Redwall Abbey

Having dinner with his family was one of Archel's favorite pastimes. One that he rarely got to enjoy due to his job. The past month had been a busy one tracking down an outlaw up the east coast, and he had only had a chance to visit his family briefly in that time. Now he was home after a long mission and he planed to make the most of his time here.

His house was a large mansion not to far from the royal palace. He grated the old gate keeper as he passed and walked up the well tended path. He walked with a little spring in his step and entered the house, a young mouse servant came and took his coat.

"Where is Martha?" he asked not even giving the maid a second glance.

"Out back in the garden sir with Marissa and Tomas," She said respectfully, before turning and hurrying away to tell the kitchen that the master was home. Archel hardly noticed, he was already on his way to the garden.

Archel found Martha sitting on a bench her small round spectacles perched on her nose and a book in her paws, while the nurse, and older stoat watched the children, baby Tomas a little white fluffy ball of a fox no older than a season and Marissa a full nine seasons and growing fast.

Marrisa was the first to see him standing in the door way and she jumped up and ran to him with an overjoyed shout.

"Daddy!"  

"My big girl!" He said going to meet her scooping her up and spinning her around before setting her down and sitting next to Martha, giving her a kiss."I'm back Dear,"

***

"Alarie Illes! get back here this instant!" Miss Illes shouted from the door of their cottage. She leaned against the door frame and laid a paw on her stomach which was round with child. Alarie ran across the yard and up the single oak tree on the property, two honey roles in her possession, one in her paw and the other stuck in her mouth. "I really need to brake her of this stealing habit," she said to herself, "Get back down here and I'll tan your tail!" she shouted, but seeing no movement in the tree she sighed and went back in the house only to return with a basket of knitting. Two could play at this game.

***

Alarie watched her mother rocking in her chair out front knitting, it looked like she was making a blanket for her new little brother. She smiled it would be nice to have a little brothers, the wise woman said it was going to be a boy. Alaries stomach growled, she had eaten both the roles a while ago and she was now getting hungry. However her self preserving nature and her pride kept her in the tree. She looked around trying to find a way to get down without her mother noticing. If she could get away and avoid her long enough then it would blow over without to much fuss.  

She decided that the best way out was to make a dash for it. Her mother would never be able to catch her. In a flash she was down the tree across the yard and over the fence. Her mother was left shouting at the front gate and Alarie had disappeared over the hill.

***

Patrick, a mouse lad of 16 was plowing in his fathers filed when he heard some onecalling his name from over by the low stone wall at the edge of their property.

"Hey Patrick, over here,"  

He stopped his plowing and looked over to see Alarie crouched on the wall.

"Whats up," He said. She jumped off the wall and came over.

"Hey do you wan't to hang out at the fort tonight," she asked. The fort was a small play house the two of them had built in the woods between their family's properties. They would often go there together and hang out.

"What did you do this time?" Patrick asked reproachfully

"Nothing!... well I took some of mothers roles off the rack while they where cooling... and she seemed pretty mad about it,"

"That explains it,"

"I don't get it, I was going to eat them eventually anyway. Why dose she care when I eat it,"

"I think it is the stealing part that bothers her,"

"but it's not like I was really stealing, it's my house anyway,"

Patrick rolled his eyes and continued to plow.

"So... are you going to come to the fort or not?"

"Alright fine, after I finish this, oh and I'll bring some food," He said with a wink.

"Yes! thankyou," she said doing a cartwheel of triumph on the grass.

Canthedtum Pharnol leaned against a tree, panting heavily. He had been travelling South for days, hoping to escape a couple of rats he owed a debt to, but couldn't repay. Canny had finally thought he'd escaped them and set up camp, only to wake up with his tent on fire and smoke filling his lungs. The Fisher Cat had ran out the entrance, his fur sooty and singed, barely avoiding the Rats. He knew they were still following him, so he couldn't stop for long. Canny took a few steps away from the tree, hacking as he did so.

"An' where d'you tink yer goin'? Yeh haven' payed off yer debt yet, boy." Came a villainous voice. Canny turned, eyes wide, and saw the rats he had been fleeing from.

"Please! I don't have any money! I don't have anything!"

"Well, then yeh shouldn' 'ave borrowed our money, eh?" The rat swung his sword at him, but missed. He raised his sword again and swung, this time straight at Canny. The rat didn't notice the purple smoke that had started appearing. However, he did notice when his sword's blade melted. With eyes wide, the two rats turned and fled, but only made it a few steps before a huge tree branch fell on them. Behind them Canny stood, stricken. Odd things had happened around him before, always with the purple smoke, but he didn't understand it. He was scared. With a terrified last glance at the rats, one of whom was still alive, Canny turned and ran in the opposite direction.

Canny kept running until he reached a crudely made structure in the woods. Sighing with relief, he stepped inside, before passing out.

OOC: Canny's at the fort, if that's all right.

 OOC: I controlled the maid. Is that alright?

Lieutenant Erich knocked on the front door of Captain Archel's house. When the mouse maid opened the door in answer, Erich gave her a half-hearted smile. "Is Captain Archel here? I really must speak with him."

"Yes, sir; he is," The maid replied. "If you wait a moment here, I will get him."

Pulling the heavy pack of wares and small tools higher on his back, the hefty shrew Arron continued his long walk. With a slight smile, he remembered his fathers parting words warning of bandits and the danger of the open road.

Humming a old folk song he padded on, excited and terrified with his first long journey away from home. Planning on arriving in the city to sell and repair what he could, Arron hoped he would be able to impress his father when he made the long trip home.

Arron was contemplating choosing a spot for a campsite when a low moan sounded from the bushes. Jumping away Arron reached for the nearest item that came to paw, a stout forge hammer.

Arron's heart beat furiously as his fathers warning of dangerous bandits that preyed on travels. Terrible images rose in his head, he ground his teeth planning on going out with a fight.

Nothing happened, the road was still and a few crickets chirruped. Once again the moan sounded from the bushes, now it sounded less like a monster and more like a creature in distress.

Swallowing his fear Arron approached the bushes, pushing a few branches out of the way. Laying in a heap, a group of rats had all been crushed under a massive tree branch that had fallen away. Most were dead already yet one still lived, breathing shallowly and occasionally letting out a moan of pain.

Grimacing in disgust and trying not to gag Arron pulled the injured rat out from under the branch dragging him out onto the road. Once there Arron placed his pack under the rodents head and covered it with his blanket. Then he went back into the bushes to see what had happened.

Unable to make out how the tree branch and fallen or a sword had melted he left the sight and went back out onto the path. Folding up the blanket and replacing the pack Arron pulled the unconscious injured rat over his shoulder deciding to get as far away from this stop as possible.

Luckily the rat was small and light making him easy to carry. Still struggling to carry the rodent Arron finally had to halt carefully setting the rodent down and recovering it with the blanket.

Leaning against a tree Arron exhausted by his recent exertions he quickly fell asleep.

OOC: Ok real quick for locations, Arron still on the road I don't think he is near the fort.

Haenrok walked slowly up a hill, his step carefree but unhurried. He had been traveling inland for quite some time now, making stops here and there, and getting in, and out, of trouble when it came. The sea otter looked back from where he came, putting a paw to his already-shading brows to block the sun; he could no longer see the grove of trees he had spent the last few nights in, but it wasn't too concerning to him. It meant he had made progress.

Shrugging his pack into a more comfortable position, Haenrok turned back around to press forward. I wonder where I'll end up tonight, he mused. Always interesting.

A little further along his path the sea otter spied a few shapes in the distance. Stopping to think for a moment, Haenrok considered whether he should try to avoid company so soon, or try to be friendly. Deciding to take the latter, he set off again toward the forms. As he came closer, it became more obvious that they were in fact soldiers of some kind, bearing weapons and helmets that reflected the sun. Trusting to luck, Haenrok hailed them as he walked toward them.

OOC: I will continue this event in a later post.

"Welcome home dear, how was your trip," Martha said taking his paw in hers.

"It was successful, and I have a little something for you," he said taking a small silver broach with a single pearl set in it from his  pocket and handing it to her.

"Oh, it's lovey," She said pinning it to her dress

"and you look lovely in it,"

"What's the occasion?"

"Does there have to be an occasion to give my lovely wife a gift. I haven't see you all in weeks and I wish my job didn't take me so far from home," He said picking up little Tomas and setting him on his lap "I swear, he has gotten heavier since last time. Fells like a cannon ball,"  Just then the mouse maid came out into the garden.

"Mr. Nerington, Lieutenant Erich is here to see you sir," she said. Archel handed Tomas to his wife and gave her a kiss on the forehead saying "I'll be right back dear," before returning to the house.

He entered the main entryway where he found the Lieutenant waiting. "What is it? this had better be important," He said.

***

Alarie ran on ahead and then stopped waiting for Patrick to catch up. She would then come back to walk with him and then run on ahead again. "Hurry up!" She said stopping to wait for him.

"You slow down! You have to much energy,"

"Not a chance,"

"and tell me again why you are in such a hurry, it's not like there is anything exciting waiting for us there," He said but Alarie was no longer listening, she had already run on ahead and over the hill. Over this hill and around the tree and there was the fort. She darted around and ducked in threw the front entrance. She let out a startled gasp and drew back hitting her head on the top of the door frame, sparks flying from her fingers. She hurriedly clasped her paws together, her heart beat hard. She had been more startled by the sparks then finding a limp figure in her fort.

"are you O- who's that?" he asked poking his head in.

"I don't know," She whispered not knowing why. Alarie crept over and peered at the fisher cat while Patrick crawled in and set their food down, he had it tied up in a napkin.  "Is he ok?" She said still whispering.

 "It is of the utmost importance, sir," Erich said. "Some scouts reported seeing magic-users in the nearby woods, and the Crown has ordered an immediate investigation. I volunteered to lead the search group, but the King said he wants you to do it. I understand that your family is important to you, but we can't afford to waste time."

Erich paused for a moment, and then added, "And bring your finest weapons. You and I both know what they are capable of."

Canny groaned as he lay on the floor, in a state between unconsciousness and consciousness. He could hear what was happening, but was still deep enough asleep that he couldn't respond. However, he did respond when he smelled fire. His eyes opened wide and he flailed wildly, taking a moment to figure out why he was scared and where he was. "F-fire..." he said, panic evident in his voice. "Who...Where's the fire?..." Canny asked, noticing Alarie and Patrick for the first time.

"Magic users, so close to the city," Archel said knitting his brow. "what is this coming to... Don't worry friend, I know better than anyone what they are capable of," he said laying a paw on the hilt of his saber. "What did the report say? what should we be looking out for?" He asked.

((OOC: If you want it to be one of the players I would say the best bet would be Hans character. he already said that things like that had happened before. if you would prefer it to be a NPC then you can do something like a sheet of ice covering the ground  or fog when there should not be, anything really unnatural.))

***

Alarie jumped back startled but this time without the sparks. "There's no fire! it's ok," She said rubbing her paws together nervously.

"I'm Patrick Longtail and this is Alarie Illes. What's your name? are you OK?" he asked.

 "The scouts say they saw purple smoke," Erich said. "There were also two dead rats under a nearby tree branch, but I don't know if that's connected to the smoke. I've yet to see any magic that can command the trees."

       Saurrel Featherbrush was on his way home. He had just finished up some deliveries out in one of the expansive farming sectors, and was quite enjoying the scenery at this point. Just as he was stopping to admire a patch of daisy's along the road, his ears started picking up a conversation from a location he couldn't identify.

"I'm Patrick Longtail and this is Alarie Illes. What's your name? are you OK?"

       Judging from past experiences, he wasn't particularly far away, but the landscape sure did a good job of masking the whereabouts of the beasts conversing. All that aside, at least he could listen, Saurrel always took an opportunity to try and grasp control of his gift, and this seemed like it would be the easiest to manipulate. He had found many unexpected jobs this way, as well as overheard threats, or demands that he always found himself in the middle of.

Canny looked nervously at the Mouse and Squirrel who were standing over him.

"Canthedtum Pharnol," said the Fisher Cat. "I think I'm fine..." Canny tried to stand up, but went back to the ground as he started coughing violently.

OOC: I'm too tired to post with Rangi right now, I'll do it later. Skarz, is it alright if he meets up with Haenrok?

"Never underestimate magic Lieutenant, I have seen them do things that, five years ago I would have thought impossible,"  Archel chided. "I just returned from a patrol up the east cost, the entire coast near a fishing village had frozen over, all the ships where locked in the dock. If a beast can do something like that..." He trailed off with a meaningful look at Erich before donning his gray coat. "We better go we have no time to lose," He said heading out the door.

***

"Alright, by my tail," Alarie said crouching down next to him and punting a paw on his shoulder. "here," Patrick said handing Canny a canteen of water.

 Running ahead of The Captain, Erich headed toward the palace. If the garrison had been roused as promised, two dozen soldiers were already waiting there for him.

Canny took the canteen gratefully, downing several gulps before talking again. "Have y'seen any rats hanging around?" he asked.

Quote from: HanNorwood on February 06, 2015, 02:56:32 AM
OOC: I'm too tired to post with Rangi right now, I'll do it later. Skarz, is it alright if he meets up with Haenrok?

OOC: That's fine.

BIC: Haenrok approached the soldiers semi-warily, swallowing back some threatening panic; while he wasn't unduly worried, it would be easy to get agitated in similar circumstances.

"Hello, sirs. I was wondering if you could possibly point me in the direction of the nearest settlement." The soldiers looked at each other, then at the sea otter with his stony face and dark expression.

One of them, a weasel, stepped forward with his spear at an obvious relaxed-but-ready position. "Y'know, we could tell you, but as a patrol we have to keep our border safe from. . . unwanted creatures. What business do you have in the Trecor area?"

"I'm just traveling; what's it to you?" said Haenrok bluntly as he heard some of the other soldiers whispering.

"What do you think? He's the right age. . ."

"Shouldn't take chances; we'll take him to Trecor just to be sure. Might turn out to be nothing but at least we could keep an eye on him."

The weasel extended his arms as the other soldiers spread out slightly. "Look, mate; I'm not tryin' to be unreasonable. I'm just doing my job! Now, we're gonna haft search you. . ."

"No." The sea otter tightened his paw into a fist. "You have no right to do that to a free creature." His brows furrowed, making his eyes look even more dark under their shadow. He was easily twice the weasel's size, possibly more, but he had no weapon and he was outnumbered. Haenrok tried one last time to use words, pointing a claw at the weasel. "Look, I don't want trouble, but if you don't. . . !"

A small whack was heard as something struck the weasel's paw. "Aah! Ow, ooh, ee!"

"What is it, Benk?"

Benk held his throbbing paw. "That derned sea otter jus' threw a rock at me; get him, boys!"

Rangi lunged forward, swiping at the Sea Otter, but purposely missing, not wanting to injure one of his own species.

"I'd jus' surrender, and not force these vermin t'attack yew. They know what they're doin'." whispered the tattooed otter when he was close to Haenrok, before retreating back to the other loyalists.

OOC: Is it okay if Ayashe and Bane II meet up with Haenrok? I can always edit my post later.

Ayashe and Bane II were travelling to Trecor for a short rest and then they planned to move on to Noonvale. Suddenly, they heard the sounds of battle and stopped. Ayashe pointed at the vermin attacking the otter and nudged Bane, telling him to move forward. "You better remain here and watch, flee if the battle is lost and tell some locals." Bane said before charging into battle with his poleaxe, howling like the wind in a storm. Ayashe simply nodded and sat down, hoping that Bane wouldn't be too vicious this time and leave some survivors.

Osullad Azocar, King of Trecor, stood on the balcony overlooking the marching grounds, where a little over a score of solders prepared to depart. while his son Pheidon leaned on the railing behind him.

"The reports are getting more and more frequent, and these magic beast more and more confidant," Pheidon said.

"the threat they represent to our house is growing by the day, They must be eliminated," Osullad said...

Below Archel and Erich entered the grounds and the men stopped what they where doing and stood to attention like a well oiled well tuned mechanism.

"At ease," Archel said before shouting some orders

"I want at least five spear beasts, two nets, and four archers  The rest of you stay well armed and alert," He said passing threw the grounds and climbing up the steps to the barracks to stand above the men.

"We have another one on the loose, this time near the city, in the forest. You must keep your whits about you, and your eyes pealed for purple smoke. This one has already killed two civilians, maybe more. Now we go out there today and we all know that sacrifices will be made, but we do this not for ourselves but as our duty to our family, friends, the countless people who live under our protection, and for the crown and our king, Azocar, Azocar, Azocar!" He began to shout punching the air with every word and the beast below began to chant with him. He looked up at the balcony where the king stood and as he shouted he maid eye contact with his king. He was filled with emotions all honorable and good.

***

Alarie Looked at Canny a bit puzzled "Rats? No, not since yesterday. Why?" She asked sitting down with her back to the wall.

Selva was running. Again. It never surprised her, the necessity to run. As a pickpocket and a beggar, she ended up running nine out of ten times. This time, she had almost succeeded, and to be honest, she still had what she tried to steal, but then that nasty patrol had marched into the square and spotted her. Now even the other pickpockets were after her, hoping that if they caught her, they could get a reward. 

Good. The city gates just happened to be open. It was into the first with her until the search died down. Maybe a day or so without food, but it was worth it. Her pursuit died down, her peers not wanting to risk being out in the woods when the gates closed, and the soldiers needing to get back to their posts. The young otter slowed down as she entered the woods and made her way to the small building she had found empty the last time she came.

Surprisingly, it wasn't empty. She growled in the back of her throat at her misfortune. It wasn't often that her day went this badly...

 After giving a final salute to the King, the army marched away from the palace. With their bright armor and fine weapons, they were surely a force to be reckoned with.

When they reached the gravel road that lead into the forest, Erich turned to Archel. "Sir," he said, "I think we should split up. You could take three-fourths of the group along the main forest road, and I would bring the rest along a backcountry route. That way, we can corner the scum if they try to run away."

"There were rats yesterday?" Canny asked. "Which way were the headed?"

"So I can be sure not to go that direction." the Fisher Cat though to himself.

Haenrok jumped back away from the attacks, doing his best to dodge them but knowing he couldn't keep it up for long. He was getting a bit desperate, for the attack was unexpectedly quick to come. Was that weasel crazy? He hadn't thrown a rock at him!

The sea otter looked at the one otter in their midst, nearly the same size as he, and he gritted his teeth. "Please, leave me alone!" Haenrok felt his blood rise, and his vision began to redden. No, not now, he pleaded in his mind. I have no weapon, I won't be able to control myself!

One of the soldiers jumped forward with a powerful swing at Haenrok with his axe, and the sea otter held up his arms desperately and hopelessly to try to block the strike, but. . .

Clang!

Haenrok opened his eyes; he had felt the impact, but it was only like he had been hit with a small stick. The soldier was hopping about holding his stinging paws as his axe lay seriously damaged on the ground. "Wha. . . ?" Suddenly Haenrok realized he could no longer feel his arms. "No, no!" Were they gone? Had they been chopped off? With a sickening feeling in his gut, he tried raising his paws to see. . .

These weren't his paws; these were the paws of. . . a statue!

"What's happening to me," he cried. "What is this!" The soldiers had now recovered from their moment of confusion, but as they advanced on the sea otter he swung at them, sending bits of stone flying like so many slingstones.

Turning tail, Haenrok ran.

       Saurrel had been listening to the beasts getting acquainted, when he started to notice the sounds of others rather close. He could feel the hearing start to fade, but he did catch one thing before it stopped.

" ~~ That way, we can corner the scum if they try to*"

       Quite a confusing mix... Then it hit him like an avalanche hits a flower patch, they were after the one of the other three! The way the soldiers were handling themselves would suggest this was another magic chase, which would also explain the apparent stranger's seeming attempt at hiding. He usually avoided getting anywhere near the army and their work, but he couldn't allow the needless extermination of another gifted soul! He sprinted as fast as his legs would carry him, stripping out the heels of his boots as he made the treeline. His lack of knowing exactly where they were narrowed his choices down to one, rather unwanted option, "ALARIE! PATRICK! WHERE ARE YOU!?" Saurrel bellowed for all his lungs were worth, he knew he could beat the soldiers to wherever they were going, but getting them away would be quite the job.

Selva heard the commotion and looked around frantically for a hiding place. The small building  was out of the question, who knew what the creatures inside would think of a thief, and this area of the forest was otherwise unfriendly to a runaway. The sounds were growing nearer, so she sighed and  looked around for a place with little to no light. Finding nowhere, she gave another low growl, stashed her loot in the knot of a nearby tree, and stumbled dramatically into the building, wimpering pitifully.

Rangi, rather than pursuing the fleeing sea otter, sat back lazily, preferring to let the others pursue him. Anyways, the Otter wouldn't be able to get far with arms made out of stone. As he lounged, Rangi wondered how he had done that. The otter knew that there was such thing as magic, but he had never bothered trying to learn how it worked.

