Whispers In The New World //CyanideDisaster & Lotherio//

A single pair of boots crunched through the thick overgrowth, only accompanied by the occasional bitter curse and grunt. The sounds came from within a dense forest, to the north of the main settlement in the place the inhabitants before them called "Greensborough". This area was outside of the main writing these old inhabitants mentioned as "Toronto" but just barely. It was in the north-eastern section of the outskirts. The trees in the area grew taller than three or four Kaluwa buildings stacked upon each other, thick knee high grass covered the ground, parts of which saturated enough to create small sink-holes were one not careful. The wildlife in the area was similar to the depictions in the writings they'd found, large furry creatures with long claws and wicked fangs, small herbivores with hooves and antlers for defense, tiny fuzzy creatures with floppy ears, and all such, though none were quite the same as the drawings found.

Nails dragged across the bark of a thick trunk, accompanied by the squelching of a boot being pulled from a small mud puddle. The person with the boots and the nails was a 'Kaluwa', the new settlers on this strange place. Kaluwa was the name the race had been given before they arrived here, though near to none knew of their origin from before this place. This specific kaluwa seemed displeased with her current situation, she wore thick knee high boots, created from the hide of the creatures that produced a white-ish liquid, said boots were covered in an inch thick of mud. Other than the boots, she wore tight fitting leggings fitted with protection around the hips, thighs and knees. A loose tunic was worn over her chest, covered by a thick hide vest covered in similar metallic protection as her leggings. The sleeves of her tunic were tucked into elbow length hide gloves, the gloves covering hands which gripped a long blade. The woman wore a mask to protect her face, a hide covering the left only her lips and jaw exposed, tiny slits were cut for her eyes. Around her waist she carried a long roll of rope and some other little tools, and the empty sheath for her blade. Like most kaluwa, her clothing was covered in tiny markings -- alchemy -- for extra protection. Her height was noticeable by the fact that she lacked it.

A soft whistle split from the exposed pale lips, a near by antlered animal looked up at the noise. This animal was large, obviously male, long legs holding it taller than the average kaluwa, his antlers large and able to take down a small tree if angered. As the creature was distracted by the sound, the woman snuck around the tree she was using to keep her feet dry. This creature was in a small clearing where the grass could hide a child completely. Barely breathing, the scout stuck close to the ground as she moved into the clearing, making sure to stay to the rear of the creature. When she could get no closer without notifying it of her presence, she lunged, blade extended. The blade connected with the joint on both of it's back legs and the creature faltered, the young woman used this to haul herself onto his back and quickly break it's neck. They two fell to the ground, but the woman was victorious. Quickly the woman tied the creature up by it's legs and began back to the settlement.

Meanwhile back within a single building in the settlement sat another woman. This woman was taller than the scout, her legs were lanky and tucked under the seat she sat on, a long dress flowing down to her ankles. Her back was hunched as she peered over thin spectacles down at wrinkled papers. The dress she so elegantly wore was a soft shade of blue, with golden swirls coming up from the base, fading before hitting the thick hide belt that was cinched around her tiny waist. Long, bone straight, strawberry blond hair fell over her shoulders to pool over portions of the papers she was studying. The building this woman was currently residing in was littered in tiny objects, small metal contraptions with glass lenses, large flat plastic things, metal things with webbing over openings among others.

A small rap on her door startled the woman, and she sat up fast, knocking papers from her desk as she turned to look. It was merely a young kaluwa at her door, a little boy with a big grin on his dirty face, "Y'sanne is back with food! Come get some before none is left!" But the woman had no chance to react before he was gone. Donning a small smile, the woman ungracefully untangled herself from both her hair and her paper, grabbing a long piece of cloth and wrapping her hair back from her face. She managed her way through the mess along the ground and outside.

The settlement consisted of entire community of kaluwa within the place the old ones deemed "Greenborough". Houses from when the old ones still resided were still slightly up, most had crumbled and returned to the earth, over grown and destroyed by nature. Some of the buildings that still somewhat stood were being used as shelter for certain families within the settlement, but the settlement was full to the teeth. There were people everywhere, a few thousand in a place where there was not nearly enough space. The woman made her way through the crowds towards the center of this part of the village, where they had finished construction. Here stood the meeting place -- the place where the group would converse and reach census -- and such like buildings. For now, the majority of people were crowding near the bonfire where a young woman pulled off her helm, shaking out maybe an inch of blond curly hair with a wicked smile. "Dinner's on me!" She called happily over the chatter.

And so a feast began, and after the feast, would begin the meeting.

Silently Olar Br’Isa sat in the tree, as a light downpour came and passed, the droplets padding on the leaves around him before trickling through the branches to fall around him. The shoulders of his leather doublet darkened slightly with the water they received as did the sleeves of his under-jerkin. Taking the thong from his hair, he smoothed it out with the new dampness once the downpour had passed and then he reset it in the hair piece and put it over his back once more and out of the way. It was his job this day to scout the wilds around the settlement, keep an eye out for wandering beasties. He’d of rather gone hunting today, but that was not his choir.

From his vantage he could see the dangling yellow things holding the orbs as well as the green signs with the markings. He couldn’t read it, but it had the markings ’25 Major MacKenzie Drive’, this above another marking of ‘Richmond Hill’ with an arrow that must of indicated something. Olar grunted at the arrow, most of been an indication that danger was in that direction, not far from his post today. Best not to think of it, he spent some time checking the fletching on his arrows, the rest of the day observing the growth, listening for sounds in the forest that indicated the large mammals were moving. Some were tall as this tree and larger, but those weren’t so close. The smaller ones might, the ones Kaluwa sized, he was confident an arrow would stop or deter them at least. He sat this way until the bonfire was lit, he could see it in the distance as dark approached. Usually he took night shifts, but today he was summoned to a meeting, he would have opportunity to be amongst the kaluwa, he would have to be open and talkative, not his strong point, but it was required of him.

By the time Olar was at the feast, Ramoli was finishing mixing the compound. He was low on substance but he had enough to finish this experiment and, should it work, make this batch to help the kaluwa. Rubbing his hands along the length of his velvet-like robes, he toke a moment to adjust the lens to really watch the reaction before him. It wasn’t his lens, one of the scouts had found it and he discovered that its magic, the magic of the ones before them, helped him to see both at a distance and up close, at the same time. It was a wondrous artifact and it helped him immensely in his work. There was only one lens and some of the craftsmen had fixed it with bone and leather that it could be mounted on his shoulder and always been in front of his eye when he needed it.

