the bottom row seat area knowing a dive below would be instant death, he had to get back down somehow. From his the corner to his eyes did he see someone running at him, not in attack, escape. A Fighter, in armor no less. They collided with one another becoming tangled. The Fighter attempted to gut the druid yet Arkadi was quick, dodging low, back under the inexperienced sword swipes. He kneed the opponent in the chest hearing the heavy grunt ensue. He dodged again angling a position behind the heavy-set man pushing him to the edge.

"Ow. You slag bastard..." The other groaned.

Arkadi popped him one to the unarmed head. He shoved him to the edge once more.

"What...the hell...you doing...? I'm losing my balance..." Arms Frailed about, the opponent dropped, with druid weight on him, riding him, like a board. Arkadi's hair blew wildly as screams echoed in his ears, emerald-eyes on the Five surrounding his one, and the notion to reach her pounded heavily within him. The armored man gave out one last hollar as sand reached him, his body made a sickening crack, the Tomineete rolled head First to his Feet giving that dead one no more than a mere glance, her looked Forward rushing with a most Ferocious look on his darkened Face to what was happening to Esha paying no mind to the behemoth ensnaring those attempting to stop it.

The huge creature was on a damn rampage, busting the spectator seating with mighty Fists, the dropping debris took out people, crushing them like Flies, Arkadi dove in a straight line, tumbling between his enemy's legs, nothing or no one would keep him From her and right at the moment, he couldn't bother with the behemoth, that'd be another distraction. she managed to take out the Five nearby but Four other men took their places with ease intent on doing the druid harm. He sprinted harder.

He threw his body to one toppling him to the ground slitting his neck, not taking longer than he should. Blood splurted up, the dying man reached to block the wound with Futile effort. Arkadi was making another breakage in those around Esha, shielding her body with his own, taking the same attacks she sustained previously.

Teeth exposed, lips snarled, he propelled the dagger through one man's Face dragging it heavily on out the other side into the one standing near Foolishly, Flesh particles stained below. This was a warning. Only death awaited anyone else. Arkadi backed his body into Esha's, one harm behind, touching her. He stared at their enemies. About to attack, he had to turn his head to the great wooden doors where something slammed into them. Another behemoth? This wasn't good. Already had the commotion drawn the attention to the one they were dealing with. The monster whirled around lowering on all Fours, it screamed, really loud screaming.

"Esha, stay behind me." Arkadi shouted, his words drowned out by the Frantic screams and a bellow. Arkadi raised. What exactly was it? Something angry, like a mother to her child. How it reminded him to his own slain mother, her intensity towards him. As much as he wanted to whisk Esha somewhere alone to tend to her wounds they had to bypass the enemies at hand and what was breaking through the doors: Their path to Freedom. Suddenly, both opened by massive weight against them, swinging open with blood making a river into the arena grounds. Arkadi's eyes widened as he saw a very enormous bear coming, toward them. A caged creature too? He would not use his spell...something told him not to.

"Stand clear!" One warrior cried out running the opposite direction. Coward. Arkadi was Frozen. Not with Fear but Fascination as he backed up more to Esha, his warmth radiating to her, that hand held the borrowed dagger, never letting it go. Mere Fools went to rush the bear, one in particular aiming to strike it when it roared but those attempts were dashed, he was rendered jawless and crushed beneath the massive weight. Still, Arkadi did not know what to think. He lowered, head turning at one man coming to mess with the bear but a long leg tripped him. He staggered quite stupidly onto the ground where the dagger rammed his sides killing him. He eyed the behemoth spreading it's claws out, raking them through the blood-stained sand, it huffed, breath coming out the snoutish nose, Fangs bared to the bear. It seemed to be waiting, observing or marking it's territory by the ones it slaughtered. Either way the creature wasn't happy. The Tomineete warrior looked the bear over once more, what was this Feeling inside him? The animal with the beautiful skin, it had moss green eyes, where had he seen eyes like those....

Where?

No...

And they were not being attacked.

Luyu?

The mysterious Druid woman.

She and the bear were one in the same? Much like his Esha, capable to take both Forms. Human and animal alike. Arkadi looked down at Esha, the look in her orange eyes, recognition. "That is Luyu, is it not? Yes....those eyes are unmistakable." The bellow ignited the behemoth. It huffed again, dreaded eyes taking in one in equal size to it. Some warriors, managing to survive, were running to the arena's Far reaches, realizing that with two animals in the ring they weren't a match but For Arkadi and Esha, this was there chance to achieve Freedom. The orange-eyed druid abandoned Arkadi's side to help in the battle with lone warriors coming, trying to Fight their way through.

And then....

The behemoth, enraged at Luyu, shot Forward like a speeding bullet, the heavy steps pounding the sand. The only thing it knew was to kill. Arkadi cut aside an opponent, stripping her across the scalp and sending him down to the ground, he and that one had their Fair share during this battle. He was now diverting his attention to the behemoth, emerald-eyes registering Kee's mangled corpse laying nearby, one didn't have to ask to whom did it, he smiled on the inside noting how Fierce Esha could be but at the present time he was running at the behemoth again, not in mere stupidity but as one Fighter to another. Arkadi slid to his knees halting the creature's dead set path. They eyed one another again, neither one backing down, the blonde would not allow it to go any Further. The behemoth snarled, saliva oozed out it's mouth, claws disappearing in the sand. Should it have been able to talk then surely the words would've been: move boy or die. Arkadi did not budge. That one was not getting through.

The animal sprang on it's back legs lurching out to stab him but what it did not anticipate was Arkadi's speed. The druid was on his back, looking to make sure Esha was okay and Luyu too, he rolled on his stomach to the side as that claw slammed down in the previous position. That clawed hand came down. Arkadi grabbed hold For the ride, he swung his body up on the behemoth's arm, the dagger penetrating Flesh, the creature let out a mighty roar advancing while at the same time trying to get the pest away. No use. Arkadi threw his weight around to the back.

"I know you are hurting too." He called out. "The things you were made to endure, the punishment, caged against your will. Killing is the only thing you know. You've been through this so much you cannot distinguish friend from foe." The behemoth reached up, taking him, throwing him at Luyu, Arkadi hit her body sliding down, not injured but at the same time glad she was she rather than the latter. It was coming now, pounding on bodies, teeth gritted at mama bear. It slammed into Luyu nearly crushing Arkadi had he not moved to safety, he was beckoning Esha to come behind him as he was not yet done, the behemoth bellowed loudly at the one known as Luyu.
 
Go away? If Esha had the voice to laugh, she would have. Instead she just stalked closer and closer and closer to Kee. Her useless pounding on the door mimicking the pounding of the womans heart. She hissed dangerously, growling deeply as she watched her prey flail uselessly about.

Suddenly Esha leapt from her place nine or more feet away, slamming her body into Kee. Her fish hook claws raking the woman's face. She let out a hellish scream as she took delight in her actions. Knocked to the ground, Esha made sure she couldn't get away. Lashing her claws into her thigh as she savaged her foot. She tossed her head from side to side until she did enough damage to make her foot fall off. She repeated the process to the other foot.

In a futile effort to protect herself, Kee tried to push Esha. Big mistake. She dropped her savaged leg and slammed her jaws around her hand. Cleanly biting off her fingers. Her ferocious cougar screams filled the area as she mutilated the womans arm. Her jaws snapping down on her second arm and rendering into shreds. She was over top of her prey now, making good on her promise to give this woman as much pain as possible before her death.

Ironbeard didn't have much time to react as the male druid slammed his fist hard into his face. Blood splattered from his nose and mouth as he groaned in pain. He breathed heavily but a smirk came across his face as his own men surrounded the one attacking him. "Ya out numba'd bub. Ya drop me now, aye not switch ya so bad. Sides. Ya dame be alone wit dat hell beast now. Ya really wanna kill me jus'ta see her die?" He was betting on Arkadi dropping him for his beloved. At least that's what he was hoping for. One hand grabbed the warrior's hands, while the other slyly fished out a vial of something.

The dwarf's smirk only widened as Arkadi obviously weighed his options. But the dwarf didn't expect his move, in a flash the druid was biting down on his ear. The squatty man screamed bloody horror as the druid ripped his ear off, bathing them both in blood. He slammed his fist into the warrior's face, the bottle smashing not in his attackers face but his own. Once dropped Ironbeard grabbed his ear and bent over as he started to stagger away. Tear gas filling the air around him. A foot slamming into his ass, knocking him into his men like a bowling ball into bowling pins.

The slimy dwarf's men carried him to safety, holding his bleeding face. "Aye want dat druid inne blood cage ya hear me! Inne cage! Lash hims till he not be movin no more!" He bellowed angrily. One man ran into the warrior but just as all the others, he quickly fell before Arkadi. Literally. Ironbeard growled angrily as the druid used the man as a means to get down into the ring and keep his life.

Esha continued to savage Kee's body, tearing out her throat even though the life from her was long gone. Her eyes lingered up to see a crowd forming around her. Five men. Ready to take her out. She hissed dangerously snarling and swiping her claws at them trying to intimidate them. She leapt one man, slamming him to the ground. His hands moving up to stop her jaw from slamming down on her face. Two other rushed to her sides, aiming to stab her form both sides. In an instant she shifted back, lithely dodging the attacks. She staggered back, crouching low as she growled dangerously.

One man closed the distance and rushed her blindly. She grabbed his arm and bit down savagely on his neck, ripping his artery out. Pushing his body into the other men. She dropped to the ground and shifted again, charging forward she swung her head low tripping another man. She leapt on him with a vicious scream and bit down on his arm. But now she was able to be completely surrounded. Men on all sides slashing their swords at her cutting her tawny hide. She twirled around snarling viciously lashing her claws at their attacks. She knew her situation was dire, and it was only a matter of time before she could no longer fight off four men.

The cornered cat did her best to keep the men at bay. But just as she was starting to worry a familiar sight came into view. Arkadi. Her warrior. Coming to her aide. Never had she been so elated to see someone not of her clan in her life. But she remained focused, keeping those around her focused on her instead of their impending death barreling towards them. Orange eyes watched him slam one to the ground, giving him a fatal wound but not staying to end his life quickly. The other fallen man cause the circle around Esha to break. Cuts and her own blood splashed and laced her back as she called to her warrior in a soft albeit painful roar.

She willingly curled into a ball and into his arms as she shielded her from harm. Happy to have a moment to breath. The men continued to try and slash their way through the pair. Esha lashed out with lightening fast reflexes, catching one's leg who was too stupid and drew too close. He staggered forward, into Arkadi's dagger. It dragged across his face, his body falling to the ground as the male druid turned and placed his back against Esha's. But suddenly where was a loud crash against the door. Wild orange eyes jolted towards the door and a grave look took over her face. She did as her warrior told her and she darted behind his back.

The door slammed open, knocking one man to the ground. The other three scattered and eyed the massive bear lumbering out. It was a chocolate color with thick blonde strip on it's back. The beast stood on it's hind legs and roared so loud it made the men hold their ears. One man rushed the bear thinking he's gut it while it stood.

It came down with incredible speed and force, slamming it's massive paw down on the man's head, ripping his jaw right off. He fell on the ground in a crumpled heap and the bear wasted no time bouncing it's whole weight down, smashing the man. It huffed angrily, chomping it's jaws as it stared down the remaining. It's greyed muzzle baring it's teeth. That smell. It hit Esha like a warm summer breeze. Savanna grasses. And those eyes. Not filled with rage but intelligence. Now that she really looked at the bear it looks like a mixture of all the bear species she knew. The bear's moss green eyes looked into Esha's as it huffed again. This time, in greeting.

