Wounded Prey [{Open}]

[Deleted]

The time was early morning when Barri and his trusted wraith Sae took the sky soaring over the land they called their home. All seemed to be well which seemed abit strange with the outcasts being more active then ever but still Barri would take any peace he could get these days. Though it had been years ago now but the scene still plagued his dreams at night, the feeling that he could of done something to prevent the massacre of his village, He should of done something to save them but he was frozen in fear after all he was still young and unready to lead an entire village when Drago descended upon them. Suddenly Barri was brought back to reality when Sae swooped down closer to the treeline almost causing her rider to topple off of her back. "Whoa Sae little warning next time? Whats wrong girl?" He stated running his hand over the side of her neck in an attempt to calm her down only to get a mixxed rumble in response to his question but it soon became clear what had upset his dragon as they crossed over a small clearing and laying in the center was a baby monstrous nightmare.  Instantly Barri knew something was wrong after all no protective parent would bring a baby that young to this island but before he could even devise a plan Sae sailed down landing mere feet from the young dragon.

With a sigh Barri slipped down onto the ground pulling his staff from its place on his back because after all even if his suspicions were wrong and a parent did move this baby here, This breed of dragon was very protective over their young so it was highly likely that the parent would still be in the area. His gaze scanned along the treeline for a moment before drifting skyward searching for any sign of its parent or parents before finally turning his gaze to the young dragon. That's when his suspicions were sadly confirmed however for around the young nightmare's back right leg was a metal shackle and upon closer inspection the young dragon's body was riddled with scars, To many scars for such a young dragon to have so the question became who had brought this baby here and why.  The one thing Barri did not realize at the moment though as he worked on calming the baby down was that if someone else just happpened to stumble upon the scene it would seem that he was the one who had harmed and or had shackled the baby.

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

High above, a woman and her nadder flew. The early morning was slightly chilly, so she wore some of her light furs. Her magenta-colored nadder glided along on an air current. They were headed to Dragon Island to obtain some herbs for the day. It was a daily task to go out and collect any herbs she was low on. She had left Kiira and her new friend, Vermundr, behind with Gothi to take care of anyone who was sick or injured. They didn't have many patients lately. There was a sickly baby gronckle, and her mother was due for a tooth extraction. She could still hear Kiira's groan as she told her take care of the tooth. Holly knew it would be a lot of work to try and extract a tooth while the mother was worried about her youngling, but she wanted to give a challenge to her daughter. Plus, she had Vermundr - a desert wraith who seemed to be sticking around - to help her.

Holly was lost in thought when Lillydew let out a squawk. What's going on, girl? She looked down to see a man hovered over something, with a....another wraith? She signaled for Lillydew to circled back quietly so she could see what he was doing. When she got a closer look, she noticed that he was hovered over a baby monstrous nightmare. The poor thing seemed to be caught in a trap, and Holly immediately assumed the worst. She had Lillydew swoop down and land across from the man and wraith. Release that poor creature! She leapt off Lillydew, holding her dagger in her hand. Holly never enjoyed fighting, but had her dagger out in case the man tried to attack her. She was merely being defensive. Lillydew also didn't make a move, but held her spiked tail up defensively.

[Deleted]

Sae looked to the sky just in time to see a nadder and its rider coming in for a landing, /...Shit.../ She thought before looking over her shoulder at her partner who seemed either completely unaware or uncaring about the new arrival. All of his attention was clearly on the baby dragon before him as he frantically worked to free it from the metal shackle that was around its leg. but when the female's voice came into play it brought him to his feet spinning around to face the new arrivals and from the look of his armor it'd really be hard for someone who didn't know already to determine if he were male or female, not to mention the markings on the armor for the most part mimicked that of the markings that had appeared on valka's armor before. Instead of  speaking Barri simply shook his head twirling his staff around as his piercingly icey blue eyes scanned over the woman and nadder before him.


With a sigh Sae spoke up in the attempt to defuse the situation after all it was a misunderstanding."Whoa whoa whoa hold on a minute, We didn't harm this yearling we just stumbled upon it much like you did an-" Her speech was cut short,  her attention drawn back to the baby as its breathing drew shallow causing barri to rush over to it once more as he threw his staff down frantically trying to get the baby to breathe again but to no success."Don't you die on me damn it!" He shouted clearly upset but a moment later despite all his hard work the baby's body went limp, the young life was gone. 

