Duel at Wuja Docar

Log Info

• Title: Duel at Wuja Docar

• Emitter: Harkashan

• Characters: Harkashan, Rune, Skielstregar, Geir

• Place: Wuja Docar - Am'shere

• Summary: In which a duel with Harkashan's sister and Skielstregar goes awry.

The feast had been sizable. They'd met many more Sith-makar living in the camp, after returning from the harvest. Notably, most of them younger than Harkashan. It seems like his Sisters, his egg-father, egg-mother, and old Ocuir are the only ones the same age, or older than him. Not to mention, there is an enormous generational gap between his egg-parents and Harkashan.

Luckily, this newer younger generation has a better spread of the sexes. And more notably, they're not as absolutely enormous as Harkashan's sisters. Harkashan himself had sat with his mother for a while, talking about his experiences outside in the world. Patient, and not jumping straight into getting answers. He's a Speaker, so he had some younger Sith-makar listening to him for hours on end during the feast. About the world beyond these walls.

Now that it's morning, the community has emptied out a bit again as the Sith-makar get to working the area around Wuja Docar. It had rained over-night after the festivities, and there's this wet and incredibly humid scent to the air now that the sun is shining down on everything. The ground is still a bit muddy in places, but it's too compacted in others for the water to 'stick' heavily.

There's the occassional roar outside, as Cayosin is practicing swings in a large open area. And not long after she started, a rather unusual visitor joined in. Coming in from outside the gates, the leader - Inhelk - is joined by a Thunderlizard stomping through the village. It's bigger than a Swiftclaw, and more dangerous looking, but not so tall that it'd crush things underfoot.

Skielstregar had his fill and rest, though avoiding Kyfe for a number of reasons. Primarily of that scent they picked up off of him. Though there was a number of 'no, this one is not his mate,' to several of the tribesfolk. The greeting going on in Trade initially didn't help rumors, though he was more than happy to regale the younger ones (which, he wasn't that old) with some trials he's seen and been in.

The silverscale this morning is practically jaunted out of his resting abode, his cracked halberd seemingly tugging him to the outdoors. Only to stop once the rays of the suns strike it. A sigh escapes him. "Thisss one sssaid, noon."

"It's noon somewhere," comes a metallic reply from the polearm.

He rolls his dead eyes before settling on Cayosin swinging the large weapon abound, then sliding over to Inhelk astride a... very large Thunderlizard. He clears his throat, and raises a hand in greeting to them. "Peace on your nests," he rumbles. <Draconic>

For those traveling with Rune for the first time, it was likely a first insight into one of the particular issues that plagues Rune. At least once, each night, sometimes several, Harkashan had shaken her awake, preventing a nightmare from fully seizing her. However, in the presence of Harkashan's family, Rune had chosen to keep her distance.

Rune had not slept well. It shows in the dark circles beneath her eyes as she steps forth, running a hand through hair that seems damp around the edges, likely having just taken some time to clean and get herself somewhat presentable. She's wearing a sleeveless shirt that has a silvery edge of mithral to it, leaving her arms bare, weapons strapped to her back.

However, Rune simply looks exhausted. She yawns her approach, tired enough that the sight of the Thunderlizard only causes a moment of hesitation, a couple of blinks, and then a nod of acceptance. Of course, Harkashan's father would have a Thunder lizard as a pet. This is perfectly normal.

The copper-scale stretches as he steps out into the day, armor and gear cast aside for a simple belt and loincloth, a sheathed khopesh hanging from the belt. He wanders towards the roaring Cayosin, watching her move and swing the large sword around.

"Remindss this one of a certain red-scale back in Alexandria.", Geir comments idly to SKielstregar. "This one would watch with amusement Aelwyn's reaction. Did you rest well, Skielstregar?"

Rune's very exhausted look causes the copper-scale some concern, and he raises his hand and waves to her. "Hello Rune. Did you wish to grab some breakfast with Skielstregar and this one? Perhaps Inhelk has not yet partaken?"

GAME: Harkashan rolls 19: (5)+19: 24
GAME: Rune rolls perception: (16)+16: 32

"Peace on your Nest." Inhelk answers Skielstregar upon his greeting, followed by the Thunderlizard making warbling roaring noises at Skielstregar. The two carry on towards a different open space in the village for what looks like some kind of other training between the giant and the Thunderlizard. <Draconic>

"Peace upon your nest." Cayosin also answers, stabbing the blade into the ground and wiping some of the humidity off of her brow. Red glistening scales as she watches the dead-eyed one and his strange relationship with his polearm. "So, is the blade the master over its wielder?" She asks him. <Draconic>

THUMP.