Again a knock came at the door, he knew he was summoned to a meeting to take place after the meeting but he was sure they understood his work was just as important. “Busy, I shall answer the call when finished,” he called out. The response wasn’t a messenger boy this time, but one of the elders now, “Come join us Ramoli, these paths we lay before you are for more important to the people than your alchemy this day.” Silence followed but Ramoli knew he lingered outside the door. Drawing a heavy sigh, thankful the wood of the door would silence the gesture, he set the magical lens down and hesitantly walked away from his concoction. There was a pause to remove the small fire and snuff it, least the building burn down.

He might miss the food of the feast by the way he’d heard it called, but he would not be late for the meeting at least.

When the meeting begun all those who were not valid to give their opinions were moved back from the center of the settlement, this meaning the decrepit, the injured, the young, and most of the women who did not wish to be a part of it -- as was their right. So by the time those who chose not to feast joined for the meeting there was maybe three hundred or so kaluwa left around the building, all seated patiently. The carcass of the beast was being taken away by some of the woman to be cleaned, and be put to use once more. Around the seated kaluwa there were tall black posts, with glass planes holding in a magical spark, keeping the area lit as the sun lowered over the surrounding tree's. Near the front of the meeting were the more elderly people and it progressed to leave the youngest of the able at the edges of the semi-circle. All surrounding five elders.

The elders began the meeting with a prayer to the Humans, speaking of their ascension and their need to please them, many of the most devout bowed their heads and joined along. The woman in the long dress joined them, whispered the words at the proper inflections. Sitting back up and brushing long hair from her soft green eyes, a little smile on her slender face.

Further back in the procession was Y'sanne, the warrior. Sitting proudly with her legs crossed under her. And trace of the happiness she showed after returning with food was gone, leaving only the hardened face of a warrior behind.

"Tonight we gather after a delicious feast to speak of the settlement," The first elder spoke, into a device with a long plastic handle with a mesh-like globe at it's top, it amplified his voice across the whole meeting. "We have become crowded." He finished simply, waving a hand across the group. Kaluwa turned and began speaking to each other frantically.

"Silence." The third of the elder's spoke, his voice much more demanding than the first. "You will get time for idle chatter and worries in the end."

The second elder cut in, placing a lithe hand over the third's arm gently. It was the only female elder, "We have begun to deliberate. We wish for a group, a small group, to move out into the wilds and find a suitable place to begin a second settlement, a place with enough room for half of us to live. Once this is done, they will return to us and lead a group to this area, and we will continue from there." There was no question in her gentle voice, though all five elders nodded their heads as she spoke.

"Some may already have other's in mind, but we have already discussed this and creature a short list, will those which names are spoken please come us, only four of the ten chosen will go." The last elder spoke, peering over the group. This elder pulled a rolled piece of paper from the satchel around his waist. "Ressen, Tobith, Olar, Suula, Y'sanne, Ramoli, Taero, Naelan, Guthe, and Leekra. We wish to speak with you privately before the decision is made." After this was spoken, the elders waved their hands, dismissing all those who were not called, this meeting was not to be a consensus.

Y'sanne gathered herself up, a wicked smile on her lips as she held her helm under one arm. She looked at the others who moved up towards the elders' chambers, and felt more than confident she would be chosen to go. Naelan, on the other hand, fretted with her dress as she moved up, pushing her spectacles back up over her lightly freckled nose, wringing her hands afterward as she strode towards the chambers with her long legs.

Arms folded across his chest, Ramoli listened with care, or feigned care it would seem. He’d given up a nights work for this and then … then, of all things, this list chosen to go. Gut reaction was he was too important to go and then pride settled in. Guthe and Leekra indeed plied his very craft, but they were half wits at best. Guthe couldn’t fracture a new specimen to found the roots of its elements and Leekra was too grounded minerals to understand the flow of alchemy and the relation to all elements, living or otherwise. As he was moving to go to the Elder’s chambers, he remembered his place and removed the disdain from his face. They would certainly see him as the better, he would do this duty and prove himself worthy of one day serving on the council.

Contrary, perhaps, Olar simple took the word at face value, he trusted the elders and accepted they saw aptitude in him that could lead to the success of this voyage. He knew it wasn’t his decision to determine such a location, but rather, he would be assigned to help hunt and track as was his duty for the people. His eyes were amongst the best and he would assure survival if he was chosen. He noted a few other warriors and scouts alike that were equally talented and he only hoped he would be chosen for the final four.

As they walked, tall Ressen came near Olar, they were family of the same matriarchal lineage, from the same grandmother. “They have chosen you so that we may understand the standard by which to compare the chosen too,” he joked, setting a big hand down on Olar’s shoulder. Olar grunted up at his older cousin, slightly accepting the joke, slightly dejected by the comment. “And they have chosen you, Ressen, that we may take pleasure in knowing who we leave behind.” The taller warrior was silent a moment, then laughed loudly at his cousin, leaving Olar to go joke with one of the other chosen.

While the 10 gathered in the Elders' chambers, they were welcomed in by several elders. The one greeting each of the ten nodded a welcome to each and offered to all. “You were all chosen for the aptitude you have shown. We have watched you all grow and love you as our children. Understand the dangers of this journey and know we will only accept those who truly wish to take this task upon their shoulders. The four that are chosen will complement each other to assure the success of this voyage.”

Taero of the Humanic Faith intoned, “Such a voyage will offer us insight into the Human’s wisdom that we may understand the gods’ ascent from this world into the realms of glory.” Taking his own seat, and offered a nod towards Naelen, as they shared the faith. He set his thin, black mystical bible on the table should it decide to come alive and give thought to the meeting from the greater beyond realm of the Humans.

Naelan's long legs made her one of the first to get into the chambers, she had no such pride or hope, her faith completely given to the elders. These elders were chosen by the whole, meaning they decided what was best for all, as all trusted them. Naelan had hopes of becoming an elder, once she was just that; older. The lanky woman brushed long hair from her eyes, giving Taero a gentle smile as he entered. She busied herself with finding a seat around the long table, folding her long legs over each other and pressing her hands into her knees.

Y'sanne was less... graceful, she bounded into the room, having resisted the urge to kick down the door as an entrance. Behind her stood Suula, a thin woman of average height, with a beaked nose and brown hair pulled back into such a tight tail it seemed to stretch her face. "You are too enthused, little Y'sanne." The taller woman intoned, her voice rumbling. "They will choose who is most proper to go, not who is most wanting to go." Y'sanne did not return the jibe, instead, she flicked her head over her shoulder and offered a wicked smile, her pearly teeth nearly glowing in the darker room. She hooked her foot along a seat and pulled it out before plunking herself down into a seated position, she sat between Tobith and Ressen, dwarfed by both of their incredible sizes.