Arkadi need not ask the question. Like a lioness greeting her pride mate, Esha bounded to Bear Luyu. Tail raised as she rubbed her face on her shoulder. She was beyond excited to have her help. Luyu bellowed a deep roar again, signaling the fight wasn't over. Her moss green eyes not only looking to the men before her but the still behemoth staring at her. Another fight broke out as the men tried to attack the bear standing between them and freedom. Luyu charged, her lumbering form jolting with incredible speed as she barreled into the men. They stabbed and smacked at her, but it only fueled to piss her off. Her jaws snapping arms like twigs. Her weight crushing men and armor under her weight. Esha leapt on another man, biting his neck while he was distracted by the bear in his face.

Orange eyes shot up when the bellowing roar sounded. Her warrior dispatched another as he ran towards it. No. He couldn't. He'd be killed! She roared in panic and terror as he came to stand before the beast. Hopping backwards to avoid an axe cleave. A massive paw swung over her head, knocking the man down. Luyu darted to the fallen man, jaw snapping through his armor as she bit down. With a mighty heave of her head she swung the man in a circle, knocking away the others too close to her and Esha. He thrust a dagger to her face but Esha was quick to snap her own claws around this arm. Her jaws biting down on his arm. His screams barely heard as the two druids tore him apart.

The thundering grew louder and it drew Esha's attention she turned to see her warrior not trying to tame but attacking the great beast. She admired him even more, his fearlessness was matched only by her own. But his attacks didn't stop it. It's rage filled red eyes zeroed in on the only one posing a threat to it's claimed territory. Luyu. The cat gasped as darted out of the way as it threw Arkadi, the Tomineete warrior lamming into the soft round rump of the bear. There could have been no softer landing for him.

Luyu wheeled around jaws snapping at Arkadi, a paw slamming into his chest knocking him to the ground thinking him to be an enemy. But she froze and her expression softened as she realized who it was. She lifted her paw gently and huffed at him, her moss green eyes showing she was sorry. Suddenly Esha's striped human arms grabbed Arkadi around his chest, both scurrying out of the swing of the behemoth. Luyu how ever was too worried she'd broken the Tomineete warrior's rib cage to notice the beast standing in front of her. A grave look flashed on her face as it's mighty arm slammed into her. Actually knocking the mama bear into the wall, a surprised huffed escaping her.

Luyu blinked and shook her head to will away the stars she was seeing. Her massive paw sliding under her to push her back up. Damn. Been a while since I've been hit that hard. She thought to herself as she dragged her boxy head to face her foe. Her grayed muzzle snarling deeply at the behemoth, her bulky form standing as she accepted it's challenge. She stood up on her hind legs, towering several feet into the air and let out a deafening roar at the creature. Her body slammed to the ground as she barreled into the behemoth. Slamming her full weight into the beast making it stagger.

Esha's hands held Arkadi to her from behind. Her front touching his gravely wounded back. Her arms draped over his chest as she tugged him away from the brawl. Her orange eyes doing a double take. Freedom. It was right there. The door was open and the path to freedom was already cut but Luyu. They could leave Luyu to her fate with the behemoth and escape now. But the strange mysterious woman was risking her life for them. The thought to just leave Luyu was but a whisper over the resounding voice in her head calling her to aide her druid sister. "We have to help her, Arkadi." She said, her face looking to his as her eyes pleaded with him to stay and help her.

Luyu clamped her jaws down on the beasts face, thrashing wildly. The beast bellowed and slashed it's claws into Luyu's side, the bear letting out a muffled roar of pain. Her eyes slamming shut and she did one strong thrash, knocking the beast off balance. Both tumbled to the ground but neither were one up on the other. Esha couldn't allow her to fight on her own. She shifted and let out a cougar like scream as she bounded after the behemoth.

Her claws lashed on the back of it's neck, her saber teeth biting it repeatedly. Her tactic worked and it backed off on mauling Luyu, giving her the chance to let go and stand up. She huffed deeply and looked to the sky. Moss green eyes searching desperately for a signal or sign. But she saw only the darkened sky. She gave another mighty roar and slammed into the beast, staggering it's stance. It reached up a massive arm to rake it's claws at Esha but the agile cat moved. The behemoth succeeded only in raking it's own claws into it's neck.

Luyu worked the behemoth, slashing her massive claws at it. Biting it with crushing force. Slamming her weight into it. All tactics to get it cornered. With a swift move it grabbed Esha by her foot, yanking her and her fish hook like claws along it's muddy skin. Roaring in rage as she was coated in it's blood. Luyu clamped her jaws around it's other arm, stopping it from grabbing the cat with both hands.

Her claws hooked into skull and her position was sealed on it's face. It snapped it's jaw to bit her in half but the cat was quick to slam her own jaws into it's only remaining eye. The creature howled in rage as she ripped it's eye out, blinding it completely. In that instant she released her claws and the behemoth tossed her in a random direction. Which happened to be on top of Arkadi.
 
| Ya out numba'd bub. Ya drop me now, aye not switch ya so bad. Sides. Ya dame be alone wit dat hell beast now. Ya really wanna kill me jus'ta see her die? |

Revenge...many wanted to obtain it in one way or another. Their own personal reasons. A loved one. A wronged state, Arkadi had been no exception to this rule, how he desired, in the weakened moment, to seek revenge against the squatty dwarf For his hand in what both he and Esha were made to endure. Their innocence how the world outside their own savagely gone and given a view into hell. It was enough to make anyone seek out revenge, to be angry.

The thought to permanently shutting Ironbeard's mouth seemed like the only positive solution in the secondly time wasting away, nearly the revenge consumed him, had it not been For those words pertaining to the one vowed to protect. Her. Esha. Instantly, her orange eyes distracted him. The piercing way they looked into his own, trapped him, entangled him. She'd been left below to Fend away attackers, what the hell was he doing? Arkadi's eyes searched around, the surrounding men closing in, the ones the dwarf paid handsomely, that could be the only explanation on why they defended his honor as such. Revenge or Esha? Which was more important? The latter, there lied no question. No hesitation. During these thoughts, he Felt hands, smaller ones, on his own, it made him react violently with a Final look at those men on the verge to saving Ironbeard's honor through sacrificing their own.

Nothing good would come out it, Arkadi then brought his mouth to the dwarf's right ear and latched on with a bite much stronger than anything he'd done to Esha, now looking back, he held deep regret in harming her in such a way. He clamped down hard enough to tear a piece, he cared not about the screams by the other, they Fueled him to bit down harder, the blood sprayed on his teeth, chin, and lips. He grinned a little when a Fist caught him in the Face, would bruise in the coming days, Arkadi dropped the smaller man, his Foot raising to smash into Ironbeard's ass sending him Forward. He Flipped backwards over some seats spitting the ear piece at one man then breaking another's jaw with the dagger poised as a batting weapon. His heart beat quickly, he made a run, leaping over seats to reach the edge having a short view over.

Arkadi saw her. Chewing on a corpse. Surrounded. He sprinted down the bottom row seat area knowing a dive below would be instant death, he had to get back down somehow. From the corner of his eyes did he see someone running at him, not in attack, rather escape. A Fighter, in armor no less. They collided with one another becoming tangled. The Fighter attempted to gut the druid yet Arkadi was quick, dodging low, back under the inexperienced sword swipes. He kneed the opponent in the chest hearing the heavy grunt ensue. He dodged again, angling a position behind the heavy-set man pushing him to the edge.

"Ow. You slag bastard..."

Arkadi popped him one to the unarmored head. He shoved his opponent to the edge once more.

"What the hell are you doing? I'm losing my balance...." The whole goal. Arms Frailed about, the opponent dropped, with druid weight on him, riding him, like a board. Arkadi's hair blew wildly as screams echoed in his ears, emerald-eyes on the Five surrounding his one, and the notion to reach her pounded heavily within him, his heart, beating rapidly than normal. The armored man gave out one lasting scream as sand reached him, his body impacting against it with a sickening crack.

The Tomineete warrior rolled head First to his Feet giving that dead one no more than a mere glance, he looked Forward rushing with a most Ferocious look on his darkened Face to what was happening to Esha paying no mind to the behemoth ensnaring those attempting to stop it.

The huge creature was on a rampage, busting the spectator seating with mighty Fists, the dropping debris took out people, crushing them like Flies, Arkadi dove in a straight line, tumbling between his enemy's legs, nothing nor no one would keep him From her and right at the moment, he couldn't be bothered with the behemoth, that'd be another distraction. She managed to take out the Five nearby but Four other men took their places with ease intent on doing the druid harm. Arkadi sprinted harder.

"Esha!" He called out as he threw his body to one toppling him to the ground slitting his neck, not taking longer than he should. Blood spurted up and the dying man reached to block the Fatal wound with Fruitless effort.

The Tomineete warrior was making another breakage in those around Esha, shielding her body with his own, taking the same attacks as she sustained previously. It hurt him to see her body so battered, laced with blood, scarred. Teeth clenched down, exposed, lips snarled, Arkadi held onto her, that lithe Feline body as though it were the last hope he had. He propelled the dagger through one man's Face dragging it heavily on out the other side into one standing nearby Foolishly. Flesh particles stained below. This was a warning. Only death awaited anyone else daring to come near.

He came back. His body lined with Esha's, one arm behind, touching her, he stared at their enemies. About to attack, he had to turn his head to the great wooden doors where something slammed into them. Another behemoth? The idea didn't bode well with him, already had the commotion drawn the attention to the other they were already dealing with. The beast whirled around lowering on all Fours, it screamed, really loud.

"Esha, stay behind me." Arkadi shouted to her, his words drowned out bu the Frantic screaming and a below. What lied behind those doors? Something big....another Forced to be caged but somehow Freed? It sounded as angry as the behemoth. As much as he wanted to whisk Esha away somewhere alone to tend to her wounds they had to bypass their enemies at hand and what was attempting to break through the doors: Their path to Freedom. Suddenly, both opened by massive weight against them, swinging open with blood making a river into the arena grounds. Emerald-eyes widened to one man being crushed underneath the doors as he saw an enormous chocolate brown bear with a thick blonde strip on it's back. Arkadi pondered using his spell but his gut told him not to.

"Stand clear!" One warrior cried out running the opposite direction. Arkadi was Frozen. Not in Fear but Fascination, he involuntarily backed up more into Esha, his warmth radiating to her, that hand holding the borrowed dagger. Mere Fools went to rush the bear. One man came rushing to mess with the bear but a long leg tripped him.

He staggered quite stupidly onto the ground where the dagger rammed his sides killing him. He captured a look to the bear once more then the behemoth spreading out it's claws out, raking them through the blood-stained sand, it huffed dangerously, breath coming out the snoutish nose. Fangs beared to the bear. It seemed to be waiting, observing or marking it's territory by the ones it slaughtered. Either way the creature wasn't pleased. That bear...it brought a Feeling in him...Familiarity. He'd seen those moss-green eyes somewhere. Where?

No.

And they were not being attacked.

Luyu?

The mysterious druid woman. The one whom let him borrow her dagger now sated by blood. She and the bear were one in the same? Much like his Esha, capable to take both Forms, human and animal alike. Arkadi looked down at Esha, the look in his orange eyes was recognition. "That is Luyu is it not? Yes, those eyes are unmistakable. Luyu..." A small smile creased his lips.

Oh, how her Fearlessness reminded him so much to his own mother. Her name she called him. Piglet. The warrior shook his head to the past. Some warriors, managing to survive, were running to the arena's Far reaches, realizing that with two animals in the ring they weren't a match, but For both Arkadi and Esha, this was their chance to gain their Freedom. The orange-eyed druid abandoned Arkadi's side to help in the battle with lone warriors coming, trying to Fight their way through.

And then...

