WARNING
Mention of SA
SA does not happen and WILL NOT happen but it is mention
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She doesnt know for how long exactly they were running for , the hot and sore tenderness in her muscles and the painful stinge on her hands was a little too much . That isn't like herself at all , losing track of time just because of some wounds when the situation is this serious . But they have finally catched up to the rest of them . If they organize themselves the chances of survival will increase exponentially , but with how diverse the group is even their fellow mortals cannot be truly trusted to not stab them in the back . She knows it's only a matter of time before that happens , before they get betrayed again , like that bastard Feliks did to them . No , she has more important things to do now , ist the their job to act like and be the leader they need now .
She let her eyes hover over the group that got here faster and did an assessment .
And would have kept going in this pace of judging how easily she could theoretically take down the people around her if they turned out to be traitors. if not for her brother lightly bumping her hand , finally getting her back to the mortal word .
She gave him a nod of appreciation , he nodded back as if to say ""What would you do without me" in that sarcastic voice of his . While she would love to have time to argue with her asshole of a brother , now is not the time .
She lets her eyes be guided by the others' gazes . To find the short guy from earlier standing next to a … owl ?
Glab everyones finally here ! Let me get the introduction going ! - His cheerful attitude similarly to earlier did not match the current situation's tone at all , with all his joyfulness like it was a holiday . No , It might actually be a holiday for him . - This here is Veles , the master of this part of the forest . He has graciously allowed us to stay for a few days and forage in his territory , all for the low price of some bread ! Isn't that wonderful !
Bread ? They don't have bread , neither do the wagons .
Oh , he means the ship biscuits . That make more sense , she just didn't knew leshys accepted ship biscuits . But she guessed bread is bread , even if it's as dry as sand and mostly tasteless .
Can we get a "thank you host Veles" to appreciate our wonderful host ? - She felt like begrudging audience member on one of those doll using theater she saw a few times as a child when they were resupplying , and damn shes gonna crave something sweet for a while now . Thank you host Veles . - The sincerity was barely felt , but Vels probably having seen their little stunt earlier , might understand most of them were rather emotionally exhausted . She herself at least hopes they don't get cursed for the perceived insincerity .Anyway while we're talking how about we do an introduction ? Something simple like name , race and nation of origin . - The silence was thick enough that more than one person heard themselves breathing and their heart pumping . A few minutes later the new sound of the owl chuckling at his "business partner" failed attempt to make people speak . Having given up and admitted defeat he again started to talk . Uhum . - Was it really clearing his throat or did he just want attention ? Might be both , but it's probably the latter . - Let me start , how about that ? I'm Svetlen , a krzelek and I'm from the land of Pepel I Mraz . - Yeah she isn't falling for the whole eccentric grandfather act . Definitely the most dangerous person here . The old man didn't hesitate to make a deal with those chorts , while sacrificing their captors in the process . She would have been in awe of the clever use of strategy , if not for the terrifying implications of how calm he was . And the way he was so calm talking with those chorts could only mean he is some type of knower , probably a koldun . And judging from the alarm bells in the back of her head a very dangerous one . Better try and keep him entertained , less he grows bored and finds them as more entertaining toys .Well , if we have started let me join ! My name is Alyosha , plain human and from Mokash's Stomna . - And the second most dangerous person is definitely this old man . Even with his missing hand , the way he holds himself quietly and deadly whispers of a thousand battles fourth and won , just this mere presence sends a chill of dread down her spine . - I should probably also mention that im blind ! - He demonstrated this by waving a hand over his Irisless eyes .
She looks at her brother , his gaze speaking of his understanding . Their only chance for survival if this is their opponent is to run and hope for the best .
My name is Dragana , samodiva as i'm sure you all could figure out , i hail from Chashata Na Moreto . - And their samodiva friend has spoken . Yet another dangerous person here , and with the speed and precision she navigated the forest , she can't have less than 30 or 40 levels in [Hunter] , [Scout] or [Scavenger] at least , any blade will be deadly in those hands without even mentioning the possibilities of her being a Knower .
Just then while still contemplating how to beat this obviously very dangerous person , she hears a child's voice .
