Private Tales A Journey Through Falwood

A private roleplay only for those invited by the first writer
Niq Vista

Niq Vista

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Niq would take a deep breath looking up at the trees. He'd smile as the fragrant odors of nature filled his lungs. He was standing near the edge of Falwood outside of Vel Anir at the approximate meeting spot for a job. He didn't know all to much about the job other than that he was to escort some people around the forest. He didn't necessarily need to know all the details as he didn't care to much about it. All that really mattered to him was getting the job done. Something he would do no matter what that exactly meant. So now he would just have to wait. He was of course a tad bit early. Only because that's how he preferred it to be. He'd take his bag off of his shoulder setting it down, and dusting himself off a bit. He'd sit down in the grass next to it fiddling with the feather on his hat a bit.
"They sure did pick a nice day to go into the forest." He'd say out loud to himself. The weather was good with no sign of a storm in the sky. That being said he was no expert with the weather. His knowledge extended only to what the skies had looked like before storms in the past. Hopefully he was correct in his assumption. While he knew his way around the forest, and had spent many a night sleeping comfortably in it. Things would be made much more complicated by a storm. Especially if the group he would be with had no prior knowledge of the forest. In any event he was sure it was almost time for them to show up. Now all that was left was to hope things went well in the forest. Though he wasn't particularly worried about it. With all the time he'd spent in the forest he'd never encountered any issues.
 
Four years ago.

"Oy... Hill Rat.... Pay close attention... Expect much of your time 'ere running such errands...." Howard said from his spot at the lead.

"Right, stick with us and you'll be just right." Duncan said soon after. He had been in the middle.

"Oy... It's not Hill Rat...It's Keiran... Be well to remember that, I'll be soon leading you." Keiran said with a chuckle. He could tell this lot was joking and so, he thought it wise to follow. The two men laughed.

Keiran had just arrived at the Garrison three days ago and was on his first assignment. During his travels from Vel Anir, Keiran was furious as to how the events that caused his banishment to the garrison played out. He was trying his best to move past it. So instead, he tried to put a brave face and focus on the task at hand. The task? To survey the forested area. There were talks of strange creatures there and those in power back in Vel Anir took a vested interested in what was there. As such, a guide had been hired and now, they were on their way, walking down the path, Howard in front, Duncan in the middle, and Keiran pulling up the rear. All men looked identical in terms of appearance. A surcoat in Vel Anir colors worn over chainmail, long swords at their sides, and a tired expression upon their face.

"Oy... You our guide?!?" Howard called out as they approached Niq Vista.


 
Niq would move his head to look towards the voice he heard calling behind him. He would see three men who looked more or less like the same person. Though of course one could see the differences on their faces showing they weren't all copies of each other. Niq figured their uniform appearance could be attributed to none other than a uniform. The men appeared to be a part of the military or possibly some other group from Vel Anir.

"Yes! I believe that I am." He would say to the group waving with a smile. They appeared to be well equipped in terms of their swords, and clothing. Though if things went well they wouldn't need to use their weapons. Would they? Niq himself hadn't been told many details other to take them wherever the group needed to go. He knew nothing of why they needed to be in the forest, or even where in the forest they needed to go. His only real concrete piece of the job was that they needed to come back with no casualties.

"You'll have to tell me where you want to go, but I can certainly get you there." He'd say standing up, and collecting all his gear. Niq would turn himself around to face them after dusting himself off a bit more. He'd considered pressing for some details from the men, but decided it'd be much better not to step on toes. In any event he didn't need much of the extra details to do his job. Besides what they needed to do in the forest wasn't nearly as important to Niq as what his own job was.
 
"In to the woods, we are to have a look about." Howard offered.

"Aye. Heard tales of strange creatures about... We are to have a look and report back." Duncan explained.

"Go on now... Earn your coin.. Show us the way... Keiran, up front ya Hill Rat... I heard Highlander are good hunters." Howard ordered as he pulled out a small map and piece of coal. It seemed he would be marking the path they traveled upon.

Keiran pushed past the two and moved to meet Niq up front. "'lo...Keiran, Howard, and Duncan..." The Highlander introduced himself and his traveling companions. "We're from the Vel Anir garrison up North." He said loudly before he leaned in and whispered. "Don't mind those two, pair of twits they are.. But they mean well... Shall we?"

