May 14 109 PA - Long walk home

From Chronicles

For months now sorties have been gathering to show refugees who wish to return to their homes the way. A very successful campaign with almost all of the refugees now returned. But small groups still wish to embark so if one wishes some coin this is considered one of the easier ways of it. Especially with the capabilities of the common shifter. A group can be in Tolkeen proper the same day, and the surrounding territories within a week.

Transportation. So often it seems to simmer down to that common denominator for Leonard. Not the vast library he's assembled, nor the potent power and knowledge that he's personally obtained, but just... someone needs a ride. Still, he is here, and credits remain valid and desired.

Sithik has decided a good way to learn the lay of this new land he's found himself in is to make one of these treks to this city called Tolkeen he's been hearing about. Upon hearing word where to meet up to partake in the trip, he makes his way that way to meet up and join in.

Valeriya is up ahead, gathering a group ready to make the trek. Half a dozen refugees looking to return to homes the abandoned long before. Most everything seems to be in order as she goes about ensuring all are ready to travel. One or two more refugees are expected to join them yet so there is time to go over things. On Valeriya's shoulder a winged reptile is perched, comparable to a midsized bird.

Sithik's companion is not noticed as being with him at first, the tattooed man seems to give the creature a wide range to roam if it chooses. He knows a sharp loud command will have the reptilian creature heading his way. As he makes his way towards where Valeriya is gathering a group of refugees together his pet trots up to his side. "Are you in charge?" he asks of the woman doing the gathering.

"If she isn't," Leonard chuckles as he nears, "I'd like to see who is." That he knows Valeriya could be inferred from that, and their mutual possession of shoulder ornaments. In Leonard's case, however, it appears to be a rather mundane raven. He glances over the collection of travelers. "How many, and is this all?"

"Not quite all of us yet sir. My husband and daughter are still coming up from the city. Had some last minute errands to see to so I came ahead to secure them a spot." A simple woman explains. But everyone else seems ready with bags and carts in hand to take them where they wish to go.

Valeriya smirks at Leonard after his remark. "You could be in charge, if you wanted to be," she remarks back, smirk persisting. Yet another mark on the nature of her ambition. She nods to the woman's explanation. "Well so long as we leave for Tolkeen before the evening we're in no real hurry. Can rest there the night if need be before helping those that need get to the surrounding areas."

Sithik shakes his head, "I am not one for leading here. I have come to learn the land. We are at your service, however we may help." With the proximity of the other reptilian bird, his companion seems irritated, swishing and flicking its whip like tail.

Leonard returns the smirk and nods. "I could." In fact, assuming that he is expected to provide primary transportation, he should be. Leonard nods to the woman who spoke up. "Well, as soon as they arrive, or we decide to depart, we will depart." Now his attention turns to the man who also has a non-humanoid companion. "Help is welcome. The more the merrier, and, if we encounter any trouble, the fewer that fire or chew on any one of us." Safety in numbers.

Valeriya nods to Sithik, actually taking some time to look him over. "Very interesting tattoos you have. Have you a name as well?" She asks with clear interest. The lizard on her shoulder doesn’t seem to notice the irritation of the larger earthbound relative.

Sithik replies to Valeriya, a slight bow of his head, "I am called Sithik. We are hunters mainly, but are quite capable of providing protection as well. Are we traveling by foot or vehicle?" He seems to pay no mind to his pet's irritation either, it still obediently stays by his side, eyes on the scaly bird.

"Ideally," Leonard notes as he looks over the small group, "Either and yet neither. The actual distance covered under our own power will be much less than that to Tolkeen. It's just a matter of crossing from here to the line and the same span outside of Tolkeen. I've no intention of walking hundreds of miles."

"What would you have us do if we do encounter trouble though. Afraid we're not fighters at all, only half of us in armor and only two of us with rifles," one refugee man asks. As he does another man joins the group reuniting with the woman who spoke earlier. They speak to each other in hushed yet distraught tones before they turn to look back to Leonard. "Sir we must beg you to delay. Our daughter has gone missing all of a sudden. Please give us leave to find her before you depart without us." She pleads heartfully.

"If trouble happens those of you without armor should cluster immediately. If you are all huddled together I can easily shield you from any threat that comes upon us," Valeriya instructs the refugees before considering he woman's request. She looks to Leonard to let him decide before moving on to Sithik. "We travel by magic. Leonard will portal us to Tolkeen proper. From there spells will see all of us to the outlying territories."

Sithik nods to Leonard as he explains the distance required to travel, "I had no idea the distance required to travel." He looks to the man and woman missing their daughter, "Where did you lose her? If you have something that is hers, I may be able to hasten her recovery."

Leonard considers a moment and nods to woman. "We can wait, but as she said," a tip of his head to Valeriya, "We do need to leave before nightfall. For everyone's safety. If there is trouble, you may all want to stay down and together, regardless." He looks over the volunteer hunter once more. "You hunt people, then, I assume?"

While she may be delayed, it seems that Sage has ventured out to see if her assistance might be needed for this particular escort duty. She seems to be fairly well-equipped for the process. As she approaches the group, she begins to make inquiries of who she should talk to.

"Thank you sirs." The woman says, clearly grateful for the leniency. She then nods to the tattooed man, pulling a doll from her bag. "This is hers," she says before offering it to him. Then the husband speaks up. "We were in the Market Square, grabbing last minute provisions for the trip. Some things to live by once returned to our homestead. She's offen fond of the pedlars there and their shiny things. In the past I've been able to leave her to ogle such a stand for some time while I collect supplies. But this time she seems to have wandered off and I had no luck finding her in the market's gaggles.

