forum Colored Scale Test Run // 6/6 people, CLOSED // STALKERS WELCOME!

Started April 14, 2023 by Deleted user

tune

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As Resh walks out of the cavern, the ground changes from core dirt and rock to green grass. The sound of a waterfall thunders nearby, along with the chirping of dozens of birds. As he looks around his surroundings, he sees a lush dark pine forest below and what looks like a grassland beyond?

Naveil simply grunted at this newfound attention, keeping his stoic veneer highly guarded.
But deep inside, he could feel his blood boiling with burning cold. He wasn't stupid. He could take a hint. He could take several hints.
He shot a hard look at Jax in particular. Slit throats and slashed chests sounded especially appealing now.
But Naveil knew his place.
He had enough enemies as is, and if he wanted a scrap of a chance at getting home alive, he'd need to work on keeping alliances.
He relented, relaxing his shoulders, settling back into shadow. His voice came as genuine as he could make it, which wasn't much, but anyone with half a brain could at least see he was making an effort.
"My apologies. I'll keep myself in check."

What had Cadastern just heard? Naveil? Giving up?! Yeah, right.
She turned away from Juni, shooting Naveil the most incredulous look possible. They locked eyes for a beat or so.
He snorted at her. Gross.
"That doesn't mean you're allowed to test my patience. Especially not you, Cad."
That was more like it. She flashed him a small smile, knowing he absolutely hated it. She returned her focus to Juni.
"Don't mind him – he's just a grump."
Her grin widened as Juni talked about Resh. It'd be nice to have as much information about him as possible.
"My pater's like that. Actually, that's a good question. Is Resh… part of your family?"

Alex sighed. At least some people were listening. Hopefully Resh comes back with news of a way out, so they can all get their own space. He looks back at Tseth, who’s now looking down at him. He can’t tell what expression Tseth’s making with his mask on, and he wasn’t completely sure if he wanted to. Regardless, he was concerned for Tseth. He always was… “Is there something wrong?”

Tseth replies in a hushed tone, barely audible to anyone but Alex. “I’m fine, mea vita. But, are you sure about putting away your weapon? Not many here seem trustworthy.” He glanced back at the others. Naveil had said he’d ‘keep himself in check,’ but he somewhat doubted that. And Nathaniel… his aggression was only getting worse.

Alex raises an eyebrow. “If people were gonna start fighting with weapons, it would’ve happened by now. And also, we both you’re not fine. We’ll talk later.”

Tseth didn’t like the sound of that. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about that, but he knew he couldn’t argue with Alex. He simply sighed, and nodded once in agreement. Later. Maybe he’ll forget about it by then.

Nathaniel shuffled, rolling his eyes. Provoked? Right. “I didn’t provoke you at all, buddy. You just wanted to start an argument.” He snarled, narrowing his eyes at Resh. He moved closer to the giant, his head snapping toward Gabriella. He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes at her. “And you getting involved in our “incessant quarreling” isn’t helping either.” A snarl came from him and he crossed his arms. He watched Resh leave, a smile curling upon his lips. Now the bother is out of the way, it opened more opportunities for Nathaniel. Nathaniel wanted out as much as the others, but a check of constitution wouldn’t hurt - or maybe it would.

Jax tensed, the hairs on the back of his neck rising. Nathaniel's aggression scared him. It was nothing but loud snarls and murder. He bit the inside of his cheek, staring at the others. This would be a long day. He caught the eyes of Naviel staring at him. Jax glared at the small child, a warning conveyed in his eyes. No, he would never attack, but it ensured the other got the hint. Shaking his head, he stared up at Resh, watching the man depart from the cave. The guardian was leaving, leaving wild children to tear into each other. Great.

Resh scanned his surroundings, breathing in the fresh air. Well, this is a good sign. A waterfall means there’s a water source nearby. And there’s probably something in this forest that we can kill for food. He looked around for a few moments longer, then started heading back towards the rest of the group.

Juni nodded at Cadastern, still smiling. “Yeah… he’s my father. He took me in when I was little. And lucky for me, too— my former caretaker was a little awful.” Her smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. She looked at Naveil. Sure, he said he’d keep himself in check, but she didn’t fully trust him. She looked at Nathaniel. “I think hissing as soon as someone asks for your name counts as provoking them… but whatever floats your boat.” She shrugged, still grinning slightly.

Cadastern nodded, taking in every last drop of information. It took every bit of willpower within her to not reply with "fascinating."
She shuddered at the thought and cleared her throat.
"It sounds like you two were meant for each other – I'm glad you're so happy together."
Cada glanced at her sibling at the same time as Juni. He was brooding in his corner, muttering something – native swears, likely. She caught the faintest gleam of polished stone in his hand, and with a jolt she realized it was a weapon of some sort. Uh-oh.

Naveil admired the serrated edge of his shortspear quietly. It wasn't his preferred weapon, but it would do.
He sheathed it, making sure to look as nonchalant as possible. Nobody seemed to notice, thanks to the cover of darkness.
Except for Cad. She had a lot of audacity for someone Naveil was both strong enough and motivated enough to strangle.
But he'd promised his peace, and it'd be a shame to break that promise so soon. He stepped past her and Resh's dead weight, moving closer towards the cave's opening. Resh was the only one here he cared the slightest bit for, and it seemed he'd be the hardest to win over…

Tseth rests against the wall of the cave, listening to everyone’s conversations. His spear is also leaned against the wall, held casually. He wasn’t going to let go of it any time soon around these people. Sure, some of them were trustworthy. But then ones like Nathaniel… may never be trusted. He looks down at Alex again, who seems to be listening to Juni and Cada’s conversation about Resh. His attention quickly turns to Naveil as he starts walking towards the cave entrance. Where is that idiot going? His problem, I guess.

Resh isn’t too bad after all. Good to know. Alex sighed, and glanced at Tseth for a moment. Maybe there’s still hope for those two. He’s brought out of his thoughts when Naveil stands up, headed for the cave entrance. “Where..” He's interrupted by Tseth giving him a nudge with his tail and a look that seemed to mean ‘That’s not our problem.’ “Nnnevermind.”