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

They faced off for a few heartbeats, staring at one another. Holly remained still as she observed the person's frantic body language. He seemed just as defensive as her, but also seemed to be stressed. Perhaps it's because I've caught you... Lillydew listened to the pleading explanation from the dragoness. Lillydew could hear the truth behind her words, so she lowered her defense. The spikes on her body reclined as she relaxed. The nadder swept her tail in front of Holly, and Holly understood it as "stand down". The healer put her dagger back into the slot on her belt. She was also carrying her usual leather knapsack, which contained the herbs she was out collecting and basic healing supplies. The unknown rider had already turned back to the tiny monsterous nightmare, speaking to himself as he tried to save the hatchling. Holly immediately pushed Lillydew's tail aside and sprinted over. Now that she knew they didn't mean her any harm (at least for now), she could try and help. Let me see- but it was too late. Holly knew the signs of death all to well. Although the sight of dead hatchlings didn't upset her as much as it used to - after all she dealt with sick or stillborn hatchlings all the time - the sight of the dead baby due to a hunter's trap was upsetting. She knelt down and observed the trap. Do you know who did this? She had an idea, but wanted to try and determine whose side this mysterious person was on. Although... he did wear armor similar to Valka...

[Deleted]

No response came from the male but his right arm did move down pointing down to a mark that was embed on the steel trap. There was no mistaking who made it as the mark was none other then the sigil of Drago's Outcasts. His nimble fingers made short work of the trap's locks freeing the hatchling's leg even if it was to late to do any good. Slowly closed the dragon's  eyes as he spoke softly, the death clearly taking its toll on him. "I'm sorry this fate has     q befallen you my brother, But now your soul is free and i will be your avenging angel" He then looked over at his wraith and gave her a small nod which prompted her to start digging what seemed to be a grave but before she could finish her task a scent was blown into the area and it was not exactly a friendly one as she looked over at the Nadder."Do you smell that?... We have company."  She couldn't be anymore right for you see a moment later their surprise visitors  would reveal themselves cloaked in outcast gear with Drago's sigil on their shoulders. the closer the outcasts came the more she got defensive as she moved placcing herself between them and her rider and the strange lady.


"Stranger, I do not know who you are but i want to make one thing very clear, We only want the old woman you can walk away unharmed you have my word." One of the Outcast spoke up clearly in charge of their little group but Barri would have none of it as he slowly rose to his feet turning to look at the outcasts."I didn't studder, Just walk away this isn't your fight." Again the Outcast's words fell on deaf ears as Barri made his way toward the group picking his staff up from the ground along the way as if preparing for all out war which he basically was after all he knew exactly what he had planned and nothing was going to stop him from doing it. "This is your last warning, You wouldn't wanna get on Drago's bad side, Just ask the Skyforge tribe, that seth Reinnsson was a moron for not joining our leader. A cocky grin formed upon the outcast's face but it quickly faded once Barri removed his helmet ."Oh.....Shit...Barri"

[byakko]

Unbeknownst to the others, Robert was crouching behind some bushes, crossbow at the ready. He'd also hid the smell of his body to further avoid detection. He'd been out for a jog when he'd noticed the shackled baby. He'd been about to release it when he decided it was best to wait for its captors to arrive. Sure enough, only just after hiding behind the bushes, someone else arrived. He didn't know who it was, and would've arrested the man right then and there if not for the arrival of another human. On a dragon. Sheesh, you have the idea to actually ride dragons and no one takes you seriously. Though to be fair, the other Berserkers had always seen him as a bit strange. But now where were they? Still traveling on land and by sea while the other villages had the advantage of air. For once his cheerful demeanor seemed to falter slightly, but only for a moment once he remembered that he'd left that sinking ship called the Berserker Tribe long ago.

Both of those riders seemed too concerned about the baby's well being to be its captors, so he continued his vigil. Robert wasn't the most social of people so as long as the other two took care of the baby he'd remain out of sight. Then, without warning, it had died. He hadn't actually seen it die, but overheard the speech between the two riders. It sickened him. Rage built up in him. He was going to find the people who did this and dish out some very harsh karmic repercussions. The brutality this little creature had gone through.

And of course, others showed up. The ones he was waiting for. There was even a reunion, between the male rider, "Berry" they'd called him, and the others. Finally his anger became too much and he loosed a shot at the nearest outcast.

