Searching for Outcasts

[MARKUS SEREN]

Buttersage forest was deeper than most cartographers took it for. Locals claimed there was an old magic in the ground, and the forest hid a deep and winding hill that led into the underworld.

"Superstitious garbage" One of the mounted soldiers had grunted. Markus only smiled. He had ordered them to march in traveling leathers, rather than full armor.

The leathers were thick and well made, most importantly, not NEARLY as heavy as plate armor and no where near as cumbersome.

So if they had to ride out with haste, they could manage it without killing their steeds.

Markus lead the group down a path through the wood, gauging their distance soon became impossible. Winding through the woods it was hard to say if they had gone anywhere at all.

"I'd say we're nearly lost..." Markus said aloud. His traveling companions looked worried.

He'd been excited since they'd passed the last village. Apparently these refugees had a leader, a 'Wolf' of some sort. Powerful warrior, wildest of the savages, a bad reputation to be sure.

He couldn't wait to meet this 'Wolf'.

[RAINA ULRICA DIREN]

Scouting the outer lying mountains had been a long and harrowing journey, The snow had reached it's peak of landfall when she left, and the bitter bite of the wind crashing against her was a constant.

Raina felt like a hollow shell of a person; alone her only companion was the voice in her head. It had appeared when she was but only a child, grief stricken over the loss of her entire family, all her dreams and childhood memories had been dashed away in an instant. Loner. That what she was, and forever will be. The clan was formed by complete accident and had grown into a billowing colony. runaways, thieves, riffraff's, family.

Staying together was a priority, but not a requirement, people came and went as they pleased. Later on into her her journey she had found out that doing so was a terrible decision on her part, There wasn't ever a rule about leaving; but after all the chaos that had started to form, it was to be put into fruition. Tribesmen that had set out to form new territories and make new camp sites, to further their reach had started to come back less and less, weather it be to the bribery of coin, or the sharp end of a sword, All she knew was that something had to be done.

This tragedy that had befallen her clan would not go unpunished. She had taken at least two weeks of travel through the mountains. Coming back was another story. One week at the most, and she could already smell, and feel the change in the climate and area she was in. Closer and closer she got to her people the more she could sense the trouble that was to come.

It wasn't long before she was back in the border of the Butersage forest. The welcoming sound of the birds, and the gushing of the waters that delved through it's trees. The familiar smell of the looming branches that held warm drops of rainwater that had fallen just this morning. Avoiding any contact with travelers, highwaymen or any person that dared to trek the dark maze of her forest was a priority, If she was to be tracked down, they would surely follow, and destroy what was left of her tribe.

They all had a name for her; The Demon of the Forest, The Dark one. There was one that she had become quite fond of; Being as they had no idea of her origin. "She-Wolf." Attacking in the stark light of the moon, never seen, are rarely often heard; If there was ever an occasion that you were to hear of her, it was only before you were knocked out, or... killed. Robbed blind, and left to fend for yourself.

Raina knew that time was precious, and that she would be running through areas that were often traveled by horses, and carriages carrying people of different varieties. She could suffer the blow of an altercation if it were small, but she had to make haste and be sure not to be seen. Scaling the broad side of the jagged rock face, she ascended to the top, and perched herself at the edge, and stopped short when she caught wind of horses, and the stench of city cured leather.

The varying difference in it's production, you could almost always tell how, and where such armor was made. And the smell that was filling her nostrils was far from familiar to the land she claims. She watched as

"Superstitious garbage" one of the men of the small band of mounted soldiers was talking; but at a level that was an obvious indication of where they were and are heading, Raina watched intently as they circled round the large rock she was now crouched above them. She smiled to herself, her lips pulled taunt across her white teeth, as if she were growling more than smiling. "Well.. looks like we have out answer to the preying question of where everyone had gone to"

"I'd say we're nearly lost..." The taller of the men, spoke with a charming disposition in his tone. Leading them to the wolves, she thought. So sad to see it go to waste.

Laying down to rest on her stomach, she rolled over onto her back. Letting out a soft sigh, as she thought about how to deal with the "Visitors" Raina decided she would give the men a welcoming introduction. A welcoming one indeed. "You're not lost.... are you My lords?" She'd send them home bleeding, loss of a limb or two and crying for their mothers; Preferably all three. "Though, I must say I am glad you've found your way into the humble reaches of my land M'lords" Raina let out a gentle laugh, and as it touched the hollow rocks and bounced off and echoed back; sounding more like a demon rather than a lady. "I must warn you through... the dark outreaches of this forest are vast... and I'd hate for such able bodied men as yourself... to not escape" each word filled with concern, and a underlying tone of pain.