 
"Right. Follow me. I've done quite a bit of exploring here in the past so I can take us around to have a look." He'd say gesturing for the men to follow him. He'd move forward towards a little area where there was a bit more space between the trees. Niq was pleased they had shared their intentions in the forest without even being asked. Especially because their purpose involved a creature of the forest. Something he happened to have a good knowledge of in his opinion at least.

"As long as they are willing to listen to me if I tell them not to do something." He would say to Keiran with a hushed voice. "I know a good bit about the creatures in the forest, and how to deal with them. So it'd be best if they listened." He'd continue moving through the forest. For the most part they would be traveling in a straight line for some time. Well as straight a line as one could travel in a forest. Niq thought this would be an ideal part of the trip to have some conversation. Especially because he was confident any creature they would be looking for wouldn't be in the area.

"The creature you're looking for... have you any details on it? Its possible i may know of it." He'd ask the group. Though more specifically he was talking to Keiran who seemed to be the most educated of the trio.
 
"I barely know where we are exactly...I've never ventured so far south from Vel Anir before." Keiran admitted while the pair behind them busied themselves with the map. The Highlander sighed and shook his head.

"We are to survey the forest to see if their is a viable trade route and to see if there are any deadly predators that hunt these lands... however I happen to know the Captain who sent us on this errand likes to hunt... So I think this is more about him finding some southern creature to kill so he can mount it's head on his trophy wall." Keiran said once he was sure the other two weren't listening.
 
“Ahhh I see why you needed a guide then. One surely gets lost if they don’t know where they need to go, and how to get there. Luckily for us I spend a good amount of time here. As a matter of fact I camped in this area last night. Just a little preparation for today’s work. I will say there’s was an area I was planning to avoid due, but knowing what your searching for I might take you there.” He’d say his voice suddenly a bit more serious, and analytical. “If your interested that is?” He’d say stopping after moving a few more feet forward. They had reached an area at which they could continue on forward, or change course to head to the area he spoke of. That meant of course if they wanted to go there they would need to start now.
 
"I think we are very interested friend." Howard said from the rear. Say what you might, the often brash fellow was adept at multitasking.

"What he says I suppose...." Keiran added pointing to fork in the road and the direction in which Niq had planned on avoiding. "Just so I know what to expect... Did you happen to see anything round these parts... Boar... Wild cats... Wolves... Bears?" Keiran named the creatures he believed to be a threat. However this close to the elven boarder, there were sure to be things he had only read about and those he had never dreamed of lurking about.
 
"Hmm well thats no problem for me." He'd say as he began to turn, and go down the path. It wouldn't be all to much longer till they reached the place he had spoke of.

"I wouldn't really say I've seen anything unusual. The only animals I've known of around these parts is the usual squirrels, and things like that, and then theres the thorn-minks. Little creatures with thorns wrapped all around their tails. Generally nice, sweet, fluffy little things," He'd say with a smile patting the air in front of him, "but when their riled up that changes. Almost like their a different creature I'd say. Thorns flying everywhere some exploding with little bursts of magic. Cause of that they aren't usually messed with. Though that’s whats worrying. I was gonna camp here, but they all seemed to be riled up for some reason. Not to mention the forest feels tense here as of late.” He'd continue before stopping for a second listening the the environment. The air around him felt heavy as if something bad had happened.

“I don’t quite like the feel of this area right now.” He’d say frowning a bit. The forest was usually a calm place for him, but this area seemed even tenser than the day before. He’d look around on the trees of the surrounding area a bit. After some searching he’d find something that could possibly be his answer. Lodged in the exposed roots of a tree where a large amount of thorns. Next to it scratch marks that he knew were to large to have come from a thorn-mink.

“This might have something to do with what your looking for my friends." He'd say concerned as he leaned down to inspect the marks more.
 
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Keiran listen to Niq's description of the thorn-mink, mystified as to how such a strange creature could exist. Thorns with in it's tail? He had been raised to respect animals such as bears and wolves for their strength and cunning. They could prove to be ferocious animals with teeth and claws that could tear a man to shreds. Somehow the idea of a creature that could hurl projectiles was off putting. He equated running into and angering it akin to fending off a tiny pissed off archer.

