Ashina Heals Adam....

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *It was a calm night in the woods. Adam had been walking with Naavah through the spaces of the outskirts along the west, perhaps thinking of taking her into the city of Lucemedia for some food- and some company. He was beginning to worry, it was now his responsibility to raise the girl. But was it really what he wanted, to raise her as he had been? Removed from all human contact, loathing his own kind and retreating to the forest like this? Could he teach her the skills of the Maryuudo or was it all just a lie he was telling himself? What he knew for sure is that he could never be a matriarchial figure for her. Perhaps that is what she needed... a mother. A sigh heaved from him as he looked as though he was about to say something, when his head snapped up<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Fine tuned hearing had picked up noise... that harsh tongue, the grain of their voices. There were intruders in his woods. He looked down to Naavah for a moment and then towards the Western Path. They had come from Lucemedia had they? They did not sound like Martinez's soldiers in the least bit. They sounded like Drow. His jaw set in place, eyes flashing a strange yellow glow, like the eyeshine of a cat. Raising his fingers to his lips he let out a shrill whistle -a special talent of his, a beast commanding whistle that could reach up to two kilometers if he needed it to. It resounded over the forest and immediately birds scattered in formation and howls of wolves, vicious and bloodthirsty on this full mooned night, echoed over the treetops, sending shivers through the humanoids <c>

adam_masou: *<c> It was a frightening sound... the so called haunted forest awakening on this chilled night. It was haunted, but not by ghosts. Adam Masou was it's only ghost. Looking down to Naavah, his eyes had turned from gray to faint red, for the change was already beginning. "Stay back from the path." was all he said. He did not tell her not to follow him, just to stay from the fray of battle. If she wanted to see a god, she surly would tonight. Intruders were not tolerated in this place. Turning around his hands clenched and snapped open again, fingers growing from fleshy human digits into gruesome claw like appendages, his shoulders raising and then expanding, his eyes fading from gray to a deep frightening red. His voice also echoed over the forest<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>"Hundred Beast transformation... Tiger Claw!" He threw back his head, canine's enlarged to become vicious fangs and a roar erupted from him which seemed to shake the very trees themselves right down to their roots. From somewhere in the distance an echoing roar came and like the very wind itself Masou took off towards the path, up towards a ledge he knew overlooked the western road. He was fast. Unnaturally fast. Over logs and around trees he ran, silent as the night, only a fleeting shadow amongst the dense foliage. He could hear them, weary and useless. He would tear them all to shreds this night, feast on their blood and leave their bodies on the outskirt in the Kiryuudo village. This would not be tolerated. <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Up onto the rocky ledge he went and he could see them coming down the path. Tonight he would taste flesh at last. Thank god they were miles from the Heart. No human save him and Naavah were allowed within its confines. The woods was most expansive, hundreds of thousands of acres big. The Heart was safe and well protected. As the Drow emerged from the darkness there was a deep rumble from him. They stopped to look around, what had that been? Mumbling they raised their weapons, looking in his direction, though they saw nothing. It was then that from behind them came a large shape, a hungry shape. Ban the tiger landed in their midst grabbing a hold of the midsection of the priestess with massive jaws, slinging her carelessly to the side like a stuffed doll <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> with all sixhundred plus of his pounds. Leaping away again, he lashed his tail and beckoned the soldiers on, snarling, blood dripping from his bone crushing jaws. Their attentions suitibly diverted, Adam made his move as well. The biggest of the bunch is what he set his eyes on, leaping from the ledge like some kind of crazed animal, letting out a sickening scream as he landed upon the man, claws and teeth sinking deep into his neck before the beast master sprung from his quarry and off the path into the darkness once more to circle around for another attack leaving two drow not dead, but severely wounded and bleeding on the earthen path<fin>*

grin985 - Tony was not a gigantic human, at 5'11 190 he wasent physically imposing on the battle field, but compared to Drow and Elf warriors he was huge. His movements as he stalkedthrough the forest were silent, showing that what ever profesion he previously engagedi n, he must have been very adept at. Kilonia had no trouble tracking down the vegabond drow, and the screams of the wounded were a dead give away to their positions. The dog darted forward reaching the battle field in mere seconds, the slower tony lagged behind but eventually caught up. Two of the drow warriors were ontop of Ban, launching 4 simotanius attack on the great cat with great skill and speed. the additional five were all over adam, Launching several attacks apon his person. One of the warriors seemed to have gotten <C>

grin985 - over on adam, and was silently preparing to deliver a death blow to the man's back. Just as this happned a thick black shadow leaped up onto the drow, toppling the warrior over. Inseconds the warrios throat was laying all over the ground in a bloody mess. It was not a wolf that had saved adam, but Kilonia. Infrotn of adam, a 4th drow fell, but like the one Kilonia had slain he dropped dead, a dagger thrown to the back of the head. Tony then charge forward, thrusting a two handed strike into the chest of a suprized Warrior who had turned around a second too late. The force of the blow peirced his leatehr armor with no trouble and sent him flying ten feet into the darkend forest. Tony swung his sword up intercepting a sword blow from a surving drow. The two warriors then began <C>

grin985 - exchanging blows, sword clashing sword. this exchange continued but it became evedant that Tony Martinez, an inferior human held the upper hand. Kilonia dashed off towards the wounded drow warrior and preistess, finishing the off in teh same fashon she finished off her first kill. Clearly Tony and Kilonia were in no mood for mercy on this night. For Only seconds after exchaning sword blows, Tony had sent the brave soldiers head rolling towards adam's feet. "The rest are yours!" Tony yelled as Kilonia Ripped the wailing preistess' throat from her body. <end>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

naavah_orlie Naavah walked beside Adam. She would pause ever few steps and pick up a stone, pocketing those that were round and the right side for her sling and tossing back the rest. She would stop and then run to catch up. Her body was made for prolonged travel and she had never been one to complain of fatigue. She did not stop to wonder about her future or the change in her life Adam might cause. All her existance had been a journey towards what she was certain would be greatness. There was little point in thinking beyond what the spirits had planned or doing anything but what could make her stronger or wiser or survive until tomorrow. <C>

naavah_orlie She knew that hunting was strictly against the rules but the girl had always found her sling to be an extension of her arm and had trouble not collecting such good ammo. She would practice if she was without hunting long enough, of perhaps wander from these lands when she craved meat. Her eyes snapped to him at the sound of the whistle but she asked no questions, simply awaited to see what they would do next. She had never been one to hide in the back or be coddled. In her eyes she was self sufficient and that was as good as being adult. As he leapt into a run she was right by his side. She could not keep up quite with his voracious pace but her little legs and agile body took her farther and faster than would be expected.<C>

naavah_orlie If she could not keep up she was at least in his footsteps not too far behind. When she arrived on the scene she quickly took in what was going on. It struck her as odd that the man she had considered to be a devote pacifist was ripping these people to shreds. She would not argue or question though. The way of Adam was the way of Muna and she sprung into the battle scene, looking like the bastard of a silent wolf between her thick pelt cloak. She dashed to the men, still attempting to rise and grip weapons as they tried to recoved from Adam's blow. Naavah was quick though. She pounched on the first chest, causing him to scream in agony as one foot sank into the wound and in a single swipe she pulled her dagger from her waist and cut the drow's throat ear to ear.<C>

naavah_orlie She second was on his stomach, groaning loadly and pushing himself up but without thinking and feeling the child straddled him, gradding his blood matted hair and dragged the small silved weapon across his throat. She was breathing hard as she looked up from the kill to see Adam and the stranger. She wondered if Tony was a threat as well. She could not take him but one blow from her sling would give a mighty fine concussion. She slipped the dagger from her belt and pulled out the leather sling, watched Tony with eyes of suspicion as she considered her options.

