[center]
[h2][color=ed1c24]Morganna[/color][/h2]
[sub]Interacting with [color=6f6b84]Höd Ultair[/color] [@Pupperr][/sub]
[/center]

Morganna gave the fallen ringleader no thought as Höd approached her position, caring very little for the state of some lowly bounty hunter with little sense of etiquette. The sounds of his gurgling pleas for help would serve as a reminder to his kind to not forget their place, or perhaps be an invitation for others to try their luck. Personally, she would have been fine with either outcome.

“[color=6f6b84]I would never leave a creature such as yourself waiting for long.[/color]” Höd responded to her with a smirk on his face. 

“[color=6f6b84]The locals have never liked me, though it probably has something to do with me slaughtering their brides to be.[/color]” A small sound of amusement escaped through Morganna’s nose as he responded to her banter with little shame.

“[color=ed1c24]Yeah, that would do it alright. This is the only time of year one can get a fresh bride, maiming or killing them is considered rather rude. They are quite the valuable resource… seems like such a shame to let them go to waste.[/color]” She spoke matter-of-factly as if her words held no judgment of her own, simply stating the way of the world he had crashed into.

The pair continued walking on for a little ways longer before Höd spoke again, the sound of her title gracing the air pleasantly. Very few made the connection between her and her title without seeing the mask or watching her fight in person, even fewer did so and survived to remember it. It was almost as if her masked form was a myth to be told stories about at the campfire. She wasn’t entirely sure where the name came from, as it wasn’t one she designed for herself. In her line of work, titles were not granted the same way as other warriors, tending to be self-created as a calling card to victims.

Morganna had never been interested in such things, simply showing up and causing widespread terror of a nameless enemy. After a while the name began cropping up, no doubt an attempt to combat the fear of a ghost, and stuck with her moving forward. She didn’t mind it, in fact, she grew rather fond of it. And hearing it slip off the tongue of such a beast made her like it even more.

“[color=6f6b84]I have to admit something to you, [i]Crimson Phantom[/i]. I knew you were special the moment I laid eyes on you, but to be the legend herself, my, my, mon Cherie… It was a pleasant surprise.[/color]” Morganna hid a delighted smirk behind her hand.

“[color=ed1c24]Suppose that gives you an idea of how others feel when they meet you, after all you’re quite the ghost story yourself. Never thought I’d see you wander in so close though, this place didn’t strike me as being your style. Guess we’re both meant to be pleasantly surprised today, wouldn’t you say?[/color]” 

The sound of swift footfallings caught her attention, the echo growing louder as the source drew nearer. She had little doubts it was another band of bounty hunters seeking a prize they could not possibly earn. This caused her to roll her eyes, the futility of their struggle exhausting to even her. They would be little trouble, however, if they were anything like the last group. From the sound of it, the only difference was the size of the group.

She thought it smart of them to come in larger numbers but to go up against two fighters of her and her companion’s caliber would be their end regardless. Hovering her hand above the hilt of her sword, Morganna watched the source of the racket turn around the corner well ahead of their current position. Morganna tensed in preparation of another fight only to find herself pushed clear out of the way. The startled woman let out a small dissatisfied growl as she was yanked from view, taking her a moment to realize that it was Höd who had done so.

It was an unexpected move for someone who could have defeated the group singlehandedly, leaving the assassin slightly off balance despite being firmly pressed up against a wall. While he glanced out at the street she was glancing up at him, staring intently as if to study his mannerisms. She wasn’t used to being caught so off-guard.

Höd sighed with relief as the group flew past their position giving away his desire to not fight that particular group. Morganna was still unsure as to why, all his previous encounters proving his love for the sport, but found part of her questions answered as he maintained his position after the danger had passed them by.

Morganna was unconcerned with not being released from her place against the wall, her eyes locked on his as she took note of every motion he made. There were no indications that he meant her any kind of harm but the desire was easy for her to read in his eyes. From the way he did move, it was clear that Höd knew who he was dealing with, hand approaching her face slowly to prevent spooking her. She maintained eye contact with the man, banishing the shiver that attempted to run through her as his thumb traced the outline of her lower lip. She would be foolish to admit that she knew all there was to know about the man, having spoken true about him being a ghost story.

There was much about the man that excited her, a mix between his skill and the mystery surrounding him being more than enough to grab her attention. But there was something else, something Morganna couldn’t quite place yet. Playing with him could prove to be a lot of fun, but she couldn’t just let him have it easy. Höd would have to earn whatever he got.

“[color=6f6b84]Now then, Morganna. Why don’t you tell me why you were looking for me?[/color]” He asked her, removing his thumb from her lip to trace along her cheek. Maintaining a playful expression, Morganna tilted her head slightly as she slipped one of the throwing knives from her hip and held it close to a place no man wished a blade to be.

