The Greatest Show on Telath! [featuring: The Flying Dregas, with Jade and Austin]

[Desmodus]

Timestamp: 40 Ioannes, Era XIV PF

Latherin had told the group from Natura to expect a call from a Ranger that evening some time after pracenda. The summer brightenings were long, and it was only just starting to get dark when a young ranger named Ethilde Falconeye showed up at the Sooty Cavern and started to ask Mila a question. She had barely opened her mouth when the Innkeeper, with a knowing smirk, pointed out table 3, Drega, party of four.

Actually, even that mute exchange was largely superfluous; the four were the only strangers there, and didn't look like ruffled caravan survivors. Approaching their table politely, Ethilde said: "Serale, and Vedui. I am Ethilde Falconeye of the Acumin Rangers. I take it you are the four come from Natura to help us? If so, then please make ready to accompany me. I am to take you to meet your next contact."

Her bright, cool grey eyes went around to each of the visitors. She had a hunch that Venn was the leader, but she also knew it would be impolite to fail to treat them all as equals. "You won't be departing Acumin directly, so you don't have to take all your things with you right now. I apologize in advance for this process being a bit indirect, but the reasons will become clear in a bit."

Ethilde would wait for as long as it took Venn, Avrie, Austin, and Jade to get ready. She would talk to them and answer what questions she could, but she was not there for the beer or the company, and the Naturans would not find her to be much of one for banter.

[Jade Alanon]

Jade couldn't help but feel quite odd here in Acumin, it wasn't as though she was knew to being in such places for she traveled a great deal, it was more traveling with Avrie, Austin, and Venn that threw her off. She felt that she had to stay with them and really, such a thing was hard for her. They had all agreed on taking the mission where they would pose as slaves, it was highly dangerous, especially if they were caught, but Jade felt the other option would have been suicide for the small group, she was experienced in fighting, but going against a large group of dark elves wasn't something she wanted to try her hand at just yet, not a direct attack anyway.

Jade tried to recall if she had been to Acumin before, she had been to so many different places over the course of her long life that it was hard to keep track, it didn't seem too familiar, so if she had, it had been a long time ago. She wasn't used to following others, she worked with Nymira only and that was it, though she was apart of the Sanguine clan, she didn't bother to work with any of them...ever. She wasn't exactly sure why she had decided to come to Acumin, perhaps it was because she wanted to keep an eye out on the Eventide's, she couldn't help but worry about Jerack attacking them outside the city, he wouldn't hurt her, he only wanted to get at Austin. Venn had become the unofficial leader it seemed, which didn't sit too well with Jade, not that she wished to lead them, she couldn't and she knew that, she just didn't like following anyone in particular.

Nymira stayed away from Venn, not really bringing herself to trust the Paladin, he was very intuitive and she didn't need him figuring anything out with either her or her sister. He had tried a few times to speak with Jade during their journey there and while she had reciprocated, it had been half hearted and hesitant, sort of standoffish really. She was nice enough, mostly because Avrie was his wife and she loved this man and Jade cared for Avrie and Austin. As they sat at the table in the Sooty Cavern, Jade kept mostly to herself, sitting next to Austin with Nymira sitting next to her chair, she would smile at Austin from time to time, though that smile was often fleeting she had many things on her mind and the fact that Nymira was feeling chatty didn't help things.

It felt weird being amongst such close people, Avrie and Austin being close because they were siblings, Avrie and Venn close because of their marriage, and Austin and Venn close because Venn was Austin's mentor and brother-in-law. Jade felt out of the loop really, she was Avrie's friend and she loved Austin, but she still didn't have that closeness and it showed. She thanked the gods that she had Nymira there with her, her own family.

