Life of a Thief

[Jotari]

Sunlight fell through the new leaves and a soft breeze rustled through the new green foliage. Spring had finally come to the mountain forests with green plants growing and young animals starting their lives. The well-trod highway through the mountains that went winding away from Ellsinora added yet another aspect to this already beautiful portrait. It was all perfect and picturesque, nature in her most innocent and beautiful form. But the eye can be deceiving. The flicker of something shiny attracted a nearby Raven. The greedy feathered creature spread his old wings in hopes of snagging a new prize for himself and old lady Raven. His old eyes thought that another Raven had already gotten to the prize and he gave a few angry caws but then darted back when the "raven" was simply the loose dark hair of a human. The raven shook himself, circled a few times, and then took off to find lunch. Perhaps a nice frog? He could also find a new trinket in the stream.

The queen of thieves watched the raven in amusement and then went on lazily playing with her dagger. Intricate carvings covered the silvery surface, a blue gem in the handle, and a sharp blade, this dagger never left her side. Though Black Star was skilled with many weapons, she still choose this simple dagger. It was easy to see that the outlaw leader was rather bored. She was stretched out like a cat on a large sturdy branch of an ancient oak. Her ebony hair shimmered and glinted as it feel loose around her face. Usually it was loosely tied back but today it cascaded past her shoulders just below her shoulder blades. A loose shirt with a hood and loose pants of dark color as to blend with the shadows of the forest, made up her typical garb. A wide leather belt with the dagger she now slipped into place and light leather boots completed her attire. The hood was pushed back and her cloak hung off a nearby branch. Black Star looked to be every inch a thief, and she was a skilled one at that.

The Grellon had appeared only two years ago, shortly after Kai had sank beneath the waves. For most of the last two years they had been learning the mountains and figuring out how to get many people out of Murate. Black Star and her band of merry thieves would take from almost any traveller, but for some odd reason they also were taking refugees out of Murate. Lately, they had gotten more and more daring. If Magrej hadn't noticed yet, he certainly was beginning to notice. The Grellon were getting people right out of the capital of Ohanzee and even had taken two people from the castle itself.

Black Star was a strange one though, she would help those in need but would turn right around and steal from other people. The mountains were her fortress, she knew these hills and valleys extremely well and also had her own personal spies scattered all over the place. So far, none of the Grellon had been caught. But very little was known about herself or about the Grellon. She was a bold, impudent, daring young woman but few knew what she was really hiding in these mountains. In the Grellon hideout there were men, women, and children. Black Star could be a nasty grumpy bitch but always toward the children she was as nice as you please.

But there was still much to discover about her and her people. For now, she rested in the branches, rubbing a sore shoulder every so often. The next traveller who came by would be catch-of-the-day and maybe if she was lucky, there were be two or three travellers. Mysterious eyes, the iris always changing color, was a dull bluish grey. Black Star was bored. But that would change soon enough, would it not?

[AmberEyedWolf]

Orion

The hunter, the son of fire

Silent as a night breeze, the dark-robed figure slipped through the trees. Lithe and cat-like, Orion made his way through the forest, silently moving from one tree to another. Never letting his feet touch the ground, he stalked the land from the shelter of the treetops. It wasn't as easy as climbing rooftops, but Orion could adapt. Keeping his cloak pulled tight around him so it wouldn't snag on branches, he kept moving.

Hearing a raven's call, he froze, his hand automatically moving to his left side to grab the hilt of his beloved sword, Aithne. A beautiful weapon, Aithne was a special-made broadsword, forged with the toughest steel. Dyed red, with tongues of fire engraved down the blade, it was a work of art. The red-dyed sheath with rubies down the length, the massive pommel ruby that burned like fire when touched by the sun. The sharpened, dual-edged blade was beautiful, and extremely deadly. His most prized possession, his partner-in-crime, his best friend. That was Aithne.

Looking down, Orion saw a beautiful woman, black hair spilling down her shoulders. From his vantage point, he could she her toying with her dagger. It was obvious she was bored. The joker he was, Orion couldn't help but mess with Black Star, rebel leader of the Grellon. With a light smirk playing across his lips, he began his game.