Following Niq's lead, he fell into a slow stop as keen eyes looked to the area about them. He couldn't speak for Howard or Duncan, but he Keiran had hunted in his side and in such, learn to read the land. He saw signs of the scuffle at hand and came to kneel beside the root. Green eyes looked to the thorns which belonged to the thorn-mink. His gaze shifted to the large claw marks then.

"Bear?" He asked.

"Bear? Here? You sure?" Duncan blurted. It seemed he had not intended to fight on this errand.

"You sure?" Howard followed through.

"Not at all.... What ever left this behind is big enough though.. Niq, what say you?" Keiran looked to their resident expert.
 
"I agree that the size is fitting. Though it couldn't be a bear. Bears usually don't hunt thorn-minks unless they're young, and inexperienced. Far to many thorns, and far to hard of a chase. What were looking for is more like..." He'd pause for a bit thinking about his words. "a lizard. Thick leathery skin that won't get hurt by the thorns, and would be able to move quickly both through, and on trees."

Niq would stand up again this time looking directly up into the tree. He'd unlatch his bag reaching in, and shuffling around until he eventually pulled out a rope with a grapple attached to it. He'd stand back a bit giving himself the proper room to throw it. He would swing it in the air a couple of time by the rope. After enough momentum had built up he would release the rope sending the grapple up, and over one of the tree trunks.

"If you don't mind I'd like to take a quick look up in this tree. Maybe get a better view of the area." He would say while tugging on the rope a few time for security.
 
A lizard? The mountains his people hailed from supported a climate far to cold for the likes of reptiles, so lizards and snakes had remained things he only read about. The idea of a lizard this large and running about was alarming. Luckily the other two in his party displayed those feelings as well.

"Have at it..." Keiran said, looking to Howard and Duncan. All three slid out their sword in silent agreement. Better safe then sorry.
 
"I'm not quite sure what a lizard of that size would be doing in the area," He'd start as he hopped onto the rope. "but considering how big it is it must have left tracks." Niq would finish before he made his way up the rope. Once he got to the branch the grappel was secured on he'd climb onto it, and look around. He'd look amongst the forest floor for anything that could be signs of a scuffel. Eventually he would lay his eyes upon what appeared to be more scratch marks, and trampled foilage. Though it was a bit hard to tell with how far away it was.

He began to ready himself to climb down though he paused for a second as he heard a strange scratching noise. He looked around a bit realizing the noise was coming from above him, and a bit to the right. He could see a moderately large tree branch which he assumed the noise was coming from. Being curious of the noise he would nimbly climb up the branches of the tree until he reached the one he was looking for. He'd look around the branch a bit as he climbed onto it. Niq could now hear the noise relatively clearly something similar to claws scratching a tree. He moved himself a bit closer to the tree's trunk inspecting it. On the trunk he'd find a hole about a foot wide almost hidden by the leaves on the branch.

Niq would move the leaves aside peering into the hole to see a small thorn-mink. One that Niq surmised was young possibly even only a few months old. Being the animal loving person he was he would reach out to the animal for it to smell his hand. He quickly noticed that it's eyes were glowing red. It had already been agitated before he had found it. Though it was to late for him to pull his had back as he felt thorns dig into his hand. The thorn-mink had lashed out with its tail vines wrapping them around Niq's hand. Though luckily due to its age the thorns were small, and few in number. He'd wince in pain a bit.

"Lets calm down now my little friend." Niq would say calmly to the thorn-mink. Unbeknownst to him his eyes had begun to glow a bit orange. The thorn-mink would be swayed a bit by his words, and would loosen it's grip slightly. Niq would reach out with his other hand to gently pet the head of the creature. After a few seconds the red would fade from the creatures eyes, and it would fall asleep. Most likely due to the amount of stress it had been under. He'd scoop up the animal, and place it in the fold of his scarf in a place where it could sleep safely, and securely. Normally he wouldn't but he knew the creature wouldn't survive on its own, and that in the given circumstances the parents wouldn't come back for it either.

