The Thief ((OPEN))

[Tulian Solum]

Doing his best to keep up with the shrew it was still difficult for Seig. Even though he had longer legs the shrew was fighting with pure rage, someone without that could not keep up. During a short fight with a particularly skilled fellow ferret the shrew moved from his back and left him exposed as he almost threw himself at the vermin next to him. Taking a step back as the ferret swung Seig crouched low to bring his blade toward the other ferrets stomach before he was hit in the back by another vermins spear.

Luckily his cuirass protected him from the attack but he was still knocked forward into the ferret. Managing to lower his head so he drove his helmet into the ferrets stomach he ended up on top of him after the fall. Taking his chance he quickly slashed across the downed ferrets throat then glanced back to see the vermin that had hit him. Narrowing his eyes through the slit he got low over the ferrets body and kicking out quickly with his right leg, his metal foot catching the rat square in the nose. Rolling off as the rat collapsed to the forest floor Seig spun around looking for other targets. But the battle was over. The only vermin remaining were quickly being cut down or running as the shrews threw up their arms and celebrated.

But their jubilation was short lived as it became known of the heavy losses the shrews had sustained, including the chieftain. Turning to Nik as he spoke out Seig Sheathed his blade and snapped to attention as he finished his speech. It was rare to find creatures in this land that gave anyone a chance, and Seig was sad that one of them had been lost this night.

After the speech was done Seig removed his helmet and helped the shrews to move through the bodies on the battlefield. Any vermin that was still living was bound up by whatever Seig could find and dragged to the middle of the cam. He intentionally avoided looking at what the other shrews were doing to the wounded vermin. The few pleas for mercy that were quickly silenced was enough for him. But it seemed that at least some other shrews were allowing some of the enemy to live for now at least.

He also helped any shrew he found, helping them to their feet and then back to the healers. It was during this time he found the shrew that had lost some of his weapons by betting on the deaths of him and Vaygen. The shrew was still looking at him with contempt as he spat out finish it. Rolling his eyes as he grabbed the shrews shirt with his metal hands and hauled him to his feet. He began to help him back to the camp. Dropping him a little unceromionsly he turned on his heel and walked back out into the battlefield, the long scuff mark across his cuirass back pushed to the side for now as he continued to check the bodies.


Once the battlefield was clear and the group of prisoners guarded, maybe for execution or questioning Seig didn't know. That would be up to the new leader that came over to thank him. Quickly snapping off a salute he bowed his head as he was tanked. "Its my duty My Lord, to fight for those in need." Was the only reply he gave as the new chieftain walked off. Sitting back near the boulder where he was placed earlier that day he removed all his armor and set to work repairing it as best he can. He had also looted a good quality spear haft from the dead vermin and was currently in the process of attaching his Halberd head and end cap to that. Of course after the fight he found his tool in a small side pocket.

"Always in the last place you look." He murmured quietly to himself as he worked, occasionally looking up at the shrews as he did, wondering what would happen now. Both to the tribe, the wounded, and the prisoners under this new leadership.

(Lots to keep up with in this thread . )

[Django]

"Not sure, but I found him just at the edge of the battle, he was hurt really bad so I got him as far away from combat as I could. He died peacefully."

Taking out a red bandanna, Bon Vaygan presented it to Nik.

"He told me to give this to his wife; do you know her?"

Nik took the bandana gently, rubbing the torn fabric with his thumb. He nodded in response to the last question. "Aye, I know 'er," he replied, shifting position slightly. "Thanks, Vaygen." He placed a paw on the weasel's shoulder for a moment and then stood once more.

Getting the attention of another shrew, Nik ordered for Tyro to be given a proper burial. The deceased warrior's body was respectfully placed with the other dead Guosim. Nik then left to find Tyro's widow.

((I'm going to pretend the 'prisoners' were dealt with already, because the Guosim don't take prisoners, normally. Also, a time skip. This is a busy day.))

Campfires had been made and dinner was on its way. The Guosim were quieter than normal, but they were still celebrating their victory. Shrew beer and skilly'n'duff was plentiful, and even Seig and Bon Vaygen were invited to stay. Nik stood up right before the food was served, raising his tankard. He seemed to be in a good mood, but he was obviously still struggling with the events of the day.