Jade looked up as a woman approached the table, not wasting any time in explaining who she was and why she was there. So this wasn't the ranger that would take them to the arc, she was there to take them to their next contact, though whether that was the ranger that would brief them on what all they were to do, they would soon find out. Jade grabbed hold of her staff and stood to her feet, indicating that she was ready, Nymira stood as well, staying close to her bondmate's side with a look of intelligence and understanding in her dark eyes. Like Ethilde, Jade would wait for the others to ready themselves, she had no questions for the ranger, not yet anyway.

[Venn Drega]

Venn said little as they followed their hosts and settled into the Sooty Cavern. He had chosen in this case to follow the lead of the others. He sensed the uneasiness in Jade which only matched his own and although he did not know the reason for her discomfort, he knew his own. He had rarely gone adventuring in a small party. On official errands he was likely to take an assistant or an entourage and military excursions would usually involve a larger force. In each of those scenarios, however, he knew his role and what was expected of him. Strategic and tactical decisions often fell to him in those instances, but that was an authority and responsibility he bore. Here, with his wife, his brother-in-law and Jade there was no such clarity. They were a group of friends and family taking on a dangerous assignment. Among them he was a husband, a mentor and an acquaintance. It reminded him of a time he had nearly forgotten and allowed to fade from his memory, before wars, politics and duty. Perhaps that was why it made him uneasy. The yoke of responsibility had left its mark on him even when it was not upon his neck.

His mind gravitated towards preparation, tactics and strategy almost as a way of coping with uncertainty. He gauged the strengths and weaknesses of his companions and looked towards the task they had been assigned. He knew Austin and Avrie and their abilities well enough. Austin could handle himself in a scrap with blade or fists if his wit and good humor were not enough. Avrie's beauty and intelligence were evident enough to him and she had the magicks that could be activated by her voice. It was Jade who was a mystery. The woman seemed rather quiet and withdrawn but there were certain things he had observed. Jade had a situational awareness about her that he akin to those of warriors except her found she attended to a different set of parameters with her eyes. He had also seen the way she held her staff and knew it was no mere traveling stick by the way she hefted it and always held it in a way that optimized its weight and balance. Even more curious was her relationship with the vyrkin with whom jade seemed particularly attached. The creature would be an asset in any fight but its eyes seemed extraordinarily sentient. The two also possessed an uncommon grace in movement not unlike those of certain combat classes. He had not had the time to query Austin or Avrie about Jade and unfortunately they did not have that luxury now so he simple accepted the enigma that remained. Perhaps he would come to know the woman over the course of their endeavor.

Sitting next to Avrie, Venn projected a sense of being relaxed. To anyone else, he was simply a adventurer resting after a long journey from Natura, but his wife would likely penetrate his ruse. She knew by the look in his eyes, they way they narrowed slightly that he was uneasy. He could never hide his worry from her. So he held her hand an squeezed it lightly from time to time, unsure whether he was trying to assure her or himself more.

He also felt protective of Austin, this being the newly minted recruit to the Temple's first quest. He was quite proud of the way Austin sought out his opportunity and was glad simply to be present with his comrade in arms. He would also be able to see how the man worked and operated under duress as such situations provided opportunities for one's character to shine.

It was then ranger entered the tavern and was directed to them. Venn watched her make her way through the crowd to their table. After introductions, Venn said nothing, only rising to follow Ethilde. He had already made arrangements to stow most of his gear with the Aedile. He doubted a surface dweller in obsidiante armor and armed to the teeth would be able to be passed off as a slave or entertainer, so he settled for a simple traveling clothes, a belted tunic and worn grey cloak. He did however keep his poniard in his boot for the moment although he would leave that behind if needed as well.

[Avrie Eventide Drega]

Avrie was starting to pick up on Venn's unease, though she tried not to let her life-mate's seemingly placid mood effect her as she walked with the group to the sooty cavern. She had nothing really to store so everything she had she carried with her. She was dressed as an Air'riela, in a long skirt, a bright red sash-scarf around her waist, a long sleeved low-cut blouse, and a lovely green scarf tied to her neck. A bag was never far from her, there was a katana at her hip, and two instrument cases slung over her shoulder.

