[b][u]Aleida and Tidal Ayero - Ladyl Woods[/b][/u] The reds and oranges of the forest filled Aleida's eyes, inciting an odd inspiration within her. The colors reminded her of fire, which, in turn, reminded her of something that she couldn't really remember. Odd. The inspiration was blocked by her foggy memory, leaving her feeling somewhat empty, and just as she was about to stop and think hard her eyes turned up to find that she was completely engulfed by darkness. Tidal, whom had dropped to walk beside her a few steps back, was gone, and she was utterly alone. Confused and only slightly concerned, she glanced around cautiously, squinting in the dimness in an effort to see. [i]How queer, how did I get here?[/i] She wondered, reaching forward slightly. her hand pushed through the dark with ease, and met only air after each step she took. She stopped after five steps, eyes narrowing at the sudden sound of distant cries and the sight of far off lights. Eyes. Glowing, magenta eyes. A Pokemon perhaps? She took a few more steps forward then froze, quickly noting that the eyes were just out of reach, and they would remain that way with each step. Instead of focusing on the eyes, she closed her own, sucked in a deep breath, and focused on her other senses. The darkness wavered, like water, and Aleida was instantly aware that she was still warm from the Ayero sun, and that the ground beneath her feet was still rough dirt and the far off whines belonged to her faithful friend, and she focused on these feelings. A sigh escaped her lips, and she took three deep breaths before she opened her eyes again. Sunlight blinded her momentarily, and she stumbled back with a sudden frightful feeling that should have been present moments before. Where ever she had been a moment ago was no more, and whatever had been watching her was gone. Glancing back, Aleida noticed that she had walked much farther than she remembered, as the town wall was barely visible between the colorful branches. Beside her Tidal stood, eyes narrowed with worry, and Aleida gave a reassuring smile to calm the motherly vaporeon. [i]Must have been an illusion of sorts... Could it have been the bird-Pokemon?[/i] No wonder people were wary of the forest, smart people would have dropped at the sudden change of environment. Luckily, Aleida was far from smart. She blinked away the images of the alleged illusion and peered forward into the red scenery. The path seemed to lead down a bit, vanishing from sight, and the thin expanse of trees appeared to grow thicker. If a bird-Pokemon was really able to snatch up kids, it would have to be reasonably big, and it would probably have a nest in a large tree or on a cliff-side. The thick trees would be the best place for it to nest, at least, that's what her brain told her. She would have continued her walk forward, if not for the sudden presence right behind her. A beak, large and orange, appeared first in her peripheral vision, and then an utterly pleased face, and finally the weight of a heavy head leaning on her shoulder nearly dragged her frail body down. Tidal snarled instantly, tail raising in defense as it glared at the pidgeot currently hugging his master, but Aleida rose her hand quickly to stop his hiss. She lifted a hand to ruffle the bird's feathers, and a soft smile filled her face. Upon seeing the cheerful face of the Pokemon she instantly felt as though it enjoyed the presence of people, and before she could open her mouth to greet the bird a voice filled the silence. [i]"Why hello travelers-"[/i] She turned, one hand still scratching the side of the pidgeot's face, and found herself staring at not one person but two! Two people, wowie, how exciting! One was speaking, a green-haired man whose eyes reminded her of something she, again, couldn't remember, and the other was approaching with his eyes locked on the pidgeot. She turned fully around and gave a friendly smile at both of them, though her mind was focused on the green one's speech. So, he wanted to help find the children too, huh? And if the assumption he made about the short man is true, then all three of them were on the same journey. Working together was obviously the best way to go about this! Tidal, however, didn't seem too open about these two new comers, as her slowly slithered forward to stand in front of Aleida, scowling in a way that could reveal his sharp fangs. Not exactly realizing the threat her friend was making before her, she continued smiling and exclaimed, "If you're willing to work with me, then I am very willing to work with you! I'm sure we'll find the children in no time with three people!" Her hand rose to stroke the pidgeot's head gently, and her eyes scanned the two people on instinct, taking in each of their outer details. The green-haired man was taller than both she and the other man, and his hair and eyes were an oddly familiar combination. He wore light armor, and a bow was set against his back, a ranger get up. Maybe he was a wanderer like her? There was no Pokemon around him, so it would be simple to assume he didn't have one. The other man was shorter and blonde. His eyes were intense and golden, and his outfit was definitely one that would belong to a poor wanderer. He looked a bit dirty and wind blown, as well as lithe, and since he seemed so focused on the pidgeot it would be simple to assume she belonged to him. A small smile replaced her large one, "The name's Aleida, by the way. Wouldn't wanna be working with a nameless stranger, now, would ya?"