[META] Chapter 2: Sauti

[Suhuba]

Chapter 2: Sauti

|| IC ||

The Alkidikes, Shifters, and Leaf Tribe all gathered individually. Each group's intentions were clear: find out what lies beyond the known borders of Tendaji.

The Alkidikes, believing themselves to be the true progeny of the earth, set out under the guidance of Yansa. The Shifters seemed to be keenly aware of what the Alkidikes were up to, and the group led by Antiope quickly followed after the women warriors, into Tale. In the Savannah, they came upon Enki and the Leaf Tribe.

The Leaf Tribe members are hesitant about jumping to conclusions of war, but they are protective of their Savannah. Why have all of Jauhar's inhabitants suddenly gathered in Tale, without warning?

No contact has been made... and no one group is quite sure why the others are on the move. Friction is thick in the air; the smallest spark could potentially ignite a devastating end to all three groups' peaceful journeys.


|| OOC ||

||. Chapter 2: Sauti will begin on Wednesday, July 18 and is scheduled to close one week later on Wednesday, July 25.

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||. If you have any questions, please post them in the Main Thread.

 

[Suhuba]

Enki stood at the bottom of the gathering of trees, contemplating the Alkidike group in the distance. Should they approach? Try to make contact? Prepare themselves for battle? From here, it was difficult to see whether or not the women warriors were armed, but one could never be too careful. He didn’t want to walk up to them and find out, why yes, they were armed… and ready to fight.

The man exhaled deeply, looking around the group. Time had passed and a few of the people who had come to join his expedition had wandered off… no doubt to investigate these new people. Prentices were young adults… full of vigor and curiosity… for the most part.

Enki rubbed his chin, turning to a man who was standing nearby. ”You. Run and round up the others. We need to discuss a plan of action.” His plan was to send a peace team over to greet the Alkidikes… see what they wanted… hopefully not get killed. He would join the team, but he didn’t want to approach the group of women alone.









Yansa’s brow furrowed. This strange stalemate was delaying their plans. The group of Leaf Tribe members ahead of them… and by this time they had become aware of the Shifters huddled not too terribly far away, still glued to the edge of Jauhar’s borders. These people were infringing upon the Alkidikes’ right to protect this land. Yet, they had not come out here to start a war.

The woman sighed, turning to face the women who had come with her. ”We need to approach the Leaf Tribe. Let them know that we only mean to pass through. Who volunteers to be part of the team to approach them?”












Antiope squinted into the distance, trying to figure out what was going on. It was clear that the Alkidikes had stopped… and it had been some time since anything had happened. She knew that some of her party members had already wandered off. It wasn’t of much concern to her; she couldn’t control them. Yet, something needed to happen here. They were on a mission and it would not be stopped…

…but the Alkidikes were known for their stubborn perseverance. Something truly unexpected must have happened for them to have stopped like this.

The leader of the Shifters bounced eagerly on her toes, turning to view the people around her. ”We’re going in.” She announced, allowing those with her to brace themselves. ”We pose no threat… we’re just trying to head East. We will approach the Alkidikes so that we can find out what has stopped them.” She paused, making sure those around had understood her words. ”Those who have left can catch up, if they wish.” With that, and a bright smile, she headed towards the Alkidike group.  

[kaname423]

Aminah had left the group gathering near the edge of the forest, slinking away to watch from afar. Her parents weren’t letting her go on the trip, but now that Enki had seen the foreigners coming closer on the savannah, Aminah meant to meet them for herself. She stepped quietly, being as sneaky as she could for someone who was usually so honest. It almost made her feel bad to be acting like this… but… she wanted the adventure. And besides, she would be careful. Eventually she would just slip back in with the others and pretend like she was there all along. How could her plan not work?

She was already at the edge of the forest, far enough away from the group that they couldn’t see her, but close enough to make out the Alkidike in the distance. And it was hard to tell, but it looked like there were shifters even farther away. Aminah suddenly felt unsure about rushing in to meet the newcomers… maybe she would stay back and wait for the group anyways…
 

[jayoku]

Takoda posts in Green
Keilana posts in Brown
Jerarda posts in Purple



The shifter was nervous after all he and Chalcedony had gathered what they could from the sheltering tree's of the forest, and he even got a chance to practice his magic a little bit. Though it had helped to get the encouragement boost it still fell short of being a complete confidence booster, especially since they were now on the move and heading TOWARDS the Alkidike group. Shouldering his satchel he felt his fingers twitching and they laid a hand onto his book that was in a pocket he'd sewn into the front of his bag.