The Bard kept Venn's hand in hers especially once they arrived, though her eyes often roamed to Austin and Jade. Were they nervous as well? Avrie didn't exactly feel nervous. Everything in her life had almost always turned out well. She wouldn't have normally believed that until she caught the relequis sickness. But she'd survived that as well, and it made her appreciate life, its shortness, and how Carmelya seemed to look out for her mixed-blood bard. She truly believed that. Her Goddess guarded her because she upheld Her Will.

Avrie leaned close to Venn, unashamed of her affection, and kissed him reassuringly on his beloved neck, whispering something softly in his ear.... a murmur of confidence. Then she released his hand, and pulled her deck of cards out of her bag which she'd sat beside her as she settled at the table to wait. The wooden cards were shuffled, then three were pulled forth, and laid out. Venn had seen her do this before, multiple times, and each time she drew with more confidence. It was a three card spread, designed for a quick answer.

She flipped the first one. It showed a card that was handsomely painted with a lone star shining brightly over an ocean at night, almost leading the way or illuminating the darkness. "This is for the past. Meaning, what brought us here? Satarma, the Star. Cards can be read many ways. This one says to me that we needed to come here to understand and reaffirm how well we have it in Natura and in our lives, blessed with our family. We have no idea what happens elsewhere, meaning here, though we might think we do... and so it is for us to find our light, our understanding and observe completely so we don't forget." She stated simply.

Then she flipped the next card. It showed a group of fisherman hauling a bound mermaid up onto their deck. She struggled with them even as they laughed, one holding iron chains ready to strap onto her wrists. "The Present is Lupunza or Fettered... powerlessness. We have no control over things currently. It's causing us pain... at least some of us, being out of our element and in a place we are wholly uncomfortable with." Avrie glanced up and at her husband, giving him a soft reassuring smile. Glancing over at Austin, she laughed slightly, knowing the card wasn't speaking to him. As for Jade... she had no clue... perhaps it was, or wasn't. If Jade reacted, she'd know.

Finally, she turned over the last one. "This card represents the future." She said, showing the group the card that came up last. Her card showed two crabs on the shore fighting over a single silver coin, each one with a claw on it tugging. "Atalante or Temptation. Each of us will be tempted past what we've ever been before. We will experience loss, and perhaps seduction. And there will be trouble... big trouble... perhaps with the law, and with something stolen." The reading was quick, done with gentleness in a soft gentle voice, and her cards were swept up and replaced as the woman they were waiting for approached.

She was ready to go when everyone else was, but indeed she did have one question. "What should be expect?" The bardess asked.

[Austin Eventide]

Upon arrival at the tavern, Austin noticed how uncomfortable others in the small group seemed. Venn was quiet and withdrawn at times; this Austin was somewhat used to. Jade appeared to have something on her mind and although Austin wanted so much to ask her what it was, it was not exactly the right time or place. Avrie was always unpredictable so Austin was sure to keep an eye on her. Otherwise his apprehensiveness that he felt tinges of upon entering the town were muffled. This was an adventure after all and although it was serious, Austin was in a pretty light mood. He was quick to order a drink although not brave enough to try any wine that the establishment may have to offer. It was hard to say who was watching them so he decided to order a simple ale. Though not as refined as he was used to, such a beverage would do for the time being. Every so often he would lay a hand on Jade's thigh or knee as a sign of support as she seemed slightly out of sort. Eventually he kicked back a bit and relaxed.

Nobody seemed to be in the grand talking mood so Austin entertained himself by tossing a few crowns into a nearby empty mug. He was rather good at it as if he had spent many a brightening and darkening in similar taverns wasting time in similar ways. Overall, he took it easy on the ale as he was slowly trying to ween himself away from alcohol when situations called for level minds.