“[color=ed1c24]Someone has paid a rather hefty amount for your head, my darling. They’re pretty inexperienced with such transactions which means I can wiggle a lot more money out of them. An easy pay day when the target all but hands himself over to the hunter.[/color]” The smile on Morganna’s face was twisted and not entirely clear as to whether or not she was kidding as she spoke. Not even she really knew how much was truth and how much was a joke, but she had already made her decision for the time being. Slipping her blade back into its pouch the girl spun expertly from the man’s grasp, flipping her hair nonchalantly over her shoulder as if nothing had occured.

“[color=ed1c24]I take it you’re holed up in some inn somewhere in town right? Not exactly the safest place for you with that kind of a bounty out, you’ll end up missing out on quite the vacation if you stay. Come along now, you’re coming with me. The Dantanath household is one people respect, so as our guest you’ll be left alone as long as you’re inside the grounds. That is, of course, unless you would rather keep fighting all day?[/color]” She teased, turning to lead the way without glancing to see if he’d follow.

Morganna chose back alleys and side streets to avoid the patrolling groups on the main roads, making the trip back to the estate somewhat roundabout but rather uneventful. Upon their arrival, Morganna was quick to notice the appearance of an unfamiliar steed tied to a post in the front courtyard alongside one of their own, who was left to wander the space untethered. A small trail of blood led from the horses to the front door causing her to pause.

She stooped down to dip her fingers in the blood, bringing them up to her nose curiously. Heaving a sigh, Morganna stood back up straight and shook her head.

“[color=ed1c24]Incapable of even the simplest of tasks. Whatever am I going to do with you little brother?[/color]”

[hider=Summary]
Höd gets up close and personal with Morganna.
HE CAN’T HAS IT…. yet.
She leads the way back to her house where she realizes Az is a dumbass.
[/hider]


[center]
[h2][color=8493ca]Azilon Dantanath[/color][/h2]
[sub]Husband of [color=98fb98]Rya[/color] [@Ellion] and [color=a187be]Lienna[/color] [@Obscene Symphony][/sub]
[sub]Interacting with [color=98fb98]Rya[/color], [color=a187be]Lienna[/color], [color=ed1c24]Morganna[/color], and  [color=6f6b84]Höd Ultair[/color][/sub]
[/center]

“[color=98fb98]Oh… it’s you.[/color]” The small girl said, glancing upwards with an expression that betrayed little interest in what had just occurred. She barely seemed surprised at his arrival either having expected him to come or simply not caring. Azilon shook his head as his questions were met with various nonchalant shrugs. Rya seemed distracted by something, eyes wandering about the ground as if transfixed on something his eyes could not detect. He glanced around in the hopes of spotting what held her attention so but when nothing stood out to him, he moved the trio along.

Azilon was still somewhat on guard as the three made their way from the leader’s tent, certain he had dealt with everyone properly but not risking the mistake of assumption. His eyes barely brushed over the leader Rynek who still lay on the ground gritting his teeth against the pain. There was still the chance of survival for him, however the man was clearly in no shape to continue the brawl. Ignoring the man, Azilon continued to survey the scene around the small group. The bodies of his victims lay strewn about haphazardly for whatever desert creatures desired them. Cawing from above alerted him to the presence of such creatures awaiting his departure before they made to swoop in and feast.

With a short whistle, a large dark steed came trotting around one of the tents in response to his master’s call. The Drakkan had not thought much about his return, having left in such a hurry that he only bothered to bring one horse. It was possible for the three of them to ride together on such a horse, as it was bred with war in mind, but he thought it better for each of the girls if separate rides were arranged. He shifted Lienna’s weight to one arm and helped Rya up onto his own horse, knowing that even if she attempted to steer him wrong, the horse would obey Azilon’s directions alone. He hoped the illusion of independence would be enough to keep her placated until their return to the estate.

Once Rya was situated, Azilon took another quick look around for a second horse. His first thought was the warrior he had defeated in combat, but he quickly thought better of such a plan. The leader’s horse was undoubtedly trained similarly to his in that it would refuse orders from a master it did not recognize. A fun challenge but one he was not willing to take on with Lienna in her current state. He also thought it rather bad in manners to take so much when he had already disgraced the warrior by leaving him alive. Rynek’s horse would remain behind with his master.  Instead, Azilon chose a steed bred slightly smaller than his own, and much lighter in color. The bay seemed neither frightened nor concerned with Azilon’s approach, allowing him to carefully place Lienna on her back before climbing up himself.

As antsy as Azilon was to return to the estate, there was no point in rushing the girls back. Lienna, while exhausted and covered in welts, seemed stable enough… it was Rya that had him concerned. Wounds of the flesh were easy to see and much more convenient to deal with than a wound of the mind. He made a note to keep a closer eye on the child moving forward, he was after all stuck with the small creature for real this time.