Valeriya and Leonard almost look to be taking turns leading. So far deferring to one another pretty evenly as experience merits. Valeriya was the one to sign on for the escort. But Leonard is the one who will take them there. Give and take almost without friction it seems. She definitely seems to approve of the allowance to let the parents find their daughter.

Sithik nods to Leonard, "I hunt, plain and simple. Prey is prey regardless of the species." Taking the doll from the woman to allow his pet to get a good scent of the doll giving the command to find in Dragonese and then heads off with a wave for the father to follow. Letting his companion run ahead to find the prey following behind to most likely end up getting ahead of the father who needs to follow.

Sage seems to settle for approaching Leonard for the time being, "So, I hear you're one of those to talk to about this little outing?" She asks, "And, I hope things are well for you." She adds.

"I see," Leonard concludes to Sithik as the heavily marked man moves off on the latest hunt. As there is no immediate rush, he finds a place to sit for now. Just in time for Sage to make her presence known. He smiles towards and nods. "I am one of, yes." A gesture towards Valeriya. "She would be the other half. And, yes, things are well. Yourself? Do you plan to help us on our way?"

The man nods and moves to follow Sithik without delay. But the mother has a clearly distraught look at the thought of the beast finding her dear daughter. She lets out a quail cry as that is revealed but can't bring herself to form words against it.

Sage glances towards the other woman with a nod in response, "I have noticed that you two have been developing a working relationship." She comments simply as she looks back to Leo, "I am doing well." She replies, "And, I was thinking of doing so, yes." She adds, "Hopefully this will turn out better than the mess around the camp."

Valeriya eyes Sage then the woman in her anguish. A glance traveling between to hint possible connection. "I hope she does, we are in need of an actual expert of the land, one with true compassion and experience." She notes to Leonard with a smirk, a clear jest directed at their own skill sets.

The train of Dragonsaurus, tattooed freak, and father hastily make their way into the market. As usual, he does not restrict his pet's travel, he simply follows his pet's sniffing and movement on its search for its prey which once in the market, the pace slows considerably. Sithik is attentive though, keeping an eye on the path of his pet and those it may cross, as well as the father's reactions in case he spots his daughter first.

Leonard's eyes move between the two women, then the third, distraught one. "I'm sure that she will be found promptly, and without harm," he offers to the mother before looking to Sage with less certainly, "Although perhaps you could better console her?" Valeriya did make a valid point, and Leonard can only promise so much about unknown tattooed hunters sent off to find another's daughter. He rolls his shoulders lightly to Valeriya, but makes no comment on her jest nor Sage's mention of past events.

Sage's gaze drifts to the distressed woman as she realizes some of the drama that had been just happening. She steps over to the other woman, making sure to hold her helmet instead of wearing it. She offers the other woman a sympathetic look. "It won't be the first time a child has gone wayward in the plaza, but it is a fairly safe place. Of course, all you want to do is hold them, scold them and keep them safe when you're worried about where they may have wandered off to," she comments.

"Will she be safe from that creature?" The distraught mother asks, welcoming Sage's companionship for the time it takes the others to find her daughter. The father is quick to lead Sithik and his companion to the vendor he was sure he saw his daughter at last. Meanwhile the other refugees patiently wait. Every trip has some sort of drama, they all look patient for it.

Valeriya considers her charges with the extra time. "So who all needs to venture into the lands surrounding Tolkeen?" She asks of the group before looking to Leonard. "And how many portals can you do before needing rest?"

Sithik gives his pet another chance to re-tune itself to the scent of the little girl once at the location last seen. Once it has the scent it begins circling the area, its nose to the ground. Encouragement in Dragonese from its tattooed master making this a game for the beast, exciting the creature to want to do a good job.

"I can transport..." Leonard considers and makes a quick estimate, "A dozen there, at once, and still return the four of us here easily enough. Multiple portals to multiple locations are more taxing, and much less accurate, especially once we are near Tolkeen."

"It can be hard to tell by looking at a creature to tell, but there are many wonders in the world that can seem worse than they truly are," Sage replies, reaching out to touch the other woman on the shoulder for the sake of physical contact and any comfort it might provide. "And, I'm sure she'll be as happy to see you as you will be to see her."

In the plaza it doesn’t take long for the lizard to find the young girl's trail. The young girl is found shortly thereafter, staring at a highborn woman adorned with many jewels. The vibrant jade scales of the Dragonosaur the finds her quickly replaces that interest though. "Pony!" she cries with a child’s innocence reaching to hug the hunting beast passionately. The father's breath stops witnessing this, knowing not how it will unfold.

Valeriya nods as there turns out to be three stops outside of Tolkeen. "I figured we'd go to Tolkeen itself first. Then send our familiars out to scout the secondary trips for you to portal to," she explains to Leonard.

Sithik's pet catches the scent, following it through the market and the people within. When the prey is spotted it crouches into that ready to pounce poise, a couple flicks of it's tail as it readies itself and the tattooed man shouts in Dragonese, << Hey!, Come! >> catching his pets attention for a split moment, long enough for another repeat of the command to have the creature slithering back to it's master, slipping from the girl's grasp before she can get too close and possibly truly get harmed. He rewards his pet with a rub down and words of praise, letting the father regain his daughter.

