Jericken Finds the Captain

Characters: Fira, Aikuen, Windhunter, Jericken. Spoofs

Location: Near the Govi's house, Deep Woods, Holding Cell.

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Fira has spent most the last couple of days mostly trying to translate letters and find some clue towards the writing on the sword, while she's not having fun with Aikuen anyway. She's had a revelation in the night though and rebuilt the fire to check things through only to hit another dead end and spend the rest of the night thinking it over, which she's still doing in the morning.

Aikuen has been dead asleep most of the night, did notice her waking. But promptly fell asleep again. Thought it was a dream. He is flat on his face on the cloth, having nothing furry to curl up against. He yawns as the light of day begins to fill the air, and he chokes on a bit of dirt, "Hack... Ug..." he blinks a few time and moves his head up from the cloth. He blinks a few times at Fira and gives a warm sleepy smile, "Heya... Fira..." he mmms and rolls on his back looking up at her, "Good morning love" he says properly.

Fira only just notices the movement next to her and at first assumes he's just turning over so it takes her a moment before she gets that feeling she's being watched and finally looks back down to him. She blinks and finally lowers the letter she was reading "Sorry dear" she leans over to give him a little kiss "Morning love"

Aikuen grins warmly at the kiss. He has gotten used to her not hearing him, for obvious reasons. Besides it doesn't bother him a bit! He reaches for her free paw, and kisses it, "Perfectly alright darling..." he chuckles, "Sleep Well?... I felt your warmth move away from me last night... I had nothing to snuggle against..." he laughs and places her paw on his cheek, "... so i guess you got a little reading in before i woke eh?"

Fira smiles faintly, she feels bad for unintentionally ignoring him sometimes. She gives his paw a little squeeze back "Yeah, sorry. I had an idea but I don't think it's right anymore" she puts the letter back on it's pile, moving a book on top of them so they won't blow away "Least I didn't wake you up in the process"

Aikuen moves his head back to place it on her leg. He nuzzles with the fur before going back to look at her with a big ole smile, "Had a random breakthrough?... Sad that you didn't figure it out..." he pats her paw, "In time it will come to you... Cause im no help with that sort of thing!" he laughs and sighs, kissing the top of her leg, "I think you did wake me... but it was such a wonderful scene... i couldn't believe it was real, and thought it was a dream..." he grins.

Fira smirks back at him and leans down to kiss his nose "Sweet but I'm sure you're lying there. I'll get it in the end, yes. Probably when I'm not half asleep too. Guess I'm making breakfast"

Aikuen shrugs, "I might be... depending on what you want to believe!" he chuckles and gets up, leaning over her, "Maybe you will figure it out today... Guess you are... but first..." he leans in kisses her properly. Placing his paws on her shoulder to pull her in, while he does it. After a nice long time, he pulls out and smiles, "Now... how about breakfast!" he grins and looks over to the fire.

Fira mmms quietly with the kiss and relaxes a little. She could probably doze off again right now but thankfully she's managing to stay awake for now "Definitely a good morning" there's a little smirk before she stretches and reaches for the pack of food "Fish alright? I feel like fish"

Aikuen looks to her an tilts his head, with a chuckle, "Do you have to ask that? I'm an otter! Its like asking a squirrel if they are good at climbing!" he winks and reaches for one of the many apples that they collected, "Want a slice, while we wait for the fish to heat up?" he asks.

Fira continues to smirk after she glances at him "Somewhere there is a squirrel who's afraid of heights and you'll be sorry you never asked. Sure, slice up an apple" she can't look at him for the next couple of minutes anyway as she's preparing a couple of fish to cook. Doesn't do too much since they are otters after all and it's not too long before she just leaves them on a rock by the fire to cook.

Aikuen laughs, "That'll be the day... But now you got me curious, so now... every squirrel that i see, im gonna ask..." he laughs and draws his dagger. Cutting the apple into slices. He eats one quickly before patting her on the shoulder to get her attention, "Get your apple slice..." and he places it between his fangs with a grin.

Fira looks round again at the tap before laughing quietly at him. Probably just as well, her paws are fishy. Still, she thinks he's funny and leans back over to kiss him and bite away her bit of apple.

Aikuen laughs as she kisses him, and he leans into it. After she pulls away, he licks his lips and says, "Very tasty... Apple and Fira..." he then reaches for one of the fishy hunks and pops it in his mouth, "Mmmm... Apple, Fira, and Fish..." he chuckles with a wink and splits the rest of the apple into two portions for them both. He puts one of his paw on her leg and gives it a little rub as he lays his head on her shoulder. He mmms lovingly.

