The sound of pleasant bird song cut off abruptly, as if the bird had been choked out of its voice. Kenji met Atolis gaze when she lifted it to the rafters and grinned. She brought her finger tips to her plump, iridescent lips then blew a kiss towards the harpy. The fae seemed not in the least bothered by Atolis comment, but more like amused that the creature disliked her so. It tickled Kenji.
With a fluid motion, she dropped from the rafters, landing a few feet from Taff like a graceful cat. She stood to her bare feet slowly, her pointed ears twitching at the sound of approaching men. Her small hand gripped the hem of his shirt, giving it a tug or two. She seemed not to mind the information he'd spewed about himself. It seemed she already knew all she'd needed to.
With a fluid motion, she dropped from the rafters, landing a few feet from Taff like a graceful cat. She stood to her bare feet slowly, her pointed ears twitching at the sound of approaching men. Her small hand gripped the hem of his shirt, giving it a tug or two. She seemed not to mind the information he'd spewed about himself. It seemed she already knew all she'd needed to.
Quintus had been resting eyes for a few moments, thinking of home. He wondered if any of his friends had noticed his absence...perhaps his superiors? or maybe time flowed differently... It made his head swim and so he began to think of his past, seeing his family one last time before he'd gone off world. It'd been the last time he'd....
He was broken from his thoughts as he felt movement under his hand, followed by a smaller hand lightly moving his hand off its resting place. It was then he noticed he'd gotten carried away and forgotten to remove his hand from Atoli's head, a wave of heat and cold coursed through him as he felt the slight embarrassment kick in as he brought his now restless hand behind his head.
"Oh, um, sorry...got carried away a bit with..." Upon noticing her puffiness he stood upright. "Hey are you alright? your getting kinda red and...fluffy... Is that supposed to happen?"
Some of his attention was brought away at the continued bickering between Iskra and Aynor, he still didn't believe Iskra. He wondered how things would go once her crew got here. The soft sound of a crunch and padding on the dirt floor brought his attention to the creature and Taff, both seemed much less threatening, especially now that Taff fully believed him to be a knight from the kingdom.
He brought his attention before continuing,
"Sorry, got carried away a bit. You reminded me of someone important. Won't happen again" he finished with a nod before pausing. Perhaps it would be wise to go out and take a lay of the area again, plan a possible escape route or useful obstacles. With that thought he began heading out, offering a nod to Aynor.
He was broken from his thoughts as he felt movement under his hand, followed by a smaller hand lightly moving his hand off its resting place. It was then he noticed he'd gotten carried away and forgotten to remove his hand from Atoli's head, a wave of heat and cold coursed through him as he felt the slight embarrassment kick in as he brought his now restless hand behind his head.
"Oh, um, sorry...got carried away a bit with..." Upon noticing her puffiness he stood upright. "Hey are you alright? your getting kinda red and...fluffy... Is that supposed to happen?"
Some of his attention was brought away at the continued bickering between Iskra and Aynor, he still didn't believe Iskra. He wondered how things would go once her crew got here. The soft sound of a crunch and padding on the dirt floor brought his attention to the creature and Taff, both seemed much less threatening, especially now that Taff fully believed him to be a knight from the kingdom.
He brought his attention before continuing,
"Sorry, got carried away a bit. You reminded me of someone important. Won't happen again" he finished with a nod before pausing. Perhaps it would be wise to go out and take a lay of the area again, plan a possible escape route or useful obstacles. With that thought he began heading out, offering a nod to Aynor.
Iskra stopped. If there was anything close to comparing the look on her face to, it was that of a man witnessing war for the first time. Stunned into silence, stupefied and horrified all at the same time.
And then, Iskra’s face lit up a vibrant shade of red, specifically when Robin mentioned “with or without clothes.” No way in hell or heaven or any other power would she be allowing that to happen, “If you or any of your...” her eyes slid to Aynor, displaying a dangerous rage, “dogs, lay single hand on my clothing, I promise I vill have Dunsten cut zhat hand and all ozher appendages from your body inch. By. Inch.” Her voice had dropped low, a hiss worthy of a snake.
————
“I don’t know...” Alexei sighed, glancing out to the trees.
“Well the boss would be mad if we missed this chance, ay? Sa let’s see what the boys got, besides, it’s bad business if we reject them so quick.” Lev offered with a smile, “Makes us look unreliable. And better us to see first than that damned Pentre.”
Alexei sighed, “Fine, Fine, up the ropes, boys, let’s move.” They climbed up with quickness known to their clan, even Dunsten, big as he was. And when they entered the barn, Alexei gave Robin a wide smile, walking up to give him a hug— until his eyes landed on Iskra. In fact, all of the bandits froze, staring at her with a look of both happiness and sheer terror. That rage on her face wasn’t even good for them.
“...if we leave can we pretend we never found her...” Lev whispered, leaning towards Dunsten, and getting a swift elbow to the chest instead of a reply.
And then, Iskra’s face lit up a vibrant shade of red, specifically when Robin mentioned “with or without clothes.” No way in hell or heaven or any other power would she be allowing that to happen, “If you or any of your...” her eyes slid to Aynor, displaying a dangerous rage, “dogs, lay single hand on my clothing, I promise I vill have Dunsten cut zhat hand and all ozher appendages from your body inch. By. Inch.” Her voice had dropped low, a hiss worthy of a snake.
————
“I don’t know...” Alexei sighed, glancing out to the trees.
“Well the boss would be mad if we missed this chance, ay? Sa let’s see what the boys got, besides, it’s bad business if we reject them so quick.” Lev offered with a smile, “Makes us look unreliable. And better us to see first than that damned Pentre.”
