Nan-Li lay ahead beneath the deepening dusk, quiet in a way that felt deliberate. A couple soldiers helped KaMara right the cart.

Hiruq moved forward with measured steps, eyes scanning the homes and the scattered signs of interrupted routine. A dropped basket lay overturned in the road, pale roots and bruised fruit spilled across the snow. A bundle of kindling rested beside a doorway, untouched. No tracks led away in any clear pattern.

His attention shifted after a moment though, settling on Yume.

He approached her slowly, stopping closer than courtesy would normally allow. His gaze was sharp, assessing, his expression darkened by something between recognition and warning. He inhaled once through his nose, slow and deliberate, then met her eyes.

[color=#FFFFFF]“I feel like I’ve seen this situation before,”[/color] he said quietly.
[color=#FFFFFF]“And you smell familiar...”[/color]

He held her gaze a moment longer.

[color=#FFFFFF]“Don’t get yourself caught up in something you can’t walk away from,”[/color] he added.
[color=#FFFFFF]“I’d hate to have to put a cute face like that in check.”[/color]

There was no humor in his tone, and no raised voice. Just a warning, delivered plainly.

Hiruq stepped back, turning then toward Yumi.

[color=#FFFFFF]“And you,”[/color] he said, voice firm but even.
[color=#FFFFFF]“Don’t put up with a bully.”[/color]

With that, he withdrew, returning his focus to the village and the road beyond.

Nearby, Commander Rextelian was already directing Nan Gau’s soldiers into position with KaMaras help. The makeshift perimeter took shape quickly. Six small bonfires burned at measured intervals, fed by scavenged wood and broken furniture dragged from the nearest homes. Five sharpened stakes were driven into the ground along the most open approaches, angled forward to catch anything that rushed blindly.

Aya moved alongside him, crimson hair and fur catching the firelight as she relayed quiet instructions. Soldiers spread out, shields and weapons ready, their movements disciplined despite the strain evident on their faces.

Rextelian turned briefly toward Emily as she spoke, his expression steady.

[color=#B8860B]“It isn’t an infection,”[/color] he replied calmly.
[color=#B8860B]“They don’t spread through wounds or bites.”[/color]

His gaze lifted, scanning the darkened edges of the village.

[color=#B8860B]“They turn the dead against you,”[/color] he continued.
[color=#B8860B]“So don’t die.”[/color]

For a brief moment, his eyes flicked to the glint of gold at her hand. His jaw tightened, just slightly.

[color=#B8860B]“We’ll keep you standing,”[/color] he said more quietly.
[color=#B8860B]“You’ll go home.”[/color]

He turned next toward KaMara, acknowledging her earlier assessment with a single nod.

[color=#B8860B]“Bonfires will funnel them,”[/color] he said.
[color=#B8860B]“Mindless ones will come straight in.”[/color]
[color=#B8860B]“Hold the center. Let them break on us.”[/color]

Time stretched as the last light faded.

The fires crackled, casting long shadows that danced across the empty homes. Snow continued to fall, softer here, dampening sound and blurring edges. Then the wind shifted, and those with [Heightened Sense:Smell] would notice a cloyingly sweet smell of rot in the air. 

At the far northern edge of the village, shapes emerged between the fields. Five figures, their silhouettes uneven and wrong, limbs hanging at awkward angles. They advanced slowly, dragging feet through the slush and snow.

Moments later, more movement from the east. Not rushing, but a steady, inevitable approach of things that did not tire.

The bonfires flared briefly, flames snapping higher as if stirred by an unseen breath.

Rextelian moved to stand towards the front of the line, glancing around. [color=#B8860B]"No sign of the rider yet...Be prepared for a long night. Can we take them out before they get to us?"[/color]

Hiruq rolled his neck and glanced towards Yukan. [color=#FFFFFF]"Let's see what you've got Koyake. Take one of the groups out on your own."[/color] The shapeshifter grinned, a fang like grin. 

[hr]

Combat is beginning. The party has the advantage and can make advanced attacks against this wave. Remember to limit your actions to 3. Cool downs are completely reset as of this post. Write your three actions actions at the end of your post. 

There are five figures coming in from the north. If you target one of them say Zombie1 or Zombie2 or so on. 

Hiruq has challenged Yukan to take on the wave of 20 that are coming in from the east.