Zion: Light of the New Moon Part 2, Ch 0.2
Zion - Light of the New Moon, Part 2 Chapter 0, Conclusion What Comes Next
Author's Note: These short posts are for the purpose of giving readers a chance at understanding the current situation for the different Caravans. For some groups several days have passed, while for others we are discussing a matter of minutes. Either way, I also wanted to take a few pages and highlight some not-often focused-on characters because, let's face it, everyone is important and plays a part! Also watch for the journal post that will direct you on how/where/what to vote and provides information about Part 2 of Zion- Light of the New Moon!
Bannihar
sebastian perched beside Iskiy as they sat on a wide branch overlooking an open stretch of ground; it was the only possible approach to their camp, which meant it warranted frequent observation. The gryphon casually preened a wing while the wolf spoke for what was the third time in a half an hour, "I don't like the idea of camping in a box canyon..."
"You already said that once." the gryphon pointed out.
"I already said it twice." Iskiy noted.
"I'm glad you're keeping count... so that means you don't have to say it a fourth time." he refolded his wing, glancing to the Wild Lander, "Why is it such a problem? With only one way to get at the camp, anyone or anything trying to attack can't flank us and as long as we keep watch we won't be caught by surprise."
The wolf sighed, rubbing the base of one of his antlers, "If you only have a few hunters and you're looking to hunt many prey at once you look for a place like this HOPING your prey will go into it... yes, there's only one entrance... but that that means there's only one exit."
"Well that's just a problem in thinking because we're not prey." Sebastian countered, bopping Iskiy on the back with a wing, "Stop thinking like something being hunted."
"I look at things in a lot of different ways." the wolf countered, "The walls aren't that steep, but they're enough that someone wanting us dead could roll boulders down at us. There's only one way out so if something REALLY nasty comes after us we're in big trouble. Staying here this long means we're attracting more attention from whatever out there might want to eat us--"
"and you're camping with a gryphon that mauls complainers." Sebastian cocked his head sideways, glancing at Iskiy. He offered a beaky grin.
"I'm not complaining," the antlered wolf objected, "I'm assessing the situation."
"Fair enough." Sebastian stood on the branch, balancing carefully as he began pacing back toward the trunk, "Then it's my turn to assess the situation." and he about-faced, nimbly folding his body back in on itself as he did a complete 180 degree turn atop the branch, "The walls aren't that steep, which means it's easier for me to fly everyone out IF there is a problem. There's only one way in so we get a good warning ahead of time... not to mention the traps that Roarg's been setting--"
"Roarg is setting traps?" Iskiy inquired.
"I'm not finished... but, yes." and the gryphon flicked the wolf in the nose with the tip of his tail as he about-faced again, and started marching back toward the trunk, "Staying here this long means we have a better chance of digging in and getting the rest Elias, Raes, Elesin, and Kayte need..." the gryphon paused, adding with a mumble, "but I don't think the last two are resting that much..."
"Still..." Iskiy interjected, "It's a risky move."
"These are the Wild Lands and we're traveling with a bunch of City Dwellers, Hat Rack... what part of that ISN'T a risky move?" the gryphon cracked a beaky grin.
"Did you just call me a hat rack?" the wolf questioned, one ear up, the other sideways.
"Yes. You just got your official nickname... that means I like you." the gryphon proclaimed proudly, a feather rising up on either side of his head, not unlike a wolf's ears, "Congratulations."
Iskiy paused at that, "An insulting nickname?"
"They're the best kind." Sebastian noted definitively.
"Thanks..." the wolf responded, "...I think."
"Don't mention it." the gryphon noted, languidly stretching out, not unlike a big cat.
"Don't worry." the Wild Lander replied, "I won't."
Sebastian laughed as he vaulted off of the branch and soared out over the open area. Iskiy held onto his perch tightly, the spring in the branch giving him a jarring ride once the gryphons weight left it.
Everything about the camping spot felt wrong to the wolf, but, he had to admit, the group had spent three days camped in the canyon and the time had sped their recovery. Iskiy knew that staying at any one place in the Wild Lands was a risky proposition and it was only a matter of time until he was proven right about his concern; if the group stayed in the canyon that long he hoped that the simple stone-walled structures Elias had created would help defend everyone long enough for Sebastian to make good on his proposition of flying the group to safety. Iskiy didn't much care for flying, but he liked the idea of dying even less.