Stretching herself out, she readied herself to jump down and meet the very men she was taunting; but before she would make her grand entrance, she figured she would invite some more guests to join in on the fun. She then took a deep breath, sucking down on her bottom lip she let out a robust and loud whistle. The sound bounced off the large rock face, and flew across the trees, making it difficult to understand where the sound was coming from.

When she slowed her breath, and the echo ceased, a gentle rumble and a petter patter of feet began to emerge from the darkness of the forest. The sound increased to a fervor and then howling, and large snarling growls were heard even before the ravenous beast were seen.

"I would hope you will accept my humble generosity and service of helping you finding Your. Way. OUT"

Raina rolled over, and pulled herself up from her spot, Crouched down to one knee she watched as eight very large and hungry wolves appeared, Their mouths taunt and snapping. They made a formation around the small part of the men, and tried to separate the "Captain" from the rest. Raina was sure to make her introduction personally, with a smile that could kill a man in his tracks she climbed down from her perch and waiting for around the bend for her prey.

[MARKUS SEREN]

Markus's men looked about sharply as a voice echo'ed around them, taunting them and threatening them in the same moment. Was this this 'She-wolf'? Probably. He sent a look at his men and they nodded, easing away from him.

-----
Earlier, outside the forest, he'd discussed, at length, with the men that the road ahead would be dangerous, and flight was their best option.

"I intend to meet the leader of the band, for parley. I can't do that with a guard. I'd have come alone, but I imagine someone would have been sent after me anyway. At the first hint of trouble, I'll signal, and you will fly with all haste from here, and stay clear of the woods."
-----

The men he'd brought knew the woods, knew them well enough, and at the whistle Markus yelled to them "FLIGHT!" And the men's horses leapt back along the path them came, before the wolves could form around them.

Markus remained, eight wolves and their she-wolf. He did not draw his blade and addressed the woman directly. "By Order of the King of Altin: I, Sir Markus Seren, do seek the leader of the people within the woods. For Parley." His mare made a ruffling sound and exhaled at the wolves. Stomping at the ground.

[RAINA ULRICA DIREN]

Raina smiled as her mind connected the dots. The gears began to turn, and she suddenly became intrigued, and dare she say interested. Which doesn't happen often. The proud way he carried himself, and the orders so well constructed that were given to his comrades, and left him alone. "Hmmm, By the Order.. of Altin you say? Markus? was it?...Those are very big orders from such a lonely little knight... left behind by his men.. are you sure you are who you say you are?"

She smiled, and rested her arms across her chest and pivoted her hip outwards. "But dare I say, I am impressed by your leadership.. but alas I cannot in good graces of the humble people who live here, Let you go around touting such words as if you were a frightened chamber-maid." Slowly she stalked closer smooth and lithe, her expression calm and her eyes shone with a slight glow of the sun. As she got closer, the less and less her steps were able to be heard.

The wolves surrounding the two began pawing at the ground, and growling ravenously. Raina stopped directly in front of his mount, bringing her hands slowly up to the horses muzzle; resting her face against his the stead huffed and calmed down. "What a beautiful beast you have... So strong and willing to serve, Maybe even to his death..."

Raina back away and dropped her arms as she stood in full view of Markus. "Sounds alot like his master? No?" She opened her mouth into a wicked smile and tossed a hand non-nonchalantly to wards to darkened woods. "But aside from your ridiculous treaty you so willingly bring... from your child-king, Without a thought to it's recourse." Her smile turned to haughty grin, and she crossed her arms again in a defensive stance. "Why is it you seek counsel with the leader?...can you not take what is rightfully yours? Little knight of Altin?" her tone teasing.

[MARKUS SEREN]

Marcus watched the woman and rested a hand on the neck of his steed as the Lady approached. She moved with grace of an animal. Every step full of purpose, poise, power. She was flaunting herself at him, like a creature of the wild.

The lords of his land would probably dismiss her as an animal in human shape. A trophy to be slain... or worse. Markus saw the status in her step. In the wild, Bark preceded Bite, and was often the lesser of the two.

The woman approached Lumina, his horse and placed her hands on the mare's face; the steed's tail flicked once, happily.