OOC: Um, what about my fox? He went to Haenrok's aid.

OOC: No offense, but I'd like to point out that Bane's actions were a bit irrational, rushing off into battle without knowing anything of the situation. :P Perhaps he can have a talk with Rangi to try to find out what was going on. Besides, he would have arrived to the battle near the same time it ended. :P

"ALARIE! PATRICK! WHERE ARE YOU!?"

The words hit Erich like an iron hammer. The beasts who lived in the woods were an odd lot, but they didn't just scream for fun. One of them had to have spotted his group!

"Hellgates," Erich cursed under his breath. The entire operation could be in jeopardy, and all because of one stupid beast. With a bit of luck, however, Erich knew that he could still catch the magic-users.

"Into the forest!" The white ermine yelled to his soldiers. "We have no time to lose!"

OOC: You guys are chasing a character that I didn't name, also, how would you know the names of the beasts you're chasing? You're working off of a vague report.

Arron was woken up by a kick to the side. Sitting up with a gasp of surprise Arron saw three armored weasels surrounding him. One lowered a spear and pointed it at Arron's throat.
"What's your name shrew?" It asked with a growl glaring at him angrily.

"Arron." He replied none ceremoniously, glaring angrily at the weasel. "What's this about?"

"I'm the one asking the questions peasant." The weasel yelled swinging the butt of his spear hitting Arron across the face.

Growling Arron wiped blood from his snout he began to rise only to be knocked down by the weasel.

"Stay down scum." Turning quickly to another weasel he growled quickly. "Move summon the captain tell him we caught the purple smoke beast hurry." Turning back to Arron he pressed the spear point close to Arron's chest. "Try anything an I'll gut you so stay still."

The other weasel ran off while the remaining two kept their weapon points close to Arron never taking their eyes off of him.

"I didn't do it." Arron said quickly, glaring angrily. "I don't even know what your talking about."

"Hush peasant, your a dangerous criminal, you were stupid enough to keep one o' your victims alive, an when he wakes up he will tell us you did do it." He yelled back gesturing over his shoulder.

Arron felt his anger grow and forced himself to take calming breaths hoping the rat knew who had actually attacked him.


OOC: The weasels are low ranking NPC's that are desperate for a promotion and would threaten almost anything they could as the correct target.

Quote from: danflorreguba on February 08, 2015, 03:27:13 AM
OOC: You guys are chasing a character that I didn't name, also, how would you know the names of the beasts you're chasing? You're working off of a vague report.

OOC: We heard you scream. Therefore, we're trying to catch the magic-users before they're altered. (Erich is assuming that you're yelling to warn your friends of the approaching soldiers)

OOC: Also the scream was that of a younger beast, one of magic age. They don't know who it is so any on is a suspect.

BIC:

"Eric take your men around try and cut him off, you five stay with me, the rest of you spread out in groups of three, come on!" He shouted and charged into the woods in the direction of the shout leading his group in a chase.

***

Alarie was about to answer Canny when she heard some one shouting her name, She turned to the door and a pitiful looking otter stumbled in. At first she thought she had been the one doing the shouting but soon realized that the voice had been that of a boys. The small shelter was becoming rather cramped and Alarie had to push the otter out of her way as she left the fort Mostly out of annoyance. What was everyone doing here anyway. this was supposed to be their Secret hiding place. Maybe it was one of Patrick's brothers. "Over here!" She shouted back He had sounded a bit urgent, had something happened to Mother? Then she heard more shouts and the sound of many beast running threw the underbrush and the dead leaves. It was a chase!

"Patrick get out here! Soldiers!"

"Get out!" Patrick said to the otter before he turned and reached out to help Canny "Can you walk?" he asked.

       Thankfully, he hadn't been particularly far off, but his normal hearing was already easily picking up the tramping of the unwanted visitors. A few moments later he found the assembly of oddities, though by this time, they'd have to be pretty ditsy to have not noticed the oncoming soldiers. He stayed in the trees, but called down to them, "I'm assuming you can guess full well who that is by now, I heard them talking about trying to get around you, but if we straight away, and run now, they won't be able to cut us all off." Saurrel was rolling over different ideas in his head, trying to come up with some way to slow the soldier's down. He wasn't at all worried about himself at this point, he was in the trees, and easily faster than any of these armor-bearing oafs, but some of the beasts down below didn't look to be in the best condition.

Selva looked up pitifully as she was hurried out of the building. "What is it?' She asked in a small voice. 'Is it the guard? What are they here for?" She regretted the need to leave her stolen goods in a different place than usual, but necessity was necessity, and she could come back for them once she managed to get out of danger and find out why the guard was after these other creatures.

 Erich rushed around to cut his prey off. As he bolted through the woods, a weasel ran to his side. "What is it?" Asked Erich.

"A magic-user," gasped the weasel, who had been running his hardest. "I think we caught a magic user!"

"Are you sure it was a magic-user?" Erich asked.

"No, but-"

"Then bring him to the captain!" Erich yelled. "I don't have time to look at every stupid beast you idiots find!"

Arden was sitting on a bench outside of his mother's floral shop. In his paws was a small brown pot filled with dirt. The new shipment of flower pots had come that day, and he was supposed to be checking them to see if any had holes, but instead he was daydreaming with his eyes closed. He was thinking of a flower he saw earlier that day, a tired and dirty daisy on the side of the road with half of its petals missing. He imagined what it would have looked like with all of its petals, and then, what it might have looked like with twice the petals. A double-layered daisy! He laughed to himself. The things he thought of sometimes. He imagined what it might look like in the pot that he was holding. After a moment, he decided that he should probably get back to checking the pots. He opened his eyes, and found himself staring right at the flower he was thinking of. He gave a shout of alarm, quickly dropped the pot and stood up, peering at the odd flower. "Arden?" his mother called from inside the shop, alerted by the startled shout and the sound of the crashing pot. Arden picked of the strange flower, hesitated for a moment, then turned and ran down the road without looking back.

       OOC: How on earth did you catch anyone? You aren't anywhere near close enough for that, besides, that's an action that requires input from the other players, as well as their reactions.

"I...I think so." Canny said, reaching out and taking Patrick's hand. He coughed some more, but less violently.

Quote from: danflorreguba on February 08, 2015, 11:44:04 PM
      OOC: How on earth did you catch anyone? You aren't anywhere near close enough for that, besides, that's an action that requires input from the other players, as well as their reactions.

OOC: Take a look at Lt. Sandpaw's post.

OOC: The creature in question was Arron and LT already initiated his own capture in his post.

BIC:

Alarie looked up and saw another squirrel up in the trees "I'm assuming you can guess full well who that is by now, I heard them talking about trying to get around you, but if we straight away, and run now, they won't be able to cut us all off." She herd him call down.

"What is it?Is it the guard? What are they here for?" The otter said.

"I don't know, now come on!" Alarie said grabbing for her arm and running into the Forrest.

OOC: Han feel free to PP Patrick helping you get away.

Selva smirked triumphantly to herself as she was pulled along by the squirrel. Nothing like a bout of pity from someone who didn't know her. The young ottermaid hadn't expected the need to run again, but at the moment she realized that she was grateful for the experience, or she'd be very sore and tired.

Selva wondered about these other creatures. What scared them? Why were they running from the guard? She knew they weren't street scummer like herself, so what made them scared?

For a moment, just a moment, she allowed herself to wonder if, just maybe, they had something else in common with her. Then she shook her head and scolded herself for having even thought about The Thing.

 Now Erich could see a small house in the distance. As he came ever closer to his target, he couldn't help but wonder what resistance, if any, the magical beasts might offer.

A trumpet blared in the distance, and the soldiers began yelling war cries. The effect was so terrifying that Erich almost felt a shadow of pity for the magic-users.

Leaning on Patrick heavily, Canny made his way into the forest behind Alarie. "Where to know, Alarie?" he asked, staring into the forest and clearly worried by the trumpets.

Alarie could hear creatures in pursuit the sounded like they where coming from all directions, except for one, strait ahead.

"Where to now, Alarie?" Canny said. Alarie looked back at him panic clear in her eyes "Ih, I don't know," She said looking around at the forest. She didn't wan't to be next, So many of her friends had been taken. She let go of Selvas paw and for a moment she forgot everything else except the fact that she had to get out of there, her heart rate beat out of control, her fur stood on end with static, and electric sparks flew every time her footpaw came in contact with the ground. Then she looked back over her shoulder and saw Patrick lagging behind with Canny. What about him, he had no magic, He should not get in trouble because of her problem, none of them should. She stopped still and said "Patrick try and get them hidden," before she darted up a tree and started back. She wasn't even sure what she was going to do she just knew that she had to do something.



   

The squirrelmaid had The Thing. Selva saw the electricity. When the strange squirrel left, it took the otter a moment of stunned blinking to realize exactly why the one called Alarie had gone back. Mentally cursing whatever higher power created The Thing, she darted off in the same direction, looking for any bit of light that she could gather without anybeast noticing. If she gathered enough, she might be able to start a fire. Selva hated The Thing. She hated using It. But she couldn't leave Alarie alone, now that she knew somebeast with a similar affliction in The Thing.

       Saurrel hadn't moved, instead choosing to observe where the hunters and the prey were going. He was about to try something when he heard somebeast coming back... A squirrel obviously, all the noise was too high for it to be any of the others.... Alarie then, that was her name. And she chose to come back, completely ridiculous, unless she felt she could do something? No, responsibility? Was she gifted like himself? He didn't have any more time to think, she was on him just then. He stood firmly in her way, opening his arms to catch her should she not notice or choose not to stop.

          **Whatever Faiy chooses to happen**

       "Um, hello, aren't you supposed to be going the other way?"

Bane stopped and asked  the guards "Well, what happened here?" he asked as Ayashe came down to Bane with all their belongings.

OOC: Can I PP the guards?

OOC: My character, Rangi, is where you are. I'll post with him later when I have time.

Patrick watched in shock as Alarie ran back and then the otter maid followed her. "The fool, She's gonna get herself killed," He said said cursing under his breath (Something he had heard his older brothers say). If he had been alone he would have gone after her, but he had to help Canny get to safety.  "

Alarie stopped and the other squirrel grabbed her shoulders.

"Um, hello, aren't you supposed to be going the other way?"

"I have to do something, they need to get away. You can either help me or get out of the way," She said, By this time the soldiers where almost on top of them.

Selva caught up with the crazy squirrel, not without a fair amount of heavy breathing and sore footpaws. She decided not to advertise her presence; so she pushed a certain amount of light away from herself, a trick she learned that she found to be vital to her survival on the streets.

Haenrok ran doggedly, his mind in a turmoil of confusion and panic. Looking back for a moment to see how close his pursuers were, the sea otter stumbled as his stone arms caused him to fall. He could hear the soldiers shouting as they came closer to him, and he scrambled to his paws.
But it was too late. By the time he had regained his footing, the soldiers were upon him, hitting him with the blunt ends of their weapons, and in his futile attempts to block them with his arms, he felt himself slip into unconsciousness. As his vision blackened, he heard one of the soldiers issuing orders. "Tie 'im up; we're bringing him back to Trecor."

       "What on earth could going back there be worth the risk of capture by royal soldiers!?" This had to be the craziest beast he'd ever met, "If they catch any of us, we're likely never to return!" His eyes reflected his sincerity, but he tried to be a little more gentle as his last words sounded, "I understand that you want your friends to escape, but this isn't going to do anything." Saurrel was frustrated, he didn't know when the next bout of his gift would surface, they came fairly frequently, and seemed to come often in a highly emotional or stressful situation, but he couldn't count on it quite yet... Some day.

OOC: Should I just re-name him Ervoyce now and save the trouble?  :P

OOC: No. I Purposefully tried to make her not like Vatra. Alarie would probably throw him out of the tree and have no second thoughts about it. Besides She had no fear of he ability only of the soldiers. 

BIC:

Alarie struggled out of his grip and jumped around him "One of them is hurt, they don't stand a chance. If the soldiers think that we are the only ones then perhaps we can lead them away from here," By this time soldiers had reached the clearing and the on leading the chase was about to pass under the tree. Alarie swung down feet first and kicked him hard in the face before pulling herself back up and darting threw the trees in the other direction.

Archel got up off the ground his nose bleeding He looked up to The two squirrels in the threes "After them!" He shouted.

OOC: Eric's group is still after Partick and Canny the rest, or most of the rest, are going to chase Alarie and the others.

       This imbecile! The soldiers weren't stupid, they'd chase down everybeast that had any affiliation with them! They would split up, and the royal forces had a far larger number than theirs. She could go a lure away the ones that would follow, but he was going to protect the others. He felt an overwhelming anger, not only towards this other squirrel, but also towards the soldiers. He let the emotion fester and grow, nay, he nurtured it, he dashed on a course that would get him close enough to the others that when the time came, he could create a distraction that actually would keep the soldiers from following. He needed his gift and he needed it now!

Brenn was wandering along the treetops when he heard the shouts of soldiers and the pound of footpaws in the woods. Grinning, he hoofed it towards the sounds. This should be fun... He saw the youngbeasts dashing through the forest madly. He hopped passed them towards the soldiers. He had no great love for soldiers. They had chased him many a time, but thankfully, they weren't too bright. Suddenly, he saw another squirrel tearing madly through the trees just forward and lower than him. Deftly, the silver-furred squirrel jumped, turned in midair, and pushed off the trunk of an oak to run exactly besides Saurrel. He grinned and winked at him. "Need a place to hide yer mates whilst we give these blockheads the old runaround?"

 Bolting after the squirrel, Erich realized that he was playing right into his enemy's paws. The soldiers were heavily armored, the magic-users... not so much. Unless all the magical beasts suddenly dropped to the ground, the soldiers weren't going to catch up with them.

"Stop!" Erich yelled. "We'll never catch up with them at this rate. Let's regroup at the house and talk with the Captain."

Gasping for breath and stumbling the weasel returned to his companions who were still holding Arron at spear point.

"Captain... Said...Bring...with." He rasped pointing at Arron. before sitting down heavily. The other weasels both raised their weapons grins stamped on their faces.

"We'll get a promotion for this fur sure." One said triumphantly pulling Arron to his feet.

"Where am I?" A voice suddenly called out. The rat had woken up and was rubbing his head. "Was going on?" He asked staring around at the three weasels and shrew.

"Were helping you with this here criminal, all ya have to do is tell the captain this is the creature that used the smoke on you an your companions." The weasel said quickly. "What's your name rat?"

"Sven, an that ain't the beast that use the smoke stuff, it was a cat not a shrew." Sven replied standing up. All three weasels looked surprised and a little dejected.

"Well, uh... Say it was him anyway or we'll kill ya!" The first weasel yelled angrily stabbing his spear at Sven. The rat responded by pulling the weapon from the weasels paw and bringing it crashing down on the weasels head knocking him out cold.

"Hey." Yelled another of the weasels taking his eyes of Arron to turn on the rat. Jumping at his chance Arron leaped at the unsuspecting weasels back slapping his paws on the weasels ears feeling his anger rise.

"Aaagh!" The weasel screamed his ears burned to ash. Yelling in panic Arron jumped away looking at his paws as the Sven dealt with the last weasel.

Selva rolled her eye and started pattering through the shadows, following the soldiers who were following the squirrels. At least she hadn't needed to use The Thing much. As the soldiers stopped, she would have run straight into them if she hadn't felt the sunlight glinting on metal. She skirted them and kept going, with no intention, however, of rejoining the squirrels. Her path took her back towards the other two.

OOC: Uh, Sandpaw, the rats were threatening Haenrok. Sven isn't exactly hero material, if you know what I mean.

OOC: Actually the rat threatening Canny got killed Sven is just some random mercenary that survived, so he got mad when threatened and attacked.

       Saurrel continued on passively, "I wouldn't call them anything more than acquaintances quite yet, but as far as hiding goes, that's out of the question. The beasts below would find them, they're trained to do this, running is the best option." It was at this moment that he realized that the commotion had died down already. The black squirrel stopped abruptly, turning to look back at them, "Perhaps this'll be easier than I thought, but giving up so easily doesn't seem like them." He turned briefly, "Thank you for the offer though, it's much appreciated." He slowly and cautiously crept into hearing range, ready to fly through the trees should the need arise, still harboring resentment just in case.

"A mercenary army an' a couple 'o young beasts causing trouble. That's all." Said Rangi lazily, not moving from his position against the tree.

OOC: Sandpaws good. Everything checks out.

BIC: Alarie ran threw the trees at least five beasts on her tail and another four in front of her closing in.

"Sling beasts shoot her down! You 6 go after those two" Archel ordered then he saw Eric returning empty pawed. "Report!"

"Mercenaries huh? So, who do you serve?" asked Bane while Ayashe sat down and made some tea.

"As of right now, we are working for the Royal Family," The massive otter smiled halfheartedly. "Currently they have us trackin' down as many o' the magic creatures we can find."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canny panted as he and Patrick went through the forest.

"D'you know where Alaire went?" He asked Patrick as they listened for the rest of the group.

"No." Came Patrick's solemn response.

"D'you know where the soldiers are?"

"No."

"Should we hide?" asked Canny nervously, looking around. "They could be right behind us, for all we know."

"That might be a good idea." Agreed Patrick, pulling Canny towards some bushes. They rustled loudly as the two settled in.

OOC: Perhaps the soldiers or Alarie here the bushes rustling and check them?

Several sling stones flew past Alarie one hit her wrist and another hit her hip she fell from the tree and landed knocking the wind out of herself, guards on all three sides. She stumbled up weakly gasping like a beached fish. She only made it three paces before her feet where knocked out from under her by a spear handle the but hitting her hard on the back as she went down then everything went black.

Patrick listened intently for pursuit but heard none. that did not mean that there was none, just that they had gotten very quiet.

"My family's farm is not to far off if we can make it there we can hide in the barn," Patrick said in a low voice so it would not travel.     

OOC: I don't think anyone would be close enough to hear Canny and Patrick aside from Saurrel. The soldiers who where chasing you called of and went back to regroup.

"Magical beasts?" Bane's eyes widened as he realised that the rumours that he had heard about the purge of magical beasts was true. "Oh well, I'll get you some tea." Bane walked over to Ayashe who was out of the guards' hearing range and "They are hunting for beasts with magic like you. You'd better not show them your powers." he whispered "Now, get some tea for us." he said aloud and took a pot of tea and some cakes to the guards.

OOC: To prevent confusion, the yelling is the sound of Arron fighting the guards.

"We lost the squirrel," Erich said. "However, I have a plan of action. First, we should go to the hill country, where I suspect the magic-users will have fled. I have several friends among the hill-folk, and I've no doubt that I could gather much information on the whereabouts of our enemies. Secondly, we should send some soldiers back to the Palace to gather reinforcements."

The sound of yelling could be heard faintly in the distance.

"Thirdly, we should find out what in the name of Vulpez is causing that sound."

"Good, Take your men down and investigate, Clin, sinkeye, take this one back to the castle to be processed, Tell them I want her alive for now, she may know where her friends have gone. Sanjay Take 6 of the men and start surcharging the farms in this aria. The rest of you stay with me," Archel said wiping more blood from his nose. Inspecting the red stain it made on his white fur. 

Sven stabbed downward thrusting the capture spear into the throat of the unconscious weasel. This action was repeated on the second, the third had died already from its burns however he thrust the spear though its throat all the same.
"What are you doing?" Arron gasped in shock as Sven dragged the dead weasels into the bushes.

"Cleaning up yer mess." The rat replied coldly, "I want no witnesses, now what happened an why were these creatures threatening me an you?"

"I found you under a burned tree branch and carried you here, then these weasels came around and accused me of attacking you, an I suppose you know the rest." Arron told him still staring confused at his paws.

The rat grunted covering the blood with dirt and dust. "Well I don't know about yer but I jus killed two royal guards and I'm in the company o' one of the fable magic beasts so I'm leaving. An if I was you I would leave too." Sven said simply throwing the spear into the bushes with the bodies he marched porously down the road. Stumbling he came to a halt leaning heavily against a tree holding his head.

"Your still hurt let me help you." Arron offered reaching forward Sven snarled slapping Arron's paws away.

"Don't touch me with those paws, I don't wanna end up like your other friend!" He yelled glaring ferociously at Arron.

"Don't worry their not burning anymore I don't think." Arron said hastily helping the rat stand and scoping up his pack. Together they walked away from the sight heading towards the city.

 Erich arrived at the scene moments after the screaming ended. At first, there appeared to be nobeast there, but then he spotted a shrew and a rat.

"Halt!" Erich yelled. "Throw away your arms at once!"

Both Arron and Sven froze, turning they faced the ermine.