The tension in the group seemed to break a bit when Avrie broke out a deck of cards. Austin had seen such a thing when his sister performed at the Winehouse and though it sometimes intrigued him, he didn't know much about it. As she flipped the cards and spoke, he realized that she was reading into what the cards showed. Whether or not what she was saying was true, Austin couldn't help but think that his little sister may have finally grown up and who knew, maybe there was something to the whole card thing. When he watched her read the cards for people at the Winehouse, their reactions were not of mockery or disbelief. That alone caused Austin to think about it a bit more. Her mention of temptation worried him a bit although he wasn't sure why. He suspected it was perhaps due to him, in the past of course, not always being one to resist temptation. Nevertheless, he listened to what Avrie had to say and did not mock her as she may have expected.

"Well, hopefully we won't experience too much temptation, seduction or...loss. At least we can be on guard for such things if they happen upon us." His response to Avrie's words were genuine and could be seen in his face and especially his eyes. Since his unbinding, Austin had come to understand that there was much more to life than he had ever imagined before and maybe his sister did have a gift that they couldn't as yet understand.

The group didn't need to wait much longer for someone to approach. Austin regarded the woman with a soft smile while taking a healthy swig from his mug. At her greeting, Austin responded, "Serale to you fair Ranger. Name's Austin Eventide; these are my friends." Austin gestured to the Jade, Venn and Avrie. "Yes, we came from Natura to answer your call for aid." Austin had been expecting to begin their little journey quickly but shrugged at the mention of not leaving immediately.

"No need to apologize. Considering the nature of what we are here for, I can imagine secrecy is essential." For some reason, Austin felt a tickle in the back of his mind that this could all be a trap. That thought alone, no matter how dismissed he would have liked to have made it, brought out the businessman in him. He decided to watch this woman for any signs of falsehood or attempts to mislead; the way her eyes moved as she spoke. Did she look at them when she was talking or through them. Did her lips tremble even in the slightest with each phrase? Did she fidget at all? He watched for all of these while holding as charming of a smile as he could; his eyes bright and looking ready for action.

He listened to any questions the others may have before offering one of his own. The question was quite unlike the Austin the others knew. Avrie knew Austin to be a fun-loving, reckless, thoughtless thug of a big brother. Jade knew him to be a man of great compassion, devotion and protectiveness. Venn knew a man of conviction, determination and drive. Yet now Austin was letting slip the more serious, down-to-business, thinking person that he often kept hidden. "I really only have one question and I apologize if I genuinely offend but what assurance do we have that you are who you say you are? I mean, the fact that Acumin is looking for help is no secret to say the least. In fact, the Herald has spread word across the Empire of what is going on. Who is to say that this unknown threat is not using this to acquire genuine slaves for whatever dark purpose may be at hand?" Austin remained seated, leaning back with a mug of ale in his hand.

[Desmodus]

Ethilde responded to each of the party in turn, although in some cases there was little to respond to. She gave Venn something of a puzzled look since he was so taciturn. To Jade she flashed a briefly startled expression as the huge black beast at the human's side rose from beneath the table into view. The beast made the ranger somewhat wary, in spite of the fact that she was normally quite comfortable around beasts.

She watched with mild interest as Avrie read her cards. Ethilde did not completely trust gypsies, nor did she believe in fortunetelling, but it was diverting to watch the woman do her reading nonetheless. Avrie's question struck her as slightly odd, and perhaps ironic considering what she had just been doing. "I don't really know what to expect, unfortunately," she answered. "I only know to look for you and take you to your next contact. Every outing has taken a different route, and experienced a different outcome." She pointed at the cards. "In all seriousness, those can probably tell you as much about what to expect as I can. I will say this much, though. The person I am taking you to see will be able to tell you a great deal more."

Ethilde was not certain what to make of the way Austin was looking at her. She was not bad looking, and it would not be the first time a man had stared at her. But she was actually a bit shy about such things, and the man's attentions made her a bit uneasy, causing her to fidget and avoid looking at him in ways he might be tempted to misinterpret.