Niq would make his way back down the tree this time careful to watch the creature, and keep it safe. Once he reached the rope he would climb down quickly his hand leaving little traces of blood here, and there. He'd reach the bottom of the tree, and smile at the others. "It looks like they might have gone that way." He'd say pointing towards where is saw the tracks. He'd kneel down putting some ointment on his small hand wounds. "Shall we?"
 
"You alright friend... Had a fight while you were up there?" Howard was the first to notice how Niq appeared wounded. He was also suspicious.

"Come now... We need to move on..." Keiran interjected. "Let's see what we can track, otherwise we'll have a board captain on our hands."

With that said, Keiran looked to Niq and offered a little nod. What ever happened up above, he had no reason to question Niq. He seemed to have a honest face. Whether that was a folly on his part or not, would be left to be seen. With their sword still drawn, they began to head in the direction Niq had motioned to.
 
“Hmm yes let’s head over there then. From up there I saw what looked some crushed plants and the like. Maybe even a few claw marks too.” He’d say as they approached the area. He’d look to the floor of the forest seeing what was indeed trampled plants indicative of a chase. Though it seemed whatever was chasing, or being chased was now long gone. Niq would sigh a bit looking around, and then to his group.

“Let’s try to see if we can find anything else.” He would say to them as began to walk forward a bit to see if he could find another trail. Though before he had much of a chance to look a ruffling noise could be heard nearby. A noise that would distract him, and cause him to lift one hand up as if to signal silence from the others.
 
"Artemis were are you?" calls tent as he searches for his 4 year old little brother. Trent had been practicing his climbing skills when his brother ran off.

trent enters out from behind a bush to find his little cub brother in front of a single furrless creature. he did not see any others but he could smell them hiding.

"why dont you have any fur?"

the young one named Artemis says in awe as he looks up at the man. he was but a young cub his brother not much older but a little bit bigger than his brother.

"stay away from that thing we dont know if it has a disease or something". Trent says picking up his brother from behind. Artemis points laughing.

"theirs more furrless lions over there"

Trent looks around as the party comes into view.

"these arnt lions i think they are furrless folk!"

there eyes become wide in awe.

"ive never seen one so close." Trent says not at all afraid of the creature.

they talk as if the group is not there. Trent raises his other hand as he holds his brother.

"we mean you no harm. thanks for stopping my little brother from running further into the woods. um..."

his ears twitch and he cocks his head bells ring in the distance. he smiles politely

"the blessings ceremony is about to start. would you furrless folk like to come see our home and share in the blessings? if an outside race is invited by a lionmen its recommended you join us it will bless your coming years"
 
Keiran couldn't account for Niq's reaction to the appearance of the lionmen but he knew full well how his companions would react. Like most men from Vel Anir, they were a sheltered bunch, which was a nice way of calling them racist. They weren't fond of other races, the fear itself driven by lies and wild tales spoken to them through out their childhood. Vel Anir was the stronghold of man, and in such, had little room for other races.

Keiran froze in his tracks, as did his companions who stood there, bewildered with sword in hand. They each weighed the situation at had, or at least the Highlander did. Howard and Duncan were entranced.

"It spoke!" Duncan let out, his tone high and laced with shock.

"It did more... The beast invited us to it's den!" Howard corrected.

"No doubt a clever plot to eat us!" Duncan replied. "We should do away with them now!"

The pair stepped past Keiran who gathered his wits and ran before them to block their path.

"Good men... Need I remind you that we are not in familiar land... Any transgressions could easily be looked at as an act not only committed by we three, but our Kingdom..." Keiran leaned in and whispered. "Tread carefully... We are here on the whim of our captain... Not to cause a incident in another land."

Keiran could see the panicked look in Howard and Duncan's eyes. Hell, he was worried himself, but he couldn't let that show. He pushed both men back one after the other and stepped off to stand beside Niq. He wasn't willing to venture closer unless their resident expert thought it wise. He spared one glance over his shoulder and spoke to the pair behind him. "Stand true and do not panic... We know not who else is here."

Howard was the first to catch what he meant, and began to look around. Who was to say that the Lionmen before them were the only beings there. Sword leveled, he kept guard just in case. Keiran tried a different approach and sheath his sword.