Moving through the trees to a position behind Black Star, he softly whispered her name, deepening his voice. Silently he moved to the side, again whispering her name, only this time, his voice was high-pitched. He continued to circle around her in the treetops, making sure to stay hidden. Every time he reached a new spot, he whispered her name, his voice different every time.

Orion

The hunter, the son of fire

[Jotari]

The blade was quickly sheathed and Black Star slowly moved into a crouch to figure out where the sounds were coming from. Those strange unearthly eyes searched through the thick leaves and brush but was unable to see the culprit. Closing her eyes the outlaw leader focused. It was one voice, never losing a certain tone to it, and it was male. That didn't really narrow it down as there were several men in the Grellon. But she continued to pay attention to the small details, the speed of the movement, there was very little sound, and then the mischievous tone. Black Star's eyes snapped open and with a throaty chuckle she made a sudden darting move for the lower branches, hiding from her would-be tormentor. Moving as silent and graceful as a feline, she also disappeared into the forest. Her eyes now glinted with a bright blue, the color of happiness and excitement. If anything, this would certainly be entertaining.

Memories played back in her mind to another time when she had danced this same dance with another. Black Star had always been partial to trees and higher places, to her mind higher was better. You can see more when you're higher unlike trying to hide in the brush below. But Black Star could see his face surrounded by light hair and his laughing green eyes. She had been what? Fifteen? Young, naive, but happy. She had thought that the world would just go on as it had, with everything new and bright and gleaming. But it was not to be so. Black Star was a merry leader but often had moments of moody depression. This only lasted a mere second before the light returned to her eyes as she temporarily forgot her old love. Yes, even the outlaw queen had loved and lost. Who had not?

Black Star saw something out of the corner of her eyes, a flash of cloth? Following the barest movement that Orion made her hand suddenly flicked down to her dagger and there was the twang of metal going into the wooden tree trunk. It would be extremely close to Orion. She darted over and tore the dagger from the trunk, "Almost got you....Orion." She was attempting to identify her charming dance partner and knew she couldn't be to far from the mark. But the constant voice changes were not making it exactly easy to label the unknown opponant. Black Star leaped down, grabbed a lower branch an swung to the ground. Sheathing her blade she looked up, shielding her eyes with her hand, and placed one graceful hand on a shapely hip, "I know you're up there, that's not a raccoon making all that racket." A wolfish grin was on her face and a mischievous look in he eyes. She was finally not so damn bored.

[AmberEyedWolf]

Orion

The hunter, the son of fire

Dancing through the green spring trees, Orion felt happy. His adrenaline levels edged higher, but not by much. Toying with Black Star was not as dangerous as taunting Magrej's soldiers. Still, it was fun to imagine the danger. He knew when she entered the trees with him. A smile spread across his face, causing his ice blue eyes to light up. Listening carefully, he was able to track her movements while still keeping up his game.

Out of nowhere, a silver dagger buried itself into the tree behind him, mere inches from where he was. Swiftly, he leapt into another tree, making more noise than he'd intended. The close call got his heart racing higher, though, and he laughed, a deep sound that came from his very soul. He watched as Black Star swung down from the trees and called up to him.

Silently he moved behind her before leaping down, landing softly behind her. As he laded, he bent his knees to absorb the shock, resting a loosely closed fist on the ground beneath him. Rising, he looked at Black Star with a broad grin on his face.

"You almost got me there, y'know. Couple inches to the left, and I'd be a goner! There's no tellin' what kinda poison you put on that thing." Placing a fist lightly on his hip and shaking a finger at her teasingly, he continued. "You'd best be careful with that thing, young lady. You might poke someone's eye out!" Unable to hold it in any longer, Orion laughed.

Orion

The hunter, the son of fire

[kite]

A s t e r i o n

The smaller being above, agile and lean, were prancing and slithering merrily in the treetops, while down below, a less graceful beast arrived. Crashing carelessly through the dense undergrowth, the Minotaur barged his way through the foliage and branches alike until he found himself at the base of the tree where his two fellow outcasts chased each other about like squirrels. He snorted indifferently, carbon dioxide clouding about his nostrils as he craned his mighty skull heavenwards to peer up with rich caramel eyes.

