Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » The Forest of No Return (1x1)

THUNK!
Elda was startled out of her light slumber, head bumping back against the trunk of an ancient oak. Wide green eyes scanned the surrounding forest foliage for any sign of danger but were only met with the calming scenery of everyday life. Birds chirped serenely above and light filtered in from the canopy. The lass huffed from her curled position against mighty trunk, looking around she spotted a fallen branch, the likely offender. "Tch Of course. " She closed her eyes but a moment before all when silent in the vast woodlands.

These were the jobs that he loved the most. There was something about the forest that made it quite serene, also the challenge was something to keep his mind occupied. He strolled the forest in search of his target, which could most likely take any number of days. The only information he knew was where the village was located, and the target's face. But he still couldn't help himself from taking in the view as he strolled down a path of trees. He had his Black Bow in hand, just in case of any foreign danger, as he was completely new to this stretch.

Elda's eyes parted once more as the forest fell silent. The birds had stopped their singing, no doubt an omen to something foreign roaming the terrain. She stood quickly, quietly gathering her leather pack and quiver and bow securing the items onto her back. She stalked further into the great forest slow and nearly silent, dodging obstacles in her path with grace. She listened carefully, her left digits traced the hilt of her dagger, the she elf was on edge. When she heard the faint but unmistakable crunch of debris under foot she froze. just ahead, to the right! She creeped closer, starting to see a retreating figure through the greenery.

He realized that the noises of the forest had ceased increasingly. However, he didn't really pay too much mind to the fact as he relished in silence. His eyes shifted behind his mask, looking for any specific landmarks in order to keep his direction. He stopped briefly and felt out the area. Something seemed to be quite bothering. He knew it was probably just the animals, but nonetheless, the familiar feel of a gaze was at the back of his neck. He shook his head slightly, figuring he was being overly cautious. Finally, in a defeated attempt to locate his whereabouts, he reached into a leather pack, and pulled out a scroll with a map. "These bloody elves hide their encampments well." he mumbled aloud to himself. He took one last look at his surroundings before rolling up the parchment and putting it snugly between his mask and his hood. He placed the bow on his back and pulled out his dagger. Slamming the blade into a nearby tree, he started his way up to gain higher ground.

Elda's eyes narrowed as the figure spoke. She had no idea on which city he intended on reaching but it did not bode well. She weighed her options, she could speak now or watch him for a while longer. He certainly seemed none the wiser... She sighed lightly already knowing which option she would take. Elda crouched low and plucked a smooth stone from the earth. She creeped closer, narrowing the gap between them, only the trunk she hid behind sheltering her from his view. 'I hope I shall not regret this action.' she steeled herself. Peeking from behind the trunk she flicked the stone straight into the back of the stranger's head. It wasn't big enough to cause any pain but would certainly get his attention. She hurried back behind the trunk, and called faintly "Do you yield?" She tried to keeping the nervous tremor from her voice.

Vadva felt something small strike his neck. It wasn't anything to do any harm, but it certainly was enough to kick in his instincts. Immediately he threw a throwing dirk from his hip straight into the trunk in which the assailant was behind. Swiftly, he lunged himself upon a branch, and crouched as he whipped his bow out, drawing speedily with a spiral cone shaped arrow at the ready. After the reaction, he realized the words, and that the voice that spoke was indeed that of a woman's. "Reveal yourself, wench. Tell me who sent you as my counter, and I will allow myself restraint. These wares are not a bluff, your body will just add to many, so save yourself the trouble." he said, extremely hostile. His eyes darted around looking for any signs of an ambush, while keeping the arrow's aim at either side of the tree's trunk.

"Lle holma ve' edan" She cursed but the insult was true, he reeked of human, son of man. " Lower your weapon, mortal, you know not who you challenge " her voice firm but not hostile, though inwardly she was seething, she knew she would have to play nice if she were to get anywhere. " I was not sent here to seek you out. I was merely sating my own curiosity. You are far from home, so very out of place here. Tell me, what is it you are looking for?" she turned her body 'round to face the tree. with all the agile of a cat climbed up into its branches to face opposite the brute.Catching sight of his ghastly mask she paled, he looked closer to a wraith than anything living. Still she offered charming grin and rose her empty hands wriggling the digits harmlessly. She was well aware he might still strike and was planning the best escape route should things go sour.

"Not hired?" he thought for a second, but kept aim. He was still deciding the truth behind her words, and also whether to keep her alive. Killing was his business, but not his leisure, at least not entirely. Encounters such as these always made things difficult as it's never certain whether an individual could jeopardize his plans. Was she really a counter assassin? No. She couldn't be. She would have already had the chance to strike. He took this into consideration along with the look on her face and lowered his bow, but kept it ready. "There is no such thing as being 'out of place' for me. There's also no such a place as 'home', either. What I seek is an Elven encampment somewhere in this vicinity, you'd do well to tell me where it is. You'd also have done well not to meddle with strangers, as it puts you in a strange predicament." He had high doubts that she'd actually give the information away, but he at least gave her the ultimatum.