The behemoth, enraged at Luyu, shot Forward like a speeding bullet, the heavy steps pounding the sand. The only thing it knew was to kill. Arkadi cut aside an opponent, stripping him across the scalp and sending him down to the ground. His attention diverted to the beast, only a minute to stare at Kee's destroyed corpse. It was time that he handled the behemoth, he now took to a sprint, running at the creature as it to him. Fighter to Fighter. Arkadi slid to his knees halting the behemoth's path. They eyed one another again, neither backing down, the blonde would not allow it to go any Further. The beast snarled, saliva oozed out it's mouth, claws disappearing in the sand. Should it have been able to talk then surely the words would've been move or die boy but Arkadi had no plans to budge. That one was not getting through. The animal sprang on it's back legs lurching out to stab him but what it did not anticipate was the boy's speed. The druid was on his back, looking to make sure Esha and Luyu were okay, they were killing one man, his screams dying out with his life. He then rolled on his stomach to the side as that claw slammed down in the previous position.

When it came down again, Arkadi grabbed hold For the ride, he swung his body up on the behemoth's arm, the dagger penetrated Flesh, the creature let out a mighty roar advancing while at the same time trying to get the pest away. No use. Arkadi threw his weight to the back. His words would go unheard when trying to talk to the creature. The behemoth reached up, taking him, throwing him at Luyu, Arkadi hit her body sliding down, not injured and at the same time it was her he landed against.

He had only a second to look up, into moss-green eyes, as the massive paw came down on him, his chest, the impact was severe. He let out a cry. Short. He was knocked to the sand near her, his back igniting again, the wind completely blown From his body and after everything, all he could do was lay there, trying to roll over. He moved on his stomach not once having ill will to Luyu, he would not think to blame her, she did not know. Clear mistake to happen to anyone in such a heated battle. Arkadi spit up blood grunting, his ears keen to pounding in the background.

A moment.......a moment is all he needed.... "Ugh..." Arkadi's head turned, warm arms wrapped around his chest and the Fruit smell clogged his nostrils. In the Fleeting second, he saw orange eyes. "Esha..." He called out her name. "Luyu....it is...okay." He was trying to tell her, no, he wanted to tell her to...

Get to safety.

The behemoth was coming now, pounding on the limbless bodies scattered about the sand like unmarked graves. It slammed into the mighty bear nearly crushing Esha and Arkadi whom moved out the way, Arkadi pushed his one behind him once again, still very much protective to her even when weakened. "Luyu!" He yelled, the annoying behemoth had knocked her into the wall in a surprise attack, he was really starting to become beyond pissed, at this creature.

Damn it but he was slouching some, he and Esha moved to the side, her behind him, arms snaked up around his chest, the woman's body to his seething back but he ignored the pain, For her, her closeness. This affection giving him something to hold onto aside that pain. His head turned slightly, breathing heavy. Arkadi's bloody hands covered her smaller ones, he put the dagger in Esha's possesion, their linked hands over his heart. The same doors Luyu knocked over provided the way out, to Freedom, what they'd longed For in the times to discussing it. He looked to Luyu now. The druid.

She did not have to aid them in the cage let alone be here right now, however she was, her spirit resonating to him like his own mother. She was on the same even standing as the behemoth, accepting the challenge and slamming into it causing the beast to be knocked on it's back stunned, staggered. It remained in this position a while growling, hissing.

Freedom. It was there.

Tomineete...

He could see it now, his Father's expression. The questions to be asked.

Arkadi wanted to return there.....with Esha. He didn't care whether it would be considered taboo.

He wanted to tell her, show her, how he Felt. What this time brought him within his heart, he'd go no place without her. No where. Turning around quickly, very much still wrapped in her arms, he moved them around his neck. He could look at her now. Arkadi brought her even closer, his arms enclosed around her waist, Forehead touching hers. "We will not leave her. We will help her. Within the creature's eyes all I could see was cloudy judgement. The only way to Find solace is to kill it, much has been done to it that words will not help. Once we've done that....you and I can leave this place. Together. As we promised. You....take a moment to rest, this is not a arguable request, please, I am asking. I've seen what they've done to you. You have no idea what it has done to me seeing them harm you, I am sorry For leaving your side."

He whirled around pushing her gently back, the dagger reclaimed. Luyu had the one up on the back-bound behemoth, jaws clamped down on the screaming creature's Face, blood splurted out heavily, it thrashed underneath her weight, all that could be heard was screeching, no mortal men rather the beast and it's enemy druid though......through all the horrid violence, a spectator, managing to avoid being maimed, sat happily in seats not wrecked cheering with some bread bits as a snack. It was a Feeble old man with a hand raised in cheer to Luyu, he didn't seem to mind everything to which went on.

"Woo-hoo~ Best show I've seen in a while~"

The behemoth then attacked Luyu, striking her in the side. Her pained roar made the old man shout out in anger at the behemoth and Arkadi could do little to stop Esha's transformation let alone her not going to the druid's aid. "ESHA!" Arkadi screamed. He ran after her. She could be crushed. Both mammoth creatures rolled all over the sand, the behemoth going to maul at Luyu until brought in distraction by the orange-eyed druid, her attack, dangerous as it may have been. Arkadi cursed underneath his breath running, clutching the dagger in his hand.

Both Females were giving the male a run For it's money, Esha attacking on one end, confusing the red eye male and Luyu clamped those mighty jaws to the behemoth's arm reaching to pry Esha away, the spectator wooted again. Arkadi was running underneath, trying to seize an opening in attacking but all he could do was avoid bodies, the bigger of the two unless he wanted to get trampled. The beast attempted to bat it's body into Luyu but all it Felt was pain, it's skull hooked by claws and in the next moment, the vision it had remaining soon died out into darkness, that other eye was brought into sharpened teeth and yanked out, much like the other.

Enraged. It slung her From it with Force bellowing out maddening. The Tomineete warrior could do nothing as Esha came knocking into him, on him, and they both were in a heap on the ground. The dagger dropped instantly. The pain to his back Fired up again but then there was the Feeling earlier, at their closeness, emerald looked into orange, hands touched that Fur gently, taking a second to admire it only then.....

The behemoth roared, gravely injured, it smashed into Luyu basically pushing her Form out the way heading to that Freedom opening. The outside leaving it's own blood trailing in the sand and the massacre would continue...

Arkadi's head turned in the direction to the pounding steps. He rolled over, his hand running over Esha's body again, he picked up the dagger hearing screams occur on the outside. The beast at work again. He groaned, the skin around his ribs already turning a dark shade, oh well. He stood up. They could leave now but he still would stop that behemoth.

"Are you alright?" He asked Esha then turned to Luyu, his eyes seemingly asking the same thing to her, she Fought bravely. His thoughts were ruined, screaming people From the streets sought shelter back in the ruined arena, their sounds brought Forth the behemoth, though blinded, blocking the opening, it's body slamming into one man sending him in a bloody mess to the side, he didn't even have time to scream. Once more, the enemy came back, blood and the white saliva drained out it's mouth.

It came barreling through with Flesh, human Flesh attached to its lips. Arkadi had enough. He ran at the creature, his noise making the only sound, to attract the beast. It worked. It came at him growling but as it raised it's arm to slam down, he slid underneath it, the monster raised up coming to pounce down and perhaps crush the warrior but all that it got was a stab in the chest. It bellowed again. Arkadi sunk the dagger deeper, Forcing it, withdrawing it, he had to slide to the side in order to avoid being crushed. He rolled up on his knees breathing hard, head turned to the side, waiting, he climbed to his Feet coming back at the dropping creature, the behemoth hit the sand hard, vomit coming out it's mouth, the Fight completely gone From it. The big muscular body slowly dwindled down. Arkadi's eyes narrowed, what was he actually seeing? He looked back at Esha and Luyu then to the behemoth....or....no.....the huge Form was diminishing to one smaller, about human size, naked, bruised mortally. A....another.....druid?

The Tomineete warrior stepped back. He remembered his night, the Fight with Esha, how, no matter what, something kept them From killing one another because to kill a druid.....would bring about the same unease he Felt now. A druid. The behemoth...? Stolen like they were? Fighting to survive....

The muscular tanned arm stretched out, the bruised hand clutched bloody sand Firmly then released it, long dark hair covered the nude male, his Face was turned down, he moved some, barely, wet blood stained his hair, broken skull Fragments revealed the warm insides gushing out.

Arkadi was guiilty.

He had done this.

He dropped Luyu's dagger.

It made a slight sound to be heard by the dying one. The same hand having clutched sand now reached out to someone....anyone. Arkadi happened to be nearest. He approached, he dropped to his knees, his own hand taking that one's. Holding on. Feeling it to be squeezed, a warrior's squeeze. Where had this one come From? He turned him over on his back, that black hair covering where his open sockets were eyeless. The injured one grunted. His lips cracked, pink almost despite the blood, they parted. "Kill....me......brother. Let me......go home." A deep voice. A plead.

Kill me brother. Let me go home.

Arkadi could see the wound on that one's chest, where he already had injured him, it bled profusely.

"................Please."

The Tomineete warrior reached to grab the dagger, his hand shaking some. He couldn't look over his shoulder, at the others. "I am...sorry." He apologized.

"Don't be.........I heard your words...................they...were....nice." A big deep breath.

Head hung low, Arkadi held the dagger up. In some moments, he brought it down hard. To end the
suffering.

He hated it.
 
The druid females were relentless and ruthless in their attacks on the warriors coming. Being the bigger one, most eyes were trying to watch what the bear was doing, not heeding the deadly cat behind them. Bones snapped in Esha's jaws as she suddenly stopped, her orange eyes focused on the horrible image in front of her. She'd not known him long, she'd even tried to kill him before. But now, looking into those green eyes her feelings became confused. All she knew now was they him dying terrified her. And he ran to meet the behemoth head on.

A desperate panicked roar left her as she called after the Tomineete warrior. She snapped her head back to her own dangerous situation, hopping backwards before an axe cleaved her head off. She ducked quickly sliding under Luyu as her mighty claws raked into the attacker, her jaws finishing him off. Esha looked back to see Arkadi engaging the beast. Suddenly it grabbed him and tossed him at the two female. She gasped and darted out of the way.

Tomineete warrior slammed against the bear's rear. He could not have hit a more cushy target, plopping to the ground harmlessly. But all the bear felt was something hit her, in full combat mod she swung around. Grayed muzzled snapped dangerously at the warrior, her massive paw slamming down on him with force. His painful cry made her pause and upon realizing who it was her expression softened. Moss green eyes laden with sorrow and worry. She could smell his blood spat from his mouth. Her massive paw lifted softly as she gently nuzzled his shoulder much like a mother worries over her cub.

She paused and her bear face looked more confused as she saw the devastation the acid potion caused on his back. What had happened when she left? Who had done this to him? She wondered if someone tried to batch the fight by injuring him so gravely. She stepped over him, huffing again. Grumbling softly as her massive boxy head tried to look at him. She was deeply worried she had crushed his rib cage.

Orange eyes painfully watched Arkadi roll over, she started towards him but her eyes catching something impending. The behemoth was ready to charge. No. She couldn't allow him to be trampled. She darted to him, shifting back as her striped human arms wrapped around Arkadi. The way he said her name gave her goose bumps but she had to focus. To get him out of the line of fire. She winced at the blood from his mouth, an angry flash shot to Luyu. But she couldn't stay angry, it was in the heat of combat. Esha pulled hidden strength from somewhere and quickly dragged Arkadi away, both of them scurrying to avoid being smashed by the beast.