A loud sound. It looks like the Thunderlizard has been wrestled to the ground by Inhelk and is now having its belly harassed by Inhelk's hand. This is perfectly normal.

Harkashan is nowhere to be seen yet at the moment.

Cayonsin gets closer to the ground, holding the great jagged sword on her shoulder. It almost looks more like it'd function well as a hammer than a blade. She doesn't understand Geir unfortunately, not understanding Tradespeak.

Kyfe, earlier in the day, is easier to spot than usual. Slithering a bit after Rune, hands on her hips as she steps along towards the group. Rune will have spotted Kyfe a few times during the night while she was trying to find a place to sleep - as long as she was trying to sleep too close to the walls.

"Yousssse already hungry after feast? Have not even worked up to a glisten." She hisses, moving from Rune's position towards Geir, leaning in to sniff at him as she kind of 'arcs' around him. "Wassss there not enough food for your needsssss?" Her tone is slanted with a teasing hiss.

Skielstregar glances to the sleepy Rune, a tinge of concern crossing his features. He stares at her. A long, hard, thinking look. What ever could be going on inside his head? "More plushiesss," he seemingly concludes. Nod nod. That'll help for sure!

He bobs his head to Geir as he crosses his arms, letting his halberd stand upright all on its own. Malefic basks. "Sssa. Aelwyn would find thisss very interesssting," Skiel rumbles. "Thisss one did. It isss a bit... hot, here. But they managed. Breakfast perhapsss for later. Thiss one promised sssomething."

He cranes his head back as he watches Inhelk play with the Thunderlizard like a puppy, a frozen snort leaving him at the sight. But he looks back to Cayosin. Shakes his head. "No, Warrior Cayosin. We are equals." A glance back to Kyfe, his throat bobs a tinge nervously before giving a light nod back to Cayosin. "Speaking of working up an appetite. You wished to spar?" he inquires, stepping forward to the Warrior and leaving his polearm behind. <Draconic>

"Can't say I'm all that hungry." Rune replies, patting her stomach slightly. "The food was just so good last night." She really does seem to enjoy Makari cooking. Though she likely hadn't scarfed down nearly as much as most of the actual Sith Makar at the feast.

She looks over her shoulder towards Kyfe, giving a knowing look towards them as she stretches her arms out over her shoulders. "But I don't mind the company. It will be a nice change of pace from being stalked most of the night." At least she has good humor about it, giving the dark scaled one a smirk before looking between Geir and Skielstregar.

"You know, it would be entertaining to watch a good fight." She raises her brows. Even now, Rune still wears her two primary weapons, though there is little need for it in the safety of the village. Her eyes look towards the Thunderlizard and the massive man giving it belly rubs. "I wonder if this place might make a good home for that one we rescued from Vabon."

Geir chuffs as the giant lizard is laid low, and is rewarded with belly rubs. "A fine example of a thunder lizard.", he calls out to Inhelk.

Looking to Cayosin, "Have a good fight, Cayosin. Fight well, Skielstregar." <Draconic>

The copper-scale nods to Rune then. "This one would wager that Skielstregar is the victor, though this one gets the feeling that Cayosin will prove herself to be an excellent warrior, and Skiel will be sweating icicless, wondering if he will come out ahead." Geir chuckles at that.

He turns his attention to Kyfe, contemplating her words. "This one has always eaten lightly, their digestion is disrupted by injuries. Many light meals instead of lesser heavy ones."

Kyfe's tongue bleps out like a snake smelling the air, looking at Skielstregar with purpose when he glances at her. "Surely, a thing sssssuch as you hassss nothing to fear of thisssss one." She lisps at Skielstregar.

"Yes. We spar." Cayosin answers Skielstregar, motioning to the open grounds she'd just come from. "I wish to see your strength, Warrior." She rumbles. Looking to the talking Axe, which she is managing to /take in stride/ rather well, before motioning for Skielstregar to follow. She is ready for him, but does draw some distance back.

Kyfe then looks at Rune when she speaks of company. "The wallsss offer protection, but they are not ssssafe." She simply answers Rune. "Thissss one make sure there is not more death than needed. Little Lava would be upsssset." She explains.