Clearing his head of the morbid thoughts, the wolf glanced over his shoulder back toward the party's campsite. The most prominent structure it had to be the small, two story tower, compliments of Elias Hewen. Second in size, but almost as eye-catching had to be a 18' tall statue of a wolf woman holding the Banniharian symbol of the full moon. Iskiy could have easily supposed that it might have been Elias' depiction of Tah'Aveen but he wasn't too naiive to notice that it had more than just a passing resemblance to Priestess Delier. The Wild Lander wondered in passing if creating an almost 20' tall statue on behalf of a prospective girlfriend classified as "trying too hard", but he realized he didn't have enough experience to make that call.
Continuing his glance around the camp, Iskiy noticed that 'The Risen', the single wagon the party had been able to salvage, was parked at the very back of the ravine. He assumed it still housed Elesin and Lord Reis; though they were both healing well, Priestess Kayte wanted them to stay near the scant few healing supplies they had in the event either were to develop a fever or in case their wounds became infected. Iskiy usually spent his time sleeping in the wagon as well, but he did most of his sleeping during the day, as the party relied on his keen eyesight and skills of survival to see them through the night. There was only one more structure in the campsite, though the wolf didn't really consider it much shelter.
Roarg had a simple canvas tent set up closest to the entrance to the canyon, but it was hidden from view thanks to a low earthen wall crafted by Elias. Iskiy still found himself astounded at the skill with which the Geomancer was able to order earth and stone; though he had, on more than one occasion feared for the armadillo's life (like the time Elias had convinced the wolf to shoot at him), Elias was somehow still alive. Iskiy hoped that the armadillo's staying-power was due to some innate reservoir of willpower or hidden energy and not just dumb luck... the Wild Lander was concerned that the party was already using far too much of that as it was.
The wolf let out a sigh; he wasn't one to lead but sometimes he found following difficult. Whatever the group were to decide, he resolved to bring up the thought of breaking camp in the morning, "I don't like the idea of camping in a box canyon." he murmured to himself.
"That's four!" came a hushed call from above as Sebastian swooped in low overhead and then, just as quickly, flew off back into the darkness. Iskiy sighed; morning wouldn't come fast enough.
Doen
Rust lay on his side, the end of his snout buried into the curly tresses of Narissa. Her back was against his abdomen and the soft, rhythmic sound of her breath gave his mind something to focus on, rather than dwell on the loss of so many innocent lives. He pushed the thought from his head, pulling her tighter to him as he embraced her sleeping form. The echidna, at one time, had been a Priest of Doen; he had experienced the splendors of the flesh and had joined in the Prayer of Union with countless partners who had spent their lives perfecting the act... and yet, as he had discovered recently, the skill was always set by the wayside when compared to the intimacy of emotion.
He shifted slightly, not accustomed to resting on his side. Rust preferred sleeping on his back or on his stomach-- the former allowed a partner to sleep atop him in his arms while the latter was best for resting in the less savory parts of town... after all, presenting a bed of quills usually kept anyone from messing with him while he slept. Neither was an option for him, however, as he slept in Narissa's bed; the delicately crafted sheets and linen were less forgiving of quill marks, and he had too much adoration for the tigress to offend her taste for quality.
Although Lord Rust had only recently rescinded his vow of chastity he realized that the physical act of sex held no more power over him than when he had thrown it from his life altogether. There was something beautiful about it, but paintings were beautiful as well, and he as not forced to look at them, so why would the act of lovemaking be any different? Somehow, however, Narissa was an incredibly powerful exception. The echidna exhaled slowly before taking in a deep breath of her scent; she was mesmerizing.
Despite all of the times he had enacted the Prayer of Union or the number of times he had taken countless partners to bed or the innumerable occurrences when he had found release or granted it to another, there was a strange novelty in Narissa. No, he realized, 'novelty' was too casual a word... too simple and without value. Rust felt that there was a degree of DIVINITY to Narissa... like being with her could help him rekindle what he had once believed to have been the central focus of the Pregnant Moon... something wonderful... magical ...meaningful. Every move of her body had been a prayer; each sound she made a sacriment; and when she spoke his name in the throes of her orgasm-- "Samuel..." Rust still shivered at that.
They had talked quietly as he held her. She spoke of her childhood, growing up and desiring to make something of herself... the hard work and countless hours of not being the best and having to prove that she would one day succeed. Narissa spoke candidly of her past... of the first time she was raped; he had called it 'payment' for getting her a place at an inn to play her mandolin. Rust was astounded at how open she was with revealing it, as if it were nothing to hide. In fact, she said as much, acknowledging that she had been forced to use her body for survival more than once.