Alexei sighed, “Fine, Fine, up the ropes, boys, let’s move.” They climbed up with quickness known to their clan, even Dunsten, big as he was. And when they entered the barn, Alexei gave Robin a wide smile, walking up to give him a hug— until his eyes landed on Iskra. In fact, all of the bandits froze, staring at her with a look of both happiness and sheer terror. That rage on her face wasn’t even good for them.
“...if we leave can we pretend we never found her...” Lev whispered, leaning towards Dunsten, and getting a swift elbow to the chest instead of a reply.
Aynor watched Robin go to greet the new arrivals, clearly the most acquainted with them. Whilst Robin was busy, Aynor took the opportunity to make some advances simply to tease Iskra some more, holding Iskra's chin gently in his palm to place another kiss upon her forehead instead, a gentle kiss, a caring one.
"Honey, the more I look at you, this red faced, the more I like you... you honestly look beautiful when you are this mad. So tell me do I have a love rival to dispose of? are you married perhaps?" questioned Aynor sitting down by her to relax and to take further liberties, wrapping an arm around her shoulders to tug her closely towards his chest, so she could rest her head upon it, whilst Aynor craddled her as if he was a protective lover. She had well shackled hands, no way she could strangle him anyways and with her aim, clearly, anyone else who was nearby was at risk instead.
"They're mean men, these slavers are, but don't worry about it, I will protect you, if they take your clothes off to keep Pentre off their tracks, I will let you have my spare ones... I promise..." mused Aynor as if craddling a helpless damsel in distress.
"You have beautiful white hair you know, it makes you stand out like a target in the dark, so I can find you better if you escape... isn't that peachy?" grinned Aynor brushing her hair gently as if petting a cat.
It was clear to the rest of the group that Aynor had fallen head over heels with this woman and that might just impede the sale because if Onyx was known to be ruthless, Aynor was known to be deadly enough to never leave any living witnesses.
"Hey why not go fetch her something to eat and drink, we can't have the ladies going starving, right?" prompted Glendale looking at Aynor hoping the man would release Iskra as be focused on this task.
"Indeed we cannot, what manners would that be if we do not feed the guests, Haldor, bring some over, she must be hungry after outrunning Pentre and you lot" nodded Aynor in agreement causing Glendale to cringe as it the whole task backfired.
Haldor muttered a low grumble at the low provisions already but Aynor's narrowed eyes convinced him they could part ways of some more of it. He went to fetch food from their travel bag, preparing a plate of dried meats like salamis and similar, some slices of cheese, some olives, a dollop of honey and a portion of bread.
Aynor took the plate and laid it down gently. "Here... you open your mouth I will feed you. You can't do so with your hands chained to the back you know..." muttered Aynor grabbing a skin of wine and one of water, unsure which one she might like.
Robin had walked away from Iskra coming to pat Alexei in a manly friendly hug and let the man go to bring them in and make them comfortable.
"We missed you, my friend.... it's been months since we last traded, come in, come in, mentor, make yourself at home and welcome to our usual lair" invited Robin waving his hand towards Iskra but with a puzzled eyebrow as the pair became stiff.
"These two ladies are our latest acquisition, a little sore, sweaty and tired perhaps, but no injuries, our healer took care of that. I can make them wash if you don't want them grubby" offered Robin
"Now you can have them both, without clothes, if you wish to take a better look as you often do or buy them as they are with all their accessories... what you see is what you get" shrugged Robin as if speaking merely of merchandise
"I know it is a little pricey but these two wenches are highly sought after by Tron the Terrible himself who is lurking nearby. Their current offer is a little steep, it stands at 200 gold, from the lord knight himself... are you interested in any way in acquiring them for say 250 gold? Match the offer at least and you walk away with them both and the keys to their shackles. For 250 we will even escort you back to your camp so Pentre doesn't cause you the least bother... we have his knight for surety" explained Robin extending the generous package and jabbing the thumb at Quintus
"If not interested, say so frankly, no harm done nor offense taken.
Ice queen can be quite a handful at times, loud and outspoken, bossy and rebellious, with a knack for threats and a tad arsonist with an awfully terrible aim too! watch out for injuries if you get anywhere near her" advised Robin gazing from Iskra to Atoli
"Night queen can be very hissy and pouty, as well as very scurry, vocal, and light fingered, on the thieving end of the scale, if you know what I mean. She suffers from a great sense of self entitlement... women eh? Can't live with them nor without them either.
Well, all products have defects, now you know theirs but the price stays the same though, no less than 200 gold, I am sure Pentre will buy them both regardless of defects, he just wants them to become dancing dolls in the wind as usual" shrugged Robin motioning for these Onyx bandits to come closer and take a better look if they wanted to, letting Aynor tend to Iskra and Atoli, feeding them food, though it was clear that the slayer's attentions rested on the white haired woman.
"For 300 I will give you an outstanding healer called Taff, he is your runaway captive, the prince's manservant, as well as a warlock of unrivalled power. Him and his pet raised this protective wall to keep Pentre out so we can negotiate calmly and safely" added Robin always keen to make that little bit more
"Honey, the more I look at you, this red faced, the more I like you... you honestly look beautiful when you are this mad. So tell me do I have a love rival to dispose of? are you married perhaps?" questioned Aynor sitting down by her to relax and to take further liberties, wrapping an arm around her shoulders to tug her closely towards his chest, so she could rest her head upon it, whilst Aynor craddled her as if he was a protective lover. She had well shackled hands, no way she could strangle him anyways and with her aim, clearly, anyone else who was nearby was at risk instead.
"They're mean men, these slavers are, but don't worry about it, I will protect you, if they take your clothes off to keep Pentre off their tracks, I will let you have my spare ones... I promise..." mused Aynor as if craddling a helpless damsel in distress.