"Yes, and as the fifth said, only 4 of you will be going on the journey--"

"Forgive my interruption, Elder, but would it not make more sense to send half of us?" Crowed Suula, pushing her beak nose higher in the air as she rumbled, raising a thin brow.

"Do you doubt my judgment, young huntress?" Hissed the last elder, turning his weary eyes to her, the woman shrunk in her seat next to Olar. "Good. We only send four because we do not need to lose all of our hunters. One hunter, one guard, one alchemist, and one of the devout. This is all that needs to go." His eyes scanned the group. "Ressen and Y'sanne, you are both feared warriors... which of you should go?"

The two turned to face each other for a long moment as they rose to their feet. Y'sanne spoke first, "I am younger, more versatile, and have no family waiting on me to provide," Her tone was strong, and that same wicked smile tinted her lips as she cocked her head at Ressen, "He is a fine fighter, but I am better. I do not fear death, as I have nothing to lose, he has everything." And this was true, Y'sanne was an only child of parents who'd passed on, it made her strong. Ressen on the other hand, came from a strong family line, had a wife burdened with child back at his home, and parents, cousins and all such members he could not lose.

The elders nodded, telling the two to sit after Ressen did his little piece. "Ramoli, Guthe, and Leekra... you three are our most powerful wielders of the old magics-- alchemy -- which of you should venture out?"

For his part, Ressen paused a moment after Y’sanne had spoken and then nodded. “What she says is true,” he began, actually articulating a little. “Where I am stronger than she, her youth and agility more than makes up for this difference between us. She has proven this time and again on her hunts. It may be this is what the elders seek, but if it is strength that is needed, then I should be chosen. She speaks true, I have family,” he offered, looking from one elder to the next, “but I would trust if I am selected it is for the good of all and it would be a sacrifice I must make.” One might think he was articulate, except the real articulate people at the table were probably wondering if he was half making a case for himself to stay behind to protect the current settlement. They knew he wasn’t half as smart, to make such an argument, he was speaking honestly. It was refreshing whereas mostly he joked around or bragged even, but maybe it was a sign of Ressen finally reaching some level of maturity.

As he sat back and the elders called upon the alchemists, Guthe spoke up first. Wringing his hands together as if nervous, he started almost immediately, “I should be chosen because …” Before he could finish however, Ramoli cut in. “Brother,” he began, not all Kaluwa called each other by such familial names, but rather as they shared the same craft is where such a relationship was given. “Should we not give Leekra the first opportunity to speak her case?” Guthe looked nervously at the table a moment, then the other chosen and nodded agreement.

After Leekra made her case, Ramoli also let Guthe speak as well. Finally when it was his turn, he stood up and removed his alchemists cap. Without the cap and his magical monocle that he used in his craft, he wasn’t a bad figure to look at. His hair was cropped short, sandy blonde that with the trappings of his office made him look older but without the cap, his youth was more vibrant. The angles of his face were sharp, giving him a slightly long face that went well with his taller frame. Not the tallest by any stretch in the settlement or amongst the Kaluwa, but tall just the same. With one hand behind his back as he stood, the other came up in a fist, with index finger and thumb slightly forward (as if holding a piece of chalk or a writing implement), he used that fist to emphasize his words.

“Leekra and Guthe are indeed well chosen for this mission and it is an honor that we are in this small council, thus I make but one point in argument of my case. It is known that both Leekra and Guthe are good teachers of the alchemical arts as it is known that when they stumble upon a mystery in the advanced studies, they defer to my expertise.” With a smug, half cocked grin, he let that settle and returned to his seat, folding his hands atop the table right next to where his cap lay. For a moment he looked at Y’sanne, perhaps as boastful as she had been, but thinking they were both right – as if he was confident in both of them or their shared something in common. Then he was back to looking at the elders.

The elders than spoke thusly, “Taero and Naelan of the new faith, which of you are best suited for this journey?”

Naelan had always admired Ramoli's pride and articulation, she half stared at him as he spoke in awe. When her name was called she clamped her mouth shut quickly, teeth snapping loudly. She waved a hand to Taero, who was more prepared than she was. Quickly she tangled a slim hand into her long hair, chewing her lip as she listened to the male speak.

Taero stood, his fingers gracing the small black bible upon the table. "I am of great faith, as we all know, and I believe as a mere mortal in comparison to our gods I should not have the right to make a point within the rooms. These gods of old spoke to us and told up that we must respect our elders, and so, I will defer to you; elders. You know of my wisdom within the arts of our religion, and you five, and you five only can make this decision." The man took his seat, a neutral expression to make his lack-luster speech. The elders held in their contempt, and merely nodded to Naelan.

The woman stood, and instead of gracing some mystical object, her fingers pressed her glasses further up her nose. "As my brother said, we are only mortal, we are not nearly as qualified to make large decisions; we are not humans." She paused for a second, before swallowing hard, "But.. I think I would be a better choice, as my brother spoke --true as it was -- it showed he is passive in his thirst for knowledge about these humans, where I am not. Taero might let something slip because there was no sign, I do not believe I would make the same mistake..." Naelan trailed off, feeling her brothers well placed, and well hidden, fury upon the back of her head. Lowering her head in a half-bow, she returned to her seat.

Y'sanne offered Naelan a grin, she liked the woman's take on things! But Naelan returned not such gesture, she wasn't even sure she say it right. From the older woman's perspective Y'sanne was leering at her like a predator would it's prey.

"Finally our hunters need to speak," The female elder crowned, waving a thin hand into the now silent air. Slicing through the newly formed tension like a hot knife did butter. "Tobith, you will speak first. Olar second, and Suula will speak third. Speak your case."

Tobith stood, he was a huskier man. Shorter than almost everyone excluding Y'sanne. He had a thick set brow and browned skin from days in the sun. "I will hunt as hard as one can to feed us if I am chosen to go on this journey. My aim will be true, my bow unshatterable, and my arrows sharp." Tobith wasn't the most articulate of men, but he was intelligent. He was also one of the eldest hunters, his eye sight was a little worse-for-wear, but he had a good heart, and was a hard working man. "But I leave any and all major decision to you, elders." He bowed his dark, nearly balded head and returned to his seat.

Everyone turned to Olar.