adam_masou: *Into the woods like a shadow he went. But Drow, he almost forgot, saw well in the dark and as the three darted after him he was nearly taken by surprise as a warrior leap onto his back. He crashed to the ground, yes, but landing on all fours, he spun, a clawed hand raising to rake into the warrior which would have not delievered a killing blow regardless, as a shadow in the night leaps forth and toppled the would be assasin. A roar was let out as the dog tore the throat of the soldier, narrowly missing a good gutting from Adam as his arm was in the midst of swinging. Getting up the third drow came at him, swinging for the head. "Die, garbage rat!" The warrior hissed in common tongue and the blade flew over Adam's head. "I would prefer a rat to the likes of you." He growled<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> As he slashed at the drow's abdomen. Falling for the ploy the drow blocked the blow to the stomach with his sword allowing Adam to slshi his sword arm open and then topple him easily to the ground. Another ungodly and blood curddling scream as the claws cam down and sliced through the dark skin of the undermountain elf and eviscerated it in one, sweet blow. The body twitched beneath him as blood red eyes shifted up to the tiger. Ban was having no trouble despite the three drow on top of him. Doubling back a large paw swated on to the ground and left him stunned. The other backed away slightly from the large six hundred pound cat and it leapt forward onto it, a paw swiping the sword from it's hands, the second coming down to crush the man's throat<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>That was when the third drow took a good swip at the tiger's flank. Howling in pain Ban turned with a deafening roar that shook the forest once more the cat turned and with a merciless bite tore into the man's side, then holding him down with a paw. The stunned soldier was getting up and Adam saw this. Looking to Tony, he no longer looked like Masou, but looked like a half beast, an ugly, menacing red eyed stare came from a seven foot tall, well muscled body, claws and fangs leering in the moonlight. "Shut up and watch my trump card." The thing grinned manically. A whistle rang out and he ran for the remianing drow soldier, stupidly, it seemed, right for him. From all sides of the trees high above them came bats, screaming their song across the bloody night<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> The drow soldier stood ready with his sword. Even Ban and the soldier bleeding to death on the ground stopped to watch what was about to happen. Charging the drow, the black skinned elf swung and sliced Adam right in half. Or did he? Two words echoed over the night in an eerie whisper... "Shadow haze..." A black cloud seemed to disperse from the sword's edge, but it was no cloud. Hundreds of bats dispersed from where Adam had just been, surprising the drow that stumbled back in shock from the sight of them. From above came a call then, a battle cry of epic proportions. "Hundred Beast Transformation, Wolf Imitation!" Adam was actually above them! Down he decended, same glowing eyes, same fangs but this time<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> When he impacted the soldier he crushed him from weight alone. Dead. The soldier was dead. His skull lay in pieces, his neck snapped clear through, and Adam sat kneeling on the ground next to him. His form had shifted back to that of a normal human, but his pants had been torn and the lower legs hung in tatters, his shoes were gone. His shirt was lying ina crumpled heap where the bats had dispersed, and he was bleeding from several cuts along his personage as well as breathing heavily. Apparently it had caused great phsyical exertion to do what he had just did, but then he had slaughtered five drow without a weapon. It was plain to see why he ruled this forest, why the animals respected him so. The drow that was still alive stared in horror at the beast master.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>"What the hell are you?" He choked out in terror. Adam looked up, steel gray eyes could have killed the man with looks. "The ruler of this forest." He looked up to Ban, licking his lips free of sweat and panting. Ban growled out to him, paw still on the Drow marksman's throat. Adam nodded to him. "Kill it." He said harshly and Ban was happy to oblige, pressing down and crushing the throat of his victim, cutting him off in mid scream.<fin>*

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...There was no hesitation to the step as the female started forth, faded leather boots in obvious well-worn condition embracing the appendages of travel in comforting grip. Her legs pumped in gentle rhythum, no haste evident in her step. A simple cloak of light grey wool protected her delicate flesh from the chill. Lack of diplomatic intentions caused her to be dressed more casually today than she normally would have been. Her slender legs were encased in tight brown leather and the simple homespun shirt that she wore had been given to her years ago by a grateful crofter's wife after Ashina had healed her husband. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She was silent as a wraith as she slowly left the well worn path that led around the forest. Not a single branch was broken, and the dead leaves that had fallen to cover the forest floor were barely disturbed by her presence. If nothing else, Ashina had respect for the home of the man she had met the evening before. Rose hued appendages tilted upward into a gentle smile of reminiscence as she remembered the encounter with Ban. Such a beautiful animal. Much like his master. For some reason, the link between them reminded her of two tiger cubs tromping through the jungle, playing and nipping at each other, each trying to gain superiority, and neither really worried with who won. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...A soft sigh escaped her, warm breath sneaking out to mingle with the crisp coolness of the night air as she thought again of her own solitary nature. Well, no matter. She was not inclined to dwell on the past, something that had occurred more often than not rather recently. She pushed forward until she came to a rather small oak tree. She stopped to peruse it, this small testimony to the Mother's ability to create beauty in a tainted world. Slender digits moved from beneathe the cloak she wore and gently ran themselves along the rough surface of the tree. Was she perhaps searching for a sign of some kind? No, not exactly. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She was more interested in the tree itself as she silently spoke to it, learning the stories it had to tell since it's birth within the forest. Obviously, much had been done to protect this place in a time when humans had no use for such small things. She shook her head sadly, expressing sympathy to the tree, and she knew that if a random wanderer happened upon her, she would appear crazy. After all, how many women, or people for that matter, stopped to hold a conversation with a tree? The humor in the situaton was not lost on her and she chuckled to herself. The branches swayed slightly, and a single leaf fell from one. Ashina caught it midair and tucked it into the inner pocket of her cloak. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...It was an offering of thanks from the young oak. She thanked it for the gift and then turned, walking deeper into the forest, but careful not to intrude where she was not invited. For the most part, she followed the direction of the foliage that surrounded her. They knew who she was without having been told, the wind having shared it's secret with the forest as it blew threw. Ashina was welcome here, but there were certain places that she had been warned not to venture. The forest was her friend just as she was it's, and they would help her to maintain the privelege of their company. They seemed to be guiding her in one intent direction, and slowly, she advanced upon the gruesome scene of previous battle. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She made it a point to simply stand beside one of the trees, resting against it in a familiar way, as one would rest against a friend. She knew that her skills at healing would possibly be needed, the forest having told her of the ensuing battle as she wandered through, but, she would not invade until asked. For the time being, she was content to hold her patience. <fixed>