"Guosim," he shouted. "Today, ye made yore ancestors proud!" He was met with cheers and much banging of weapons. He let the tribe settle down before speaking again. But he was cut off by a shout from the group.

"Less 'ear it fer Logalog Nik!" a shrew yelled. The Guosim broke out into cheers again, but Nik tried to calm them down. He glanced at two of the elders who sat nearby. They stood up, and one of them held an obsidian black stone in the air.

"Oi!" he shouted. The Guosim noticed the stone glinting in the light of the fire and finally quieted down. The elder tossed the stone to Nik, who caught it deftly, setting his tankard by his feet.

"I ain't th' Logalog jus' yet, Guosim," he began. The shrews made to argue, but Nik held up the stone in clear view, and they kept their mouths shut. "Me'n th' elders discussed it. I ain't th' Logalog 'til I turn twenny-one. I'm a captain, only. I . . ." He sighed. "I don' wanna mess this up fer yew all. So I'm gonna learn t' be a good leader fer th' nex' weeks. Won't be long, I promise."

The Guosim were clearly in disagreement with this plan. The black stone passed from paw to paw as various shrews gave their opinions on the matter. But Nik was not to be swayed. He listened politely to each shrew, but he had a reasonable answer for every one. Finally, the debate died down, and Nik got the stone back.

"I know yew all don' really like it," he concluded. "But I jus' wanna be th' bes' I c'n be for this tribe. Now," he picked up his tankard again. "Less git back t' celebratin', eh?"

The Guosim complied, but only because dinner was finally served. The mood returned to a jovial one, and the shrews struck up a song or two throughout the course of the night. It was simply a time for having fun.

[Promatera]

As Nik thanked him, Bon Vaygan felt an odd surge of emotion. It had been years since he had seen so much loss of life. He was so glad to be alive. He sniffed the air and wiped away the tears forming in his eyes. This was an odd experience. Just this morning he could hardly gather the strength to live and now he was elated to just be alive. Perhaps he had more control over his 'issue' than he gave himself credit for. However, as his euphoria diminished so to did his physical condition. The swelling of his eyes had gone down, but they were still discolored and he felt sore all over his body.

Silently, Bon Vaygan returned to the boulder where he had met the ferret. To his surprise the ferret had returned and was working on his weapon.

"Looks like we both made it," he gave a small grin to the ferret. It was not often creatures of vermin descent could survive for long with goodbeasts. He then turned his attention to the ferret's work and watched as he repaired his weapon.

((LATER THAT NIGHT))

Though sore, Bon Vaygan happily accepted the shrews' invitation to stay for the victory celebration. With plenty of food and drink, Bon Vaygan was having the best time he had had with otherbeasts since his days with the troupe. He usually avoided alcohol, but for this occasion he acquiesced. It wasn't long before he was making poor attempts of singing songs he didn't know and performing on the spot shows for the shrews.

With Nik's announcement; however, the jovial atmosphere of the celebration was interrupted, but only for a moment. Too tipsy to notice the sudden shift, Bon Vaygan merrily continued celebrating by himself. When the jovial atmosphere returned Bon Vaygan had unfortunately passed out where he sat on the table with a large THUNK.

[Tulian Solum]

(Yay, nine pages )

Looking up as the weasel came over to him Seig returned the smile and was about to open his mouth to reply when a commution across the shrew camp got his attention. The shrews didn't seem to have any want to keep the three vermin that had survived the battle and were cutting the bonds Seig had tied them with. The vermin needed no second word as they all sprinted off. Looking back at the weasel he nodded a little as he finally replied to his statement.

"Yes....not many did." He replied as he tightened the head of his Halberd into the new shaft. He meant the shrews of course, but also meant the vermin they fought. He may have been a warrior, but unlike the raiders back home he didn't know these vermins history. They were a mystery to him so he wasn't sure about the whole situation. Shaking his head a little he nodded as he now had his main weapon again and went to work on his armor as the shrews cleared up the battlefield.