While Y’sanne was moved by Naelan’s words, something stirred with Ramoli as well. Not giving the staring, appreciative glance that Y’sanne had spared for the woman of the faith, his hazel eyes did follow Naelan as she returned to her seat. It was as if somehow how words here in the chamber changed his thoughts on Naelan. She was something lovely to look at before and now, her views on the quest for knowledge was intriguing. He never understood the new faith, he was one of the few tied to the old gods despite their lack of presence in this new world but that quest for knowledge she discussed, perhaps they were not so different after all. While the hunters began to talk, he continued to look at Naelan curiously across the table from where he sat.

Olar stood at the table when his turn arrived, himself looking uncomfortable in the circumstance. It could of easily been read that he was simply nervous to talk about himself in front of the elders, but he had been uneasy around such a gathering of the people and even here, there was enough to put him slightly at edge. “I hunt as well as Tobith and Suula,” he began his oration, “It is known. I have ranged far and wide, perhaps farther than any of the Kaluwa and have seen the carved mountains left in the world by the Humans. My experience is more than hunting and my skills would be valuable to this voyage.” It was more than enough for him to say, he breathed shakily, sighing with relief almost as he sat down. An eye travelled to his cousin, Ressen, then to the female warrior Y’sanne, he hoped it would be her chosen as well as himself.

After Suula had spoken, the First elder spoke softly, for he was truly the eldest amongst elders, “We have a deep decision to make, it affects us now and hereafter. Please give us privacy in our chamber that we may decide the chosen four.”

During the process, Olar would stand quietly aside unless approached and he would curiously look between the groups of individuals, wondering which warrior, faithful, and alchemist would be chose and, more so, he found his eye’s resting on Y’sanne. Either because he didn’t really want to go on this journey with Ressen, but probably because she was something worth looking at.

In the time of waiting, as well, Ramoli purposefully ignored the other alchemists in favor of finding a moment to seek out Naelan. When he found that moment and her attention, he bowed his head lightly in deference to her. “I believe you will be chosen Naelan,” he offered in his best humble voice, “The elders seek those willing to lead the people, and you have shown yourself determined in their eyes.”

Y'sanne didn't even nod to the Elders before vacating the room. They all moved to the open 'stage' like area right outside of the chambers that the elders sat on while doing the meetings. The youngest warrior kicked out one of the stools the elders used to raise them above the others, and plopped herself down ungracefully. She hooked a leg under her own, and peered out at the others. Like a crow. Now, Y'sanne wasn't the most intelligent Kalwua around, but she wasn't stupid either. So as she peered over the crowd, she decided who she wanted with her. As much as Y'sanne despised Suula for not only being a bitch, but for stealing her spotlight as a female fighter, she was a strong hunter. And they would benefit from having her there.

So as Y'sanne sized Suula up, she mentally made her list. The obvious choice for the faithful was Naelan, her speech was beautifully laid out -- Taero would disagree as he sulked off in a corner -- so she was the top of the list. The Alchemist was also easy to choose, Ramoli was the other two's teacher, and this was an important mission, he would be going. The hunters were different though.. as confident as she was in Suula, her eyes traveled to Olar. She tilted her head to examine him as he was sizing her up as well. She jutted her chin out at him, before leaping off of her stool and saunter over. "Hey you. Olar or something, right? You think you're gonna make it?"

Naelan on the other hand was a bit more subtle. She moved with grace out into the open room. Turning away from her fellow competitors to face out into the empty streets. A single child was running back home, after staying out much too late. She smiled softly, thanking the Humans that this place was able to exist for them. A voice sounded behind her and she turned to face Ramoli. She had never really spoken to the man on a personal basis, she'd given him new things for his alchemy that she'd found in ancient ruins, but that was her job.

So a smile lit her face, making the freckles across her nose sparkle almost. "Thank you Ramoli, hopefully the Elders will make the most correct decision." She laid the humble on thick, before her little smile split into a wider, more giddy grin, "Between you and I though, I am quite excited to go, if I am chosen. I have a strong feeling you also will be one of the chosen and it would be an honor to serve on this mission with you. I've heard about your studies..." Naelan allowed a glance to Y'sanne, who was covered in his studies. Little alchemical circles and signs were carved into her armor. "I've seen them in action even." She giggled a little at him, brushing her long hair from her eyes.

Her eyes scanned down Ramoli for a moment. Without his head-piece he looked three or four years younger-- her age even. She opened her lips to speak again when a loud noise started from behind Ramoli. The doors had opened and everyone have jumped to look. The last elder looked over the group from the shadows.

"Come, we have made out decision."

As Ramoli and Naelan began an animated discussion, Olar at first continued his interest in the other groups and then there was Y’sanne who drew him out of the reverie. “That is not for me to say,” he responded, stoically as one might expect from someone like him. Then, he took a few steps towards were she sat. Others might of noted the groups had broken into small talk and it may be that he was more comfortable with out a large group of ears listening to what he had to say. “However, I should be the one chosen. I have more experience out there,” he jutted a chin, it encompassed everything beyond the Kaluwa, “than the other hunters. Just as you have more experience outside the settled lands.” He lifted one brow as if saying he had paid attention to who else went out there aside from hunters and gatherers. It was known regardless by the animals she hunted for feasts, but his words implied he may have studied her before.

Ramoli actually find himself warming up as Naelan responded to him, it wasn’t just him being right, for he knew he was, nor her confidence in him being chosen. It was the giggle and the excitement she had in that moment, perhaps something he had overlooked in his own child in his own studies. There was something of a faerie spirit to this girl once she opened up a little and it intrigued Ramoli. The smile showing more in his eyes than his controlled facial expressions. As she was about to speak again and he was actually enjoying the personal moment, they were called back into the chamber of the elders.

Once inside, first elder began, “We have weighed our decision and through our shared wisdom we have made our choice.”

Five interrupted, with a look of disdain, “This choice is final, do not grovel if you are not one of the chosen.” He eyed a couple of the non-chosen then, those individual he expected to raise objection – this included Ressen and Suula.

“We only ask that you respect our decision,” chimed in second elder, to sooth the abrupt word choices of fifth elder.

“We have chosen Naelan as lead for this journey,” returned first elder, getting things back on track, “For her expertise in all that is Human as well for her thirst for knowledge of the ancients. Our second choice is Ramoli for his knowledge in the arcane art of Alchemy. The hunter and warrior so chosen for this mission will be ….”