Leonard makes note of what Valeriya determines and shares. "Keep in mind that my stamina is not infinite, and I don't wish to walk home," he notes to her with a smirk. "We'll arrive at the nexus near Tolkeen, so any stops near there may be best made on foot. That is assuming a quiet trip. I may require your assistance, otherwise."

Sage seems content to pass the time comforting the woman, as they wait for the people that left to seek the daughter. She does keep an ear on the other conversation, though.

The father gladly takes up his daughter once the moment of suspense has passed. From there they are not too long returning to the gates and everything seems ready to move forward at last. The mother is completely relieved when they return, thanking everyone for the measures taken.

"Would that be so bad? You sound nearly as bad as me," Valeriya poses to Leonard with another smirk. "We could also take a night for recovery. No part of this agreement saying we have to be done and back in just one day," she notes before looking to those returning. "Excellent, well then if there is nothing else we will be off shortly.."

Sithik returns the doll to the child once retrieved, making their way back to join the others. Only a slight bow of his head to the thanks received. "If no one minds, we will be your forward through the portal. Better to meet us first than the rest should there be danger on the other side."

"An overnight stay would not be terrible, I suppose," Leonard admits to Valeriya. "As for threats at our destination," he now turns to Sithik, "We will be able to view the other side before we step through, but we can't dawdle. The portals do not remain open for long at all. I'll also be the last through." He looks to their charges, asking, "Is everyone now ready?" His gaze ends on Sage with an arched brow.

Sage steps away from the woman when the daughter is returned and simply smiles to any thanks she might receive. Then she begins to drift over towards the duo planning this little event. "As long as I know what we're doing..." she offers.

With Leonard’s call final measures are taken. Bags and carts lifted in preparation for the journey back to their home of Tolkeen. The reunited family stays close together and to their already proven guides. Showing a strong level of trust in their capability. The other men look ready for the short road home, after such a long travel afar.

"We are escorting this handful of folk back to their homes in Tolkeen." Valeriya reiterates for Sage's benefit as Leo makes his preparations. "So to recap, Leonard is first taking us to Tolkeen proper. That will be our staging area for arranging trips to the surrounding lands," she explains for everyone's benefit.

Erebos comes walking toward the city gates from the landing strip, seeing the gathering nearby he wanders over. Once he gets closer he notes that there are some who look to be ready for an outing. He moves close enough to talk without having to yell and says "Hi, it looks like you may be heading out into lands not protected by the guards of the city. Would one more gun be welcomed for the trip?" He asks this as he shifts his slung L-20 a little higher on his armoured shoulder.

Sithik nods to Leonard, "We are ready." Speaking for himself and reptilian friend at least. As it seems things are getting started, he puts himself at the front of the pack with whomever is leading the way to the line.

Leonard nods confirmation to Sage, then turns to regard the latest comer. "More the merrier. There is safety in numbers, after all." A smirk forms. "If nothing else, it gives our enemies more targets to pick from. Come," he announces generally, "We'll distance ourselves from the walls and then we'll take the longest step of the journey." Leonard now heads for the gates with the group, helm still in hand. He'll don the stifling thing when he must, and not before.

Sage's gaze shifts to Val before nodding faintly to the woman and moving to place her helmet over her head and lock it into place after making sure her hair isn't going go to get caught. She loosens her rifle should she need to ready it on short order. "Okay, seems like a simple enough start," she comments, before looking over towards a newcomer. "And, I don't think anyone will object to another escort for these refugees."

Valeriya is strangely not in armor, and gives a slight smirk to Leonard's own hesitation to complete his. She also nods her own encouragement of one more escort. Having no knowledge of the lands ahead she is not about to turn someone away lightly. The more eyes to learn what they face as they encounter it the better. Introductions can come as they move away from the city proper.

Erebos smiles then realizing that no one could tell through his helm he nods before checking the play of the vibro-sword from its sheath and starting to follow the others. "It is not only one more target but one more shot to perhaps stop the enemy from having a chance to seek a target."

Pets seem to be common, today, given that Valeriya, Sithik, and Leonard are all accompanied by one of one sort or another. Leonard's raven (Edgar, to those in the know) is possibly the most subdued and mundane of them all, preferring to ride on the man's shoulder for the present. "A short distance up and off of the road is enough," he explains to those ahead of him. "We just want to be out of traffic." Tearing fissures in reality is taxing enough without being run over by a hovertruck in the process. Once they find a suitable spot, he will move to the forefront and begin his efforts.

Sage could, in the right circumstance, put the others to shame for being surrounded by creatures but she doesn't have any with her. She nods faintly to Leonard's instructions as she moves along with the group. She keeps an eye out for the refugees to make sure one doesn't end up straggling unexpectedly. "I suppose it is nice to have another moving target." She comments, to make light of the newcomer's remark.

The refugees are all healthy and strong. They show no difficulty keeping up for the slight transition out of the way of the city's dealings. Carrying child, bag or pulling cart all eight are ready fro the tip ahead, for better or worse.

"What's your name then?" Valeriya asks of their newcomer. "Hate to say 'hey you' in the middle of a firefight. And do you have any specialty? Knowing that before a firefight can be equally useful," she notes, the winged reptile adorning her shoulder looking content to remain there for now.