Luyu tilted her head at Arkadi as he said her name. Why was Esha pulling him away and why was he calling her name? The was a fleeting moment of shock on the mama bears face as the behemoth slammed into her. Knocking her into the wall with a surprised huff. She shook her boxy head to will away the stars and looked back at the beast. Drool dripped from it's hissing mouth as it stared her down. Damn. Been a while since I've been hit that hard. She thought to herself as she pulled a paw under her and pushed herself standing. She turned to face the beast Standing on her hind legs. Towering over the behemoth as she gave out a deep thundering roar. Challenge accepted.

She bounded forward slamming her entire weight into the beast, making it stagger. She took a few steps back dangerous grumbles and growls reverberating from her. She was standing her ground as did the creature. Both in a stand off of sorts. Waiting for the other to move.

Esha did her best to help Arkadi stand but his weight was almost too much for her in this weakened state. Her front pressed against his deeply wounded back, her arms around his chest as she pulled him to the wall. Away from the brawl but… This open wide space beside them. Freedom. It was right there, more then tangible. She and Arkadi could leave now. Leave the druid woman to her fate with the beast. But she couldn't. Not after she'd risked her life for them. Esha was sure nothing was to be gained from her helping. She couldn't leave her. The thought to just leave Luyu was but a whisper over the resounding voice in her head calling her to aide her druid sister.

His bloody hands touched her equally bloody hands, his touch so tender. Her hand seemed to act on it's own, her fingers curling around his. She couldn't see his face clearly but she could see his green eye looking back at her. His face gaunt from fatigue and pain. For some reason she wanted to ease his pain, to take it all away. To tend to his wounds. She was breathing just as heavy as him. Her eyes moved to see his hand pushing the dagger into her hand that lay over his hear.

She opened her mouth to speak but Luyu jolted towards behemoth. Luyu clamped her jaws down on the beasts face, thrashing wildly. The beast bellowed and slashed it's claws into Luyu's side, the bear letting out a muffled roar of pain. Her eyes slamming shut and she did one strong thrash, knocking the beast off balance. Both tumbled to the ground but neither were one up on the other. "We have to help her, Arkadi." She said quickly looking back to him.

Esha gasped as the bear entangled with the behemoth but suddenly that didn't even matter. Arkadi moved quickly to turn around and face her. Her orange eyes met those soft green ones as all she could do was look. His hands moved hers to around her neck. His warm comforting embrace wrapped around her waist. As he came close those strange foggy feelings made her heart beat strangely in her chest. She shot her eyes away from his. Maybe if she didn't look at him it wouldn't feel so strange. She exhaled softly as she felt his forehead against hers. Her bloody fingers curled sweetly in his hair.

She was happy to hear he didn't want to leave Luyu either. He spoke what she already wondered, the behemoth was lost. It's mind warped by the abuse and torture it sustained under it's imprisonment. Her heart beat strangely as he said they'd leave together. It made her confused and her expression winced. Knowing Rockridge would never allow this. A smile tugged at her lips as her orange eyes looked into his. Seeing her harmed enraged him? Why? It was strangely flattering. "You didn't have much of a choice in leaving. You were thrown up there." She said with a smile. Looking at him and being this close, it made her feelings muddled again and she looked away. "Don't ask me to stay out of the fight. Because I wont."

Her warrior turned around, gently pushing her behind him. Regaining his hold on the borrowed dagger. A horrible muffled roar of pain caught Esha's attention. She gasped as the beast struck Luyu's side with it's claws, but the brave warrior refused to let go. Esha could not hold back any longer. With a cougar like scream she shifted instantly and bolted for Luyu. As she expected, Arkadi was not happy about this. He'd learn sooner or later she was not a den mother, she was not meant to sit quietly and wait for her warrior to come home so she could tend to his wounds and take care of the children. No she was a warrior. She lived to be in combat or on the hunt.

Fish hook claws and saber teeth slashed the beast repeatedly. Her attack was working and the beast let up on Luyu, allowing her to recover. The beast shook trying to get the cat off. Meanwhile Luyu bolted her head to the sky. She was looking for something. Or someone. Where is he? She thought to herself. But the dark night sky showed only vast emptiness. She gave another roar and rammed the beast again. Almost stumbling as she tried not to trample Arkadi.

Huge claws reached up to rake Esha, but the lithe cat moved before she was damaged. It's own claws raking it's neck. Luyu hardly paid much mind as she was bathed in blood. The bear worked it into a corner, slashing, biting and ramming the beast. In a flash it grabbed Esha by her back leg pulling her down. But her claws locked her in place on it's face. Claws hooked into it's skull she didn't hesitate to slam her maw down on it's remaining eye. Rendering it completely blind. It bellowed in rage as at that moment she let go, allowing it to toss her from it's face.

She landed with a thud into Arkadi's arms. A winded painful yowl escaping her. She shook her cat head softly, sneering as she spat out the chewed red eye. She breathed heavily, wincing in pain as she took the moment to breath. A warm hand softly touched her fur in the few places not cut and bleeding. She opened her eyes to see him looking at her, his captivating emerald eyes. She wanted to roll over, to fall into his comforting embrace. But in a second it was all over. The beast roared again, knocking Luyu to the side and running out of the arena. Her warrior reacted quickly, rolling over to protect her.

Luyu hit the wall hard with a huff but it hardly seemed to phase her. Her eyes wearily drug to the sky looking again. She grumbled when there still was emptiness. Taking a long moment to stand but the screams made her bear head jerk upwards. A fearful look came to her face. No. Those people were innocent, for the most part. The guard was most likely on their way. Men she drank with, aided when their live stock were sick. They were just doing their job. She jolted to her feet and trotted over to the couple, roaring softly for them to get a move on. Before the guards showed up.

But Esha didn't see much sense in moving at the moment. She rolled on her back and shifted back into her human form. Breathing heavily, wincing at the numerous cuts on her back. Her shoulder seemed like it was on fire. She looked over at Arkadi as he spoke to her. She rolled on her side to relieve the pain, nodding softly. "I'm fine." She lied. Her eyes looking to meet moss green as she urgently roared again. Thundering alerted her of the behemoth's return and she jolted her head up. A sharp inhale and she scrambled to the edge of the wall, making sure to remain silent. Luyu stood her ground waiting for it to hit her but it by past her, running to the only one not being quiet. Blood trailed Esha's lips from a cut in her mouth. She gasped as Tomineete warrior slid under the beast, just missing it's slamming fists. "Arkadi!" She shouted his name in fear. Her words drawing the beasts head to turn towards her as it came down. Down onto his dagger.

The warrior hit it more then once and enough to fatally wound it. It fell to the ground, spewing vomit from it's mouth as it slumped over. She exhaled and fell to her knees, fingers sinking into the sand. She looked up but what she saw she didn't expect. Luyu grumbled softly as she took a few steps towards not a fallen behemoth, but a fallen druid. The bear closed her eyes looking down. She felt ashamed to not have known this druid was here. "It… He… Is a druid?" Esha's voice broke the silence.

She watched his broken and bloody form reach out. For anyone. Once again Tomineete surprised the Rockridge huntress by showing compassion. Running to the dying druid's side, taking his hand in his. Orange eyes watched the dagger drop on the ground, a tear rolled from her cheek. She'd done this to him. Someone who didn't have a choice but to fight. Her voice choked in her throat so no voice could say anything. He pleaded for his misery to end. Esha wondered in her heart if she could do it? End a tortured life. Arkadi took the dagger, she could see his hesitation as Luyu's dagger trembled in his hands. She looked down as Arkadi started to move. The last breath and sickening crack made her twitch. The tears silently trickling down her face.

There was sorrow in the bear's face but no tears came. She softly lumbered towards the warrior and the fallen druid. Her head looking once more to the sky. Still nothing. She lumbered closer, her boxy bear face nudging Arkadi's shoulder softly. Trying to convey that he did the right thing. Esha pushed herself to her feet, wiping away the tears as she came to stand beside Arkadi. She knelt beside him, moving her hand up to place it over the fallen druid's shoulder. "May you find your way to the Terra Mother. And may you find the peace you deserve in the Forest of Eternal Bloom." She said her prayer and her hand moved to touch Arkadi's shoulder.

Her face touched his bloody arm. "You did the right thing Arkadi." She said looking to him, her hand bringing his to her. Using her free hand to try and wipe away the tear. "You did the right thing." But the solemn moment was broken by another warning roar by Luyu. Esha shot her eyes towards the gaping exit, and the sound that loomed closer. Clanking metal. The guards. Luyu swing her great head, urging them to follow. "C'mon Arkadi. We have to go." She looped an arm under his and helped him to his feet. It was now that she noticed Luyu's hesitation, her lingering gaze to the sky. Was she looking for a sign? She looked too but saw nothing. She looked back to see Luyu already on the move. She squeezed Arkadi's hand, giving him once last glance before she darted after her.

Esha was ready to shift and aide Luyu in taking down these guards. But to her surprise Luyu just charged through them. Knocking them over like bowling pins. Esha hesitated a moment, waiting for an attack but Luyu kept going. Yea perhaps she did have the right idea. Now was a good time to run. The two other druid would be able to keep pace with the galloping bear. Being druids they were just as fast. The guards yelled after them. "The vicious beasts are escaping! Put them down!" One yelled as they called for horses to give chase. Towns people cried out and ran out of the way as the huge bear led the pair through the streets of the town. Her head repeatedly looking up to the sky, her huffs becoming more and more desperate. Her path was leading them towards a forest. So close Esha could smell the fresh grass and autumn leaves.

Suddenly thy turned a corner and were met with a wall of seven men on horse back. And more men on foot coming behind them. Luyu skidded to a halt, Esha almost ran into her. "Argh! Whu-why are you stopping!?" She snapped angrily. Her expression dropped and became more fierce as she saw the reason why. "These men are no match for you, tear through them!" She snapped but Luyu looked back, her huge bear head shaking in response. Her answer was 'no'.

Second on the left, she helped heal the very horse he was sitting on. Last on the right, she gave medicine to his son's favorite dog. The one in the middle could play a mean game of cards. She looked behind them, seeing more men she'd helped in some way. They were just doing their jobs. Esha looked to Luyu a moment. Soon she realized why there was a hold up and why Luyu paused. These humans. Sad state and deprived of nature as they were, they were her tribe of sorts. Esha didn't understand it. She moved closer to Arkadi, unconsciously seeking his comforting embrace as she looked around. Luyu roar anxiously, looking desperately to the sky. Esha looked at Arkadi, that stubborn determination in her eyes. If Luyu wasn't going to make a move, she aimed to.
 
The behemoth reached up, taking him, throwing him at Luyu. Arkadi hit her body sliding down, not injured and at the same time, it was her he landed against. He only had a second to look up, into those eyes, as the massive paw came down onto him, his chest, the impact was severe. He let out a cry. Short. Arkadi was knocked to the sand near her, his back igniting again. She packed a punch he would not soon Forget. There he lay, sprawled out, spitting out blood. He Felt the same paw he made close contact with earlier, come to nuzzle his shoulder, it was highly comforting to him, Arkadi remained where he was, head lowered some. He rolled over on his stomach having no ill will towards her, he would never think to blame her. She didn't know. It was a clear mistake. No one would know in the heated moment. He spit up some more blood needing a single moment. "Agh..." His head turned, warm arms wrapped around his chest and the Fruit smell clogged his nostrils. In that time, he saw orange eyes. Those beautiful eyes. No, Luyu shouldn't place blame on herself, she did nothing wrong. This, he tried to convey. "Luyu...it is okay. I am Fine. Do not worry." He wanted to tell her to go to safety too because that behemoth was on the charge, moving quickly, without remorse. Beneath it's heavy Feet came the already dead bodies trampled into nothing, scattered about the sand like unmarked graves. The creature slammed into the mighty bear nearly crushing both Esha and Arkadi whom moved out the way. On cue, Arkadi pushed his one behind him to shield her no matter how weakened he was. "Luyu!" He cried out, annoyed at the behemoth by this point. He slouched some. He moved with Esha to the side, her behind him, arms snaked up around his chest, her body pressed to his angry back, pain he could ignore, the touch was wonderful. Her closeness, it brought him a peace. The affection gave him something to hold onto aside the pain. His head turned slightly, breathing heavy. Arkadi's bloody hands covered her smaller ones, he places the dagger in her possession, their linked hands are over his heart now. The pounding evident, how he Felt about her, spoken through this wordless gesture. Now was not the time to tell her how suddenly this change in, his earlier aversion to her was no longer what it had been but something else. There never seemed a right time to talk about this, much happened now and then getting in the way.The same doors Luyu knocked over provided the way out to their Freedom, what they longed to have. Arkadi looked at the other druid woman. She did not have to aid them in the cage nor be here now however she was, her spirit resonating to him like his own mother. She was on the same standing as the behemoth, accepting the challenge and slamming into it causing the beast to be knocked over on it's back stunned. Staggered. It remained in this position a while, growling. Hissing.