"...Olar and Y'sanne, respectively." Cut in the second elder, wringing his withered hands. Without another moment passing, Suula came to her feet, anger in her hawk-like face. But she suppressed it, quickly bowing her head to the elders and sprinting from the room. Taero had known he'd lost, and without speech gathered his bible and moved from the room, the others following suit. Other than Ressen. Who laid a big hand across Y'sanne's tiny shoulder and gave her a rough shake. The woman being pushed merely grinned up at Ressen, and shrugged him off.

Naelan was in shock on her side of the room, her eyes wide and blinking. Her mouth mimicking the motions of a hungry fish. Her voice nearly squeaked when she spoke next, "Th-thank you, Elders." Her blue eyes darted across the room. "I will not let us down." Bowing her head, she settled further into her seat, and began to fiddle with the hem of her dress. Lost in a sea of troubles, Naelan was a tall woman, but she was not strong, emotionally or otherwise. She knew she was a bad choice to lead, but would say nothing of the sort.

Y'sanne ginned widely, unable to hid her glee. Not that she had any doubt, it was always going to fall on her slim shoulders. She was small, she was young, but she was strong. And in a fight, she could take Ressen without much effort. "If I may be so bold, why did you chose us in particular?" Y'sanne chose her words as carefully as she would, being a rash individual.

"Naelan shows great respect for the Humans, but also sense that will keep you all alive. Ramoli is the most skilled and worldly of his profession. Olar has seen the most, and been the furthest from the settlement, he is best prepared for this. And you, Y'sanne, have nothing to lose. Your death would be saddening, but no family would suffer accept the whole." Spoke the female elder, all while watching the youngest female. Who nodded along.

Naelan lifted herself from her seat, brushing her hands down her front. "When do we leave?"

"Two hours time, now, go pack."

Two hours for some might be a stretch, for leaving their current life and going on voyage to settle new lands. Some might call it dangerous, but all would know it wasn’t an extended hunting trip they were on, this would take more time from the four of them. Those who thought both would be worried about the two hour time frame just to make sure they had everything. Ramoli was just one of those who didn’t think it was enough time. Still, as the four began to head out, he turned to Naelan, “See, you had nothing to worry about.” Whether he meant her being selected to join the four, or as leader, was anyone’s guess.

As they left the chambers, he continued, “If there is anything you would need of me in preparing for this journey, you have but to ask.” That said, whether she asked or not, what time he was given would be spent packing prepared alchemical assistance and supplies enough to carry for basic needs, minor healing ointments and the like.

Olar was one of those at a loss for what to do really for that amount of time. All he head to do was grab his light pack and his weapons. Everything he needed was there and what he didn’t have, he was sure the earth would provide. If the earth didn’t provide it, then he would make do. Depending on the speed the warrior took in getting ready, he might well have been the first back to the gathering spot, ready to go.

Two hours for Y'sanne was more than enough time. The woman looked lazy as she strolled back to the hut she called home. In her hut, she gathered her basics. Her sword, her rope, and her trinkets. All of the things Y'sanne owned herself (not including her bed, it was donated from another family) could be tied around her waist. Y'sanne began her hunting ritual, not that she was a hunter, but as a warrior, she didn't have a better term for it. She dabbed two fingers into the stone tubes filled with thick dark paste and rubbed it under her eyes and down the sides of her face. Without even using a mirror, the woman did the intricate little designs along her jawbone. Once the paste dried after three or four minutes, she pulled her helm over her head. The designs along her jaw and her lips the only visible portion of her face.

Strolling out towards the gathering spot, Y'sanne realized she was not the first, but the second to show. She offered no grin in greeting this time, her face in serious warrior mode. Her hands placed themselves onto her hips, as she turned her body a little to look towards the settlement as they waited for the more intellectual of the group.

Naelan spared a smile for Ramoli, before nearly sprinting back to her home. She had no ritual to speak of, but the whole time she packed, she whispered prayers under her breath. Asking the humans to bless their travels, her companions, everything. When Naelan was ready to leave, she had pulled on a thin pair of pants under her long dress, thicker boots to cover her once bare feet. Under her arms she carried three books. A thick red one that in the Human language read "The Holy Bible", an equally thick blue one that read, "Dictionary" in the old tongue, and a thin once that was made for writing in, with "Five Star" written in small letters on the very top. Around her waist was a thick belt, cinching her waist in, a small knife rested on her hip, and over her shoulder was a thick hide satchel filled with paper, pencils and other such equipment. Around her right wrist she wore a device called a 'watch' that was used to tell time.

When Naelan arrived at the gathering spot (three minutes late, too) the others were all there. She nodded a little, but said nothing. Ushering them with her body movement. Y'sanne bowed to Naelan silently, and took the lead, being as she was the group's meat shield.

Y'sanne led them to the outskirts of the settlement. Outside the walls was a thick forest, filled with life and danger. She managed to keep her grin back as she waved them in, drawing her blade to cut things out of the way when needed. According to the small circular device Naelan carried, they were heading south, into the center of "Toronto".

The journey started off quietly, with Y’sanne in the lead. Olar held back keeping his eyes to the sides of the group as well as sweeping behind them. He had a bow held in hand and while there was no arrow notched, his hand was firmly in the grip with two fingers wrapped at the ready should he have to affix an shaft quickly and take ready aim. He preferred to stay silent as they moved, though with Y’sanne hacking away in the front, there wasn’t much stealth on this operation and he felt it better to not suggest anything. It was as if by instinct that most animals backed away from noise, or at least the noise the Kaluwa made. It was a common known hunting tactic to sound less kaluwan and more natural, least the prey catch wind of the hunter.

Besides, he now had the chance to keep an eye on everyone else, including watching Y’sanne as she cleared the path before them. There was a slight intrigue to the female warrior. One such intrigue was he never paid much attention to her before, he nearly classified her as a male because of her stature and bearing, but from this vantage he noted she was distinctly female in all the right ways at least. Better even because of her strength or masculine tendencies perhaps. All kept to himself as they walked, at times he found himself forgetting to sweep around as he focused on her working her way through the dense overgrowth.

When the journey started, Ramoli was different than the silent male and the active female in the rear and lead respectively. Not long outside the city after Naelan had them going in the right direction, he shifted the weight of his pack a little and scuffled over to where she was assuring they were on the right path. “This is quite exciting,” he admitted to her when he was close enough for a conversational tone. “A chance to make new discoveries, or uncover knowledge of the past.” He wasn’t sure how she clarified the search for Human evidence, but he felt suggesting the past was safe enough.