In the distance, Inhelk answers Geir with a heavy; "HMM!" Of agreement, before telling it to remain, as it approaches the group. After all, there was talk of a spar, and he wishes to see the might of this Adventurer!

At Geir's explaination, Kyfe then nods her head. "I understand. I will see if Ocuir can get you something. Go, watch the spar. I will be back soon." And with that, she wanders off.

Skielstregar nods towards Geir and Rune, him shooting his friends two thumbs up of confidence before he ambles away. He doesn't catch their betting words, but Kyfe's observation gets him to pause in his step. "I am not a thing," he murmurs to himself, shaking his head as he approaches the sparring grounds.

He observes the redscale for a moment, taking in the large sword and their desire to eek out Skiel's strength. "As you wish," he intones, holding a hand out to the side.

Malefic suddenly melts in a miasmic pool of ink before rocketing towards the outstretched hand. It slams into grip with a metallic clank. Two rules stay in his head.

1)Don't accidently kill Hark's family.

2)Don't transform.<Draconic>

Cayosin gets into a heavy stance as Skielstregar approaches. He can feel her muscles suddenly tensing. The way her gleaming scales adjust across her body, molding around heavy muscles. Her grip on her two-handed blade shifting, moving it forwards angled towards Skielstregar's eyes - so that its length is harder to judge if he were to approach straight-on.

"Come at me, Warrior." She demands, notably not coming for him. There's a good twenty feet between them right now. "Try to take the first strike... if you can!" She goads of him.

"Under regular circumstances, my money would be on Skielstregar. But... he likely has a few reasons to pull his punches." She adds to Geir, "We'll have to see." Even with that said, the half-elf does cup her hands around her mouth and give out a whoop of a cheer, "Kick her butt Malefic!"

Then, she looks towards Kyfe, slipping into Draconic to make it easier. "You could have at least announced yourself instead of just stalking me." Rune raises her brows, but she seems more amused than anything else. "I was trying not to bother the others. I don't sleep well, as you've likely realized."

Leaving it at that, Rune finds a place to settle herself well on the outskirts of where the pair will be fighting. Best not to be collateral damage. She glances over towards Inhelk as he approaches, "Your people wouldn't have need for another Thunderlizard, would they? We rescued one from a person keeping them as a pet in Alexandros."

The copper-scale moves to catch up with Kyfe. "This one is fine for now, you do not have to fetch this one food. This one is appreciative of the gesture, however. Thank you." He offers a polite bow before returning to Rune's side.

"This one wished to ask, as you did look pretty exhausted. However, this one does not wish to intrude, but, if you wish to talk, Rune, this one will listen." the copper-scale looks to Inhelk as Rune mentions an orphaned Thunderlizard. "It was a worthy fight. This one feels poorly that it was necessary to bring it down. Vabon will pay dearly for his crimes."

<OOC> Skielstregar says, "rolling to demoralize"
GAME: Skielstregar rolls intimidate+1: (20)+16+1: 37
GAME: Harkashan rolls 20: (4)+20: 24
<OOC> Harkashan says, "That's 3 rounds of shaken."
GAME: Skielstregar rolls bluff: (3)+3: 6

Skielstregar, while not a smart man, is an experienced one. And the challenge is met with him tensing his grip on Malefic. Magic here would be useless. It's a test of strength. But... his magic is part of his strength? No, it's fueled by death. And that would be a bad show for Harkashan. When did this simple bout get so political?

He shakes his head, already having lost the draw. He'd have to shake her resolve to get in there. Blink. Ah.

The silverscale calmly brings his halberd to poise, spear tip forward like he was going to charge. But then... the colors around him begin to fade. The crack on Malefic seemingly growing wider, doubly so after Rune's cheer. "FOR THE DRAGONFATHER!" both suddenly bellows in ferocity, voice a veritable wall of draconic shout as Skiel charges in at breakneck speed. "BWROAAAAR!" <Draconic>

GAME: Harkashan rolls 18: (12)+18: 30
GAME: Harkashan rolls 18: (12)+18: 30
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+7: (3)+7: 10
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+7: (10)+7: 17
GAME: Harkashan rolls 18-3: (8)+18+-3: 23
GAME: Harkashan rolls 18-3: (5)+18+-3: 20
<OOC> Skielstregar says, "boy howdy i hope that shaken is taken in"
<OOC> Harkashan says, "It's not."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "So 21, 18."
<OOC> Skielstregar sweat. "Barely missed

Inhelk rumbles, looking down at Rune as she speaks to him. "Hrrrm... Thunderlizards are not 'pets'." He grunts, not too fond of hearing something like that. Though it might look otherwise. "I do not know about having 'use' or 'need' of another Thunderlizard. But if it is your wish, I could take in one who has lost their way, and help return them to Nature." He answers - turning his head to face Skielstregar and Cayosin.