grin985 A howl rings out, Kilonia is howling, aprantly very excited and thrilled about the victory they all shared. The animal's howl be came louder, though it was nothign compared to the wolves of this forest, it showed that Tony gave the animal complete and total freedom, allowing the muscular dog to explore her more feral side. It must have been the taste of blood and flesh in her mouth, but her howling seemed to be the only sound being made in the after math of the battle. It was almost as ift he dog was chasing the souls of the fallen warriors away. Tony on the other hand was standing, his eyes locked onto Naavah's as she glared at him. He seemed suprized at Adam's odd transformation, but kept his questiosn and comments to him self. And as he stood facing Naavah, it should be noted his <C>

grin985 - demonor and posture had changed, he wasent the playful young man they had encountered days before, before them stood a battle hardened man. "Adam, we need to discus your requests reguarding passage through your forest.." he says not taking his brown eyes off of Naavah for even a second. Kilonia stopped howling as her master spoke, but noticed that many of the forests wolves had responded and were howling as well. Tony diddnt move, he simply flipped his magnificant sword over in his hand and effortlessly slid it into his scabbard that hung at his left side. He diddnt explain the drow, or the fact that he had ventured into the forest after Adam had warned him not to. He simply stood and innitiated a meeting..a formal diplomatic meeting. "Adam in light of recent events i would like to <C>

grin985 - an alliance" He said in commen, his accent heavy though his usage of the language was improving. As he finished his sentence, Kilonia resumed Howling, joining in with the hundreds of distant howls that she had created. The scent of blood and death seeming to wake every living creature up with in the western wood. <end>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

naavah_orlie :She stood still, watching Adam in awe, her sling in hand, her bare feet stained by the ever growing puddle of blood. She was almost like a different girl from teh timid creature taking handouts only a few days before. She stood tall in the puddle of drow blood that she had caused. Her bare feet were stained by it and it splatted her breeches and her dark bar chest with the still wet red. She was a sight to be seen with the head of her wolf pelf thrown back to reveal her stoney, dark features, framed with her long tangled crow black tresses. She looked like a young warrior, unafraid but far from unaware. It was hard to tell if this had always been Naavah, but simply unseen to Adam or if he himself had brought about the startling new change in the child. <C>

naavah_orlie She glanced momentarily at Adam and back to Tony. She decided that if he deserved to die, he would soon be dead or would have died already. Thus in mimic of the man she slipped the sling into her belt and the rock, a particuarly good find back into her little bag. When he began to talk she seemed to lose interest completely in the man. It was not that she could not understand what he said, she understood the Common tongue perfectly even if her use of it seemed sparse and weak at best. Instead, her mind turned to the carnage at hand. She looked at the mutilated bodies with scorn and muttered a a gutteral tongue. <C>

naavah_orlie In a series of movements that perhaps only seemed logical to herself she touched her little totem bag her forhead and then kicked once at the dust on the ground. It was an old wives tale, a tradition to clear unwanted spirits from the earth and send them up on dust clouds to the hunting ground in the sky. A failure to observe such a right could leave souls wandering the earth in search of bodies to snatch. When she killed her meals she would offer long winded prayers of thanks to the spirits. making sacrafices and prayers in thanks and in wonder. There was no such necessity when those you killed were percieved to be enemies. In that case you were ridding the world of those that deserved their souls eaten by wolves. <C>

naavah_orlie Instead she took cautious steps towards Adam frowning slightly and interrupting whatever negotiations he and Tony might be having "You are bleeding, I help?" She eager to be of use, and strangely attached to the large panting man. Nothing she had seen had scared her because she only assumed that he could easily spread such wrath. Instead she looked to the present and the future, already thinking over what plants she had dried in small quantities on her and what could be found most easily nearby. It was only then that she noticed Ashina. She quickly became silent as she looked towards the strange woman. So many strangers when she thought that no one was allowed on these lands. Had the Others infiltrated this land as well.<C>

naavah_orlie She wondered if it was possible that they might somehow infest this land as well, reproducing and scarring the land far more quickly than Adam could repair it. It was a morbid, miserable thought.

adam_masou: *As a new cover of clouds rolled over the moon, darkening the path for the moment the rest of the bats fluttered off away into the forboding night. This was a dangerous place. Ban, though slightly injured, was in decent condition and made his way over to Adam who, despite a few cuts and the exhaution of so many transformations was also fine. He stayed kneeling on the ground, however, trying to recoup some strength to get up. The Shadow Haze was his ultimate move, calling upon the beasts to switch places with him in mid battle, giving him an ultimate surprise advantage. And he had chosen two of his three hardest transformations- Tiger and Wolf. The speed of the tiger worn on his human body, the strength of the wolf left him drained<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Sweating and gasping for air he was able to look up long enough to see Naavah sitting amidst the bodies. Had he not told her to stay off the road? No matter, she was not hurt, and she had done well to slay the man he had taken down so swiftly with his claws. Perhaps she would make a warrioress after all. His eyes locked on Naavah's, telling her silently not to even dare come near him. "You did well." He commended her, but he had barely the strength to do more. Ban nudged him slightly, not worried, but annoyed that he was not getting up. He regarded Naavah warily. He had heard rumor in the forest that the beast master had with him a child now- a human child. A threat to his position? Ban felt so. But then, Adam had proven himself<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> worthy of trust time and time again, in battles such as these and other times as well. He would give the child a chance to live, for now. A call from the sky let them all know that Fuyuki had been watching the entire time- and that was not all. Several pairs of yellow eyes blinked from the darkness all around them. Applan and the wolf pack had been watching as well. They had seen everything, though they had not entered into the fight, they never would unless needed badly. Applan, assuming his duty as protector ambled out into the open. He was an unusually big timberwolf, obviously an alpha male who had been given the task of protecting Naavah. It moved to her and nudged her gently with his snout. She had been safe the entire time, said the yellow lupine eyes<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>Looking at Adam. Masou nodded. They had all done their jobs well. An unstoppable team. Ban and Masou had begun the fight while Fuyuki had summoned the pack, probably the grizzlies as well who were in the caves not far off. Had the battle with the tiger and the man gone awry, seven angry wolves would have entered on cue to even the odds. They now stood to defend their Lord and master from this man and his dog should he chose to turn his blade on the now weakened beast tamer. An odd time for a diplomatic meeting, wasn't it? The howling of the dog began to get nerve racking, and he lashed out in her own tounge "Kilona, that's enough." He could only stand so much sound strain, his ears having already taken too much tonight<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> His senses were heightened from adrenaline. It seemed every time he took on a trait once too many times he began to absorb it too much, som things sticking. His unnatural speed, unnatural hearing and smell, his aversion to the smell of blood and an unhealthy fascination with the moon. All traits of the beasts he had learned to mimic as a child growing up in the Maryuudo village. Turning his head to the side he coughed slightly, raising his head to look at Tony. He opened his mouth to speak his piece, almost astounded that right after a battle the young man could go right into the mode of diplomat, but then... he was not from their world, and it took longer for him to slow his inner beast, to take back control of his now shaken form.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Before he could speak, however, his slate gray eyes fell upon the Druidess. Standing silent, he was almost horrified to see her. True that he had given her free reign of his forest as well as her queen, for the time at least, he had not expected her to venture in the forest at night beofre he could get the word out that she was friend not foe. That and for some reason he felt as though she should not see him this way, so feral, unclothed, like the animals he so loved and mimicked, and among the fallen carcasses of fresh kills. How much had she seen? He wondered. He didn't have time to wonder long as the wolves had seen her long before he had and three had closed around her snarling at her presence. They would not attack until told to<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> A wolf's snarl came from him as well, a stand down command that made all three retreat a few steps to allow her onto the path. He could barely look at her from under sweat drenched shocks of dark hair. "Ashina..." His voice sounded coarse yet surprised. Was this a good thing? He supposed he would soon find out.<fin>*

