"Ey! Ya know when the boss is gonna be back?"
A small group of five sat around a camp site. Each a hardened mercenary, they relaxed outside of the largest forest in the country.
"Soon."
The sub-leader, a mild mannered swordsman, leaned against a tree. He knocked his head back against the tree, staring towards the sky.
"I just don't get it. Why's a noble type like that broad still searching for a brat?"
The dead leaves began to crunch from within the trees, alerting the group.
"Boys, be ready! Don't immediately strike, could be the boss!"
-
"H-hey, Aveline, can I hide behind you? That's a lot of weapons..."
Aveline sighed softly as she slid down into the small camp. Five pairs of eyes fell onto her, a young woman covered with a torn up dress.
'Can't believe I'm stuck in this situation.'
Her eyes wandered between each person, their hostility fading as they saw the second lady fall out of the forest. Lyla, however, fell on her face. While helping her back to her feet, Aveline could see the weapons dropping out of the corner of her eye.
"Hey, little ladies, why ya out here? That forest is incredibly dangerous."
Aveline faced the leader of the group. His eyes were a murky grey, yet they were strangely vibrant.
"We were lost for a while. Can I get a general location of where we are?"
Her guard was up, keeping every last person at a distance. Aveline kept one hand near Lyla, her alertness suddenly fading as two voices approached.
"Hmm? Whatcha bastards doin?"
A beautiful, extremely fit woman was headed there way. Behind her was another, hidden within a cloak. The fit woman had soft brown eyes and vibrant turquoise hair.
"Oooooh. Y'all found some cuties in the forest?"
Her own words seemed to shock her as her eyes flashed open wide. Turning to her partner, she looked back and forth.
"Hey, hey!"
Her excitement seemed confusing, at least until the woman hiding within the cloak pulled it off. Her golden eyes were wet with tears as she slowly stepped towards Aveline. A thin scar connected her left eye to her jaw, though it was hidden within her hair.
"L-Leen?"
Aveline could barely breathe as she watched Kyra coming towards her. Her knees grew weak as her eyes became blinded.
"The hell is goin on? This the brat you've been lookin for, Miss?"
Kyra turned away for a moment, glaring at the man that spoke up. He rubbed his neck, looking away.
"Keep your mouth shut, Fen. Lady Kyra has been busting her ass to find this young woman. If you say one more word, I'll make sure you can't use your sword arm again."
Fen retreated, hiding away as Kyra finally reached out for Aveline.
"One year. You have been gone for one whole year. How did you survive out there?"
Her hand cupped Aveline's cheek. Grabbing her arm, Aveline leaned into her hand.
"You... you..."
Aveline couldn't even speak properly, her voice fading as she slipped into Kyra's embrace.
'The emotions welling up inside of me, they're more than just my own. Even with her soul gone, all of our emotions are behaving erratically.'
["I'll calm you down some. Though you've left the forest, I can help you at least this much."]
Aveline took a deep breath, feeling her emotions slowly defuse. Her smile began to bloom as she practically curled herself into Kyra's lap.
"I've missed this."
Kyra couldn't help herself, her laughter bursting out. Unknown to her, that very laughter enchanted the sub-leader.
"Leen, you've been gone for so damn long! Ya think I'da been able to stop from grabbin ya!?"
Before Aveline could respond, Fen had stepped back forward. His gaze was sour.
"So you were just another backwater plains dweller?! Disgusting bitch!"
The leader of the merc group stood in his way, furious.
"The hell're you doin!? She's not only our client, she's close to our saviour! Shut the hell up!"
Fen shoved his leader, the girl slamming down onto the ground. Before she could attempt to get back to her feet, Fen stepped on her chest.
"Dammit Nora! I've been lenient with you, cause of your Pops! Someone so wet behind the ears... Even he backs down when I'm pissed off! A woman will NEVER lie to me!"
Aveline could feel her anger growing, deciding to help Nora and reinforce Kyra's position, she got to her feet and looked towards Lyla. With a simple nod, the Foxkin began to whisper to herself. A moment later, she faded from view. Her attention then focused on Fen.
"Is there something wrong with my closest friend and most loyal maid being from the Southern Plains? If it's her accent, I absolutely adore it. If it's her body, she's fit to be the winner of many competitions. Or do you have some petty inadequacies against her people?"
Kyra had a slight blush, as well as a cute smile on her face. It was obvious how much she missed Aveline's teasing flirts. Fen, however, wasn't having it. His glare could light a fire.
"Why do I have to listen to a sniveling noble bitch spew absolute bullshit?!"
Attempting to press down harder, Fen's foot would no longer move.
"This... sniveling noble bitch, currently has the most pull here. Those men behind you? Pissed. The girl behind me? Giddy... and pissed. Should be, anyways. The girl under y-"
Fen attempted to stomp down again, raising his voice.
"I am the first trainee under-"
Aveline cut him off with a small icicle pricking his throat.
"Under the Mercenary Warlord, Gaius Vontre. You're also trying to kill his daughter, Nora Vontre. I know exactly who you are."
'Lesser bad guy, getting an early execution. If I'm remembering right, Orion uses him to attract Nora and some others to his side. Hehe, go Kyra! Brought me so many good things!'
Aveline smirked, raising her hand and snapping.
"Uwah?! Gah!"
Fen felt his leg grow wet, then numb. As he looked down, he realized why he couldn't step down. Two pairs of incredibly tough claws were guarding Nora's body. At their bases, Lyla was smiling, blood dripping down the claws. They receded, giving Lyla the chance to scoop Nora into her arms.
"I got her!"
Lyla bolted, her face ecstatic as she dashed back to Aveline's side.
"And now, you have no leverage."