Vanta moved at a lope toward the cavern entrance, her crystalline fur catching the light in a dazzling display. Lia was already waiting, her fire-kissed figure silhouetted against the backdrop of the ancient caves. "Sorry for the delay."  She breathed, a sheepish grin breaking across her muzzle as she slowed to a stop beside her friend. "Catching up with my dad took longer than I expected."

She gave a shake of her head, clearing it, and directing her focus instead to the task at hand. "Have you found anything?" Her crystalline gaze swept over the cave entrance, noting the ancient drawings that adorned the walls just past the mouth. She'd always wondered about them as a child and had meant to set aside time to explore and investigate them. She'd yearned once to learn of the history that had been so important that someone had literally etched it on the walls.. and now here she was, a woman grown, wishing she could collapse every single tunnel.

The troubling possibility that these caverns might still conceal slavers even years after Lia's sale was hard to swallow. How could this disgusting business persist near the Armada unnoticed? Or worse, tolerated? The young Fatalis wrestled with the difficult notion that her father - or even Azure - might have had a hand in this. Could they have intentionally chosen these mountains for the convenience of being close to such darkness? The very idea made her skin crawl, her fur prickling in discomfort. It was far more comforting to believe that this evil was just as hidden from the Armada as from the rest of the world, and until proven otherwise, Vanta would give her father the benefit of the doubt.

Vanta glanced at Lia, seeking the woman's input. They were partners now. "If these slavers are still operating here, we need to uncover it. And if we find them..." Her jaw set in a firm line, her crystalline eyes hardening with resolve. "We'll do what must be done. For the good of all."

"Speech"

Lia stood alert and waiting at the entrance of the cavern. She felt something inside of her relax just a smidge when the shimmering touch of glinted light caught her eye. She knew that shape anywhere. She hadn’t known Vanta long, but she struck a rather unique figure, walking with her own little light show. Well, she supposed if anyone wanted subtly they would be coming to the wrong crowd. Vanta was glinting ice to Lia’s fire, and the smaller wolf stood out more than she would have liked growing up.

When Vanta was close enough to speak, her words caused Lia to chuckle. The imposing figure of the Warlord in her memory wasn’t exactly synonymous to affection in her books. “I found the remains of some bodies, it looked like something angry tore them apart. No skin left on them, but whatever attacked them chipped the bones. The cavern where I was first taken to was empty, but I caught some scents further back in the cave. The entrance to it is easy to miss. I only checked it out because I knew it was there…” She hesitated, remembering why she had been taken down that offshoot many times before. She was unhappy with the memories attached to this place. She wanted to think she was finding her strength, but she had felt eyes watching her as she sniffed out the abandoned slaver post. “That’s the only fresh scent I caught.” she finished, and she hadn’t been brave enough to check it out without Vanta.

WC: 264
total: 602
"Speech"

Vanta listened intently to Lia's report, her crystalline eyes narrowing slightly as she processed the information. The details Lia provided, though grim, were crucial pieces to the puzzle. The remains of bodies torn apart, the chipped bones, it all painted a picture of violence and brutality that definitely fit the profile of the slavers they were tracking, but why would they leave the skeletons behind? If this was their home, their base of operations, you'd think they'd want to erase any and all evidence they could.

"I see." Her gaze drifted wards the cave's shadowy interior. The thought of Lia exploring these caves alone, particularly given her history with this place, stirred a mix of feelings within the crystal-touched fae. A protective instinct, yes, but also pride."It sounds like we might be on the right track. The fact that you found fresh scents is promising... or concerning, depending on how you look at it." She gave the woman a reassuring smile, a flicker of admiration in her crystalline eyes. "I'm glad you waited for me before venturing further. We're stronger together, and whatever lies ahead, we'll face it as a team."

She took a deep breath - steeling herself for what they might find within - and stepped towards the cave entrance, her body language quiet yet confident. "Let's check out this hidden entrance you mentioned. We need to find who might still be lurking in these caves." With a gesture of her nose she beckoned the woman to lead the way, following her deeper into the cave system until finally, not just scents reached them, but voices, too.


"Speech"

She fell silent and let Vanta digest her words. Once she had, she found the other wolf was inclined to agree that they were onto something. Lia reminded herself carefully that this was important. Just as facing her mother was a vital part of growth, so was this. This was facing her past, and actually doing something about it.

She inclined her head in agreement. “Facing my mother was something I had to do alone, but I suppose it’s nice to have company on this” She said, a light hint of teasing in her tone. It was easier to tease than to fret.

She let herself follow Vanta’s lead, stepping after the much taller wolf, and allowing her own steps to soften. Treading lightly through the caves, which were familiar to her. Especially with the refresher she had just given herself. She did allow herself some amusement as Vanta’s quiet walking. If they encountered any source of light, they were going to be beacons in the night.