Eventually the trio made their way back to the estate, Azilon leading the way into the grounds only to halt the horse in the entrance courtyard. 

“[color=98fb98]This isn’t my home. I don’t live here. You said I was going home.[/color]” The girl had stopped his horse just outside of the estate, glancing at the building with a mixed look of alarm, confusion, and what appeared to be sadness. Azilon sighed, easing the bay forward a few more paces so that he could dismount and tether the creature. Leaving Lienna gently draped over the mare’s neck, Azilon turned back and walked back out the front to appear at Rya’s side.

“[color=8493ca]I know not of which home from your memories you speak of, but your home is with me now. This is only a temporary stop, I hope to return to the forest soon. Perhaps you’ll feel more at ease there than here in the desert. You’re a child of your gods’ matriarch, am I wrong? If there is something that will help ease your mind while we stay here, let me know. I shall do my best.[/color]” With Rya mounted on the horse, Azilon was forced to look up at the child for once. It also meant his concerned expression was more difficult to hide from her as she had the sight advantage. He might not have been the most thrilled Drakkan to receive a bride, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t care about the creature he had happened across. They had been forced to spend quite a few days together on the way to the city, it was no wonder Rya had managed to grow on the somber warrior.

Motioning for the Gem to come inside, Azilon guided the horse gently to the same spot the other horse had been tethered to. He helped Rya down to the ground, noticing for the first time that he was still bleeding from the wound she had given him earlier. It wasn’t a very large gash, small enough that he barely noticed the thing, so there was little reason it should not have begun healing on its own. Azilon came to the conclusion that the blade was likely treated with an ointment or poison of sorts to prevent recovery in battle. Underhanded but not entirely uncommon among certain groups.

Lifting Lienna down off the horse, Azilon paused by Rya, gently nudging her to grab her attention before making his way inside the building. The house servant Alice rushed up to greet the returning member of the house only to falter at the scene. It wasn’t the prettiest but it was far from a horror show, causing Azilon to scowl in her direction. Gathering herself, Alice drew closer for whatever instructions she might be given.

“[color=8493ca]See Rya here to a seat and get her something to drink, tea if we have anything weaker than that shit Morganna enjoys. I’m going to put this one here in a guest room so she can rest... Is Morganna still here?[/color]” Alice shook her head in response to his question, stepping up beside Rya to show her to the front sitting space before she hurried off to retrieve drinks from the kitchen.

Azilon shook his head, turning his body to walk down the hall to find a room for Lienna. He didn’t know very much about the servant as she had been added to the estate long after he had left to be on his own. Clearly she was a woman of few words, but as to the reason, well, he would have to ask if he remembered later. He kept walking until he had reached one of the vacant guest spaces, nudging the door open with his shoulder before stepping in. It hadn’t been properly prepared for any real guests, but it was enough for what was needed at the moment. Laying Lienna down gently on the bed, Azilon retrieved his cloak from around her before tucking her into blankets.

“[color=8493ca]Just stay here, I’ll see about finding you some replacements for your clothing. I’ll have a servant come in and check on you in a little while.[/color]” He wasn’t entirely sure that Lienna could hear him, but the words were there all the same in the case that she was listening. Turning to leave, Azilon shut the door behind him softly before returning down the hall to the front area.

“[color=ed1c24]You’re getting blood all over the floor Azzy.[/color]” An unmistakable voice sounded from the doorway, Azilon glancing up to see his sister Morganna entering. Her stance was relaxed as if such a sight was completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. 

“[color=ed1c24]I was expecting some resistance, but come on now… They shouldn’t have given you that much trouble.[/color]” 

“[color=8493ca]It wasn’t them, it was her.[/color]” Azilon countered, nodding his head in the direction of Rya who had gotten up at some point and began wandering around the room aimlessly. Exhaling slowly, Az chose to ignore the girl for the time being, his attention focused more on the large brute entering through the door behind his elder sister. Morganna waved her hand dismissively as Azilon tensed, clearly ready for a fight if there was one to be had.

“[color=ed1c24]So jumpy. Don’t worry, he’s with me. He’ll be staying here for as long as he wishes while in Železna Kri. So play nice.[/color]” Morganna’s tone and gaze turned harsh as she glared at the younger sibling, only softening once Azilon had returned to a more relaxed state. 

“[color=ed1c24]So you’re telling me that you made it through an entire encampment of mercenaries, only to be beaten by a bride? Come now Azzy, you’re losing your touch.[/color]” Azilon didn’t respond, simply scowling in her general direction.

“[color=ed1c24]Lighten up, I’m just messing with you. Assuming the blade was coated in something, yes?[/color]” She asked, already knowing the answer based off of the scene before her. There was no unfamiliar blade in sight and the wound didn’t match one created by his own daggers suggesting he had been stabbed during his ‘rescue’ operation. Such a small wound would have closed by the time he returned to the estate which left her with little doubt of the circumstances. Reaching her hand into her bag, she approached her brother and stooped so that she could examine the wound.

