Into the Wilderness

[Azmi & Zoe]

Azmi walked to that sharp of the Ilrion Forest and peered down the thin trail that led to the Outpost. He didn't know what to expect once he got there, hopefully it would be quick and painless. The first step onto that barely-blazed trail was simple enough, his group not far behind. The foliage of this forest was thick, bushes chest high and trees dense. That small trail did leave for some elbow room amongst the spray of green and brown that struck the eyes upon entering the woods.
Zoe was glad to be out in the forest, it seemed peaceful with the sounds of the birds being the only audible noises save their footsteps. She took in the scenery with wonder-filled eyes; she'd never left WingSpire or Kelacia to see the forest up close.

[milliehiggins]

Millie followed not far behind Azmi and Zoe. As soon as her face was covered from the shadows of the trees, she relaxed. She was finally out of the city. Although the thought of family left behind tugged at her heart, she had to push it away. Millie silently declared that there was no going back for her. She even wouldn’t allow herself to give a wistful glance over her shoulder.
Because of this rule she had placed upon herself, she couldn’t help but embrace the beauty of the forest. A large smile quickly placed itself on her lips as she would look at the magnificent plants and have the refreshing smell of the forest surround her. “Ah. This is perfect. No ghastly buildings to look at, no crowds, and no noise.” She stated, giving a hearty chuckle.
Her laugher died at the sound of a bird’s song. Millie paused in her tracks and tried to determine where the taunting laugh was coming from. Once she decided it was coming form behind the group, she squeezed the strap of her bag and picked up her pace. Hmmm, she seemed to over look one terror in her fantasy: Birds. She could almost picture them. They were little fat balls of feathers that sat on a branch that struggled to hold them. Black, beady eyes glaring at her from a distance and holding their beaks high to seem more intimidating…Ugh. Millie prayed, then and there, that she wouldn’t have to face any of them.

[BlackAngelYume]

Yume had always enjoyed nature and everything about it. Nature was the Lord’s purest creation. There was no malice, only instinct. It was simple and glorious all wrapped up in a beautiful package of life.

Yume chuckled to herself and glanced at Millie from under her hood, “Indeed. It is much more serene and pleasant out in the wilds.”

She stopped and looked when Millie’s laughter died and her footsteps stopped.

“What is it?” Yume asked, a bit of panic in her voice. She was certain Millie had ears keener than hers and it was possible she’d picked up the sound of someone following them.

She looked back behind them when Millie started walking again, searching the ground and skies for any sign that they were being followed. Yume was hunted, and she was well aware of this, she just didn’t want to put the lives of the others in jeopardy should she be found. What hunted her was not something to take lightly.

She turned and followed after the group once she was certain nothing was behind them, quickening her pace to catch up.

[royaleagleofthor]

Unknown to the newly formed band of adventurers a figure draped in black slunk through the shadows and obscure places of the world as silently and gracefully as a panther stalking its prey. Occasionally a stray beam of sunlight reflected a glint of light off the silver mask that lay hidden beneath the hood of the mans cloak.

Having overheard the task this group was undertaking the shadowy figure had thought it best to tail them for a while. Not only was he unfamiliar with the lands of those that dwelt beneath the sun he was certain that these people would eventually lead him to that wretchedly benevolent brother of his. Indeed things were going better than planned.

The party had made their way to the forest now and he had followed them undetected thus far, the time had almost come to reveal himself, or perhaps it was too late for the element of surprise. A woman dressed in black near the rear of the party shot a glance behind her as if she was expecting to be followed. In the blink of an eye the skilled assassin deftly ducked behind a tree pressing his back tight against its trunk. After a moment passed he peered around the tree, satisfied that he had remained undetected he proceeded with his plan. Slowly and methodically taking great care not to make a sound or any sudden movement that might alert the group to his presence the man began to move through the thick underbrush of the forest positioning himself ahead of the parties leader.

The moment he had so carefully planned had finally arrived. In a flash the man tumbled out from his hiding place gracefully springing to his feet within arms reach of the young man leading the expedition.

“You should learn to be more vigilant, you never know what sort of vagabonds you may encounter in the wilderness,” said the man in a devilish yet still haughty tone.

[Azmi & Zoe]

Azmi stopped in his spot. How had he been so careless? His hand flashed to a sword and halfway bared it from it's sheath, his own assassin instincts kicking in. A quick glance over this dark being didn't ease Azmi's tension and it could be hear through his grit teeth.
"I need not remain vigilant through these woods for they are mine." Fangs blazoned and eyes slits of black, he continued, "No vagabond is a threat to me or my party. What business - "
Azmi was interupted by Zoe's hand on his arm, pulling it away from the hilt of his katana.
"If you want something specific," Zoe's kind voice came from behind a smile, "Say it. There is no need to frighten anyone. If you have ill intents, I suggest you leave now before acting upon them, as I promise you wouldn't survive." Her voice remained calm and kind through these threats, and a seemingly sincere smile kept its place on her lips and eyes.
Azmi eased a little, loosening his grip on the hilt of his weapon, though not releasing it, and allowing Zoe to talk. Perhaps it would be best to avoid a battle so early on.

[royaleagleofthor]

“Temper, temper you can sheath your sword Master of the Woodland had I wished you harm you would already be dead,” stated the man calmly without so much as a flinch or a tremor in his voice.

“As for my business I wish to accompany you on your endeavor as I am quite unfamiliar with these lands myself. I am certain that my skill would be most beneficial to your party here and besides you need not even compensate me, I have all the wealth I desire.”

The cloaked man moved closer extending his arm in offer of a handshake, “So what’s the verdict?”

[AutumnrainChaos]

((Neh... I'm late in getting in... I know!))

Twigs and branches snapped as the long haired Kanael broke through into the clearing. "Ouch, he muttered and stopped to look up at the group. "Uh... have I barged into something I shouldn't have?"

[milliehiggins]

Millie gave a sharp squeak when a figure jumped out of the bush. Her eyes went huge and her heart starting racing, although she didn’t see the figure just yet, only one thought came to mind: Killer Birds. Oh, they’re goners! She could just she see those sharp beaks, pointy claws, an- Hold on. Millie peeked around Azmi and Zoe. Oh. It was just a man…
It took all Millie had to swallow the laughter growing inside of her. Ha! Killer birds! Ha, ha, ha! How funny…!*cough*
Millie listened closely to the conversation ahead of her. Somehow, it turned form hostile to friendly in just mere seconds. A smile spread upon her lips when the new face offered to join them. “I say let him join.” She suggested, giving a shrug. “Hey, if he can get to the front of our group without any of us noticing,” She paused to point of finger at everyone, “I think we’re better off having him with us than against us.” She ended her statement with a sweet smile. Hopefully, she won’t regret those words…

[Azmi & Zoe]

Something was odd with that Mille, Zoe thought as she nodded in agreement with her.
Azmi nodded to the drow. "Alright," he answered cooly, not trusting the stranger, the being of darkness before them. "Don't try anything stup-"
"Azmi, shut up!" Zoe challenged, catching his tone. "You're gonna scare him off." She turned to Kanael, deliberately missing eye contact. "You're alright, hun," she answered him.

[AutumnrainChaos]

Kanael nodded. "Oh perfectly fine," he said, and pulled twigs and leaves from his hair. "I'm just not used to dense forests..."