"Don't say anything I will handle this." Sven whispered to Arron before approaching the ermine. "Sir we have no weapons as you can see, but thank goodness you arrived, we were just set upon by bandits.
" He pointed too the ruined path where he had conveniently destroyed any tracks.

"Your brave soldiers tried to stop them but they died in the attempt." This time he pointed into the bushes where he had just thrown the soldiers.

"They were about to turn on us again when they heard you coming sir and fled." He pointed in the opposite direction that they were traveling.

OOC: Its alright if Erich sees straight though that lie, however Sven is a convincing liar. Your choice...

"Alright. Lead the way." Said Canny. He and Patrick stood up and slowly headed towards Patrick's farm.

 Erich narrowed his eyes. "Even so, you will still have to come with me."

Just then, one of Erich's soldiers called out. "Sir, one of the corpses has burnt ears!"

Not waiting for the rat and the shrew to react, Erich drew his saber. "Arrest them!" He yelled.

Sven did nothing to resist the soldiers allowing them to tie his paws tightly, his face neutral. Arron struggled slightly as they took his pack away and attempted to tie his paws.

"Shrew stop wriggling." yelled one of the soldiers struggling to finish. A ermine came forward punching Arron in the stomach forcing him to double up coughing. The soldiers finished their task and saluted to the ermine Erich ready to march their new prisoners to Sylest.

OOC: Alright I think were ready for a time jump if you want. They are taking them to Sylest right?

OOC: Even though it was an act against your character, if the ermine who you made to punch Aaron was Erich, than that would be called power playing, or PPing. It's against the rules to make someone else's character do something without their jurisdiction.

OOC: So long as it can be interpreted either way then it is ok. There are plenty of ermine in the royal guard. So long as it is open for interpretation it is ok.  Also they can only be arrested on charges of murder, assaulting the royal guard and suspected Magic use (Burt ears is not enough evidence for magic).  The Lie Sven told had enough holes in it and there was enough visual evidence to justify the arrest. (I can explain my reasoning in the OOC topic if you want)

BIC:

For the safety of the Royal Family. The Prison in Styles was kept as far away from the Royal Palace as possible, on the other side of town, near the the royal navy's barracks and the docks, in a highly restricted aria. Deep below the Prison a scream of agony and terror split the stale air. Moments latter Alarie was tossed into one of the cells, falling in a heap, her fur soaked threw, electricity still coursing over her body, and a scorch mark visible on her left arm. 

***

Patrick and Canny had made it to the farm before the soldiers and Patrick had helped Canny hid under the floor of the barn in the potato cellar. The guards had come and searched the house and the barn but found nothing. Patrick had waited till all the guards had left before returning and letting Canny out of his hiding place.

The Barn itself was a mess, barrels knocked over sacks of plow seed and fertilizer ripped open and the stack of hay strewn across the floor.   

"They're gone. You're safe for now," Patrick said helping him out of the hiding place. "You can't stay here though. My older brother runs a cargo ship on the Broadstream from Boral to Sylest He can get you to the hill country where my uncle lives. He is a carpenter, you can pose as his apprentice till things blow over and my Brother can get you down to Boral. He was supposed to arrive here today on his way to Sylest. We have a little dock on the back of our property and he will stay the night with us when he passes threw,"

Selva was back in the city, having grown tired of running around. She moved quickly and quietly to her shelter in the lower city area and promptly fell asleep.

Haenrok was wakened from his slumber in the corner of the dungeon by the sound of a scream, and he had waited at the door to see if he could find out what it was about. Footsteps had come near, and he was surprised when the cell opened to allow something to be tossed something in. Unfortunately the door was closed before he could try and get out, and he slammed at the timbers in frustration. The sea otter turned to the shapeless lump on the ground, and he went to it to find out what it was. He put his paw on it and it felt warm; a live beast.

The otter's arms had turned back into their regular state sometime when he was unconscious. He had awoken in the darkness of the cell, and tried not to panic as he frantically felt at his once-stone arms and paws. It had been a few hours since he had woken, at least that is what he guessed, and he decided to rest until something came up.

Now something did "come up", and he was not alone anymore. Haenrok looked down at the still form, curious as to why. . . she? was there. So, it was a female. A squirrel, in fact. He had noticed something blue sparking about on her when she was thrown in, but it appeared to be gone now. Was she a magic user? Didn't make sense for her to be put in the same cell as him.

"Maybe they forgot I was here," he mumbled. He stood up and went to the door again to wait.

"I doubt it," Alarie said wincing and rolling on to her back. She was still a bit shaky and tried propping herself up with her good arm. "They are probably just over confidant,"She added, sitting up and sliding over to leaning against the side wall and started to inspect the burn trying very hard not to think of her current situation.

Canny sneezed from the hay as he exited his hiding place. "Thank's for all the help, Patrick. Are you sure your brother won't turn me in, though." Realizing Patrick didn't know he was a magic used, Canny hastily added "They'll probably want me for questioning about those Rats deaths."

"Rat deaths? So that is what they where so mad about. You didn't kill them did you?" Patrick said.

"No..." Canny said, and then under his breath. "Not directly."

"Ah I see. Don't worry your secrets safe with me. You can trust my brother too," Patrick said. He then went to the door. "You should probably stay here, I'll bring you something to eat," Ten minutes latter he returned with some bread and a bowl of soup.

       Saurrel had heard the plan, but it was flawed. He could have as many "friends" as he wanted, but the ones that knew where the others would flee wouldn't tell. Even so, he made sure they got away before heading back to the city. Upon arrival he couldn't help but feel gloomy, he couldn't go home, they had seen him. His family would already be pressed about the issue, but they truly knew nothing, they would be fine as long as he didn't show. It also didn't help matters that his demeanor had his ears working overtime, the commotion was unbearable, and he was really starting to have second thoughts about coming back at all. The black furred squirrel cringed and covered his ears as a horrific scream rent the air. The voice seemed familiar, but he couldn't place it, though he did know where it was coming from. He had heard many a scream before, many with that same hollow, hopeless echo.

       With little else to do, he bought something to munch on with a piece of the work money, and proceeded to head over to the section of town that held the prison. On his way, the realization that the cry could have quite easily been the same squirrel from earlier nagged at his conscience, but there was little or nothing he could do for any of the beasts held within those walls. Saurrel shook his head as a chill crawled its' way up his spine, though there had been many denials, he knew for a fact that every disappearance was soon followed up by the death of an innocent inside those musky walls, he still heard some of the many last breaths floating through his ears and mind, haunting his waking and sleeping hours without prejudice. In the end, they had all died. Every. single. one.

Arden had been running a while. He had passed many beasts who were confused at his haste, including one of the guards at the gate. "Where ya off to in such a rush?" The guard had asked. "Uhm.. running errands!" Arden yelled over his shoulder. Now, he was a fair distance from the city although it was still visible. He paused to catch his breath. In the distance, he could see a barn. Strangely, he saw some of the city guards heading back to the city looking as if they had just come from the barn. That's strange, thought Arden, why would they want to check out that old barn? There's nothing odd about it. He decided to investigate. He waited until the guards were a distance from the barn, then began to run towards it. Once he was there, he stopped to catch his breath again. He thought he could hear faint voices inside. Leaning against the side of the barn, Arden thought about finding out who the voices belonged to, but his thoughts were interrupted. Because of his exhaustion, his limbs buckled a little, causing him to lose his balance and fall with a thud. 

"Ah, so you are awake." Haenrok turned and went back to where Alarie was, looking at her for a short time. The sea otter crouched down and examined her burn, which seemed to be causing her a great deal of discomfort. "How did that happen?" he asked bluntly.

Bane was in Sylest with Ayashe. He had made his home by the outskirts of the city and was in disguise, looking for magic beasts, and hoping to take them away to safety. In one of his disguises as a wandering minstrel, he had heard news about two beasts being thrown into the prisons. A rescue was one of the things he had to do before looking for the legendary Noonvale.
                                     Ayashe was in the cottage, when an ermine guard stomped in. "Eh, you look to be a magic beast, you better come with me." Saying so the ermine dragged her away by the wrist, Ayashe moaning with fright.

OOC: The guard is a recruit, and he's suspicious.

OOC: How can she scream if she is mute? I don't think the Newbie guard wanting attention trick will work again. Before they where surcharging for some beast that had been in the vicinity and they found Arron with an unconscious rat (If that's not suspicious then call me an uncles eye). Some of them may be young but they are not stupid, arresting an innocent beast on the accusation of magic would have some severe repercussions (Ones the guard would not want to fall on his head). Some of the soldiers will however use there rank and power to come into some ones home and demand food drink and other things taking what they want if they don't get it (especially the younger guard's).   

BIC:

"They didn't know if I was magic or not, so they decided to poke me with a burning stick to see if I flinched," She  ran a paw threw her wet head fur and shivered. "I tried so hard not to show... but I couldn't help it, I...," she cringed as another pulse of electricity coursed over body, "Ow, ahg, Ih wish it'd stop doing that... What are you in here fore?" She asked looking up at him.

***

Patrick placed the food on an upside down barrel and was about to leave when he heard a thump out side. He left the barn grabbing a shovel on his way and rounded the side of the building to find a fox collapsed on the ground. "Where you eaves dropping?" He said accusingly.     

***

Archel had arrived home after cleaning himself up, no good returning home to the missus with a bloody nose and a dirty uniform. "Where have you been!" Martha chided, getting up from the couch.

"It, was just a little work dear. Something unexpected came up,"

"You'r job worries me so, at this rate you'll make me gray before my time,"

"Ah but I am home now, and I promise you so long as I have this wonder full family to come home to I will always return," he said taking her paws.

"In one piece?"

"Always. Now! I am in a good mood, why don't we wait until the kids have gone to sleep. Then we can have a special dinner all to ourselves,"

OOC: Guards can't just arrest people for no reason. There must be evidence.

Erich knocked on the prison gate impatiently.

"What're yew 'ere fore?" Asked a rat jailer.

"I wish to see the latest prisoners," Erich replied.

"Very 'ell," said the rat. "I'd watch yer step if I were yew, though. Some 'o these magical beasts can be dangerous."

...

Grasping a torch, the rat lead Erich through the dark, cavernous jail. The ermine could hear the pleading and begging of prisoners, but ignored them. Erich knew that all of the prisoners were in jail for very good reasons, and he wasn't about to let any of them run free.

At last, the two arrived at a cell marked number thirty-four. "This is it," mumbled the jailer.

Erich knocked on the cell bars, hoping that the residents were conscious enough to hear him.

Haenrok didn't want to think about the sensation he had when his body parts had turned to stone, and he sat down slowly as it gnawed at him. "I-I guess I'm a living statue. . . at least I was when I had a run-in with some soldiers. My paws and arms turned to stone, I couldn't feel anything. . ." He closed his eyes and covered his face with a paw. "What is happening to me. . ." He speculated that the squirrel probably felt the same way, with her. . . sparks of lightning on her body.

Suddenly he heard the sound of approaching footsteps, and went to the door as someone knocked. He slammed against it with his paw. "What do you want?" he growled.

 Though it took every bit of his willpower not to get angry at the otter, Erich tried to hide his feelings behind a pleasant smile. "Good afternoon," he said. "I trust the jailer is treating you well?"

Haenrok folded his arms and stayed silent as he looked at the ermine through the bars. He was willing to punch the daylights out of this beast if he gave any reason for him to do so.

 "I've come to question you," Erich said. "Please don't try to resist-- I'd hate to have to take extreme measures."

Alarie just sat and stared at the floor, they where going to kill them and there was nothing that either of them could do about it, even if they could escape they would never make it out alive. "You know torturing us is probably going to be more painful for the one doing the touring," She said as a shower of blue sparks lit up her position for a moment. She was terrified and she was trying very hard not to let it show.

Haenrok turned back to Alarie, concerned for the squirrel but trusting she would be alright for the moment. Facing the ermine once again, he said, "Well, if you are going to ask a question, then ask. Though I seriously doubt how much help I could possibly give you."

Thrown in into a dark cell alone battered and hungry Arron groaned miserably. He should have known better then too try and argue with the guards. They had asked over and over again who he was, they had placed burning sticks into his fur to see if he had magic.

He groaned again as he remembered the flogging he had received when they realized they couldn't burn him, beating him with their spears. When they were unable to drive any magic from him they had thrown Arron into the cell and had left.

Hearing a few creatures talking down a short distance away from his own cell Arron pricked his ears to listen to the conversation.


                                  --------------------------------------

"What are you guilty of?" An official looking ferret asked looking down at Sven who was standing in chains.

"I don't know, probably just suspicious officers." Sven said indifferently concentrating on his claws and nearly ignoring the ferret.

"What is your name rat?" The ferret asked as a few guards chuckled at the rat's apparent ease with his situation.

"Not really yer concern is it." Sven replied flicking dirt out from under his claws. Grinning he glanced up at the ferret. "Hey, I have an idea, lets say we forget this whole thing, you let me go, an we all skip happily home. I personally say that's a good idea."

The ferrets face twisted nastily in rage raising his paw as if to strike Sven. "You insolent varmint." He roared, "I am an officer in the kings army and you dare speak to me this way. I shall have you put to death. Guards take him away."

A rat and a weasel came forward and led Sven away towards the dungeons, pushing  and shoving the stumbling rodent roughly.

OOC: You can't just put a beast to death for such a venial thing, You can threaten but not actually go threw with it. Seeing as he is charged with killing the royal guard in an "unprovoked," attack, he would probably be put to death any way. the penalty is a public hanging. That would only be after an investigation (This would not be very thorough unless he could pay for it). If the Guards initiated it and it was in self defense the penalty would be only to lose a paw (the dominate one preferably) and a short imprisonment or a fine (paid to the deceased's family) if he has the money. One thing that would have come up in the investigation would be that one of the now dead soldiers reported to Eric that he had caught one of the magic beasts just before the incident.

           Arden quickly looked up to see a mouse holding at shovel at him. He quickly scrambled to his feet, took a few skips back and put his paw on his sword's hilt. "N-no, I wasn't... I was just trying to find out why the guards were here. That's all. Arden gave a nervous smile. His glance fell and he realized that he had dropped his odd flower on the ground. He knew what the guards did to magicbeasts. If anybody found it... Arden quickly glanced up, hoping that the mouse wouldn't try to see what he had been looking at.

Patrick lowered the shovel and said "They where looking for some one, they said that he killed two rats and used magic," Patrick looked at the ground and saw the odd flower "Is that yours?" He said picking up the flower and handing it back to the fox. He knew very little about flowers, to him they where all the same.

       Arden accepted the flower from the mouse. "Uh... yes, it's mine. I just found it though!" Arden wasn't sure whether to trust the mouse or not, but since he mentioned magic, he decided that it might be safe to do so. "That's odd, somebeast using magic and all.. did they say what kind of magic they used?"

"Something about purple smoke. They really did a number to our barn... it's probably not safe to say out here like this," He hesitated and then added "I need to go check on my friend, make sure that she is ok, You can come with me if you want," he said and started towards the trees. 

Ignoring Alarie, Erich questioned Haenrok. "When and where did you first become aware that you had magic?"

Surely, the otter would be willing to answer such a harmless question. If not, Erich had incentives in mind....

Canny took the soup gratefully, sipping it as he waited for Patrick to come back. When Patrick hadn't returned after a few minutes, Canny went out to see what was taking the mouse so long. The fisher cat exited the barn and began turning the corner just as Patrick began talking again.

"Something about purple smoke. They really did a number to our barn... it's probably not safe to say out here like this ... I need to go check on my friend, make sure that she is ok, You can come with me if you want."

Canny realized he'd begun holding his breath when Patrick mentioned purple smoke, and released the air with a gasp. When Patrick started heading for the trees, Canny turned and headed back inside the barn. The fisher cat grabbed the soup bowl and ran, heading towards the river, not wanting to risk the purple smoke happening around Patrick and whoever the mouse was talking to, and causing them to turn him in.

OOC: He's conscious again.

OOC: Oops, fixed.

OOC: I've changed it.

OOC: That is better. As a note Most people do not sate so bluntly their intentions or suspicions especialy when they are bad ones. For example "Eh, you look to be a magic beast, you better come with me." would just be shortened to "Come with me," before he drags her off and beats her up in a back alleyway or something (more like get the living day lights knocked out of him by Bane). If you are trying to portray and idea, in this case the fact that she is being suspected of magic, then instead of just stating it out loud, you can use indirect hinting, you can state Banes thoughts on the matter or even Ayashe's to hint at the soldiers possible intentions (remember not all of the soldiers are motivated by promotion, for some it is loyalty to the crown, others is money, personal pleasures, or even just a bit of "fun"). Another example "I've come to question you,"  Is a little robotic, instead try "I am going to have to ask you a few questions," which is more natural. You don't have to change it. Just something you should keep in mind for the future.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe, right when I was nearly hacked to pieces by your soldiers," Haenrok growled to the ermine. "Open up the door and let's see if you want to see it happen again," he dared.

 "Do you take me for an utter fool?" Erich asked. "I know why you were arrested: you ran from royal soldiers. You knew this was illegal, and yet you act as if we did something wrong. The officer who was there has informed me that you forcefully tried to resist arrest, even lobbing stones at them."

Rangi had, after cleaning up the battle by throwing all the remaining corpses into bushes, had returned to Sylest. The massive otter wandered the streets aimlessly, drawing odd looks because of his size and tattoos.

The two frog marched Sven straight too the dungeons and were very close before he stopped walking all together. He clanked his chains and steadied himself stumbling the two guards.

"Hey keep movin!" Yelled the weasel  fumbling to pull his sword free while keeping a paw on Sven's shoulder. The rat who was equipped with a spear moved a pace away ready to attack should Sven try anything.

"Move prisoner, an don't try anything see." The rat grunted leveling his weapon. Sven showed the his paws still bound by the chains.

"Even if I wanted too I couldn't because of these." The chains unhooked from his paws and fell to the ground with a slight clang. "Well would you look at that?"

The rat charged and Sven dodged kicking the other rodents paws out from under him sending his head crashing to the hard stone floor killing him. The weasel was about to yell when Sven jumped on him, twisting the weasels neck so he couldn't yell out. Kicking the sword from his paws Sven began choking the life from his opponent.

They struggled silently for a few minutes Sven holding tightly while the weasel kicked franticly unable to breath. Slowly his movements slowed before stopping all together. Sven waited ten more seconds before pushing the weasels body away. Standing he retrieved the sword and the keys to the cells with a grunt of satisfaction he replaced a small lock pick into his hidden pocket on his tunic.

"Welp thanks for showing me the way." Taking the rats armor he dressed himself like a guard hiding the two deceased in a nearby closet. Knowing they wouldn't remained hidden for long he marched confidently down too the prison in slightly too big armor. Approaching the prison guard with a swagger he had seen the other soldiers preforming.

OOC: The prison guards don't just let random soldiers enter. You'd have to have a very good reason.

OOC: I assume your still controlling the prison guard ;)

OOC: I am? Ok then...

"What's yer business 'ere?" Asked the prison guard.

OOC: Anyone got any ideas as to how I could come in?

OOC: You could meet up with the group from the forest.

"I'm a foreigner!" cried Haenrok. "I know nothing of the rules of this land, and I did not throw stones at anybeast!" The sea otter turned away, disgusted; he was done speaking to this soldier, even if the other didn't share his mentality.

"My business here?" Sven shrugged, leaning close to the guard. "Have you see any magic? I hear it's something to behold." Sven gestured mysteriously towards the door. "Maybe you could let me an you go take a quick peek." Sven suggested winking.

 "I seen magic afore," the jailer said. "If yew had, yew wouldn't be so keen to see it now. An if yew ain't got a good reason to visit the prison, then gerrout!"

....

"Even foreigners ought to follow basic laws," Erich replied. "Foreigner or not, you will be detained here until further notice. I had hope I could get information out of you, but it appears that you really are as useless as you claim to be."

Turning his back to the cell, Erich began walking up the long, winding staircase of the prison.

Sven shrugged nonchalantly turning as if too leave. "Wot ever you say, I suppose If'n yew wont let me in then I might as well go." Hearing paw steps on the other side of the door leading too the cells Sven turned back. Motioning at the door Sven glanced back at the guard.

"You know who's in there?" He asked.

 The rat shrugged. "None 'o yore business. Now gerrout yoreself, or I'll make you gerrout!"

Sven held back an angry outburst and turned leaving quickly. Moving hastily along the halls he hid carefully considering his options. There were to many guards close too the prison to attempt killing the guard and risking noise. Growling in frustration he marched along, attempting to look as any guard would.

OOC: (Nevermind)

Selva dreamed of light. It was a recurring dream, a beautiful dream. She welcomed it. The light was warm and felt of home.

The dream always woke her up. She stepped out of her hiding place and sighed before walking off. She wouldn't be able to sleep again for quite a while.

OOC: What's the point of Sven doing all this? Are you adopting him as your character?