They couldn't leave her.

As much as he wanted to return home with Esha, they couldn't leave Luyu. Turning around quickly, very much still wrapped in her arms, he moved them around his neck. He could look at her properly now. He brought her closer, his arms around her waist, Forehead to hers. He rather enjoyed the touch to his hair. "We will not leave her, we'll help...once we've handled this creature then you take a moment to rest, this is not a request to be argued, please, I am asking. I've seen what they have done to you. You have no idea what it has done to me seeing them harm you. I apologize For leaving your side." He laughed some at her comment. "Remind me never to do that again, it really wasn't Fun." She had him silenced, how could he not ask her to remain, no, asking such would do no good. She wasn't like the women in Tomineete, most used to relying on the men and doing what ever it was they should do. Their Feelings were predictable. He whirled around pushing her behind him, reclaiming the dagger, Luyu Fought the behemoth as best she could and he had little idea the one beside him was prepared to turn until she did so sprinting away From him.

"ESHA!?" Arkadi screamed. That one was definitely not like the Tomineete women. They'd tend to the hunting, household, and children together.....errn....what? His mind wrapped around the thought.

Both Females were giving the male a run For it's money, Esha attacking on one end, confusing the red eye male and Luyu clamped those mighty jaws to the behemoth's arm reaching to pry Esha away, the spectator wooted again. Arkadi was running underneath, trying to seize an opening in attacking but all he could do was avoid bodies, the bigger of the two unless he wanted to get trampled.

The beast attempted to bat it's body into Luyu but all it Felt was pain, it's skull hooked by claws and in the next moment, the vision it had remaining soon died out into darkness, that other eye was brought into sharpened teeth and yanked out, much like the other. Enraged. It slung her From it with Force bellowing out maddening.

The Tomineete warrior could do nothing as Esha came knocking into him, on him, and they both were in a heap on the ground. The dagger dropped instantly. The pain to his back Fired up again but then there was the Feeling earlier, at their closeness, emerald looked into orange, hands touched that Fur gently, taking a second to admire it only then.....The behemoth roared, gravely injured, it smashed into Luyu basically pushing her Form out the way heading to that Freedom opening. The outside leaving it's own blood trailing in the sand and the massacre would continue...

Arkadi's head turned in the direction to the pounding steps. He rolled over, his hand running over Esha's body again, he picked up the dagger hearing screams occur on the outside. The beast at work again. He groaned, the skin around his ribs already turning a dark shade, oh well. He stood up. They could leave now but he still would stop that behemoth.

"Are you alright?" He asked Esha, of course she wasn't Fine, she had been through a lot tonight. And most likely would tell him she was, which she did, a slight grimace crossed his Face as he then turned to Luyu, his eyes seemingly asking the same thing to her, she Fought bravely. His thoughts were ruined, screaming people From the streets sought shelter back in the ruined arena, their sounds brought Forth the behemoth, though blinded, blocking the opening, it's body slamming into one man sending him in a bloody mess to the side, he didn't even have time to scream. Once more, the enemy came back, blood and the white saliva drained out it's mouth. It came barreling through with Flesh, human Flesh attached to its lips. Arkadi had enough. He ran at the creature, Esha's calling to his name heard but unanswered in the hunt, his noise making the only sound, to attract the beast. It worked. It came at him growling but as it raised it's arm to slam down, he slid underneath it, the monster raised up coming to pounce down and perhaps crush the warrior but all that it got was a stab in the chest. It bellowed again. Arkadi sunk the dagger deeper, Forcing it, withdrawing it, he had to slide to the side in order to avoid being crushed.

It had been days now and still no word. The only real clue was a small clothing article piece he last remembered his son wearing, his child, though Arkadi was no young one, he knew how to handle his own since the horrible incident which took his mother. Regardless, Tomineete's Leader worried, perhaps, he'd placed too much pressure on the boy in previous conversations, maybe this caused the latter to seek solace in places where he could think. The world outside was dangerous, the people were callous, equally to not be trusted. He tried his best to shield his son From this. Within his home he resided, sitting with both legs crossed under one another, his thick clothing covering them.

Hands were on his knees, head bowed and the long graying blonde hair untouched, it dragged against his Face. The only light to the night came in the small Fires burning outside, dinner still being shared by the others, he opted not to eat expecting his boy to come walking through the door with their plates, his vibrant sunrise blonde hair tied into a ponytail and a grin on his Face as he moved to him. Arkadi's Father raised his head, eyes in search at the doorway in remembrance to one particular time, two weeks prior to his son disappearing, it seemed like only yesterday...

Arkadi walked in the doorway precisely at evening. Perched in his hands were two plates containing warm Food. Bread and meat, a generous helping like with the others. His hair was drawn back in a ponytail. He was neither smiling nor Frowning, lost in thought, like so many youth these days. He crept closer to the watching leader whom was already reaching to use a wooden pitcher to pour them both water into cups made to the same material. "Arkadi." The man greeted.

"Father." The other knelt putting the plates on the table. Their heads bowed slightly.

"Is something troubling you?"

"No. I am well." Arkadi responded. He really had no appetite by this point but For the sake in satisfying his stomach, he began to eat slowly all aware in having his Father's eyes on him. As usual. The tribe leader leaned one hand on the table, the other on his own knee.

"When do you plan on making me a grandfather?"

Arkadi, drinking some water to rinse down the meat, abruptly spit out the liquid. Some ran down his chin where he wiped it using his hand, his emerald eyes resided on his Father in the next moment. "....What?" The elder man's eyes did not Falter.

"You heard me."

"Yes and I cannot believe you asked that. You really must have someone in order to...create life."

"I am well aware. That is how your mother and I had you."

Arkadi cringed. "Don't expect this anytime soon.."

"Have no village women interested you?" Pressed the leader. His son shrugged.

"Interesting yes but there should be more than interest when it comes to choosing one to spend all eternity with, you have to Feel it in your heart, soul. That is not what I Feel when it comes to our women besides, some are only interested in what they can get in the moment, I doubt one such as me could hold their attention much."

"Oh, do not say that..."

"It is true. Can we not talk about this anymore. I need to clear my head soon, I will be taking a walk through the Forest." Arkadi settled into eating once more not looking up at his sire whom looked back at him.

He'd...give anything to have his son back. The memory washed away like the earlier day and the one thing which hadn't changed, he was alone in his home. No Arkadi sitting with him at the table, no Food scent, nothing other than voices outside, had his son really abandoned the village or maybe something happened in his usual visit to the Forest. The leader could take Arkadi leaving the village, it meant, there was hope, he could see him once more.

The other option...as strong as his son was....he was still vunerable like the rest. The man lowered his head unaware to the shadow lingering nearby to the doorway watching him. The white-haired warrior Tolm. Tall at six Foot three. Muscular. On even matched with Arkadi, Tolm Faltered a bit behind the leader's son, it made For the inner envy Fuel to something more. He turned away From the doorway pressing his bare back to the structure all while looking into the open Flames burning around the village.

They were to be out in the morning attempting to look For Arkadi yet deep down, he did not wish to do so. He wanted nothing more than to be named successor by the leader though, unless proven dead, Arkadi would always remain the one. It burned him deep inside. He pushed up, his stride like a silent predator. Those enjoying their dinner near the Fire looked up toward him, some speaking in greeting. He merely nodded his head at them, his mind was on the village leader. Tolm came to his comrades, three, all crouched by a Fire while one woman with long black hair, danced For them. He sat down picking up a stick. "The leader's judgement has become clouded since Arkadi's disappearence." His rough voice spoke. Eyes resided on him. "He may not be able to have a sound mind. Action needs to be taken." No one said anything, even the woman stopped dancing, she tugged some hair behind her ear, staring at him with a curious expression. "Arkadi most likely has abandoned Tomineete, that is why our leader is so sullen, he's not thinking clearly. We must prepare For the upcoming winter, I've not heard any preparation. Our Families need to be Fed." Tolm looked at them. "Winter will be harsh." His words ceased. He caught wind to one comrade, then them all, looking not at him but to the Figure standing nearby, his head turned, he saw, Arkadi's Father. Disapproval showed on the elder man's Face.

"Are you meaning to tell me something Tolm?"

"No sir." Tolm Faced him.

"It sounds as though you are questioning my authority..." The Tomineete Chief looked around to all those within the area. "Despite Arkadi not being here does not mean I am declining in my duties, that is not the case. I am still your leader as I have been in my younger years. Tomineete will not go under. Should you have hesitations then talk to me about them rather than amongst yourselves." He shot Tolm a look. The white-haired one looked elsewhere, he turned to one he sat beside. "Meet me at midnight, we need to continue this conversation." His words came out in a whisper. The comrade nodded slowly. A coo was taking place....and Arkadi had little idea. He was taken captive From his home, in a land Foreign, both he and another, where they Fought to live and saw atrocities they normally wouldn't.

He rolled on his knees, breathing hard, head turned to the side, waiting, he climbed to his Feet coming back at the dropping creature, the behemoth hit the sand hard, vomit came out it's mouth, the Fight completely gone by this point. The big muscular body dwindled down. The Tomineete Warrior's eyes narrowed, what....what was he actually seeing? He looked back at Esha and Luyu, their hesitation to move. He turned back to the behemoth...no...the huge Form was diminishing to one smaller, about human size, naked, bruised mortally. Another druid....? Arkadi stepped back. He remembered the night he and Esha Fought one another, deep down, something kept him From striking the killing blow because to kill a druid...would bring about the unease he Felt now. A Druid. The behemoth...? Stolen like they were. Fighting to survive.

He'd dealt the Fatal blow. He heard Esha's voice speak, she'd not known either, that he was a druid. The muscular tanned arm stretched out, the bruised hand clutched bloody sand Firmly then released it. Long dark hair covered the nude male, his Face was turned down, he moved some, barely, wet blood stained his hair and broken skull Fragments revealed the warm insides gushing out. Survival was a Fleeting dream by this point. It made the Tomineete Warrior guilty. He and he alone had done this. He dropped Luyu's dagger. It made a slight sound to be heard by the dying one. The same hand having clutched sand now reached out to someone, anyone, Arkadi happened to be near. He approached dropping to his knees, his own hand taking that one's. Holding on. Feeling it to be squeezed, a warrior's squeeze. Where had this one come From? He turned him on his back, that black hair covering where his open sockets were eyeless. The injured druid grunted. His lips cracked, pink almost despite the blood, they parted. "Kill....me....brother. Let me...go home." The deep voice was pained. It pleaded.