"You have beautiful white hair you know, it makes you stand out like a target in the dark, so I can find you better if you escape... isn't that peachy?" grinned Aynor brushing her hair gently as if petting a cat.
It was clear to the rest of the group that Aynor had fallen head over heels with this woman and that might just impede the sale because if Onyx was known to be ruthless, Aynor was known to be deadly enough to never leave any living witnesses.
"Hey why not go fetch her something to eat and drink, we can't have the ladies going starving, right?" prompted Glendale looking at Aynor hoping the man would release Iskra as be focused on this task.
"Indeed we cannot, what manners would that be if we do not feed the guests, Haldor, bring some over, she must be hungry after outrunning Pentre and you lot" nodded Aynor in agreement causing Glendale to cringe as it the whole task backfired.
Haldor muttered a low grumble at the low provisions already but Aynor's narrowed eyes convinced him they could part ways of some more of it. He went to fetch food from their travel bag, preparing a plate of dried meats like salamis and similar, some slices of cheese, some olives, a dollop of honey and a portion of bread.
Aynor took the plate and laid it down gently. "Here... you open your mouth I will feed you. You can't do so with your hands chained to the back you know..." muttered Aynor grabbing a skin of wine and one of water, unsure which one she might like.
Robin had walked away from Iskra coming to pat Alexei in a manly friendly hug and let the man go to bring them in and make them comfortable.
"We missed you, my friend.... it's been months since we last traded, come in, come in, mentor, make yourself at home and welcome to our usual lair" invited Robin waving his hand towards Iskra but with a puzzled eyebrow as the pair became stiff.
"These two ladies are our latest acquisition, a little sore, sweaty and tired perhaps, but no injuries, our healer took care of that. I can make them wash if you don't want them grubby" offered Robin
"Now you can have them both, without clothes, if you wish to take a better look as you often do or buy them as they are with all their accessories... what you see is what you get" shrugged Robin as if speaking merely of merchandise
"I know it is a little pricey but these two wenches are highly sought after by Tron the Terrible himself who is lurking nearby. Their current offer is a little steep, it stands at 200 gold, from the lord knight himself... are you interested in any way in acquiring them for say 250 gold? Match the offer at least and you walk away with them both and the keys to their shackles. For 250 we will even escort you back to your camp so Pentre doesn't cause you the least bother... we have his knight for surety" explained Robin extending the generous package and jabbing the thumb at Quintus
"If not interested, say so frankly, no harm done nor offense taken.
Ice queen can be quite a handful at times, loud and outspoken, bossy and rebellious, with a knack for threats and a tad arsonist with an awfully terrible aim too! watch out for injuries if you get anywhere near her" advised Robin gazing from Iskra to Atoli
"Night queen can be very hissy and pouty, as well as very scurry, vocal, and light fingered, on the thieving end of the scale, if you know what I mean. She suffers from a great sense of self entitlement... women eh? Can't live with them nor without them either.
Well, all products have defects, now you know theirs but the price stays the same though, no less than 200 gold, I am sure Pentre will buy them both regardless of defects, he just wants them to become dancing dolls in the wind as usual" shrugged Robin motioning for these Onyx bandits to come closer and take a better look if they wanted to, letting Aynor tend to Iskra and Atoli, feeding them food, though it was clear that the slayer's attentions rested on the white haired woman.
"For 300 I will give you an outstanding healer called Taff, he is your runaway captive, the prince's manservant, as well as a warlock of unrivalled power. Him and his pet raised this protective wall to keep Pentre out so we can negotiate calmly and safely" added Robin always keen to make that little bit more
Taff had become very tense and nervous, no sooner Alexei and and Dunsten arrived, gently and slowly backing further into the darkened corner to not been seen or noticed by these thugs. A hand over Kenji to keep her conceal and quiet in the dark.
Oh he knew very well what these two butchers along the rest of Onyx were capable of, he had seen how they dealt with the surviving knights and armoured guards that had been part of their party. The only thing that had spared his and Merthyr's life were the plain clothes, that is, the lack of armour and weapons which made these group of bandits believe Taff and Merthyr to be the lesser two of the group, commoners, squires perhaps or servants.
As he heard the final package from Robin, Taff paused stiff, wide eyed in horror, heart pounding faster in fear, sweaty and pale faced, his relaxed hand which had been gently placed upon Kenji's shoulder in a protective and caring manner suddenly became still as stone, if lightly trembling
Taff had never told these Onyx bandits that Merthyr was in fact the crown prince or that he possessed magic. The revelation would clearly jeopardise Merthyr now and place him in further danger.
Oh he knew very well what these two butchers along the rest of Onyx were capable of, he had seen how they dealt with the surviving knights and armoured guards that had been part of their party. The only thing that had spared his and Merthyr's life were the plain clothes, that is, the lack of armour and weapons which made these group of bandits believe Taff and Merthyr to be the lesser two of the group, commoners, squires perhaps or servants.
As he heard the final package from Robin, Taff paused stiff, wide eyed in horror, heart pounding faster in fear, sweaty and pale faced, his relaxed hand which had been gently placed upon Kenji's shoulder in a protective and caring manner suddenly became still as stone, if lightly trembling
Taff had never told these Onyx bandits that Merthyr was in fact the crown prince or that he possessed magic. The revelation would clearly jeopardise Merthyr now and place him in further danger.
“I-it’s fine…” Atoli mumbled, mortified at his description of her appearance. She straightened her posture as she composed herself and took a steading breath. On the exhale her feathers began to smooth down to a more natural position, and she brushed her claws through the ones on her neck to ensure they were tidy.