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

Holly merely watched sadly as the mysterious man took the death of the baby harshly. She listened to his kinds words, and decided that he was no threat. It would take the heart of a killer to not feel any sympathy or pity for the creature. Although she hadn't been able to see it in his face through the mask, she could hear it in his words. You couldn't have done anything anyway. She said quietly, squatting beside him. Lillydew proceeded to help Sae dig the hole, although she wasn't very good as a digger. Even if you got the little one out of the trap, it would have been too weak to survive the wounds inflicted. She glanced down at the shackle, which had caused an infection to arise around the wound. The thing had spent all its energy struggling against it, making it cut into its soft scales. Lillydew threw her head up higher as Sae caught on to the smell before she did. Outcasts, she hissed. She new the smell all to well. Especially lately, with more and more frequent encounters they were experiencing.

Just as if on cue, they appeared. Lillydew immediately moved closer to Holly as they edged closer. The healer put her hand on the nadder's shoulder for reassurance. Then a comment made her pull her dagger out. Old lady? Who are you calling an old lady, you foul-smelling dung eater? Sure she was 46 years old, but that wasn't old. It wasn't like her to burst out like that, but she was tired of all the Outcasts running about lately. She watched as one of the speaker's face fell. She, too, turned to look at the man. It seemed to strike fear in their faces, but she had no idea who this man was. Should she fear him too?

An arrow whizzed past her from a direction out of her peripheral vision. Lillydew growled in anger, trying to pinpoint the hidden enemy. When she could not smell him, she became even more protective of Holly, curving her body around the human. Holly hushed her. I don't think that arrow was meant for us... She trailed off as she stared at the lone arrow embedded in the shoulder of one of the Outcast goons.

[Deleted]

Without a word Barri looked back at the older lady giving her a soft nod of acknowledgement before turning his attention back to the small group standing before him. "Come on Barri, We both know this isn't your fight just step aside" The Outcast commander spoke placing his hand on his shoulder which caused Barri to cock one brow while listening to the male as he watched as the man turned his attention to the woman behind him aswell. "And i may call you anything i like, I am above you and it is about time you Berkscum learn your place in the pecking order." With that said the commander motioned for his lackies to move past the man before them and toward their path was blocked as Barri raised his staff pressing it firmly against one of their chests."I'm sorry..." He stated for a moment looking back at the rider that had aided him."But..." He glanced back at the group before him with a semi-confident grin on his face."I can not allow you to do that." After that was said he shoved the commander's hand from his shoulder.

"You ingrate, Just who the hell do you think you are, You are nothing like your father and besides you have nothing left to fight fo-" Before the commander could even finish that remark Barri removed his staff from the Outcast's chest before pointing it skyward, To a tattered flag tied to a nearby tree, Not just any tattered flag but a flag that bore the sigil  of the Skyforge tribe he then stated proudly."I am Barri Reinnsson, Son of Seth Reinnsson and Leader of the Skyforge Tribe." Before anyone could respond to this statement however a single arrow flew seemingly out of nowhere to strike the commander in the right shoulder, Luckily The commander was wearing his armor but was caught off-guard by it none-the less.

[byakko]

It was when the arrow had failed to enter the throat of the lead outcast that Robert finally calmed down somewhat. Normally his marksmanship was spot on. Instead it'd merely penetrated the right shoulder. "Damn" he muttered, the shot would surely have given his position away. Ah well, it'd be more difficult to kill them up close but, he realized, that'd just make it more thrilling. He reloaded his crossbow and was still seething with rage at the death of the baby and the failure of his shot as he boldly swaggered up to the commander. He didn't like the way the man had gone on about "pecking orders" and "who was above who".  As far as he was concerned, all people were equal and some only held positions of power because everyone else felt they deserved. Of course, Dagur didn't deserve power over anyone, but it's not like any of the berserkers wanted to challenge him. He looked the man square in the eye...and smiled. It was more of a mocking, predatory smile than a sign of happiness. He pulled the arrow out and said "sorry, I wasn't trying to shoot you in the shoulder...I was going for the neck. Y'see, dung-eater, can I call you dung-eater? I was aiming for a kill shot but missed...my rage got in the way...and this happened so..." with a sudden movement, he whipped the crossbow so that it was pointing at the outcast's neck. With the situation completely under his control he said "Now, one of two things is going to leave your mouth. Your choice. One," He held up a finger "you apologize to the woman for your pecking order gibberish, and give me all your armor, and I'll let you leave alive, Or two" he held up another finger "the only thing coming out of your mouth is your own blood because I assure you, my next shot will not miss, and that grave back there" he gestured with his free thumb "is going to have to be significantly bigger." He waited for the man's response, letting his free hand slip the misfired arrow back into his quiver before preparing to pull out his sword. He wondered how long it'd dung-eater (the insult she had called him, and the nickname he felt suited the man perfectly) to apologize. If he valued his life.