There's a hrrrm then, from Inhelk. Cayosin hasn't noticed, but the large man begins to kneel a bit. Slowly moving himself down to the level of the others. "Is there a reason your friend is trying to hold back against Warrior Cayoson?" He whispers, not looking to insult his egg-daughter.

"Indeed... the night's visions are not kind upon you." Kyfe answers Rune as she wonders off - having slipped into the house where the group had been permitted to rest. It takes some time, before Kyfe and Ocuir both step out. Kyfe remaining close to the Elder one - but that sturdy walking stick seems plenty.

Once Ocuir reaches Geir, she puts a few leaves of food into his hand, containing wraps. "Kyfe tells me you have problems with your guts, my boy. So I put some herbs into these Thunderlizard Meatwraps that will have a soothing effect." She remarks.

Kyfe, having not answered Skielstregar earlier on the matter of calling him a 'thing', shifts to watch the arena.

The moment Skielstregar moves in, Cayosin's blade moves. Even shaken, even with her grip weakened, it is already moving. A single heavy step forward, bracing her own assault, carving the viscous blade down towards Skielstregar's chest without a moment of rest. Carving towards him once, before turning in her hand, and along the exact same angle, it comes up again.

A second step, she tries another two swipes at him, adjusting her angle. But the tremmor in her hand from Skielstregar's earlier draconic shout has her swings go wide enough that Skielstregar skill can quickly make up for the difference in that moment!

<OOC> Skielstregar says, "while rune is posing. Swift action arcane strike, full attack, power attack, furious focus negate the first penalty"
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Her AC is 21."
GAME: Skielstregar rolls weapon25: (13)+16: 29
GAME: Skielstregar rolls weapon25-3-5: (20)+16+-3+-5: 28 (THREAT)
GAME: Skielstregar rolls weapon25-3-5: (15)+16+-3+-5: 23
GAME: Skielstregar rolls damage25+9+3: aliased to 1d10+8+9+3: (1)+8+9+3: 21
GAME: Skielstregar rolls damage25+9+3+damage25+9+3+damage25+9+3: aliased to 1d10+8+9+3+1d10+8+9+3+1d10+8+9+3: (4)+8+9+3+(5)+8+9+3+(4)+8+9+3: 73

Slipping easily into Draconic, Rune answers, "I'd rather that they be returned back to someone who can properly re-introduce them than to simply release a creature that has been bound and chained for gods know how long into the wild." Such things do not normally work out well, either for people, or for the creature released. "So if you have room and time, I think you would have a defter hand at it than most."

With the hulking form of Harkashan's father getting down closer to Rune's level, she looks over with a raised eyebrow, then looks back to the fight at hand. "It's... not my story to tell, I'm afraid. Skielstregar is my friend, and I keep the trust of those close to me. Though... depending on how Cayoson performs, you may find out."

Then, as Kyfe returns, Rune offers to both she and Geir, "Just nightmares. Nothing out of the ordinary, these days." She rubs at one eye and stiffles another yawn.

That is, until Skielstregar's roar of challenge and Malefic's declaration have her shaking off the drowsiness. Rune is always up for watching a good fight.

Skielstregar was expecting a friendly bout. But apparently his time with softskins has softened him to that dogma, as a the blade carves across the silverscale's chest twice. He gasps in surprise.

Something about that hit must have struck a nerve. As Malefic is brought up abruptly to parry one of the other massive swings, the other one being ducked under. He snarls, twisting the halberd around in a wide uppercut. Black ichor trails off the axehead as it sails towards Cayosin. One lancing cut up the arm.

Then he suddenly jumps straight up. Brings Malefic up high into the morning sun. And fell cleaves downward like he was chopping wood in two, a spray of black ink trailing behind the smash. "rrrrRRRAH!"

GAME: Harkashan rolls 18-3-2: (18)+18+-3+-2: 31
GAME: Harkashan rolls 18-3-2-5: (15)+18+-3+-2+-5: 23
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+7+6: (11)+7+6: 24
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+7+6: (6)+7+6: 19
<OOC> Skielstregar says, "quick will save DC 13 vs fear"
<OOC> Skielstregar says, "critting with ominious wepaon"
GAME: Harkashan rolls 5-2: (9)+5+-2: 12
<OOC> Skielstregar says, "oh wow that worked. shaken for 2 minutes!"