-That Night-

Having finish his armor for the most part, the long scratch in his back would need better tools. Standing just as the food was being set up Seig politely refused the shrews offer to dine with them as he set himself as sentry duty around the camp. This not only gave him peace of mind that someone would watch the camp when it was vulnerable. But also gave him time to think over the shrews and everything that had happened.

Still wearing all his armor except his helmet, which was resting on his back Seig walked around the camp slowly as he heard the speech in the background. It was wise of Nik to do that, a inexperience leader was much worse then none at all. And it wasn't like he was refusing to ever take the position and this way he could make sure he tribe was alright before he took over leading them.

The actual eating seemed to last only a little amount of time before what sounded like a party began. Seig only looked back a few times, each time to see the weasel get more and more drunk and more shrews collapse. Putting his eyes back on the forest around him he thought about the fight. The shrews had won, the victory was clear but at a very heavy cost. But now they were drinking and laughing just hours after it had happened. Maybe that was just their way to deal with the grief but it was hard for Seig to wrap his head around

This played over and over in his mind as the party quieted down. Soon most of the shrews had gone to sleep or passed out as Seig left his sentry post to get some food. Sitting next to the sleeping weasel he rested his Halberd against the table as he moved some of the cold food toward him. He had no idea what the paste like substance was but it was good. Chewing away he made sure what he was drinking was water as he planned to go back on watch soon.

But he didn't really look around the table to see who else was awake as he munched away, the large scratch still across his cuirass back from the fight and his gauntlets set beside him on the table.

(Hope thats better Jan. )

[Django]

Nik was enjoying himself at the party, but not quite as much as the other shrews. He laughed as many of the warriors drank themselves into a stupor. Bon Vaygen collapsed next to him, and he patted the weasel on the back, standing up from his seat to take a walk around camp.

At least he'd had the foresight to appoint sentries, though it seemed like the ferret had had the same idea. When Seig went back to the tables to get some food, Nik beckoned to the cook. He whispered for her to make more skilly'n'duff for Seig. Cold leftovers were not a suitable meal for a warrior.

The cook complied readily and soon had a piping hot bowl for Nik to take over to the ferret. Walking up to the table, the shrew captain smiled warmly and set the bowl down in front of the other creature. "I ain't lettin' a fellow fighter eat th' scraps," he said kindly, taking a seat across from Seig.

"Yew were great in th' battle, Averi," Nik said. "Thank ye."

[Tulian Solum]

Still lost in this thoughts Seig barley noticed when the food was placed in front of him, only nodding a little at the words as he thought it was one of the other shrews. Idly taking the bowl as he looked down at the table. He frowned a little as he found the bowl to be hot and the burning sensation in his paw finally made him look up.

Widening his eyes a little as the shrew chief...captain was seated in front of him he quickly sat bolt upright and gave a hasty salute as he spoke. Smiling a little as he noticed the hot food in front of him and the shrews words. "Thank you My Lord, for the food and the complement." Lowering his hand back to the side he took a few mouthfuls of the food before he spoke. Not wanting the brief silence to get uncomfortable.

"What will happen now sir? If I may ask. To the tribe, Vaygan, and myself."

(Blah short, cant think of anything to type today >.< .)

[Django]

"What will happen now sir? If I may ask. To the tribe, Vaygan, and myself."

Nik waved a paw. "Yew don' need'a call me sir," he said. "I ain't Logalog yet." Then he went silent for a few long moments, formulating an answer to the ferret's question. It wasn't easy, especially since he was quite worn out from the day's fighting. All the gashes and bruises along his limbs and torso were sore, as well. He normally didn't notice his wounds this acutely. Maybe more had changed in him than he thought . . .

"But, ah, t' answer yore question," he continued. "I ain't shore. All's I know is, I'm gonna be helpin' th' elders in takin' care a' th' tribe. Vaygen's under my protection, an', well, no shrew c'n doubt ye fought agin th' vermin, not with 'em." He let out a short breath, his gaze somewhere else. "T' tell ye th' truth, yew shouldn't 'ave t' worry 'bout th' Guosim on yore tail, if that were on yore mind. None a' these warriors gonna be arter ye jus' 'cos yore a ferret. An' if they are, they'll answer t' me, eh?"