Still, when he issued his challenge, her striking grey eyes snapped directly onto his. There was just a flash of annoyance in that look, though not really anger. More like exasperation. "I can certainly appreciate your suspicion of my intentions," she said after a moment. "But it's a bit silly to question my identity." Ethilde gestured around the room. "Everybody here knows me. Even with all the newcomers, this is a village of perhaps only a hundred. But if you need somebody other than Mila here to vouch for me, we can always go bother the Aedile, or the druids down a the grove, or Jon Litate at the Ranger hall."

"Or you can just ask *me*" came a gruff male voice from just behind the half-elf. A grizzled, middle-aged human came into view. "Matthes Aleander at yer' service," he said by way of introduction. "These people giving you a hard time, Thilly?"

"Not at all, Matthes," she responded, wincing slightly as if he had just shaken her hand too hard. She *hated* that nickname. That he liked to remind everybody of how cleverly it rhymed with "Philly", the pet name he had given the other young female half-elf Ranger, only made it more grating. "If anything, I am bothering them, though it's on Hall business."

"Oh!" the man exclaimed, a flash of recognition lighting his eyes as he seemed to really see the group from Natura for the first time, "so these are the guys you're taking to see Ka-oof!" A half-elven elbow in his gut cut his sentence short.

"Security, remember, Matthes?" hissed Ethilde sharply.

"Right, right. Of course." the human choked out somewhat breathlessly, now bent over slightly. "Well, it's nice to meet you," he said by way of farewell, then hunched back over to where he was sitting.

Ethilde turned her attention back to Austin. "I did not mean to be short with you, sir," she said after a moment. "Yours was a fair question. But as far as who I am, that is fairly easy to establish, to any extent that you like. Beyond that, you will simply have to trust me, and the only reason I can offer for you to do so is that you really haven't much choice. None of us do, if we are to accomplish anything."

The ranger looked around expectantly at the rest of the group. Provided they had no further questions or challenges, she would take them to their next meeting place. She led them outside the tavern, into the warm, soft summer evening, and they walked a little ways among the old part of Acumin, consisting largely of abandoned, burnt remains of Acumin's old dwellings sparsely studded with the curious green masses of vegetation that were the village's new dwellings.

If Austin was looking for reassurance that nothing suspicious was going on, he would find little in where the ranger was taking them, for she led them to an abandoned, dark quarter of the town. Finally, she stopped in front of the charred square outline of a house inside which the door leading to some sort of root cellar was visible, lying flat on the ground. "I am about to test your trust in me even further," Ethilde announced to the group, looking especially at Austin, her grey eyes glistening faintly in the twilight as she did so. "I am about to lead you into a dark cellar, in which a vysstichi is waiting for you. It will just be you four, me, and her. Follow, if you trust me."

She stepped nimbly into the charred ruins, even blacker in the growing dark, and bent over to open the cellar door. "It's me, Kali," she said into the dark doorway that led into the ground. "I've brought our four intrepid companions." Perceptive ears might have picked up just a slightly artificial emphasis on the word "intrepid". A faint, rather high voice came up from the darkness, saying something the Naturans could not quite make out. Ethilde looked up at the group. "Follow me if you will, please." She then turned and disappeared into the dark cellar, presumably descending some unseen stairs.

[Avrie Eventide Drega]

Avrie liked Ethilde with her blunt forthright way. The mannerism was something she appreciated, lacking in subterfuge and opaquenesses. It was a startling discovery, here among these people who seemed to need help so much. Avrie was a bit unclear on the whole situation.... a nest of Vyssie beneath Acumin constantly harrassed the city? They were going down to investigate? If someone could get them in, then they already knew a great deal about what was below right? The bardess seemed uncertain, hesitant, but she wouldn't change her mind. Austin needed company, and now that Venn had agreed to go... which was so like them, she couldnt' see waiting behind.

But she was also a healthy bit afraid. The young woman had never really been in any sort of situation like this, nor war. She sailed through life on a song and seemed to have no problems coming out on top of things. With her brother and her lifemate along, things would be well. Jade too, for all that her friend was more of a warrior than most folks.