OOC: Yes, I asked Skarzs and Faiy if it was cool, and the didn't mind, I'm assuming that Izeroth is going to keep him out though since I can't PP the prison guard. So their going to have to make their own escape.

OOC: I what now?

OOC: Uuuuugh *Facepalm* I'm so stupid it was Han's NPC originally So Sorry.

OOC: Who says they have to escape right now? Personally, I'd like to focus on what's going on outside the city.

OOC: My thoughts exactly, why dose this guy want to help them anyway. Also I think that Ash was planing a rescue attempt and I think that fits better with the story.

BIC: Alarie looked up at the ceiling as there shadows cast by the torch light disappeared and let out a shaky breath. She rubbed her temples with her free paw trying to clear her mind. She was worried no only for her self but for the rest of her family and the thought that she would never see her little brother had crossed her mind more than once already. She looked over at Haenrok and said "So where are you from?" Hoping to take her mind of herself.

***

Patrick passed threw the woods and as he neared Alarie's house his pace quickened. When he left the trees and saw the house was dark and the door hanging open he broke into a run. he was met by the mess of a search and Alarie's mother sobbing on the floor by the burnt out fire place. He ran over to her and dropped down next to her "What happened? Are you ok?"

"They took Alarie," She wailed.   

The sea otter lowered himself against the wall, sitting down with his back resting against it. "Me? I'm from Etternaut, or that's what we call it ourselves. It's an island in the western ocean inhabited mostly by sea otters, where my parents hold a high place of authority. I went off wandering a few years back, learning things for myself and whatnot, and now I'm here." Haenrok peered into the darkness of the other side of the room to where the squirrel was. "My name is Haenrok; who are you?"

"Alarie... I live in the farming district near Sylest with... with my mother and..." her voice faltered and there was another shower of sparks lighting up her face and the tears on her cheek. She pulled up her knees, rested her head on them and started to sob, electricity jumping across her damp fur with each ragged breath.

OOC: Sorry, I had to go out of town on short notice. This seems like an opportune time for Cordan to come in...

BIC: Cordan Freewater paced into the prison, his purple Squad Captain's cloak swishing behind him. He nodded at the prison guard as he jumped to attention. He had heard some beasts were taken captive for "magic usage", and he needed to see them. He had come to Sylest all the way from the southern reaches of Trecor to join the Imperial Guard to protect his people. It was a tradition of sorts in his family. He touched the sling at his belt. It was the sling of his ancestor, Keyla Freewater, one of the leaders of the Liberators of Marshank. Since he had joined, he had been disgusted at the corruption that took place in the service and the government in general. And now, beasts were being arrested for "magic". What next? He did not buy into the fearmongering government agents used. But what could the King want with these young beasts? He had'nt a ghost of an idea. That was what he was going to find out...

He stopped in front of the cell with the new beasts in it, a squirrel and an otter. Any beasts who had been brought here for "magic" usage earlier had already been transported to a different location. Looking around he bent down and put a paw to his mouth. "Sh! I'm a friend." He passed them a flask of water and a loaf of bread from inside his cloak. He looked to the entrance to see if anyone was coming. "I saw Lieutenant Erich has already talked to you. What did he want from you?"

************************************************************

Brenn woke up and stretched in the sunlight. Hopping down from his perch in a tree, he walked along the road toward Sylest. Should be something for to do there. He decided he had better find out what all that running around in the forest earlier was. They couldn't all be orphan troublemakers. He shook his head. Poor kids. He knew what it was like to be chased by the guards. Of course, he always got away. But would he get away next time...? He shook his head. "No use worrying about tomorrow. I've got enough trouble today!"

The road got busier. He passed travelers, carts, farmers on their way to the market... He passed the gate and asked a passerby the way to the nearest inn. If there was ever a need to get information, poking around inns was the cheapest and easiest way to do it. Drunk rats will tell anything you want to know... and probably quite a bit more.

OOC: Can someone give me something to do? Rangi is in town and Canny is in the forest, near the river.

at the sound of a strangers voice at the door Alarie jumped into a defensive crouch, hurriedly wiping away tears with her good arm, she tried to get her crying under control. She managed to bring it down to low hiccuping breaths but the electricity did not stop if anything it got worse.

"If you think... that you're... going to get answers... this way, your wrong,"

***

By the Broadstream at the dock at the back of Patrick's farm a cargo ship was preparing to dock. A tall mouse in a loss unlaced sailors tunic jumped on to the dock and secured the mooring rope. "Tallus, stay with the cargo to night, while I go up to the house, you know the drill," He said calling up to his business partner a large otter in his late 20's.

"See ya," Tallus said giving Alex a loos salute before flopping down on a sack of flower and pulling his hat over his eyes to take a nap.   

Canny heard voices from the nearby dock, and quietly went over, staying in the bushes. The fisher cat watched as the mouse that was supposed to be sentry nodded off instead of guarding the cargo, and slipped closer. Staying as quiet as he could Canny searched through the cargo boxes until he found one that was partially empty and climbed inside, covering himself with some fabric he'd found. He didn't care where they were going, as long as it was somewhere the young magic user could feel safe.

Arron glanced up, having  heard what was said. Interested he pressed himself against the bars trying to see down the hall at the speaker.

Cordan continued peering towards the prison entrance. "Look, while I understand you don't trust me- I wouldn't either- I'm probably the only help you've got." Noting a crackling and a flicker of light in the cell, he began to turn. "Now, how did you get a flint in--!!!" There was a clanking of armor as he jumped backwards, eyes wide in surprise. Holding his breath, he looked to the entrance. Nothing.

"Magic!" He breathed. It was real. There was no other possible explanation for the energy flickering around the squirrel in the cell. For once, the government was right about something.

************************************************************************

The rat had been resistant at first, but after a few drinks Brenn bought him with money lifted off a passed-out city guard, his tounge began to loosen. "What was it ye wanted to know about? Right, dem *hic* youngbeasters. Well, dere be these *hic* magic beasters runnin' round aroun' Syles', stirrin up *hic* drouble... Der givernment doeznd wand dem mezzin wid thingzz, so zey rounz umup an imperrgitz zem..."
The rat dozed off into his cup. Shaking with laughter, Brenn hopped out of the tavern. Drunkeness was a spectator sport to him. "Magic beasts!" He snorted. "Whatever next?"

Haenrok reached through the bars and grabbed at Cordan's collar. "Why would you want to help us, hmm? You're a soldier of whatever the heck this place is, relatively high-ranking, if I'm not mistaken, and have probably been loyal to it for a significant amount of time. As much as I don't want to rot in here, or die in whatever way it seems might befall me, I find it really hard to trust anyone right now." He pulled his arm back through the bars and folded them across his chest, watching the otter from under his hooding brows.

Sven had given up on getting into the cells, he decided that helping the shrew was that had helped him was no longer as important. Getting out of the citadel alive was on his top priority at the moment.

Coming around another corner in the maze of rooms and halls he finally found the main door leading out towards the city. Hitching up his sword and adjusting his armor Sven approached the large door noting the guards posted at the exit.

Selva wandered the streets. She passed several groups of fellow street wanderers, but stayed enough in the dark that she was ignored. She was heading to the large alley where she knew she could get something to eat. She had already eaten for the day, but if she could get something else, who was she to complain?

 The two guards at the gate first moved to let Sven pass, but then suddenly paused. "I know yew!" Said the first guard. "Yer the rat they was taking to the prison earlier!"

"Nope." Sven said casually before throwing his helmet at the guard and taking off into the street dodging  shoppers and pedestrians, hoping over stands and racing down side streets.

Breathing hard he stopped running in a narrow lane between two shops. Checking behind himself to see if his pursuers had given up the chase. Seeing no beast he quickly pulled off the armor and sword leaving them in a pile.

Stepping back out onto the street he joined the mass of creatures blending into the crowd even as a group of guards marched around the corner.

OOC: Wow, Haenrok has really long arms. He can reach through the bars and across the hallway to grab Cordan's collar! :D

BIC: Cordan was too stunned to have much reaction. He decided he needed to take time to think about it. "Look mate, I came here only a season ago. I commissioned as the most junior officer there is, and I only got in on accident. You've got no reason to trust me, but I'm all you've got. I need time to work something out." He glanced over at the prison entrance. "Look, I have to go, or the jailer will find me.  Whatever you do, keep your heads low... Or else you might find you don't have them any more. Tempt the Lieutenant with information, make him play for it, and you're more likely to live. He wants it so he can get promoted. That's all anyone wants around here..." Turning, he threw a quick salute. "Good luck. You'll need it..."

Cordan rushed up and out of the prison. He saw the jailer enter behind him. He wiped his brow. "Whew. That was a close one." He slowed and walked to his post. He needed lots of solitude as he considered what he had discovered...

OOC: Oops; I thought he was right there. :P Also, he grabbed at him, not necessarily being successful.

BIC: Haenrok went away from the door and slumped down again. After a few moments of silence, he turned and looked at the items Cordan had stuck through the bars. He reached for the loaf of bread and held it thoughtfully. "Quite the predicament we're in," he mumbled, tearing the loaf in half. "Here, eat this."

Alarie snatched the bread with a growl and flung it across the room. "I don't want some kings guards pity!" She snapped and started pacing agitatedly, from the door to the back wall and back to the door. Clenching and unclenching her fists in frustration. She was starting to feel trapped, like the whole room was getting to small, Like a thousand ants where crawling all over her skin and she needed to get out.

OOC: A bit of a time jump from when Erich was in the city

Just as night fell in the Hill Country, Erich reached the doorstep of a large house. He had been walking alone along the coastal road for about an hour, dressed in civilian clothes so as not to attract suspicion or unwanted interest.

Erich rapped on the door once. If the resident was home, one knock was all it would take.

Within mere moments, an elderly shrew appeared at the door. "Erich?" The shrew asked. "Is that really you?"

"It is Erich, yes," the ermine replied. "I would've visited you sooner, but I had... matters to attend to in Sylest."

"Of course, of course," said the shrew. "Please come inside!"

The ottermaid got to the alley and growled. A group was already here. She wouldn't get any food tonight.

Rayne Sorrelsand had been sniffing around for some food in a large alley when a group of other street wanderers came looking for food also. Hastily grabbing her finds (Two surprisingly good-looking apples and a chunk of bread) the squirrelmaid faded into the shadows, about to disappear with her find, when she saw her old. . . . . Semi-friend, Selva. Slipping over to the otter, Rayne tapped her semi-friend on the shoulder and held out an apple.

OOC: @Blue: Slight PP there - Want me to change it?

Selva looked askance at Rayne. It was odd for anybeast in their social rank to offer good food to others. She took the apple anyways, because food was food. "Thanks. You've eaten?"

OOC: Nah, don't worry about it.

"Nah." Rayne answered, before producing the other apple and the chunkof bread and starting to eat. "How's life treatin' you?" She asked between bites.

Selva shrugged and bit into her own apple, speaking around a mouthful. "It's not treating me. Just like always, it's hitting me over the head with a stick." She swallowed and grinned  conspiratorially. "Got some pretty good loot from the pockets of one of the poncy ladyfolk on the high road though. Have to wait a moon or so before I sell, but that'll be some coin in me pocket." She took another bite of the apple. "Been watchin' me folks' place. Da' fin'ly took a run for it. Prolly went down th' coast." Looking at Rayne, she turned the question the other way. " 'Bout you? Any luck lately?"

His scheme to get information from inns having failed, Brenn decided to try to find out what was going on from some slightly more reliable informants. City rabble, while being lower-class, always knew what was going on if it pertained anywhere near them. Least, if they wanted to stay alive and free, they did.
Spotting an alley with a few grazing beggars/pickpockets, he walked down towards them. Simple street accent, little talk, maybe a little convincing, he'd soon know what he needed.

       Saurrel winced his way through the streets with no particular destination in mind, though the jailhouse seemed to be the center of attraction in his movements. He was hitting a less hospitable section of town, when his hyper active sense of hearing so conveniently picked up a conversation of two beasts catching up no more then a building or two away.

"HOW'S LIFE TREATIN' YOU?"

"~~~'BOUT YOU? ANY LUCK LATELY?"

      Fortunately, nobeast seemed to notice as he slammed his back against the wall of the relatively small house he was beside, clamped his hands over his now throbbing ears and cried out in agony. The squirrel's back slid down the wall, teeth gritting in a feeble attempt to divert the attention his ears were getting in terms of pain. His hearing went back to roaming, lowering the volume considerably... Gee, it almost seemed normal after that last blast. Saurrel took a moment to think, if his gift was so emotion driven at this point, could it be trying to guide him? A lot of the things he was hearing seemed to come from the dingy cells and inside the intimidating walls that held those cells. Were the voices he heard a way that this magic was calling him to others?..... How ridiculous! He couldn't help but roll his eyes, "two random strangers, from this part of town no less. Probably just guilt getting to me. I guess I really should've tried to get... her.. out..." All loud conversations went to the back of his mind in that instant as an expression of sorrow painted itself on his face... She may have been foolish, but this... what was her name again?.... Alarie..... He couldn't get that name out of his head, he could've done something, "But could I?" He shook his head violently, "Of course you could nitwit! You know full well what you can do when you get upset!" Her action was lacking.... But her heart was in the right place, those other beasts, she did it for them.

      Lifting his hand, Saurrel stared at it, clenching as resolve flowed through his mind and heart, "My family can't have me back, moreover, I can't have them back... Neither can you, or any of the others who've lost what freedom there is in this broken world.... But maybe, just maybe we can find solace in each other, develop new bonds that will drive us on like that we make with our kin. I don't know what I'm going to do, but there has to be something I can do..... We were gifted for a reason, and I've no intention of letting any more fall!" He stood, and looked to his destination, set firm in his mind. Fear caused his body to tremble inwardly, but he had no choice... If he lost everything, what could he possibly lose? He had everything to gain, he would think of something, he just didn't know what quite yet.

Having reached Sylest, the crew of the ship began unloading their cargo. As soon as the crate he was in was unloaded, the now awake Canny sprinted away from the docks into the city. Looking back to make sure he hadn't been seen, the fisher cat breathed a sigh of relief. He would be able to blend in here, at least until he could leave the city and return to the countryside. As he passed the jailhouse, he saw a nervous looking squirrel sitting by a wall, clearly in pain. Though Canny would prefer not to be involved with any other creatures, especially after the fiasco with Alarie and Patrick, his curiosity got the better of him.

"Er...Are you alright?" He asked Saurrel.

When Patrick had returned home and found Canny missing his mind had been to preoccupied to care. He had convinced his brother to take him to Sylest. Now that he was here he tried to slip off by himself but his brother stopped him.

"Where do you think you're going?" Alex said blocking his path.

"The soldiers took Alarie!" he said ducking past him but Alex grabbed the back of his collar and puled him back.

"What are you crazy! No just no,"

"Let go! I'll fight you if I have to!" Patrick said struggling

"It's suicide!" Alex said. Patrick relaxed for a second as if seeing the sense in this, undid the buttons on his shirt and ran off without it, leaving Alex behind his shirt in his paw. "Patrick! Wait!" Alex called chasing after him. "Mother's never going to forgive me..." he muttered under his breath. 

OOC: Patrick is a mouse, right?

Dressed in civilian clothes as before, Erich was walking back along the coastal highway. He'd just finished a conversation with Aerin in which he'd implored the shrew to watch for magic-users, and to report any strange activity. Aerin was a good ally; age had not dulled his senses.

As he neared the edge of the woods, Erich was nearly knocked over by a young mouse. "Watch where you're going!" He yelled.

OOC: yup

BIC:

Patrick stopped and took a few steps back startled. "I.. I'm sorry sir, Didn't mean t'run into you like that" He said respectfully. Just then Alex  caught up, "Come here!" Alex said grabbing Patrick by the ear.

"Ow, ow.. ow ow ow! le' go!" 

"Thank you sir, My idiot of a brother decided it would be a good idea to run off and explore the dangerous parts of the city at night," he said giving Patrick a little shake for good measure before dragging him back to the ship squealing and howling like a little girl. He dumped him on the deck and Patrick sat there rubbing his ear and glaring venom at his brother.

"Tallus Watch Patrick, tie him up if you have to but don't let him leave the ship," Alex barked stalking back down the the gangplank.

Haenrok watched Alarie fume, waiting a moment before taking a bite out of his chunk of bread. He himself was frustrated, and felt helpless in the walls of their cell. However, the sea otter knew that throwing a fit would do nothing to improve their position. He laughed inwardly without humor. He was certainly one to think that way, having just spoken angrily to that one ermine soldier.

Standing up, Haenrok went over and found the piece of bread again. "You really should eat; after whatever they did to you your body will be weak."

"I don't need food, I need to get out of here!" She growled banging her a good arm against the door in frustration.  She stopped and hung her head letting it fall to rest against the wooden door. She turned around and sunk down to the floor to sit with her back against the door. Then with an apologetic look at the sea otter she took the bread. "I am hungry,"

       Saurrel could just barely make out what the beast before him was saying with the normal side of his hearing. After rubbing his ears quickly, he gave a response, "Yeah, just a little.... Annoyed, is all." He looked at his hand once more before standing, "Appreciate the, er, concern. But I've got places to be." The squirrel started the last leg of the trip, mind trying to squeeze an idea out between the bouts of ruckus.

Quote from: BlueRose on February 20, 2015, 11:25:35 PM
Selva shrugged and bit into her own apple, speaking around a mouthful. "It's not treating me. Just like always, it's hitting me over the head with a stick." She swallowed and grinned  conspiratorially. "Got some pretty good loot from the pockets of one of the poncy ladyfolk on the high road though. Have to wait a moon or so before I sell, but that'll be some coin in me pocket." She took another bite of the apple. "Been watchin' me folks' place. Da' fin'ly took a run for it. Prolly went down th' coast." Looking at Rayne, she turned the question the other way. " 'Bout you? Any luck lately?"

"Well, at least ya got somethin', right?" Rayne said with a wink and a bite of her apple before answering her friend's question. "Eh, alight, I suppose. Haven't managed to nick anythin', though, but I imagine I'll be able to scrounge, but maybe what I've found tonight'll be a good omen, eh?"

Canny watched the Squirrel walk off, slightly perturbed by his uncertainty. However, it seemed apparent that the Squirrel didn't want to be pursued, which was fine by Canny. His amount of compassion for the stranger was minimal.

Cassidy Aaronson was aboard the ferry traveling to Sylest. She had been sailing for several hours now and would be arriving very soon. Cassidy watched the waves beat against the ship as she thought. She and her family had been traders and traveled around the country and she had, consequently, picked up a lot of random bits of information, some were useful, some were something she heard and quickly forgot about. Some were just too weird to ever find a circumstance to need them! Cassidy was currently thinking about the last time she had wandered off away from their trading group and gotten herself lost (which happened a lot). Her father and mother had gone out and searched half the village before finding her and returning with her to the camp while keeping a firm eye on her all the way. As she was absorbed in her thoughts, a sailor said to another creature "We`ll dock in just an hour. Not to long now. Best get settled for now. It`s not so long you`ll be sleepin` afore we land, but there`s no point in just standin` `round. We know what we`re doin`." Cassidy thought "I know you know what you are doing, but I wish you knew how to make this trip faster. I`m already sore from sitting so long!" Cassidy shifted her legs and pulled her cloak around her more tightly, as the winds were harsh. She settled down into her state of semiconsiousness once more.

Quote from: Cornflower MM on February 23, 2015, 12:55:00 AM

Quote from: BlueRose on February 20, 2015, 11:25:35 PM
Selva shrugged and bit into her own apple, speaking around a mouthful. "It's not treating me. Just like always, it's hitting me over the head with a stick." She swallowed and grinned  conspiratorially. "Got some pretty good loot from the pockets of one of the poncy ladyfolk on the high road though. Have to wait a moon or so before I sell, but that'll be some coin in me pocket." She took another bite of the apple. "Been watchin' me folks' place. Da' fin'ly took a run for it. Prolly went down th' coast." Looking at Rayne, she turned the question the other way. " 'Bout you? Any luck lately?"

"Well, at least ya got somethin', right?" Rayne said with a wink and a bite of her apple before answering her friend's question. "Eh, alight, I suppose. Haven't managed to nick anythin', though, but I imagine I'll be able to scrounge, but maybe what I've found tonight'll be a good omen, eh?"

Selva scowled. "Don't scarper off a'ter omens. Only leads a mot inta danger." She finished her apple and tossed the bits she couldn't eat into a nearby bin. "A'most got caught by d'soljers t'day. Got to uppity a'ter lootin'." Selva found herself falling into a street accent. She relished the tiny feeling of superiority that she got every time she realized that her time pickpocketing higher ranking creatures gave her a better handle on speech. "Had any run-ins? D'soljers been crackin' down 'ard."