((Meh, mine's short, too. Not feeling much inspiration tonight.))

[Tulian Solum]

Nodding slowly Seig waited until Nik was finished before he took some more mouthfuls of the skilly n' duff. That was at least one weight off his mind at least that he wouldn't need to wear all his armor when leaving the shrew camp for danger of getting an arrow in his back. A silence settled over them again as Seig ate the shrews food. Thinking about what he would do now.

He would be sure to see if there was anything else he could help with before he left. But he was still trying to get the the legendary mountain and he had been sidetracked for a long time with being lost. Maybe Nik could point him in the right direction? But that was a question for later, after the camp and its shrew company was back up to strength.

"Thank you si...Nik, is there anything else I can do to help your tribe in any way?"

[Django]

"Thank you si...Nik, is there anything else I can do to help your tribe in any way?"

Nik glanced around the camp at the drunken and sober shrews alike. He felt a pang of sadness to think of those shrews who wouldn't be engaging in the revelry ever again. Heaving a sigh, the young captain turned back to the ferret. "I s'pect yew got somewheres t' go, eh?" he asked quietly. "Ain't no way I'm gonna keep ye here if'n there's someplace yew need'a be."

He then looked over to the tents of the healers, remembering how many shrews were currently being cared for there. "But, if'n yore good at healin', I may 'ave a spot for ye," he mused. "If-if yore willin' that is."

((Blargh! So short!!))

[Tulian Solum]

(Its all good . Sorry for the wait, classes started up )

Nodding a little as Nik asked him about another place he shrugged a little as he gestures out into the woodlands. Making sure the skilly that was in his mouth was finished before he spoke.

"I came to this land to hopefully find the mighty fortress of Salamandrastron. But instead I found this forest and your tribe because I...don't know the way there honestly. I'm glad I found this place though, its always good to help others in the area that your good at." He said with a smile as he took a few more gulps of the food as Nik asked his second question.

He almost choked on the food after Nik had finished, hitting his chest to try and get the food out. But unfortunately his curaiss stopped any such attempt as he waved his ringing paw in the air, finally able to swallow the food as he smiled. Chuckling again he set one paw on the table and his other on his weapon, nodding to it a little.

"Sorry Nik, but I was never one to take up that spot of war. I only really know how to set broken bones and staunch bleeding. And I'm fairly certain your shrews would be even better at that then me." Smiling still he finished off his food before standing up and retrieving his weapon but he stood by the table in case Nik had anything else to say before we returned to patrol. "Good food by the way Nik, thank you."

Of course still being a new comer to this land Seig had no idea about what the mountain actually thought of beasts like him, as the vermin and few good beasts he had asked were Nik...forgetful enough to leave that detail out for him. If Nik knew it would probably sound like Seig was out looking for the fastest way to get several dozen swords stuck in him then get smashed into the sand by a large hammer.

[Promatera]

((OOC: Almost to ten pages guys! Just gotta keep it going till then XD))

As Seig chocked on food, Bon Vaygan stumbled into consciousness. Still very much drunk after copious amounts of alcohol, Bon Vaygan lifted his dazed head and looked about his blurred surroundings. Where was he again? It was some sort of party and that was all he could remember. All around him everything was out of focus, but he felt cheery. As he moved his right paw, he felt a weight attached to it. He was holding some sort of bottle, but of what he did not know. It was all gone; a shame as he would have enjoyed drinking it.

Placing both paws against the table he slowly lifted himself from the bench, but his arms almost threatened to give. He had never felt stranger in all his life. Nearly tripping over the bench, Bon Vaygan willed his body to find somebeast and ask what was going on. Everything seemed to be moving and it was tough to keep balanced, but after persevering through his erratic movements he managed to find what looked like Nik and Seig having a conversation.

"Ellllloooo?" he asked trying to get their attention, but nearly falling flat on his face in front of them. "Where am I?"

[Django]

Nik chuckled at Seig's response, nodding in understanding. "Aye, 'tis no trouble," he replied. "I jus' wanted t' offer ye th' spot, since it seems we'll be, ah, we'll be needin' more healers 'round 'ere, soon." He glanced around the camp. The only lights came from the healers' tents and the dying fires.