Her gaze snuck back to Kenji when the bird song cut off, and after seeing her blow a kiss, looked away. She looked back to Quintus as he spoke to her again and blinked in surprise at the mention of familiarity. She gave a nod in understanding, though this was certainly the first time anyone had told her such. Atoli stared at his back as he began to leave and glanced down thoughtfully.
It was then that Aynor and Iskra came back into focus; she blinked again at the man’s blatant advances on the unwilling Iskra. When Robin appeared with his entourage and began to ‘sell’ them, the harpy stared with fiery green eyes and flexed her feet; her long talons displayed.
The more Robin spoke the fiercer her expression became as her outrage built. Atoli glanced to Aynor then; the closest of them to her since he was sitting by them and busy harassing Iskra, and kicked the plate of food away after he laid it down. As the meager provisions scattered onto the dirt she leaned back and sent out a higher second kick at the man.
Her talons caught and punctured the leather one of the water skins he held; the wine spilled from the bag like an open wound. She straightened and turned to glare back at Robin and the group as if daring them to get close. The feathers she had worked on smoothing before were now raised in hostility to the bandits, making her look more like a wild creature than a captive girl.
((Let me know if this is too god-moding and I’ll change it))
Her gaze snuck back to Kenji when the bird song cut off, and after seeing her blow a kiss, looked away. She looked back to Quintus as he spoke to her again and blinked in surprise at the mention of familiarity. She gave a nod in understanding, though this was certainly the first time anyone had told her such. Atoli stared at his back as he began to leave and glanced down thoughtfully.
It was then that Aynor and Iskra came back into focus; she blinked again at the man’s blatant advances on the unwilling Iskra. When Robin appeared with his entourage and began to ‘sell’ them, the harpy stared with fiery green eyes and flexed her feet; her long talons displayed.
The more Robin spoke the fiercer her expression became as her outrage built. Atoli glanced to Aynor then; the closest of them to her since he was sitting by them and busy harassing Iskra, and kicked the plate of food away after he laid it down. As the meager provisions scattered onto the dirt she leaned back and sent out a higher second kick at the man.
Her talons caught and punctured the leather one of the water skins he held; the wine spilled from the bag like an open wound. She straightened and turned to glare back at Robin and the group as if daring them to get close. The feathers she had worked on smoothing before were now raised in hostility to the bandits, making her look more like a wild creature than a captive girl.
((Let me know if this is too god-moding and I’ll change it))
Kenjis attention filter in and out of following the conversation. They were trading, she knew. Trading the people? Her white eyes fixated upon Iskra and Atoli, her thoughts floating. She didn't know these beings, didn't know the history behind them, but she knew from general history that the trading of living beings never really ended well for one party or the other. Her pale, opalescent skin crawled, bringing goosebumps to life.
Her ears cocked back slightly, like an irritated felines, at the mention of trading dear Taff, and his 'pet'. Oh, these poor, poor fools are badly mistaken if they thought they'd be selling off Taff. The young lad had already been spoken for, his deal with the fae had been sealed. As for attempting to trade his 'pet', it was quite amusing to the little female with the flowing, pale hair. It'd be similar to saying, "I'll sell you the breeze." Or "Trade you the sun from the sky." She was a part of nature, not a thing to be owned.
Her dainty, warm hand placed itself over Taffs trembling one, squeezing his fingers reassuringly.
This whole ordeal was beginning to prick her spine, it made her uncomfortable and eager to split from this realm. The trade of beings was such a human thing, Kenji didn't want to bring herself near to it. This time when she glanced to the harpy and the sharp tongued woman, she felt a bit of remorse.
Her ears cocked back slightly, like an irritated felines, at the mention of trading dear Taff, and his 'pet'. Oh, these poor, poor fools are badly mistaken if they thought they'd be selling off Taff. The young lad had already been spoken for, his deal with the fae had been sealed. As for attempting to trade his 'pet', it was quite amusing to the little female with the flowing, pale hair. It'd be similar to saying, "I'll sell you the breeze." Or "Trade you the sun from the sky." She was a part of nature, not a thing to be owned.
Her dainty, warm hand placed itself over Taffs trembling one, squeezing his fingers reassuringly.
This whole ordeal was beginning to prick her spine, it made her uncomfortable and eager to split from this realm. The trade of beings was such a human thing, Kenji didn't want to bring herself near to it. This time when she glanced to the harpy and the sharp tongued woman, she felt a bit of remorse.
At Atoli's outburst Quintus leapt at her grabbing her quickly before pulling her back roughly, all the while taking care to not actually harm her. Menacingly he growled out loud, "You move again I'll cut you into chick fillet" before looking to Aynor and replying simply, "I've got her, you should focus instead of flirting, merc".
Pulling Atoli back to her spot carefully he placed his hand on her shoulder before whispering simply, "Calm, play along, trust me" before heading back to his spot, along the way he gave a quick nod to Taff, hopefully he'd understand it as one of reassurance. As he returned to his original position he lay against the wall, crossing his arms casually and examining the newcomers. All in all, not much more impressive in his eyes to the ones he'd killed back at the village. That meant if things fell apart, they wouldn't pose much of a threat to them...well, him at least.
"You must be Iskra's men, from her stories of your exploits I thought you'd be a bit more....Impressive. Names Quintus, patron Knight of the village of Alnwick....welcome to the party." he finished motioning to everyone in the barn.
Pulling Atoli back to her spot carefully he placed his hand on her shoulder before whispering simply, "Calm, play along, trust me" before heading back to his spot, along the way he gave a quick nod to Taff, hopefully he'd understand it as one of reassurance. As he returned to his original position he lay against the wall, crossing his arms casually and examining the newcomers. All in all, not much more impressive in his eyes to the ones he'd killed back at the village. That meant if things fell apart, they wouldn't pose much of a threat to them...well, him at least.