A plead to be killed.

Never had he been placed in this situation.

But...

He could see the wound on that one's chest, where he already injured him, it bled heavily.

"Please..."

Arkadi grabbed the dagger, his hand shaking some. He couldn't look at the others right now. "I am sorry." He apologized.

"Don't be...I heard you. Your words. They were....nice." A big deep breath was taken. Head hung low now, Arkadi held the dagger up. In some moments, he brought it down hard to end the other's suffering. How he hated it. The overwhelming Feeling lurched in his chest. It was stronger than a kill over Food. He cursed underneath his breath still clutching the dagger drenched in blood. In this moment, he thought about his Father, yearned to go home, make sure that the man was alright but how Far away was that very home? He trembled, head shook. The pleading words unable to leave his mind. What happened here, he'd not likely Forget anytime soon. He only raised his head when movement occured behind, to his left. The warrior looked back as a bigger Face nudged into his shoulder and he Found Luyu's warmth beside him. How she reminded him to his mother. It was clear that his decision had been supported by her. His Free hand reached up to touch her Face remembering the earlier motherly treatment. What about Esha? Would she look at him like in a way? Her presence drew near to him too, standing, water glistened on her cheeks telling him the story that she shed tears For the now deceased druid. More than anything he needed to hear her say that he did the right thing, it was a mercy kill, he couldn't have her turn away. Arkadi....needed her. "The right thing..." He repeated her words. Eyes chanced the hand on his shoulder, their hands toucher and it was the warrior whom beat her to wipe those tears From her Face. "Don't cry...." He turned to her wanting to hold her when the roar, From Luyu, distracted his attention. Something was wrong. "Luyu, what is it?" Arkadi was looking at her now, those moss-green eyes did not look their direction, they were on the exit. Their Freedom! "Esha, we have to go." Arkadi was hastened, it was now or never, as the chaos had died down, they could leave. It seemed he had the right idea like her, he brought his weight up, with her help, their arms linked.

"Someone is coming....more than one." He announced quite certain by this point they needed a bath to wash away the blood. Luyu served as their guide, but, Arkadi noticed the mother bear looking to the darkened sky....why? He looked up From the Fallen druid to the sky as well seeing nothing, maybe she was seeing how the weather would hold up? Strange...warmth squeezed his hand, he cast Esha a look as she was behind Luyu, he paced in a quick run to lead the rear in case attack decided to rise.

The guards on the outside door opening were mowed over, they grunted, the warrior looked down at them as he ran. He did not stop to bother with them. He heard screaming, people running at the sight to the bear coming in town and bloody Figures running behind her. This was a change since before when he and Esha were cage-bound. Where were they going he had to wonder hearing the chaos ensue again, them being pursued. "Do you smell that...?" Arkadi called out. "Smells like nature. Serene, even at night it is crisp." He closed his eyes some. He had to get near it and....

Arkadi swerved to avoid plowing into Esha, he turned again not to collide with Luyu either as she came to a stop quickly. He caught his Footing staggering Forward then hopped back at Esha's side. Stopping....why? Emerald-eyes saw the reason, blocking their path lied seven men on horses and those grounded. Arkadi waited For Luyu to attack but no such action came, he did not understand, was their a reason behind this? Even Esha questioned their new Friend to attack though the answer would be no by Luyu's head shaking. She did not wish to bring harm to these individuals in the way to their Freedom. He didn't understand.

"Luyu..." Arkadi's head whipped behind them, more prevented them From going back the way they'd come. They were trapped in a pincer attack. Not good. These humans....they meant something to her, yet another thing to ask the mysterious druid about when he returned her dagger. She couldn't bring them harm. Now he understood. Arkadi's arm drew around Esha when she came to him, anxious to escape. And once more did Luyu look to the sky, why? He had to do something. To respect Luyu's wishes and at the same time not hinder their escape. What could be done? Think. Think. He didn't miss Esha's look, like she had something planned, oh no, not this time. "Get her to Freedom Luyu, I will not harm these to which hold meaning to you." He gently pushed Esha to the bear's body having decided on what he would do. The hypnotic taunt. To draw one's enemy upon a single source. Him. Arkadi grazed Esha's eyebrow with his Finger. "You smell like a sweet Fruit, I love Fruit....don't come after me." It was all he could say at the moment. He dropped the embrace etching ahead Luyu now, providing space. He had never done this before, there was no reason until now, Tomineete was a tribe living on legend through their songs and lore, his Father taught him everything he knew. He'd draw the soldiers away to at least let the other two reach somewhere safe and the rest could be thought up along the way. The druid knelt a low swoop pretending to draw the dagger's tip along the ground in a Full circle. He chanted the unknown words propping a bloody Finger to his lip, he whirled around again, making a striking notion with his borrowed weapon seeing, not clear that it was working until he heard the men grunting, angry. A Fixation on him than the druid women. Good. He rose up making a wide run to those in Front, coming at them, the ones behind chased at him too ignoring Luyu and Esha. Arkadi slammed his body into two standing near the right most turn, they hit the ground with a thud and he now gave chase running, taking the humans on a run as their target. As long as they got away nothing else really mattered. He was tired and quite certain to collapse somewhere around these ramparts, he looked over his shoulder, to make sure those ones chased him still remained. This was the only real plan he had, to draw them away until he could seek out a proper way to escape and at the same time his Father was on his mind.
 
A tall dark skinned figure walked towards the stone building. A tall imposing man with enough battle scars to show why he was the alpha warrior. An older but still powerful man, he tossed his thick wiry graying black hair from his single good eye. The right eye was covered by a weather worn bit of cloth. Hiding a gruesome old wound over his lost eye. He placed on hand on his hip and the other leaned against the pillars that held the chief's hut up. The buildings pillars were crude by first glance but a longer look would show it was hand crafted with blood sweat and tears. In the open space the Rockridge chief paced. Where he had been pacing for the past three days. The alpha warrior's eye narrowed on his younger leader. But more importantly, the young prince who fidgeted as he watched his father.

The boy was a spitting image of his father. Both lighter skinned then the grizzled warrior with similar long straight pale blonde hair. The twelve year old's dark blue eyes watched his sire pace anxiously. "Papa?" He said timidly. But the chief just paced, giving his boy only a stern look. The dark haired warrior watched as the boy continued to try and console his father. "I'm sure… I'm sure Mama Esha is okay." A dark eye looked down, knowing that 'Mama' was an endearing term a child would use for a woman in the tribe. But he also knew how the boy felt of Esha. "Quiet boy. Go do something else." He snapped flashing an annoyed glare at his son.

"She's one of the best warriors I-" But the boy was interrupted. The chief wheeled around facing the boy, fire in his eyes. "I said quiet boy!" The prince stumbled back. Back into the quick moving warrior, coming to his aide. He shuddered as he looked up to the man, a paternal hand on the boy's shoulder. A deadly stare at the chief. "He's being a good son and worrying over his sire. Your boy watches you're every move Urin. You should take advantage of that and train him." Chief Urin ((Pronounced Oo-rin)) scoffed and paced away. "Training will do no good, Rhoan. He is weak like his mother." He snarled as he kept pacing.

A dark eye narrowed on the chief. It was well known that Urin's wife was not the best mother, but Rhoan felt he had a poor father figure also. He didn't look away from the chief but he felt the boy's head dip down in shame. "Your choice in mates was your own damn fault. Not young Niro's." It was an argument the chief and alpha warrior had often. He looked down at prince Niro with a sigh. "And he cannot grow if you give him no guidance." Urin grumbled, throwing his hand up as he paced away from the two. The prince hung his head, remaining silent.

The old warrior's hand reached down and pulled the boy's face to him. "Your father is an idiot." His gruff voice made a smile try to tug at Niro's lips. "He's obsessing over Esha being missing. She is sorely missed but it was her own stupidity that led to this." He said looking down at the boy. Niro looked down and rubbed his arms anxiously. "Because… She went off to hunt alone?" He said curiously looking up to the elder. The warrior's head nodded once. A sound of agreeing with him. "Keno thinks it's his fault…" He added timidly. Again the old warrior nodded. "The Sugra home is in great distress right now. Keno cries. Miko left this morning to try and find his daughter and Ellu only found out recently she is with child…" He said distantly.

If Esha had known her mother was with child, perhaps she wouldn't have left so eagerly. Rhoan shook his head and looked back at Niro. "Go give help to Ellu and Keno in any way you can. I have brought her a deer. She could use your help in cleaning it. Or caring after Keno. Go." He gently nudged the boy away from the hut. Eager to help in any way possible he started off but turned around to look at the elder warrior whom was old enough to be his grand father. "Rhoan?" He said softly as the warrior faced him. "Do… Do you think… If Esha was my mom, that papa would like me?" Nothing showed on the warriors face but it felt like a snow bison hit him in the chest. The boy's words touching him deeply. "Don't worry about what you cannot change. Go." And the boy obeyed.

Rhoan walked again to confront the chief. Watching only a moment before he was met with a glare. "Stop obsessing. She is deeply missed but she was an idiot for hunting alone. Keno's birthday or no." The blonde one visibly bristled and clenched his fists. Walking heavily towards the taller and older man. "You will not speak of Esha in that way!" He bellowed.

"I will speak my mind. You may be my chief, but you will listen when I speak boy. You have all of our scouts and hunters looking for her! The cold wind blows. Winter will not wait. You waste our resources searching for one person!" The warrior was walking a thin line with his chief. But he always did. He always challenged him. He'd never take the mantle himself, for in his own way he respected Chief Urin. And he had no idea how to properly lead a tribe. But at this moment it didn't seem that way. The chief stepped up to the warrior, getting in his face. "She is a vital member of our hunting caste and warrior caste!"

Rhoan stepped closer but scoffed at the same time. "Oh bull shit Urin. This act alone, you might as well announce your love for her and cast your current wife to the side." The two stared at one another a moment. Movement from behind them said someone was about to walk in. Soft steps, those belonging to a woman. Rhoan ignored it as did Urin. Rhoan watched the chief, the shameless recognition of the woman he must have seen. "She's the woman I should have married…" He said dropping his voice.

Rhoan scoffed and shook his head. "Yea well she wasn't of age when you took a mate. And we all know for her to become a chief's mate she must challenge your current one… Ever wonder why she hasn't done so over these years?" Rhoan already knew the answer. It was the chief that nursed her back to health when she had been taken and brutalized by another warrior. It was with him that she felt safe. Rhoan also knew Esha enough to know when she held a wall up. Being with Chief Urin made her feel safe. He often wondered if Urin took advantage of her weakness. Though he had no proof of that. But he did know that Urin wasn't the male she wanted as her mate. She'd confessed he had too many flaws. Mainly being unfaithful. Which Rhoan almost didn't understand her reasoning behind since it was with her that he was committing adultery with.

But this question seemed to only further the chief's anger. With a short deep cat like roar he snarled closer to Rhaon. A deep growl rumbled, seething from the older warrior's throat. "She's waiting." Urin replied after a moment, his voice hinted that he was unsure. "Is she now?" Rhoan retorted. But before the argument escalated a thin man burst through the doors. "Chief Urin!" He said urgently. The anger and rage dropped from his face, his deep blue eyes looking hopeful as he pushed the elder warrior from his path. "What new have you?" He said eagerly.

Rhoan crossed his arms as he listened. The dark haired man bent over gasping for breath, clearly having run here just to relay his message. "We found her trail…" He gasped out. Rhoan unfolded his arms, Urin raised his arms to cheer but composed himself. Walking to the man and grabbing him. Looking him in the eye. His focus so urgently on the young man he didn't see the queen poke around from the door frame. Rhoan felt she was a fair looking woman, beautiful in her own right. With fair skin, long strawberry blonde hair and soft yellow eyes. Her eyes now red, clearly she had been crying. The man shook his head. "We believe she crossed the North Valley river… into Tomineete territory." Unease hung in the air, Urin let the man go. Eyes dropping to the floor.