He could use his magic offensively if he needed to...but the sheer thought of using his magic to fight rather than heal seemed almost...wrong. Swallowing he couldn't help but fall back from the rest of the group, he didn't want to look nervous but he certianly wasn't looking forward to meeting up with these people.
~*~

Keilana stood beside her brother the look on her face could only be described as unreadable. She was still in a dizzy after her encounter with Animah as well Enitan as well that crazy Alkidike woman. She had yet to mention the latter two encounters to her brother cause she didn't want him to over-react. Arms hanging at her sides she wished that she had her large tree branch with her. What good was she going to be here? At least her brother had a bow. Eyeing the weapon she nudged her brother for no good reason other than to be annoying.

Turning her focus on Enki, little hearts almost appeared in her eye's as soon as her gaze flickered to him. Though it faded almost as fast as she heard him stating they needed a plan of action.
"I don't like that they are so close...what if they were to attack?" She tossed out the idea for the crazy alkidike seemed readily to want to beat on herself and that shifter...were they all like that?

~*~


Speaking of that crazy alkidike woman, she was moving forward quickly and perhaps a bit..urgently from the forest's edge in tow was the 'sister' she had discovered in the forest. She had a bone to pick with her other 'sisters' for leaving her behind and she intended to make sure that they knew that she could never be left behind.

"Hail sisters!" Jerarda called out her eye's targeting on Yansa almost instantly since she would be the leader of this rag tag group. Looking behind her she gestured for Rishima to hurry up. "I have food and provisions for us sisters as well another of ours found lost in the forest." Jerarda announced rather proud of all this.

Half turning she hissed for Rishima to introduce 'herself' and to not make a fool of either of them. Looking smug she returned her gaze to Yansa as if daring her to go back home.  

[Orpheus Solon]

Chalcedony posts in Green
Jacinthus posts in Brown
Rishima posts in Purple

Chalcedony was quiet, keeping to Takoda's side, and keeping eye on his good friend. That they were as close as they were to the Alkidike, and getting slowly closer to them, had him a bit on edge. He was still an untried prentice, unlike Takoda who had graduated to having a rank among their people, but it wasn't about to stop him from trying to keep his friend as well as the rest of his people safe from those women, "It will be alright." He murmured to his friend, wanting to reassure him since Takoda looked as nervous on this walk as he did around any of the bugs in the forests of Jauhar. After his friend used his magic to ease the wounds that he'd gotten during a tussle before this journey left him feeling a lot better and ready for whatever it was that they might find themselves facing off against.

It was a bit of curious thing, something had stopped the Alkidike in their tracks and he couldn't help but to wonder what it might be. They all seemed driven, as if nothing could stop them... and yet something had. He wondered if it were some sort of beast or another? He supposed that they would see soon enough, right? Not that he exactly what to see whatever it might be if something was bad enough that it stopped them... not that he would voice that thought, not when he was standing alongside someone as nervous as his healer friend.

*****

"I saw that." Jacin said as he walked over to stand alongside his sister who was back to making googly eyes at Enki. The man was impressive, sure, but he had to have some sort of secret pheromones going on if he were able to make Kei get all googly eyed even during their current situation. It was some trick... though he'd prefer if it were used on someone that wasn't related to him. No matter what age she was the idea of Keilana possible going off with some guy wasn't something that Jacin wanted to think about now or ever. It was a thought that made him instead want to gag.

When she mentioned that she didn't like that they were so close he could only nod in agreement, "I don't care for it either. They already run about Jauhar acting like the Gods of everything, I don't like that they might be coming here to try to lord over Tale as well." He muttered, not liking at all that they were so close to the borders. Were they sizing them up? Seeing if they offer more resistance then the Shifters? Had they gotten bored with Jauhar and now they wanted more? It was something that had him rolling his eyes a little at the thought. He really, really, didn't want to use his bow again a humanoid target, Alkidike or not, but he would do so if the need arose. If it meant protecting his home, his sister, and his tribe he would do so... though he would much prefer if those women stayed in their forest.