The words kept coming, and, before long, the echidna felt the warm wetness of tears on his arm. Narissa told him about how she used to feel ashamed at the acts but, after so many years, the only shame she felt was the fact that she no longer felt shame. She cried, and he had held her... and she had fallen asleep in his arms. Rust continued to hold her; the admissions had taken their toll, or, perhaps she felt so relieved that sleep came easily to her... but it did not come easily to the echidna-- there was too much on his mind.
Before the party was able to leave the doomed camp site they were forced to review logistics. Out of all of the party's original wagons, only Narissa's was still in usable condition, thus new traveling arrangements had to be discussed. Zeke and Jasper's traveling mounts were found in good condition and, during the search for them, three of the caravan's beasts of burden were also retrieved. Adding that number to the six still attached to Narissa's carriage meant that they had nine draft animals and two riding animals.
The hole in the side of Narissa's carriage created by her dramatic exit was, in fact, a section of wood specifically designed to give way when enough force was applied to it; she had three foldable replacements so there was no real loss; Rust had actually helped her replace the siding. The wagon itself had been especially made for her and, as such, it was much lighter than a normal traveling carriage, meaning that four of her six draft animals were able to be redistributed to other uses; the two remaining beasts of burden were enough to keep it mobile.
With Dillan's luxurious accomodations destroyed, the ferret was forced to make due with a covered carriage from one of the slain merchants; it had several small shrapnel holes in the side but was otherwise in good condition. He had spent hours searching out anything that would make the much less spacious replacement bearable and managed to salvage a reasonable amount of comfort. Although the carriage was stoutly built it was not exceedingly weighty, which meant that Dillan was able to make due with three draft animals. Rust still wondered to himself how long before the ferret were able to swindle some passer-by or simple waysider out of something nicer.
Zachary, the young priest who had surprised Rust on more than one occasion had lost his wagon to the fire but took it in stride. Taggart, who apparently had taken it upon himself to act as the priest's aide, perceptively identified another temple wagon that would work as a substitute; it ended up requiring some minor fixes. Having spent more than his fair share in the slums of Doen where carriage breakdowns were a way of life, Lord Rust knew just enough to help, and with the assistance of Zeke and Jasper, they managed to get it serviceable.
It was a small carriage, but had a luggage rack on top, permitting the group to pack up what they could find amidst the carnage. The hitch and harnesses were aligned for four animals, but each of them had been slain. With a little work, the group reconfigured the traces to suit three. With eight out of nine of the animals accounted for, that left only one... and that was not enough to pull any kind of reasonable transport.
Haldyn gathered up a bed roll and a few saddle bags, filling them with supplies. The final animal was suited with a riding saddle, and the lordling called it his own. Between the three wagons and three mounts, the caravan was once again ready to proceed, albeit, at a greatly reduced size. With Taggart joining Zachary in his carriage, and Narissa inviting Rust into hers, the party was again mobile... or at least, would be when the sun arose. Rust let out another breath... there weren't many hours until dawn, but sleep still somehow managed to escape him.
"Mmm?" the tigress murmured, slowly turning in the echidna's grasp, "What are you doing up?"
"Can't sleep." he responded with a sigh, "Too much on my mind."
Narissa buried her face into his chest, rubbing her body against his as if he were a large stuffed animal; a faint purr escaped her, "Sleep... we're leaving when the sun rises."
"You go ahead." he offered, lowering his chin down over her head protectively, "I just have to work through my thoughts."
Narissa's paws slid down across his ribs and met together on his abdomen as her purring increased, "You just need something else to focus on... something to pull you out of your own head." and she smiled against his chest as her fingers encountered what they were looking for. Rust made to object, but the only thing that came out was a gasp, followed by a shaky groan. He had to admit it: she was good... and her plan worked.
Myre
Passing through the Silver Gate was not a pleasant way to travel; it was unsettling, nausiating, and painful. Cornelius had warned them all to close their eyes when they stepped through the blaringly bright light and not open them until their foot touched solid ground. Nobody really knew exactly what they were getting themselves into, and the white shepherd's brief description via his directions didn't do the experience any justice.