I'm Miroslav , she is Yakaterina . The rest isnt your business ! - The boy from earlier the g-something said with the now introduced Yakaterina behind him . Had tings been normal she would have had words with him about his tone and choice of words along a lesson in manners . But now aren't normal times . And the thing she can see isn't an unmannered brat , but a scared child shielding someone precious to them by making themselves the target . The pang in her heart even made her consider if they were siblings from different races , like herself and Borris .Adela , human , Empire . - Another voice , this time from the blonde woman spoken in a cold and detached tone . The dead look in those green eyes speaking for itself how empty she must be feeling inside , and yet there was something in the back of her mind warning her . Of what , she doesn't know . But she trusts it , so she will listen and observe . I'm Ivana ! Also human and also from the Empire ! - The tension from just a few moments ago seems to have melted by the introduction of this very energetic child . She does remember her , the only child that didn't need help to keep up with the rest of the adults .
Borris gave her a look , and she guess they are next . It was only a matter of time before it happened . She gives him a look as if to say "Who is doing the introduction ?" , and the bastard had the galls to look her dead in the eyes with the most unimpressed stare he can muster , which rude . Well guess he is asking for it .
I'm Marya Morevna , this idiot is my brother Borris Moreven . I'm a samodiva and he's a vulkglav . Were technically from the Empire . - While a somewhat risky maneuver , introducing themselves with the truth of them being siblings was the best move at their disposal . it also serves to establish themselves as a bigger and harder treat , with the numerical advantage . Oh , I guess it's my turn . My name is Blagoslav , I'm a child of a fire serpent and a human . And I too , I'm from the Empire . - And then there is this weakling , his physical capabilities are some of the worst she has ever seen . At least being a child of that specific union explains his fragility , with most of them dying in infancy . How is he even alive she doesn't know . Maybe he is a strong knower , but one good hit and he is getting down no questions asked . Slavica , human , Empire . - And with this one all the children are introduced . And sure her eyes look like those of someone who just might start a wildfire , but who doesn't enjoy a little arson ? Well that and … she can see in her eyes the same emotion she herself wants like a thirsty man water , revenge . As long as they aren't in the shooting range the child can do what she likes . The almost as if spitting on the word human tone of hers making it clear how she saw them . A halfling maybe ? Or the other humans were worse than monsters to her . Both equally possible , it is after all not a kind word they live in .
Just then they all felt the wind blow , like Stribog himself was passing by and decided to play them a prank . Immediately they all knew who to look at . Only to see him kneeling on one knee next to the boy from earlier whispering in his ear . Even with straining she couldn't catch a pep of his voice , only the wind in her ears .
He says he's Cestmir , he is an Ispolin and he's from Svoboda . - While a surprise , considering ved's ability to steer the forces of nature with their speech it's understandable to not be all that talkative . Especially in this situation , being surrounded and outnumbered so much . He could be tricky but if they use surprise attack and numerical advantage will probably succeed in beating him even with how weakened they were in case he turns on them
And finally the last person to introduce themself , with many gazes changing to look at her dazed out of her mind . Looking directly at the only blonde in the same way she has seen their parents looking at each other and their cousin Mahail look at the woman he later married . Soo … love at first sight or a crush ? She doesn't know but to be honest romance isn't exactly her thing .
Would you introduce yourself please ? - The question from the previously mentioned blonde seems to have finally woken up the raven head .Ah , yes . I'm Vasilisa , a human and also from the Empire . - While at the moment she might seem like a love struck fool Marya knows better .The raven head is definitely one of the most physically capable people here if the minimal shortness of breath while they were running was anything to go by , not to mention she saw her just before the old man made his speech at the wagon . The stance and look in her eyes had stopped being human and became something else , something so much more terrifying and predatory . Marya had no hesitation that even with the obvious unfamiliarity it would have ended up in a blood bath with her dead but also taking out at least half the slaver , the lucky of who will only get out with missing arms or legs or if especially luckiest only the fingers will be missing . Definitely put in the [Danger] category of her mind .
Ans great just their luck to be stranded in the middle of the wood with a bunch of dangerous weirdos some of whom children mind you , after being enslaved because a asshole son of a bitch betrayed them because his "pride" couldn't take someone of not-vulkglav blood as his superior in battle .
