Naveen

"Destruction, a night that left me drained." I said simply. I looked up at the sky, my white hair becoming plastered to my head.

Rina:

I put a hand over my eyes and looked up at the sky. I didn’t want to go back to the inn for fear of being discovered. But it wasn’t practical to ride in this rain. But I didn’t know what he meant by what was ahead. I looked over to the girls.

"Three goblin tribes are dead in a clearing, half a mile back down this road. A quarter of the way is a road that splits off this one. It will go around the gravesite, and keep you heading towards your destination." I said simply, with a nod as I stepped out of their way.

Rina:

I was startled by his news but didn’t comment on it. “Thank you for the advice.” I said nudging my horse to take a few steps but what about you? The soldiers will still kill you.. Especially if they find out..”

Talon:

I pulled at my bracer slightly, checking to see how much of a charge I had left through magic. I was nearly depleted. "How many are there?" I asked simply, tugging it back into place.

Rina:

“There were six at dawn. A dozen when we left. There may be more coming..” I told him looking back at the inn in the distance.

I frowned slightly, before nodding. "I will do what I must, should they attack first."

Rina:

“You’ll be dead in a minute.” I said without a doubt. “They aren’t just creatures, they’re skilled soldiers.”

Talon:

I looked at her in amusement. "We will see." I said simply. I didn't doubt that it would be more of a fight, but what could I do? I had no where else to go.

Rina:

I frowned watching him. Did his life mean so little to him? Surely he would lose it.. Though he hadn’t seemed scared of me either even when I could have easily killed him.

Maleen:

I picked up on his thoughts again. You could come with us, I whispered to his mind looking at him intently.

I looked sharply at Maleen, the few lines of metal that existed on my face glowed for a moment, as I clamped down on her mind. "Maleen." I said my tone sharp but low. "The mind is something sacred to people, touch mine again, and I you will become a target." I released the clamp, my breathing slightly off from what it would be normally. Magic itself wasn't something I was naturally good at. It burned through more of the collected magic that existed in the metal in my skin.

Maleen:

I gasped softly my body tensing. I looked away from him quickly, hugging myself.

I glanced towards my bracer for a moment before pushing the thoughts out of my head and letting out a soft breath. "The roads are dangerous that way. I know them well though, if you want me to travel with you I shall." I said to Rina. "If nothing else, I can give our little witch some lessons in control and balance in her magic."

Rina:

I glanced at Maleen considering. I could handle most danger on my own, but I was traveling with two others now. And It would be nice for the witch to have at least some training in magic before I delivered her. “Alright.” I said after a moment.

I nodded and looked at the other horse for a moment before looking back up at her. "We should hurry before the soldiers come this way. Do I ride with you, or shall I run?"

Rina:

I gritted my teeth slightly. “You can ride with me for now.. Until we can get another horse.” I said. Aero and Iris flitted around at that, watching him sharply. “What is your name?”

Talon:

I gave her my full name as I stepped over to her horse. I removed my pack, and added it to the saddlebags, before swinging myself up onto the horse easily, putting an arm lightly around her waist, my chest having to press into her back because of the smaller saddle.

Rina:

I was very aware of every part of my body that was touching his. Aero and Iris perched on my shoulder as I nudged my horse forward once again. They kept their eyes on him.

Talon:

I glanced at the birds, giving them a respectful nod. This girl must have been something special to bond the pair this much. It made me wonder more about her.

Rina:

We rode through the rain for a little bit, while it wasn’t too heavy, taking the path Talon had indicated. But after about an hour of riding it turned into a down pour. We had to pause under a canopy tree, the rain coming to fast to ride in. I slid off the horse and wrung my hair out.

I slid down after her, my white hair plastered to my skin, I glanced out through the tree's idly tapping my bow for a moment. "It might be best to stop and make camp for the night." I remarked.

Rina:

I finished wringing my hair out though it was still sopping wet. My clothes were soaked and clingy. “I suppose. I only have the one tent though.” I said glancing at the two girls as they dismounted.

I nodded once. "Let the girls share it if they can. I have a bedroll that we can share." I said, giving a small stretch, ignoring my still dripping wet hair.

Rina:

I narrowed my eyes. If someone hadn’t destroyed my cage, I would have had plenty of room for all of us. My attention was sidetracked by a tap on my shoulder. Maleen held out her palm with an open flame in the center. “I can start a fire if you’ll let me.” She said softly. I considered for a moment. I doubted many soldiers would come down this way in the pouring rain, and even if they did there wouldn’t be many. “Okay.” I nodded.

Talon:

I didn't look away from Rina, waiting for her answer. I doubted the other two would be put on watch, so sharing the bed roll, would be us switching off from the watch.