Sven had lost his chasers and was now wondering the city pulling a loaf of bread from a passerby's basket. Munching hungrily on the loaf he almost ran into a fisher cat, noticing the creature at the last second he swerved making to go around when he stopped dead in his tracks.

Spinning Sven faced the larger creature a look of surprise stamped on his face.

"Great fur an famine ain't you the cat that had the smoke an nearly killed me?" He gasped in a loud whisper glancing around quickly to make sure no beast was listening.

Quote from: BlueRose on February 23, 2015, 02:54:01 AM
Selva scowled. "Don't scarper off a'ter omens. Only leads a mot inta danger." She finished her apple and tossed the bits she couldn't eat into a nearby bin. "A'most got caught by d'soljers t'day. Got to uppity a'ter lootin'." Selva found herself falling into a street accent. She relished the tiny feeling of superiority that she got every time she realized that her time pickpocketing higher ranking creatures gave her a better handle on speech. "Had any run-ins? D'soljers been crackin' down 'ard."

Rayne raised an eyebrow at her friend's accent, but merely said, "Well, at leas' ya got away. I've seen a few beasts gettin' arrested after gettin' a little too cocky." She also tossed the remains of her apple away. "Eh, nearly got caught a few days ago. I got a tad. . . . . . Upset. But I got away after a bit a' twists and turns."  She confided. She'd gotten a bit mad after a high-ranking beast had knocked into her, throwing her into a bit of mud. Rayne had started yelling at the mouse who'd done it, and then suddenly there had been two mice. The guards who had been coming over to no doubt tell her off had suddenly developed a bigger interest in her, and Rayne had run.

Canny backed up, glancing from side to side nervously.
"No?..." he said, his paw moving to the Scimitar at his waste.

Seeing the cats sword Sven backed away holding up his paws.

"Hold hard there, I ain't going to do nothing, quiet now don't make a scene that's the last thing either o' us needs." Winking at the cat Sven motioned for Canny to follow him heading inside a nearby ally that looked deserted.

Haenrok waited for a while before speaking again to the squirrelmaid. "If you don't mind my asking, what exactly is your. . . 'magic'?"

OOC: Sorry for the wimpy post. . .

Canny cautiously followed Sven into the alley, still keeping a paw on his Scimitar.

Quote from: Cornflower MM on February 27, 2015, 05:34:36 PM

Quote from: BlueRose on February 23, 2015, 02:54:01 AM
Selva scowled. "Don't scarper off a'ter omens. Only leads a mot inta danger." She finished her apple and tossed the bits she couldn't eat into a nearby bin. "A'most got caught by d'soljers t'day. Got to uppity a'ter lootin'." Selva found herself falling into a street accent. She relished the tiny feeling of superiority that she got every time she realized that her time pickpocketing higher ranking creatures gave her a better handle on speech. "Had any run-ins? D'soljers been crackin' down 'ard."

Rayne raised an eyebrow at her friend's accent, but merely said, "Well, at leas' ya got away. I've seen a few beasts gettin' arrested after gettin' a little too cocky." She also tossed the remains of her apple away. "Eh, nearly got caught a few days ago. I got a tad. . . . . . Upset. But I got away after a bit a' twists and turns."  She confided. She'd gotten a bit mad after a high-ranking beast had knocked into her, throwing her into a bit of mud. Rayne had started yelling at the mouse who'd done it, and then suddenly there had been two mice. The guards who had been coming over to no doubt tell her off had suddenly developed a bigger interest in her, and Rayne had run.

Selva was suddenly nervous. What Rayne had just said about being upset might sound normal to a passerby, but to Selva it denoted the presence of The Thing. She knew that to get upset was to lose control. She began unwrapping and re-wrapping the dirty bandages around her head shakily. In the forest, other beasts with The Thing were fine to be around. In the city, it was almost a death sentence.

If anyone noticed the alley getting darker faster than usual, they put it down to cloud cover on the horizon.

Brenn was an expert at accents. He had originally picked them up as entertainment, but soon found them very useful for all sorts of things. Walking up casually in full view of the rabble and pickpockets so as not to startle them, he set about pretending to look for some food in the slushpile. After a short while, he struck up a whispered conversation with a young female otter next to him. Putting on a street accent was easy enough, though he was careful not to use one from Sylest so as to avoid suspicion. "Wha's the big knockabout 'ere? I sawed some fellers out in them woods ou'sider der city gettin runabout by some tin'eads. I heared this city were good pickin's, so I camed down ter' see, but it be seemin purty risky ter me."

Alarie looked away at the question and sighed. "it's... It's like sparks and lightning and things. I... When they tried to burn me..." Her voice shook and she looked back down at the painful scorch mark on her arm and bit her lip before continuing "The rat who was holding the iron, he... I... He got shocked pretty bad, the lightning shot up the bar an afore I knew it he was lying on the floor...  he didn't move... he just lay there and didn't move... ,"   

A fire burned in the hearth of the lounge room, the light outside had gone and curtains where drawn by servants to keep out prying eyes. Pheidon stood by the hearth leaning against the mantle be hind his fathers chair. Osullad sat in a large uncomfortable looking armchair, which resembled more of a throne than an armchair.  Feva lounged on a heavily cushioned couch while Rhima sat on a pile of cousins on the floor her back resting near the foot of the couch.

Rhima took a grape from a bowl of fruit sitting on the table and popped it in her mouth. "I heard rumor that four new magic beasts grace our prions." She said.

"It was only three the fourth, a rat was to old to have magic," Pheidon said intent of pointing out his sisters flaws.

"Three is still good, more than we have had at once in a long time," Feva said

"I fear though that our methods are not good enough, We will never be able to catch them all this way. We are to lenient. Imagine what would happen if one of them eluded us long enough to become independent. "  Pheidons said.

"Many betray themselves before then and the others are turned in by our spies," Feva said reassuringly.

"Perhaps he is right, We should start making the executions public inducing fear in those who would think to appose us," Rhima said.

"No..." Osullad said finaly speaking. "That would make them martyrs. It would give their following even more fire. Some times uncertainty is more powerful a tool. They will continue to just disappear. However we can round up some of their following and execute them in the main square. That might get people thinking,"

"Let us also advertise the rewards involved in turning in a magic beast," Feva said "Some beast are motivated even more by wealth than they are by fear,"

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on March 09, 2015, 10:50:14 PM
Brenn was an expert at accents. He had originally picked them up as entertainment, but soon found them very useful for all sorts of things. Walking up casually in full view of the rabble and pickpockets so as not to startle them, he set about pretending to look for some food in the slushpile. After a short while, he struck up a whispered conversation with a young female otter next to him. Putting on a street accent was easy enough, though he was careful not to use one from Sylest so as to avoid suspicion. "Wha's the big knockabout 'ere? I sawed some fellers out in them woods ou'sider der city gettin runabout by some tin'eads. I heared this city were good pickin's, so I camed down ter' see, but it be seemin purty risky ter me."

Selva turned with a small jump and then blinked up at the squirrel. Her bandage was in her paw instead of around her head, so her milk-white eye contrasted heavily to her brown fur and the lengthening shadows in the alley. The ottermaid shrugged, her face schooled into nonchalance after the initial fright. It would seem odd if she already knew about what happened in the forest. "Dunno. D'soljers don' yammer 'bout what they been doin' on ev'r street corner." She wrapped her bandage back into its place and looked back at the stranger. "S'not a safe place t'be for anybeast 'round 'ere nowadays. D'cod 'oo tolja there were pickins ere of any kind pulled one over on ya." She let  hostility show through in her last sentence. There wasn't enough food for all the streeties the city already had, much less for travelers.

Brenn looked at her thoughtfully. "Maybe 'e did, maybe 'e didn'... Or maybes, the pickin's be in places other'n what yer lookin fer in..." He smiled slyly. "I gotten me a pretty good deal this mornin'." He reached into a pouch at his belt and showed her some bronze and a few silver coins. "Seems plenny roun' here fer a good pickerpocket. Them tinheads are so tied up in that armor, and them heads is so high from thinkin they's invincible, they don't be keepin good track o' their purses no more. Not the least after they'm haved a nice drink..."

Brenn was playing a dangerous game. He had to get her curious, and maybe a bit impressed with him, but at the same time rub her fur the wrong way a bit, just enough for her to get a bit competetive. He needed to have someone to learn the area from...

Selva almost laughed. Two could play at that game. She pulled a face that was impressed, curious, and riled up at the same time; a look that would undoubtedly be more impressive could she use both eyes. "Where'choo get that?"

She knew it was a ploy for information, she just needed to play along until she found out what information exactly. She knew there had been an arrest earlier, and if this squirrel was asking about the ruckus in the forest, it could be that the arrestee had described a young ottermaid with a bandage over her eye. This stranger could very well be a spy.

OOC: No rhyme intended, I swear.

OOC: Sandpaw?...

OOC: Oops sorry.


Sven was standing still, his ears pricked scanning the area for any eavesdroppers before speaking to Canny.

"Hey cat, listen I ain't going to do anything to ya, I just wanna ask a few questions. Like how did you make the purple stuff burn the tree and sword? And do you think you can do it again?"

The rat held up his paws again to show he was unarmed and friendly, at the moment.

"I- I don't know how I did it," Canny looked at his paws. "It's happened before, I'm sure it'll happen again. I just... don't know how to control it."

OOC: *Cough* X-men. *Cough.*

Sven looked at the cat untrusting his word before backing off. "You can't control it then yer useless, probably just get yerself caught anyhow." Shaking his head Sven bit his lip, he had never been one for planning he was a skilled tracker yet that was all, he needed a leader.

OOC: Ha! A battle of wits. So much fun!

BIC: Brenn narrowed his eyes at her. Maybe she was genuine, maybe not. He couldn't tell... But she had done exactly what he had hoped she would do. That was an automatic warning sign for him. Anytime something he planned went exactly aright, it set off alarms in his head. Too easy quickly tends to turn into too trapped. So he played his cards just as he normally would- cautiously. "I already tolja- from a guard. I ain't no apprentice pickerpocket, I'm a pro-fessional thief, and I earns me livin' well." He showily put the coins back in his pouch. "What der you do ter live? Look fer coins in the gutter?"

At that point, Rayne decided to jump in, having stayed silent long enough. "What's it t'you, knowin' what my friend does for a living? If I dinn' know better, I'd say you're pickin' for information." The squirrel spat, forgetting, for a moment, that now most definitely was not the time to get agitated. Especially if this squirrel was a spy.

"...and none of them were ever seen again." The shaggy black-furred cat concluded his story.
"Wow Scath" another cat with reddish-brown fur sat opposite him "that story was so scary and unpredictable! It's almost as if you haven't told it a million times before."
The other cat raised an eyebrow "I suppose you could do better?"
"Sure I could. Once upon a time there was a black cat that told the same story over and over, eventually everyone who heard the story died of boredom and the cat was left alone in the world, telling his story to the trees."
"Zero out of five, would not read. It sounds strangely familiar though."
"I know. It's a subtle reference to something we've experienced. You'll never get it, I am the king of subtlety."
Scath lay back on the ground "You're so funny Adal, it's almost as if I haven't heard the same kind of joke a million times before."
"Did you just turn it around?"
"I may have done."
Adal frowned "You're not supposed to do that, I'm the funny one, you're the hostile one, remember?"
"Maybe I want to switch it up."
"Too bad, I'm happy with my role."
Scath sighed "Yeah, whatever. Have we got any food left?"
Adal stroked his chin, seeming deep in thought "Well, seeing as we ate the last of our supplies about an hour ago and we haven't stolen anything since then, no."
"Right. How long until we reach the nearest settlement?"
Adal pondered this for a moment "I have no idea," he said eventually "we should just camp here for a while, set off again tomorrow."
"Sounds reasonable." replied Scath "The tent is mine."
"It's a big tent."
"It's my big tent."
Adal sniffed "You're so heartless."
"Please try not to be too loud when you cry about it. Goodnight Adal."
"Night Scath."

"Well... I know someone who seems to have powers like mine... And Alarie seemed to be able to control them. I don't know where she's gone, though."

Sven looked at the cat warily considering. before he answered.
"This Alarie do you suppose she can help, I have a creature in need of assistance that I am indebted too. I want to get him out of a tight spot yet I can't do it alone." He shook his head angrily.
"This is pathetic where did you see this Alrie last and what kind of creature is she so I might find her." Sven snapped jabbing a claw at Canny.

OOC: slight time jump.

BIC:

It was close to midnight and the sky was clear and crisp with stars and a half moon lit the streets, but Archel hardly noticed as he approached the prison with two of his soldiers.

"Who goes there!" The guard called from the gate.

"Captain of the guard Nerington," One of the guards that where with him barked back. The guards at the gate jumped to attention and babbled an apology.

"As you where," Archle said with a wave of his paw as he passed them and entered the prison.

***

Alarie lay curled up in the corner. It had taken much tossing and turning and several tears before she had settled into an uneasy sleep. Four guards barged into the cell two of them had spears and tried to corner Henrock while the other two went for Alarie. She was kicked  roughly awake and a rope loop strung on the end of a wooden poll was hooked over her head and around her neck.

OOC: Will guards be going after Arron as well in the other cell?

OOC: Well it depends on the outcome of this encounter. They intend to question allarie, he would be taken in for interrogation after alarie but I doubt that they are going to get her out of that room if Henrock has anything to do whit it. If they escape they will be sure to help Arron escape as well. 

Canny flinched as Sven jabbed at him. "She's a Squirrel. I last saw her shortly after we... met, for lack of a better term, on her farm. But we got separated. I don't know where she is now."

Haenrok scrambled to his paws as the soldiers entered the cell, and cried out when they looped the rope around her neck. "Hey! Leave her al-"

"Be quiet and stay down!" yelled one of the soldiers, hitting at him with the butt of his spear.

Haenrok lifted his arm to block the blow, and, by luck or by some inner trigger, he felt no pain. Looking at his arm, the sea otter noticed the flesh was not the squishy, fur-covered flesh as normal of a regular creature, but a stony arm of a statue.

Taking less time than before to recover from the unexpected occurrence, he lashed out with his rocky paw, striking one guard square on the head, who crumpled unconscious to the ground. The other soldier drove Haenrok against the wall, holding his spear crosswise to pin the otter back. "I need some help!" he yelled as the big otter pushed him back.

 Erich, once more dressed in his armor, strolled through the deserted streets of Sylest. He'd been looking to find Archel, who, according to a guard, was currently at the prison. Though odd that Archel would go to the jail at such a late hour, it was not impossible-- Erich knew that the captain routinely visited all major military buildings in the city, including the prison.

 "You two, come with me!" Erich barked at a couple of half-asleep guards. The fools were clearly not doing anything; perhaps seeing a prison would whip them into shape.

Alarie shrieked and her paws went to the rope she was shoved against the wall and they tried to get her paws behind her back. She kicked and struggled in a panic trying to get free. Gasping as as her struggling made the rope tightened over her windpipe. An electric surge ran over her and the guard that was holding her dropped her with a shout. "Hell gates!" He said as the solider with the spear was shoved into him. He turned on Henrock and went at him with his saber. "Use tha blade no more mista nice guy," he said to his comrade. Alaries paws went to her neck as she tried to free herself of the restraint. Her fur still running over with the electricity. The third guard kept her at polls length and tried to keep her from taking it off without touching her.

       Saurrel had been wandering around the outside of the building, stealthily of course, for quite some time, but he hadn't managed to come up with any ideas. He was sitting out back brainstorming when the dull clamor of city life turned into the resounding roar of the commotion inside. Beside almost giving the squirrel a heart attack well before his time, it also helped for the first time since it started way back in the forest. This being because he could actually hear what was going on inside... wherever it was Alarie and her new cellmate were. Some of the sounds were confusing, the clank of a spearhead on stone, but not the clank of it striking the wall, no, this was totally different. Judging by the static sound, this Alarie was indeed magically gifted.... With lightning no less. Now he at least knew there was a chance, slim, but a chance. The two inside were doing well the best he could discern, but they would need a way out... a distraction maybe? If they could get themselves outside, yes, but otherwise, he was about as good as useless. Saurrel sat back down, listening for any opportunity to do anything other than spectate.

The sound of the door bursting open rudely woke Arron. He had finally gotten to sleep on the uncomfortable stone floor. Blinking in the sudden bright torchlight the shrew held up a paw to cover his eyes groaning softly. A single weasel guard
"Get up prisoner." The guard sniffed holding a length of rope. Arron scooted away wide eyed.
"Yer going to hang us, I haven't done anything wrong, please no." The weasel didn't look impressed tapping the sword at his side.
"Stop the whining shrew and don't make this hard on yerself." A sudden shout for rang out.
"I need some help!"
The weasel left Arron closing the cell door behind him and racing down the short hall to the next cell over. Arron leaned against the heavy door peering though the bars watching as a few guards rushed into the room with the other magic creatures. Arron's leaning on the door pushed it open. The weasel guard had forgotten to lock it.
With spirits soaring Arron snuck out into the hall, he couldn't get out the main entrance there was to many guards rushing in, however he could go further into the prison and hide in the back until things calmed down. He took off staying to the shadows and hiding at the back of the prison behind a large barrel.

OOC: If the guards find Arron that's fine if their not supposed to escape yet.

OOC: Wylder had a plan with helping the prisoners, just so ya'll know.

BIC: Haenrok managed to grapple the spear out of the soldier's paws (how he was able to grasp the haft with his stone paw he wasn't sure), and gave him a stunning knock to the chest that sent him sprawling, gasping in pain on the floor. The sea otter was then almost immediately set upon by the other guard who used his saber with full intent to kill.

Bowling into the soldier as his sword stuck in the spear haft, Haenrok shoved him on top of the other guard, and then, in a fit of rage, he drove the spear down into them.

Alarie screamed. Two more guards came in from outside, one with leather gauntlets garbed Alarie from behind. She thrashed and kicked but her feeble attempts did little. She was worn out. They dragged her out into the hall. Three more guards came running from down the hall to restrain Henrock.

OOC: I only have time for a partial post... :'(

Cordan was walking by the jail when he heard a commotion within. He dropped everything he was doing and bolted inside. What he saw amazed him. Five guards were grappling with the two new prisoners he had talked to a few hours before. He had to think on his feet.

"Halt!" The command echoed around the hall. The soldiers dropped what they were doing for a few minutes, long enough for Haenrok to shake himself free. "I have orders to take these magicbeasts to the interrogation room... personally." Four of the soldiers backed off, but one stayed forward. boldly, he questioned: "How ya gonna do dat, huh?" Glowering at him, Cordan drew his sword. "Do you want to find out?" He said threateningly. The guard backed off. "Get on patrol!" He growled. Turning, he mouthed to Haenrok (Alarie still seemed a bit incapacitated) "Go along with it." He fervently hoped they were smart enough to listen...

OOC: Sorry for the ridiculously short post.

Erich bolted into the prison, pushing one of the guards aside in haste. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. "Where is Captain Archel?"

OOC: Erm, Haenrok just skewered two soldiers. . . and he still has the spear. He's not really about to be told to follow somebeast freely. :P

OOC: He doesn't have to listen to him.  ;D ;)

"In the interrogation room sir," The guard responded to Eric's question.

***

The guard with the leather gauntlets dropped Alarie and she fell on her knees breathing hard her paws feeling at the rope around her neck. She slipped it over her head and the poll clattered to the stone floor. She scrambled to her feet and ran to stand beside Henrock. Wide terrified eyes glancing around at everyone.

***

Archel paced back and forth in the interrogation chamber. A small room with a chair in the middle and various hideous implements of torturer hanging from the walls and ceiling. A new recruit stood by the door and watched him intently a question on his tough be he dared not ask it. Archel turned to his and said

"I know you wish to ask me something, many have the same question. You want to know why we interrogate and imprison children. But I tell you this, that is what they want you to think, they are not mere children. They are demons in child form. they play the pity game. They try to manipulate you. Why would they take the form of something as weak and helpless as a child, but they are far from helpless. You will see what I mean soon enough," Archel stopped, he heard a clamor in the hall and sighed. They could not control a single prisoner. He drew his blade and left to deal with it himself.  

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on March 17, 2015, 12:55:03 AM
OOC: Ha! A battle of wits. So much fun!

BIC: Brenn narrowed his eyes at her. Maybe she was genuine, maybe not. He couldn't tell... But she had done exactly what he had hoped she would do. That was an automatic warning sign for him. Anytime something he planned went exactly aright, it set off alarms in his head. Too easy quickly tends to turn into too trapped. So he played his cards just as he normally would- cautiously. "I already tolja- from a guard. I ain't no apprentice pickerpocket, I'm a pro-fessional thief, and I earns me livin' well." He showily put the coins back in his pouch. "What der you do ter live? Look fer coins in the gutter?"

