[center]Calliope rubbed her palms vigorously along her biceps in an effort to erase the sensation of her sister's earlier embrace. If there was one thing she wasn't fond of, it was the feeling of being pitied or coddled, especially if it was coming from Kieren. Calliope had always assumed the role of "protector", and she struggled to relinquish that title to anyone besides Bastian. As she walked towards the forest with determination, Calliope's Vein called out from behind. The wind pulled Calliope's tresses to one side as she craned her neck to address Bastian, [color=goldenrod]"It's alright, just a routine patrol. Stay here and keep an eye on Kieren for me, will ya?"[/color] She twitched her lips into a playful smile, and Bastian sighed a quick protest before stalking towards the Practitioner's tent. Just as the large lion poked his nose curiously through the curtains Calliope added, [color=goldenrod]"And try not to piss off Felix too much."[/color] 

Once inside the protection of the treeline Calliope detoured onto a path that, although slightly overgrown, was still obviously worn from the weight of someone's footsteps over a period of time. A large, ashen birch tree hung crookedly some ways down the path, and Calliope approached it swiftly. She reached her hand inside a large, hollowed knot of the tree and retrieved a ragged leather pack that she flung delicately over her shoulders. Inside was an array of essentials: five slender steel throwing knives, a canteen of purified drinking water, discarded pieces of flint, rope she had braided from the sturdy field grasses, and a carefully packaged assortment of tonics from Kieren and the other Practitioners. With her supplies resting soundly against her back, Calliope headed out to scout for anyone still lingering from the protection of camp. 

After about twenty minutes of exerting her energy skirting through the treetops, Calliope flipped down in one fluid motion, landing expertly on the ground below. She whistled for her Harbinger comrades but was greeted with only the gentle hum of insects and birdsong. As she turned on her heels, she caught the faint crackle of leaves a few yards to her left. Cautiously, Calliope stalked in the direction of the sound and was awarded with a harmony of male and female voice; two sets of paws were also padding softly in the voices' stead. As the voices became clearer, Calliope could now see through the brush and caught traces of their origins. A patch of uniquely bluish grey fur made the girl halt and rest her palm against her wrinkled forehead. [i]Fell[/i]. The recent Mercenary transfer, whom Calliope had only encountered upon his arrival, had an inherent intimidation factor that radiated off his persona. The other voice she could not place, mainly because her thoughts were now clouding with doubt. [i]In and out, Calliope. No need for pleasantries.[/i] She thought the words to herself once or twice before safely making herself known to the two Mercenaries. 

With a friendly smile plastered upon her freckled face, she bowed her head respectfully to both Fell and Liara in turn. Each of the Mercenaries' Veins instinctively moved closer to their partner's side. Calliope could now place a name with the female voice from before and greeted them as cheerfully as she could muster, [color=goldenrod]"Afternoon. On behalf of Erika, I'd urge you both to return to base camp with haste."[/color] Calliope raised her own eyebrow at the foreign sound of her rigid voice. [i]Well this is going swimmingly.[/i] She cleared her throat and gently pushed her nails into the base of her palms before speaking again, this time sounding much more relaxed. [color=goldenrod]"We wouldn't want to miss either of your inputs at tonight's Circle."[/color] Calliope tried to train her eyes on both Fell and Liara, but they kept falling towards Noone. The creature's seasoned beauty seemingly captivating Calliope's curious nature. She pulled her chin up to avoid the distraction and locked eyes with Fell. With his arms crossed along his broad chest, the Mercenary warrior made Calliope feel like a fragile toothpick. Still, the brave, stubborn Harbinger leader reassured herself subconsciously before exposing her bright teeth in another eager smile. [color=goldenrod]"May I join your company on the last leg?"[/color][/center]