"I prefer them in Jauhar, at least there I find it easier to talk to them." Of course the one time he'd met with one them she'd been injured and trapped, there was no way he couldn't talk to her and she did make her people sound rather interesting, almost made him like them, but now... now that they were here on the borders he couldn't but to start to like them less and less. Because of this he half hoped that Maya wasn't among those that were seemingly invading.

*****

Rishima was being dragged along by the too eager Jerarda, still a little worried about being introduced to some of the other sisters. He looked over to the side, to where Itzal was running alongside them and still carrying his pack, before looking ahead once more, "Sister...?" He murmured, half wondering what it was that she might be thinking at the moment. She seemed... rather exciting really. The moment that they arrived she was calling out to them in a manner that showed the confidence that the woman seemed to be brimming with. He came to a slow stop as Jerarda hailed the others, brushing himself off, then gave a little squeak when he realized that she was waving at him to come over to them.

Taking a few steps forward he opened his mouth, about to say that he hadn't exactly been lost, before closing his mouth and decided against correcting Jerarda. Best to let her have her way in this one he thought to himself as he rested a hand on Itzal's head, scratching him behind an ear, as the beast dropped the pack at Rishima's feet for the moment. He was more then content to stand right there, hoping to blending into the background though with his coloring it was a little impossible, when suddenly Jerarda was hissing at him. Ahh... introduce himself? Not to make a fool of them? How did he do that?!

Putting on the best smile he could muster, antennae twitching like mad, he took a step forward, "A-Ahh... Hello, Sisters. I am Rishima." He said, doing his best to sound as confident as Jerarda had been but couldn't quite muster up that same inner strength that she was filled with. Motioning with a hand toward his Radaku he said, "This is my friend, Itzal." At the sound of his name the beast lifted his head and gave a growling sound, as though greeting the others that they were standing there in front of before he went back to snuffling at the pack, wondering on the odds of getting into it to steal the food inside of it.  

[RuddyPup]

Here's the thing: Jerarda did not tell Phenyo she had taken off to go join in the expedition; no, instead she just went, and Phen had spent hours scouring the forest looking for Jera, only to be told her sister had disappeared. It'd left the Alkidike one choice...go find Jerarda.

Well, really her other option would have been to sit around and wait for Jer to come back. What if she didn't come back; what if something happened to her? Maybe Jer would get into trouble, in over her head...start a fight she couldn't win or get captured by Outsiders or...or...

No, Phen definitely took off into the forest, making only the slightest detour to grab her practice bow and quiver of arrows. Being several hours behind her sister in the chase, Phenyo wouldn't be able to catch up - this she knew. Her only hope would be to take as direct a route to the edge of the forests and try to meet up with Jera and the group.

During her trip, her anger and hurt at being left behind was overshadowed by the fact she was in a small about of panic about Jer's well-being. That, however, quickly changed when through the trees she heard Jerarda calling out to their sisters; she'd found them, and only just after Jera had shown up. That meant something had distracted her for some time...that something being a someone, who Phenyo saw step out and also greet the group.

Phenyo. Was. Furious. Jerarda had taken off on one of her ridiculous adventures, hadn't even bothered to stop and tell her, and picks up a new side-kick all in the span of a few hours??? Phen was furious - and hurt - and despite the blank look on her face, there was no hiding the holes she was attempting to bore into Jera's head as she silently joined the group. As much as she wanted to greet her sisters - especially Yansa, she deserved the greatest amount of respect - Phenyo didn't trust her voice to not break on her should she open her mouth.  

[MoogerMint]

Met with an expanse of land so enormous and altogether alien to the young shifter made Enitan all the more anxious. He hadn't rested well in the past couple of days, and despite the eagerness he had bottled, he was beginning to fret that he may end up being more of a burden than help. Not that he would ever admit to such a fear -- he would just have to try harder not to instigate a fight. Again, apparently. Biting at the inside of a lip, he decided that he should probably hold up the back, in the off-chance the group ran into anyone more familiar to him. It had been a rough night...