When Ethilde lead them from the room, Avrie tucked her arm in Venn's and let him see for both of them. She had no low-light vision, but knew he could both see in the dark and had a weird sort of sounding vision that allowed him to see in absolutely no light. So she lengthened her stride and stepped when he did, trusting him to make sure everything was fine as they descended into the dark basement to meet the Vyssie guide.

[Venn Drega]

Venn had always been curious about the cards Avrie kept, intrigued by their meanings and fascinated by the images they bore. His wife's quick reading made him wonder as to what the future held for them in this adventure.

Austin's comment surprised him but it was completely understandable. The man had likely never been immersed within the world of adventurers and it was only natural to state what was on his mind. It reminded Venn of himself in those halcyon days. Austin would learn the subtleties in time. He almost envied the carefree spirit of his brother-in law. For a moment he wondered about the relationship between the squire and Jade and how things would unfold over time. But then these things were beyond his knowing.

Overhearing the exchanged between Ethilde and Matthes raised a few concerns for the paladin. If the man knew something of their mission, who else might be aware of their secret? It was a detail he would put in the back of his mind for the moment. If a pattern emerged of security breaches, at least he would be aware, othewise it was information he would simply let expire.

Venn appreciated Ethilde's demeanor even as she answered Austin. She carried herself the way an experienced warrior would. There were few pleasantries offered and a sense of duty and professionalism. Hardened combat veterans often were like this. He himself identified with it. Something tends to change within you when you see friends cut down, when you know how high the stakes are in the larger context of a war. If Acumin suffered as much as he had heard reported, he expected no less. And so as they proceeded out of the tavern and walked into a deserted part of the town, Venn moved alongside the ranger. "It looks as if you've had a hard time of it here in Acumin," he commented. "I regret that Natura was to informed in time to stand with you in your time of trial before this, but rest assured we are with you now."

When they arrived at the top of the cellar door, Venn heard her words and just before she ducked away, reached out to grasp her arm so that she turned to face him. She would see the glint in his silver irises floating in a sea of black. His visage was one of determination and answered her query wordlessly. It was an unspoken word between warriors that communicated a tacit covenant of trust, for in the midst of battle, each soldier was required to trust their companion to defend them even as they committed to the same. It was something Venn hoped Austin would have noticed and perhaps something he would explain later to his ward. "Lead on," he said to Ethilde, releasing her arm.

He felt Avrie draw close to him and a sense of protectiveness washed over him. He squeezed her arm lightly and affectionately, cast a backward glance at Jade, Nymira and Austin, and descended as he had done many a time into the breach of darkness.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin did not flinch at Ethilde's response nor did he outwardly back down. He continued to watch her as she spoke somewhat sharply to his questions. He noted how she at first avoided his gaze then looked directly at him shortly after. Her offering of seeking the Aedile or druids or others to vouch for her did not ease his mind as anyone seeking to hide something would do the same; thinking that he would not want to waste the time seeking these people. Austin however was one who would seek out her claims. Besides, he and the others were there to help the people of Acumin; it seemed only right in his mind that those seeking aid be honest and upfront.

The addition of words from the aging human; an obvious acquaintance of the woman, also did not add much in her defense as far as Austin was concerned. Responding to questions with defensiveness however was a step in the right direction. As far as Austin was concerned, if someone responded in defense, and it appeared genuine, then they could at least be trusted a bit further. How far was yet to be seen. Not normally the distrusting sort, Austin was not sure what to expect. This was not like running the Winehouse or negotiating business deals for supplies and new product. It was not the carefree, dangerless atmosphere that he had grown used to in Natura. Whereas Natura protected its people from violence and misdeeds, the small town of Acumin seemed less secure.

