OOC: sorry it took me a while!
IC:
Shioko puffed out a breath of hot air as Athran pulled out the arrows.
Thank you, Rider Athran, he told Athran.
Meanwhile, Taiyou jumped when the kittens collapsed.
"Oh, gods," she squeaked. What the hell?
Hungry, Shioko rumbled.
"Oh, right," Taiyou muttered. She toreoff small pieces of her bread and gently tossed them at the cats, wondering if they'd respond.
"No missions?" Taiyou asked Athran, amazed at his response.
He was a free elf. He was so strong and kind, it was hard to imagine that he wasn't being put to work! Still, Taiyou eyed his scars and did not doubt he had seen his time in battle. She looked down at her staff. Of course she had responsibilities to the realm, and she gladly served, yet part of her ached for that sort of freedom. Then, she could go wherever she wanted and do whatever she wanted, without survailence!
At Athran's question, she blanched.
The stone!
"N-no," Taiyou responded, trying not to freak. "Please, leave it alone."
Be still, Shioko told her, though the dragon was also tense. He rose his head, his dark eyes searching the foerst, alert.
Taiyou grabbed her cursed arm. It throbbed, the vine patterns starting to movee. She closed her eyes as she took deep breaths.
Focus. Don't lose yourself. Shioko growled as the winds howled.
There's a spirit in these woods, he said. Stay here, child.
"I am here," Taiyou protested. She pouted at the cats.
"I don't think it's them," she muttered.