Shortly after entering, Vanta indicted for her to lead. It made sense, since Lia had the most current and relevant information. She let herself step ahead, and made her way through the cavern. Passing by the old marks in the dirt where pens had been set up. Nearing the back of the cave, where privacy was allowed for any who might wish it. She reached out and touched a paw to Vanta, and then pushed her paw forward, indicating where to look to find the subtle entrance.


WC: 258
total: 1128
"Speech"

The caverns' dark history became increasingly apparent the further the pair moved, each mark and scar on the walls providing even more evidence to the suffering that had occurred here. The gentle, reassuring presence Vanta had tried to provide was slowly fading the deeper they travelled, replaced by an intensity as glacial as the markings upon her fur.

The hidden entrance Lia had discovered revealed a narrow passage, one that lead them into the furthest depths of the cave. The air grew heavier, the shadows deeper. Vanta pushed forward with confidence - ever comfortable in the dark, after a childhood restricted to caverns just like these - her every sense alert to the potential dangers that lay ahead. Her tail flagged high, her perked ears twitching to catch the softest sound. A predator on the hunt, imbued with the ferocity of her well-known bloodline.

Motioning for Lia to stay close, the two came to the passage's end and emerged into an expansive, dimly lit chamber. The air in the chamber grew tense, a palpable sense of danger enveloping the space as they were brought face to face with three massive males.

The scene they came upon seemed ripped from a nightmare; within the dimly lit space, rugged slavers loomed over a cluster of wolves. Emaciated, matted, hollow wolves. One of the men - a large brute with a recently scarred snout - raised his paw as Vanta moved to get a closer look, striking the smallest slave across the face, sending them crumpling to the ground with a whimper.

"Enough!" Vanta's voice boomed through the cavern, the echo of her snarl rising above even that of the heavy blow.

"Well, what do we have here? Lost little lambs?" The male taunted, his voice dripping with menace. His underlings, taken aback by the women's sudden appearance, gave a moments hesitance. The fear alight in their eyes spoke volumes: this was not their first encounter with a revenge-driven warrior. Already they were considering their escape.

Vanta wasted no time, her transformation complete. Gone was the reassuring, gentle wolf Lia had come to know and the soft Fatalis princess her father had raised. Her stature grew, not in size but in presence, her righteous fury overtaking every fiber of her being. In a flash of movement, the crusader lunged forward, crystalline sabers flashing dangerously as she bore down on the leader.

The chamber erupted into chaos, but Vanta - caught in a whirlwind of righteous fury - gave everything else little notice. Lia could handle herself, and more then that, Vanta had sworn to let her.

The leader found himself pinned under Vanta before he could react, his limbs flailing helplessly against her imposing frame. Her movements were deliberate and precise, a brutal dance of controlled fury. As the offending paw - the one that had struck the slave - came within her reach, Vanta seized its wrist in her jaws. The slaver's screams filled the air, but Vanta was undeterred, her focus unbreakable. She repositioned herself for better leverage, her crystalline-tipped toes finding secure placement on his chest. She bit and pulled, bit and pulled; the crunch of bones yielding under her relentless grip only driving her on until finally, the weakened joint gave way, severed.

The slaver's scream intensified as his limb came away and Vanta took quick advantage of those jaws pried so very wide. With a ruthless movement, she released the severed limb, letting it fall into the gaping maw of the slaver. With one paw she forced it deeper - pushing past the desperate clamping of his teeth upon her arm - while the free limb moved to cover his nostrils, ensuring he could neither breathe nor expel the obstruction.

Vanta's crystalline eyes were cold, devoid of mercy as she watched the slaver's struggle, suffocating beneath her, choking on his own blood and claws.[i] "Not lost lambs." She whispered as he died. "Shepherds. And you - " She paused. " - are a wolf who's being preying on the flock for far too long."

"Speech"

[/color]

As Vanta seemed to swell and grow, bolstered by her righteous fury, Lia found herself shrinking further inside of herself. There were so many memories here. Both, of her time in this cavern, and her time in so many like it. It was so easy to remember herself as the victim she had been.

But she wasn’t that wolf any longer, and she hadn’t come here alone. She didn’t want Vanta’s pity, but she found herself suddenly immensely grateful that the pale wolf was beside her. She forced herself to stand a little straighter, moving to the end of the passage. Moving beyond… and seeing beyond. Three massive wolves stood over hollow, desperate creatures. Mistreated even further then she had been. With little care given to preserving their beauty. Almost as if to emphasise that point, one of the towering brutes struck a slave and sent them sprawling across the floor.

She could run. She could turn around right now, and flee. Before they saw her. Before they took her back. She couldn’t go back She stood there, paralysed, before Vanta’s voice boomed through the cavern. The wolf beside her was… not the wolf she had entered with. She seemed almost ethereal, something []iother[/i]. Her crystals shone in the faint light of the cavern. A spark that zinged through her coat, and across her teeth. As Lia watched, Vanta threw herself forward, onto the main slaver.

As she stood there, paralysed, she watched one of the minions grab for one of the slaves. Pulling them up by their scruff. Hoping to.. What? Use them as a meat shield? The wolf whimpered, and Lia could see she was young. Barely more than a child, through her eyes were glassy with despair.