His hands nearly strangled the strap of the satchel he had grabbed from the stash that Antiope had handed out. More than he was nervous about meeting anyone out in the deserts of Tale, he was nervous about actually doing irreversible harm to the image the tribe as a whole wanted to project to others out in the world. After all, he had a temper, and it ignited even swifter when other shifters were involved. Loyalty wasn't all it was cracked up to be in these tense negotiations; he almost wished he would have given someone a heads-up about it, except that would only put more pressure on someone else's shoulders.

At the mention of moving out, Enitan's hand crept to the bag slung at his side. All in all, he really didn't like having to carry one of these -- crossed over the chest like this created (minor) disruptions in his balance. Not to mention the asymmetrical pattern of the darn thing, which led to the problem in the first place, but at least it was useful to a degree. However, the hand at his side twitched at mention that they were entering the deserts of Tale and approaching opposition under the pretext of peace. Non-threatening? Up to the alkidikes!? Good grief, one just tried to kill him last night!

Enitan had to fight to keep a panic attack from taking over. Maybe they weren't all that sensitive, that trigger-happy? Maybe... maybe the leader of their group was more level-headed? All he could do at the moment was try to think optimistically, despite it not being a strong point in the shifter. It had only been a matter of time until this happened, and although he wanted to question how wise of a decision this was to make, he knew he wasn't in any position to. He bit his tongue so as not to say anything he may regret, but nodded in acceptance of the terms. He'd just have to be more wary, even if it led to hypersensitivity.  

[Ruriska]

“I do.” Nadhiri answered immediately. “I will approach them.” She had stood quietly for the most part, only nodding and murmuring a greeting to Jerarda as she arrived. Her body was tense, ready for action. But this wasn’t meant to be a battle and she let out a soft breath, looking to Yansa for permission to move forward. More late arrivals caused her lips to press into a thin line of disapproval. If they had wanted to be part of the group, they should have arrived early in the morning like they were supposed to. Clearly they needed to learn some discipline.

Rishima’s arrival annoyed her even more. He did not belong and certainly did not deserve a chance to prove himself her. Nadhiri gripped the spear tighter. Perhaps this chance meeting with the other tribes would be good for him and he would take this chance to leave the Alkidike’s behind. It would be good for all.

“Let me go.” She repeated, more than ready to take care of this on her own.  

[kaname423]

The fact that she could see the Alkidikes conversing about something already had Aminah on edge where she was hiding in the trees, but then she saw more Alkidikes approaching. The new additions definitely didn’t sit well in her stomach. She could see the Alkidike that she had met earlier join the group. She felt a small blush creep onto her face just thinking about Jerarda. The girl had an overpowering personality. And then another Alkidike followed behind with a scarred radaku behind… her? Him? She couldn’t tell from this distance, but from what she could see, she would say this new addition was male. Odd.

Aminah saw one of the Alkidikes step forward as if volunteering, and at this point Aminah had had enough. It was time to rejoin the group and help out where she could. She liked to think that the Alkidikes meant no harm, but her stomach still felt uneasy about the whole situation. She nixed her previous plan of action, and headed back where she had come, straight for the leaf tribe group. The unease in her stomach began to settle the farther she moved from the Alkidikes.

She approached one of the only faces she knew well enough to talk to. Walking up from behind, Aminah put one hand on Keilana’s back and the other hand on what she could only assume was her brother. She heard Keilana finish her suggestion and her brother answer in response. “I can’t tell for sure, but the Alkidikes seem to be getting ready to move. And more just joined them!” This last bit ended in a squeak. Aminah was nervous enough to be talking to such as large group of people; the added pressure of now knowing an Alkidike made her unsure of whether to speak up.
 

[Satin Doilee]

Yansa couldn’t help the combination of skepticism and curiosity that took hold of her face as Jerarda and Rishima approached. To be quite honest, the Alkidike woman had been surprised at Jerarda’s absence earlier that morning; normally the Prentice seemed quite eager to grasp at whatever opportunities she could find that offered some semblance of authority and renown. The warrior, of course, wanted all of her Sisters to accompany her on this journey. This was, after all, what they were meant to do. However, she would be lying if she said she hadn’t felt a slight tinge of relief at Jera’s absence. As things were, she had been able to assume command without question. Now, she may very well have to work a bit harder to keep her position of authority.

