Scarlet Drakes

[Xyster]

The woman stared at him with defiant eyes despite, or maybe because of, the vicious way that his men had treated her. She was a fine example of woman as well, evenly muscled and very healthy. On what remained of her garments he found what he had thought he would, the red image of a serpintine dragon...not that he had doubted that she belonged to them. All of the ones retreived so far carried the same defiant look. If only his men were so loyal to him.

"I don't want to hurt you, and I haven't hurt any of the others they brought to me. Actually, I'd like for you to tell me who did this to you...so that I can see to it that they are properly punished." He stared at her still, holding her chin in his hand so that he could look into her eyes. They were pretty brown eyes...not the kind one expected to find on a fighter like this.

The woman said nothing, pulling her face from his grasp with a jerk. She rolled over away from him, still shivering from the cold but not showing any other sign of weakness. Such seemed to be their way.

Lothorian had to admit that he admired these people, demon or human. He'd never seen fighters so loyal or so hardy...especially in the face of what they had left behind them.

[Princess of Fire]

Sora leaned closer to the tent. She could hear something but she was not sure what the people inside were saying. The chipmunk was sitting on her lap as if waiting for more orders.

Go into the tent. Sora said in a kind chip, Then tell me all that you have herd.

[Magus]

Iadan spied a particularly stupid-looking woman talking to a chipmunk. More likely than not all of this excitement had addled her mind. She would be easy to thief from, even if she was a woman. Nevertheless, that had never stopped her before.

[Xyster]

"You do not have to speak to me, I understand that you do not trust me. My men do not understand that a gentle hand gains more then a crushing fist." He knelt down by the woman, "You need not fear me either...I have no intentions for you at all, but I cannot allow you to return to the others and let them know that we are watching."

Lothorian stood, "I will get you some clothing, or at least a blanket. You are of no use to anyone if you freeze to death on the floor like that." He moved over to a large oak chest and opened it. Reaching inside he withdrew a large, soft blanket and offered it to the woman, "Please...it is the least that I can do after the mistreatment that you have suffered."

The woman stared at him suspiciously, then took the blanket carefully wrapping it about her. She stared at him, obviously confused by his kind treatment. It had to be some sort of trick...but those eyes...

Lothorian smiled slightly, "There you are...hopefully it will warm you a little."

[Princess of Fire]

Sora glimpsed towards the woman with cat ears and tail after her small friend had left.

"Are you a demon?" She asked bluntly as the woman approached.

[Magus]

"Only if you want me to be." She said, lowering her voice into a low sultry tone. She could charm even women into bed if need be. And she was willing to do anything for some decent warm clothes.

[Princess of Fire]

Sora stared at the woman for a long time. What did she mean? Was this creature a shape shifter? And what was taking that chipmunk so long?

"What is you name?"If anything, at least Sora could get a conversation from this woman.

[Xyster]

Lothorian took his time charming the woman, speaking softly and easily so that she would not feel frightened. The reason that she slowly grew to trust him was becuase he really had no motives for hurting her in any way, nor the will to do so. She was a very proud and loyal person and one had to understand that to get anywhere with her.

Within a short time, he had her completely comfortable with him. She had accepted a new change of clothing, one more like the style that the squires from the land where he came from worer. She did not seem to mind though, as anything was better than the ripped graments that she had been wearing, and the clothing was warm.

"You see, there is no need to fear me." Lothorian allowed the woman her distance, as she seemed to like it. What a strange creature she was, so feircely loyal. How he wished that his men were as loyal as this...

[Xyster]

By the time that Lothorian had left the tent he had more than enough information from the woman. She had spoken, even without realizing that she was giving anything away. He'd let her return to the others now, and she would likely not even remember what had happened.

He eyed his soldiers as he passed, noting that none of them looked at him for very long. They feared him...though they had little reason to. He'd never given them any reason to, but such was his lot in life.

He proceeded on, needing a walk to clear his head. None of the soldiers accompanied him, even guarding their Captain was not worth the risk of entering the woods at this time of night. Such cowards they were.

[Princess of Fire]

The chipmunk came running back.They did not speak very much. It said.The man just gave the women wormer clothing.

Sora nodded whispering, Thank You very much. With that, the small creature scurried back into the woods.

[Xyster]

Lothorian stopped. He looked up into the darkened bows of the trees above him. Yes, there were several of them there, though he had not sensed them until just now. How amazing these people were, he could still not understand where they had come from. Surely such warriors should be famous, but there was no news that he had heard...

They were following him now. He shook his head, continuing to walk. If he attempted to run right now they would surely jump him, but if they thought that he did not know, they may continue spying and leave him be. It was a slight chance, but the better of the two.

The dark forms dropped down behind him, stiking him in the lower back. He fell easily into the arms of another, unable to speak or move as they bundled him in a blanket and tied it off, slinging him over one of their backs and disappearing back into the trees.

[Xyster]

The drakes moved quickly through the trees. They barely stopped as they leapt between branches and shadows. Even the one burdened with Lothorian didn't seem overly burdened. He easily kept up with the others, remaining in his center position with ones ahead and behind to make sure that no one saw them.

They arrived at the main camp quicker than Lothorian had expected. He was removed from the blanket and propped up against a rock. The drakes remained near him, though they made no effort to apply bonds yet. Perhaps they knew how long the stun effect would last, or perhaps they thought that he needed no bonds.

Lothorian stared at the silent men around him. They did not look at him, they did not speak to him, what was his purpose here then?