"SHE, is Lumina. My comrade and friend. Willing as she is, we would much prefer to avoid death in this regard." He adjusted himself as she moved, to look her full on. She was a beauty, no doubt there.

"And in truth I don't bring treaty, I seek to understand the true nature of the people who live in the wood. Not the whining cries of merchant-'nobles' whose obese coffers have begun to slim." He leaned forward at her taunt. "I am not a murderer, not a conquerer, not an assassin. I do not 'take'. Besides, noone is living in the woods anyway. I'm sure if we can find a balance between us, malice can be avoided."

"To drop all pretense, I was sent here because the Lord who commanded it expects me to be brutally slain." He said the words in the over the top drama of a stage performer.

[RAINA ULRICA DIREN]

"She? Hmmmm... Well I must say a from personal experience... a female knows what she wants ... and will willingly ruled by only those who are worthy enough... To which such a characteristic is hard to be the in the very presence of.. But alas can also be forged by falsehood M'lord."

Raina turned in a circled bringing her hands to cover her eyes, a metaphorical tribute to what she saw her newly met friend as, with her back to his she gazed into the setting darkness. Her home. Everything she had known."Truth you speak my lord? How do I find myself to believe what an outsider says, for you could very well bring falsehood in with you carried upon the markings of your armor." Her voice did not falter... but grew with more pained, and anger as it built up within her chest.

Turning on a foot she walked back to Markus, eyes filled with fury with a accusatory finger pointed to him. How convenient was it that people of her clan were missing? A knight in armor, with men ready to fight if they will it; Just happen to show? "You keep mouthing away your little speech about nobles and how you differ from them?" All the same.... death.. and taking. Always taking. How long had it been since the death of her father? The very sword he forged for the Knights of Altin; Ran him through with it.

Raina stopped abruptly. Not finishing, for she was to put an end to the tragedy that could effect the way she and everyone else she promised to protect. The very ignorance that is spread by the people who spend their lives behind their four protective walls. "Why couldn't they see? Why couldn't they understand?" her words were lost to the darkness that she spoke to


Realizing her hands were balled into sharp fists, her nails digging into the soft skin of her palm. "... I must appologize... let me start over.. shall we?" Her tone turned dramatically, Back to the calm and even smooth dictation from before. Drawing her lips across her teeth again, calling back the beasts. Growling in protest and whining justly they all dispersed into the darkness. "Why not start on a better foot!"

"Brutally slain you say.... we wouldn't want that now M'lord?" Cocking her head to one side, she thought the words over. Her voice teeming with brightness and sincerity. A vast change from before, almost in a flip of a coin in emotion. "My Name is Raina, and I am the leader you seek; Sir Markus." She stepped to the side, and gave a very lady like curtsy, Deep enough to show humility; but not too far to show penance. Bowing her head she looked up from her black lashes, her gaze determined and dark.

"Will you grant me that same courtesy M'lord?"

She waited for him to dismount, She still lowered with a hand very delicately extended to him to grasp. Waiting for the right moment to start the game.

[MARKUS SEREN]

Markus shifted in his saddle as the lady jabbed at his criticism of nobles. "The mettle of the men in power has fallen in recent years. Lost are many who sought justice, replaced by those who seek coin."

He shifted a foot to ease it out of the stirrup, "They would see you as savages, traitors, spies. They would sooner burn this forest then consort with you as equals. It is mostly out of fear, for sheltered as they are they do not see the good in the world beyond thier own walls."

His casual smile brightened as she dismissed the wolves, and her introduction as the leader.... 'Raina'.... something in the name stirred him. He eased off his horse and stepped toward Raina, bowing respectfully.

"I will endevor to do just that, Lady Raina of Buttersage..." He was practically admitting her dominion over the forest with that phrase, but this would likely move things toward a good place.

[RAINA ULRICA DIREN]

"....Lady Raina of Buttersage..."

Sweet talker then?

"So very polite we are Sir Markus" Her lip began to turn red as she held it between her lips in thought of her next words. "Do all the women from where you hail, falter at the near site of you and the eloquent words you resite?" Bringing a hand up to her mouth, very delicately she covered her mouth as she stiffeled a laugh. "I dare say if I were not me, I'd snatch. you. up. Take you as my prize winning gift..." circiling him now, as if he were prey. "So very strong... a challenge against any man"

She sought to challenge him, playfully. Like a game. She was the cat, stalking her mark. He her favorite toy. Botta Secrecta; a secret techniquie indeed. At his back she crouched down and felt the earth between her fingers, and slowly ease back up, to meet his side looking at him from her tilted gaze. Stepping forward, Raina quickly circed him again eyeing him up and down, her pace quick and agile. Her form was almost invisable, more like a ghost than a woman. "Markus." Vanished. "Would you like to play a friendly game?" Poof. A slight gingle from his belt shifted as his sword also disapeared.