There was a faint scent mixed in with the blood that she could smell, a sour smell that made her crinkle her nose. She would have been more concerned if it was sweet as the likelihood of poison would have been higher, however, it didn’t seem like the case here. Pulling out a small packet, she stood back up and offered it to the man.

“[color=ed1c24]Just rub this powder in and cover it up, you should be fine after an hour or two. Now, where’s my payment, don’t tell me you lost her?[/color]” The woman took a few steps back, planting her right hand on her hip with a look of disappointment.

“[color=8493ca]Give me some credit will ya? She’s in one of the guest rooms hopefully resting. Thing looked pretty beat up when I got there, had to carry her the whole way.[/color]”

“[color=ed1c24]I’m getting the spoiled goods? Guess I should have expected as such, he was, after all, quite insistent. I suppose renegotiating our terms is out of the question too, whatever. A Gem is a Gem, she was bound to find herself in that kind of situation eventually, makes no difference to me.[/color]” Morganna feigned a pout before shrugging, turning her eyes down the hall as if debating whether to check in on the girl or not. After a short internal weighing of her options, Morganna decided she would assess the damages for herself. 

“[color=ed1c24]Höd darling, I’ve got a small matter to attend to. I shouldn’t be long so feel free to make yourself at home.[/color]” She said before taking off down the hall, quick to locate the room in question. Under normal circumstances Morganna would not have minded Höd accompanying her, it wasn’t as if she had anything to hide… However, the psychological state of such a fragile creature could be quite volatile. She thought it the safer bet to leave him in the other room while she checked in on Lienna.

“[color=ed1c24]My, my…. He certainly did a number on you didn’t he? Curious as he left the other one all but untouched, didn’t strike him for the devoted type. Change of heart, Lienna?[/color]” Morganna teased, leaning up against the door with her arms crossed. 

~~~

Back in the main room, Azilon was eyeing up the brute curiously. It took him a minute to place the man’s face, recognizing him as being from the Reaping ceremony. While he hadn’t received one himself, he had still shown up. Whatever his reasons were, Az couldn’t help but to feel somewhat slighted by the man as he was part of the reason his fight had been derailed so terribly. Still, he couldn’t be completely mad with him, after all, it had been his own sister that had handed over the girls to the enemy.

Eyes shifting back to his own bride, Azilon sighed again. Alice had brought the tea she had been asked to, a curt nod of his head directing her back down the hallway to meet with Morganna in Lienna’s room.

“[color=8493ca]Rya. Your tea. Sit down and drink it…. Slowly.[/color]” He added, knowing with his luck she would down the liquid in one go then go back to wandering about. Az then returned his attention to Höd in an attempt to figure out what it was exactly that Morganna saw in the man, to find any inkling of why he would be allowed among them so suddenly. It was an inquisition Az quickly gave up on, there was no understanding the woman. 

The sound of a voice from outside quickly stole his attention from the imposing man, Azilon’s already sour face seeming to grow ever more displeased. What exactly was being said could not be made out from their position, though it was clear that he was not alone. Despite this assumption, the owner of the voice entered the building alone though he required no invitation to do so.

“[color=f4a460]Seems like today is going to be a busy one. Not even lunchtime and we’ve already had several visitors. Who do we have here?[/color]” Salazar asked, turning the corner to gaze at the face of the new arrival with a fair amount of suspicion but little hostility. Before Höd could answer, Azilon spoke up with more spite in his voice than intended… though this time it wasn’t directed at Höd himself.

“[color=8493ca]Morganna brought him home. Think she said his name was Höd or something like that.[/color]” He said, retreating from his spot in the room to stand closer to Rya, all by shielding her from his father’s view. 

“[color=f4a460]Ah, the Ultair boy from last night’s ceremony, made quite the stir with your entrance. You have people talking. Well, if my dear Morganna has invited you that’s all I need to know. 
[/color]” He stated before turning back to his own son, catching sight of Rya behind him.

“[color=f4a460]Good boy, I see you went and retrieved our little Rya. Proud of you.[/color]” Azilon growled at his father though it was largely ignored by the elder man.

“[color=f4a460]Anyhow, I need to speak with you and your sister when you both have a moment. I expect to be seeing the two of you at lunch.[/color]” Nodding his head respectfully toward his new guest, Salazar paused a moment too long to let his gaze linger on Rya before he disappeared into down another hallway and out of sight.

[hider=Summary]
Az brings his girls back… apparently doesn’t really care about Lienna but super concerned about Rya.

Meets Höd, doesn’t know what to think of him.

Cranky times when dad shows up. Creepy dad being creepy.
[/hider]