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...the howling of the dog brought goosebumps to her skin, and yet, it didn't annoy her in the usual fashion that would annoy most humans. It was a sound that reminded her of past hurts during her childhood and she quickly blocked such unsavory thoughts from her mind. She was a silent observationist to the aftermath of battle, and so far nothing she had seen had troubled her overly. She smiled as the small girl looked to her, suprised that one so young had such wonderful signs of good observation. The gentle smile she offered was meant as a sort of comfort to the girl, sending the message that she was no enemy to be slain, but rather, a friend who would offer no judgement. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She watched as the girl made the attempt to approach Adam and he turned her away, and sympathy filled her heart for the child. Of course, Naavah would not understand the threat that Adam posed at the moment, Ashina herself barely grasping the concept of an Adam unlike the one she had met before, but she would not offer harsh judgement upon him. She adored all things of nature, and be it man or beast, each had his own reasons for existance. She watched as the members of Adam's strange entourage came forth then, offering knowledge that they would protect him at all costs. She had expected as much and would have been dissappointed if it had been otherwise. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She shook her head slowly as Tony spoke of alliances and diplomacy in a time such as this, but his being a mortal she knew that he was given to strange tendencies. Again, bare fingers rested against the rough bark of the tree, and she still made no move to approach the circle. Instead, she whispered to the forest of their master's fate, the lesser foliage having hung in suspended wait for a response for her, each questioning what would become of them should Adam fall this night. They had depended upon her to offer them hope when there seemed to be none, and now she made it a point to let all within hear and become a part of what was to occur. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She linked herself with the diverse web that wove the roots together, so that each tiny cell that held life within the forest might experience this night through her. It was then that the wolves circled her. The gentle smile remained firmly in place, and still yet no words were uttered. As if from a distant place, she heard Adam gasp her name, but she was more intent upon the forest itself and there was no response she could give in any event. Without hesitation and yet with slow movements, she crouched to an eye level with the wolves. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...In her own way, she offered obesience to the pack leader, giving him the respect that was due his position. Digits were splayed as the hand upon the tree was removed and offered for inspection, her touch upon the tree no longer needed as she had created the link. The left hand followed suit and she made it a point to offer no threat to the wolves who were growling at her with malicious intentions. She knew, that given time or word from Adam, they would come to accept her, and so, there was no fear for them to spring upon. Nothing of nature was tainted or ugly, so she knew that while a mortal man would have slain her forthright when no fight was offered, these animals had no need or desire to do so unless provoked to wrath. <fixed>

naavah_orlie :She looked Ban over curiously. She had never in her life seen a tiger before, though she had seen other big cats, none quite as big as Ban. Though she said nothing, she was deeply impressed by his size and his spectacular coat. She wondered if he was a normal beast or one of a kind, painted by Muna to decorate her new earth. In Ban she saw no competition simply because she was unaware that she was competeing or that she had possibly taken part of his spotlight. She gave the tiger a respectful nod before turning to Adam at his small compliment. A small smile spread across her lips, on of the few moments that she felt a blossom of pride from the comments of someone else. C<>

naavah_orlie Mostly those whom she chose worthy of her presence refused to see her as anything but a child, berating her as doing too much or knowing too much or not being as a child should. It was good to be accepted and praised for the first time in so many lonely years. After a moment she added softly "You did well too." It was perhaps an understatement considering the feats he had just accomplished, but such nuances of the Common tongue were still a bit beyond her reach. Instead she turned her attention to Applan, moving toward the wolf and placing one arm on his back in a sign of obvious affection. She liked Adam, she worshipped the ground he walked on but she addored Applan and it showed. She was not quite ready to show that sort of affection towards another human being.<C>

naavah_orlie There was too much stigma, too much fear of rejection or fear of taboo for that, still. She turned back to Ahina and gave a nod in return to the smile. She reserved her own little grins for the select few and she had yet to decide even if Adam welcomed this man into her land. Had she had all of her attention on Ashina and not split it between the wolf and her, she might have noticed the look of sympathy, the underestimation of the small still malnourished youth. Even if she had, it would change little. Naavah passed quick judgement on all and found few worth a great deal of her energy. She would give Ashina little thought until she deemed the woman worth it.

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

grin985 He flenched at the sound of Ashina's name being spoken, he quickly relaized now was not the time for diplomacy, but to lick wounds and gather thoughts. Kilonia quickly responed to Adam's request, and silenced her self. The large black dog then trodded over to Ashina's side, wanting the woman to say hello and pet her. Obviously a very cheerful creature. Tony wasn ot cheerful, he was serious, his handsome face had a scowel that could kill an orc given the time. He finally spoke again, this time leanign against a tree "Adam I owe you a very big apoligie" Tony then lets out a exhasporated sigh< he then covers his eyes with his left hand and speaks this time in a much sadder tone. "It wasm y fault these creatures came into your forest, my short coming that allowed them to escape, I felt it <C>

grin985 -was my responsibilitie to catch and kill them." he then looks around, surveying the damage that was doen to the forest, trampled bushes, the trees had slices on them, even a few animals had been killedi n the battle that lasted only 3 or 4 minuits. He then groaned "I owe you an apoligie for my behavior the other day as well Ashina..i was being.abrasive..please forgive me." He then looked at the dead drow, then to ban, who was injured, then to Adam who was exhausted and injured as well. His gaze then dropped on Naavah, then back on Adam. His brown eyes scanned the man, he wasent horribley hurt. just tired form hsi little power display. Tony reached into one of his pouches and reveiled a small leather bag, filled with a green paste. He tossed the paste over to adam, the bag landing on <C>

grin985 -the man's chest. The paste smelled minty, and could energize any man or beast. "Smell it..it shoudl clear your mind and wake you up a bit..for the time being.." he said with an accented grunt. Tony then glanced off towards he wolves, showing no sighns of fear. As he did this one of the drow warriors groaned, having not died but just been horribly wounded bye tony's own sword strike. Kilonia jumped att he sudden groan, and began growling and bearing her teeth. Before any oft he animals could react though, Tony had rushed over to the wounded warrior picked him up effortlessly, and slammed his back againts the closes tree. His left hand gripping the soldier's throat, and his right hand digging into the horrible sword wound he had inflicted. He did this for several seconds <C>

grin985 - then finally spoke, in a harsh hiss that showed he was truly distressed at what ever trouble these elf men had caused. "Tell me every thing I want to know..or else I will let you live" The drow responded in a gurgling cry then yelled "Invasion..we are planning an invasion of your Kingdom and many others!"