She then appeared at his side, her right hand firmly pressed at her back with weapon in to, and left gently touching the leather of his arm. The feeling of cold brushing at her fingertips. "Let's see how well men bred of Altin can defend themselves.... against me." Grabbing his arm she had reccently touched, firmly wretched in her grasp.

With a quick lunge, and slight of hand the once sword that was held firmly in her right hand vanished. A hand flew to Markus's belt, with a jerk and a hand still on his arm. Raina turned his soon to be imoblie arm back and up into his shoulder, pressing into his back. "Let us see who gives in first?" Thrusting a foot into the back of his knee. His body giving way under the pressure. Raina leaned into his shoulder, and whispered against his cheek. "A nice little game for an ever so... sweet little boy" her voice taunting, and with under lying laughter, and jest.

Raina hoped that in her mind that her taunting would rile up this Knight and show his means for survival. His worthyness to be shown what lies beyond his borders. Even if she were only trying to play.

[MARKUS SEREN]

Markus stood still as Raina stalked around him, the more this woman acted up the role of the beast, the more that fire he held back so often roared to seize her. "They rarely listen for they see the fallen ears of a bastard pup."

Suddenly he his sword was gone and his smile flattened. He spun around and found himself in an arm lock and the beginning of a pin. He rolled with the assault forward into the dirt and the mud, grabbing his attacker's wrist and bringing her along with him.

He spun and rolled, using his own weight to pin her to the ground. "I am not well bred, I am not so very sweet." He held her by the wrists, staring into her face, dirt clung to his hair but he didn't notice. "But I likes me a little dance." he affected a more common accent. The smith in him speaking up more than the knight.

His grip was strong but not inescapable, she could move more than a few ways at this point.

[RAINA ULRICA DIREN]

The dirt felt cold, She could feel the earth move under her as time passed.Growl. The underbrush soft with the pressure on her. Making her broad back press into the ground. Sinking, being enveloped into natures embrace. Home. Her wild mass of black hair splayed around her head and face like a river of dark waves, Stray hairs clinging to the side of her lip, as she gazed.

Eyes deep pools of onyx, Flecks of amber and grey shinning back. If you look close enough, you'll see the sadness within.

Markus's smile; sweet and endearing... playful. Inviting a challenge. "But I likes me a little dance." his voice changed only briefly and the tone sounded of a different man.

Shifting her hips slightly under him, The compromising position she was in soon began to bubble over back into her thoughts. Pushing out the primal needs that plucked her already tightly strung cords. "Quicker than I imagined Markus, I might have to admit, It was... innocuous to say the least" Flexing her fingers as her hands were still pinned, Raina shimmed once again, and with a large thrust of her pelvis and an add guttural roar from her throat. Tossed the able bodied knight over, and then again one last time for good measure. Taking every and all muddy pile along with them, Wrestling him to his back.

Vulnerable, and ripe for the picking.

With his wrists pinned, as her thighs tightly pressed down on him, with a strong grip. Lowering her voice into a hushed tone, almost feeling the breath from her lips against his skin. "Dance we shall M'lord" Leaning in closer, examining her opponent so up close, eye to eye...eyes... "green?.....blue.. such a masterful discovery.... " she leaned in ever closer, Her hair falling to her shoulders some towards Markus as a gentle breeze blew. Millimeters away.

Raina flicked her tongue from the end to the bridge of his nose.

"The best things in life are sweet, and you... are no exception" her smile almost fang-like.

[MARKUS SEREN]

Markus simply smirked as Raina struggled under him, but let out an audible 'whoa!' as he suddenly found himself flat on his back pinned himself.

Dirt and mud were all about them, and on them. Markus was thankful he'd left the heavy metal armor behind.

She moved close and as she whispered against his skin that ache in his gut became a roar.

He flung his torso forward, kissing her hard even as his knees spread to gain grounding. His eyes locking with hers even as he rolled his weight to bring him to a seated position, her still on top of him.

"But now and again we need those bitter meals to give us strength for the winters ahead." His voice was a growl, his eyes bright.