Erebos falls in behind the refugees, obviously not really caring about the details of the journey. He follows along and stands quietly as the man begins preparations for the opening of the fissure to travel to the other area. He shifts his L-20 into a ready position then turns to the woman addressing him "Oh sorry, my name is Erebos, I am new to Kingsdale recently from MercTown."

Sithik calls his pet to him once Leonard is ready to open his portal awaiting the time to pass through to the other side. The creature quickly moving to his side at his command. "Ready when you are." he signals.

Leonard stops in the clearing and focuses upon the beacon that is the nexus at their destination. After a few moments, a cerulean point of energy forms in the air before him. It then expands to a sphere before distorting into an elliptical, translucent object with coruscating tendrils of energy on its perimeter. Easily large enough for any to pass through, the view on the other side of the portal is somewhat distorted, yet obviously not the immediate area. He takes a step back and gestures. "Time to go. Stay together, and step quickly."

With the introductions beginning, Sage offers her own quick one. "I'm Sage." She offers, keeping things brief as the moment of movement seems about to be at hand. She'll keep herself orderly when the portal opens. She likely won't be the first through the hole, but she doesn't intend to be the last. She'll just try to aid in keeping people orderly before she steps through herself.

Valeriya aims to follow immediately after Sithik, the refugees starting behind her with Sage and Erebos among them and finally Leonard left with the rear. The step through is nearly night to day. They were in a grassy clearing outside of the city and away from its road. They emerge in the Tolkeen city core, an unveiled marvel. For all the talk of the war there is little evidence of it here. A great nexus and pyramid looms over them in pristinely polished condition. Its feeding ley lines acting as busy ways of travel for the magic embracing city. The number of people coming and going are beyond count. A handfull of other refugee groups arrive within minutes of their own to lend scale to the business of the terminal. To fight the disorientation of such a transition Valeriya is quick to see that her charges find her and Sithik and gather so they may progress together.

Once the fissure is stable Erebos takes a moment or two to look though before preparing to join the others going through. With the returned introduction he states, "Nice to meet you Sage." Then follows the others through the fissure at a quick march.

Sithik makes his way through the rift immediately after the ready is given, his pet requiring a sharp command barked at it to follow being leery of the rippling forces of magic at work. Once on the other side he focuses on the sights before him, moving ahead enough to allow room for the rest of the group behind him to all get through. The reptilian giving a hiss at all the activity on the other side in its initial disorientation.

Once the others traverse the portal, Leonard pauses to ensure that none hesitated, and then steps through. The destination that greets him is somewhat awe-inspiring, despite his familiarity with magic and those inclined to it. "Well," he notes as the tear in reality snaps closed to nonexistence behind him, "That was a pleasant enough first leg."

With the unfamiliar surroundings, Sage takes care to remain near the people that she recognizes as she looks around to take note of landmarks for when they begin to wander around. "Nice to meet you too," she says with a little distraction. With so many people coming and going, she can't help that some of her attention goes to noting that. "I suppose," she replies simply to Leonard's comment.

Three of their charges were bound for the city proper. So now arrived they each offer Valeriya credits and thanks before thanking the rest of the group as well. Indeed theirs were the easiest of treks and they looked quite happy to be home again before the headed out on their own.

Valeriya starts to lead the rest to the gates of this impressive city. Outside the pyramid more signs of war a clear. Great turrets still top many of the city's towers and war machines park and lumber among its streets. The rest of their people seek homes beyond this well populated marvel. As they move Valeriya looks again to Erebos. "So are you a mercenary then?"

Erebos arrives on the far side of the rift, takes a few steps to be out of the way then stops to stare around at the area where he has arrived. His helmeted head spends a much longer time pointed toward the pyramid and the nexus above, an onlooker could think that his jaw has dropped due to the spectacle. He then shakes his head once and looping the sling for his rifle around his left arm moves to join the others. "Where then are we going to be traveling to if this is the first leg?" He asks once there. He then looks over at the woman speaking to him "I have worked with a few different Merc Squads as I was growing up over the past few years. As for if I am a mercenary I guess I could say yes since I will work for someone if the pay is right but I am not part of a Merc Squad at the moment."

Sithik takes in the sights settling down his companion. The pyramid is the first thing that gets his attention, reminding him of where he came from, though it is obvious by the people coming and going its not that dreaded place. He immediately follows as the group heads off on the next leg of their journey on foot.

"The outlying areas are our next destination," Leonard explains, "But they should be relatively secure. Also, aren't we all mercenaries of a sort? Everyone has a need for credits, and works for them in some fashion." He does make note of their changing surroundings, though there may be time afterwards for sightseeing.

"Credits are but tools... albeit useful ones," Sage comments before getting ready to move along with the others are they get ready to move to the next destination. "Is there a destination along the way that's a bit less than secure?" She asks simply, deciding to be practical about their escort duty.

Valeriya nods to Erebos, Leonard and Sage as one. "True enough, but there are men who would sooner be paid in honor than coin. Merely trying to learn more about your character," she explains before considering Sage's question. "Well I'm told the family is returning to a homestead of farmland, that may not yet be secure. The other two are bound for small villages in the outskirts. Should be as safe as any small village we are used to back home."

"Right now credits are a concern since I do not want to spend the next 14 years in the dregs like I had to in the warrens of MercTown." Erebos then nods, "Some sort of forewarning of possible danger areas on the route would be nice." After listening to the destinations he states, "So for the most part it should not be too big of an issue as long as we keep our eyes open and our wits about us."