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

Holly furrowed her eyebrows, trying to remember where she had heard the name "Skyforge" before. She thought she had overheard her fisherman husband talk of the tribe, but she never paid much attention when she had a patient to handle. Obviously it was the tribe (or perhaps the person) that brought fear to the eyes of the Outcast commander. This Barri guy seemed pretty confident in himself though, and she had been in a situation similar to this before. She put her money on Barri.

Lillydew growled lightly beside her, making Holly turn her head to look at the newcomer. Holly raises her brow as the guy saunters up to the commander, who was cursing about the arrow in his plates. Her lips curved into a grin as he called him "dung eater". He must have been not too far away to have heard her say that. At least she knew the one who shot the arrow was on their side - at the moment. He could be the type who was in it for himself, and merely wanted something the Outcasts were going to take.... wait, that was her. Her breath caught on a hitch as the guy pulled out a crossbow and pointed it at the commander's throat. Holly didn't want to see anymore bloodshed, so she quickly stepped forward. I would probably listen to the man. Although I'm a healer, I doubt I could save a puncture to the throat. And from the looks of his crossbow, that arrow would exit out the back of your neck. She hoped the commander would back off, and she wouldn't be forced to save a life she didn't want to save.

[Deleted]

"You better point that crossbow elsewhere kid before i order my men to take you out and if you think for one second i'm above having a kid killed you'd best think again" The commander stated undaunted by the weapon pointed at his throat or the kid's words nor did he heed the advise from the healer. But something happened that perhaps no one saw coming as Barri's staff moved up looping the hook around the "kid's" neck before being yanked back not hard enough to  really harm him but it still had enough power behind it to take him off his feet."I'm sorry, I may hate... Check that i loathe the Outcasts but i will not stand by nor will i aid a thief" Barri's  words clearly directed at the kid after he had demanded that the commander give him all of his armor. He stepped forward placing himself between the kid and the Outcasts."Now that that's settled, Did you do that?..." He questioned looking over at the commander while moving his staff motioning to the dead hatchling. A moment of tense silence filled the air as the two stared each other down for a moment before a cocky grin formed on the commander's face.


"Perhaps i did, Perhaps i didn't but you will never know the truth" He stated with a bit of laughter which was cut short when Barri got in his face. It seemed like he had something to say his lips parted but no words were heard before they closed once more. A moment later his staff fell to the ground and his right hand was balled up and sent flying into the commander's cheek knocking the man to the ground, the fight was on as the commander got up returning a punch of his own which caused barri to stumble back abit before lounging back at the man grappling him as the rest of his crew looked on unsure of what they were ment to do, Perhaps they should join the fray? Or take advantage of it and go after the other two and the dragons before they could do the same? either way they had to do something and fast.

[byakko]

The man with the staff moved quick, even for him, taking Robert off his feet just as he pulled the trigger. The arrow grazed the man's neck and flew off into the sky. He was confused by the man's words, he wasn't a thief! It was an honest trade! Some armor and an apology to the healer for the chance not to have an arrow piercing his neck.

But instead of being irritated that the guy had dislodged him, interrupted the transaction, and prevented him from getting justice for the baby dragon, Robert simply got up, dusted himself off, and turned to watch as the drama unfolded between "Berry" (was it spelled that way?) and the other guy.

Of course, he noticed out of the corner of his eye that the other outcasts were potentially moving to take him and the woman. He pointed his crossbow at the man closest to him and cheerfully addressed them. "You're free to do whatever you want, but please be aware it may lead to fatal consequences." He might've been caught off guard once but now, having positioned his back against a large boulder, he couldn't be taken from behind again. With all the outsiders clearly in his sight, he waited eagerly. If one of them so much as made a move towards him or the woman, he'd open fire.