adam_masou: *It would be a struggle but he would then rise to his feet. Defeated? Not by the likes of such scum as undermountain elves, not on his own turf. He protected this woods with his life. He would not be killed so easily. He rose to his full human height of six feet tall, now torn up and slashed over a bare chest, pant legs hanging in ruin, shoes missing. His face and arms, and hands as well were covered in blood, and he looked ever the feral beast, untamed hair smearing swear over his dirty, bloody face. Oh, but those eyes. The color of cold steel, calm, commanding, and so very much alive behind their serene surface. The master had returned. The wolves immediately stood down from him and from Ashina, still eyeing the newcomers with great interest, but deferring to the Lord.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> The first person in the group that he looked to was Naavah. A faint smile crossed him. She was the one human in this world he knew he could truly trust. It was not just that she worshiped him or literally believed that he was the son of god, it was that he knew she was not an onlooker, but an active part of the balance that hung so precariously in this hallowed place. "It is alright now, Naavah." His voice had returned to its calm composure, his breathing now even and full. He looked down to Ban who seemed to smile at him from his own bloodstained, furry face. Now that was the beast master he knew. This was the Adam Masou that had throw a six hundred pound tiger into a rock quarry and carried him back up the next day. He would not die so easily.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>Piercing gray eyes looked again to Ashina. He said nothing, but the look on his face would tell her that he was in fact alright. The forest was whispering to her. Though he could not understand its words, he could often hear its song on the midnight breeze. The clouds rolled across the face of the moon again and exposed its full glory, letting graceful silver beams strike down on the odd quartet in the midst of the carnage. The blood of the drow elves shone black in the moon's glorious light and he the warrior who spilt it felt purified of the stench that the bodies left behind. They would have to be taken away, out of the forest, the sacred ground cleansed so that the animals could tread upon it once more. Looking up to Tony calmly his eyelids lowered slightly. <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> He would take the paste gratefully and tucked it in his belt to carry it with him to his destination. Tony's apology would get only a nod of affirmation saying that he had indeed accepted the apology. Watching him cautiously as he picked up the soldier and questioned him, he would have rather seen the scum simply killed. Nine or ninety drow, it mattered not to him. They did not stand a chance against all of the creatures in his woodland bastille, not when he had the power to call them all to him over the expanse of thousands of acres. Their armies would fall, soon becoming engulfed in this dreaded forest if they came. He was ready to go now and spoke to Tony, figuring that when Tony was done with his questioning that he would follow at his own whim.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>"Not is not the time to discuss such things, Captain. Not here." He turned around letting a hand run over Ban's back as he did. The tiger purred a low rumble at the touch of its most respected friend. Stooping down he picked up the cloth strip that served as a bandana from the ground into his bloody hand. He would put it back on later. The tiger picked up the shirt in its mouth and Applan, the pack leader who stood next to Naavah would nudge the girl towards the other side of the path. "Come... follow me." He said as he walked off the path into the darkness. The tiger followed, lazily swishing its tail and the pack leader urged Naavah to follow. It gave a short bark to the others next to Ashina who also looked at her as if to ask, "Are you coming or not?"<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>Off into the darkness he went, assuming all three and his animals had followed. They were still fairly close to Lucemedia, maybe a half a mile into the woods at most, but even the outskirts of his land he knew by heart. It was his joy, his very life, these woods. Perhaps he was a beast, a vicious merciless killer, but to this land and to these animals he was a hero and a benevolent, kind ruler and protector. He walked in silence for five minutes or so, his path easy to follow by the crunching of the tiger on the sticks and leaves, the wolves also knew the way. Into a small clearing he went, brushing back a few branches of a low growing dogwood tree, and there was a river, not a big one, but in this section, just deep enough to possibly bathe in. A sigh of relief from both.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> The tiger moved forwards to the clear waters, at this point unpolluted by the human world, and reached in a paw, then a face, finally a body as it slipped into the slow moving current to wash the unclean blood from its body. Adam, too, stooped down and reached his hands in to rinse them from the foul substance, then splashing water onto his face, his hair, wetting it and slicking it back. He looked different. Had he a shirt and some pants that were not torn, with his hair that way he could have been a business man or an entrepenuer of sorts. The bandana was quickly tied back on as he sat down on the banks of the river.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Applan maintained himself by Naavah's side wherever it is she chose to go. As Tony followed in he stared up into th sky, watching the moon with the same fascination he always did. "You wish to speak of an alliance, then?" He was hesitant. He had been given his proper terms in Ulster. He was not as sure he would from Lucemedia. "It will be a strange alliance, I can tell you that. This is a neutral territory and I keep strict rules. It took many years and hard work to keep this place so pure and free from the human touch. There is only so much that I can offer you." He said plainly. He would speak of terms later. For now, he wished simply to enjoy the moon.<fin>*

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...the cool mask fo serenity was firmly slid into place as she watched the actions of the others. She knew now, of course, that there was no need for her services in any way. She nodded in acceptance to Tony's hastily whispered apology, and then she was slightly suprised to see the dog bounce in among the pack of wolves. While dogs were cousins to the wolf, at the same time, they were docile creatures tamed by man and rarely mingled freely with wild animals. But, then, she assumed that she simply shouldn't be suprised by anything, considering the actions that had taken place this night. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She patted the creature's head in absent-minded fashion as the wolves moved away from her, toward the others. She placed a delicate hand over her open mouth as a yawn escaped, but she would know no sleep this night. The forest had called to her for help, and so she had come. Now she would follow where Adam chose to lead. Footsteps made no sound as booted feet lightly touched upon the scattered contents of the forest floor, and the hood of her cloak was pushed backward as she moved, raven tresses glinting with health in the moon's radiant glow. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...The mass itself was in it's usual state of discord, the locks unbound and sweeping over her shoulders in a waterfall of velvet midnight, and occassionally a random strand would be pushed away from her face as the wind blew it free of the simple confines of the cloak, it being no longer protected by the hood. Arriving at the stream behind the others, she offered Adam what little privacy he could possibly need, turning her back to the man and his followers to tilt her face upward toward the moon. As her face was bathed in moonlight, the delicate lids lowered over emerald orbs and dark cresent lashes rested against cheekbones. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...The wind now picked up it's pace, if only slightly, and she whispered the words of comfort to the friends who wondered and waited in silence. She informed them of the simplest desire to be left private, and informed them that nothing of interest would occur, and if it did, the wind would carry the information. She was wracked with a slight protest from a few, and then she returned to her solitary existance as the link was abruptly severed. This action complete, she moved to kneel before the stream, not worrying with the small patches of mud that now clung to the knees of her pants. With deliberate movements she cupped her hands into a makeshift drinking vessel, and scooped some of the water to her lips. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...With obvious thirst she allowed the liquid to slide down her throat and satisfaction was emminent. Of course, she had made it a point to move upstream from Adam and Ban, not caring for the taste of dark-elven blood on her tounge. This almost ritualistic process complete, she leaned back, resting now on her knees as she awaited the time when she would become an active part of this farce. <fixed>