Sithik listens to the conversations as they travel, content with just listening being no one is talking to him directly. And besides, this whole area is new for him, he has to take some time to take in the sights they pass. Every now and then he corrects his pet, keeping it close for the time being.

Leonard chuckles as they walk. "There is nothing wrong with payment in honor, for those that accept it. Credits aren't everything... simply most of it for most people most of the time." It's only now that they are through the portal and more acclimated to the area that Leonard's passenger chooses to dismount and take to the air. Edgar still remains in the immediate vicinity. "Do we know which village is nearest, or have a route in mind?" He looks to Valeriya, first, then to the remaining travelers, if necessary.

"I'll admit that I'm not doing this just for credits," Sage admits, but that likely isn't a surprise to those who know her. She turns her attention to the comments about where they are heading. "I guess it only makes sense that things would be a bit less secure in the outlying areas." She comments, "Hopefully we don't get caught by surprise," she adds.

"Freehold is close enough to where I am bound. Can return me there. It's the closest as well, though not walking distance. Will be near Evenfall by the time we walk out of this City, let alone to the next," one of the refugees notes to answer Leonard’s question. "Our homestead is further south. Nearly halfway to Hills Crest where Jimmy would return to," the father states for his family, also telling where their last charge is bound.

Valeriya shrugs at all that, not looking to have much of a head for places. "Is distance a factor? I thought it was more numbers for you, Leonard," She admits, not looking afraid of being possibly ignorant. "To that end I thought you might want to let the family off first before a rest to deliver the other two and return home."

Erebos nods "In this case credits would be a blessing however it was not a major concern or I would have discussed payment before stepping through the rift. Seeing as I am new in the city I also know I need to prove myself before respectable jobs that pay well will come my way rather then having to search them out." He then waits as the others discuss the travel plans and destinations.

Sithik pays close attention to the destinations as they are named, continuing to follow along silently. Most of what comes out of his mouth are quick barks of commands to keep his pet from wandering off before exiting the city. It seems to get very curious as it gets caught up in a scent in the air or along the ground.

"Distance is irrelevant," Leonard confirms, "And it is more number of travelers and separate trips. The other primary factor is familiarity. While I have only visited near Tolkeen in the past, the nexus stands as a beacon. I cannot, with any accuracy, simply deposit us at any random homestead or village. We may need to travel some distance on foot."

"If I had an idea of direction and landmarks, I might be able to find our way along," Sage comments, "But, I'm not sure if that'll be necessar," she adds before looking towards the refugees. "Assuming they know their way back."

"The homestead is less than fifty miles south. And your other destinations are nearly as far again. Freehold is a mere 15 miles out, but as you say, it is a matter of numbers not miles. And you are all welcome to rest as our guests to recover," the father says in a welcome voice.

Valeriya nods to the man. "Indeed." She then looks to Leonard. "Can Edgar be your eyes for knowing where to open the portal? Our familiars could scout the miles ahead far more capably than any of us," she notes as the continue to the edge of the city.

Erebos shrugs at the talk of distances and directions. "I don't know this area and I guess I should have asked about the traveling before leaving the city so I could have brought my bike." Otherwise he continues to walk along with the others scanning his eyes from side to side and turning to look behind every now and then.

Sithik turns to Leonard after he mentions the possibilities, "Can you at least pick a compass point from the village with accuracy? If we know at least the direction of the village from where we end up, between the woman and I, we should be able to find it," indicating Sage as the woman with a nod her way. "Fifteen miles is not far to walk," commenting on the fathers words.

Leonard nods to Valeriya without any delay for consideration. "He could, and you are quite right. Neither is the first far to walk." Now he considers, acknowledging the others with a glance. "If we travel to the first and either stay to rest or I can receive some aid, we shall have no issues. A stop would allow Edgar to fly to the next point ahead of us."

Sage takes a moment to orient herself, "I could probably find the directions accurately enough," she comments, as she takes a moment to get her bearings. Then nodding to herself, "Just let me know which direction you'd like to know." She adds.

Valeriya nods. "Will probably take that long for them to travel as far and back anyway." She agrees before nodding to Sithik. "Was more what might be along that road that gave me pause for our charges than three miles in it. But it does seem the proper course for us to head east while the birds head south," she agrees and looks to the refugees for accurate directions for the corvids.

Erebos follows along not contributing on the conversation at the moment instead he is keeping himself aware of the surroundings and doing his best to be alert for possible threats.

Sithik gives a nod to Valeriya, going back to listening again as they continue their way through the city to the gates. Paying particular attention to the directions of the final stop. Sithik has partially disconnected.

"At worst, it's better that they locate any dangers first, anyhow," Leonard comments as he also looks to the remaining travelers for directions to their destinations.

"South would be that way..." Sage comments with a gesture in one direction, before giving a brief pause and gesturing in another direction, "And, that would be east..." She comments, likely not sure whether the destinations are true to the direction.

And so the party sets out for Freehold, the closest and easiest to find. The road between there and Tolkeen is wide and well-traveled in the late afternoon of their leaving. Though by early evening the diverse number travelers using it are much more sparse. None of which have yet paid the group any mind let alone any trouble. But such luck cannot last forever. Two-thirds of the way there a trio of tall, thin humanoids with scaly yellow, red and orange skin cross their path. Large melon heads point blazing yellow eyes at the group.