"Or you'll loose your footings and break your necks!"

The beast bellowed out to them, dampening the light spirits. His voice was like thunder, and tore apart the serenity of the forest. The birds and forest folk scattered and scurried for cover. He grunted, rolling one huge shoulder. Truth was, it was completely unnatural for him to see them skipping around up there as though they both had two feet firmly planted on the ground, and it scared the hell out of him. Of course he was not made for fluid, light movements. He was built like a boulder and was just as heavy. Boulders stayed on the ground, and so did he.

One massive hand swept up and brimmed over his eyes, as he squinted in the beam of light that shot through the canopy, the other firmly grasped the hilt of his axe, the weapon that never left his side, partly because no one else could carry it, and partly because he did not like to be caught off guard.

His dark fur barely caught the light, his matte, shine-less coal grey hairs resisting the sunshine. The great brute was used to spending his time in caves, and shadows, and beneath the cover of night all Winter. Spring had finally arrived and while he welcomed it, the sun felt like a stranger to him. It saddened him. The tattoo that decorated his right shoulder told of a different relationship with the bright orb in the sky, but such times were old in his heart. The days of his closeness to the Sun God were a distant memory. The Minotaur sighed loudly.

"You know I can't come up there.."

The beast mumbled irritably to himself, his muscles rippling as his crossed his thick arms over his wide, furred chest. They always left him down on the ground.. Bloody humans.. Yet even while he thought such things, he couldn't feel more bonded with those two. They were his family, and Black Star especially, she was his Commander, and his closest friend and most trusted ally. His fist squeezed around his axe's rough, crude wooden hilt. He'd die for her.

[Jotari]

The horse galloped swiftly with its slim female rider clinging precariously on the back. The white stallion had outrun the other two horses with guards long before in his wild attempt at freedom. Princess Tryphena was a skilled horsewoman but this young and well-muscled stallion had to much strength for her to handle. The princess was frightened to death, she had merely wanted to enjoy a day away from the castle and from her mother's constant berating. The two guards were far behind now and all she could do was hold on and pray. Though she was scared she still admired the stallion's lunge for freedom. But the horse had been running awhile for several minutes and Tryphena's arms were getting very tired from clinging so hard to the horse's neck.

Black Star was on the ground and looked upward toward her Lieutenant's face, he was about a foot and a half taller then she was, and grinned that devilish smile. Have I ever fallen? I have not. She was his leader but she trusted him as she trusted no one else. He knew everything about her, her past and her secrets. Usually she was calmer but the Spring air seemed to have done something with the outlaw's head making her even more unpredictable and more likely to do some death defying feat. That also meant she was more likely to give Asterion a heart attack. Orion was her loyal accomplice in this matter. Black Star was about to say something else, most likely something of sarcastic nature when her facial expression changed. Eyes narrowed and body tensed as with rapid fluid movement she darted back into the oak quickly scrambling to the top. She had heard hoof beats and a female cry of distress. Darting back down she hid herself in lower branches waiting to see what would happen. "Trouble." She never said much when she went into this mental mode. Black Star focused on watching for something to come flying around the bend. The horse with a delicate rider, likely a runaway headstrong stallion who also had spring blood.

Black Star waited until the horse was about to run under her branch when she dropped from the tree and onto the horse behind the girl. The outlaw queen made a sudden grasp at the sides of a saddle and managed to right herself. The girl was frightened and suddenly Black Star found that the frightened princess was clinging to the outlaw. The dark haired woman was rough as she basically tore Tryphena off her and shoved her off the horse.

Tryphena was terrified, scared to death, and exhausted. It had been almost half an hour since this whole thing had started. What Tryphena did not expect was to feel someone suddenly behind her in the saddle. Opening her tightly closed eyes Tryphena panicked and clung to her "savior." She suddenly found herself shoved off the horse and then she hit the ground hard and everything went dark.