Yansa eyed Rishima curiously as he introduced himself. It was impossible not to feel some resistance to the mixed breeds, especially in situations like this, with the Shifters (obviously his other half) so clearly trailing them. Could he not be some sort of spy? Had Jerarda not considered this before she had brought him here, out on this important mission?

The woman inhaled deeply, turning her attention to Nadhiri, who had stepped forward, eager to offer her services. Yansa smiled at the young woman, a hand settling on her bare shoulder. ”This task is yours. Offer our peace.” She withdrew her hand, but her gaze remained locked firmly on the younger woman’s eyes. ”I know you will represent our tribe well.” She would have liked to accompany Nadhiri on her trip over to the Leaf Tribe, but there were other things that needed taken care of, now. She trusted the Prentice to do her job well.

Yansa watched as Phenyo made her way towards the group. If stares could burn, Jera probably would no longer have a face to speak with. Things were beginning to make sense, but this was neither the time nor place for this nonsensical drama. They had a mission to take care of. The goal was a peaceful exploration. And so, despite the reprimands she should have made or the skepticism she held towards the mixed breed boy, Yansa stepped forward, her arms outstretched in preparation of the formal, familiar embrace of the Alkidike tribe. ”Jerarda. Rishima. Welcome. I’m glad you could join us.”  

[jayoku]

Takoda posts in Geen
Keilana posts in Brown
Jearda posts in Purple

Swallowing Takoda couldn't help but find himself sticking rather close to Chalcedony's side. The alkidikes were one of his 'nightmares' and not because he had any personal fear of them as a whole...it was more they resembled bugs far too....much. Shivering he had to advert his gaze, looking past his friend and noticing that Enitan...looked...worn out. He pondered what his friend had been doing during their brief resting period..

Coughing he pointed to the other shifter and asked if Chalcedony had met him yet. Worried over Enitan's condition and though he knew he shouldn't use his magic right now he found himself pulling away from Chal, as if being a healer came first and all his fears and worries came second. Gesturing he indicated that Chal was welcome to follow.

"Good to see you again Enitan," Takoda started softly, noticing how his..friend, yes the word was still too new for him to completely understand and not find surprising. How Enitan looked sleep deprived, sore and just worn down, "Are you okay? Ar..are you hurt?" He inquired earnestly as he really didn't want any of his 'friends' to ...end up in battle this day if it came to that.

~*~


Avoiding looking at Animah, as if looking at her would trigger the BEST BUDDIES mode that the girl seemed intent on making Keilana, she also didn't try looking at the other two tribes least she would see the a face or two she may recognize. It was one thing to wage war with people you had never met or spoken too, but when you had a personal run in with one you start questioning the point of having a war.

At her brother's comment Keilana wanted to punch him, HARD, but figured that would not be considered a very good thing to do, showing unrest amongst her own people it could be shown as a weakness. Listening to her brother however and she felt a bit better at her own uneasiness.

"Do you think it will come to fighting? Do you think that.." Looking up she found her words failing her, as she spotted one woman who still made her skin crawl the alkidike woman who had chased the shifter Enitan whom she had run into earlier. If that crazy one was here...then it would most likely turn to war.

"How good are you with that bow?" She inquired softly to her brother instead.

~*~

Upon hearing Rishima's attempt at sounding confident Jerarda almost could of died, it probably didn't help that 'she' introduced 'her' pet as well. Ah ...she could already see the raised eyebrows the scowls on her sister's face's but she didn't care. Jerarda had found Rishima and wasn't going to make it look like it had been a bad idea bringing 'her' here.

About to go on the fore front of aggression she was jolted back suddenly when a figure came to join the rest of the group. It was her long time friend Phenyo and judging by that..controlled look on her face she was very angry at her. But why should she be angry? Jerarda had been the one not invited not her. And Phenyo knew just how well Jerarda could manage in a fight, so that brought into question...why was she here? Noting the bow..she wondered if quiet Phen was going to fight. Interesting.