Valeriya locks her eyes on the strange aliens, her gaze strong as if to ward them off by a look of contention alone. But it seems to have the exact opposite effect. They chitter aggressively and make harsh gestures. Anyone could look at their body language and see that they meet challenges, not shirk from them.

Erebos keeps his rifle at the ready as it has been the whole trip, he does not raise it as of yet since the trio has not become aggressive. He does however shimmer slightly in the light, possibly just the heat raising from his armor.

Sithik moves instantly to touch two tattoos as the unknown creatures begin to make aggressive chittering, his pet hissing back its own challenge. He puts himself in between the group and the aliens.

Leonard takes rapid stock of the situation, and reaches a hand for Valeriya's arm. "Now, now. No need to be rude," he advises all before addressing the d-bees. "Is there a problem?" It's asked genuinely, without challenge or sarcasm.

Sage subtly shifts her rifle a little, but takes the moment to look to the refugees for a reaction until Leonard seems to move to take charge of the situation. She doesn't make any other motions that would be obviously aggressive of defensive. Instead she remains watchful.

Of the refugees only two have armor, and only one a rifle. The family quails being completely defenseless before the aggressive aliens. So the four huddle together for the protection Valeriya mentioned before the departure. The fifth lingering aside so he might assist with their defense.

Valeriya shrugs helplessly at Leonard turning to instead protect their charges as he tries to avert conflict. A gesture and a phrase from a dark forgotten dialect and a translucent shield encloses the four. A more elaborate phrase and gesture for herself and translucent plates protect her as well. "Form two lines folks, defense and offense." Valeriya instructs to the rest while letting Leonard see if he can make them wholly unnecessary.

Erebos has done what he can to protect himself and since he cannot understand the D-Bees he waits for a course of action to present itself. He stands calmly and though his rifle is not aimed at the trio on the road, one who has seen a Merc in action would know he is ready to lift and fire when needed. He moves into the later of the two lines ready to defend if needed or take the offensive.

"Human woman looks at Yeno like Yeno woman. Yeno think she should make good claim from eyes." One of the aliens answer and the others all seem to approve. Their aggression seems on hold there, waiting for the group's reaction.

Sithik stands his ground keeping himself between the aliens and the group, they will have to go through him and his companion should they wish to advance. He awaits the group leaders to decide what the outcome will be.

Leonard finds the explanation humorous and cannot help but smirk. "Be that as it may, she's not looking nor available to be claimed. I suggest we all move along on our respective ways." Of course, Leonard could be wrong, but Valeriya is always welcome to correct him.

"We will move along when done with human woman," the alien states firmly before locking eyes on Valeriya again who just shrugs helplessly. "Well, if you insist I guess we have no choice but to kill you all," She replies in a chillingly calm tone as she draws her silver dagger. A dark phrase and a flick of the blade extends it into a blade of ice.

Erebos watches as the female makes a knife into a sword as the D-Bee talks of taking her. He flips the L-20 Rifle to his shoulder and aims at the Yeno quickly shooting two shots toward it.

Behind the others the single refugee and Sage watch the scene unfold with minor hesitation. Who's to say what these things are or can do. The two good shots that are stopped before hitting the alien itself are signal enough lasers may not work as well as they ought.

"You'll be taking nothing," Leonard abandons pleasantries and any hint of humor. A sharp gesture and uttered word sends multiple strands of solidifying energy at the group of Yeno from his outstretched hand. A second gesture reaches out in a metaphysical sense at the group to steal their strength.

Nets spring from Leonard's fingers but the aliens are quick. Only one is unlucky enough to be caught. But the others don’t completely escape the magic that follows, one visibly slowing as if fatigued. In return the other seems to take a certain preference for Leonard firing energy blasts from its bare hands.

All this attention for her. Valeriya should be grateful. Maybe she would be if she wasn’t being paid to protect others at the time. Business before pleasure they say so in a fluid motion she pulls a glowing ball from her pouch to throw at the netted alien before throwing her ice sword at the one who was slowed.

Sithik hesitates only for a moment, not expecting the shots to fly past him at the creatures. He touches his neck concentrating, activating another tattoo. The dragonsaur's tail twitching violently awaiting the command to attack or someone to get to close to his master. Hissing challenges at those that impede the way.

In the end of the first turn things look to be going well for the party. One alien is netted and burning. The flames consuming anything to touch with magical appetite. Another is slowed and narrowly to a sword of ice to whatever field protects them. The third is as of yet unharmed..

Erebos flicks a switch on his rifle with his thumb then fires a burst of three energy pulses at the same alien hoping to be able to actually get through its defenses this time.

The offensive line seems to have things well in hand so the refugees and Sage simply hold their ground and watch as things develop.

Leonard straightens after ducking the energy blast. So that he need not worry about another, he conjures a measure of protection for himself.

One blast from the alien will reveal this new protection if it hits. The next would follow to Valeriya instead. The woman who 'started' all this seems to have no qualms burning his brother to ash after all. The other that was slowed has a similar notion.

The energy blasts come, but smolder impotently against the translucent plates protecting Valeriya. A grasp of her glove and the sword of ice she'd thrown from her hand is back in it somehow, ready to be thrown again. She does so without hesitation.

Sithik touches one last tattoo and rushes in to pound the hell out of the one being still not touched, his companion charging in with him. Swinging a big fist its way. The dragonsaur leaping to attack with two rear claws.

