Quest The Return

[Kaska]

"What do you think I'm doing?" She shot back, ruffled. "Taking a break?" Her breath huffed at the strain of it all. Her shoulder was burning in pain, a doe no light creature. She half cursed at Addis's nature, finding it on small unfair advantage here. No doubt hearing him grunt in pain too would make her feel increasingly better about herself.

Instead she was forced to press onward, her shorter height and human nature soon making this no small amount of torture.

It would have been easier to just take back what they needed. Why hadn't she suggested that?

By the time they broke through the clearing she couldn't stop the shaky twinge that had entered her starved muscles. She flat out dumped her load right on the edge of the treeline, leaving Addis to stumble to it with no warning. She didn't care. She made it a few steps before sitting down herself, gasping and shaking out her arms to make it all look intentional.

 

[Addis Vrummal]

Addis couldn't hold back the laugh as she spat at him from his remark. Though he couldn't stop the stick from digging into his shoulder no matter how he kept his hand positioned. The small grunt of readjusting his hand was both pain and relief, since the awkward angle had made the joint stiff.

When Kaska dumped the front end into the ground, the first few steps Addis took were nearly into the dirt before he stepped to the side with an exasperated sigh. He didn't chide her though, instead choosing to let the doe fall before pulling out the knife once more to begin cutting out the sections they would likely want for supper.

 

[Lia]

She glanced back as the two stumbled through the clearing, well aware that they had been approaching thanks to their less than...stealthy levels of volume. "Ah you caught us something."

Lia said, poking the fire with the stick once more.

While they'd been gone she had built them a small cooking rack. Nothing more than two sticks in which was suspended another log. They would be able to roast some of the meat from the deer, then take the rest and hopefully smoke it over night so they had something for the next day.

Not exactly culinary experimentation, but it would do.

"Good job." Lia said encouragingly, offering them both a smile.

Neither seemed in the mood for it though.

 

[Kaska]

Kaska ignored them both and dragged herself over to the fire, utterly starving and impatient for a warm meal and proper rest. Hell, in that moment she felt abruptly done with the situation and craving, perhaps, a nap right now. Her limbs still shook with exertion. The need to just fall still for a spell took over her. She pulled the bedding over to her and draped it around herself.

"Wake me when its done," she grumbled, laying down and abruptly leaving them to the rest of the task.

 

[Addis Vrummal]

Lia's comment wasn't entirely lost on Addis while he brought over a few pieces to cook.

"Thanks. Next time we'll take turns." He replied quietly, trying to keep the agitation out of his tone. He returned to cut up the rest and bring over whatever he thought could be useful later.

 

[Lia]

"She grows on you." Lia commented dryly.

The tone of her voice made it difficult to say whether or not she was being serious, though the slight hint of a smile curling at her lips said it was more of a joke than anything else.

She knew that Kaska was an abrasive person by nature to say the least. She'd gotten somewhat better over the last few months, but now that they were drawing closer to a confrontation with her father...well, Lia was unsurprising that she was now reacting somewhat negatively to it all.

"Don't worry." She told Addis. "It will all be over soon."

She hoped.

 

[Addis Vrummal]

The comment about growing on a person had his eyes glancing to her. He wasn't entirely sure about that, but this run they were on certainly wasn't helping everyone be cheery. Finishing his work, he threw the scraps out into the woods before bringing the last bits over.

"Travelling like we are probably hasn't helped." Addis shrugged, still trying be a little optimistic about the whole thing. Her comment made him wonder though.

"We can hope so. Then you can actually enjoy your promotion." He chuckled, leaning back and enjoying the fire.

 

[Kaska]

"I can hear you," came Kaska's annoyed reply, her eyes remaining closed and body otherwise still.

 

[Lia]

"I know." Lia chirped happily.

Addis was right though. They had been traveling under extreme duress. All of them had likely been thinking the worst things at the worst times, and heading across the entire length of the reach was not exactly something easy to pull off. There was strain on all of them.

Yet Alliria was all around the corner.

She was trying to be optimistic, though a voice in the back of her head was telling her things would only get harder. A frown touched her lips as she watched the meat sizzling across the fire.

 

[Addis Vrummal]

A hand slipped under the elf's chin as he smirked towards Kaska. This tone of cheer was more how Addis liked things, he watched the fire in silence for a time. Content to sit in companionable silence.

 

[Kaska]

And as it was, no one pressed for conversation more. The rest of the journey passed in a miserable blur.

Kaska emerged from the treeline to look over the miles of fields and flatland before Alliria, a tangible shiver creeping over her body. No matter how much she had dragged her feet or pitched a fit, no one had bitten her bait and did something to deter them from this path.

Dread had turned her quiet and tense. Even the dreams returned in the wake of her stress, stealing from them even the concept of undisturbed rest. She wanted nothing more than to slid back into the treeline and disappear into the shadows. And she would have too, but Lia needed her father's protection.

Damn Lia, shoulda let her die to the Liche.

Kaska did not move forward, though her horse did try.

 

[Lia]

It would have been wrong to say that Lia didn't share any of Kaskas hesitation, yet a part of her was excited beyond any measure.