[RAINA ULRICA DIREN]

Eyes locked, breath labored. The air between them thick with wanton. A feral growl passes through her lips as they were crushed firmly, yet so delicate. The lust billowing, bursting through the heat, Escaping the barricade of resistance. Mud covered, caked and soaked to the bone with the wetness of the ground. Feeling taken off guard, and in a slight disadvantage, she shook herself free of her mind.

Thrusting a hand into this soft dirtied hair, Grasping a handful and jerking his head back, his neck bare and vulnerable. She leaning up onto his knees, looking down as she could see his heart beat in in throat. Leaning in she grinned as she raked her teeth across his jugular

"And those winters come few and far between......" Raina then pulled his head back up, meeting his gaze. Then with one fluid motion stands and pulls Markus along with her.

In an instant and a twist of tone, she scowls as she brushes off the dirt and mud from her shoulders. After cleaning herself off and brushing past Markus, bumping shoulders forcefully; carrying on as if nothing happened. Too close. Never give in. Never give your trust to those that will only burn down the soul within. One you have worked so hard to protect. Walking away, her back to him, a small sliver of moisture glistened from her eye, and then faded. Before she spoke she stopped short.

"You will carry out your orders as promised....." Still facing away from him, her voice carried."Let your Master know; You are welcome. For now."

[MARKUS SEREN]

Markus's heart was racing as he grabbed the woman's shoulders, letting her graze his neck. He inhaled deeply as she did. Her scent was of the earth, of rain and flowers and leaves. The peasant smith under the armor of a knight called for an advance.

But she would not have it.

He moved up with her, surprised at her strength. He read her gestures easy enough. She was done, and he'd likely treaded to far in his first venture.

"I shall carry that to the king. Then... by your leave, Lady of Buttersage?" he said the words will all the honesty and seriousness he could muster. Lumina trotted up next to him and he saw she had been kicking his sword along.

He picked it up and bound it to his belt. Keeping his eyes on Raina. He wouldn't leave without her bidding farewell.

[RAINA ULRICA DIREN]

The cold that which filled the air slowly began to creep up her spine. Prickling the hairs all along her arms and neck. Making her back stiffen and grow taunt.

"by your leave, Lady of Buttersage?"

Relinquishing a held sigh. The cold air showing her every breath as she spoke, the temperature decreasing as the sun set. The rays illuminating through the trees, surrounding her figure. An angel turned dark. Thrown into the bowels of life. Forever to walk this earth alone.

Turning around as her thoughts released her. She faced Markus his body held in attention, Raina slowly advanced gently crossing her arms, with a look of amusement on her face. His features soft, and welcoming. Waiting for her answer. "Lady of Buttersage aye?..." tilting her head, A smile touched her lips, and she gently moistened them. A smile that was uncommon for strangers to see. But had seen worthiness in her new companions words.

Lifting her hand lightly, she stroked lumina's mane, and her head wobbled under her touch. Turning her gaze from the horse then to Markus; With a smirk that held playful undertones fluttering at its' edges. "Shall that be what you call me?...should I give you one as well?"

Side stepping her spot. She advanced even closer. "I can't for the life of me think of anything to justly suit you.... Until then" Bringing a finger to her head. "I shall keep you in my thoughts" removing them from her temple Raina gently plucked at his nose. and turned to walk away, her body swaying in a smooth saunter. "I shall be awaiting your return.. Markus."

A small silver bound charm dangled from Lumina's reigns. Hard pressed silver reflected in the disappearing light, as did Raina. A family crest; all of her history in one trinket.

Breathe. Relax. Keep going. Now.

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[MARKUS SEREN]

Marcus felt the tension in the air as Raina danced her final steps in this little encounter. She bid him off, and in every motion Markus felt a regret.

He'd return. There was no doubt. He'd argue the point, he'd go to the king himself.

This was part of his duty. To protect the innocent and the weak. Raina was probably innocent... in some respects, and she protected those who couldn't for themselves...

plus he hadn't gotten the full story yet.... that was needed.

As he reached for Lumina's reigns he saw something glimmering in the light. He turned to look but Raina had vanished.... A silver charm, with a crest?

He untied it from Lumina's reigns and hung it round his neck, tucking it under his armor where it safely pressed against his chest.

He mounted Lumina's saddle and with a final look at the growing shadows.

"Till the music starts again, and we meet in this court of leaf and wood...." He turned Lumina and began at a strong but steady gallop. His men would be fretting now, he needed to attend them and allay their fears...