Put on your war paint

The lands were… interesting to say the least. The man had only met one individual thus far from these lands but it had been a unique encounter. The other had drawn the attention of a bear and without any coaxing, the man had jumped into the fray without fear. No other predator was a reason to stand down on the path to glory. But now he needed to find Calida again. The woman had no other bodyguards or guides with her now, save for him, and he’d been picked up along the way. It was almost a shame the others have lived out their usefulness… but that was how things went, unfortunately. The man would not shed a tear for them.

He knew the woman was more than capable on her own, however. She was a leader, a fighter, the Phoenix of War itself. She didn’t need those followers, or technically, if he was being honest with himself, even him. But the fact that he was expendable to the woman meant that he had to work even hard to prove he was an asset to her. More than just some mere soldier and loyal follower. Unfortunately, for what his heart yearned for, loyalty would only get him so far. It was more than just simply pinning after a woman to lay; Divinities knew he could have laid with his fair share if he so chose. But Calida was not like the harlots and slaves he’d seen.

She was beautiful, strong, elegant, a perfect woman to be at the side of. He was not of noble birth by any means… but that didn’t mean that Alaois would give up his dreams and aspirations that easily. It just meant that the man had to work that much harder, and Celeste willing, he would win her favor. He knew he was not of the lightest path, but neither was Calida and was Nox, the Allfather, not god over destruction as well? Sometimes for creatures to thrive they needed that as well. It would be for the greater good of course, and in the god’s name.

He caught Calida’s scent in a forest of thick vegetation and vines. He had to navigate around with care, mindful not to get a foot carelessly caught in a root. The last thing he needed was to explain to his female companion that he’d been careless and gotten himself in a spot. No, he’d be of no use as a hunter or fighter then. Still, when opportunity struck, Alaois could not help but risk going after a hare in the area. It went down quickly, their neck snapped with ease, and the man continued on his path with the smell of food invading his nose and the taste of blood on his tongue. It was enticing but it was not for himself. He brought it as a gift for the princess he served.

He approached the woman without caring to disguise himself, nor hide that he was coming. In fact, he knew doing either wouldn’t work anyway. Calida seemed to have a sense for such things. His blue-green gaze glowed in the dimly lit area as he approached her, gingerly lowering his head to set the rabbit near her.

“A gift for you, Princess.” He tipped his head respectfully as rich tenor chords left his maw. He backed away after that, moving a respectable distance away before laying down on the grass close enough to the fire to share in its warmth. His gaze shifted back to her though, curiosity in his gaze as he spoke. “What are your thoughts on this land thus far? I’ve heard about it from my family friends. Boreas, they call it. Full of soft hearts, though a good deal of them are warriors as well. Could be useful to bolster your followers, if you so wish.” Alaois laid his head across his paws, set at an angle so he was facing the woman. Soft hearts… the term he used for the “good” and “lawful”. They were a bit pathetic, following such light… did they not realize there would be no light without shadow? That without war they could be no peace? Everything needed balance, an opposite to itself. Just like the Divinities of Foi.