naavah_orlie :She walked at Adam's side, sandwhiched between him and the great wolf. She her made out quite well in the fight, mostly because she stuck to killing those who had no hope in defending themselves. She could smell the blood, though, permenating through her old breeches and in her skin. It was no a smell that really bothered her though. Usually it was simply an indication that her belly would be full tonight. When they came to the river's edge she seemed a bit uncertain about washing. For the most part she used water only for drinking, finding no offence in her natural odor or the smells of the forest around her. Still she knew why they were there and was a splendid little mimic. <C>

naavah_orlie She sat down at the water's edge letting her feet dip in the water and away with the current weeks of filth as well as the drow blood. She dipped her hands in and cupped her fingers, using them to splash water on her bare chest. In not too much longer she will have to worry about her modesty but for now she was proudly flat chested and bared it like a boy. She could see the fish moving through the current and wondered how easily it would be to tickle one out of the water. She found that this forest and the protection of Adam made the animals lazy in his presence. Still, there was far too much going for her to give it all away over a little challenge like a fish. <C>

naavah_orlie Instead she attempt to scrub off what may have been months of filth from her skin, almost surpised to see the color beneath. She spoke softly to the wolf, always seeming to use her native tongue around the animal with no though or whether or not he was bilingual. Her conversation was mostly meaningless babble, of one who had been quiet all her life. She spoke to the wolf because she was uncertain if Adam would welcome her little conversations. He enjoyed his silence and she had learned to appreciate that. She gossiped to the wolf as well, expecting no answer and would have been mortified if the wolf knew what she said. She asked wondering questions about Ashina and went so far as even to suppose if the two had one been lovers. <C>

naavah_orlie It was irreverent, far from respectfull and she would be shamed from their presence if she wasn't so very positive that she was the only left who spoke her tongue. Still a one sided conversation can only last so long and she eventually returned to Adam's conversation of keeping the land pure from humans. Thank goodness she was not fully human, they were mostly dirty, disrespectful creatures.

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

grin985 "An alliance would be preferable to an uneasy neutrality" he says sharply to Adam, having settled down leanign his back against a near by tree. "Id like to hear your terms, but chances are they will be agreed too." H then places his hands behind his head and looks up at the stars "caravans and travlers should be allowed to travel through your lands, being that it is the safest route, whilei n your landst hey follow your rules, soldiers will stay out unless invited." He then looks to Naavah and Adam "and you and your ward will be allowed free food and clothing form our kingdom's shops and stores if you choose to do so." He then looks to Ashina "Our terms will be much more complicated, though not as strict.." he mumbles shutting his eyes. Kilonia then calmly trodded up to Naava, and put <C>

grin985 - her snout in he girls face as she talked to the wold. the dog took a whiff, then jerked her head away, obviously not liking the smell. The dog then let out a yelp to Adam and calmly walked over to Ashina, Laying down close to the woman. Tony who had grown rather silent after his terms, was looking at the stars, not just looking almost searching for something. "ANd adam..if you ever need help, just ask..their is no shame in asking for assistance, man or beast" he says in a low serious voice, that sounded as if he was making a promise to the man. He then looks back up to the sky growing silent once more. "And may i have the name of this girl you keep in your company?" he asks not looking at the group, his commen shakey at best. Indeed his word formatiosn though better then Naavah's, <C>

grin985 - was about as hard to make out as hers, and the mans behavior was nothing resembling any native Lucemedians, let alone a man from Ayanee.

adam_masou: *To Tony he would nod. "Soldiers, or any men who are armed will not be tolerated on this land. There is too much risk of harm to these creatures. Sometimes humans forget or think I will not notice when goes missing. If it safe passage through the land you wish, I will mark the safe trails with your city colors as I have done for Ulster. I request that your people stay on the paths I provide. The woods are dangerous for more than just the creatures that lurk within." Of course, there were many things abound in this wood, quicksand, pit traps, cave ins, and other of nature's boobytraps littering the land. "Hunting is strictly forbidden. Human hands must not help in any way to shape this land. It is why I myself adhere to the no hunting laws, as does Ban." He motioned over to the tiger<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>"As long as you leave my lands untouched, you may pass through with no trouble. However, I will not engage myself or my creatures in a war for or against your kingdom. We are a neutral state and shall remain as such. If I choose to fight, it will be as a personal favor, not as a representitive of this forest. I understand things out of your control, but do not bring your battles to my doorstep, and I will promise you the same. I appreciate the offer of supplies, and there are times that for Ban and I they are badly needed." He fell silent a moment, reviewing the terms in his head to make sure they were complete. "And never ever visit the Heart of this forest. To go there would mean death, no matter who you are." He said sternly before looking over to Naavah.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>Naavah was a little joy to him. Reminding him so much of what he was as a very young boy, she resembled one of pure Maryuudo blood, though he knew that she was not watching her mimic and babble to the wolf in what to him sounded like a child's made up language, he was suddenly glad that he had assigned Applan to take care of the girl. She was treated as a favored daughter and as one of the pack by the large timber wolf who began to bathe her himself as she talked to him incessantly, not understanding a word of what she said, but willing to listen any how as long as it pleased her. Adam himself even smiled upon the girl more than most, perhaps with even a fatherly look about him, or as a mentor dotes on a prize pupil, he did bestow subtle affection on the child<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>He would watch Ashina take her place silently in the moonlight with the rest of the party. She was calm now, apparently in her element, hopefully happy among the trees and the beast she so longed to be a part of. He and Kahlan had spoken of her. Since the time he had met her he had seen her as an imposing figure, a strong woman with a loud mouth and ideas that would take her far. Here though perhaps was a more gentle side of her, a more motherly, nurturing side, as he had just displayed for her his inner beast, something that few saw and lived to tell about. Now the roaring of the beasts had dulled and the fire had died down to its proper size within him and he was able to see that perhaps he was hasty in judging her. Her actions, her words to the forest, <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Had gained her his respect. Allowing himself to be bathed in the moonlight, as if somehow the grace of that silver light would wash away the blood and the battle scars from him, he shut his eyes. Ban climbed out of the river and shook off, splaying water on both Adam and Ashina before loping over on the grass to tend to his thigh wound by licking it profusely. The tiger never accepted help or special attention. The only time it had, it had been incapacitated to the point where refusal was not really an option. Looking back up to Ashina again, he had a wonder about her. She was Druid, was she not? And that meant she must possess all of the powers that came with the title. He had heard of them before, tall tales that his people would tell time to time of the ancient race<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Feeling better, he was, but still bleeding from some places and cuts would take time to mend. His own gray eyes, suitibly devoid of color, would fix upon her, addressing her finally with the respect that the humans of her world demanded on such a frequent basis (a respect that he gave, in his own way) "Lady Ashina." His address was slow and well thought out, it seemed, as most things he said were. He was quiet, and rarely spoke when he did not need to. "Would I make a mistake if I were under the assumption that you have some healing skills?" Was it a request? Perhaps of someone too prideful to come right out and ask for it. But he was no fool, either. To be an effectual protector, he would need all his strength back, and the open wounds on his back<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> and chest would have to go for that to happen. He could barely stand or walk from his fatigue, though that was masqued rather well from the way he had been carrying himself. He could never let anyone know exactly what his limits were, though during that fight he had hardly reached them at all. He could push himself to the brink of death if he needed to- or even beyond.<fin>*

