Lia had left the Armada, realising at long last that Vanta had left, and it didn’t seem as if she would be returning. No one knew where she had gone, only that she had done so. So she let her paws take her across the land of Boreas, feeling once again that sick feeling of aimlessness. She had liked the idea of having a purpose, for the short time that Vanta had given one to her.

Perhaps that was why, when she caught wind of slavers she decided to do something about it. Perhaps Vanta would hear the news as well, and she would find the powerful woman already part way through dismantling them. A foolish dream, perhaps.

She followed the news South, camping in small spots along the way until her final camp a few hours from her destination. She set up camp with a practised paw. Making a small fire, and pulling out the last remaining travel rations the Armada had given her. She chewed thoughtfully on the meat as she sketched out a quick layout of the cavern entrance. The best her companion could describe from the air.


"Lia"

Talyssa found herself moving aimlessly through the underbrush, her mind still full of recent events. Quill's whispers of affection, his warm laughter... Her heart pounded at the memory and a blush warmed her cheeks. She continued onward, keen to cover as much ground before the black veil of night spread across the lands. The scent of salt and tidal pools now drifted up from the beach nearby, luring her towards it. The soft sounds of waves caressing sand reached Talyssa’s ears and she found herself drawn towards it, eager for the soothing rhythm of the tide to quell the pounding in her heart. The sky above was a kaleidoscope of oranges, pinks and violets, reflecting off the gentle surf. As she strolled along the shoreline, the sand cool beneath her paws, Talyssa noticed a figure in the distance. It was a lone wolf, its silhouette stark against the setting sun. Filled with curiosity, she moved closer.

As she drew knew, she recognized the stranger to be a woman. One that looked like the embodiment of autumn, with a beautiful set of antlers that reminded her of her mother’s and sisters’. And the fire that she had situated herself against only accentuated her features. But even from a distance, something seemed … off? Not in a bad way, but like this wasn’t just a light-hearted camping trip. There seemed to be an air of anticipation about her, and Talyssa couldn’t help but ask. “Is everything okay?” She asked the older woman, wondering if she needed assistance, and if there was anything Talyssa could do to help.

"Talyssa Carpathius"

Lia looked up at the sound of paws, and caught sight of the tawny wolf as she drew near. She sat a little straighter, a tinge weary of the stranger until she was close enough for Lia to catch her scent. There was something oddly familiar about it that reminded her of Artorias and Briar, through she couldn’t say exactly what.

“Hello,” She said through the other wolf's greeting had been a little different. “Well… yes and no” she said a little thoughtfully, wondering how much to tell this other wolf. “I’m hunting down a hint of a slavers group in the area…” she glanced up a little cautiously at the stranger. Wondering what if anything those words would mean to her.


"Lia"

Talyssa blinked in surprise, her heart racing as the stranger's words sank in. "Slavers?" she echoed, the unfamiliar term causing a frown to tug at her brow. Her mind raced with the implications of what this could mean, and her confusion was evident in her bright eyes. How could such monstrosities exist, especially in Boreas? Her confusion was evident in her bright eyes, which widened with shock at the thought of such a heinous practice existing so close to her home. The very idea of wolves being forced into slavery sent a shiver down her spine and filled her with a sense of dread. She couldn't even imagine the horrors that these poor victims must endure, and it made her heart ache with empathy.

"Talyssa Carpathius"

Lia nodded her head, her eyes on the younger wolf. She caught the hint of confusion, and wondered what had caused it. That one lone wolf was hunting slavers, or the slavers themselves? “An awful practice.” She said softly, having gotten caught up in that life when her mother sold her. Vanta had given her a purpose in life, to hunt them down. She just wished… wished that Vanta hadn’t vanished herself. It was difficult not to feel adrift again.

“I don’t know if it's true that there's a group holed up in Time’s Cavern, but I plan to check it out for myself in the morning and see if I can do anything.” She continued, seeing the look of horror on the other’s face. “Your welcome to share my camp for the night”

"Lia"

Talyssa swallowed, her throat suddenly dry at the thought. The weight of the knowledge was a heavy burden, making her feel small and insignificant. But there was a spark of resolve in her eyes, a flicker of determination that outshone her fear. She may not be a hardened hunter like Lia, but she could not turn her back on those in need. Though a shudder of apprehension worked its way down her spine, she pushed her fear aside and gave a resolute nod.

"That's... that's terrible," Talyssa stammered out, her voice barely above a whisper. “And you’re going to go at it alone?” She asked out of concern for the strange woman. Putting herself in danger for the benefit others, that was truly a selfless act. One that she greatly admired. But then again, how could she stand by knowing what danger this fae was going off into, and do nothing to help? What could she possibly do to help? But as the offer to share her camp was extended, Talyssa found herself accepting. There was no way she could leave now. She couldn’t bring herself to do it.

"Talyssa Carpathius"