"You must be Iskra's men, from her stories of your exploits I thought you'd be a bit more....Impressive. Names Quintus, patron Knight of the village of Alnwick....welcome to the party." he finished motioning to everyone in the barn.
Aynor’s advances had Iskra on edge, the woman’s flustered expression a mix of fear and rage, more than anything. She was, to say the least, greatful for Atoli’s interruption, giving her a moment to breath and look to Alexei.
“I know you aren’t stupid enough to carry zhat much on you.” She said, her expression becoming much more plain; being around her clan did her well, it seemed, gave Iskra some feeling of control, even with the cuffs she wore.
“Afraid not, sir.” Alexei grumbled, “I apologize.” He hardly acknowledged Quintus, though Lev (who seemed to be the youngest of the bunch) did glare at him from the group.
Iskra’s brow wrinkled in thought. In her heart, Iskra was a bandit, a merciless Killer. She had killed women, and children before (though the latter usually left her quite a bit shaken and with nightmares, and it was a task she left to Dunsten usually). She had burned down homes and raided castles and betrayed her own nation for gold. For glory. But if there was one thing Iskra did that was remotely good, it was paying back favors.
Truthfully, she hated owing people. And the idea that, had Atoli not come across her body, Iskra might’ve died...that she owed her life to a harpy, of all creatures... it brought a faint flush of shame to her face. That wouldn’t do. She payed Quintus back for his help, by doing his best to keep Pentre off his back.
But then, came the comments about the prince. Iskra’s slate eyes suddenly widened, and it was like life had been breathed into her for a moment. She looked at Alexei in awe, “You caught prince...zhe prince?!”
“It appears so, Sir.” Alexei grinned, though the happiness of his smile wasn’t exactly pure. A ransom for a prince could be worth a lot...and a dead prince would cause pure chaos, that was certain. Iskra’s face twisted into a sneer that oozed confidence, the look of a King who had won his war and all its battles.
“Zhey shall pay 100 gold, for harpy. Zhat is all. More zhan you could get for her at any market.” Iskra nodded firmly, looking to Alexei to secure the payment. While Alexei complied without thought, her men stared, a bit awestruck at their leader’s behavior.
“Boss, we could kill these boys instantly, we can cut down eve—“
“Just obey my orders and be quiet.” She growled, already thinking. Iskra was sly, horribly so, and her eyes slid to Taff, “Alexei, if I am handed to Pentre, and I do not return, execute zhe prince and deliver his body to Pentre’s estate...I am going to barter with that prince and you’re going to help me, servant.” Her grin was like that of a cat, but a big one, ready to strike at a moments notice. This was the bandit king. Rash and overzealous, brutal and merciless. Sickening.
“I know you aren’t stupid enough to carry zhat much on you.” She said, her expression becoming much more plain; being around her clan did her well, it seemed, gave Iskra some feeling of control, even with the cuffs she wore.
“Afraid not, sir.” Alexei grumbled, “I apologize.” He hardly acknowledged Quintus, though Lev (who seemed to be the youngest of the bunch) did glare at him from the group.
Iskra’s brow wrinkled in thought. In her heart, Iskra was a bandit, a merciless Killer. She had killed women, and children before (though the latter usually left her quite a bit shaken and with nightmares, and it was a task she left to Dunsten usually). She had burned down homes and raided castles and betrayed her own nation for gold. For glory. But if there was one thing Iskra did that was remotely good, it was paying back favors.
Truthfully, she hated owing people. And the idea that, had Atoli not come across her body, Iskra might’ve died...that she owed her life to a harpy, of all creatures... it brought a faint flush of shame to her face. That wouldn’t do. She payed Quintus back for his help, by doing his best to keep Pentre off his back.
But then, came the comments about the prince. Iskra’s slate eyes suddenly widened, and it was like life had been breathed into her for a moment. She looked at Alexei in awe, “You caught prince...zhe prince?!”
“It appears so, Sir.” Alexei grinned, though the happiness of his smile wasn’t exactly pure. A ransom for a prince could be worth a lot...and a dead prince would cause pure chaos, that was certain. Iskra’s face twisted into a sneer that oozed confidence, the look of a King who had won his war and all its battles.
“Zhey shall pay 100 gold, for harpy. Zhat is all. More zhan you could get for her at any market.” Iskra nodded firmly, looking to Alexei to secure the payment. While Alexei complied without thought, her men stared, a bit awestruck at their leader’s behavior.
“Boss, we could kill these boys instantly, we can cut down eve—“
“Just obey my orders and be quiet.” She growled, already thinking. Iskra was sly, horribly so, and her eyes slid to Taff, “Alexei, if I am handed to Pentre, and I do not return, execute zhe prince and deliver his body to Pentre’s estate...I am going to barter with that prince and you’re going to help me, servant.” Her grin was like that of a cat, but a big one, ready to strike at a moments notice. This was the bandit king. Rash and overzealous, brutal and merciless. Sickening.
Jalsinter had hoped more would happen to help him understand what transpired there but what happened only increased his confusion. Clearly there was an exchange taking place (one that the knight felt at odds with) but without proper context the man suspected an interruption would only make matters worse. He glanced away while he tried to translate Quintus' words, settling on the assumption that the other 'knight' was demanding an explanation from him. It was just as well that he couldn't respond, then.
Jal shifted and frowned idly, not paying much attention until Aynor manhandled Iskra. The lights that had emanated from his armor were fading until he looked up; once he'd noticed they flared a bit and he moved a bit closer to the bandit. That was when Aynor stepped back, allowing Robin to lecture the bandit king. Then the first man moved right back to her and did it again, prompting the knight to speak bluntly in his own language; a demand that Aynor stop. He'd glanced in Atoli's direction when she started tossing things at him but looked away just as quickly; feeling that despite the language barrier the two at least had an understanding on this matter.