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...Ashina turned her head to regard the little girl who bathed in the stream. There was no possible way that she could follow the conversation that was carried on with the wolf, but she was interested to find a child in the forest nonetheless. As far as she had known, Adam and his followers had been the only residents, but there was obviously more to the story than met the eye, if she garnered the correct assumptions from the way Naavah attempted to stick close to Adam. Ashina, however, did not mistake the child's youth with lack of understanding or incapability to defend herself. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...After all, it hadn't been all that long ago when she was a child abandoned in a forest much like this one. She felt a sort of kinship with the small girl if for no other reason than they shared the same background, and, perhaps over time she could help the girl in her own way. For now, however, she understood the girl's distrust of strangers, and so kept a silent tounge in her head as far as Naavah was concerned. As the dog ambled over she silently patted the soft fur that lined the back of the animal, and listened intently to Tony's words. Her lack of speech did not mark her as unsociable, but the time had not yet arrived for her to declare anything aloud. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She knew that Tony expected no response from her, and, perhaps tonight was just a time of silence and observations. The world was an odd place, and her existance within it was just as eerie. Perhaps she was struck by the moon and the stars, but for some reason, she wasn't concerned with her lack of participation. To hear, one must listen. To understand, one remained silent. She chuckled under her breath as Ban bounded forth from the water, small droplets clinging to the wool of her cloak and the soft flesh of her face. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...With carefree abandon she slowly wiped away the water that now caused her face to glisten in the moonlight, and then turned thoughtful orbs to Adam at the sound of her name. She was startled to hear it come from his lips, if the truth were to be known. She had assumed that she would always be simply "Ashina" and it pained her a bit that he had put Lady before it. However, she allowed none of these emotions to be displayed beyond a simple darkening of her eyes, which was beyond her control. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...A momentary lapse, and then features and emotions were schooled once more to their place of serenity and she slowly rose from her position beside the river. For the first time that night, dulcet tones graced the surrounding atmosphere accompanied by a slight forward tilt of her head in the affirmative, "Yes. I am a skilled healer." She understood his need, and would not force him to ask, but at the same time, he must give a verbal consent or else her magick would be useless. She was not one to force her powers on anyone, and it would have no effect here regardless if it wasn't done mutually. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...The forest was his, it's power at his command, and therefore, the wood would not help her if the master refused. That thought in mind, she chose the simplest answer, "May I be allowed to heal your back? You must retain your strength. If not for yourself, for your followers." She knew what his mind was, and her eyes told him so. A proud man would not be humbled, and she had no urge to do so. She would make it appear as if she had offered the assistance and given him an excuse to accept, even if he had created it himself. <fixed>

grin985 "healing?"he mutters in english shifting an uneasy glance to Ashina.Tony had lived in ayanee for about 6 years now, and still the properties of magic and other such things made him uneasy. His barrier, which had long since dissapated made him un easy, but he assumed that the technologie that inhabited his world would do the same to these folk. He simply studied the woman, wondrign what other powers she had, and how dangerous she could truly be had she chosen to use them for her own purposes. No, the thought quickly banished, Ashina had proven to be a serious minded woman, yet she seemed so alone, so distant. His expression of amazement quickly changed to one of sympathie. He then calmly looked away 'Adam,your terms are accecpted under a verbal contract, just as binding as a written one.<C

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

naavah_orlie Naavah made a face at the dog yelp but made no comment. She had eaten dogs like him and would not be insulted by one. Instead she turned to Tony as she was brought into the question. She realized that, though she and Adam were close they had not really traded names or the other simple steps that people take when they greet eachother. Leave it to the two socially impaired to be perfectly comfortable with eachother's company without a clue of who the other was. She said simply "I am Naavah Orlie Koncha de'Crandios ka'Luma Parna Luminarii" It was the first time that she had spoken to anyone but the wolf or Adam and it was obvious that this was a second language, most likely to the mindless babble that she seemed to use on the wolf. <C>

naavah_orlie She gave her full name, all seven of them filled with her titles and history. It came out though as one long strand of syllables, as meaningless as the gossip she had been speaking only moments before. She hesitated and then added "I am called Naavah." She gave a small nod of her head, as though checking over her grammer carefully before being satisfied with it. She was obviously a pridefull little creature to carry with herself such an extended title. It was her mother's best gift to her to be inordinately proud even if there is little to be proud of. Her name had grand meaning, grand story and even if now it merely belonged to a little savage, one day she would be great and would need a name to match.<C>

naavah_orlie: Once more their was a moment of hesitation as she realized she had somewhat of an audience, which was indeed a first for her. Instead of clamming up as before she raised her chin slightly and asks "You want to know what it means?" She tilted her head to the side, seeming more than willing to share.

grin985 - he then let out a sigh as he continued to look at the stars. Listning to the child who was clearly addressing him. "No, i have no idea what it means..feel free to tell me" he says in a calm monotone accented voice, not that the girl was annoying him, he found her adorable but the man was rather tired. He calmly turned and looked at her warmly. Innocent, untouched by teh forces of evil, and the forces of man. In manys ways he foudn this child to resemble the forest he now rested in and almost ahd some idea why Adam kept this one close to him. Tony then sat up, becoming more alert "Well Miss Naavah Orlie Koncha de'Crandios ka'Luma Parna Luminarii" he says much more clearly, making it a point to recite her name to the letter, a feat he found very difficult "Tell me what your name <C>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *Magick also had always made Adam uneasy, though to some perhaps he used it himself, did he not? Beast mastery, however, was considered a skill the wonders of the Shadow Haze were not magicks, but well timed tricks of the eye. However, from such a woman as this, he would trust to her skills. If the stories were true of her race, he knew her kind and knew that her power must draw from that which would cut her off should she choose to harm him. Somehow though, he doubted it would. He had seen a more vulnerable side of her, a mere glimmer of her in Lucemedia that day, and since then his persepctive of her had not been that of the norm. He nodded in silence to her and began to brace himself for what he knew would be inevidble pain. But he was rather used to pain.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> The last time he had battled and received as many wounds was one on one against Ban himself. Though Ban was just one tiger, he had been assulated four on one and still pummeled all of the drow weaponless. He did not leave unscathed, however. On his upper left leg was a stab wound, very painful, but not too deep. His back covered in dagger lacerations where he had dodged them in the woods, and on his chest, a slash mark deep into the skin where he had been cut, preforming his Shadow Haze just a moment too late. His skills were rusty, though from his display on the road no one would have known it but Ban. Years of unchallanged rule and no contact with humans would do that to a man regardless of how good his skills were to start out with<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Looking over at Naavah he reached a hand out to cup around the crown of her head, one of the first playful gestures he had made to her. Sitting in the moonlight, hair slicked back, relaxing by the river he seemed almost a different man, like perhaps what a father might be. "We would love to hear it." He said with a small smile, moving some wet strands of hair from her tiny face. She was such a pretty little girl, in his eyes. Pretty in her simplicity, in her crux between the child and the warrioress that both dwelt within her. He was proud of her. She had disobeyed him and done very well, and he had shown her his pride in her now twice. Letting his hand drop he arched his back, sitting up straight. He knew that there would be pain soon as Ashina warmed up<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> her powers that be. "Anytime you're ready." He said to her quietly, giving a glance to Naavah as if to tell her not to be scared, for he would not fall to the drow, he would not fall to the healing, either. It took a lot more than a few stabs to take him down like that, and by this point, Naavah should know that.<fin>*