After a several moments, of whatever conversation may have been starting up, Olar made a hissing noise from the back of the group, the kaluwa signal to keep quiet. His voice trailed through the silence that hopefully followed. “Not so loud you two, I cannot hear the jungle about us.” Indeed, as if to echo the thought of listening to the forest, it wasn’t another moment or two after he spoke that the sound of an old tree falling could be heard. It squeaked at first then toppled over with a rush of branches colliding between the falling tree and its living neighbors followed by a thud as it impacted upon the ground. Whatever it was, Olar made no indication for concern as he kept a steady gaze in the direction of the noise but kept moving south towards the Human mystical site called ‘Toronto.’

Y'sanne was more than happy to get some of her pent up energy out on the poor underbrush. Stealth and subtlety were not her forte. Not that she cared, sometimes brute force was better anyways. So the woman happily swung her blade when he was needed, clearing a path for the two directly behind her that were less... jungle savvy than perhaps Olar and herself. Only once did Y'sanne stop her steady (but slower than she'd like) pace when a large branch cut across her vision. She had to take two or three hacks at it, before the kaluwa sized branch tumbled out of the way.

The other woman on the team noticed the branch and took it upon herself to gather it in her free hand. She tilted her head when Ramoli spoke to her, a soft giggle passing through her lips. "It is, isn't it? I can't wait to see Toronto. According to the writings, it was the largest city in these lands, with buildings up to sixty stories!" She said, trying not to clap her hands in excitement.

Naelan started when Olar hissed, she crouched a little, as if making her tall frame smaller would make her quiet. She shied away from the look Y'sanne passed at her, even though they could see nothing but her lips. "Sorry." Naelan hissed at Olar, straightening up again. When the tree fell, both her and Y'sanne looked out towards the forest, the group quiet as they listened to it. "Fantastic..." Naelan murmured after the jungle had settled. Y'sanne waved the group forward, continuing on their trek. Naelan lowered her voice as she spoke to Ramoli, one of the few male Kaluwa who were taller than her, "But yes, very exciting. I heard about this one thing called a "Gee Pee Ess", it's supposed to be able to tell you where you are, and direct you to where you're going." Naelan tripped over a branch, but quickly shook it off, trying to mask her flush. "Isn't that something?"

Y'sanne stopped, raising a hand as Naelan walked into her back, toppling the younger, and much shorter Kaluwa over. She grunted in frustration at the other woman, but waved a hand up. "It's getting dark." She said, as if this explained everything. She waved her hand again. "We are not too far from the settlement, but we should stop soon. At least for the first night, we do not want to get too far." Y'sanne explained to Naelan pointedly, who obviously had never been on a journey like this before. She oh'ed and nodded vigorously.

"Yes yes, you're right. We should stop soon... Olar." She turned to face who she was speaking to, which was very polite of her. "Would you mind scouting ahead a ways and finding us a place to camp? We'll continue forward, but we're loud enough that you'll find us, I'm sure."

After the moment of silence, Ramoli listened to the topic of the Gee Pee Ess, with some interest and reservation. “Interesting,” he began, that reservation verbally creeping into his voice, “How does this different from the Locator Stone?” It was a small rock, imbued with certain alchemical substances that always led a person back to a specific spot, usually the point from which the stone was created. In the current situation, a Locator Stone was always known to direct the kaluwa back to Greensboro and their settlement in the new world. Stones created prior to the portal incident stopped working which lead the elders to surmise this was not their world anymore.

Before she had time to answer, Y’sanne was stumbled upon and correctly pointed out the obvious, that it was indeed getting dark. Half a chuckle when Olar started moving out and ahead to the side, Ramoli continued the forward walk and amended to their conversation. “I confess, this is the first time I have slept outside … the settlement.” Outside more appropriate and he considered even this, a few hours of travel, to be the deep wilds of the world. The chuckle might of aimed at hiding his nervousness at the pondering of where they were about to sleep – without roof, on the ground.

As Olar passed the group, he made sure to near Y’sanne and spoke quietly to her, near a whisper. “I don’t know if I’d be so worried about what’s up ahead,” he mumbled quiet enough to barely be a whisper on the wind and out of earshot for the intellectuals, “That tree might have been a Musked Rat. There’s a swamp that way, but it was a little far off from home.” The humans might once have really called it a muskrat and it was a small thing then, but now it was close to the size of a horse. While similar to the Wood Castor (formerly the beaver), Olar felt it important to suggest this to Y’sanne because the Musked Rat was known to eat wandering livestock and, well, kaluwa out alone in the wilds was nothing more than livestock to a hunger monster. It was a merely safety precaution as he’d heard no evidence of the large animal following.

"It has this screen, and it shows you where you are, and what is around you. It's labeled and everything." She grinned over at Ramoli, not even noticing his reservation. Her excitement was far too grand. "The stones are useful, I agree," She waved her hand to Y'sanne, who had such a thing hanging from one of the many string around her waist. "But with this... we could further their use, no? Expand it." She threw her arms wise as she spoke, nearly dropping one of her books. Yelping she clung it to her chest, and smiled nervously.

Naelan tapped a long finger to her lip. "I believe this will be my first time as well, sleeping outside in general though." A grunt from Y'sanne was the only answer the other woman had for her. "But the Elders gave me this... tarp? It's this blue material that doesn't get wet, we're to make a shelter with it." She patted her satchel gently, a large smile on her face at her forward thinking.

Y'sanne merely blinked up at Olar as he leaned down to speak with her. "In that case, we'll take watch shifts and be vigilant. I'll even lend those two my blade if they are to be on watch." It was unlikely that two behind Olar and herself would take watch. Their minds had to work at a hundred and twenty percent, while Olar and herself could be a little sleep depraved and still serve their purpose. Y'sanne nodded her head to Olar before he moved up ahead, waving a hand at the other two. "Move. We need to use what little day-light we have left."

It seemed Naelan was merely leading in theory.

“We might end up dead, or worse, if you give them a blade …” trailed off Olar regarding arming Naelan or Ramoli for that matter. He didn’t laugh, but was that actually a joke out of him. Seems he was comfortable alternating shifts with Y’sanne and taking that burdern off the shoulders of the other two. He was off then, into the darkness of the forest, the smell of vegetation and ancient molds fresh in his nostrils, the world alive now that it wasn’t being hacked to clear a path for their leader and her capped companion.