Then the Onyx bandits entered and Jal reluctantly resumed his observations, curling his hand into a fist (an effort to stop himself from trying to pick up Aynor and throw him out of the barn.)
((I know this post is a bit late to the party, sorry.))
Jal shifted and frowned idly, not paying much attention until Aynor manhandled Iskra. The lights that had emanated from his armor were fading until he looked up; once he'd noticed they flared a bit and he moved a bit closer to the bandit. That was when Aynor stepped back, allowing Robin to lecture the bandit king. Then the first man moved right back to her and did it again, prompting the knight to speak bluntly in his own language; a demand that Aynor stop. He'd glanced in Atoli's direction when she started tossing things at him but looked away just as quickly; feeling that despite the language barrier the two at least had an understanding on this matter.
Then the Onyx bandits entered and Jal reluctantly resumed his observations, curling his hand into a fist (an effort to stop himself from trying to pick up Aynor and throw him out of the barn.)
((I know this post is a bit late to the party, sorry.))
Robin smiled broadly and greedily as the heavy pouch was handed over
"Tell you what, I'll cut you a good deal then, seeing you're a regular customer. I'll have these one hundred for the lot then, Alexei. You can keep them all, 2 knights included" concluded Robin whistling at the men to depart at once
"Well, Onyx... pleasure doing business with you... madamme" muttered Robin saluting Iskra and Alexei and walking away, gutted and weary to actually be proven wrong and far too eager to make themselves scarce
Haldor and Glendale, Rufus and Bart, Matthew and Robin nodded more than satisfied with the sum, taking the 100 gold pieces and walking out of the door leaving them all behind to their luck and fortune and leaving no trace, quick to disappear into the wilderness
The ropes went up and across and they wandered away, back to the city's tavern. They had the sale done, there was no need to linger and make the female Onyx leader mad enough to have them swiftly killed.
Aynor remained behind in a sigh shaking his head at their quick disappearance, only to realise they had forgotten to hand over the keys to the shackles.
Aynor knelt before Iskra, taking her hands and wrists gently and sliding out the lock picking tool, quickly preying open the wrist and ankle cuffs and remove the chains.
"I ... believe... this is yours..." muttered Aynor returning her the weapons that the rogues had taken from Iskra and handing them back
"Tell you what, I'll cut you a good deal then, seeing you're a regular customer. I'll have these one hundred for the lot then, Alexei. You can keep them all, 2 knights included" concluded Robin whistling at the men to depart at once
"Well, Onyx... pleasure doing business with you... madamme" muttered Robin saluting Iskra and Alexei and walking away, gutted and weary to actually be proven wrong and far too eager to make themselves scarce
Haldor and Glendale, Rufus and Bart, Matthew and Robin nodded more than satisfied with the sum, taking the 100 gold pieces and walking out of the door leaving them all behind to their luck and fortune and leaving no trace, quick to disappear into the wilderness
The ropes went up and across and they wandered away, back to the city's tavern. They had the sale done, there was no need to linger and make the female Onyx leader mad enough to have them swiftly killed.
Aynor remained behind in a sigh shaking his head at their quick disappearance, only to realise they had forgotten to hand over the keys to the shackles.
Aynor knelt before Iskra, taking her hands and wrists gently and sliding out the lock picking tool, quickly preying open the wrist and ankle cuffs and remove the chains.
"I ... believe... this is yours..." muttered Aynor returning her the weapons that the rogues had taken from Iskra and handing them back
When Taff saw himself sold to Onyx yet again he trembled in fear, taking the fae's hand into his own and stroking her cheek gently
"Y.. you... will be fine... I promise." whispered Taff unsure if to send her away but longing to keep her, probably the only friendly companion he would have until they got to the bandit's lair.
These rogues had sold him, Quintus, Iskra and Atoli back to Alexei and Dunsten from whom he had barely managed to escape not a day before. Talk about bad luck turning more sour. Still he remained pressed against the dark corner, hoping to be overlooked by them all.
Strangely enough Aynor was still there, which puzzled him. Why wouldn't he leave too now that the trade was done?
"Y.. you... will be fine... I promise." whispered Taff unsure if to send her away but longing to keep her, probably the only friendly companion he would have until they got to the bandit's lair.
These rogues had sold him, Quintus, Iskra and Atoli back to Alexei and Dunsten from whom he had barely managed to escape not a day before. Talk about bad luck turning more sour. Still he remained pressed against the dark corner, hoping to be overlooked by them all.
Strangely enough Aynor was still there, which puzzled him. Why wouldn't he leave too now that the trade was done?
Iskra allowed herself to be freed, flexing her wrists and arms once she was able to. Her slate eyes moved to Aynor, an eyebrow quirked up at his lingering presence, and she accepted her weapons, securing them back on her body.
“Zhank you...” The woman mumbled, before straightening up and backhanding him. It was harsh, but judging on the confusion across her bandit’s faces, it was uncharacteristically gentle, “Zhat vas for zhe kiss.”
”He did what.” Dunsten had already moved for his weapon, but Iskra’s raised hand kept him from taking his action further.
“Vell, vhat are you vaiting for? Free the harpy. Atoli vill be staying vith Onyx for vinter...call it favor, for burning down...home.” She regarded the half-charred shed with little care, and her voice made it clear she loathed the idea, but Iskra would not allow herself to be indebted to this creature.
“And zhen you may go....Unless you have ozher reasons for staying....?” Iskra folded her arms as Alexei removed his cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders. The exhaustion was beginning to become clear on her face, and with her damp clothes she was certainly cold. Her eyes slid to Taff in the corner, “Dunsten, seize zhe man over zhere. He travels vith us, but keep shackles on.”
