The criminal had fled into the woods.
Owl had hesitated before following, and it was that hesitation that cost her. But she hadn't been in the woods at night since that fateful night months ago when she had nearly been killed by a madman she hadn't been prepared to handle--and some deep, gut feeling screamed at her that this could be a trap. But Varian hadn't shown his awful face in all this time, so maybe...maybe it would be okay.
And besides, now wasn't the time for cowardice when there was a murderer on the loose.
With a deep breath, cursing the remembered fear that made her heart pound and hair stand on end, she pushed forward and took off into the woods, hand on the saber at her hip.
She was dressed as she normally was for her late night escapades, in her leather, plated armor and matching owl mask, with plain trousers and tunic beneath it. Her pink hair, pulled back into a loose tail, she had illusioned to a mousy brown, as well as her eyes, and she'd even practiced stretching her illusion magic to give her facial stubble to complete the male guise. Rufus had taught her how to move like a man, and these days she could finally do it without conscious effort.
The forest was quiet, dark, and she slowed to a walk to quiet her steps and focus on listening. A rabbit rustled in the bushes nearby and her heart leaped, but she calmed her breathing and kept her eyes wide and searching.
Where did you go, you bastard?
Another step, then another, always making sure to watch her back, and then--
A voice calling out, and a threat.
Oh shit, there was another one? Because that voice didn't sound like the murder's voice!
Owl had her sword out in a heartbeat, and stepped into the clearing so he could see her--and see that she was armed. "No need for anyone to get hurt," she called back, "unless you're in league with the scum I'm after."