It seemed like an entire lifetime had passed in less than two days. He'd only met Bon Vaygen the night before in the barn. Had it really been only a day? To think he'd planned on skinning the weasel if given the slightest reason to.

"Ellllloooo?" he asked trying to get their attention, but nearly falling flat on his face in front of them. "Where am I?"

Speak of the devil . . . "Ahoy, Vaygen," the shrew captain chuckled, clapping the weasel on the back. "Welcome back t' the land a' th' waking. Yore drunk as a skunk, mate. I'd stay close t' the ground if'n I were yew. Never know what might come back up t' say 'ello."

[Tulian Solum]

Seig nodded at Nik as he he replied, maybe he would give healing a try to help them, but first off the camp needed to be secure and most of the shrews awake before he would give it a try.

Turning as the weasel woke up the ferret only gave him a nod and a smile before quickly filling both his canteens with water from the table. Slipping them back into his backpack he nodded to Nik and Vaygen before continuing his path around the camp. Having to step over a few shrews as the fires burned lower. But soon the sun would be coming out and others would hopefully be up to take his place. But judging by how many some had drunk he may have to wait awhile.

Stretching his arms a little he clicked the spear haft into two small holders on his back to save himself from carrying it. A walking stick wasn't needed on flat ground anyway. He would have to ask later about the best way to get the mountain if they even knew, but Seig couldn't bring himself to ask about leaving when the camp was still at risk. So he continued keeping a watchful eye out, only spotting flashes of fur here and there but nothing beside that in the vast woodland. Most likely scouts trying to find out what happened to their comrades that had attacked.

[Promatera]

"Ahoy, Vaygen," the shrew captain chuckled, clapping the weasel on the back. "Welcome back t' the land a' th' waking. Yore drunk as a skunk, mate. I'd stay close t' the ground if'n I were yew. Never know what might come back up t' say 'ello."

"Rubbbisssh!" Bon Vaygan spewed. "I'm as somber as can be." He yawned. It was obvious he couldn't think straight. Unable to keep balanced, Bon Vaygan kept himself supported by holding onto a nearby tree.

"Wasn't there a ferret here?" he asked suddenly confused by the disappearance of the beast. "Oh well...if he doesn't want to enjoy the party then there's more for us!" He then cackled like a mischievous dibbun.

((OOC: Short post, but it's something XD))

[Django]

Nik nodded a farewell to Seig as the ferret returned to his self-imposed sentry duty. There really was no need for him to do it. There were enough shrews who hadn't drunk their fill of beer to watch the perimeter. In fact, those shrews were patrolling the camp at that moment. But Bon Vaygen was a more immediate matter.

"Rubbbisssh!" Bon Vaygan spewed. "I'm as somber as can be."

Nik laughed. "Aye, an' I'm Badgerlord a' Salamandastron," he joked, gripping the weasel's shoulder. "Ye should git some rest, mate. If ye feel th' need t'git sick, there be plenny a' bushes 'round yonder, eh?"

"Wasn't there a ferret here?" he asked suddenly confused by the disappearance of the beast. "Oh well...if he doesn't want to enjoy the party then there's more for us!" He then cackled like a mischievous dibbun.

The shrew captain chuckled, sitting beside his friend. "Seig's gone an' posted himself as a sentry," Nik said amiably. "I dinn't ask 'im to, but 'e jus' up an' went." He glanced at the drunken weasel, raising one eyebrow. "C'n ye tell me 'ow much is gittin' through t'ye?"

((Meh, short.))

[Tulian Solum]

(Sorry for the wait guys! . Been really busy lately with a few RL problems aswell.)

Chuckling slightly as the drunk weasel staggered around the camp toward Nik Seig began his route around the camp again. The sun was now a ways over the crest of trees and Seig was glad to see that some shrews were beginning to join him with looking over the camp, and most of the other shrews were slowly beginning to get up.