"Oh sweet Goddess!" exclaimed Liam, stumbling out before falling to the ground, "It felt like I was falling... like I stuck my foot out and there wasn't anything to stop me from walking off a cliff!"
Leijh, who was laying on her side a short distance away took a steadying breath, "It felt more like the my foot was just hovering there, and as I brought it down, the whole world moved past me a hundred-thousand times faster than it should have if I took a single step."
"You're both right." Keelad noted, leaning against what appeared to be the remains of the ruins of a garden-wall, "About the falling and the traveling... both at the same time, I think... that must be why my stomach still hasn't caught up."
"I do not care for that magic." Bahrla declared, leaning against a sickly-looking tree, appearing to be just a little green herself.
Josh came bounding out of the portal, "Wow! That was FUN!" he noted, stumbling twice in his excitement, "Woah..." he stumbled again, laughing, "I'm... still a little dizzy..." he giggled, falling down on his rump.
"Gather up." Cornelius suggested the moment he emerged from the portal, not even pausing, "We will need to travel again as soon as possible." and he turned around to face the Silver Gate. The large archway looked identical to the one they had passed through, but the glow was of a slightly different shade of white... as if the one in the keep were a little redder and the one they faced was marginally bluer.
"Where is Lady Marion?" questioned Bahrla
"She will be coming through in a moment." Cornelius answered, "She stayed to make certain that the gateway held." The white shepherd held his paws up and tangible streams of mana began flowing between his fingers and the gate immediately.
"She wanted to make sure we all got through." Josh explained, reaching into his pocket, "Well..." he added, ears falling, "as many of us who could..."
There was one more bright flash of light from the portal within the Silver Gate and, suddenly, Lady Marion was present. She stopped just outside the glowing disc of light and paused as if confused. "Ugh..." was all she said, and then fell to her knees, mumbling a series of prayers. Cornelius didn't wait for her to finish; he clenched both of his paws together and, for a moment, it appeared as if the flow of magic between him and the gateway reversed. As the mana pooled it grew brighter and then, for a split second, it looked as though the flow became tangible bonds which the white shepherd physically yanked, pulling the swirling portal of energy out from within the Silver Gate; it dissolved immediately.
"Alright..." Keeland quickly spoke up, glancing around as he helped the priestess to her feet, "Head count." and he began to list off names, stopping once he came to the end, "Seven." he spoke with cool indifference, though a few seconds later the mask of Sergeant slipped and he sighed, "only seven..."
"Anor-Roc gave his life in an attempt to save others." Cornelius explained, "In the end, he is the reason the rest of you managed to escape."
"The rest of you?" Lady Marion questioned, leaning against the short garden wall, "What do you mean 'the rest of you'? You owe him your life as well." she pointed out overtly.
"Indeed. Of this I am aware." he bowed his head, "Though, in truth, I had not planned to follow you."
"You heard the Great Matron, Captain... that was Death Mist. Why in the Eternal Flame WOULDN'T you have come with?" questioned Keeland.
"Anor-Roc did not... and yet you are not questioning his motives." the white shepherd countered cryptically, "Though we have much more pressing matters to consider at the moment."
"What now?" questioned Bahrla, "Are you going to say that Death Mist can go through a Silver Gate?"
"No." Cornelius acknowledged, "We are simply not safe here."
"We weren't safe there... we aren't safe here..." Liam scowled, "How long are we going to spend going from one danger to the next?"
"The rest of your lives," acknowledged Cornelius, "Specifically if we do not leave now."
"I do not like your use of pronouns, Mr Cymbeline." Lady Marion noted, "In both cases now you've been strikingly absent from each of your 'all of you' comments." she looked to the shepherd, "Aren't we 'all of us' at the moment?" she inquired, "And why are we in danger now?"
"We are in the Ruins of Jar'ka'tal." the white shepherd explained.
"Is that supposed to mean something?" Liam questioned.
"Yes." Lady Marion acknowledged, "it does." All eyes turned to her. She slowly sat down on the short, cobble stone wall where she had been leaning, "This was the town where Death Mist was first created."
"So..." Liejh ventured, "Haunted...? Cursed...? Hexed? Jinxed...?"
Lady Marion shook her head, "No... unfortunately not."
"What are we up against?" asked Keeland.
The priestess looked up to regard the group, "In revenge, the Elves targeted it with their magics..."
"That sounds bad..." Josh noted.
"It is." Lady Marion acknowledged, "It's the site of a permanent Torment."