So with the Instructions done ! Let's start making camp ! But first ! WHo here has experience in living in the wild or at least camping ? Put your hand one up . - The question prompted some people's hands to go up , even his own . Six people knew what to do here to be exact , including herself and Borris , guess those stationary don't know how to survive in the wild then again why should they , when they have houses and farms . - And now who's at least somewhat good with blood , as in won't faint if they see it ? - This time he got a forest of hands , with the exception of their night skinned fellow . One more weakness to exploit if need be . Looking satisfied Svetlen continued talking , having all their attention and surprise on his next words . - In that case me and Vassilisa here , and maybe one more person are going to the wagons to get them along with the mules ! The rest of you are going to make camp , better start early and be too prepared than not prepared enough . So any volunteers . - The shock on the raven head was almost palpable on being chosen , and going by the caution in her eyes she could find at least one reason why that might be . She can slip her one of their knives before they depart . But first …
The glares she immediately throws her brother's way for even daring to think of going anywhere she can't keep an eye on him would make even feresios zmey stop in their steps and cower , because she know him and his brand of self-sacrificial idiocy rather intimately , having had to get him out of way to many messes . The flinch upon receiving her glaze evidence enough of what this buffoon was thinking . And the answer is absolutely no , his life is more important than some mules .
I volunteer ! - Slavica proclaimed , not requested . If it was a request the fire in those big brown eyes won't be so strong . The child definitely hasn't seen the brutality all too many men have subjected to others , especially women . This innocence might cost her a lot more than it should , and from the look in Vasilisa's eyes she too understood . Good , they have someone with at least some common sense , and not willing to sacrifice or hurt children . That's a good quality to have in an ally . You might be a little too young to see this much blood lass . If you want to help , I'm sure your help will be appreciated here . - Is the grandfatherly tone true or false she can't decipher , but she sure hoped it was true .
The girl being influenced by his word looked down and grabbed fistfull of the rags that served to cloth her . with her eyes still yet to look up , she spoke in defiance of him .
There is something on one of the wagons that I must get back , no matter what ! - and so she moved her head up , starring directly in that olds man eyes , with intensity so strong as if to judge his soul . And it seems having to gaze into those determet eyes seems to have softened the old man .Guess cant deter this answer so , welcome aboard . Anyone else ? - The quietness he got in response was deafening . - Guess that answers it . On we go team !
Having abruptly started to walk in the direction that they came from less than two fingers time away made Marya abruptly go to Vasilisa and hand her a knife , because if they are gonna be seen as having knives it may as well be used for something . And with having to make at least two knives known it's better to introduce them now .
Their gaze met and understood what the other had in mind , no word needed . Both girls better get back safe or she will be kicking their asses .
And so with the dubbed in her mind "Scavenger Team" gone , she and the rest of them got to work . With their first priority being starting a fire , a normal one not a wild one . Because a wildfire would be an absolute pain in the ass to put down , not to mention what the leshy will do to them if it happens .
And the honor of gathering firewood was given to herself and everyone else other than three idiots , one of which being her brother . They better have fire or he will be eating whatever he catches raw .
And she also has to keep an eye on the children and the weakling , yay … This is gonna be exhausting , she just knows it .
And she gets proven right immediately when the darkest haired one of the bunch , Ivana suddenly jumps in the deep end of the river in a honestly pathetic attempt to catch fish for dinner . So she now also a wet to the bone child with no other set of clothes in and about the not yet that warm spring wind . Said child got instructed to stay and dry on one of the sunny stones with Alyosha to try and do damage control and not end up wetter , all in her eye vision of course . She cannot yet trust anyone here to not be a "predator" so this will have to suffice for now . If this is how child rearing normally goes she can fully understand why they put the best shepherd in charge of the children , and why the saying "the best shepard is a parent" was created , her respect goes to them .
Having made the needed preparations , she finally looks back . And wonder if someone changed the kids for changeling with how obedient they were . No screaming , no fighting , no running around like a headless chicken , not even suspicious glares at everything around them only looking on in wonder . And that was unnatural , especially in this place . If he did something to those children she will make sure he plays .
What did you do to them ? - She can agree her tone was rash and blunt , and her taking a stride toward him to hopefully stab him if things go north . The ruthless way will be the fastest and probably least bloody if he did turn out evil . Nothing ! I just let them run on their own as long as they both get back with at least one stick each from time to time ! - The stutter in his voice didn't seem fake , but Marya has learned her lesson not to trust just anyone , even if they are a known vulkglav let alone a stranger .You must take me as stupid , huh ? Too bad for you . - Thud !!! The feel of wood cracking under her right hand was both so foreign and yet so natural , and that in of itself was enough to put her even more on edge . So she let the snow storm in her rage , in a way only a winter storm can .I'm telling the truth ! I really don't know ! - Ignoring the pain in her right arm she follows the previous motion this time with her left .Show me your [Classes] then . All of them . - So what and if it's rude ? If it helps get the kids out of this trance it will be worth it .