"Hello... " Keiran thought back to what the lionmen had called them and figured using the opposite would be sufficient.. "Fur folk... We.. Um... Thank you for your invitation and you need not thank us for stopping your brother... We believe there to be a dangerous predator about...... Because of this we will not be able to join you as we need to report this to our commanding officer."

Keiran tried his best to appear calm and sound pleasant. Though beastly in appearance, the lionmen seemed kind enough. Still, Keiran knew he had to keep his wits about him or else his time spent at the garrison would be short.
 
Niq would relax significantly upon seeing the two lionmen children. While he didn't know what they were, and had never encountered them before he knew they were no harm. Even if they were they couldn't pose more of a threat than what they were looking for. He'd smile looking back to the others. He could see they were a bit tense probably something related to their place of origin. Though he wasn't really worried about it he trusted that Keiran was capable of keeping himself, and the other two from acting a fool. So instead of focusing on them he turned back to the children listening as Keiran spoke.

"Yes I agree we should keep looking as to not lose the trail. Though I will thank you for your generous offer. I would head home now little ones as he said there's a dangerous creature a foot. Is there anyone you could tell that to? Like an adult who could make sure you stay safe, and sound." Niq would say to them smiling warmly. He figured it wasn't safe for them with the creature around. Though he knew little of the species, and really couldn't say what the little children were capable of. Hopefully though they would listen to his words, and head home. Maybe even alert some of the adults to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
 
trents eyes widen and his ear begin to twitch his nose is wild sniffing.

"the dekra" he whispers

he bolts off into the woods yelling at the top of his lungs.

"the dekra is near!!.....the dekra!! i smell it!! its coming again!!"

seconds later the drumming stops the woods fall silent for a short time. then horns begin to blare, their deep moan is almost tranquil in a way. some how they are constant as many horn blares blow one after another each using all of there breath to create a continueios dooming sound.

the bushes rustle all around shadows pass over head yips and howls can be heard from above and in the bushes. out steps a huge lion he steps out very calmly but his appearance is terrifying in comparison to the young lions that appeared before.

7 feet and huge muscles fur golden brown his eye glows purple his other eye is badly damaging and has healed shut. he wears pants made of unknown skins and no shirt. a necklace made of bones hang from his chest. none of the other lionmen seem to have one.

a white lion is beside him seemingly full grown but human size. his eyes glow murky white it is clear he is blind but he moves as if he sees.

the young lion named trent stands small in comparison to the other lions.

"thats the furless folk i told you about my lord"

he says in his small winey cat voice.

king lionman king of the lionmen spoke in a deep almost terrifying way but he spoke slowly and with meaning

"this is a human one of the many livestock the divine realm created for lionmens nourishment"

trent looks confused. "i invited them to the ceremony"

lionman looks annoyed.

"then there lives are spared"

the whole time they were talking they did not stand as if they meant harm to the humans, though they blatantly were talking as if the humans weren't there and referred to them as livestock they didn't seem all that intimidated my the group of armed men.

it was most likely do to the number of lionmen lurking in the shadows there many different colored eyes seen in the dim forest.

"do you smell the dakra"

the monk like white lion says in a soft winey voice.

"it is a bad omen on the day of the blessings ceremony"

he says looking blankly in front of him. they still haven't addressed the humans its as if this is a normal day for them.

finally lionman looks down at the presumed leader of theses folk.

"you have been invited to the ceremony which means your lives have been spared. you will attend the ceremony we need all the blessing we can obtain before we go after that dakra."


"the dakra is attracted to our offerings to appease the divine realm they feed on the offerings of lionmen to rob us of the blessings from the divine we must complete the ceremony now"

the white blind lion says in a huff.
they turn and leave lionman signals his hand and the lionmen surrounding the group begin to push forward. huge towering beasts form circle all around attempting to heard but not harm the humans they were treating them like lives stock!
 
Well escalated quickly. Keiran had thought they could simply move on from the young lionmen... Cubs? He wasn't sure how to address, not that correct titles mattered at that moment. In the span of what seemed seconds, cries of what was called a Dekra went out, horns were blown, and they were surrounded by larger lionmen.