Barhla blurted out a laugh, "Torment? No... my tail tuft always ruffles out if I'm ever within a league of--" she paused, glancing down at the tip of her tail, which was almost a complete sphere of on-end hair, "Oh human-shit."
Myrh
Entry Number 5,442
No attempt has been made to contact me, so I can only assume that I now work alone. It had taken me many years to find my target, and many more for the right moment. Although I was not the only Seeker sent, it is becoming more and more obvious that I may be the last one left. It has been weeks since I last heard anything, which does not bode well... especially considering the most recent developments. Everything grew quiet after the dragon-kin's attack and fewer travelers meant fewer guard patrols. This made it easier for me to get closer to their camps under the cover of darkness but, as I found, the same was true for others as well.
I learned last night that I was not the only one to have an interest in the survivors of the caravan. By my count, at least three shadows circled the camp last night; I do not know if they were aware of me, but from my vantage I could tell that they were aware of one another. Two of the figures disappeared together, while the third retreated by itself. I later found out that the individual working alone was Kemyl Taan, a bounty hunter from Shrad... he was a bad man. Mr. Taan will not be interfering any longer, and has been made to atone for his life of transgressions.
By their movements it appeared that the remaining two figures worked in tandem, which may imply that my duty could be complicated further if they mean to cause me problems. There are a number of unseen forces at work, and I find this disconcerting. Goddess, grant me the insight to resolve this issue and discover the truth of the situation before it becomes a detriment.
I cannot count out the possibility that I might yet face direct opposition in my duty; if these two figures are working against me then my task will get harder. If this is the case, I will have to act decisively... and soon. While I cannot lose sight of my objective, the most pressing concern now is to uncover the identity and purpose of those shadowing the survivors. If they play an opposite role to my appointed duty then I am compelled to send them to the Goddess.
This will present a problem, considering my oath. As promised, the only blade I carry is the Name Blade... and I cannot use it against any but for whom it was crafted. I've spent the last several hours contemplating the best way to handle the unexpected complications, but, as with the case of Mr Taan, I have settled on Hefflys. It has served me well thus far, and is a far better choice than any other option available at this time.
I can administer the narcotic to them and leave them in the Wild Lands; I am certain if I use enough they will die painlessly, completely oblivious to whatever creature finds and consumes them. Whether this is merciful or not, I cannot say for it is not my place to understand mercy and, considering the task set before me, it is not something I have the luxury to show.
The time may have come that I am forced to act... I cannot simply sit and observe. I pray that the Goddess grant me the skill and speed to do what must be done with the insight and perseverance needed with which to do it. It will not be long until I must shed the shadows and step out into the silvery light of Tah'Aveen. Illuminated by her radiance, my devotion will be rewarded when that moment comes... in this life, and in the next.
But, before I can face the light, I must learn about these shadows.
And so I conclude this entry, as always with the Moon's Prayer:
"In Your Light, now and forever. Blessed be."
By my hand and seal, this Second Day of the Fifth Moon.
She-Without-Name
The large explosion summoned by Beo's will created a good-sized indent in the soft dirt, but the three burlap sacks at the center of the blast, other than having taken a tumble down four feet into the blast crater, remained completely unharmed. The black husky turned to regard the pale human standing next to him; Jerard's expression was unreadable.
"So?" Beo inquired, tail wagging, "That wasn't too bad, was it?"
"It was alright." the human confirmed, "Another fifty or sixty times in repetition and you should have it down."
"Fifty or sixty?!?!" Beo gaped, "But I got it right!"
"And practice makes permanent." Jerard noted, "Now do it again." he motioned to the sacks, which rose out of the crater and settled onto the ground next to it.
"Stop." Kell spoke up, padding silently into the clearing where the two maguses practiced, "That causes way too much noise."
Jerard glanced at the cowled leopard-wolf then back to Beo, "Very well... Beo, today you are going to learn about silent explosions." The black husky did not make any coherent response save for a high pitched 'squee' of glee; his tail began wagging wildly in a complete 360 degree arc.
"Just keep the noise down... Artemisia is still out of commission and Priestess Fanewatcher doesn't want to move forward until everyone is ready to travel." Kell explained, "We don't need to send up a beacon for creatures to come looking for dinner." and, with that, the leopard-wolf disappeared back into the undergrowth.
"What do they expect us to do all day if we're not traveling?" Beo inquired with a scowl, "I didn't plan on going camping... I planned on traveling to Zion." he objected to Jerard.