Fira rolls her eyes, smirks and moves up close to him to settle against his side and eat fish "If you start nibbling on me I will have to hurt you" it's said jokingly, she's clearly not serious.

Aikuen places his lips on the top of her head, and makes the motion of eating. He laughs and nibbles on the fish instead. He wraps an arm around her to stroke her side, as he eats both apple and fish together, "Ahhh... A good breakfast! like always when you are the chef!" he chuckles and kisses her forehead, before going back to eating.

Fira grrrrrs at the head nibbling but just laughs again a moment later before she looks back up at him, smiling at the kiss "I'm just good with fish for obvious reasons"

Aikuen finishes off his little bit, and tilts his head at her with a small smile, "What? I don't see it!" he looks her over, "Its not that obvious... TELL ME!!!!" he looks very scared and continues to look her over. This is all in jest and eventually Aik just laughs, "AH! Yes... you are an...Ot-..." he laughs suddenly, "A SQUIRREL!"

Fira smirks and gives a little snort of amusement at his behaviour "Well I was going to say cause I lived by a lake but sure, that too" laughing quietly as well. Her silly husband.

Aikuen chuckles, "OH yeah... well, That too... That too..." Eh, so he was wrong. Aik just shrugs if off and moves on. He goes to wrap both his arms around her, giving her belly a light rub, "My otter!" and he tightens his grip on her for a second or so. The otter likes the time that have been getting to themselves, as he enjoys the quiet of just them. He hums for a minute before kissing the top of her head and saying softly, "My love... My Fira..."

Fira rather likes it herself. Sure, she's deaf so everything's quiet but it's nice not to juggle between reading multiple lips and interruptions. She quite happily rests against him for now, quiet for a few minutes before she finally speaks up again "This is nice"

Aikuen nods on her head, "Aye it is..." then the thought of them having to go back enters his mind. But he pushes it back down. Think about, when we have to think about it. He starts to rock from side to side and starts to rub her belly lovingly again. He takes a deep breath of her headfur and mmms, "Mmmm... What... " as he seems lost for words at the moment, "What... do we plan...on... on doing today..." he mmms again and close his eyes. Apparently he wants to cuddle up and go back to sleep.

Fira has the same thought lurking somewhere in her mind but she's not voicing it either, just keeping an eye on him so she can glance up when he speaks "Hmm...well I think you've probably seen pretty much the whole place now. I don't know. It's nice to just relax like this for a while"

Aikuen nods slowly, "Aye... seen as much as we can for this trip..." he grins slightly, "This has been... the nicest vacation like thing... i have taken in a long time... No danger, lots of food, a great place to rest without a worry... and the best company anybeast could ever have, or ever hope for...you... My darling wife..." he nuzzles her cheek and gives it a small lick, "I remember when we first meet... who knew at that time... that we would fall in love and get married..."

Fira smirks back at the nuzzle "Who'd have thought randomly going fishing on the bridge and bumping into Will and you lot would be so life changing...to be honest, since we haven't really travelled or been alone since we got married I think this has kind of been like a rather late honeymoon...suitably quiet for it too" she sighs faintly but still happily "Guess everything comes to an end too"

Aikuen sighs, "And you would have thought that us going to a little trip to the north... would change my life completely...for the better... as i meet you... Have to thank the cherries..." he nods and chuckles at the next part, "Aye, i guess you could call it that... Its been a nice honeymoon... may have to do it again sometime soon!" he sighs and stops rubbing her belly, "Can i ask you something... When you first meet me... did you ever think that one day that... 'This would be my future husband'... when i first meet you... I kinda knew that we would be something more than just friends one day..."

Fira tilts her head, thinking back all that way "Hmm. I don't know. I mean I'd just sort of left everything, which granted wasn't much anyway, to join in with a trip with a stoat and strange otter that I'd never met because this young rat had asked me too and he didn't seem so bad...Looking back on it I do some really stupid things yet somehow they work. Lady Luck has a soft spot for the hard of hearing" there's a tiny bit of a smirk.

Aikuen chuckles and shakes her playfully, "Some stupid things eh... Luckiest otter in the world... that's my wife!" he laughs and kisses her neck, before going back to rubbing her belly like he likes too, "I'm glad you came with us... I probably told you that before... but im must tell you again... again and again tell i cant speak anymore... You mean so much to me... and im glad that it all worked out the way it did... Thank you lady luck!" he sighs and starts to rock again.