Instead of voicing her question however Jerarda caught sight of Nadhiri the look on her face was one of the many scowls that had joined the group, growling mostly to tell the others to back off and leave Rishima alone she then listened as Yansa a alkidike Jerarda had know most of her young years gave the authorization for Nadhiri to go. Woah woah woah...if anyone should go it was her. Talking to Phenyo would come when they had a chance alone..she knew how stubborn her friend could be. Never mind her own hard headedness.

About to stride forward to bark her protest at the selection she had to double back on her anger, put it in check while Yansa addressed them both. Respect to her elder she nodded her head slowly,

"Yes...sister...I was dissapointed the party had left without me. But in the end it works out well...Rishima and I bring food from the forest...'she' has knowledge of it and thus we shall eat fruit and smoked fish." Jerarda reported.  

[Ruriska]

Nadhiri dipped her head respectfully to Yansa, grateful to have the elder sister’s trust. She held Yansa gaze, chest out and back straight with pride. Yes, this would be her chance. Not that everyone seemed as pleased to see her be given the chance. Jerarda was clearly unimpressed by the decision. Well, bad luck for her. She should have been on time… and not brought a useless half-breed with her. Nadhiri’s gaze on the other Alkidike was challenging. But this was no time for her to start a fight, there was work to do.

Another nod to Yansa and Nadhiri turned away from the group before anyone could voice their objection, striding purposefully forward to where the Leaf Tribe was huddled together. They seemed nervous. While she wasn’t surprised they were as spineless as caterpillars, it was still a disappointment. They could show a little bit of bravery.

She stopped before she got too close, thinking carefully. Then, with deliberate slowness, she moved into a crouch. Nadhiri deposited her spear on the ground, then stood and stepped away from her weapon. I’m not here to fight, the action said clearly. But Nadhiri’s expression was still stern, not the hint of a smile. “Who is your leader?” It was more of a demand than a question, her voice carrying easily over the space between them.  

[RuddyPup]

Nothing? You're not going to say "hi!" or "oh Phen! There you are! Sorry I left you behind???" Jerarda's silence and lack of welcome was like a written confession and admittance of guilt, and it just made Phenyo all the more angry. A sneer threatened to cross her face, and she literally had to bite at her lip to keep from breaking apart. Her hand, tight around her bow, was almost white knuckled. All Phen could think was that her sister was lucky there were witnesses...

It was the voice of Yansa that brought Phenyo out of it finally; despite the fact her head snapped up to look at her senior sister, the Alkidike's feelers drooped apologetically. I am so sorry for any trouble Jer and I have caused, she thought, finally getting it into her head that now was not the time to focus so singularly on her anger with her friend.

"I'll keep a look out for you," Phen said to Nadhiri as she took off towards the Leaf Tribe, moving beyond the safety of the group's circle and stopping, keeping herself half hidden. Her goal wasn't to take the spotlight...just offer a second set of eyes; Phenyo didn't watch Nadhiri, but instead took count of every face of the Leaf Tribe and any weapons they may have been carrying. Who knew that a skill she'd been using to keep track of Jerarda for so many years would actually come in handy to serve a higher purpose?  

[Orpheus Solon]

Following Takoda's lead he found himself moving over toward one of the other Shifters in their group, one that seemed friends with Takoda so he was a person that Chalcedony instantly felt amiable toward. How could one not like the guy when he was nice to Takoda after all? Perhaps he was being a little biased but he figured a friend of a friend was one worthy of being a friend as well. Looking him over he seemed to notice what had Takoda bothered, the guy was looking a little rough around the edges, was he unable to rest up during their down time due to the Alkidike being in such close vicinity to them? He could understand, he knew that he had been pretty well on edge the entire time himself, keeping an ear out for any possible dangers.

Nodding to the other Shifter when they got close he turned to look toward Enitan and gave him a smile, "Have you eaten?" It was a normal sort of response from Chal who was so used to helping to take care of and feeding his siblings that it was just a natural response to ask someone if they were hungry or not, "I don't have much in my pack but I don't mind sharing if you are in need of it." No reason to withhold what he had from a fellow Shifter after all, especially with Chal being on the polar opposite end of the spectrum from selfish which in an of itself might get him in trouble one day.