"We're going to Zion, Beo." the human acknowledged, "Everything requires a degree of patience... this just happens to be taking longer than expected."
The husky turned to look at Jerard, "So did you really mean you're going to teach me how to make silent explosions?" his tail continued wagging.
"No." the human responded, "Any explosion worth doing is worth doing right... noise and all."
Beo let out a sigh, "So we're done training for the day?"
"No." Jerard answered, looking back to the dirt-filled burlap sacks, "We're just changing the objective."
"So... we're still planning on making tons of noise?" the husky grinned devilishly.
"No noise at all." the human countered, "We're continuing your exercise in creative magic use by having you wreck those sacks with magic that doesn't make noise or have flashy effects." he crossed his arms.
"Awww... but that's the best kind of magic." Beo objected.
"There are lots of 'best kinds' of magic... and I might even show some of them to you if you can show a mastery of understanding before we focus on your mastery of execution." Jerard explained.
"Promise?" the husky requested.
"Yes." the human acknowledged.
"Shake on it?" Beo offered, holding out a paw.
"How about one up from a shake?" Jerard suggested.
"What's one up from--" the black furred magus inquired, but his comment was cut short as the human grabbed hold of the front of his tunic and pulled him closer. Jerard pressed his lips to the black furred dog's muzzle.
"I promise." Jerard acknowledged.
"What huh?" Beo questioned, a goofy grin on his muzzle, "Promised what now?"
"When you manage to destroy those bags," the human motioned to the burlap sacks, "using magic without any noise, I'll--" Jerard paused when Beo gestured toward the bags, disintegrating them with the single flick of his paw, "alright..." the human sighed, "Next lesson then."
"YOu're such a good teacher." Beo grinned, "Master Jerard." The human just rolled his eyes in response, but it made the husky's tail start wagging a mile a minute, "You didn't say you're not my master." he pointed out chidingly.
"I suppose I didn't." Jerard noted, heading off toward the camp. Beo followed along in eager pursuit.
Shrad
Everyone had been surprised when Tollie presented Majh's moonstone necklace to the group. Though there were many questions as to how and where he obtained it, the hyena managed to explain it away as magic; Tolen didn't bother explaining that he knew more of the specifics. The group was further surprised when they made ready to continue along the road, only to find out that a half-dozen of the wagons had somehow pieced themselves back together. The 'miracle' was unexplained, but Tollie's silence gave them enough of a hint. When questioned, the hyena likewise explained it away as magic.
The uneventful six days since the dragon's attack was a welcome relief for the party. Between Tollie's reserves of magical energy, plus the powerful focus of the moonstone necklace, the hyena was able to have the carriages move by themselves without any beasts pulling them. By the time anybody had considered asking him about it, there was no doubt that he would simply explain it away as magic-- they were right. It was the night of the seventh day and, as usual, Tollie was apart from the group seated at his own campfire.
"Your Grace..." Loric Kriabnish inclined his head to Tollie, followed by everyone but Gaerid.
"Please... just call me Tollie... I'm not a priest." the hyena blushed.
"As you wish." the arctic fox offered a flourishing, courtly bow and, as he straightened up, he gave the caster an appraising look, "I have a question about our carriages."
The hyena fidgeted uncomfortably, "As I said before, returning objects to their undamaged form is a spell... it works, and then requires no further upkeep."
"What about how they move on their own?" questioned Nori, "That is some STRONG magic."
Tollie glanced around at everyone, sitting up a little straighter as he slid another few inches from the gathered party, "It is... an enchantment. It requires a degree of concentration and drains my power, but as long as the wagons remain close enough to one another I can sustain a single spell for all of them combined."
"I've never heard of a spell like that." Shadow noted simply, without malice or accusation.
"It is not Fayte magic, sir." Tollie answered back meekly, as if the wolf had accused him of something.
"You're a lot more powerful than you let on, aren't you?" Nori questioned-- his inquiry was a little more forward.
"I... have spent a long time studying." Tollie commented after pausing, "Is it a problem? I... I can stop using my magic if you would like."
"No." Loric took control of the conversation again, "Your spells are welcome, Tollie." he smiled comfortingly and glanced to Nori, "Would you rather not make use of our best resources, ferret?"
"I trust what I understand." Nori countered, "And he's a little too unreadable for my liking."
"You trust your brother." Tollie offered to the Wild Lander, "and he is the best liar you know."