Black Star struggled against the horse but managed to force it back into obedience. The outlaw turned the stallion back and lighted off to tie the brute to a tree branch. The outlaw shook her head as if in disgust at either the lack of control that Tryphena had or the high spirits and lack of manners the stallion had, maybe at both of them. But her eyes flashed concern when she saw the prone unconscious princess with the delicate golden hair going every which way and clothing torn and mussed. "Well this is not good..."

[AmberEyedWolf]

Orion

The hunter, the son of fire

Turning to face Asterion, he nodded to the minotaur. "Why hello, Asterion. Decided to join our fun?" Orion offered the minotaur a mischievous smile. Suddenly, his smile faded as Black Star tensed, looking off into the trees. A splint-second later, Orion heard what she had. As he slipped into a crouch, his leader climbed into the lower branches of the trees. He readied himself for battle.

Thundering hoofbeats filled the air. Reflexively, Orion's hand flew to his sword, gripping the handle tightly. As the stallion appeared, Black Star leapt from the trees unto the horse's back. He watched as the terrified female upon it was flung off and he raced to her side.

Crouching down beside her, he pressed two fingers to the pulse point under her jaw. "She's alive, just unconscious." Despite looking like hell, she had a look of royalty about her. Sighing, Orion looked up at Black Star. The stallion had settled down and was currently tied securely to a tree. "They'll blame us for this, y'know. A princess of Ellsinora unconscious in the mountains, surrounded by rogues. Do you know how bad this'll look to them?"Shaking his head, he continued. "We're definitely gonna pay for this." Looking down at the princess again, he grew angry.

Rising, he drew his sword and walked away. Angrily, he swung Aithne, slicing through a low-hanging tree branch. "Stupid princess, can't even control her own horse," he muttered. Sheathing his sword, he turned, his hands clenched into tight fists resting upon his hips.

"So, what do we do now?" His previous good mood was forgotten entirely. He was already on Magrej's bad side; he didn't want the royalty of Ellsinora to hate him, too. Shifting his feet shoulder-width apart, he crossed his arms over his chest. Restless, he shifted his right hand to pinch the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, breathing slowly.

Dropping his arms, he walked over to the tree he had cut. Placing a hand over the wound, he sighed. "I am sorry, it was in a fit of rage that I destroyed you. Please forgive me." He offered a whispered prayer to the spirit of the tree. Turning around to face Black Star, he drew his sword. Placing the tip upon the ground, he went down on one knee. Both hands gripped the handle and he bowed his head, offering a formal apology. "I am sorry. I allowed my anger to get the best of me. Please forgive me."

Orion

The hunter, the son of fire

[kite]

A s t e r i o n

It wasn't long before they both replied, cheeky ones at that, which caused his glared to break and a wry smile cracked into one side of his fleshy, smooth mussel. Yet the smile was short lived and as soon as it has broke into existence, it was quickly exterminated with a barrelling expression of caution and defensiveness as the mighty beast's ears flickered and pricked at the same time as his Commander's, and though she scrambled to the treetops to get a better look, he backwards stepped into the brush, slowly disappearing into the dappled shadows, his round eyes staring out, his small trinket jewellery glinting out small flashes of dull light.

The Minotaur knew better to help in a situation like this. When it came to frightened animals, the 7 foot tall beast would surely worsen an animal';s distress rather than hush them. Unless he snapped their neck's like splinters.. That would certainly keep them quiet. But his hands had a better taste for his human enemies. He would not spill the blood of an animal unless he had to, which would mean they would surely mean to and could kill him, or if Black Star told him to. He listened with a beast's keenness as the rider was thrown to the ground, and the horse reigned in. She handled it fine as usual. If only though, they had come down to meet him when he first arrived, for he had intended to bring them news of stirrings 'bout the castle walls.

Right on cue, Orion, tender Orion, hopped down and saw to the girl. He heard the rage well in him, and soon his dramatic apologies. He chuckled, a low, baritone sound. Ever the theatrical was old Orion. Finally, when it seemed the situation was under control, he stomped as gently as he could, approaching the three. Standing behind Black Star, he easily looked over her to the young girl and his eyes stayed with her.