*****

Jacin gave a bit of a half shrug, "I'd rather it not. If they come here picking fights and we respond then it might escalate." He murmured chewing on his lower lip in a thoughtful manner. He wasn't sure that he wanted those women as his personal enemies but at the same time did they really want to just allow them to strut on pass the borders in a group whenever they felt it, it might just make the Leaf Tribe as a whole look weak which wasn't something that Jacinthus was about to allow to happen. They might not be as big as the Alkidike women, nearly two heads shorter in fact, but that wasn't going to stop him.

When Kei's attention turned to his bow he gave a bit of a smile, "Not too bad, I've been practicing." He knew that when he was first given the bow that he was completely useless when it came to the workings of the thing, was lucky that he was able to fire off what very well might have been a life saving shot, and since then he was a bit... obsessed, spending a good amount of his down time practicing, wanting to catch up to where the other archers were as quickly as possible, "I don't mind the idea of shooting down food but the idea of shooting someone though... I don't know if the idea quite sits well with me yet." He murmured to his sister, keeping that quiet because he didn't want any of the others to think that he might hesitate if it came to battle. Not what he wanted but if it meant keeping little Kei safe from harm he'd get blood on his hands. He'd lost enough of his family in the past, he wouldn't lose another member of it.

A murmuring sound drew Jacin's attention then, everyone turning as one of the women made her appearance at long last. It seemed the white haired girl was right about them being on the move. It was an instant and unconscious reaction to Jacin, one so deeply ingrained into him that he didn't even notice it, as he stepped forward to put himself between the possible threat and his sister, arms crossing over his chest. The woman came toward them, crouching down to set her weapon aside which put him a little more at ease, before she was suddenly demanding of them who their leader was, "You are aware that we aren't exactly going to be pointing out our leader to you so easily right?" He asked, giving her a incredulous look. Did she think them so dumb as that? She was here with her people, knowing the rumors that swirled around her tribe, and was demanding their leader to make an appearance? Did she mean to threaten or kill him? Not on his watch, "Why didn't your leader come to speak with ours? Isn't that the polite thing to do when you are wanting to come into our homelands en mass?" Though given her demanding tone he somehow didn't think they knew a damn thing about being polite.

*****

Rishima looked around the group of the Alkidike before he found himself stepping back closer to Jerarda, wondering if his sister was wrong about him coming along. She'd made it seem as though he might have a chance but really the looks he was getting made him wonder if perhaps he was better off staying back home. Antennae twitching a moment before laying flat against his head he glanced over at Jerarda, wondering what he net move was... and yet she didn't seem perturbed at all did she? She seemed to wear a singular mask of confidence and arrogance, something that he really wanted to learn to channel. Now didn't quite seem the time though, did it?

Instead he busied himself with petting Itzal while quietly listening to what the others were saying, wondering if they were going to allow him to tag along with them or if he would be sent home before they went anywhere. He supposed that he would see soon enough. At Jerarda's mention of how they had brought food with them, that 'she' which was the warrior woman's way of talking about him without acknowledging his true gender, had knowledge of the forest he couldn't help but to have a ghost of a smile touch his lips for a moment. It was nice of Jerarda to defend him to the others he thought to himself though he hoped it didn't come back to bite the other girl in the backside. Didn't she feel getting ostracized from the group because of who she hung out with? Apparently not... it was one of many things he liked about her and one of many reasons why he was following her around in the way he was, "It was nothing, just a few things I picked up from my Mother." He murmured, one antennae twitching as he spoke.  

[Ruriska]

Nadhiri scowled at Jacinthus, not used to being spoken to so rudely by anyone, let alone a male of the Leaf Tribe. Her question had been simple, and yet they had issue with it? This entire matter could be fixed within moments if they would only show some respect. However, she would concede that perhaps her tone had been somewhat harsh and they had not responded to it well. It was something she would have to work on in future.

“Your leader makes the decisions for the group. There is no point in me speaking to anyone else.” She pointed out, crossing her arms over her chest. “You, boy, are certainly not fit to lead, so who is....” She looked away from him, to the others, challenging one of them to step forward. What if none of them owned up to their leadership? Perhaps they were all too spineless.

“Our own leader had chosen me to represent the Alkidike. We are not here for battle.” She uncrossed her arms and held her palms out in a show of peace.