"That's because I know he doesn't like to me. Knowing someone who--" Nori paused suddenly, cocking his head to the side as he gave the hyena a critical look, "Are you Divining?" he demanded.
"I am sorry..." the hyena pulled his knees up to his stomach, lowering his ears, "I see things and hear things when I am uncomfortable." Tollie noted, looking away from everyone, "That is why Majh decided it is better for me to stay under her care."
"Well she's not around anymore," Nori stated flatly, "So now you have to get used to being around others, and not messing around in their heads... you're liable to get beat up for things like that."
"Calm down." Shadow stepped between the ferret and the hyena, holding a paw out toward Nori, "He's not an enemy, and he's just not used to being around others."
"She chose you well, Sir." Tollie spoke to the wolf.
Shadow paused, glancing back at him, ears up, eyes a little wider "What?"
"She chose you well." Tollie repeated.
"Who?" Shadow demanded, then glanced around, his paw hovering closer to his sword when his eyes met the hyena's, "Never mind." he quickly noted, understanding what Tollie was hinting at.
"Enough." Loric spoke, moving between everyone and the hyena. He intervened, facing the group, "Everyone get back to the wagons... if our Shield bearer feels more comfortable by himself then we should honor that." Several members of the group grumbled and objected, but they eventually moved back to the center of camp.
The arctic fox slowly turned back around and took two steps closer, sitting down on a patch of grass, "May I inquire as to why you spend each night by yourself?"
"Oh..." Tollie started at the question, pausing for a moment as he considered it, "I... am just more used to being alone, I suppose." he sighed, "And... people become upset when I talk about what I have sensed."
"Are we poor company?" Lord Kriabnish inquired.
"What?" the hyena inquired, ears up, looking afraid at the question, "No! Of course not! I--"
"Do you shun us on purpose, Your Eminence?" the fox questioned, rising up before falling to his knees, "or have you found none of us worthy to bask in your presence?"
"No!" Tollie objected, obviously at odds with the sudden change in the fox's posture, "I mean... you are all fine. I am not--"
"I wish only to feel the comfort of Tah'aveen." Loric admitted, his cheeks becoming damp as he held his paws together in front of himself beseechingly, "I am your humble servant... and, as you shine with her grace like a lantern in the darkness..." the fox licked his muzzle, "you are as a flame, and I am a moth..." he inched closer, reaching out his paws to take hold of Tollie's, "Please, young Master... do not burn me."
The hyena froze where he sat, eyes wide as he gazed at Loric, "I..."
"You are the greatest among us, Tollie, whether you see it or not." the fox spoke softly, inching even closer, "They may not understand your potential, but I have no doubts of it."
"I am not that great." Tollie answered, looking away, ears falling.
"Then you do not even know your own potential..." Loric murmured, "but I think you can sense it... which is why you keep yourself separate from us. You are our better, and you know instinctively that you are a step apart."
"That is not it at all!" the hyena objected.
"It is." the fox acknowledged, bowing his head again, his ears falling to either side in supplication, "You may send me away as you wish." he noted, "but I'll be here by your side when you next command."
"No... you..." the hyena squirmed, "do not have to go." he said hesitantly.
Loric smiled again, moving to take a seat almost right beside him. He glanced back at the others, smiling when he saw that they were all watching his success... though he was smiling wider on the inside; "Thank you, my Lord." Tollie would come in useful, and it was never too early to start exerting the right kind of influence. The hyena truly didn't know how to interact with others; it was going to be easier than the fox first thought, "Each moment with you is a blessing." the fox noted, laying down beside the magus, sliding just a little closer as he took in the hyena's scent: powerful and gullible-- an irresistible combination.
* * * * *
Welcome again one and all to the next update of Zion: Light of the New Moon.
With the first Milestone behind us, we now look forward to the next step in each group's survival: the trip to Zion.
This post is all about getting readers caught up to where the groups are and what they're up to. For some groups a few seconds have passed while for others it's been about a week.
For now, everyone, contributing and non-contributing readers alike may vote on their favorite group this chapter, and that group will gain +1 in Luck or Favor, whichever is lower. Votes are due by midnight (PST) on Friday, Oct 28th.
Also, in order to better understand how Part 2 of Zion will work, please make certain you view the journal here: http://www.sofurry.com/page/299162/
As always, thank you for reading and participating.
Marked Adult due to m/f activities in Doen's group.