"You are a friend of Shaman Harkashan. I will honor your well-thought request." Inhelk answers Rune, putting his hand on her shoulder for a moment. Well, half of his hand. He's enormous compared to her after all.

Kyfe lisps a bit when Rune talks about Skielstregar having a story that is not hers to tell. There's a look in her eyes of worry, touching her hands to her chest where her daggers lay. Tapping her nails upon the Obsidian Daggers that lay there. Just in case. "A dangeroussss sssstory, no doubt." She notes, but also doesn't give away what she has already understood so far.

"He is a fine warrior." Inhelk then notes, as Skielstregar suddenly steps in...

The first strike carves across Cayoson's arm, tearing away scales, drawing blood. She stumbles back a bit, preparing herself for another strike with that massive blade, only for Skielstregar to jump to the air.

"You cannot dodge in the air, pale one!" Cayosin is quick to declare as her blade strikes forward into the air while Skielstregar comes down. His blade cutting across the side of her muzzle, drawing a nasty cut, and then rending scales and blood from her chest...

At the same time that her own blade pierces through his belly. Coming out on the other side. Grimacing at him, before pulling out her blade and stumbling back, panting heavily. Blood dripping from her. That tremble in her body has gotten worse. Lesser Sith-makar would have fled from the ominous nature of Skielstregar and his weapon. But she's standing her ground. But she isn't approaching him. The next strike is his.

Ocuir lets out a tut for a moment, and starts reaching into a bag at her side, pulling out two big potion bottles and offers them out to Rune. "Give these to those two fools when they are done, hmm?" She asks of her with a shaking set of hands.

Kyfe whispers to Rune; "Nightmaressss are neverrrr ordinary. Esssspecially not within Am'sssshere." She points out to her. A bit of a supersticious nature to her, it'd seem.

<OOC> Skielstregar says, "all the things, power attack, arcane strike, furious focus, etc etc"
GAME: Skielstregar rolls weapon25: (1)+16: 17 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Skielstregar rolls weapon25-3-5: (18)+16+-3+-5: 26
GAME: Skielstregar rolls damage25+9+3: aliased to 1d10+8+9+3: (1)+8+9+3: 21

"I'll speak with the animal handler we've been working with and inform them that they can bring the Thunderlizard here. She's quite capable at working with beasts. I'll arrange an introduction." If nothing else, this may, perhaps, offer a new measure of work for the one who had left Vabon's employ. Something better than fighting creatures for gold.

"Skielstregar is no danger to his friends and allies. He is only a danger to those who would wish to harm those he cares about, or wishes to act against the wishes of the Dragonfather." Rune explains, sounding completely confident in that. She has seen the darker side to Skielstregar, but still seems not to fear it. That's friendship for you.

Accepting the potions from Ocuir, Rune inclines her head, "My thanks, Elder. Hopefully they give us enough chance to use them and I don't have to summon Harkashan for his spellcasting." She chuffs with a distinctly draconic sound.

As for her nightmares, Rune just lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug. It's not something she seems that interested in getting into.

Skielstregar is impaled. His eyes widen before he kicks off the blade and removes himself with a slurch. Black and crimson blood mars the ground. Something wasn't right with this Warrior. And whatever that something was, he was clearly keeping it back. Despite how his maw quivers in a snarl, black ichor dripping from his arms.

She's still holding ground?! Gritting his teeth, he goes in for another swipe. But the wound spurts, making his footing off as it fails to even get near. He tries to make up for it, the weapon suddenly melting and reforming in reverse as he manages to stick Cayosin with the spear head. "Three!" Malefic seems to snarl, counting the true strikes.

The silverscale suddenly draws back a step, opting to breath out of his maw instead of his nose, the nostrils closed up. So much blood everywhere. The other side of him was screaming to be out! "... I don't... need that here," he huffs to himself quietly.

Malefic turns slightly in his grip to look at him. "It is you. Regardless of circumstance, it is wholly you."

He pants, nodding subtly to his talking weapon.