“Blue … ‘tarp’ … that doesn’t get wet,” Ramoli was responding to Naelan, “What may have become of the Humans, I confess some wonder at their magical prowess. You know, I wonder if I mixed ….” and as he was about to expand on some metallurgic compounding activities, the warrior was telling them the needed to move. Lifting an arm politely for Naelan to proceed, “Do you need a hand with anything?” It was directed at the fact that when she was excited, she nearly lost some of her religious artifacts; not a ploy to take something from her but really to be a gentleman. Despite some philosophical details, he was him and she was beautiful to him.

Of course, at the time of him lifting his hand to let her go first, he was beginning to realize he’d set himself up in the rear of the party. Or, Olar did – forgetting that Naelan sent him ahead, it was Olar that left the group. So, continuing the thought pattern, he offered to the two ladies, “He doesn’t talk much does he? I hope he is more amiable to our camaraderie, we will have to work together for the success of this journey.” See, if he was talking he didn’t have to worry about what was behind him. That was before there was the snapping of some wet, hollowed log far in the distance. With night approaching, and the darkness growing, sound was traveling further but to Ramoli, it was as if the sound was right behind him. Nervous yes, to the point of gasping or verbalizing his nerves he was not. His heart raced a little, but he knew it was his position in the back of the group now. Hopefully someone would just agree with him, so that he could forget about the noises of the forest.

Y'sanne snorted in laughter, but quickly shushed herself enough to merely grin at him. She shoved him a little as he left, turning to wave them forward. She ignored the two behinds her conversation. She continued to hack between the bushes, holding back branches for the companions when they got snagged.

"Oh no no no. I can carry all this.. I'll just have to pack better in the morning." She smiled at him, only speaking after he finished his explanation, nodding her head enthusiastically. "Oh! I'd love to see if we could use alchemy to increase the potency of Human artifacts!" She got all excited and clapped her hands. She wiggled her rear as she crawled under the branch Y'sanne held up for her. Nearly squealing from joy.

Y'sanne peered back at Ramoli as he spoke to them both. She said nothing, the same that Olar would have done, and continued forward. She wasn't much for words when it could be done without seeming rude. She merely shrugged her shoulders as she continued. Naelan on the other hand, was much more excitable. "I think he might be shy." She stage whispered to Ramoli, grinning from round ear, to round ear. "Oh he'll be just fine. I trust the elders made the best decision they could. He'll probably come with with shelter and dinner!" She said, a little loud. A nearby by bird fluttered away, and the woman upfront turned her body to offer Naelan a steady, masked look.

As much as Y'sanne was aware, she didn't notice the noises behind them, and Naelan was chatting too much for her to notice anything -- including the roots she kept hooking her feet on. Y'sanne let out a little whistle, hoping Olar would hear and return it. Whistles were very important in Kaluwa hunting, they could mean a number of things. "I am lost." "Are you still alive?" "Did you find what we need?" "Is that prey?" And so on.

Ramoli was at something of a loss over what could increase the potency of what, it was more confusing perhaps when she shook her rear in front of him crawling under the branch. That is, he had it the other way around, Human magic increasing the potency of kaluwa magic. Then again, the thought was lost as he followed under the branch. More so when Y’sanne practically ignored his comment on Olar as if, ‘oh great, they share some private joke and now they’re both giving the silent treatment.

Relief came again when Naelan stage whispered, only in the fact that she was talking to him and it wasn’t going to be all silent and listening to creepy sounds in the forest. Perching a brow at the thought of Olar being so successful, he was about to ponder another point on the matter when Y’sanne gave Naelan a steel look. So he swallowed back whatever it was and decided it best not to speak for the moment, instead looking up into the darkening canopy above them as the bird flittered away.

There was a distant animal call, nothing concerning merely sound carrying through the forest nothing in the immediate area. Then silence settled again for a moment or two before Y’sanne’s call was returned from Olar. It was a return of acceptance or acknowledgement and an all clear, indicated his way was safe. If they proceeded it was a hundred yards up to an ideal camping spot. This area of the forest had a few structural walls only partially toppled, such that between the overgrowth and the wall, they should be able to make a decent shelter as well as have some protection for their backs during the night.

As Ramoli grinned to Naelan, saying, “Let us see this magical tarp you speak of,” Olar took off to the side to catch up with Y’sanne.

“A few hundred more paces beyond is one of the Human watering holes,” or simply a reservoir/water treatment station with the water pooled on the facilities grounds. “We’re far enough away that the wildlife should stray in that direction only, but come morning, we may want to be more vigilant.” When there is more activity at the watering station. Then he grinned as if that was only a basic rundown, as if giving a report or sharing the knowledge he had. He followed up with, “How was it with those two, they talk nonstop. An army of kaluwa could have snuck up on them.” Then he smiled, sure Y’sanne was making plenty of noise, but with the other two merely walking nonchalantly through the woods and conversing at length, that noise didn’t so much matter. Besides, the hacks of vegetation was one of those kaluwa unnatural sounds that the animals tended to avoid.

Naelan was a bubbly person, and even though she was silently shushed, she giggled softly at Ramoli. She may have been an adult, but finally out of the settlement, she didn't have to act as one. When Olar lead them to their new camp Naelan was more than ready to show Ramoli her device. She laid down her walking stick and books, and opened her satchel. Pulling out this blue shimmery cloth. It was long enough to string from the trees starting at one of the half grown over structures. She showed it to Ramoli, grabbing one of his hands and running it down the top of it. "Feel it! It's so strange. Water cannot get through it. I believe this is one of the many things the Humans used to keep them dry when they were out hunting."

Nodding her head expertly, she started for the half built structure. She strung up two corners of it on the opposite corners. "Now, I also think we are missing a part of it. See these holes? I think that there is another rope-like artifact I'm supposed to be using to hold it up places. But our rope will have to do for now."

As Naelan struggled trying to get one half of the tarp up, Y'sanne glanced up at Olar, nodding along with his words -- these two were going to make a great team. "They cannot be quiet. I believe their heads are filled with so much 'magic' and 'religion' they forgot about survivability." She crowned, joking in her own way. As much noise as Y'sanne was making, she could also defend herself were a Musket Rat to attack her, where Naelan and probably Ramoli were useless in a fight.

Pulling off her helm she tossed it to the ground, dropping some of the trinket's from around her waist, and even her blade. "Shall we build a fire--" She was cut off when she saw Naelan trying to string up the tarp along some trees to create a slant in case it rained. The younger woman's eyes traveled up onto the clear night sky, there was no need for the tarp, but tonight, she would humor them. "Can you start a fire? I will finish what they cannot."