"Do we now panic ye'arse!" Howard growled from behind Keiran.

Keiran had a sicking pit in his stomach as it seemed the situation only grew worse for them. "Keep your wits about you and we will be fine.... "

Keiran was quiet as the lionmen spoke to them, mentioning the ceremony once more. "Dear friends... That you, we will gladly accept your invitation..." What else could them do? "We will be fine... He said our lives will be spared..." Keiran than whispered.

"Livestock... He called us livestock..." Duncan echoed as the group was surrounded and then herded.
 
Niq would walk along with the rest of them still smiling not really bothered by the situation. He felt that while the lionmen didn't seem very keen on humans that they were in no danger. He would turn to look at the others in the group seeing how they were. He could tell they were definitely tense. Something he understood despite not feeling that way himself.

"I'm sure we'll be fine. Besides look on the bright side not only does it look like they know how to find the creature, but they can also help us take care of it." Niq would say with a smile hoping that he could at least ease their minds a bit. He'd then look down into the fold of his scarf at the small thorn-mink. It was still asleep, and appeared to be dreaming as it moved occasionally. He was happy he had decided to pick the creature up. Especially knowing what would've awaited it if left alone. Now all he had to do was take care of it until it was big enough to do that itself. Though for now he would have to focus on the situation at hand. Especially as he was currently on a job.
 
Lionman coninues on ahead. quietly praying to a carved figure made from bone. he rubs the figure a few times saying a prayer in cat speak before returning it to a satchle under his cloak.

The lionmen herd the humans with sticks. Pokeing them from time to time to keep them in stride with the group. Music can ne heard now as they enter the camp. A few trees were cut down to secure the prerimitor but that camp dosnt look like it impacts the enviroment too much. The group is given odd glances as the weeve through teepee's. A female lion wearing a flower head dress aproaches lionman.

"My king you have returned! I was afraid you were eaten by the dakra"

She glances at the humans.

"You brought food too? I cant remember the last time i had furless folk."

Lionman chuckles.

"Ledaun how i love you so, but unfortunately one of our young lions decided to invoke the right of lachua. These are human representatives not food."

He turns to another lioness and whispers in her ear. She smiles which could have been a nice smile if lion faces were shaped right but this came across as an all too teethy smile.

"Come now humans you must be blessed before you can partisipate in the divine ceremony we wouldnt want the divine realm to mistake you for an offering"
she cackles leading the group over to a large teepee

The guard lions are still treating them as cattle the woman lion opens the tents flaps and they are pushed in.

Inside a young lion is sitting in a chair. Beside him is the white lion who slipped away from the group when they arrived.

"Please sit i shall be with you momentarly."
He points to the chairs that line the tent

The young lion has a scrape and is sobbing. The white lion begins to mutter in cat speak. The white lions eyes glow bright then the scrape is gone.

The little girl lion hugs him speaking in more cat dialect eventually running off to go play.

The white lion gets up and pokes the fire that burns hot but small in the middle of the large tent.

"Humans are an interesting bunch"

"Might you have any questions speak them now, the cerimony begins at first dark. The dakra hunts at night we will also be hunting it....but first the blessings. The cerimony will kill any non lionmen that has first not been pardoned by the divine realm"

He pops an ember into a wooden bowel with some sort of glowing herbs that begin to burn and release swirling smoke. He brings the bowel to the face of the brave one of the humans. The one without fear in his eyes.

"Take the smoke in and you will see the divine"

He wafts the strong phycodeliclic smoke into the humans face. What his mind shows him next is mystery but the effect wont last long.
 
The entire experience was surreal as they were herded. Keiran battled the fear he felt, knowing any attempt to break free would spell instant doom for his party. The only option he had was to go along with it and reassure his travel companions they would be fine. The poking and prodding form the Lionmen didn't reinforce this hope however.

When the King announced once more they were guests however, that did seem to ease, if only a little, the tension the men felt. Keiran envied Niq for he was the only one in their party who seemed relaxed with the situation. If their guide could be so released, Keiran believed he too should follow in his lead.