She could not have said why. The situation was as dire as could be, but…in the back of her mind she thought of this as a turning point. They could change things for the better, they could find out what was really going on, they could maybe even save the Rangers from falling into some backward plot that no one had seen coming.

It was almost like one of the stories.

Lia knew that thought was childish, that in a way she shouldn't have even had it in her head, yet it was there and despite everything else it excited her. She was ready to do what needed to be done, she was ready to do her part. Absently she rested her hand on the pommel of her saddle, glancing at her two companions. ”If anything happens head to my father estate in the Inner City.”

Her voice was stern.

”He'll hide us.” She hoped it would not be necessary, but a back up plan was always needed.

Without another word Lia nudged her horse forward, taking them directly towards the city.

 

[Addis Vrummal]

The trip towards Alliria passed by without a fuss thankfully, even with Kaska trying to bait them into further spats. Having learnt the first time however, he didn't let himself fall prey to the attempts.

He eyed Alliria with a sigh when it came into view, and as Lia spoke, a few blinks had him looking at her. Allirian rangers, Allirian parents idiot, he scolded himself mentally. Where else did he suppose the two had come from? He gave her a silent nod before following behind her, sparing a glance back to Kaska but not stopping.

 

[Kaska]

Kaska lingered for as long as she could, a tremble breaking its way through her white-knuckled grip on the reigns.

The early morning light was bright and potent. Out in the distance she could practically hear the bells toll as the city gates opened. The city was stirring, which meant soon her father would be too. Her thoughts flitted in chaotic circles. To think seven Templar died so she could carry on to do this.

She glanced at the keep in the distance as they rode by. Had Saul and his men returned yet? Likely. Boat was far faster than their creeping through the woods.

As they approached the gate she unwillingly kicked her horse to the front, guiding them in and along the streets towards a clean and well cobbled neighborhood that spoke of security with little frivolity. People here lived comfortable lives with little room for excess, as could be expected of a Commander of the Rangers.

Kaska skipped over a stable and brought them straight to a modest two-story home. "Leave your horses hitched here," she informed tightly. As much as she had said she was sure her father would receive them, she wasn't.

"Lia .... which way is your father's house?" She asked unwillingly, wanting all their bases covered.

 

[Lia]

Lia slipped off of her horse, then perked her head up slightly when Kaska spoke.

She frowned, knowing that the question had not come easily from her friend. Lips thinned for a moment, then she dug into her saddlebag and removed a small piece of cloth. "It's just down the street, near the docks on the inner city."

The lieutenant pointed towards a direction.

"My families banner hangs over the wall." That custom was of the Anirian Style, not from Alliria. It was the only house with a banner like that here. That was something her mother had always insisted on and her father indulged. She unfurled a small piece of cloth. "It will look like this."

She showed them the embroidered cloth, marked with some sort of winged cat. "Simply state I sent you and they'll let you inside."

Lia glanced at Addis for a moment.

"We should split up if we have to run." It pained her that they had to plan it. "At least until we get to my families Estate."

 

[Addis Vrummal]

Addis dismounted, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife. The streets were plain and seemed unremarkable, but comfortable. Leaving the horse where it was, he took a good look at the direction Lia pointed toward and at the embroidered cloth before giving a brief nod.

"Hopefully I don't get too lost." Addis quietly joked. He knew well where he was, just had to do a bit of exploring to find her families estate. He gave a brief glance to the house before looking back to the women.

"And if your father is not an option, we meet back in the woods?" Addis ventured to ask. The two didn't seem particularly confident in their plans, or at least confident that someone hadn't thought of these options already.

 

[Kaska]

"Yeah, fine," came Kaska's agitated reply. And without giving them any more time to prepare themselves, she stomped up to the door and knocked heavily.

Regardless, they would find themselves with near a full minute to reach the door, the answer slow to come. But when the lock finally did unlatch, the door opened wide-- a large frame blocked the entrance within. Kaska recognized her father in an instant, even though it was dark inside and the morning light strained her eyes as they attempted to adjust. She caught his crooked nose and the dark mustache twitching in response to what stood at his doorstep. But what worse amongst it all was the way the color left his face, then abruptly flushed red.

He reached out and yanked her in. And by gods the fire in his eyes as he caught sight of the others ordered them to follow her, or risk similar mishandlement.

 

[Lia]

"My father is the option." She commented to Addis.

There was no doubt in her mind that if necessary her father would fight the entire Allirian City Watch to keep her safe. It wouldn't come to that of course, the Ranger's had no connection with the City Council, not really anyway, but he would do it if she needed it. That much at least Lia was sure of.

When Kaska's father appeared at the door Lia tensed almost naturally.

The man's anger was more than clear on his face, and despite herself she couldn't help but put a hand on the hilt of her sword-breaker. It was unconscious, but the weapon was a point of safety for her. After a moment, his order snapped through the air and with a single glance at Addis she followed after.

This was it. The moment.

She hoped it went well.

 

[Addis Vrummal]

Lia's response got a small shrug from the elf. If that was the only other option for them, that was what they had. He wasn't going to argue with the finality of the comment.