Without another word, Y'sanne took the edges of the tarp from Naelan and began to climb the tree they were using for the tarp. The little, limber woman tied it off, and jumped back down, landing with her knees bent. She clapped her hands together and watched Ramoli for a moment. "Oh! Thank you Y'sanne!" Cooed the older woman.

Following the lead, Ramoli did put out his hand to feel the tarp before they set to work affixing it to the trees or whatever else was at hand. “Completely dry,” he mused again. Almost as if jealous even, for his alchemy didn’t quite offer such a wonder. “And what sort of magic rope do they have,” he pondered in that jealously, as if everything Human must certainly be magic. He was indeed curious of this rope however, if at least to try to understand some Human magic to incorporate it into his alchemical arts.

At one point or another, he was holding it over his head to help Naelan, but then became confused by which side should go where and, slightly frustrated he crinkled some of the material in order to get out from underneath. It may have appeared like he was entangled, but that wasn’t so the case other than appearance. Perhaps it alerted Y’sanne to the need for help, but he was more curious about getting the right hole to the edge for using their own Kaluwan ropes to secure the magical tarp.

Smirking a moment as the smaller, stronger woman went to the aid of the two intellects, Olar offered, “Careful you do not become trapped in another dimension.” Perhaps half a joke relating to the fact that they were stranded in this strange world to begin with, coupled with the fact that Ramoli seemed to be having troubles as well and there was no telling what sort of magic he might conjure up if he angered the ancestors.

No, Olar was content with the fire and before everyone was untangled from the Human artifact, he had a fire burning. As true night began descending over the forest and vision was limited to that fire, he also had meat cooking. Whether it was something he had with him when he prepared to leave or perhaps a small critter he took advantage of while scouting for the campsite was uncertain. It could certainly have been the Gurmball, which was according to ancient text a domesticated pet of the Humans, which they took great pleasure in confounding in magical orbs that protecting them while in the Human dimension. They were about as big as a medium sized cat, dangerous if cornered, but seemed to enjoy the strange tunnels in the old buildings which must have been designed for these Human pets.

"It's stretchy, with little hooks on the end." She explained as she tangled with the tarp. When Y'sanne saved them from themselves she gave Ramoli a smile and waved towards the fire, picking up her books. "From what I read about the rope, it's used to secure things very tightly. Sometimes they call it a cord instead of a rope. Those cart-like things we have in the settlement also use the cords to hold things down when moving them." She nodded her head vigorously as she settled down around the fire.

The second woman landed gracefully from a jump most Kaluwa wouldn't even dare to try. Rolling her shoulders she moved towards the fire. "Thanks." She said to Olar, "I think I survived it though, no strange portals." She peered around, as if just to double check. She peered down at the food on the fire, and her stomach rumbled a little. She glanced down at it and cocked her head, as if confused. "Wait, I just ate... why am I hungry."

Naelan laughed from her side by the fire. "You worked very hard Y'sanne!" She said in her best 'leader' voice. The younger woman just looked at her, letting out a little half-laugh.

Y'sanne settled into the dirt as the food roasted. "Tonight we need to take watch shifts." She faced Naelan for a moment. "If you think so. Olar and I are both fight ready and able, are you two?"

Naelan blinked for a moment. "N-no. But I can watch! And then scream if something comes." She offered.

"...I guess so."

As Ramoli listened about cords and ropes, Olar sat silent listening to everything. The first sound he made was at Y’sanne when she mentioned surviving the portals, he harrumphed, it could have been taking for a grunt, or maybe a chuckle. If Y’sanne looked his way, he half-cocked a grin to the left side of his face but it was fleeting as Naelan became bubble over eating, or commenting that Y’sanne had worked hard. With a stick he poked at the fire a moment as the two woman began discussing watches.

Finally when Naelan had mentioned screaming for her watch, and Ramoli wasn’t interested in commenting because he really wasn’t interested in taking a watch, Olar was on his feet. “Scream? That is what you will do when the silent stalkers come creeping out of the darkness. By the time you scream it could be too late, they could be on top of us all.” He half circled the fire, “I’m not talking about the animals we see and here. There are spiders out there that capable of leaping chasms, lizards so fast by the time you scream it could be on top of us, and I’m not even getting into the carnivorous turtles.” Putting arms on his hips he looked at Ramoli and Naelan, “I respect your judgment in leading us on this voyage, but I would humbly request you leave the watches to Y’sanne and myself, for our safety. We are each assigned a role, let us fulfill those roles.”

When the hunter had finished, Ramoli sat quiet a moment and looked at the fire. Then he cleared his throat as if ready to speak, perhaps to offer a counterpoint to what the other man had said. Then, if any eyes fell upon him, he realized he had brought attention to himself, and shook his head … the sort of thing where he really needed to clear his throat, just an inopportune time to have that need arise. For he was struggling, he should speak up in support of Naelan, but he was in agreement with Olar, the two capable of fighting the nasty beasties that dwelled in the nightlife of this new world should be the ones looking out for their safety, for Naelan’s safety. He wanted to be the man for Naelan, that spoke her piece or gave her his support, he just wasn’t sure which way she was inclined to think on the topic and instead of stumbling in disagreement his silence was deferring to her own opinion so that he might know which side he needed to take.

Y'sanne was still pleased with her joke, even as she watched Olar verbally destroy Naelan. She snickered a little, but leaned back into the dirt as she waited for the elder woman to speak first. Said woman did speak, nodding her head. "Oh! I didn't know it would be such a problem! In that case, by all means let you two take it!" She waved her hands dismissively, apparently unable to take offense to anything. "I was kind of joking. But it's okay! I'm not very good, at making jokes that is." She quickly adds to the end, she was very good at her job. It was her life!

Y'sanne on the other hand fell back onto the ground with a soft thud. A small cloud of dirt rising. "The sleep I will lack for you..." She said softly, barely a whisper, shaking her head into the dirt. Obviously not caring too much. "Yes. My role is to defend you all with my life. In that case, I will take the second and last night shifts. The most dangerous." Y'sanne smirked a little at herself. "Do not worry though, I will not let anyone die tonight."

Though the woman was small, there were stories about her in the settlement. There was even a tale that she had killed her parents with her bare hands, some told it to scare their children into eating their vegetables, or Y'sanne would come after them. Though only rarely.

Naelan settled into the dirt, though she continued to try and remove the stains of it from her dress. "Good good. I don't like dying." She said as conversationally as she could, before smiling over to Ramoli. "So, what do you expect we'll find in Toronto?"