Well no one is out of the fight now. But these aliens are pretty resilient nonetheless. Even the one on fire looks like it could take a while. The one Sithik is fighting and the other Val is throwing her sword at barely look phased at all.

Erebos takes a brief moment to examine the opponents and seeing one out of commission and another in melee with the tattooed man decides to aim for the third alien. Looking down the sights on the rifle he exhales and fires a burst at the alien that Valeriya threw her sword at.

Another energy blast smolders against the alien's resistant protection. But such measures can't be unlimited. The refugee and Sage both rooting for those in front as they watch and wait for the clear victors to finish the route.

Between their apparent protection and energy abilities, Leonard surmises that this confrontation could take some time if left to a slugging match. He returns to his original intent to end it more efficiently, spreading his arms and extending a hand at each of the remaining Yeno. More sticky strands are released.

And another is netted to become as helpless as his burning brother. The last stepped out of the way but does not return fire. Where does one shoot when all enemies seem equally more formidable than you? One should not shoot at all in such a case. The last alien starts to flee.

Another netted and another ball of fire pulled from a pouch and thrown. But with the third fleeing she saves cocking her wrist to summon her sword. So long as her globe did hit she'll walk to retrieve it instead. If not, she'll throw another for good measure.

Sithik, seeing his has been netted and is on fire, commands his pet to chase down the last fleeing alien D-bee. No prey shall escape this pair of hunters. He too, moves to the chase.

And the battle is done quickly in barely fifteen seconds. Two aliens burn in magic nets. They struggle silently for the moment but given a minute shrill screams will call out their agony until their lives extinguish moments before the fires exhaust themselves.

Erebos keeps his rifle at the ready until the last alien burns down to ash. Only once there is no sign of the aliens or other danger does he lower the weapon. Looking at the others he asks "What were those?"

Sage and the refugees emerge from the battle wholly unscathed and grateful for it. The family was clearly distraught during the fighting but look much better now as Valeriya's shield is released from them. They all thank the others openly.

"Yeno," Leonard comments, "From their own words. D-bees with some control over energy... and dangerous tastes in women, apparently. Is everyone intact?" He turns to look over all, fairly confident that no one was holed without his knowledge. "Good. Shall we continue? Not to rush anyone, but where there was one bout of trouble there could be more." That and the stench of smoldering flesh isn't all that pleasant.

"Some people like to live dangerously." Valeriya remarks as her sword of ice melts back to being a silver dagger for her to sheath. "And everyone looks more or less intact as planned. A good warmup. Maybe the next fight we run into will be more taxing," she says boldly, though any that know magic would know her reserves are a fair bit lower now.

Sithik continues to chase down his prey, the Dragonsaur soon being passed up by its master as another tattoo is touched increasing his speed tremendously in order to catch that which flees.

Erebos looks into the distance as the tattooed man and his reptile chase after the fleeing Yeno. "If we are leaving to continue will he be able to catch up? Also should we be worried about him being gone on his own?" He then checks the charge in his E-Clip and slings the rifle back over his shoulder.

Sage and the refugees return to their prior arrangements for the trek to Freehold. The refugees in the center, Sage tailing to join Leonard and Erebos.

Leonard glances to the diminishing tattooed form and shrugs. "I'd say that he can catch up easily enough, and he has no worries of being on his own." He begins to walk along the road, resuming their original course. "It's best that we keep moving."

"Its not like he got far before he ran the creature down anyway," Valeriya notes from the head of the group. Indeed Sithik caught up to the alien well within sight of everyone. And will probably finish with it before they are gone from it.

Sithik quickly catches up with his prey leaping in for the pounce to bring him down, his pet not quite as fast as you would think, being out-distanced by his master.

Erebos shrugs and since he is prepared to continue watches the battle that is going on too far away to risk joining in with his rifle. Once the column begins to move he falls in to join the back of the pack.

And so the line starts progressing towards Freehold, resuming their original pace. The alien won't be able to put up much of a fight against Sithik, only as strong as a human, and the energy blasts seem useless against the tattooed man. So in the end the cries of anguish will be much like the fires before.

Sithik's first attempt to bring the alien down fails. He ends up leaping completely over the being only to fall and roll. Surprisingly enough, the tattooed hunter is very nimble and rolls back to his feet to face the being, though losing his chance to grab hold of it. This gives a chance for the reptilian to make its attack, leaping to latch on with its claws from behind and give the killing bite to the back of its neck.

Leonard keeps his attentions more on the convoy and path ahead than the melee scuffle in the distance. Sithik seems confident enough. Competence is another matter, but he'll either return or he won't. Either way, they don't need to wait.

Valeriya will wait for the cries to be silenced before looking to see if Sithik is ready to rejoin the group. Everyone seems quite quiet in the meantime but she can hardly blame them. Battle is no easy sight, especially to watch helplessly.

Erebos walks along in silence behind the group, little further attention is paid to the tattooed man once the last alien is dispatched. Now his attention is back where it should be scanning not only the land around for further threats but also the skies.

The group continues and in good time the reach the city of Freehold. Nearly as majestic as Tolkeen was it appears to be two great walled cities in one. The human city surrounding the city of dragons. It's here that the refugee known as Frank takes his leave of the escort group. Handing Valeriya some credits and bidding all good tiding before he goes.

"Travel safely," Leonard offers to Frank before looking to the remaining pair of escorted familial groups. "How far to the next waypoint?" Such was mentioned before, but he does not immediately recall. Another query is made to his fellow escorts. "Should we continue on, or consider resting for the night? The farther and later we travel, the more likely we encounter some unpleasantness."