When the door opened, and the order to come in was made, it broke the idea of running that Addis's mind had jumped to. He would have been lying to himself if he didn't think the worst had occurred. He followed behind Lia cautiously, unsure of how he would be received if the daughter had been so abruptly yanked inside.

 

[Kaska]

"So you received news," Kaska quipped dryly, catching herself and pulling herself back a few steps from her father's frame. The commander leaned forward out the door frame, eyes sharply scanning the streets before smartly closing the door.

"Received news," he echoed, his fury rumbling inside the tone that suggested immense restraint was currently being used.

"Received. News." He turned on her, his face a brilliant red as he closed their distance with a step.

"Everyone has received news of your antics! They have demanded an inquiry!"

She didn't shrivel back, her jaw set and chin raised against him. "Good. Let them inquire, I have something to tell them all, there's something th-"

A crack tore through the air as he backhanded her, knocking the words from her mouth and sending her to the floor. "Enough of that attitude, again and again-- you've taken it too far this time."

Sensing the pending reaction from the others he turned on them with fury unbridled. "And you. Abandoning post." Addis.

"Stealing dangerous artifacts." Lia.

"Abusing power, forsaking your sworn duties!" He stepped forward on them too, giving no time for a response and bellowing over any attempt to get one in.

"You're bound for the stalks, all of you!" He balked at them all, trembling in disbelief. Or perhaps fear. Or was that just simply anger? Not even he grasped it in that moment.

 

[Lia]

Almost unconsciously Lia put a hand on the hilt of her sword-breaker.

She had never been yelled at by a superior before, not in her entire life. She'd always been a model Ranger, one who'd brought the ideal of their Order into being. Her entire lifes goal had been this, to carry her in an upward trajectory towards the top of their ranks.

Was all that gone now? No.

It couldn't be. She wouldn't let it.

As the Major continued his tirade Lia took on a face of stone. Her expression did not change, a hardness grew around her eyes and her fingers gently flexed around the hilt of her sword-breaker. The weapon trembledfor just a moment as the man's screaming came to an end.

Her throat cleared. "The sword was necessary for ending a threat to the Reach, a deed we were commended for."

She took a hard tone there, though not raising her voice.

"Everything we've done we've done for this Order." Slowly Lia took a step forward, steeling herself, knowing what she was about to say was the crux of it. "You can either listen to us or you can see what happens when you 'try to put us in the stocks'."

She was ready to fight.

 

[Addis Vrummal]

Addis was a bit stunned to be sure. He hadn't expected the slap, never mind the verbal assault that followed. Confusion followed shortly as his words pointed to him. His brow knit together tightly, remembering that Lia had proclaimed he would be accompanying them while they had been in the mess hall.

Someone was certainly spinning tales and leaving out details. And likely had everyone in that hall hushed by now.

He waited, patience a virtue that had come with age finally. In much younger years he might have been more rash and tried to argue, but Lia seemed prepared to square off with reason as well.

Lia had spoken up, and he waited to see if they would be met with resistance, or if the man would hear out the other side of the story.

 

[Kaska]

Once more, he flushed a brilliant red, not a single bit of his flabbergasted anger concealed to Lia. For a moment, it looked as if he'd smack her to. Backhand her into the wall again and again if just to knock sense into the group that had doomed themselves by even coming here. Didn't they know he'd have to turn them in? Didn't they think- didn't they know- duty- he'd have to- his own daughter.

This anger crumbled into pain, flickering across his features once before dissolving into a stormy glower. He noted the hand on Lia's pommel and it was matched in turn.

"There is nothing you can say to excuse murdering one of our own. No greater cause, no justified reason. Nothing. They will execute you for this."

"What," Kaska gasped behind him, back on her feet and wiping blood in a smear across her cheek. "Murder? Is that what he's claiming? It isn't true! We didn't kill anyone! There's corruption in the ranks!"

The commander balked, then paused, as if something fell into place in his thoughts and the indignation Kaska was about to receive folded to uncertainty instead. "What?" He rumbled back.

 

[Lia]

"The Major of the Green Keep was working with the Lich." Lia decided that she would not wait to be spoken over or yelled at again.

She knew that at this point time was of the essence. Kaska's father at any point could decide that he had enough and call the guard. In the back of her mind the Lieutenant was already planning out three different routes by which they could escape the compound and get to her fathers.

"We do not know for what purpose, but we do know it was him who let the information about the bracelet slip." She frowned. "We also know that it was him who tried to sabotage our mission."

She continued to speak quickly. "He is working for someone outside of the Rangers, and has plans to do something bigger."

Though for just what none of them were sure.

"There is treachery within our ranks." Lia scowled. "And it most certainly did not come from us."

 

[Addis Vrummal]

The elf's eyes were wide at the mention of murder. Murder one of their own!? They barely had time to pack, let alone murder someone. Just who had been killed to frame them anyhow?

Lia filled Kaska's father in on the details, but the elf's attention was on what the man had said. If they were being framed, this was certainly a damned fine way of catching them in a net.

"Who was murdered?" Addis dared to ask. He didn't expect a response, not with all the information that was being thrown around suddenly.