@Innue The tracks led to another clearing which unsurprisingly revealed a man resting against a tree reading a book, who very much resembled one of his old comrades. Zaro, the resident blood mage of the Byakko’s fangs, was of Ivslan decent. Tan/dark complexion depending on the amount of sun he got, he was well built and close to 6ft tall.He was one of the more formidable front-line fighters that they had and often was Axel’s sparring partner during the little off-time they had. It had been a few years since they had seen each other since Zaro took a leave of absence to go home and resolve some personal matter. Upon closer inspection, there were minor differences. As he was sitting down, it was hard to judge his size, but he appeared equal to Zaro in that regards. That was where the similarity ended. His clothing was different and his skin tone wasn’t as dark. He possibly could be from one of the areas bordering the desert with which he was not familiar. Loosening his sword, Axel decided to reveal himself in case the man had not already noticed him. It was more a courtesy than actually believing it required. Axel could have merely wandered back off towards Toran, but the clearing looked inviting and the weariness he had been fighting off was creeping back. He needed a break. Loosening his sword was just a habit. You never knew who you might run into, even in times of peace. Years of combat taught him that harsh lesson and his many scars provided reminders. “Ho friend, mind if I take a breather here? I need a little break, but I don’t wish to alarm or disturb you.” As he spoke, Axel leaned against a tree and removed his cloak. It was stained and had many noticeable tears in it from his encounter with the Albion. It was regrettable that he might have to replace the cloak he had received upon joining the Byakkos fangs. Before, he could have just had it mended, but it was probably in too bad of shape to be repaired. His body was slightly bruised and battered yet he had no blood showing. All in all, he knew he looked like a wreck. Pulling out a canteen, Axel went to take a drink and noticed it was empty. Drawing upon some of his magical power, Axel used his attunement with the water school, Mistshaping, to refill it with a thin stream before taking a long draw from it and holding it out towards the man whom was maybe 20 yards away, offering to share. “I’m Axel Wulf, formerly of the Byakko’s Fangs. And whom might you be?”