Rhoan twisted angrily. She knew better. Damnit she knew better. "Did you check?" Urin said at last. The man finally catching his breath, looked up to his chief as if he'd lost his mind. Glancing to Rhoan. The elder warrior shooting his chief the same confused look. "No I… I didn't check…"

"Why the hell not!?" Urin demanded. Getting dangerously close to the man. He cringed and looked to Rhoan and back at his chief. Stammering. "I er ah the, the pact?" He stumbled out. Urin was beyond angry. But the pact he made with all the neighboring clans didn't seem to matter now. Normally Rhoan would be perfectly happy slaughtering the other clans just to make Rockridge stronger. But this was winter. And this war was about to be over one person's own stupidity. "I will go." He said shoving the young male aside. Pausing to glare at his queen before walking on.

"You would risk war with Tomineete when we have no supplies. Over someone who defied the pact." Rhoan called after Urin as he followed the man out. The pact was no matter who or why, should they be caught trespassing it would mean their death. And no retaliation from wither side would come. That was the pact between the Rockridge, Gnashal, and Tomineete clans. The blonde chief whirled around to face the elder warrior. "I would gladly risk my life for her." A tearful shudder came from the queen as she tried to hide her pain. "You're risking the whole tribe." Rhoan retorted quickly. His dark eye narrowing on his chief.

"Amount a defensive team. Be ready to attack Tomineete on my command." He finished as he turned around to leave. Harshly motioning the weakened male to show him where Esha's trail led off. Rhoan turned to the queen. "… Calla…" He said her name, tears rolled down her cheeks. Her arms coiled around herself as she stood insecurely. "Don't." She said softly as she walked away. Glancing her yellow eyes at the elder male. Rhoan wasn't exactly the best husband either, thus he didn't what to say. So he let her be.

Mossy green eyes looked to the Tomineete warrior. It was an act of mercy but it clearly was not an easy choice to make for him. His body trembled, his breath raspy. The great bear lumbered closer to him, her head glancing to the sky. Still nothing. She lumbered closer, her boxy bear face nudging Arkadi's shoulder softly. Trying to convey that he did the right thing. His hand touched her face and she huffed at him in the same way a mother bear would comfort her cub. Her head lifted as Esha wiped away tears from her face. Pushing herself up to stand and walk to her warrior. She knelt beside him, moving her hand up to place it over the fallen druid's shoulder. "May you find your way to the Terra Mother. And may you find the peace you deserve in the Forest of Eternal Bloom." She said her prayer and her hand moved to touch Arkadi's shoulder.

She lay her hand on his arm, her head on his bloody shoulder. "You did the right thing Arkadi." She said looking to him, her hand bringing his to her. She moved her own hand to wipe away a tear, but Arkadi's hand made it to her face first. His bloody worn hands surprisingly tender to her. He told her not to cry, those words brought her orange eyes to look down a brief moment. "Your right… He is at peace now… I just-" Her words interrupted by Luyu's roar. Orange eyes shot wide as she looked down the door way. To the sound of clanking metal.

Luyu swing her great head, urging them to follow. "C'mon Arkadi. We have to go." She looped an arm under his and helped him to his feet. "Yes, it sounds like a lot more than just a few." She added looking to the bloody blonde warrior. It was now that she noticed Luyu's hesitation, her lingering gaze to the sky. Was she looking for a sign? She looked too but saw nothing. She looked back to see Luyu already on the move. She squeezed Arkadi's hand, giving him once last glance before she darted after her. Luyu barreled through the guards like a bowling pin. Knocking them out of the way. Esha didn't see much sense in attacking now. It was better to run every now and then. So she just followed, glancing back every now and then to make sure Arkadi was still behind her.

The grayed bears head lifted to the sky once more. Where is that stupid lizard? Why isn't he showing up? She thought desperately as she galloped forward. Turning her huge boxy head back to see the two she was risking her life for. The blonde warrior was battered, bloody but his feelings for the sandy blonde tan skinned woman was clear. Perhaps that's what Luyu admired. She led them through the streets of the city. Towards the forest and it's lush fall leaves and welcoming grasses. "I do! I do smell it!" Esha replied to the Tomineete warrior. "It smells like freedom!" She said back excitedly, finding herself smiling for the first time in a long time.

Suddenly thy turned a corner and were met with a wall of seven men on horse back. And more men on foot coming behind them. Luyu skidded to a halt, Esha almost ran into her. "Argh! Whu-why are you stopping!?" She snapped angrily. But Luyu couldn't attack these men. She'd helped many of them in some way. She knew them. They were just doing their jobs. They didn't deserve to die. She huffed anxiously as she backed away, mossy eyes looking once more to the empty sky. Esha narrowed her eyes on Luyu, then the men. If Luyu didn't make a move she was. And hers would mean more blood would spill.

Just before the huntress shifted and acted, she was gently pushed against the great bear. Her hand touched the bears fur as she looked to Arkadi. What was he talking about? Get her to safety? Oh no. She was staying right by his side. She gave him a strange look as he spoke to her. Smelled like fruit? But it was his tender touch to her brow that muddled her head long enough for him to act. "What do you mean, don't come after you? We made a promise." She said narrowing her brows. Once again he intrigued her with his use of movements and words to capture the attention of his desired. Perhaps that's what he was doing to her.

Luyu looked to him, to his eyes. Those eyes, green said what she needed to know. He spoke the truth. No harm would come to these men. But the trouble was getting Esha to go along with this plan. He moved away from the huntress and towards the horsemen. What he did was both intimidating and beautiful, so Esha thought. He pretended to drag the dagger along the ground, chanting and bringing his bloody hand to his face. Soon the men as if one unit all looked to Arkadi. A anger or rage seemed to fill them as they glared and started to shot vile words at him. Esha's heart pounded in her chest and she made a motion to rush to his side. But it was at that very moment that Luyu's maw gently gripped the woman's arm and jerked her away.

"No! No Luyu! We can't leave him! Let me go! Arkadi! No!" She screamed as Arkadi charged the men, knocking two down. All of them. The ones on horse back and the ones on foot all charged forth after him. Esha bellowed at Luyu, unable to break the bear's grip on her arm and was being drug away from everything. Once far enough away Luyu shifted back into her human form. And with no sense of ease she slammed Esha against a tree. Holding her arms as she did so. The jolt was enough to wind her and make her yelp in pain. Orange eyes looked at her with shock. Luyu had a look that was both warm and stern at the same time.

"Stop fighting me. Look. Those men… They are like my tribe. I can't kill them. And you chasing after your mate does no good." She let the younger woman go, her hands touching her face. "I didn't mean to harm you but you need to calm down."

"He's not… urgh… he's…" Esha's words lingered as she tried to say Arkadi wasn't her mate. "Not my…" Luyu retracted her hand and looked at Esha. "Not your mate?" She said questionably. But to Esha's surprise she gave a warm laugh. "Actions speak louder then words but whatever you say. Alright. Keep heading north west until you come to a great old oak tree growing on the edge of a forested cliff. Under the roots you'll find a passage way. Hide there till I bring him back." Esha went to speak but Luyu held up her blood stained hand. "Please." Was all she said. Esha bit her lip, her own hand running through her blood stained hair. She looked down and gave in. Conceding to this agreement.

Luyu smiled and nodded. Esha didn't like this plan. Not at all. She wanted to see Arkadi to safety but Esha spoke wisdom. She needed to back down and head to somewhere safe. She looked to the sky to get her bearings before she started off. "I'm gonna kill Divinigos…" Luyu growled as she walked away, falling to the ground as she galloped off to where she left Arkadi. It soon became easy, the sound of galloping hooves and clanking metal was easy to follow.

She barreled towards the weary warrior, roaring to call his attention. Throwing her head for him to follow her. Once she had his attention she galloped along side him, guiding him towards the river. 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. 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. 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. Head darting from side to side as she heard the men drawing nearer. She Stopped and turned towards Arkadi, her head gently knocking him into a bush hidden from view. What she did then would have seemed like she'd gone mad. She roared ferociously, acting as though she was attacking a nearby bush.

But she suddenly shifted and screamed in her human voice. Making more sounds of a struggle. She broke off a branch and touched the tip so it was coated in 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.

Esha did as she was told. Though clearly not happy about it. She followed the stars to the north west until she heard the unmistakable rush of river water. Eager for something to drink she walked quicker. Her paced painfully picked up to a slow jog until she saw a massive oak tree. So large she was sure it belonged in a nymph forest or the Forest of Eternal Bloom. It sat on the edge of a cliff that gently sloped down. The roots exposed. Realization hit those orange eyes as she realized this was the place Luyu told her about.

"Under the roots…" She said softly as she walked to the thick tangle of roots. But instead of being firm thy were surprisingly flimsy and were easily pushed aside. A hidden tunnel lay before her. Something almost seemed to call her into the tunnel. Something welcoming. Something she couldn't ignore. Down into the pitch black tunnel she went. Even her cat eyes did little in the dark pit. Her hands touching the sides of the dirt laden cave, small it was as she had to stoop low as she walked. Her bloody fingers guided her way until a glinting light caught her eye. She walked faster until…

"Oh… by the goddess…" The moon shined on a crystal clear lagoon. Lush green grasses and moss grew under her feet. Soft and spongy it was a welcomed feeling on her bare feet. A soft water fall poured into the lagoon in the nearly covered cavernous hole in which it sat. She looked at the vines and ferns that grew on the rocky walls. The image led her eyes to a wooden shack built into the wall. Was this Luyu's home? It was beautiful where ever this was. She staggered towards the water, dropping to her knees with a splash as her hand touched the cool inviting waters. She cupped her hands and greedily drank of water, albeit stained with blood. She then softly poured the water on her body, washing away the blood and revealing her wounds. Oh how soothing the water felt. She couldn't resist.

With some effort due to dried blood and wounds she pulled her leather shirt off. Dropping it to the ground. Her finger untied the leather strings on her leather pants, pulling those off too. Her naked body waded into the water, a painful shudder escaped her but soon a relieved sigh followed. Her hands working slowly to wash the blood from her hair and skin.
 
Had he told her what he intended to do, there would've been no way she'd not come along, not risked her own existence Further. That was not what Arkadi wanted. Not For Esha or even Luyu, he understood why she couldn't attack these humans, the ones hindering their Freedom, they meant a great deal to her in some way.

The blonde's blood-drenched hair outlined with sweat moved upon his bare shoulders when his head whipped around, behind them. More prevented them From going back the way they'd come trapping the deciding three in a pincer attack.

It didn't look good. It was in this moment, seeing Luyu's hesitation and Feeling Esha press up against him, that Arkadi wrapped a protective arm around her, stealing in a look to her anxious expression. She wanted to escape, to return to the one Keno and then again what did that mean about....them? Emerald-eyes caught Luyu's head raising to look at the sky, why?

Was something suppose to happen? He knew something had to be done, he just hadn't entirely thought it through. He caught the huntress' look, like she also decided on what their next move should be regardless to how injured she may have been. Not this time.

"Get her to Freedom Luyu, I promise not to harm those which hold meaning to you. You have my word as a druid, one belonging to Tomineete. You have my honor." With her dagger, he raised the blade to his chest, crossing over his heart, his truth. Always what his Father told him to show towards another. He meant every word as he gently pushed Esha to the bear's body having settled in his mind what he'd do. The Hypnotic Taunt, to draw one's enemy upon a single soure: Him. He grazed her eyebrow with his Finger looking into her eyes.