Lia was moving almost before she realised it. Leaping at the slaver, tilting her head down, and skewering them through the shoulder. She tossed her head as high as she could. Almost lifting the wolf by the horns that impaled them. They screamed out in pain, dropping their victim. Lia didn’t stop. She tore forward, dragging the taller beast with her. Smashing them against the cave wall. Pushing her horns deeper, deeper into his side. Until the shining crystals gleamed with blood.

She was so distracted with what she was doing, she didn't realise the third dire was behind her until he was upon her. Grabbing her by the shoulders, and hauling her back. Her horns slid out of his friend, and he slumped limp against the wall. But she could spare no more attention for him. She felt the wolf's claws on her throat, tilting her head back and exposing her long, elegant neck. Her antlers swept behind her, useless and unable to reach anything. 


She knew her eyes were wide and wild as his claws dug into her throat, drawing blood and ensuring her stillness. “I've a message for your Warlord” he snarled at Vanta.”I've had enough of him hunting us, picking us off. Tell him to keep his pack away from us… and we are keeping this one to ensure his obedience.” She knew the dire behind her was grinning. She could hear it in his voice. He dug his claws in deeper, leaving trails of blood against her neck and his claws. His voice was thick, and sickening. She knew he was enjoying her blood, could smell his excitement. Her eyes rolled with fear. 

"Speech"

In the midst of the cavern's chaos, Lia had undergone a transformation too. The paralyzing grip of fear had loosened, giving way to a fierce warrior spirit. The surge of pride that followed awoke a deep, primal instinct within Vanta, one that whispered a single word: Mine.

A second was upon her before Vanta could intercept, his finding Lia's throat, drawing blood. The sight ignited a new surge of fury within Vanta; a blazing inferno that threatened to consume everything in its path. Every muscle in her body tensed, her crystalline eyes growing hard as they zeroed in on the assailant.

"Let her go." The command was deadly calm, though it rode a deep, unbroken, rumbling growl. Vanta carefully moved off the leader’s lifeless form, moving in a semi-circle to position herself directly opposite the dire wolf and his captive. Each fluid movement of her limbs was made deliberately slow, though was lacking any hesitation. She moved with confidence and grace, even as her wrist continued to bleed. No sudden movements, not until the time is right.

In the background, unnoticed by the slaver, a viper stirred.

The sudden strike at the dire's remaining foreleg caused him to falter, his grip on Lia momentarily loosening as he fought for balance. Seizing the opportunity, Vanta closed the gap. She barreled into the slaver with the force of an avalanche, her fangs tearing through his cheek and eye.

The slaver howled in pain and surprise and fell to the cavern floor, clutching desperately to what remained of his eye. Vanta didn't pause. She swiftly positioned herself between Lia and the slaver, a protective barrier of fur and fury. Her friend's steady, safe presence grounded her enough to allow her to recall the slavers words. 'keep away from us'. Us. There were more of them.

"Listen well." Vanta hissed, venom dripping. "You will take this story and carry it to every corner of the world. Everywhere darkness like yours hides. You will tell them of what happened here. You will tell them that if I find any slaver - any trace of your vile trade - I will do to them what I did to your leader." She gestured towards the lifeless body of the leader where he lay in a pool of blood, his jaw pried open wide.

"And if I ever see another slaver here again." She continued, her voice a low growl. "I will know you failed. And I will hunt you down like the rabid dog you are and make you beg for death."

The disfigured slaver gave an overexaggerated nod, still moaning loud, and rose unsteadily to his paws. He scrambled and stumbled away, marking the way back through the caverns with a trail of his own blood.

Only once she was certain he was gone did Vanta turn to Lia, her expression softening. Concern shimmered in her facetted eyes. "Are you alright?" She whispered. There was a shred of fear lingering in her voice, one that was not present during the chaos. Vanta was scared. What if her friend resented her for allowing the slaver to live? Would the woman understand the choice Vanta had made, for the greater good?

"Speech"

Lia could only watch as Vanta circled around the slaver. She felt the paralysing grip of her failure. The awful, painful truth of just how much of a liability she was to the stunning crusader whose company she had chosen to keep. She couldn’t see behind her, so she didn’t see what was happening. She just felt him falter, stumble. His grip on her neck seemed to loosen and she dragged in a full breath of fresh air.

In that same instance, Vanta charged. Ploughing into the slaver, and releasing her. Almost before she knew what was happening, the silvery wolf was between her and her captor. Safe. She was safe. She raised a paw to her bleeding neck and held it there as Vanta spoke. Threatening the slaver, and demanding he pass on a message. Ensuring that the world he lived in would shake, and feel his fear.

When he was at last gone, she sagged a little, her horns hanging limply as she looked at Vanta. “I’m alright, I’m alright. Foolish through I am…” She had almost gotten them into a bad situation, but Vanta had gotten them out of it.


"Lia"