Quote from: Cornflower MM on March 17, 2015, 10:36:21 PM
At that point, Rayne decided to jump in, having stayed silent long enough. "What's it t'you, knowin' what my friend does for a living? If I dinn' know better, I'd say you're pickin' for information." The squirrel spat, forgetting, for a moment, that now most definitely was not the time to get agitated. Especially if this squirrel was a spy.

Selva looked between her friend and the stranger. She would have grinned, but she knew it might defeat her purpose. With a tiny sigh, she stepped back to see what  would happen next. Personally, she wouldn't be so blunt about her suspicions with a stranger, but if Rayne wanted a confrontation, so be it.

Haenrok brandished the spear menacingly in one paw while his left, the stone one, he held protectively in front of the frightened Alarie. He growled at the soldiers from between his teeth.
"Get back; back!" He jabbed the spear at them. "I'm not afraid to kill you all to the last beast."

 Though somewhat unnerved, Erich laughed. "Kill us to the last beast? I'd like to see you try."

The liuetenant drew his saber, stepping towards the otter. "Come and face me, you fool!" He snarled. "See how confident you feel once I've run you through!"

"H-uh? Wha. . . ?" The soldier who had received Haenrok's blow to the head stumbled out of the cell near the sea otter. "Wzgo'in on?"
Haenrok grabbed the unfortunate ferret and nearly tossed him at the ermine, hooking his stone arm around Alarie (OOC: Hope that's okay, Faiy) to try to pull her along the way opposite the soldiers. "C'mon; let's go, squirrel!" That way had to lead somewhere; he had seen a guard or two pass from that direction, so there should be an exit.

OOC: Nonexistent

OOC: Wait, they should be in the same spot right now. I don't remember Faiy doing anything with Alarie...... Yeah, she's hiding behind Skarz, Archel WAS in the room.

OOC: What he said^ and yes that's fine Skarzs.

BIC:

Alarie ran along with Henrocks help but they hadn't gone far before their way was blocked by Archel.

"Now drop the spear and surrender and your family's will be left alone. Your deaths will be quick and painless, I promise,"

"No!" Alarie cried in an undiscernible scream. Her fur stood on end and sparks jumped from the ends. Her heart was pounding in her ears and her knees felt weak. She wanted to collapse right there and give in, maybe if she did this hell would finally end. Instead she gritted her teeth and whispered up to Henrock, "Give me an opening, I can shock him," 

OOC: permission to do a little PP with Archel Skarzs. Just so long as you don't injure him I don't mind. (He is really more like a really important NPC anyway)

Bursting from his hiding place Arron nearly ran into the Fox as it jumped out to confront the other escapees. He baked away looking on as the artic fox ordered for the others too surrender. He hadn't noticed Arron. Quickly the shrew reached for anything that could be used as a weapon. Finding nothing Arron tried to distract him long enough for the others to strike. He screamed out the first thing that came to mind.

"Fire in the prison!" He yelled at the top of his lungs.

Archel turned to see Arron "What?!" He growled striking out at his head with the hilt of his saber to get him to shut up. Alarie took this moment to leap forward and grab the fox by the arm, giving an angry shout as the static erupted into a forest of bolts running up his arm and down his blade. He gave a deep cry of pain and knocked Alarie into the wall. She scrambled to her feet and ran, she didn't wait for Henrock or the shrew she just ran as fast as she could to get out of that place.

OOC: Er... alright, then. I think I'll just redo the post anyway, though.

  The soldiers watched in shock as their captain was electrocuted. Fearing that the magical beasts might be able to electrocute them as well, many soldiers shrank away from Haenrok.

"Attack the otter, you fools!" Erich screamed. "I'll have any soldier who doesn't fight hanged for cowardice!"

OOC: The post still works, there was a commotion he went to investigate. Besides it is already integrated into the RP. It is ok to keep it, just keep in mind the events took place in the hall not the interrogation chamber.

After taking a moment to guard their retreat, Haenrok rammed Archel out of the way with his shoulder as he sprinted past him, following Alarie as closely as he could, holding the side of his chest. Captain Erich's saber had nearly gotten a better cut, but thankfully his stony arm had blocked most of the blow.

OOC: Let me know when you guys get outside, the rest of the escape will be relatively easy after that.

Arron was hit hard by the foxes Archel's blow, falling back he held his face where he had been hit. Seeing the others run Arron staggered up and followed narrowly avoiding the guards as he ran.



             ------------------------------------------------------------------

Sven had left the cat he had gotten what he wanted now all he needed to do was find Alarie. Taking a chance and coming close to the prison Sven listened as the sound of commotion rang from inside. He carefully approached trying his best to blend in with the shadows on the darkened streets.

Archel staggered back to his feet "After them! Don't let them escape," He called and started after them himself.

Alarie ran down the hall and around the corner, up a flight of stairs and came to the front entrance, a large heavy wooden door guarded by four soldiers. She stopped short. 'I can't do this,'. She thought. 'Not again,' and she wondered if it was going to hurt when they ran her threw. She almost turned around and ran the other way but she knew that that door was the only way out.

OOC: Feel free to intervean any time now Dan. They are just inside the front door and there are two more guards out side. I doubt that they could fight threw all six of them so If you want to help out a bit feel free.

 Erich ran through the hallway, dodging and running around his own confused soldiers in a desperate attempt to catch up with the escapees. He stopped when he saw Alarie.

Erich's mouth formed into a cruel smile. "You're trapped," he said.

       "You're trapped."

       Saurrel's own devious smile materialized as he showed his presence, having already walked close to the prison, "You're wrong Erich, you're the one who's trapped!" He had been using his annoyance with Alarie's poor judgement up until now. Now, he took only a moment to relive all the horrors he knew that these soldiers were guilty of. His upset turned to anger, anger mixed with hate, and the final result was a vengeful wrath that brought every sound in the district to his ears. He no longer cared, his fur bristled slightly, and a growl emanated from the very core of his being, "What a cowardly way to act, but you've failed this day." The squirrel inhaled quickly, and let loose a ghostly shout, the pent up pain he'd been experiencing half the day now released on all the soldier's souls over a few seconds. The guards had been more than sufficiently stunned, but the escapee's hadn't even been brushed, "Huh.... Well, we'd best run now! I've a feeling they're going to be a little angry with the headache's they're gonna wake up with."

OOC: The reason it only affected the soldier's was because they're the ones he was angry with, he's learned to let his emotions control the magic until he can figure it out himself. Also, I specifically said soldier's, so controlled characters can react how the want, though I'm gonna say this... Imagine being hit with a Fus-ro-dah at point blank.  ::) weaker in force, but loud enough to blow anybeasts eardrums halfway to the afterlife. Also, he knows a lot of names from the numerous times he's listened in on random conversations.

Archel was hit hard by the blast as he came up the stairs. It knocked him off balance and he went tumbling down the stairs and lay still at the bottom.

Alarie just stared at the other squirrel. She was unsure of what had just happened and looked around at the unconscious guards lying at her feet. She looked back up at Saurrel and recognition dawned on her. "Your the one from the forest!" She took another glance around before realizing that they should probably run "Oh right," She said braking into a run. 

Canny had followed Sven at a distance, hoping that the mercenary rat might be able to find Alarie. Unfortunately, he lost Sven in the crowd. He was about to give up and turn back when he heard a horrible shout from a nearby prison. Canny recognized the prison, and saw the squirrel he had talked to earlier, as well as Alarie.

"Alarie!" He called, moving towards them.

OOC: I'm acting on the assumption that the door was opened by Saurrel, since he was outside of the prison.

OOC: Since I've been gone (Been at a robotics competition), I'm just going to insert myself into all the action post-scriptum. BTW, Cordan shouldn't be affected by Saurel's magic because he is in the process of desertion, etc.

BIC: Cordan whipped his sword up and deflected Lieutenant Erich's saber. He started to turn to confront him, but Arron yelled, "Fire in the prison!" Hearing the commotion, more guards piled in down the prison stairs... Including Cordan's immediate superior, Patrol Captain Darron. The sadistic fox pulled up short at the sight of Cordan engaging Lieutenant Erich. Then a grin spread over his face. "What's the problem, Squad Cap'n? Our work distas'ful to ya?" He drew his sword, a long, wicked scimitar.
Cordan's helmet clattered to the ground. He sliced off his Squad Captain's cloak with his sword. The purple cloth fluttered to the ground. Eyes blazing, he stared defiantly at the fox Captain. "My great-great grandfather didn't free us from Badrang the Tyrant to be subjects to some king who pays off mercenaries to capture children and torture them!" He reached down and pulled out his sling.
The Patrol Captain's grin widened. "Dat's treason. Get 'im, boyos!" The soldiers packed in front of the Captain, closing on Cordan. Swinging his loaded sling above his head and slashing with his sword, he jumped into the close ranks of guards, trying to buy time for the escapees.
"FREEWATEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!!!"
Suddenly, a tremendous gust bowled him over from behind. He smashed against the wall in a clatter of sword, armor, and cobblestone. Disentangling himself, he rose to find himself the only one standing among piles of guards. He heard the ringing of alarm bells in the fortress above, and hurried out the back door after smashing the locks on the remaining cells. He saw the former prisoners in the street outside, joined by a squirrel he didn't know. He strode over to them.

OOC: Sorry for the compressed post matter and slightly poor post quality... :P

OOC: Oh! Canny can tell them that Alexes ship is in the dock! he wont be leaving till late the next morning when he would be loading his next shipment up. He could take them across to the hill country during the night.

BIC:

"What are you doing here! Go! Go!" Alarie half shouted at Canny as he approached. They where not out of the woods yet. They couldn't afford to stop. escaped prisoners came running out the front gate but she didn't care, all she wanted was to get away from that place.

"Go where!?" He shouted back. "The ship that Patrick got me on?"

       "Anywhere's better than here! You wanna be royal tinder!?" Saurrel looked back at the mass of bodies, "You all run ahead, I'll catch up later, someone's gotta give these nut jobs somethin' to chase."

Erich's vision swirled, twisting the world into a jumbled mass of colors and shapes. He heard faint shouts, screams, but could not identify them clearly. All his senses worked slowly, as if frozen by some invisible force.

Suddenly, everything came rushing back. Erich was in the prison, laying on the floor with all the other guards. He remembered the prisoners, the otter, the escape. Most of all, he remembered the magic that had injured him this way.

Erich got up and looked behind him.. The other guards were beginning to stir now, and he saw Archel on the ground.

"Captain," Erich said. "The magic-beasts have escaped us. I believe that, perhaps, a public... demonstration might be a good idea?"

Arron raced along sprinting after his fellow escapees not really caring which way he was going. Beasts poured out of their homes rubbing eyes and yawning woken by the shouts of the guards. Arron ignored these and followed the big otter and squirrel. Arron found out quickly he wasn't built for high speeds and began to lag behind breathing hard.

"Not now Lieutenant! not now! We may still catch them!" Archel said getting up from where he he had fallen "Now go!"

***

"Patrick here? Yes take us take us there!" Allarie said and they started running in the direction of the docks. They passed threw an alleyway where street urchins where digging threw the trash for food. Allarie almost ran into an otter "sorry,... hold it! your the one from the forest... What where you doing there anyway! Did you lead them to us?" She said angrily, accusing her. 

Selva stumbled backwards when the squirrel from earlier nearly ran into her. At the new stranger's accusation, the ottermaid mumbled a string of words that oughtn't be repeated in any company.

The alley darkened again, an angry, stifling darkness.

"Yes, I, a mere urchin with no parents and a blind eye has influence over the highest soldiers in the city. Of course not, stupid!' Her hissed words were venomous, gone was all pretense of a lack of education. 'I stole something, and ran into the forest to hide it before getting caught up with your lot. Other than that, I had nothing to do with anything. Just my luck, of all the creatures in the forest I had to try and take refuge with a magic user.' She spat out her reference to The Thing like a curse. 'Fat lot of good that was."

She heard the oncoming law enforcement. "And now you've led them to us. Soldiers don't like guttersnipes. They hunt us at every opportunity." Turning to Rayne and the first strange squirrel, she tossed her head in the direction the soldiers were coming from. "The guard is coming. Run while you can."

"There's the ship." Canny said, pointing. He bolted towards it, oblivious to Selva's appearance. However, he stopped and turned back part way there.
"The crewbeasts don't actually know that I was on board, so you might wanna convince them to let us on, Alarie."

Having gone unnoticed until now, somehow- Cordan decided the moment was right to present himself. He stepped to the front. "Ha! That big lumbering barge? The city will send out its port garrison after you, and you'll be taken in a minute. The King can't have guards deserting and magic users escaping his prisons and attacking his guards!" He pointed down the dock a ways. "But I have a ship. She's nothing special, but she'll get us out of the city all right. I came up here in her, and she's small enough to be fast and light on the water and able to avoid any of the big guard ships." He pulled the wooden door off of a rickety old shack and set it down at is feet. "If'n you guys get to the ship, I might even be able to buy you some time." He scraped sand around the bottom of the door until he had a low barricade, then pulled out his sling. "This sling would like to be back in the business of freedom..."

**********************************************************************

Brenn was distracted from his business of information gathering by, of all beasts, the ones he had seen in the forest. What better way to get information than from the source? He attentively studied the party, which seemed to be composed of two otters- one a burly sea otter, the other a river otter in a partial guardsmans uniform (Curious- not a soldier, or he wouldn't be here...); two squirrels, one red, the other the black squirrel he had had a short conversation with in the woodlands; a cat; and there was a shrew that lagged behind the main party. Then the red squirrel collided with the ottermaid he had been speaking with earlier, and made a panicked accusation. He was surprised when she answered back without a street accent, but not unduly. Urchins had their secrets. After she told him to run, he turned and winked, then said in perfect common, "And miss this party? No way." Then he slipped into a mole accent. "'Ave ee a good day, marm. May 'ee urth be aflyin unner yur diggen claws." Then he slipped up and followed the action from the rooftops.

Alarie looked from one beast to the next, she was tired, and confused and angry and frightened for her life and they all seemed to look to her for some kind of answer. She looked from the cat to the otter and then at the squirrel speaking mole speak.  She looked longingly at Alexes ship, she wanted to go home but she knew that was not possible. 'what have I done?' She thought as she bolted to the ship that Cordan indicated. She didn't care anymore that he was a guard or that she could shoot lightning from her paws. It was all just numb. 

Arron had just caught up when the squirrel ran off towards the docks Unable to say much from panting he followed forcing his paws to move. He concentrated on his steps making sure to avoid any possible collision with creatures on the street not caring if anyone else was following he raced after the squirrel hoping she knew where she was doing.



                        --------------------------------------------

Sven charged though the crowd up ahead he could see the young magic beasts running towards the docks. The rat checked behind him seeing the guards still in hot pursuit only a few paces behind him. Looking forward Sven put on an extra burst of speed slowly gaining on the younger creatures desperately trying to stay ahead of the guards.

Haenrok panted along near the middle of the group, taking a quick glance backwards in the direction from whence they had come.

"Hurry," he gasped shortly, "Or we'll be caught in another fight!"

The sea otter wished he could get the stone from his arm, as it was uncomfortable with all the running, and he tried to force his claws to move. Then. . . they did! Looking down, he could see the stone had withdrawn from his claws, at least slightly, and he decided that he would attempt to get the rest of it back to normal once on the ship.

       Saurrel had quickly realized that the guards stayed down longer than he expected. Noting this for future reference, he had chosen to follow the others instead of staying to toy with the guards. Now, he was starting to regret this decision. The squirrel that randomly popped out of the trees earlier was here now, and Alarie was getting in an argument with... Was that the young otter from earlier? Yes, indeed it was, and her suspicious aura certainly wasn't wrong given this new revelation.  Still, he had no time to contemplate all these crazy beasts, they needed to leave... immediately. He made his way to the ship indicated by the former guard, and sat down. The squirrel's mind tried to painfully process just what was happening... It was hard, he couldn't go back to his family, he was a fugitive, there were many others experiencing this pain right along with him, and others who had been through similar things the majority of their years. He breathed in slowly, and let out a sigh, he had no right to sit around and feel sorry for himself when his pain was, more likely than not, the least of anybeasts... but what could he do.

       He looked at Alarie out of the corner of his eye, he had been so stuck on thinking about how foolish her actions were, he'd never stopped to think about what she must be feeling. Her friend was with her when the soldier's came, she was very likely concerned for his safety. Her family too, the guards had blatantly threatened them. A feeling of pity filled his heart, they'd been pretty rough with her in the prison to boot, his problems started to seem rather minuscule in comparison. Saurrel stood slowly, and walked over to her quietly. When he got there, he sat himself down right next to her, and placed a comforting paw on the nearest shoulder. He massaged it slightly just before speaking, "How're you feeling?" He his head to look at her, letting his eyes soften, now was the the time to be stoic, not the time to be strict or calculating, now was a time for grace and compassion.... They could all use some of that right now.

OOC: My assumption is that she sat down before I even got there. In all honesty, I'd probably be on the deck bawling my eyes out.  ::) Being hyper sensitive has its' many drawbacks.  :P

OOC: I'm considering dropping out of this, as I am so far away from the action that I can do literally nothing that will cause me to come into contact with other characters

Selva rolled her eye and darted after the reddish squirrel. She wasn't going to hang around and get thrown in jail.

She was tired and upset. Her control slipped. The lights in buildings around her began to go out as she passed. Still she ran, paying no attention to the changes her magic was wreaking.

OOC: Jet you can be near their destination.

They reached the ship that Cordan had pointed out to them and Alarie staggered to the back and collapsed in a corner on a spare roll of sailcloth. She just sat there and stared blankly at nothing rocking herself slowly. She didn't even move when Saurrel  sat down beside her. 

"How're you feeling?" He asked. She bit her lip .

"I..." she said softly turning to look at him before bursting into tears and burying her face in his shoulder, "I'm scared," she said between sobs.

OOC: It is also good to note that she had just faced her worst fear. After this everything else will seem like a walk in the park in comparison.

 By the time the soldiers reached the docks, the escaping ship was far in the distance. No military ship would have been fast enough to catch up to it.

Erich sighed in frustration and turned to Archel. "Don't you see, captain? They are like a plague-- we will never remove them by brute force alone. We must use... other methods if we really wish to end this."

"Agreed, I believe a demonstration is in order." Archel said looking after the ship.

OOC: I think a short Time jump is in order soon after we wrap up the conversation on the ship and any one else who has not posted to wrap up before we jump.

Selva watched the city recede from her spot on the boat. She would have wept for the loss of her family, but she knew they didn't know about her or care. After her loss of control, it would be a hazard for her to go back and watch then again.

       Saurrel was a little surprised, but he regained control quickly. He knew it was hard on the others, but he hadn't imagined it'd been this hard. He embraced Alarie, gently rocking back and forth. He made every effort to be as comforting as possible, "I understand... To be quite honest, I'm terrified as well. No family to turn to, no friends to rely on, it's going to be hard.... But, despite our losses, despite every last one, we're not alone... And that's something to take solace in."

Canny stood awkwardly, watching Alarie cry. The Fisher Cat felt like he should be trying to comfort her, but wasn't really sure how to go about it. Instead he studied the other creatures on the ship.

Arron leaned against the ships railing recovering from their sprint though the city. He watched the others move around the deck he didn't know any of them and he wondered why he had even followed them. Not for the first time that day Arron wished he was back home with his father. He sniffed wonder what the older shrew would do when Arron didn't come home after the assigned ten days were up. He would most likely think he was dead captured by bandits or killed in an accident.

He thought about everything that had happened and grew angry at everyone he could thing of. He wanted nothing more then too hurt them the guards the creatures in the city even the ones on the boat. He blamed every beast but himself furiously curling his paw into a fist. Arron slammed his paw down on the deck with a dull thump. A tiny sheet of flame licked from his paw onto the wood work burned the tiny section to ash in seconds. Arron in a panic pulled his paw away in surprise. His anger melted too empathy and thought of what the others were suffering from. They would be hurting just the same as him.

Haenrok stood resting his back against the mast, watching the creatures around him. Most of them seemed frightened, perhaps angry, and longing for family. He shook his head slightly; he had let the thought of his family out of his mind seasons ago, when he had left on his travels. While he did care for them and wonder if he would see them again, he was far too advanced in his wandering away from home to long for them.

He pulled himself away from his rest and addressed out loud the question on his mind. "Where will we go?"

OOC: Seeing as Alarie is in to much of a state to answer I will tell you my plans and then any one can pick it up with suggestions. The goal is to get to Noonvale. They would have to pass threw the marsh and then head threw some forest. They can skip right to the marsh or they can make a stop at the hill country though I think they would be more likely to be caught there. There are to many of them they would be noticed. 

OOC: Is there a settlement near the marsh? If not then I would like them to stop at the Hill Country so I can actually do stuff with my characters

OOC: Ok, since I never got a chance to sling stones at the guards, (:'() I'll get on board...