"You smell like a sweet Fruit...I don't want you to come after me...you need to go with Luyu, she will guide you where you need to be." She'd protest. Possibly be angry, they made a promise yes, but it was his duty to make sure she was alright, could it have been his inner being acting as a mate? Still Arkadi did not know, he didn't have time to dwell on it, they didn't have time. He dropped the embrace etching ahead Luyu now, providing space, their eyes met and once again his word would be known, these men wouldn't be harmed.

Arkadi had never done this before, there lied no reason until now. His tribe lived on legend through their songs and lore, his Father taught him everything he knew. He'd draw the soldiers away to at least let the other two reach somewhere safe and the rest could be thought up along the way. The druid knelt a low swoop pretending to draw the dagger's tip along the ground in a Full circle. He chanted the unknown words propping a bloody Finger to his lip, he whirled around again making a striking notion with his borrowed weapon seeing, not clear that it was working until he heard the men grunting, angry. There now came a Fixation on him rather than the druid women, as Arkadi wanted.

He rose up making a wide run, hearing Esha protesting, calling his name, screaming, nothing she could say would make him turn around, Arkadi's only thought to protect her as she'd done when he needed her, she called him back From the insanity threatening to devour his soul. He only hoped they could reach some safety. He was running, toward those in Front, coming at them, the ones behind chased at him too ignoring Luyu and Esha.

Arkadi slammed his body into two standing near the right most turn, they hit the ground with a thud and he now gave chase running, taking the humans on a run as their target. As long as Luyu and....Esha got away then nothing else mattered. Arkadi glanced over his shoulder, he made sure the ones chasing him were behind, their attention on him, and him solely. Oh, how tired he was, wrecked, the night air stung against the back which hadn't been properly treated, Kee's violence, and most likely scarring would leave him to remember what happened in this land so distant From Tomineete.

He tightened his grip around the dagger, his right leg propelling outward then immediately the left, Feet pressed into the hardened ground, the only sensible smell being that to which was blood. Death. It clogged his nostrils, reminded him to the ones killed, the behemoth druid. Arkadi wasn't exactly sure where he was running, the night nearly blinded him, but he managed to make a path down the winding road void to people at the late hour and considering what took place at the ring.

They were coming, those men enthralled by his taunt, he could heard their cursing, the horse hooves galloping over the same ground as the Tomineete Warrior. He turned a corner, a merchant cart, empty blocked his path. Arkadi ran directly into it, he threw his body in a glide and ended up over the wooden carrying tool landing in a crouch. He took a moment to catch his breath.

"He went around there...!"

"No, that direction, moron."

"Do not lose sight to him. He and the other will hang, damn what Ironbeard says."

Anger. Arkadi heard their conversation. He'd made a vow. No harm would come to these men. Rising up, he kept on with the chase, pausing once he achieved the open area and a Familiar Friend returned. Luyu. Arkadi slid to a stop, his direction changing, he ran to her. "Esha is safe?" His eyes did a double take For his one, yes, she had to be. His heart pounded some. He touched her Face with his hands, affection like a child to a mother. "Thank you Luyu, thank you. I have your dagger, to be returned once we are elsewhere," he heard the continued noise around them.

"Time to go...." Arkadi ran with Luyu at his side, they were leaving the township etching to the outskirts, the woodlands scent very appearent now. Freedom. Arkadi thought he could heard the running water, a water source. He yearned to go home. Desperately. At the pressing time, the thick brush made him hesitate, there was no where else to go, his bare back and naked upper body would suffer, he threw his weight down onto his stomach in a hastened crawl hearing the shouting coming close.

Relentless branches prickled at his skin drawing blood making the warrior clench down on his teeth, he moved regardless, his one hand grabbing at dirt, the other placing the dagger hilt in his mouth to navigate with both. He groaned slightly. One branch pierced his back, blood drew heavily From the sensitive skin. He smelled the water. It was close. The rich scent. How much Further?

The warrior grimaced, another branch struck his waist. It was when he stopped a spell that Luyu's jaws enclosed over his arm, Arkadi looked at her, she wanted him to move west. He moved west, at her tug, the river Flow was hard, like his heart. The beating.

Determination to see Esha. He anticipated her perhaps attacking him, scolding him, something to that nature, he couldn't wait to see her.....a time when they weren't captive. A smile tugged at his lips some.

His hands embedded in moistened dirt, a clear indication they were close to the river, he didn't mind her grip on his arm, he turned to look at her when she let him go, the roar meaning to continue Following her, one last branch stabbed at his back scraping the skin up, he contained a curse coming to a clearing where the moon above shined through the trees onto the stream. He was now crouch walking, the dagger in his mouth, ready to stand properly only Luyu knocked him back into the bush where he landed on his side.

Why? The Tomineete Warrior looked at her in question, her next actions, his eyebrow raised, chest heaved at her vicious roar. Were they not to be silent? Those men were not at a distance. He rolled back onto his stomach keeping hidden in the bush as she went on a rampage to the nearby bush, he was silent, there had to be a reason behind this and within seconds the young one understood, he diverted his eyes when Luyu changed to her human Form, the scream alarming in some sense, her words went to be heard. To remain hidden For no sooner that she uttered them, throwing her body to the ground in a heap, the pursuers emerged, concerned. Arkadi was still. The dagger in his mouth, his chest rose up and down, he closed his eyes.

The hypnotic spell worked well, he was unsure how long those men would attempt to pursue him. He listened to Luyu tell the men a False sighting to where he'd gone, one wanted to stay with her, and Arkadi could see how much they meant to her, a Family. He was sure, that in her position, he would've Felt the same way. Arkadi's striking green eyes shot open, he saw legs moving, Footsteps on the brush, heading another direction and when sensing their to be no more danger, he pulled out the bush rolling ever so lightly as not to infuriate his bleeding back. He was kneeling, breathing hard, the dagger in his mouth, and eyes set on the druid whom did not have to help them. She risked a lot. The male crawled near her, he stood close to her in examination. Taking the dagger now in both hands, he presented it back to her.

"It helped me, to protect her. Thank you." She must've been tired too. He could tell, he looked around, something brown caught his eye, a long shawl, worn by one of the others having long left, they dropped it. Instantly, Arkadi grabbed it, he wrapped it around his back wincing slightly and tying the ends around his neck, now he was with Luyu once more, turning around, his long arms stretching out to grab around her body, he'd carry her on his back. To seek out Esha. He rose taking a secure grip on her. ((I apologize. I don't mean to control your character. Pretend she is telling him where to go.)) "How long have you lived here? With the others?" Arkadi's voice lowered to a whisper. He began to run, with Lady Ox, in tow, up the stream. The stars glistened in the sky heavily leading northbound, the moon still protective in the womb above, he raised his head to look up at them.

"You remind me of my mother in many ways, though she was not From Tomineete in the ways I gathered out my Father." He conversed. "Were you looking For something? In the sky?" He passed a point where the tree leaves overshadowed a bit. The stream lead him on, extended in some ways, the slow sounds it made meant there was the bigger water source near, the river. He wanted something to drink but he knew that stopping was keeping him more and more away From Esha.

The Fire brought on warmth to the otherwise chilly night. Tolm, with his arms crossed over his bare chest, stood positioned near a tree watching the embers eat the wood in a sullen manner. he straightened up once he heard Footsteps creeping into the woodlands meeting area. He turned to see several individuals coming, both male and Female, word traveled quick. "You came." he replied.

"Urgency." Honree, a dark-haired male, shrugged. "The chief has been slacking in his duties, winter comes soon, Arkadi's abandonment to Tomineete is impact to us all. I have a Family to think about."

"Indeed brother." Tolm nodded. "We need a successor. One proper. Arkadi, is not Fitting, even should he have been here. He never was."

"Then who should be successor?" Asked one woman. "Only the chief can name one, when he is unable to take dealings on his own." She ran a hand through her red hair.

"Did he not name Arkadi?" Another replied.

Tolm clenched his Fist, the Fire distorted his Face some. "Arkadi is not here. Who knows where he has gone but here he is not, it has been days, you would think that he cares to see how his Father is doing. I will be named successor. My skills match Arkadi's." He ignored the looks that he was given. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"The chief will never make you successor...."

"Arkadi is quite Formidable."

"The only way you would be made successor would be if something happened to the chief, Arkadi is not here to take the position, the right would be given to the next strongest. It's always been the Tomineete way." Another spoke up. Tolm took these words to heart. He wanted nothing more than to be tribe leader, he Felt that Arkadi's Father had always been lax when it came to the other tribes, the only real promise and hope remained in their own tribe. What would happen should the others revolt? Peace? It was unfathomed. He turned away as he heard the others continue to talk, none had the ideals like he. The chief was old, perhaps it was time he did step down, the question remained whether it would be willingly or unwillingly.

Arkadi slowed down as he heard the water rush. The river drew near and his grip on Luyu, whether she still was perched on his back, held tight. He eyed the ground, there lied indentations in the grass, as though someone else had come this way too and he thought he smelled Esha's Fruit scent lingering in the air. The young man went Forth. His eyes settling on the massive oak tree, a tree he regarded as sacred with the many branches coated by thousands upon thousands of leaves. The roots embedded up and below the ground, it sat alone on a sloped cliff edging down. Where was this?

He heard the other's words, his head turning slightly, eyes on the roots pushed aside. He stopped, set Luyu right. By this time, the blood soaked through the shawl now, his back was a wreck and on Fire, the same path Esha went previously, through the pitch black tunnel, Arkadi Followed, perhaps behind Luyu, it was uncomfortable to say the least, due to his size. The water sounded like it was coming From above or all around to his ears. He could smell her, the Fruity scent telling him she came this way, that she, For the most part was unharmed. His Esha. Time seemed to be extended, their seperation dragged his heart sideways, it was like an eternity since he last saw her, attempted to bring the angry mob on him. He touched the sides, crouched, grunted to move along the tight crevice Fueled by the her scent and that to nature in general. He had to get out, quickly. The same light glimmer Esha saw at the tunnel end, emerald eyes witnessed as well until....

He was met to the moon, above, shining down on the crystal clear lagoon, the grasses green, abundant and the source to the water he heard coming From a waterfall pouring into hole, surprise Filled him, never had he seen anything like it before, a heaven on earth, the druid way, a sacred realm untouched, that is what Arkadi thought it to be. He closed his eyes to the various smells matching Tomineete's.

He sighed, a smile graced his lips. Where was this? Reopening his eyes, scanning the rocky walls, he noticed the wooden shelter built there, someone's home. Luyu? Looking around, he saw the pile near the water edge, bloody. Esha's clothes. He was at them, clutching them in his hands standing properly to look around, her clothing but no Esha, the garments dropped out his hands, or so he thought. He spied her. In the water.....

One eyebrow raised.

He didn't move. Arkadi watched her, cleanse her body with the water, washing away their Fight to survive previously. The moonlight captured her in a trance he couldn't escape, Arkadi crouched, his eyes bathing over her as she bathed her body calmly, he considered that he might've been caught underneath his own spell. His head turned to the side. This woman....he realized he could not leave her side. He HAD to be near her, with her...

Like a one...

A mate.

The one he'd been seeking. Not a Tomineete woman.

Arkadi tore his eyes away. He would call to her so she didn't think he simply wanted to look at her, he would be lying to say a part did not, she was beautiful on the inside and out but there lied more to a relationship than physical means. There were emotions. Arkadi crept near the edge. "Esha...." Her name barely came out in more than a whisper. "Esha..." He lost his Footing, embarrassing enough, staggering into the water clothed, he resurfaced, his hair naturally rinsing the blood out, it clung to his head and shoulders wetly.
 
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