Dunsten’s grin was wicked as he straightened up; he was a big man, towering over Iskra and wielding a rather brutal looking set of daggers, “My pleasure, Sir.” He quickly moved to grab Taff.
“Zhank you...” The woman mumbled, before straightening up and backhanding him. It was harsh, but judging on the confusion across her bandit’s faces, it was uncharacteristically gentle, “Zhat vas for zhe kiss.”
”He did what.” Dunsten had already moved for his weapon, but Iskra’s raised hand kept him from taking his action further.
“Vell, vhat are you vaiting for? Free the harpy. Atoli vill be staying vith Onyx for vinter...call it favor, for burning down...home.” She regarded the half-charred shed with little care, and her voice made it clear she loathed the idea, but Iskra would not allow herself to be indebted to this creature.
“And zhen you may go....Unless you have ozher reasons for staying....?” Iskra folded her arms as Alexei removed his cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders. The exhaustion was beginning to become clear on her face, and with her damp clothes she was certainly cold. Her eyes slid to Taff in the corner, “Dunsten, seize zhe man over zhere. He travels vith us, but keep shackles on.”
Dunsten’s grin was wicked as he straightened up; he was a big man, towering over Iskra and wielding a rather brutal looking set of daggers, “My pleasure, Sir.” He quickly moved to grab Taff.
Aynor lowered to unlock Atoli with as much quickness and easiness, clearly a very skilled man.
"I am here on the task of seizing Pentre, alive, on behalf of Mercia... and you, dearest, are the only reason that might lure him further into the forest and away from the crew and the knights. I figured my job is so much easier if I stalk the prey as it comes to the bait" simplified Aynor now talking the quest
"Two reasons hold me back, my commanding woman and my demanding job" informed Aynor placing another kiss and offering the other cheek
"Little price to pay for such great reward darling... few powerful like you go so easy." grinned Aynor hand to dagger in case her crew tried anything
"I am here on the task of seizing Pentre, alive, on behalf of Mercia... and you, dearest, are the only reason that might lure him further into the forest and away from the crew and the knights. I figured my job is so much easier if I stalk the prey as it comes to the bait" simplified Aynor now talking the quest
"Two reasons hold me back, my commanding woman and my demanding job" informed Aynor placing another kiss and offering the other cheek
"Little price to pay for such great reward darling... few powerful like you go so easy." grinned Aynor hand to dagger in case her crew tried anything
Hardly a moment passed after she kicked out did Quintus grab her. Pain throbbed through her sore wing at the rough movement. Without hesitation, the harpy snapped at the grabbers hand, her fangs clacking together ominously as she nearly sunk her teeth into him.
As Quintus’ threat rang in her ears she froze; the haze of rage lifted and her eyes widened with realization as she saw who grabbed her. Her breath came out in shallow puffs, listening as he whispered. Atoli sat where he placed her and stayed quiet, though she eyed Quintus after he walked away, her expression unreadable.
As the deal settled to 100 gold, Atoli watched the proceedings and remained pensive and silent.
“Atoli vill be staying vith Onyx for vinter...call it favor, for burning down...home.”
Her eyebrows quirked up as Iskra spoke, and gave a small nervous smirk. “I think that’s the first time you’ve said my name.” As she was freed, she glanced to Quintus and wondered if this was his intended plan.
As Quintus’ threat rang in her ears she froze; the haze of rage lifted and her eyes widened with realization as she saw who grabbed her. Her breath came out in shallow puffs, listening as he whispered. Atoli sat where he placed her and stayed quiet, though she eyed Quintus after he walked away, her expression unreadable.
As the deal settled to 100 gold, Atoli watched the proceedings and remained pensive and silent.
“Atoli vill be staying vith Onyx for vinter...call it favor, for burning down...home.”
Her eyebrows quirked up as Iskra spoke, and gave a small nervous smirk. “I think that’s the first time you’ve said my name.” As she was freed, she glanced to Quintus and wondered if this was his intended plan.
Nope, that was not at all what he'd been expecting. Not necessarily a bad result, but not a great one either. Though the thought that the bandits had actually thought they had a say in the selling of him and the strange knight did give him a light chuckle it presented a new problem, the Prince. The reveal that Iskra's people had the Prince left Quintus with only a few choices for a future without Pentre or the bandits constantly harassing him. He'd have to follow the Bandits, play babysitter and negotiator, ensure the freeing of the Prince and then finally make it back home in time to do.... Town defense? trading? he'd cross that bridge when he got to it he supposed
Looking at the nervous wreck that was Taff he spoke up in a casual tone, "Relax, once we get back to their territory we'll negotiate the freeing of the Prince, after that I'll escort you both back and then we'll part ways." With his piece done he figured it was time to try to communicate the next step to the knight, moving towards the Knight he mimed a follow close motion as best he could before repeating himself in German. "In der Nähe folgen" he said, probably not fully correct but close enough to make sense of, he hoped.
That language barrier was going to be a problem, he could tell, though it did give rise to a second thought, The accent Iskra's voice carried had also seemed strangely familiar.....perhaps Russian? or a close dialect? in any case it would probably be prudent to listen in to any conversations she may have with her crew.....Which reminded him...
Moving over to her and her underlings he spoke up, "You know, you caused me a LOT of trouble today.....why didn't you just stay in the room like I told you? Pentre bought the bait and you would've been home free...Instead you made the situation go F.U.B.A.R......and broke my windows" he finished with a tired sigh and a frown hidden behind the visor. He'd have been angrier had he run into her earlier, but the long chase and escalation had resulted in his anger subsiding....he WAS still annoyed about his windows though.