BIC: Cordan jumped into the harbor and swam out to the ship, cutting through the water easily. With a flick of his powerful rudder, he heaved himself out of the water and grabbed hold of the railing, pulling himself over onto the deck. Shacking the water off of himself, he looked with concern at the amount of beasts aboard his craft. He shook his head. "The Queen Leah is only garrisoned fer one beast, mates. We'll have to put ashore for supplies soon." He looked around. "In the meanwhile, we should probably introduce ourselves, seein as we'll be stuck aboard together here."

**********************************************************************

Brenn was enjoying himself atop the mast of the ship. It was high and windy, but he loved it. Ever since he could remember, he had wanted to fly. When he was littler, he thought he could just go and jump off of a tree, and he would fly, but it never quite worked out for him that way. This was more to his tase. He could feel the ship swaying beneath him, the wind in his fur... He leaned out over the ship and closed his eyes. The wind began to gust more, and he felt himself letting go of the mast, to fly... fly... fly...

Then, he realized what he was doing and quickly clutched the main spar, breathing hard. That was a close one! Of all the ways of dying, he had not thought getting lost in his own thoughts and falling off of a mast was the way he would go. But it puzzled him. Surely, he should have fallen...?

OOC: @Jet: Sure that sounds good. There can be a settlement near the marsh  (I should make the rest of the map XP)

OOC: Doing the time jump, if that's alright with you all

Five squads had been sent throughout the city. Each one had a document of arrest signed by the King, but this was a purely symbolic measure-- higher officers were always allowed to arrest without a warrant anyway.

Erich stood in the square, watching as the execution site was prepared. The city gates were closed; there was no escape for the doomed criminals now.

Archel had went with a squad into the country to round up the suspects and several others that where known to be magic sympathizers. Archel remembered the report from the search parties from the day before had given him. There was the farm just before the forest where they had the scuffle. From the description the squirrel that they found there looked like she could be Alaries mother if not that then her sister perhaps. Either way...

He took four soldiers with him and sent the rest on ahead. He wanted to do this himself. None had escaped from that prison and lived for very long. He would catch them.

He came up the front path and two guards barged threw the front door. Mrs. Iles Shouted. "This is my house! You have no right!" One of the guards held up the arrest warrant but she ignored it and tried to hit him with the ladle she was holding. the other grabbed her and tried to wrestle it from her paws. She was knocked to the ground.

Archel stepped in and looked down at her for the first time. There was one thing they had failed to mention in the report... She was pregnant. "Out," He said waving the other two guards out of the house. He went over and bent down in front of her. Holding her chin in his paw to make her look at him. "You are convicted of treason..." he said coldly "The only reason I am letting you live is because of the Innocent that you carry," He dropped her chin and let the house without looking back.

***
Alarie had spent the rest of the night in a fit full sleep of tortured dreams. They had come to the shore just before dawn not to far from a small seaside settlement. One of them could go in and get supplies and then they could figure out what to do next.

She felt a little better this morning though the memories of the prison still burned fresh in her mind they felt so far away now, that they could not reach her.

Sven clinked the heavy chains that bound his paws and footpaws. For the first time in his life he felt abandoned, the ship had been to far out to swim too when he had arrived making him an easy capture for the guards. He had spent his night in a cell and now he waited watching as the execution site was prepared.

He was trapped tighter then he had ever been before in his life. Surrounded by thieves and convicted magic-sympathizers all waiting to die. The rat lifted his paws slightly staring at the locking mechanism knowing it would be to difficult too pick. Besides even if he did get out he was surrounded. There was no getting away this time, he was to die.


OCC: Okay fixed it.

OOC: No magic-users are going to be executed; it's just people who have helped magic-users

 OOC: Uh... hello? Anyone here?

OOC: Selva is brooding. I can't post.

OOC: There was a time-skip; don't think she could have been brooding for that long.

BIC: Haenrok flexed his now-normal arm and paw, experimentally moving it around after the span of time it was stony. The first time it happened he didn't pay as much attention to how it felt. . . but this time he could feel some life and blood under the rocky exterior. Still, despite his resolve to try to retract the stone himself, the sea otter fell asleep before he could get anywhere with it, and it had changed by itself.

"Say, does anyone have any food? I'm famished," he remarked.

OOC: Selva won the annual otter brooding contest. She can brood for however long she wants to.

Having overcome his own misery and being a inquisitive creature Arron had began exploring the area. He had been carful to stay in sight of the others wandering around the nearby grass hills. He had been lucky and discovered large quantities of small wild onions.

Hearing the otter's question Arron walked over to him passing the mass of plants he had collected. The shrew chewed on one as he looked the otter over. "I found a few hundred of these, so I hope you like onions. What's your name by the way? I'm Arron."

Canny woke with a start, having had a dream about fire. Ever since those rats had attempted to burn him to death in his tent, he'd been worries about fire. As the Fisher Cat woke up, he found a nearby barrel had turned from wood to stone.

"Must'a done... the thing when I was sleepin'." he muttered to himself, before going onto the shore. Canny watched as the Shrew, Aaron, gathered some onions. The Fisher Cat gave a derisive act snort as the Shrew asked if one of the otter's liked onions. Feeling fully recovered after the events of yesterday, Canny wandered farther inland, looking for anything to make his own meal with.

Rayne was still a tad stunned. The events of the last night had startled her so much she'd followed Selva, keeping her mouth shut. And now she went off to find the otter, hoping they could find something to eat together.

Haenrok took a couple of onions and stared at them regretfully before popping one in his mouth. He swallowed before answering the shrew. "Nice to meet you, Aaron. My name is Haenrok. Heh, kind of ironic that my. . . magic? has something to do with stone."

"We should call you Rocky," Alarie said lightheartedly, mostly recovered from the previous days events and wanting to laugh off the rest of her jitters. 

Laughing halfheartedly with the others Arron slowly trailed off. He looked out at the sea and back into the rolling hills. He stared at the group, most of them were magic with strange unknown abilities. Not three days ago he discovered he had these abilities as well. Arron was terrified at what he and the others here could do yet amazed at the same time. Taking one last look around he stated the question they were all wondering.

"What now?"

       "Survive, what else can we do? We need to find a place where we can hide from the royal guard, and obtain food on top of that." Saurrel had taken some time last night to take a look at everybeast last night, making his first assessments, "The real question is, where do we go?"

There was a short silence

"Noonvale," Alarie said quietly as if to her self. She knew that it most people believed that it was a myth but she really did not have any other ideas. 

Haenrok had chuckled at the crack about being called "Rocky", but now his mood matched his serious appearance.

What now?

Survive, what else can we do?

. . . Noonvale.

"Wait, wait; hold on a moment." Haenrok lifted is paws at the whispered word. "Noonvale isn't real; I mean, nobody I know has ever heard it was found, nor if anyone has seen anything to prove the legends for countless winters. It doesn't exist. . . right?"

"But what if it dose. And it is not like we have anywhere else to go. I mean, If I where them trying to hide from the kings men I would not be telling everyone I met where my supper secret safe haven was," She said looking almost excitedly at the two with a little hope in her tone. "We would be safe there. We could learn how to use our... gifts in peace,"   

OOC: When did Alarie start thinking of it as a gift? I thought she hated magic. BIC:

       Saurrel was a little stunned by the suggestion of Noonvale, an odd choice, but, when you stopped to think about it, it made the most sense. He had heard many different people talk about noonvale, and had delved into the history of it personally, albeit, shallowly. He added what little he had to state, "I've reason to believe it does, indeed, exist. Possibly not as we think of it, but Noonvale itself was far to important in history to have just been a mere myth, 'least from what I've seen."

OOC: She doesn't like calling it magic either.

After a moment of pondering the matter, Haenrok shrugged. "Well, I suppose taking a chance finding a place that is potentially nonexistent wouldn't be the worst thing to have happened in the past few days."

"Ah kin shoot lightning from my paws, Rocky here can turn into a living statue, You kin... do what ever that was you did back there... whose to say some legend of a Child's tail ain't true?" Allarie said She looked around at the others just wandering around along the beach.

"I think we should stick together and get off this beach... it is to exposed and in the open. Then once we find some cover we can have a good talk and figure out whose who and whats up," she said. Then without waiting for the others to agree she went over to the group that was wandering around looking for food and said

"Come on we need to get out of the open. See if we can't climb up this cliff and find a place to camp in the forest up there. One of us squirrels can climb up with a rope and secure it for the rest of us to follow." She said going back to the ship and getting a long length of spare rope.

"Oh and we should probably take what we can from the ship and either sink it of hide it, if possible, It's a dead giveaway," 

 As the doomed beasts approached the execution site, a silence seemed to hang in the air. Even the soldiers didn't speak-- many of them had relatives among the to-be-executed.

Erich rose from his seat and stood next to Archel. "We will start the executions at your command, sir," he said.

Archel steeped forward, The royal family where seated in comfortable chairs on a raised dais prepared for the occasion, He bowed to them before turning to the crowd and braking the silence he spoke.

"This is indeed a grim day, but not because of what must take place her, but because of what these beasts allowed to happen. There is a threat growing in this land. The things this magic can do... Conjure ice and lightning and fire, These creatures are inborn weapons waiting to strike. Just yesterday two creatures where found dead on the road to the city, killed by magic. These are the criminals that these creatures have chosen to aide, and by so doing prolonged the threat, to our friends and family, mothers and children. This is why this must happen here today...  to secure the safety of our children. So they may grow up in a world without fear... " Near the end of his speech everyone could hear the passion in his voice as his thoughts turned his daughter... she deserved better than this... He took a deep breath and straitened himself before continuing taking up the scroll that the servant standing by held out to him.

"These men and women have been convicted of treason and the aiding of magic users and are sentenced to hang by the neck until dead," His voice was strong and clear though some of the creatures standing nearest could have sworn they heard his voice waver. This was not there fault... but they prolonged the danger. Allowed the enemy to roam freely for one more day. He looked out at the convicted as they where lead up to the gallows, and sat down... what kind of a world was this... was this the world her wanted for his daughter...       

Adal was not always certain that Scath knew what he was doing, being run out of town for stealing for the eighth time only served to aid this suspicion. It had started off fairly well, their robbery of the bakery had gone off without a hitch, Adal was fairly sure that their next target, a large tavern, was the greatest choice. He had distracted the barman while Scath had crept down into the cellar which would have been a good plan, were it not for the fact that in the cellar, just next to the stairs, there had apparently been a drinking competition going on. Scath had burst out of the cellar holding on to a few bottles of drink, grabbed Adal by the collar and propelled him ahead while they were chased out of town by several drunk, angry beasts throwing bottles and stones at them. They had just lost their pursuers when Adal tripped on a root, crashed into Scath and the two cats went tumbling down a hill to land amid a group of young creatures by the river. "Oh... hello," Adal said with an awkward smile.

Sven swallowed slowly as the noose tightened around his neck. A air of panic gripped him and he struggled at the chains that held his paws. He ducked and dodged franticly as the executioner pulled a black hood over his face. He could not get away, this was the end, his thoughts turned to the shrew he had been trying to help him and now he was to die for it.

Sven had faced death more then once, but those times he had a chance to fight back. Here he could do nothing.

A dull clunk of wood sounded and Sven felt the floor give out under his feet. His neck broke from the sudden stop, his feet kicked monetarily before he hung still dead.


                           --------------------------------------------

Arron nodded in agreement, they needed to get rid of the ship but he wasn't sure if the big sea otter would be willing to go along with it. Stepping forward he dropped the onions pilled in his arms. About to speak when two more creatures turned up.

He turned annoyed but stayed quiet waiting for the others to decide what to do.

"What!" Allarie jumped almost dropping the rope as the two cats came tumbling into their group. She was just about ready to attack them without warning but thought better of it and restrained herself "Explain yourself afore I give you a bloody nose and a jolt!" She said angrily just about fed up with all this.

Scath got to his feet "Explain ourselves? Really? Because we tripped over and fell into your little gathering we have to explain ourselves? Thanks for that by the way Adal." His last sentence dripped with sarcasm
"You're welcome Scath," Adal replied, with an equal amount of sarcasm. He turned to the squirrel "We made some guys angry, and I tripped over as we were running from them and crashed into Scath and then we landed in your... thing."
"I had expected my implication that we weren't going to tell them anything to be enough, clearly it wasn't."
"Correct."

OOC: @Sandpaw: Well. . . okay. Wasn't really expecting you to have Sven die. :P

BIC: Haenrok recovered from his surprise at the two cats suddenly bumble into their midst, and he folded his arms to show he meant no nonsense.

"And were you followed by said angry mob? We would prefer not to get into any more trouble ourselves." He looked back up the hill as if he were to suddenly find the pursuers.

 Erich bowed his head as the last doomed beast, a rat, stiffened and died. The execution had gone remarkably well, and the lieutenant was impressed.

A light rain was beginning to fall now, and the crowd had cleared away. Only the high officers, a few soldiers and the executioner now remained.

Archel stood and bowed as the royal family departed under tarps held by servants in uniform. Several others carted way the dead to be burned. He looked around with a solemn face... he felt as if nothing had been accomplished here. Nothing at all. An odd rat came up to him wearing a funny cap and he immediately recognized him as his gardener.  "What is it Rorch?" He said for the rat had an urgent way about him witch was odd behavior for the old man.

"The missus sent me, your needed home at once, she said Marissas fallen ill, a'right bad spot," The gardener said. Archel did not wait for him to say any more he started off for home as fast as he could calling back over his shoulder to Erich, "Your in charge here!" before disappearing around the corner.

OOC: BLUE! I can't really post without you!

OOC: Whups, sorry.

BIC: Selva sat away from the rest of the group, mentally cursing every stroke of bad luck that landed her in this situation. The appearance of yet another set of strangers phased her little. Sighing, she unwrapped her bandage, wrapped it neatly over her good eye, and laid back with her eyes open, but both completely in the dark.

OOC: Revive?

Cordan walked up to the camp, carrying a bulky load of supplies in his arms. Walking into the fire's light, he addressed the group at large. "Well, I got everything we might need out of the ship... Rope, cooking supplies, arms-" When his eyes adjusted to the light, he abruptly dropped the supplies and whipped out his sword, pointing it at the two cats.

"Who are you?" He glared threateningly at them. "And what are you doing here?" He looked at Haenrok. "Where did they come from?"

Haenrok jabbed a claw behind him. "Somewhere over the hill; they just kinda came stumbling in. . . And I think that one's drunk."

Adal raised an eyebrow "Who? Me or Scath? If the latter then no he isn't drunk, he's just generally a rude and abrasive person."
Scath nodded "Aye, and if the former, Adal isn't drunk either, he's just too nice for his own good."

Several minutes after Archel had left a boy in a cap and dirty cloths which looked as if he had been working in the dirt recently came up to Eric and whispered something in his ear.

***

As Archel approached his house he saw that most of the lights where out in the servants quarters and all of the second floor windows where shut the curtains drawn. He came to the front gate which was unlocked and the gate keeper was gone. The grounds where empty and the house was strangely quiet. He rushed up the front path and threw the front door where his wife met him with pleading eyes.

"Whats going on? where is Marissa?" Archel asked

"Oh Archel," Martha said coming closer. "I didn't know what to do. I sent most of the servants away, I told them it was contagious but..." She said with a sob in her voice.

"Tell me, what happend?!" He said grabbing her shoulders.

"It's... It's..." She said, slowly looking up at him and looking him in the eyes for a moment before looking away again and starting to cry.  Archel let go and stepped away praying that it wasn't what he thought it was, he turned and ran up the stairs, leaving Martha crying on the bench in the entryway.

The second floor was completely empty and quiet and the candles where unlit in the hall but Archel did not need them. He did not need them he would not have need them if it had been as dark as midnight on the night of a new moon. He stopped in front of his daughters bedroom door which was closed and locked and taking a key from inside one of the sconces he unlocked the door with hurried shaking paws.

the door swung open and he was met by a seen that confirmed his worst fears. The curtains where drawn tight and the room was lit by candle light alone. Marissa sat on the bed as healthy looking as a rose and in her paws she was playing contentedly with a purple and gold flower, all up the bed post and that corner of the room was covered with vines which blossomed with flowers like a rainbow.

Marissa looked up with a smile but it changed to concern when she saw her fathers face. "whats wrong?" She asked.

"I... I was told you where not well," He said slowly and though she did not notice his paw rested on his sword hilt. He steeped into the room and closed the door behind him "I was worried..." He said slowly going over to stand near the bed.

"Father look what I can do," She said and in moment a perfectly white poppy with a black center grew from her paw and she held it out to him. He looked at it and then at her and his heart melted his paw moved from his sword and he took the flower. He gave her a smile and sat down on the bed next to her.

"You know how I have told you that I would do anything for you?" He said softly taking her little paws in his big ones. "Well I think it is time I came home... I am away to much. I promise I will be around more. We can go someplace where we can have a good life together, just you and Tomas and mother and me. What do you think?" 

***

Alarie looked from one cat to the other and then let her shoulder sag from exasperation putting her head in her paw. She was tired of all this... she just wanted to go home.

 Erich was too surprised for words. One part of him wanted to strangle the boy for saying such things, while the other part wanted to run to Archel and confirm what he had heard with his own eyes. Both actions, he knew, would solve nothing.

....

Erich approached the palace gate, the wind whining around him and the rain falling in sheets.

"Who goes there?" Asked the guard, a black rat.

"Lieutenant Erich," the ermine replied. "I have urgent news to report, and I must speak with the king."

       Saurrel had done little, observing the different beasts and their varying responses to the situation. Thankfully, they all seemed to have fairly decent heads on their shoulders. Still, caution was always advisable, and the newcomers sure didn't help his worry, "Chased away by a bunch of drunks, probably pick pockets if experience serves right," he eyed them suspiciously, "Question being, why'd the run nowhere instead of heading farther into town where the twisting streets would've provided far better cover from the various things I'd imagine an angry mob would throw at beasts they were upset with."

Osullad Paced moodily back and forth in the throne room while Feva sat in his throne with a flask of wine watching him.

"You know the sky will not clear up any faster with you pacing like that," she said with a voice of silver. He paused in his stride to glance at her disapprovingly before continuing.

"Things are not going well, this is worse than before. There are mags on the loose. Not only that but they have escaped. This has never happened before and they keep getting stronger," He stopped and turned to her "You heard the report. One of them knocked out a good score o' guards including our Captain and his lieutenant with just one shout."

"You know as well as I that Archel is quite capable of hunting them down, this is only a temporary setback, and this time they will not bother to bring them to the prison... they will be disposed of quickly and quietly without a fuss and in a bit you will hardly remember that this was even a problem," She said taking a sip from her glass. Just then a guard entered the room.

"Lieutenant Eric is here to see you your Majesty's," He said bowing low

"Bring him in," He said turning to face the front of the room. The rat bowed again before turning and ushering Eric into the room.

OOC: Um, do you mind if i join the RP again? :P I dropped out because I couldn't keep up, but I'll try this time.

OOC: Go right ahead.  ;)

OOC: Could you PM me a short recap of the events please? I want to know where to put my character and am too tired to read 20 pages right now.

 Erich entered the room, bowing before the king. The throne guards watched him with a look of cold contempt.

"Your majesty," he said, "I have been told that Captain Archel has... deserted. There are rumors that his daughter is a magic user."

Osullad gave Eric a long cold stare his mind turning the news off in his head before speaking slowly. "These are but rumors. You have no proof. However it is plausible. His daughter is of the age...  but Archel is loyal to the crown... he may still preform his duty... Go and take some guards with you. Confirm what you have heard and if Archel cannot go threw with it then you must. Do not let anything get in your way, not even loyalty to your captain for if Archel has betrayed the crown then he is nolonger your captain,"

***

Archel came down the stairs to where his wife sat waiting for him. She was calm now but her eyes where red from crying. She looked up at him and said "Oh Archel, you didn't?"

"No Martha, I could never hurt any of you. Where is Tomas? we are leaving as soon as it gets dark I am sneaking you all out. we will go south, out side of Treccor, where no one can find us," 

"But how will we get past the border patrols?" She asked standing up.

"I can get us around them, I am the one who set them up in the first place, I know their routs,"

Bane was horrified by the executions. He knew what he had to do. He stole into arrow range of the palace and ignited the tip. He fired the flaming arrow at the palace.

The arrow flew through the air and through the window of the princesses bedchambers, landing on the table next to Rhima. She jumped up and grabbed a heavy pillow which rested on the couch beating the fire with it mercilessly. It snuffed out leaving only a charred circle on the table. She piked up the charred stick that used to be an arrow and threw it aside bad temperedly and went over to look out the window. "guards get in here!" Two guards in uniform burst into the room "Some beast shot a flaming arrow through my window! Go and find him!" she said stepping away from the window and heading for the door.     