GAME: Harkashan rolls 18-3-2: (11)+18+-3+-2: 24
GAME: Harkashan rolls 18-3-2-5: (5)+18+-3+-2+-5: 13
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+7+6: (9)+7+6: 22

Kyfe lisps her tongue out for a bit, while watching the battle continue. Ocuir has similar gone quiet. "I am sure Shaman Nasir could be of assistance as well. But it may be good to retrieve them early, rather than late." She mumbles, seeing how these two are going at it.

Inhelk isn't as worried. "They're both holding their blows from killing. No matter what this looks like." He remarks, before nodding to Rune. "If you would, I will welcome them." He bids to her. Before there's this concerned rumble from him as Skielstregar's blood finally flows.

Cayosin is left panting. Skielstregar's strikes are powerful enough to make her muscles tremble with each strike she receives. Blood loss and the ominous nature of the one before her are making it harder to focus, so she's having to gather up her wits as well as she can. Tensing her muscles, she takes the next blow. Her gaze focused on the strange black ichor intermixed with red coming from Skielstregar.

The spear suddenly morphs, stabbing her right in the shoulder, as her blade comes up. Staring at him, raising her body. But an inch taller than him, it's enough to stare down at him as Malefic makes its plea to Skiel. "Why do you bleed black, Warrior?" Cayosin asks...

Before her blade comes down towards his primary shoulder, trying to dig the teeth of her blade into his scales and use the force of her blade to push him down! The hit striking, but failing to grind the teeth along his scales.

Kyfe looks to Rune with slight worry. "Do we step in? Cayosin will keep going until one of them is unconscious." She warns to the Half-sil.

Inhelk motions his hand. "Let them fight. This is good for the both of them. It isn't often that Cayosin gets to see the limits of her own abilities. And the Warrior..." He tilts his head down.

GAME: Skielstregar rolls weapon25: (4)+16: 20
GAME: Skielstregar rolls weapon25-3-5: (11)+16+-3+-5: 19

Skielstregar, panting, readjusts his grip on his weapon. Tilting his head up to look at Cayosin, her question, and her blade coming down! "Gah!" he gasps out, falling to a knee before Malefic snaps up to push the heavy blade off his shoulder as it tries to grind. "Because... this one..." Skiel huffs, rising to his feet as he bashes his shoulder into Cayosin to make some space. Malefic morphs and reforms again, two, albeit shaky, swings coming down.

He regrips his weapon, pulling the haft short. "... this one is a servant of the Dragonfather.... in... in His shadow." The weapon flicks up, the dripping black getting heavier. "... please forgive this one."

GAME: Harkashan rolls Diplomacy: (13)+13: 26
GAME: Harkashan rolls 18-3-2: (10)+18+-3+-2: 23
GAME: Harkashan rolls 18-3-2-5: (11)+18+-3+-2+-5: 19
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+7+6: (5)+7+6: 18

As Skielstregar is left kneeling upon the ground, Cayosin's body shakes and she steps back for a moment. She fears him after all. The dripping black growing heavier. Her blade coming off of his shoulder...

Harkashan's voice. "Skiel!"

The sound of the Deathsinger's voice reaching across as he steps out of one of the huts, wearing his full armor as usual. Those lavastones gleaming within the sun of the afternoon. The heavy smell of rain in the air.

Approaching Inhelk and Rune and Kyfe, Harkashan is flanked by the short Sith-makar that is Nasir, having to take two steps for each of Little Lava's one. The Deathsinger furrowing his brow, seeing red blood as well as the black-and-red sprayed across the sparring grounds. Harkashan's red eyes upon Skiel.

Cayosin waits for a moment, before she lets the blade sail down once more towards Skielstregar, aiming for his other shoulder. Looking to weaken his grip upon his weapon! "I have won this, Warrior!" She declares her victory. Perhaps too soon.

<OOC> Skielstregar says, "skiel rages and readies an action to vital strike if Cayosin doesn't accept a draw."
GAME: Skielstregar RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 20 temporary HP
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Roll me an Intimidation Check."
<OOC> Skielstregar says, "swift action arcane strike"
GAME: Skielstregar rolls intimidate+1: (9)+16+1: 26
<OOC> Harkashan says, "She will Clear Mind against this if she fails the first"
GAME: Harkashan rolls 5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Harkashan rolls 5: (9)+5: 14
<OOC> Harkashan says, "She still fails either way - can't make a 26 anyhow )"
<OOC> Skielstregar says, "(for the record, intimidate isn't a will save)"
<OOC> Skielstregar says, "(but for informing pose, its w/e)"
<OOC> Harkashan says, "(Ah right, it's 10 + Wisdom + HP)"
<OOC> Skielstregar says, "Hit Dice, but yes"
<OOC> Harkashan says, "She has a 20 - fail either way for her."