Beautiful, flowing, long golden hair, like the sun he so loved and had once worshiped as was the custom of his tribe. Her features, soft and delicate were unmistakably royal, one didn't even have to see her fine silk dress to know that, for her fine silk skin was much prettier, much more supple. Her small form was so slender and fine, like the ballerina in a music box. He inhaled, taken aback by her beauty, and immediately the soft perfumes from her skin intoxicated him. The beast swallowed and shook his head, squinting his eyes shut and open again, like someone had put a spell on him.

Asterion thought back to Orion's question. He knew the option of taking her back and leaving her as close to the walls as they could without being seen would come up, but upon such a contemplation, he found himself in slight distress.

"We should keep her."

His deep voice invaded the scene, blurting out his first response to the thoughts and questions within the confines of his mind. Suddenly realising he would indeed have to justify such a statement, he hurriedly mumbled out some rushed explanation.

"It was a bad fall, if we leave her alone unconscious, she may not wake up. Blows to the head and unpredictable. Any medicine man will say that you should not let them leave your sight. Yet if we pass her directly to the guards, well.. We know they won't just let us leave. We have to make sure she wakes up. Then we can send her home."

While he spoke as though it was already decided, his gaze darted questioningly to Black Star, seeking her thoughts on the matter. Waiting to see if she agreed. She was after all, the leader.

[Jotari]

Black Star knelt next to the young woman and was quickly overshadowed by Asterion. She said nothing but listened to both of them. Standing suddenly she placed a hand on her right hip. Orion had made rapid apology for his outburst, which was met by a gentle nod. All was forgiven, the tree would be fine. Do try to be careful though Orion, Kaori is a pain enough already Her tone was thoughtful and then suddenly her brain went into overdrive. Why was Asterion staring at Tryphena like that?

An evil look flashed in her eyes but she said nothing. A choice had to be made. We will probably be blamed for this entire thing anyway. Black Star looked down at the prostrate girl, " And as she is clearly of the royal family hopefully we don't loose our heads. But you're right, we cannot just leave her here. She needs a nice strong guard and as I don't have time right now and Orion....needs to help me with the work." Black Star was making this up as she went along. That means I need you to watch her Asterion. She can stick around a couple days. Then we'll find way to get her home without getting killed. Black Star gently picked up senseless Typhena and handed her to Asterion. As if she didn't have a care in the world she walked by Orion and toward home.

Black Star knew Asterion. He had shifted weird and then he had actually spoken in a complete paragraph. He liked Tryphena, he like liked Tryphena. The outlaw leader knew Asterion deserved that kind of girl and heck, maybe it was worth giving them a chance. Hopefully Tryphena wouldn't scream to much though.

[AmberEyedWolf]

Orion

The hunter, the son of fire

Rising, Orion turned his blue eyes upon the princess. She was pretty, he'd admit that, but he personally didn't care much for royalty. He liked women who were wild and carefree, unafraid to get dirt on their hands and have fun. He turned away as Asterion spoke, hiding a smile. It was obvious that the minotaur had fallen hard for the girl. As Black Star spoke, he nodded, before turning to follow her.

"What business needs to be taken care of?" Though he had a fairly good idea of what needed to be done, he still asked his leader. He accepted her as his leader, and he loved her confident, powerful way of leading.

It wasn't long before Orion got tired of walking on the ground. In one fluid motion, he grabbed a branch in passing and climbed back into the trees. He'd been in the forest for too long; he needed to run around on rooftops again. Keeping to the lower branches, he carried on beside Black Star.

"I think we should send a few people out to Ohanzee again. I'm growing restless in these trees. Not enough open space to run, no guards to tease." Orion was sick of being confined to the trees, but he was also tired of being confined by the rules, though lenient, of the Grellon. He needed the freedom of running around Murate's capitol city, being chased by guards, leading them into parts of the city even they don't know about.

Even if Black Star rejected his idea, he would still head out for the city. The trees made him feel just a bit claustrophobic, and he didn't like it. The sooner he could get back into open air, the better.

Orion

The hunter, the son of fire