[center]Stumbling was not something that often happened to a girl so nimble as Idani Umbele, especially not with such force. [color=ffd700][i]That's uncanny,[/i][/color] came the thought, as soon as her feet were out from under her, mercurial as the action its self. There had been a force at her back, otherworldly and foreign. She had felt magic, many times; shops in Drasil, around the Sand-Eater campfires, dancing with the Empty-Handed Gypsies. This was unlike any of those things.

 She landed hard on her side, having turned with the impact, produced a loud grunt and curled in on herself. Her left arm was caught under her, stretched awkwardly on the dirt; but it was unbroken. She dug for purchase and scrambled to her feet; casting a narrow glare along the path behind her.  Idani's mind raced, though nothing moved among the trees. [color=ffd700][i]But what was it? My body feels fine. Concussive explosion?[/i][/color] Whatever it had been, it was intent on hiding itself. Her fingers slid to a hilt of a dagger hidden in her one sleeve. The forest remained much the same. Sun dappled and full of birds. 

[color=ffd700][i]An assassin?[/i][/color] She did not draw her blade, but stared ahead, wondering, [color=ffd700][i]Out here?[/i][/color] Oakheim wasn't far ahead, that much she was aware of; a small hamlet renowned for the quality of it's Forgehert Smithery. Idani slid her left leg back, bringing her arms up; and kept her fingers lingering near the blade. The barest moment passed before a small hum pierced the air, breaking her guard. Then came another rush of the pressing force. Idani saw it, this time; a writhing crescent that distorted the air hurtling towards her. Pivoting, she took a long hop away. [color=ffd700][i]What was its source? None of the branches were broken and it was in the middle of the path.[/i][/color] Again came the force. More clearly.

 [color=ffd700][i]Now![/i][/color] For a long time Idani had been used to running and twisting and avoiding. [color=ffd700][i]Even if I were hit, it didn't do much but knock me down.[/i][/color] Still, she knew that falling closer to the energy's source could be dangerous. [color=ffd700][i]Like the time in Undhand's Tomb.[/i][/color] Despite the foreign feel, she was determined. In her rapid approach, she saw it; something that hadn't been moments before. Yet, there it was; a book. Flinging bizarre projectiles at her.

 Idani Umbele did exactly what her instincts demanded. Her momentum was put into the jump, flinging her toward the prize she was going claim. [color=ffd700][i]Safe,[/i][/color] she told herself as she slid behind a thick tree. The book continued firing as she crouched low, taking her fingers away from the hilt of her hidden dagger. Branches rattled and leaves fell, but the tree remained standing; giving naught to the paltry onslaught. [color=ffd700][i]Now, what to do?[/i][/color] Naturally, she wanted the book. It obviously held some kind of power. [color=ffd700][i]Unless a crazy Magi threw their journal into the forest. It's too far to knock askew with a branch, unless I get a particularly large one. I doubt that would work well.[/i][/color]

Adjusting her hood, Idani rose from her crouch and darted to the next tree. She proceeded to do this three times, then paused. The noise stopped after she had passed the second. By her judgment, she was behind the book. [color=ffd700][i]Did that actually work?[/i][/color] Idani skirted around, peering out slightly. 

 Indeed, it was laying there. For a moment, tension; Idani fully prepared to retreat. Nothing happened. No strange surge. She tested the tentative peace. Within four seconds she was crouching near the book,  her dagger produced and halfway wedged under the grimoire's cover. It was bound in worn black leather, bearing faint letters near the bottom. [color=ffd700][i]Not any language I'm aware of.[/i][/color] Of course, she only spoke Drasilian and Volanci; with enough Seresish to make slow conversation. Slowly, she lifted it; fully expecting a trap of some sort. 

Nothing happened. Part of her was disappointed, the other half was still wary. With the book splayed open, Idani tested a page. [color=ffd700][i]Seems fine, now. Strange.[/i][/color] Her fingers touched the edge of the first, eyes lingering over neatly scrawled characters that she could almost say were Runes. [color=ffd700][i]The ink seems rather faded.[/i][/color] Lifting it was still a cautious motion, but the vagrant girl had relaxed. Whatever the problem had been, it seemed to have become tame.

A smile touched on her face as the book fell into her pouch. She didn't know what it was for, or how important it was; but Idani knew that it was magic, and that it was probably worth something. [color=ffd700][i]Better to be rid of it, quickly, then.[/i][/color] 

 As she turned toward Oakheim, she felt a small chill at the nape of her neck.

[color=ffd700]"What?"[/color] She said to something that could have been a whisper on the breeze. [color=ffd700]"Are you talking to me? I'm not quite sure I know what it is you're saying."[/color] Idani's eyes slid shut, her words turning to a quiet mutter. [color=ffd700]"No, I don't think so. I haven't seen anything like that in some time."[/color] While she was not aware of it, she was laying down, sliding her satchel under head head. [color=ffd700]"I really should be going..."[/color]

 Within her next breath, she was asleep.[/center]