When Ethilde offered a bit of an apology, Austin's face became softer; less scrutinizing. His false smile vanished and the visage that had wooed many in the past returned; the confident smile and shining eyes. "Fair enough, friend. Hopefully distrust and secrecy will no longer be needed when we are finished." Venn's response had also helped ease Austin's suspicions a bit as his knew his mentor had experienced much more and most likely would have been keen to any foul deeds thus far.

With no other questions, Austin went along with the rest and followed Ethilde from the tavern. He noted the abandoned buildings and scattered ruins. Acumin had seen a lot it seemed. As they continued a bit further into a darker and much quieter part of town, finally arriving in the burnt remains of a house. Austin raised an eyebrow as Ethilde stopped at the door in the ground. Her words definitely brought no comfort to him and less so as she spoke to someone on the other side of the door and opened it.

Peering into the darkness below, Austin silently cursed not having the sight to see in the absence of light and thus relied on Jade and Venn to act as the eyes of the group. His hand was close to the dagger at his side as he did not want to test wielding a sword in the darkness. Slowly he descended.

[Jade Alanon]

Jade watched with some fascination as Avrie brought out her tarot cards, Jade remembered them well for Avrie had read her and Nymira once, their fortunes had been less then what Jade had expected really, she had expected to see blood and fire in their past, in their present and in their future. Leaning forward a bit to get a better look at the card that was shown, Jade glanced over at Austin with a bit of a half smile, she could tell that he wanted to ask her why she seemed so quiet, but he knew that now was not the time, he knew such thoughts would be private, hardly able to share them with him much less anyone else. While she kept a straight face whilst Avrie spoke on the meaning of the card, her eyes flashed before she turned away, the present card described how she felt very well. She was out of her element, it wasn't just her and Nymira doing this or she would feel better, she had to worry for others, had to rely on others and that worried her.

While she and Venn were silent as they rose, showing their willingness to follow the woman, both Avrie and Austin had their questions, which was understandable. Jade felt there was no need to really question the woman's intents, if she was a real slaver, then she surely wouldn't admit to such a thing and if she was any good, then she would get away with it anyway. They were taking a rather blind risk going along with this plan, but it was one they surely could handle. Jade noticed with some amusement that the ranger was uncomfortable around the hulking form that was Nymira, wasn't hard to believe considering Nymira gave off the predatory aura and the keen intelligence in her dark eyes didn't help. "Think it might be a trap?" Jade looked down at her bondmate and gave a half shrug. "Whether it is or not, we are going." Nymira smiled inwardly, having expected such an answer from her sister.

The fact that everyone knew this woman didn't really mean she couldn't be leading them into a trap, slavers could lead perfectly normal lives whenever they wished, made it all the more perfect really. She saw how Austin's serious question had annoyed and most likely insulted her as well, but that wasn't what caused Jade to tense up, it was the gruff male that came up behind the woman, he seemed to be a friend of the woman and didn't like that they were choosing to annoy the woman. Jade kept her silence the whole time, Avrie and Austin spoke enough for the group and anything Jade would have said would have only stalled them further from heading to their destination, though her sharp gaze remained on the ranger carefully, assessing her as best she could in case she really wasn't to be trusted.

Jade brought up the rear of the group, her and Nymira exiting last, walking slowly to the next meeting place. There was a certain tenseness to her that Nymira noticed but did not comment on, the fear of the unknown hung over them both, having never gone up against dark elves before. Jade smiled faintly at the affection Avrie showed her husband, Jade could be tender at times, but not when she was this tense, not when she felt she could be thrust into battle at any time. She took notice of her surroundings, noting how many ruins they passed, Acumin seemed to be falling apart in some places, though many places were like that.

Trust...such a word didn't exist in the Sanguine world, Jade had been taught through rigorous training that she was to trust no one but her bondmate, there was no other alternative then that. Jade rested a hand on Nymira's head to assure both herself and Nymira as they were led into the dark cellar, being that her eyes were quite keen she could see fairly well. The staff in her hand clenched slightly at the thought of meeting a Vysstichi, dark elves didn't actually evoke thoughts of trust in the young woman nor her fierce sister. Jade watched as Ethilde stopped at the door and spoke to whoever lay behind it, most likely the vysstichi, the person behind the door spoke so faintly that neither Jade nor Nymira could make out what was said, she didn't like that at all, but nothing she could really do about it and she wasn't about to leave her group now. She sighed and followed again down the stairs that were hardly there, even with her good sight.

