[h2][center][b][color=ed1c24]Novak[/color][/b][/center][/h2]
[color=ed1c24][i]She seems awfully sure that the Kyrinth is not to blame,[/i][/color] Novak noted as he listened to Lazhira's answer to his question.  From the way she spoke of it, it almost sounded like the elder beast was her friend, which would certainly explain why she was unafraid of wandering the woods alone.  Novak initially considered asking her about this, but chose to say nothing further on the matter.

[i][color=ed1c24]I don't know if she's withholding something or if she's simply naïve, but in either case I'd better keep a close eye on her.
[/color][/i]

In addition to her answer to his own question, Lazhira also provided some useful nuggets of information regarding this world by answering the Leannah's question.  The world's sun deity was named Auset-Kythet, who was worshiped by a race or culture called the Bastelians.  Even if these tidbits of knowledge weren't relevant to their immediate situation, Novak was always glad to learn more about this world.

Novak followed directly behind Lazhira as they made their way through the mists, being unable to conjure a magical light like his companions did.  If he had known beforehand how adept Leannah was in the casting of light magic, he'd have attempted to copy her invocation.  As he followed, he continued to listen to Lazhira's answer Narkissa's question.  Apparently Lady Mie and her people resided on the mainland rather than their home islands, and that this was her last stop of their trade route.  She also made a mention of some "mountain folk" who didn't sound too friendly.

Before Lazhira could speak more about this topic, something made a noise from deeper within the fog, and a quartet of large birds emerged from the fog.  These weren't the same as the birds that he had previously encountered alongside Misaki and Nobunaga- these ones appeared to be flightless, with vicious-looking talons.  Without warning, the birds attacked, talons outstretched.

As Leannah reached for Lazhira and pulled her out of immediate harm's way, Novak drew his sword and stepped forward, intend on dealing with one of the birds that had charged at their village guide.  Using the thrusting strike he had copied from Nobunaga, he stabbed at the feathered creature, intent on skewering the bird with the aid of its own momentum before its talons got too close.

[@Crusader Lord][@Rune_Alchemist][@Click This]