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...Ashina nodded, mentally preparing herself for the battle ahead. The world would recede around her soon and darkness would take hold within seconds but she was prepared for the physical discomfort. Now all that remained was preparation for the casting of the spell and the mental trauma that could take hold if she wasn't careful. A deep breath was drawn in and then she moved forward, walking around to kneel behind Adam. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She moved her arms so that her palms faced the wounds on his back, and then she hesitated briefly, looking to Tony and indicating with a look that he should distract Naavah by continuing their conversation. She knew that the girl would not be traumatized by the sight, and yet, she wasn't sure how she would react if Adam cried out in pain. She silently prayed that Tony would manage to control her if such a thing occured, and then delicate lids lowered to hide the fear that flitted over her eyes briefly. She had never cared for the physical pain that had come with healing, but it was a necessary evil that she had adjusted to. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...That thought in mind, she began to slow her breathing, fingers lightly trailing over the wounds as she called forth the elements of nature to aid her. Wind picked up speed all around her, blowing the locks of raven this way and that, each strand seeming to take on a life of it's own and lash out at her face with malicious intentions. Ashina ignored this and slowly, the words of her ancestors sprang forth from her lips, "Soloch mon chamar ditzaro. Trembera gonchara festiblan..." They were whispered words that none would hear beyond herself and the Mother, calling forth the elements of nature. The wind carried her words, rousing the elements of earth and fire, wind and water, and seeking their aid in the process of healing. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...The spirit element was roused from it's slumber, tiny lights forming on the tips of the fingers of Ashina, and the element of Death making itself known on her right cheek. A deep laceration formed just below her right eye along the cheekbone, blood falling forth and dripping down her neck to slide over her chest and stain her shirt. All of this Ashina ignored, the pain having not reached her yet as she had not even started the procedure that would remove the wounds from Adam's back. She whispered words of comfort in the elvish tounge, forewarning him of the pain that was to come, and then the slight touch of her fingers was immediately replaced by the firm pressure of her hands. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...This, of course, would cause pain. More words were said, this time not aloud, but within her mind. They were secret prayers only she knew and offered to the Mother Gaia. She kneaded the muscles, and slowly the flesh began to repair itself, the skin stretching to cover the gaping wounds of his back. The process was slow and took minutes to complete before Ashina screamed out in agony. She continued the chant in her mind, even as her breath came in gasps and her screams of pain rent the air. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...The back of her shirt became soaked through with her life's blood as the wounds upon Adam's person formed themselves upon the back of Ashina. Finally, when her screams became mere whimpers, she finished the prayer. This time, she moaned, but didn't scream in agony, as the wound on his chest became her own. Her shirt was now thouroughly ruined, splattered and stained with blood as if Ashina had fought her own gruesome battle, and then she fell back away from the man, lying on the damp grass beside the river. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She would continue to bleed for a while yet, but once the bleeding eased the wounds would heal. Until that time, she would remain in a state of unconcious pain, plagued by demons of vengeance who would torment her mind. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *And pain it was. His eyes drifted away from Naavah up towards the moon once more, in hopes that perhaps its silver light and enchanting face would guide him through the pain he was about to experience. But alas, blackness overcame him, his muscles tensing as the pain danced its ugly dance within his body. He did not scream. He did not cry aloud. His simply shut his eyes tight, hands digging like claws into the earth and exhaled sharply. A few unsteady breaths were made, sharp noises, but not a single wail even when those of Ashina pierced the night air sending birds flocking from the trees at the howls of pain. The forest saw all. This place was so often told to be enchanted of some nature, and tonight perhaps it was, for the forest felt as well and reacted with soft moans<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> at the pain of the Druidess. At last she finished, her hold released on him. He felt dizzy, though he also felt strangely recovered, his wounds now sealed, muscles knit and flesh reseamed. His savior lay bleeding before him,though he knew she would be fine. Ban perked his ears, unfamiliar with the magick she had performed, though Adam gave him a look of comfort, knowing she would be alright. Though she was soaked in her own blood now, Adam was disturbingly serene, making no more movement than to carefully remove a piece of hair from her face as she lay motionless. Out cold. He would take care of her the night in payment for her act of kindness. Looking to Applan he gave a wolf like series f growls and barks, instructing him to take Naavah to the caves <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> in the south west. Applan nodded and tugged on Naavah's shirt, making ready to go the short distance to the makeshift home away from home when the Heart was not an option to sleep in. The moon was going down now, and already the sun was shedding gray light on the horizon. Dawn was coming. With a gentle motion he knelt down to pick her up, and easy feat as she was fairly light. Standing then with the collapsed Druid in his arms he looked to Tony. "I give you and your men permission to come back within the borders to clean the mess of the bodies up at your leisure, though I would hope you would get rid of them soon. I do not like to think of them poisoning my land. Do with them as you wish, I want nothing with them." He said turning towards the direction <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> That Applan had encouraged Naavah to follow him in. Ban got up with a lazy yawn and begun to follow as well, stopping at the treeline to wait for Adam. "Until then you are assured safe passage out of here. Stay on the paths. I will complete my half of the bargin (marking thepaths)by sundown tomorrow." Turning then he disappeared quickly, silently into the gray dawn creeping over the forest. He made his way through the trees down a steep hill to a set of small caves. Naavah and Applan were waiting already, and Ban took his usual sleeping position on a large, flat rock. There was kept a small, worn bedroll, as even Adam found cave floors to be damn uncomfortable. Though he would not be sleeping tonight. Removing her cloak, then the bloody shirt he laid them<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Over a rock so that in the morning she would know where they were. Inreplace of it, he donned her with his own shirt to keep her warm as forest mornings were known even in the summer to become chilly towards the mountains. Then placing her cloak over her he took a seat on a nearby rock to keep vigil until she awoke. By the time she did he would be asleep despite his best efforts, leaning against the cave wall in a position that would suggest that he had been trying to stay awake for hours. Never the less, the tiger, the wolves, the girl, they were all still with him, and he had stayed up to protect them all as long as he could. No matter what, as promised she would be safe here. <fin>*