Smiling as some rolled around holding their heads Seig wasn't that surprised to see some regretting their heavy drinking, from what he had smelt of the shrews beer it was pretty strong stuff. But their were also some shrews who had clearly been drinking it their entire life because they got up with no trouble and went about their morning duties, mainly getting all the hung over shrews some water and herbs.

Now that was impressive, he was a bit of a drinker himself when he was with his mates back at Taruil, but he couldn't hold a candle to those shrews. Maybe he should take some of that shrew beer with him when he moves on...Shaking his head and stretching a little the morning slowly continued at the shrew camp Seig finally left his appointed sentry duty and, after a little bit of thinking, went over to the healers tent and tried to help a little there. Leaving his armor and weapons outside the tent he rolled up his sleeve and entered to help.

The shrews were understandably nervous having a ferret try and offer them aid but he never the less proved at least competent of cleaning wounds, bandaging them, and even removing a shallow arrow point. But Seig was sure to only help the shrews the healers were not, that way he could help the less problematic, and less injured shrews while the healers tending to the more injured ones.

(Hope the time changes were alright, sorry again for the wait )

[Promatera]

((OOC: You're fine Tul, we've all been pretty busy XD))

"Seig's gone an' posted himself as a sentry," Nik said amiably. "I dinn't ask 'im to, but 'e jus' up an' went." He glanced at the drunken weasel, raising one eyebrow. "C'n ye tell me 'ow much is gittin' through t'ye?"

"Plenty 'nuff!" he replied sourly as he turned to face the rising sun. "Izzat the sssun rissing already? Nik, I musst leave."

Bon Vaygan could hardly think straight and was fatigued beyond measure, yet he was able to keep a basic grasp of reality.

"I sshould realllly get goin," he responded as staggered away and collapsed onto his knees. He was far too drunk to be able to navigate himself.

[Django]

"Plenty 'nuff!" he replied sourly as he turned to face the rising sun. "Izzat the sssun rissing already? Nik, I musst leave."

Nik rolled his eyes. "I don't think ye should e'en be upright, mate," he remarked, standing up with the weasel. Bon Vaygen was drunk as a skunk, and he was really going to regret all that shrew beer.

"I sshould realllly get goin," he responded as staggered away and collapsed onto his knees. He was far too drunk to be able to navigate himself.

Nik caught the weasel before he fell onto his face. "Vaygen, ye know ye can stay 'ere 'til ye can walk a straight line," the shrew offered. "I'd 'ruther ye not be walkin' th' woods 'til then."

((Goodness! Down to the wire on these, y'all! Only a few more posts until we reach ten pages!))

[Tulian Solum]

Washing off his paws once the majority of the shrews had been taken care of by the healers with a little of his help Seig stifled a yawn as he left the healers tent. It had been a trying last few days to say the least, and it was beginning to catch up with him. He really should get some sleep soon, and now that the camp was mostly taken care of his mind should now finally left him do that.

Picking up his worn armor and halberd he made it over to the table where Nik and Vaygen were near. Setting his equipment down he took a seat across from them and nodded at Nik, taking a few drinks before he decided to ask. Would better be late then never.

"Nik, do you happen to know the way to Salmandrastron?" He asked simply, stifling another yawn as he grabbed the cup of water and splashed it over his face. Nodding a little he looked back at Nik with a smile, oblivious to the danger that awaited him at his chosen destination.

[Promatera]

"Vaygen, ye know ye can stay 'ere 'til ye can walk a straight line," the shrew offered. "I'd 'ruther ye not be walkin' th' woods 'til then."

"You think sssssooo?" he replied. Bon Vaygan staggered again, but Nik's grip kept him from falling. "Well thanksss mah friend," he added. "I s'pose I could ssstay a teeeeensy bit longer. Now is there anymore shrew beer?" Bon Vaygan gave Nik a cheeky grin as he turned and noticed the ferret, Seig, had returned.

"Isn't that the ferret that vanished?" Bon Vaygan noted incredulously. Even though Seig was trying to ask Nik something, Bon Vaygan was trying to shout over him. "'Lo, ferret! Where'dya go?!"

Bon Vaygan attempted to move towards Seig, but Nik's grip kept him rooted to the spot.