Skiel's head is pounding, there's so much blood. Not his, that doesn't matter. So much kin's blood around. Look at her. She's afraid of him. Yes. YES. YES. A sailing smash crashes into his other shoulder.

"No..!" the silverscale suddenly gasps, clutching the side of his head. His eyes slowly turn crimson. A set of fangs inching out from behind the first set. Talons elongating. Maw dripping more of that brackish mana. "... can't..."

"Skiel!"

His head whips over, crimson eyes wide as he sees Harkashan staring right at him. Skiel promised he wouldn't transform. He promised!

>Flesh and blood, ripe for the taking!

Why?! Why won't you listen to me!

>Does it matter? /I/ hunger. /I/ see a meal. FEED ME!

YOU bring SHAME and LOATHING!

>None of that MATTERS! GROW! EAT! BECOME WHAT WE ARE! EAT THAT ONE! EMBRACE YOUR LINEAGE!

The Forgotten-turned Skielstregar grabs the sides of his head. "ENOUGH! I ALREADY HAVE!" he yells, seemingly in response to Cayosin as Malefic is ripped off the floor and holds it poised to crash down even harder than before. "ACCEPT A DRAW OR THIS ONE MUST FORFIT!"

"If I've learned one thing in my years, it's that you don't try to step between two warriors in a fight when their pride and honor is on the line." Rune folds her arms across her chest, then looks over to Inhelk, giving a small incline of the head. There is a certain amount of recognition she gives to someone who clearly can see more about the fight than it seems.

Then, at the sound of Harkashan's voice, Rune's ear twitches and she turns in his direction. Rune can see Kyfe reaching for her knives and the rogue quickly reaches a hand out to lay it on the Makari's chest. "Don't."

Instead, she looks to Skielstregar, seeing the signs of the struggle and the change. "Cayosin, stand down. This isn't a fight you want."

She stands firm, ready to protect her friend even against those who would see him as a monster. "Skielstregar is one of the strongest people I know. The fact he contains this and is still a good person even with it riding him, proves that point." Then, she raises her voice, "Skiel, let's go. This fight is done."

Harkashan's eyes remain firm on Skiel's position when those talons begin to elongate. That maw, dripping with brackish mana. The same mana that devours the Forgotten from the inside.

In that moment, Inhelk turns to stare at Harkashan, asking - no - accusing; "What have you brought into our home, Harkashan?" Not Shaman. Not son. Harkashan.

Harkashan doesn't answer his egg-father. He looks at Skielstregar as he grabs the sides of his head and resists the hunger. Intent in his eyes.

Kyfe draws out four Obsidian Daggers into each hand, plucking them from her harness at her chest. Hissing at the one before them. "Forgotten..." She hisses. Only for Rune to lay her hand against hers, and there's a moment of confusion there. Looking at Rune.

"No." Harkashan growls at his family. "My Brother has not Forgotten who he is."

Cayosin's body trembles. Her gaze turning from panick to anger for a moment. Watching this transformation before her. Life Kyfe, she too had been part of the first war against the Charn. The reason she had to hone her weapons as she had, is because they had turned beings such as him against her. Her own kin.

She's raising her blade already, prepared to defend her people with her life. When suddenly Skielstregar demands a draw, or he... he would forfeit.

Forgotten.

Forgotten do not speak. Forgotten do not know themselves. Forgotten do not offer surrender, or demand a draw. Forgotten only devour. The blade remains over her head for a moment, shaking...

Before the blade falls, and slams into the ground by its tip. Burrowing deep thanks to its incredible weight. "I... accept." She answers. Her reasons are her own. But there is no doubt the fear gripping at her heart is part of this. As she steps back from him. She dare not approach him and offer him a hand to get up.

Inhelk lets out a dangerous sound. But Harkashan touches the big man's arm. "He is a friend. Do not dishonor me by hating him for something the Charneth did to him. He has fought harder than many others to push past what afflicts him." He bids him.

Harkashan then rumbles to Rune, spotting those potions given to her. "Help them."

Forgotten Skielstregar hears Rune. Her words to Kyfe. To him. He holds his blade up high. It doesn't waver, each pant expelling more of that brackish mana. But what does make that halberd- whose usual grin in a thin line- quiver is those other spoken words. Forgotten. Charneth. Queries of a monster being brought here. "Please..." he growls at Cayosin, rivulets of ink rolling down from his eyes.