Marched into the tent, they all did what was asked or rather ordered, and took a seat. They watched what Keiran could only imagine to be a Lionman shaman perform him duties and heal the cub. His eyes were glazed with wonder, as such workings were a mystery to him. All that was happening now was a mystery to him truth be told.

Hearing that the time to ask questions would be now, Keiran decided to speak up as the wooden bowl was placed in front of Niq. "Thank you... For allowing us to take part in this.. It is truly an honor.. I wish there was some offering we could have provided for such an occasion..." Keiran said as he looked to the white lion and the king. "I hope I can be of service in the hunt to come... I imagine I am not as skilled as you and your people my lord... But it would be an honor to take part if you were to allow it... And if so, might I ask only one thing... My companions are terrible hunters.. they couldn't find a rabbit even if they were standing on top of it's burrow so they would be of little help... If possible might they be allowed to go back and report to our captain? I am afraid we are expected, as we were only to survey the land and nothing more. I wouldn't want our captain to worry over our absence. If you were to allow my companions to go back, they could inform our captain that he nod worry..."
 
Niq would nod as the white lion spoke to him about the smoke. He was unsure of the smokes effect, but had a good guess. He'd figured it would be something similar to the time he ate some green, and yellow mushrooms as a child. One minute he was fine the next he was lying down somewhere in the middle of the forest covered with sticks, and grass. Though if he could survive that as a child surely this was nothing to worry about. He'd take a deep breath of the smoke not feeling anything unique except the strange smell of the smoke. Though within a few seconds he started to feel the effects of the smoke.

At first it was something calm. Like he was watching the world slowly fade away as everything got blurry, and seemed to drift away from him. He'd watch as the the room around him started to disappear while simultaneously blending together into one messy unnameable color. Then the color started to move quickly moving up as Niq began to fall into a never ending pit. After a short time it would all stop, and the colors would begin to converge in front of him. The colors formed a mass with the appearance of his three traveling companions, and the white lion all in one. A strange creature with four faces, and a large agglomeration of multiple bodies. It spoke to him though there were no words only feelings. Profound feelings with no names that one could not describe only feel. After a few seconds though it would disappear just like the world had before. Now Niq was left in a world of colorless white.

Soon color would begin to come back to the world, and the room would reappear along with its contents. Niq would find himself lying on his back it being he fell backwards while sitting. He'd slowly sit back up looking at the other three. "That was interesting." He would say closing his eyes a bit. Now that he was done he supposed it was someone else's turn.
 
The white lion chuckles a bit. Lionman sits on chair opisite the humans he sneers a bit to letting.out a sneezy wine.

The white lion turns to the uneasy group of men.

"You and your men will stay here till after the dakra has been captured if you wish to participate in the cerimony breathe what is in this bowel. No offerings of your own are needed. The cerimony has been seen by few furless folk. consider your self lucky the divine sent those cubs to you so that they could pardon you. Otherwise you sureley would be apart of tonights offerings rather than being witnesses to them. Now breath.. there will be plenty of time for more questions. Understand that because you are guests we can not force u to stay, though you have a pardon from this tribe the kingdom is split we cannot guarantee safety if you leave the area without an escort. We are not the only tribe contacting the gods tonight and there will be plenty of lionmen doing post celebration hunts as well"

He prepares more herbs and wafts the smoke into each of the mens faces. There trips only last a few secounds in the real world.

He removes a few trinkets from a bag. They are carved from stone hand polished each dipicting lionmen in battle. The carveings were so small but detailed. The white lion spoke a soft prayer into each trinket before looping it with string and hanging it on each humans neck. Each one glows a brite blue before fadeing back to grey polished stone

"These will keep your souls grounded so that the divine gods do not take you back into the divine realm. Once they are sommoned. if they are not happy with our offerings they will take more souls. No reason to put our pardoned food in danger" he sneers at his own sick humor.

"Any final questions you may ask his majesty. I have an offering to prepare. He smiles before slinking away. Lionman stares at the humans. The jokes seemed to have suddenly left with the white lion. All niceties seemed to go with him too.

"Ok humans" he says it as if it hurts him to be alone in the tent with them.

" any more questions or concerns state them now. The ceremony will begin soon. I wont be late"
 
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