"Fifty miles south," the father answers and Valeriya nods. "Charon and Edgar are almost back to us. We'll take shelter for the night and be ready to make that portal at first light," she decrees, not expecting any objections before she looks back to their charges. "Recommend a good inn?"

Erebos nods a farewell to Frank as he leaves then looks to Leonard. "I believe that it is another 50 miles to the next location." He answers then continues, "It may be best to rest for the night to allow those of us that expended energy to regain what was used." He then waits for an answer to the question of the inn.

"Gary's Kitchen is well known for its food and hospitality," the mother answers with a shrug. "Just don’t pry into their secret recipes," she adds with a smirk that shows she has been able to move past the stressful conflict from earlier.

It doesn't take Sithik long to catch up. Being able to race along a vehicle speeds, it's his pet that will need to catch up with the group, which he will await before entering any village or town.

Leonard rolls his shoulders and has no arguments. "Food and hospitality sound perfectly fine with me. I'd prefer the opportunity to rest."

And so the group makes its way to Gary's kitchen to take in a very unique from of both. Plates heaped with fried riced and noodles, accompanied by battered and fried meats of all varieties. Enriched with spicy and sweet sauces. Valeriya for one takes to love the different palate, eating without restraint to fully sample every dish.

Erebos takes his seat and for the first time removes his helmet, near black hair pulled back into a tail hangs down the back of his head and into the armour body. The blackness of the hair makes the already pale man look even paler and the combination of the two extremes cause the violet of his eyes to be even more brilliant in colour. He two tries as many of the dishes as possible but in a much less exuberant method then Valeriya.

Spicy. Sweet. Fried. Battered. All of the key nutritional groups are present, and Leonard collects his own selections from each. He's hungry, but not a bottomless pit as others might seem to be. "Are there any preferences on where or how we acquire rooms?," he asks between bites.

Sithik eventually joins up with the rest of the group at the inn. There are only so many places to go to find everyone. Once there he asks, "Will this be where you will be resting for the night? If so, I will meet you in the morning." With no money, he has grown accustomed to sleeping on the street or wilderness with his companion. Between them, he is confident they will be able to feed themselves.

The group's charges eat well as well, restoring strength sapped by travel and stress. And look much better for it after the feast.

Valeriya nods in answers to Sithik but motions for him to join them. "Enough food and rooms for all of us, on me. A business expense," she says, insisting that he pack away some of the great amount of food ordered. From the looks of it where will be left overs for breakfast well after everyone has had their fill.

Erebos eats as only a boy in his late teens can, seemingly packing away as much as he weighs. Only after eating his fill does he look around at the others "Will we be able to get rooms here or will it be another location for sleeping? Or I guess the better question is will we all be able to get rooms in the same location, it is hard to guard the refugees and each other if we are separated."

After the feast rooms were taken care of by the same caterers. The party and refugees where both allowed an ample night's sleep before waking at dawn. Dawn not only brought a new day, but the familiars of Valeriya and Leonard were waiting as well. Recovered and recharged the part then took less then ten steps to travel fifty miles south to the farm and homestead of their charged family. Or what was left of it. Ash and cinders at the first look, but the father did not look worried. Some rooting in the remains and a hidden hatch was revealed, showing a shelter that have survived many tragedies before this one. The family safe there and only one charge left another set of steps was taken to deliver him at least to the hamlet of Hillcrest. It fairer similar to the homestead. but already others where there rebuilding. And so the mission to return some former guests ended. All that was left was for the party to return home. Yet a few more steps, and they did.

Erebos travels around vast areas in little to no time for the first time in his life, the multiple jumps in a row have left him shaken and if his helm was not on he would look even paler then ever. Once the familiar gates of Kingsdale appear he stumbles through the last rift then once out of the way of others coming through stops to regain his balance and breath.

Sage isn't unfamiliar with traveling through rifts, but she likely hadn't had a chance before to do it a number of times in a short period of time. She offers what aid she's able to while on the trip even if the others may have garnered more prominent roles within the trip. It doesn't seem to bother her as she mainly wanted to see the people back safe where they belong. It is a relief to see Kingsdale once more, though. Somehow over the years she's been here, it's become a home instead of just a city that didn't really need her kind of help.

Things are uneventful for Sithik and his companion for the rest of the trip, and unfortunately not much of the land was learned this go around, but there are many more travels in the future in which to participate still. He does what he can to take note of what landmarks can be noted at each stop they make before they move on. He may never travel this way again, but if he does, it always helps to know what to look out for to find your way. The magical travel puts the reptilian to the test for patience, it does not like the disorientation associated with it, bringing out a crankiness in the creature each time that even its master is challenged to calm by the end of the jumps.

Uneventful travel may be boring, but it is better for keeping one's limbs and vital organs attached where they were meant to be. The repeated steps through the portals are not disorienting to Leonard, but they are very fatiguing. By the time the final steps are made to return them to Kingsdale, he is rather exhausted.

Valeriya is similarly drained, offering her own well to fuel the travel once Leonard's ran out. But she looks at peace about it. It wasn’t a terribly hard endeavor, but one can scarce deny the feeling of good given to all for completing it. And then it came time to split the purse. Sparse more than 2500 credits for each of them, but better than naught. And it's not like they suffered any loss or hardship making it.