The redscale Warrior drops their weapon.

>Now now now nOW NOW NOW!-

The Forgotten takes a step back, Malefic having turned away. "... thank... you. For... the spar," he hisses out, body trembling and bleeding everywhere as he bows. "Please forgive... this one."

>Do you want ME TO STARVE?! I HAVEN'T EATEN IN YEARS!"

"... then be famished..." he whispers to seemingly no one as Skiel drags steps over towards Inhelk. Kneels. And thuds his face into the ground, prostrating towards the chief.

....

Malefic looks down. Looks back up. "... he passed out."

There is a split second of hesitation after the blade drops, likely Rune gauging just how much control Skielstregar has left. However, as the silver-scale drops, Rune is already darting forward, even without the prompting from Harkashan.

A potion is shoved towards Cayosin, and then Rune is heading right towards Skielstregar. Even if Malefic hadn't announced that it was safe by informing them of the warrior's condition, Rune still would have approached, anyways. "I've got him." Crouching near his face, Rune uncorks the potion, prys open the silver-scale's mouth just enough to shove the neck of the potion between his teeth, and then drains it into his maw before holding it shut with one hand and rubbing his neck with the other.

She kneels on the ground, "If you bite me, so help me, I'm going to stab you in the backside again like last time." Rune threatens the unconscious form. "You doing okay Malefic?" She asks, checking in on the weapon as well.

Cayosin is quiet. Not out of disrespect, but out of a loss for works. Being thanked for the spar after calling it a draw by this... whatever Skielstregar is. A monster? It feels like Monster should be appropiate. But the words of Rune and Harkashan both dissuade her from considering that further. Accepting Rune's potion, she manages a trembling; "Thank you."

Her hand is shaking still. She has trouble opening it to drink it up.

Inhelk remains in place as the bloodied and hurt Skielstregar approaches him. At the behest of his son, he doesn't move to attack this being. Seeing the strain and struggle within him. There's a tightness to the black-scaled giant's expression. Until finally, Skielstregar postrates before him, and... passes out.

Rune kneels besides Skielstregar, and Inhelk looks at Harkashan.

"I see. This one must have... lived a difficult life." Inhelk remarks.

"All of our lives have been changed by the Charneth. Rune, Skielstregar, Geir, myself..." Harkashan answers the man. "I ask of you not to refer to him as Forgotten, and to continue to refer to him as a Warrior. He is my Brother."

Inhelk lets out a rumble of a sound, then nods. "I will not dishonor this warrior. My apologies. I should see to the camp." It seems the giant doesn't quite know what to do with himself, so he steps away.

Nasir, finally breaking her own silence, kneels next to the Sith-makar alongside Rune as she offers her potion to him. Offering a bit of healing to staunch the wounds first, before positioning Skiels' muzzle so Rune can more easily offer him the potion.

Kyfe, still standing with Ocuir, looks at the old woman for a moment. The walking-stick using elder, ever trembling, looks up at Kyfe. "Ea is a straaaange world, Kyfe. The Shadows are not the only things that cling to people. Death, and its effects, come in many ways. Just look at your egg-brother. Do you still recognize him? Truly?"

The shadow-touched Sith-makar looks to Harkashan for a moment, then to Rune and Skielstregar, along with Nasir. She doesn't answer.

"I am sure the Warrior was a very different person before as well." She then walks up to the two gathered around Skiel and remarks; "How about we eat a bit when he's up again. I am sure he'll be hungry. I am sure we can find something to help sate him, after such a hard-won battle."

Skiel's unseemly features are slowly receding, the scent of death wafting away on the miasma that drifts into nothing from the black ink upon him. He is very, very cold. The potion, thankfully, does it's job of patching up the worse wound, the impalement on his torso. Nasir's air helping greatly with the extra wounds he received.

"Me? I'm doing great! That was a top notch fight! Usually they don't last past three bites!" Malefic grins briefly before the smile shifts to a line. "Unfortunately, I couldn't get a word in. He was screaming in his head the entire time. Next time, I'll bite him! That'll surely work!" it grins again. Albeit nervously.

The silverscale, bereft of his features, bloodied, unconscious, barely stirs as he's healed. He's out cold. Pun intended. Save for the occasional brush of consciousness that slips away. "... I... promised..." he breathes out.

"... I promised."

-End Scene-