[Desmodus]

The cellar was quite dark, except for the dim twilight that seeped down into it from above. At the edge of that wan rectangle of light, next to a set of steep, bare wooden stairs, Ethilde stood, face turned up towards the group coming down, gesturing each one to take a place against the wall opposite her. The beast part of Nymira balked at the idea of going down there, and her claws had some difficulty finding purchase on the steps, but at last everybody was down the steps.

The cellar was not that large, and the visitors had to stand pretty much shoulder to shoulder.

From somewhere in the dark, a few feet to Avrie's side, a pair of small red lights appeared. "That is all of them yes?" came a high, accented female voice from the direction of the lights.

Ethilde, the bottom of her face just visible in the light slanting into the gloom, nodded. "Yes, that's all. I'll shut the door; you light the lamp, Kalirren. Excuse me, Jade." She had to squeeze past Jade and Nymira, who were crowding the bottom of the steps, to re-ascend and shut the cellar door behind them.

At the same time the light from the skies vanished behind the closing cellar door, the red lights disappeared, too. It was pitch black for a few seconds. Then people could hear some quiet fumbling sounds. Then, suddenly, a lit lantern somehow emerged into view, and the room suffused with a dim light. The lantern was being held by a black-skinned and black-clad form. A female vysstichi, tall and rather well-muscled for a woman, stood holding the lamp, red eyes examining each of the arrivals in turn.

"Vendui," she said, in the high-pitched, strangely-accented voice they had heard earlier. "I am Kalirren. I understand you are to be my troupe of performing slaves?" A white eyebrow, arching in stark contrast to her black skin over her red eyes, rose quizzically.

She stretched out her tall form towards the low ceiling above and hung the lamp from a hook set just above the stool on which she had been sitting, which turned out to be the only piece of hospitable furnirture in the cellar, and which looked suspiciously as if the only reason it was there at all was that the vysstichi had brought it with her. The cellar was long and narrow, with plain earthen walls flanking to either side of the stairs. The wall the visitors were lined up against was bare, the opposite wall lined with what looked to be empty wine-racks.

"I know you must find this strange," Kalirren explained. "I will tell you more of myself, of what my plans and thinking on this mission are. But first, I would like to know what you, who are to be my slaves, can do. The guards and slavers will want to know what our...action? is like" She looked inquiringly at Ethilde

"Act?" the half-elf responded, guessing at the word Kalirren was looking for.

The dark elf shrugged, then looked back at the four. "Act, I think, yes. Please tell me more about yourselves, and what you plan to do. Then I will be able to tell all of you more about myself and about how we should go about getting us into Herozzal."

[Avrie Eventide Drega]

Avrie smile, then spoke up boldly because she had no shame and had an immediate desire to correct the dark elf. "No, we will not be your slaves. We will be pretending to be with you in such a circumstance because we wish to help. But make no mistake about it, we are freeborn and always will be." Avrie said softly, wanting to correct the woman. They might be pretending to be slaves, but it sounded as if the woman already thought of them as such, and that was wrong.

"As for myself, I can sing, dance, play the violin, mandolin, drums, and I can tell fortunes. My strongest qualities are my singing though. My husband's voice is also lovely. And I know Jade plays violin too. You don't want Austin singing." Avrie commented dryly and then took Venn's hand in the dark. She hated the dark, and disliked the thin pale light they had going. She knew at least Venn and Jade could probably see clearly in the blackness, but her and Austin were at a distinct disadvantage.

Then the bard grew quiet, waiting to see what the others would add about themselves to the Vyssie ranger.