Looking at the nervous wreck that was Taff he spoke up in a casual tone, "Relax, once we get back to their territory we'll negotiate the freeing of the Prince, after that I'll escort you both back and then we'll part ways." With his piece done he figured it was time to try to communicate the next step to the knight, moving towards the Knight he mimed a follow close motion as best he could before repeating himself in German. "In der Nähe folgen" he said, probably not fully correct but close enough to make sense of, he hoped.
That language barrier was going to be a problem, he could tell, though it did give rise to a second thought, The accent Iskra's voice carried had also seemed strangely familiar.....perhaps Russian? or a close dialect? in any case it would probably be prudent to listen in to any conversations she may have with her crew.....Which reminded him...
Moving over to her and her underlings he spoke up, "You know, you caused me a LOT of trouble today.....why didn't you just stay in the room like I told you? Pentre bought the bait and you would've been home free...Instead you made the situation go F.U.B.A.R......and broke my windows" he finished with a tired sigh and a frown hidden behind the visor. He'd have been angrier had he run into her earlier, but the long chase and escalation had resulted in his anger subsiding....he WAS still annoyed about his windows though.
Atoli’s words had distracted her enough that Aynor could slip his next kiss in, and her face flushed red. Lev mumbled something about her last lover getting murdered in his sleep, but surprisingly, no one moved. Maybe it had something to do with the wild smirk that had begun to grow on her face.
“Capturing Pentre? Lord Knight, Tron the Terrible? Oh goodness, vhy didn’t you just say...” The woman’s eyes glittered, their normally plain appearance brought to life by the prospect. She hardly paid attention to Quintus, instead her eyes were glued to Aynor; it seemed the kiss remained forgiven, for now. She couldn’t waste time, with this idea. No, it was far too tempting to assist in such a capture.
“I zhink Onyx vould be thrilled to assist in such manner...” Her eyes moved to Taff again, “And don’t vorry, if zhis all goes vell, I vill release prince vithout hesitation.”
Alexei, obviously seeing that Iskra wasn’t paying attention, turned to address Quintus, “Sir Iskra is...odd. I would say forgive her...”
“But she’ll do it again.” Lev cut in, shrugging, “it’s the kind of woman she is.”
“Capturing Pentre? Lord Knight, Tron the Terrible? Oh goodness, vhy didn’t you just say...” The woman’s eyes glittered, their normally plain appearance brought to life by the prospect. She hardly paid attention to Quintus, instead her eyes were glued to Aynor; it seemed the kiss remained forgiven, for now. She couldn’t waste time, with this idea. No, it was far too tempting to assist in such a capture.
“I zhink Onyx vould be thrilled to assist in such manner...” Her eyes moved to Taff again, “And don’t vorry, if zhis all goes vell, I vill release prince vithout hesitation.”
Alexei, obviously seeing that Iskra wasn’t paying attention, turned to address Quintus, “Sir Iskra is...odd. I would say forgive her...”
“But she’ll do it again.” Lev cut in, shrugging, “it’s the kind of woman she is.”
Aynor was suprised at her immediate cooperation. Her wild smirk was clear proof that she was certainly willing, nay, keen to partake in the capture of the infamous lord knight.
"Uhmm I just need you and some ropes and a net, the rope around your wrists is to lure Tron, the net is to toss it at him. Don't worry I promise you will not be harmed... too much..." assured Aynor calmly
"Play the captive well, let me seize him securely, and you won't have to put up with me or him further than strictly as necessary" assured Aynor in a clear Mercian accent as he felt more relaxed
"Uhmm I just need you and some ropes and a net, the rope around your wrists is to lure Tron, the net is to toss it at him. Don't worry I promise you will not be harmed... too much..." assured Aynor calmly
"Play the captive well, let me seize him securely, and you won't have to put up with me or him further than strictly as necessary" assured Aynor in a clear Mercian accent as he felt more relaxed
Atoli’s eyebrows remained raised as she watched Iskra and Aynor, surprised the woman wasn’t tearing the man apart for his brazen actions. The harpy girl got to her feet, picked up the single satchel she had saved from the fire, and stood by Quintus as he spoke to the wizard. She followed after him like a duckling as he moved around the barn.
When he stopped, and spoke with the others, she rummaged through the bag and pulled out a piece of jerky to gnaw on. After a brief pause she hesitantly took out a second piece and tapped it against Quintus’ armor, offering it wordlessly before asking, “So you’re coming with too, then?”
When he stopped, and spoke with the others, she rummaged through the bag and pulled out a piece of jerky to gnaw on. After a brief pause she hesitantly took out a second piece and tapped it against Quintus’ armor, offering it wordlessly before asking, “So you’re coming with too, then?”
Quintus frowned behind his helmet, part of him wanted to respond but her underlings words probably had merit. Watching her begin scheming with Aynor, Quintus simply nodded to the two bandits before a soft tap brought his attention to Atoli's outstretched offering. Taking the jerky he stated a simple thanks before thinking over whether to remove his helmet or not.
"So you're coming too, then?" the small harpy asked him. Removing his helmet and taking in the fresh night air he simply stared forwards before responding, "yeah, I suppose I am" before taking a bite out of the jerky. It brought him pause, he had to admit, it was damn good. Smiling he turned towards Atoli deciding to offer some praise, "Did you make this? It's really good. Haven't tasted something this delightful in ages"
"So you're coming too, then?" the small harpy asked him. Removing his helmet and taking in the fresh night air he simply stared forwards before responding, "yeah, I suppose I am" before taking a bite out of the jerky. It brought him pause, he had to admit, it was damn good. Smiling he turned towards Atoli deciding to offer some praise, "Did you make this? It's really good. Haven't tasted something this delightful in ages"
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