Blagoslav was trembling under her like an autumn leaf in the wind , not that it's surprising . Anyone under someone with as many levels in [Warrior] as her would be terrified , and that's without mentioning her levels in [WarLord] . Suddenly a window opened before her eyes , letting her do a quick assessment she read them . 15 levels in [Witch Doctor] , 55 levels in [Sewist] , 5 levels in [Knower] , 35 levels in [Cleaner] , 5 levels in [Cook] , 5 levels in [Lier] and 3 levels in [Perfect Guardian] .
His [Knower] level is too low to have this effect , same goes for [Witch Doctor] . And the other [Classes] wouldn't have this effect . That leaves only [Perfect Guardian] as an explanation , and it being a [Destined Class] might explain the children's reaction . Not that he isn't still extremely suspicious , having less than 150 levels that is definitely not normal , chances are at least one of the children has more levels than him .
Why are your levels so low ? - She made sure her voice was properly menacing , the consequences of lying to her hung in the air .I didn't really ever have that good of a health ! And my mother always worried for me , not letting me out ! That's probably why my levels are so low ! - His terrified voice continued to babble and babble about his life story . Already growing bored , Marya exalted tiredly . In a timid and utterly terrified voice he said - Please don't hurt me .You're clean , for now . But the moment I have even a sliver of a reason you're hurting those kids I will have your head . Understood ?Yes Mám !
And so having finally ended the interrogation , she lifted her hand no longer cornering the other teenager under her . Excusing himself as quickly as possible , he put distance between them . She makes sure that while away enough to soothe his nerves he never gets so far away she couldn't close the distance in a second or two , and while keeping him and the still drying child and he babysitter in eye view . Borrisv better have started the fire !
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His sister better not be overexerting herself again . While her tendency to push herself over her limit might be useful as a warrior . What she needs now to survive isnt being a warrior but a patient . Call him selfish if you want but he would like to keep his sibling alive thank you very much . Not to mention their low supply of medical supplies and lack of sufficiently strong pure water . If only it wasn't for that son of a bitch–
No , there are more important things to do at the moment
Like starting finally succeeding in starting a fire . Because he swears it's like Svarog himself has cursed them , they have been at it for at least five fingers time . He is going to go crazy if he has to see any more branches after he's done here for today .
At least being so close to the possible hunter has the benefit of intelligence gathering . While it might be only roughly any proficiency in [Hunter] can be fatal to those not prepared . So he looked with as much detail as he can at what she did and how she did it , The way she gazes at the would be flame trying to produce sparks with full attention , the way her head would turn upon hearing any noises not from her fellow mortals , the gentle yet firm grip she had upon the flint they had found near the stream . There was a sort of a strange type of beauty in her simple and systemic motions .
What really caught his eyes was her face , so similar to his sister yet so different . Like looking from a warped mirror . He sees red heir and the blue undertones in the skin he has long since learned to associate with family . And yet , they are not only on a different person but also wrong . None of his sisters smell that despite always being overshadowed by his own or their parents in the air , none of the scars worn from long training sessions until collapsing , no long scar on her left cheek left from an accident with a sharp blade .
What greets him instead is cool and steady compliance of one's own body , doing everyday tasks where there should be a cheerful buzz and warm comfort in her body .
It's truly … disturbing . Like someone skinned his sister and wore her pelt , trying and failing to be her . The deep level of uncomfort he felt was only somewhat stopped by their third member , to whom he can only be thankful to .
Huh , they seem to be getting excited about something , what could it be ?
Oh ! Fire ! They finally have fire ! The internal warmth that spread in him was so nostalgic , just like when he started his first fire as a child . But just before he stood to yell to the others that they finally have fire something just had to happen . And it did . Their big friend here just had to sneeze , and of course those ved lungs of his put the fire out .
For health . - Was the only thing to come out of his mouth as he started to contemplate his many , many life choices .
He should have gone with the scavenging group . but then again his sister wouldn't let him go alone and with her injuries it will make her sore and tender in ways they absolutely don't want . But a man can dream .