"This Noonvale place. Does anyone actually know where it might be? Or better yet which direction?" Arron said feeling slightly agitated. He was mostly concerned with the thought of soldiers pouring over the hillside and into the camp. A few of the refugees had fallen asleep, everyone who was awake were frustrated and scared. At least he was.

He picked up some of the things Cordon had brought out inspecting each thing carefully. Not finding what he was looking for he decided instead on a sharp cooking knife which he thrust into his belt.

Better safe then sorry his father always said. Arron didn't like the look of the two cats and he blatantly showed it on his face.

Bane cursed his luck. He wrote this message "I saw the executions at the square. I promise you, your family and you will burn alive for this. Good luck escaping us." saying so he attached the piece of fabric to an arrow and shot it at the same place he had shot before. He then took his bow and arrows and ran towards the inn near the sea where Ayashe was.

A seconded arrow flew through the window and landed in the floor. Rhima  whorled around too look at it.

"What are you waiting for! Get going!" She she growled. The two guards bowed and ran out of the room to find the intruder. Rhima pulled the arrow from the floor. tarring the piece of fabric from the tip she read the message scrawled on it and scowled. Her life had been threatened before, this was no different.  she was half a mind to go down there and find the beast and kill him herself but she knew that that would not accomplish anything. Instead she left her room and headed for the throne room. 

Scath raised an eyebrow "Noonvale? You're looking for Noonvale?" He smirked "You are aware that Noonvale is a fairy tale, right?"
Adal shrugged "At the heart of every story is a grain of truth."
Scath laughed "Yes, of course it's possible for Noonvale to exist, the world being such a peaceful place. If there ever was a Noonvale, some kingdom has long since invaded and burnt it to the ground. You're looking for a pile of ash."
Again, Adal shrugged "I've always thought that Noonvale might be real, I've even been looking out for rumours or signs while we've been travelling."
"And you've come up with...?"
Adal hung his head "Nothing."
Scath sighed "We all like to believe in fairy tales like Noonvale, somewhere peaceful where we could live without fear. But that's all they are, fairy tales. They're nice and comforting and they give you a purpose but eventually a time comes when you must face the facts, those places aren't real, they're just passed down as a way to help your children. I'm sorry Adal, there is no Noonvale." He turned away from the group and began to walk away.
Adal stood up straighter "Well I'm going to keep looking." Scath stopped, his back was still to the others "What does it hurt to search?" Adal continued "Why must we forget the fairy tales? As I said, at the heart of every story is a grain of truth, the legend of Noonvale included. I'm going to find it if it kills me."
Scath whirled to face him "You're leaving me now? For what reason? Because some other fools are just as delusional as you?"
"Why are you so cynical?"
"Why are you so convinced?"
"Because I need something to hang on to!"
There was a pause, then Scath spoke "You don't need Noonvale, you don't have this... this curse."
"I was looking for you!" Scath's eyes widened "You discovered your powers then upped and left without any thought! No aim, no purpose, no destination, just wandering aimlessly, forever. Is that what you want your existence to be? Or are you going to go looking for that one chance you have left?"
"That doesn't explain why you would look on your own."
"I had a twin brother, Scath. My parents were killed defending him and then he was killed, for the same reason you would have been. Just because I don't have powers does not mean I don't need Noonvale."
Neither spoke for a while. Scath leaned back against a tree "Fine, but for the record I still think this is a waste of time."

"And it may very well be," said Haenrok. "But our group doesn't have much of a choice besides searching for somewhere we can be safe. . . or at least, safer. If nothing else at least we would have something to search for."

He went to the supplies. "Any food?"

Cordan lowered his sword, but very conspicuously did not sheath it. "And what, exactly, makes you think you can come with us? We know nothing about you, except that you are obviously not very well liked. And beside, if you are looking for safety... here is not the best place to find it. Add to that the fact that..." Cordan stopped. A look of deep pain and fiery anger crossed his eyes briefly, before he closed them and ground his teeth. His knuckles clenching his sword grew white. After a moment, he relaxed, and opened his eyes. turning to Scath, he said, "And what makes you think Noonvale isn't real? The fact that you haven't seen it? And yet we have mages wandering about the country. You know magic is real, but think Noonvale cannot be? Noonvale is as real as I am." He took the sling off of his belt. "This sling was my fathers, and his, all the way back to my ancestor Keyla Freewater. He liberated this land from Badrang the Tyrant, aided by a mighty mouse warrior, and a mousemaiden- from Noonvale. I may be the last of my holt, but I think it is time that the Freewaters again recieve aid from Noonvale to liberate the land from the grasp of Tyranny."

Scath laughed "Who says we need your permission? The only way you could stop us would be if you killed us and you probably don't want to do that, not a lot of people do." Adal sighed, Scath continued "And, as I said, Noonvale may have once been real, but given the circumstances of our current time I think it's likely that some other land has invaded and razed it."

Bane II silently stole back to the dock tavern where Ayashe was and told her to make haste to escape. He paid the innkeeper and ran out of the tavern to the docks where a small boat was moored. He was stopped by a guard, a large ferret. Bane II beheaded the ferret in a single motion and went into the boat. Ayashe started rowing while Bane fired eight flaming arrows at the city. Bane then took over the oars while Ayashe sat in the boat.

OOC: Can my characters time skip a bit and end up where your magic characters are?

"We can tie you up and leave you here," Alarie said she had decided that she did not like the one called Scath. "There are more of us then there are of you," She said pointedly. "What gives you the right to come barging in here acting like you have a right to be here! Insult us and then say that you are coming with use weather we want you to or not!" She said threw gritted teeth. She swiped her arm threw the air in front of her and blue bolts jumped from her arm to the ground leaving arc marked in the sand just in front of her. She was about to apologies for the sudden use of her ability but decided that Scath did not deserve an apology.

OOC: Hold on I need Izzy to post and for the magic's to resolve there bit of stuff before we can jump. It doesn't make sense to jump only two characters and not the others... XD

Scath leaped back in surprise, his shadow flickering. That thing betrayed him, surprise alone would not have been enough to trigger a reaction but Scath was an expert at hiding his emotions by now, were it not for his shadow. Adal was the only one who knew what it meant though and he took some comfort in that. He spoke calmly "Nothing gives me the right. Rights are illusions, they don't exist. No one has the right to anything."
"And he insults everyone," Adal added "because he doesn't like people to get close to him."
Scath felt betrayed "Blast your eyes Adal!" His shadow flickered more quickly, sometimes becoming warped and expanding before returning to normal.
"You're not giving them any reasons to tolerate us. You should take us with you because the more people there are, the more chance there is of conquering dangers and finding food and shelter."

OOC: I'm assuming that by the time I get to the house, Archel will be gone anyway. So... I was going to post later.

OOC: Actually Archel dose not know that one of the boys saw what happened. He is the captain of the guard so he gets certain privileges like no spying on his family and such. The boy was just an ambitious little boy who happened to see what happened and wanted the reward. They still think that it is a secret. He was going to sneak them out that night as soon as it got dark.

BIC: Allarie took a step back as his shadow danced closer to her. "You have it too..." She said under her breath. She let another moment pass and without consulting the others she said "Fine you can come with us. If you have been searching for Noonvale then at least you know where it is not... that is a start"

 OOC: Ok, then.

Erich and his troops approached Archel's home, marching in a column. The lieutenant had selected a dozen able-bodied beasts for the job, though he doubted he'd need any of them. Archel had probably already fled the area.

Erich raised his paw, signaling his troops to halt. He alone then went to the door of Archel's house, knocking on it.

Archel froze his ears plastered back "Go." he whispered to his wife and gently pushed her towards the door leading deeper into the house. Once she had gone he went to the front door and opened it a crack. Seeing Eric at the door with a dozen soldiers in the street behind him his heart sank. However he kept a strait face. "You should not be here, there is sickness here," He said opening the door just a little more.   

       Saurrel had been getting a sad, mellow feeling, one he did not understand because he was more miffed than anything else. These new beasts were quite obnoxious to the point where he had more than half a mind to shout at them... Though, this Adal appeared to at least have some form of courtesy, so it might not be fair to compare him to his counterpart, "We need assistance, not opposition. If you plan on helping, I'm sure everybeast here would appreciate your presence, but if you're going to cause trouble, than I'm sure everybeast would be more than wanting to dump you. To be fair, same goes for the rest of us, this is a problem we all face now, and cooperation with the few allies we have is our only chance for survival."

Selva ignored the fuss in the group behind her. The older beasts would sort everything out.

She fell asleep, there by the river, totally unconcerned about the safety of her surroundings.

But she always slept with one eye open.

OOC: Will we time skip now?

Cordan narrowed his eyes and slowly sheathed his sword. "No rights? Hmm. What a dark and sad life you live, cat. I pity you for it. If you truly wish to come with us, however, I suggest that you remain silent, as persuasion does not appear to be your strength."

He turned to Adal. "You and your friend wish to come with us? Why? For safety?" He snorted grimly. "If so, you are looking in the wrong place. We," he indicated the camp, "Are the most wanted fugitives in the history of Trecor. A more dangerous group you could hardly find if you searched. All the resources of the kingdom will be bent on finding us. However, if you truly wish to stay with us, we will hardly prevent you. But hinder us? We will have no choice but to treat you as enemies."

He turned to Alarie. "If we wish to look for Noonvale, I believe I have the advantage here. My holt was near to the place of the old fortress of Marshank. The ruins of the foundations can still be seen. If we are to search for Noonvale, we should begin there. Meanwhile, I'll take first watch." He moved out of the circle of light from the campfire and sat under a tree, eyes scanning the horizon.




Who says we need your permission? The only way you could stop us would be if you killed us and you probably don't want to do that, not a lot of people do. And, as I said, Noonvale may have once been real, but given the circumstances of our current time I think it's likely that some other land has invaded and razed it.

Under his breath, Cordan growled, "You'd be wrong... In both cases, cat..."

OOC: yeah I think now we can get away with it... Your characters and the magic group will jump ahead a bit but Archel will lag behind while we wrap that up.

The city burned. Towns people and street guards rushed back an forth between the fires and the river with buckets forming lines and trying there best to douse the fire. The two guards who had gone out in search of the aggressor had gotten swept up in panic and had been forced to help douse the flames.

Rhima entered the throne room without knocking or announcing her presence and strode up to her father holding out the cloth to him.

"People are making threats now, your executions have got them angry. Two arrows where shot right threw my bedroom window," Osullad took the cloth and looked it over not taking any of it seriously for a moment. They got these kinds of empty threats before nothing ever came of them... most of the time. This just looked like another malcontent who couldn't back up his words.  

"It is nothing... You know that as well as I." He said walking up to the dais and carelessly tossed the cloth to his wife before he sat down in her throne. She was sitting in his at the moment. She looked it over carefully and placing her glass on the arm of the chair she sat up strait and looked to Osullad saying

"It is probably nothing you're right, however he did manage to get an arrow threw Rhima's window. I say we post extra guards on the perimeter," Just then Rhima had wandered over to the window behind the thrones and looking out she saw the the houses by the docks burning. For a moment she just looked on in shock but this soon turned to anger. Her fists clenched and she grited her teeth.

"The city burns!" She growled, and Feva stood abuptly and went over to the window to see for herself.

"So they mean business," she said standing beside her daughter. Osullad had not moved.

"We double the guard," he said without looking at either of them he rose and left the room calling to one of the guards by the door as he passed. "Where is Pheidon, fetch him to me in my chambers,"

***

At that moment Pheidon was out in the city he had been caught up in helping douse the flames and he had managed to get the people into some kind of a water line. All five of the guards in his group where working to put out the fire. he took a bucket for a young maid and tossed it over the flames before handing it back and rubbing smoke from his eyes and smearing soot threw his white fur. Coughing he took another bucket and continued. just then he heard an incoherent scream of warning behind. He turned around just as a flaming piece of  building fell on top of him and he fell to the ground under its weight. A little boy fox much to young to be fighting fires dumped his bucket on him in a panic. The fire sizzled out but the prince did not move. Two towns men and a guard rushed over and removed the beam. His whole left side was badly burned and his arm had broken under him when he fell but he was alive. the guard shooed away the towns people and called over four more guards who helped to carry him away.

***

 "There is more than just sickness here,"  Erich said. "Don't try to hide it-- I know what has happened to your daughter."

Archel Gave Eric a glare that could melt stone "If you take one step inside this house I will kill you," he said as his paw griped the hilt of his sword ready for a fight.   

 "You could kill me now, but you know that you can't get past all those soldiers," Erich said, pointing to the troops in the road.

"I still have a sliver of respect for you, however," Erich continued, "and therefore I'm going to give you a chance at escape."

" I have nothing against you, that is why I do not kill you where you stand, but know this, I will die before I let anyone hurt my daughter," He said slamming and bottling the door before running upstairs to find Marissa . He knew the door would not hold long but it just might give him the time he needed.

OOC: POST IZZY, POST! I AM DYING HERE!

OOC: I'm sort of unsure what to do. I was going to let Archel escape... but he sort of slammed the door in my face.

OOC: Brake the door down brake a window do whatever you need to do to finish the job. Don't worry to much about any plans we laid down and just let events unfold.

 Erich kicked down the door and raised his saber.

"Archel, this is my last warning," he said. "You and your family will flee right now, or I will not hesitate to kill you on this spot."

Archel heard Eric's shouts but he did not stop or turn around. He would never leave his daughter.  He would stay and fight till the end if it meant keeping her safe. He barged into his daughters bedroom. She jumped off the bed with a start.

"What's wrong? Whats going on?" She asked.

"We need to leave, now. It is no longer safe here," He said holding his paw out to her. She ran across the room and took it and he helped her along as they ran down the hall towards the back stairway.

OOC: Will the group be passing through the swamp? I was going to introduce a character there.

OOC: Yes, eventually, but not just yet. We need to wait for ash to catch up. Oh, and you need to post as Eric and or the rest of his team.

Bane and Ayashe landed on a strip of unknown shore. When the sound of voices reached them, "Who speaks there? Answer me!" he shouted loudly.

The group suddenly fell silent and Allarie gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. They had come back for them. Without waiting for the others or really thinking things threw she slipped off threw the darkness towards the speaker. Sticking to the shadows she approached the cliff edge and looked down at the two tall shadows silhouetted on the beach.

Pulling the knife from his belt Arron glanced around at the others. Allarie had snuck off quietly while everyone else had froze waiting for the stranger next call. Arron waited trying to breathe softly, surly the guards hadn't caught up with them already.

Cordan crept silently along the edge of the shore, sword drawn and ready for combat, if need be. He saw the boat beached on the sand. Two sillouettes stood by it, neither of which appeared to be guards, though one was armored. Judging his chances to be good, should worst come to worst, and the beasts not a threat, he stepped forward from cover onto the beach. "Identify yourselves!" He called strongly as he strode towards the boat.

Haenrok slipped into the water, heading for the boat. Perhaps they were friendly, but he didn't want to take that chance, especially since the events that drove him and his group this way anyway.

"I am Bane II, son of Krain III, and my companion is Ayashe of the Ash family. Who art thou?" he shouted.

 Erich cursed his luck. If he pursued Archel into his home, it would bring an unwanted confrontation. If he just stood and let Archel leave, however, it would make him look like a coward.

"We shall return to the capital!" Erich called to his troops. "I suspect Archel's treachery, but I cannot prove it."

Martha had found Tomas and she met Archel and Marissa at the back door which lead into the gardens. 

"They know, I don't know how but they know. We have to leave now. I have a friend who can house us tonight before we go on to cross the boarder," He said leading them out into the garden, threw the rows of flower beads and to a small back gate partial concealed by unkempt vines. pushing these aside Archel unlocked the gate with a key from the ring on his belt. It cheeked open and he ushered his family threw into the street before closing it shut behind them as quietly as he could and locking it behind him.

  Haenrok popped his head out of the water as he circled the boat. Bane and Krain, huh? The sea otter wasn't quite sure about these newcomers, and with the odd amount that were popping up, he was becoming more apprehensive.

  OOC: Sorry for reviving this if it was intended to die, but I don't feel like letting the RPs I'm in fade.

OOC: Need more Ayashe action here.

Ayashe looked back at the boat, and happened to see Haenrok. She nudged Bane, who turned around and saw him too. "Who are you, otter? Do you support the false kings on the Throne of Marshank?" he bellowed, putting his axe down.

OOC: Sorry for the DP, but could we get this back up?

OOC: Sure I'll try and post.

Archel Lead his family to a small house on the edge of town where an old hedgehog lived.

"Whats going on Archel?" The Hedgehog asked ushering them in and over to a lit fire place.

"Marissa has magic, we are leaving the city as soon as we can but I need to secure passage across the border, I hate to put you in danger but can they stay here, just for tonight," Archel asked.

"Of course of course, Don't be silly, I could never turn you away. Now I have some spiced tea if any one would like some," He said going into a back room to get some extra cups. 

Martha sat down in the big armchair by the fire. She looked worn out, but it was more mental then physical.

"Archel, What are we supposed to do?" She asked "After we escape there is no place to go,"   

"I have heard tell of a place call Redwall, it is only a rumor but it is said to lie far to the south of here. They would never find us there, And if there is no Redwall, we will make ourself's a house and live together like we should have a long time ago," He said squatting down next to her and taking her paw. 

OOC: Oh, good. I really liked this RP!

BIC:

Quote from: Lord_Ashenwyte on May 07, 2015, 01:13:02 AM
"I am Bane II, son of Krain III, and my companion is Ayashe of the Ash family. Who art thou?" he shouted.

Cordan approached until he was just a few feet away from them, sword still drawn- though he doubted he was in any danger. "I am Cordan Swiftstream, formerly of the Imperial Guard of Trecor, now guardsman of those wrongly arrested by the Emperor of Trecor. What are your intentions?"

Scath pulled Adal aside and the two sat behind a tree. "Why do you want to go with these beasts Adal?" Scath murmured.
Adal shrugged. "There is safety in numbers, and it'll be good for you to interact with others."
"And when I accidentally kill them all? Perhaps it is safer for us, but for them?"
Adal cocked his head to one side. "Why do you care whether they die or not?" Scath said nothing. "You haven't accidentally killed me yet, I'm placing my bets that the accidentally killing thing is a rare occurence."
"And if your bet is wrong?"
Adal shrugged again. "Then I lose money to life. Of course, I won't be able to pay it because I'll be dead. Silver linings."
Scath stood, glaring at him, his shadow flickering. "Don't even joke about that." He stalked off back to the camp.
Adal stared after him, then followed. When he tried to sit down next to his friend, Scath scowled and moved away. Adal sighed and lay down on the ground on the other side of the camp to Scath. The other cat was a pain sometimes, but Adal understood his current mood.

"My intentions are safety, shelter, and preferably, a hot meal." shouted Bain.

Cordan shook his head and sheathed his sword. "If you choose to come with us, I can't offer you safety. Indeed, this is probably the least safe place for you to be. I can't offer you shelter, either- we have only our camp. A hot meal, we could spare- but you'd have to be willing to pull your share. As a group, we must either work or die. The Emperor is not lenient with his enemies."

OOC: Come on people, post!

"The lone wolf dies alone, does it not? Well, we choose to come with you, for your enemy is my enemy." Bane called out.

Cordan nodded. "Then come with me." He strode off towards the camp. Suddenly, he turned with his sword drawn. "But if you play us false, we'll have no choice but to kill you. Our situation does not allow for mistakes." He turned back towards the camp. "Welcome to our home sweet home," he said, gesturing towards the campfire. He opened a crate. "Food's over here. Eat up!"

King Osullad Azocar stood at his office window the light from inside casting a harsh contrast on his features compared to the dark night. The city was cast in shadow and fear and hardly a creature stirred in the streets except for the beggars and street urchins that plagued the back alleys like a parasite. However they where the least of the the Kings worries, there was a far bigger parasite in his kingdom that needed to be dealt with. 

Bane II grinned and walked over to the food crate, while Ayashe sat down near a fire. He picked out an apple with a few holes in it, and took a bite out of it.

 Erich entered the room, flanked by two guards. After signaling for his escorts to leave, he knelt before the King's throne. "You called me, My Lord?"

Osullad turned away from the open window to face Eric "Where is Archel? And what of his daughter?" He asked coldly.

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on October 07, 2015, 07:35:51 PM
OOC: Come on people, post!

  Haenrok climbed out of the water and entered the camp. This whole scenario was so odd, creatures coming out of nowhere and joining them, the notion of going to a place that may not even exist. . . If there was any crazier things that were going to happen, he wanted them to happen then and there.

OOC: Don't tempt me... ;D

 "They've fled their residence, sir-- all of them," Erich stated. "I would have followed them, but the area surrounding their home is not within my jurisdiction, and I feared that the presence of an armed search party would stir up unrest among the locals."

Osullad's eyes narrowed, "I see then, he has made his choice then... Are you willing to do what is necessary?" He asked