Fira laughs at him and wraps her arms around him too, cuddling up to his side "Yeah it worked out well. Not brilliantly since lot of bad things happened on the trip and when we got home but I'll never regret marrying you and I do love you more than anything"

Aikuen laughs and gives her a squeeze, "You don't know how much that means to me. I could live off those words for the rest of my life... and live happily!" He lightly scratches her side, "I love you Fi... Fira... my wonderful wife and mate... I love you so much, that it hurts to think otherwise..." he kisses her softly. Leaving all that bad stuff that's happened to them, behind. From now on, its only good stuff, if he can help it.

Fira laughs quietly at the squeeze and squeezes him back too "Then I'd suggest not thinking otherwise..." she sighs quite contently and lets her mind wander again "...What do you think the others have been doing?"

Aikuen nods, "I don't think i will... ever... as long as i live..." another soft kiss. He then laughs and shrugs at the next part, "If i know them... they are probably celebrating everyday that we have been gone..." he chuckles, "Well hopefully the dirt tunnel didn't burn down... i actually would not be surprised, even though that is not even possible..." he sighs, "Just hope everything will be the same as when we left..."

Fira smirks "Well I specifically told Kentar not to let it happen so it probably has. Something will have happened. I'd bet good money on that. I'm sure whatever it is they'll either have fixed it by the time we get home or it'll be something simple"

Aikuen laughs, "Knowing Kentar... yah. I do have a feeling that if something did happen they have cleared it up by now..." though it doesn't fell like it was simple. He sighs and reaches for another apple slice holding it in front of her, "Here, have the last bit of the apple..." lets just say he is wide awake now.

Fira aims a little kiss at his cheek to distract him from worrying as she takes the bit of apple "Thank you dear"

Aikuen is very distracted at the kiss, and he grins at her, "Your welcome darling..." he chuckles and slowly start to nuzzle her cheeks. And when she finishes the bit of the apple he kisses her roughly, "Mmmm... Apple and Fira... Still good!" he gives her a little squeeze and chuckles, "Here... lie on your stomach.... i want to try something..." he nuzzles her again, "Just a little massage for me lovely mate" he grins.

Fira smirks at him again, a brow faintly raising "Well, alright then..." she's a little slow about it but she does settle down on her stomach, getting comfy "You might have to give me a tap if you're speaking though, it's a bit of an odd angle"

Aikuen says while she is still looking at him, "I want you to feel like your sleeping ... I want you to be the most comfortable. Let your worries flow out of you... But i will, if i got something to say... but i doubt it!" he chuckles. When she lays on her stomach he rubs his paws together and using the sides of his palms he makes small circle motions on the upper part of her back. Sometimes Aik feels like spoiling her.

Fira tilts her head but she trusts him and settles down, closing her eyes and trying to relax despite the fact it's a little odd at first. She does start to relax after a little while though and given she was up half the night she's soon on the verge of falling asleep.

Aikuen finishes with the lower part of the back, when he goes to look at her and asks, "Hey Fi! Do you want your footpaws rubbed?...Fi?" he waves a paw in front of her eyes. He chuckles and plants a small kiss on her before going back to her back. He leans over her and starts to softly kiss her back, giving it a few licks also, "Your fur is so warm and soft..." he says aloud, as he starts to massage her sides. He may be trying to wake her, maybe.

It's not really working, she vaguely opens a sleepy eye at the kiss and a sleepy smile appears before she's back to lying there with her eyes closed. The odd kiss and more massaging just relaxes her further and soon she's actually asleep entirely.

Aikuen starts to work on her legs when Fira snorts lightly in her sleep. Aikuen chuckles and stops to look at her, "Okay... Okay... i get it..." he kisses the back of her body lightly from leg to lips before going to cuddle up against her. He could have stayed up and try to figure out the letters. Or done a whole host of things. But he is Aik, and there is no other place he rather be, then cuddled up right next to her. He wraps his arm around her back and kisses her shoulder, "I love you Fira... ill see you when you wake... " he chuckles before closing his eyes, trying to doze off with her.

A few days later.

Its a a few hours before morning, and the sun has not risen over the Holt. Aikuen left Fira last night to follow Windhunter into diverting the trackers from the squirrel. After a small skirmish, one archer escaped death and ran off. Leaving both fighters to wonder what to do. The squirrel was going to go after the archer and finish him off, while Aikuen had only one thought in his mind. Protect Fira. Get her out of here, in case there are others... He ran off back to the holt and the cloth. He sighs with relief as she is perfectly fine and unharmed. He goes over and shakes Fira awake, "Fira Wake up... Come on, we gotta move..." He has a long cut from shoulder to paw, where it is open but not bleeding. And his left eye is sealed shut, and it looks like it was bleeding at one time. The dagger that he carries, as well as his knuckles have dried blood on them.

Fira wakes up with a squeaky sort of snort, squinting a little against the light "What?" it comes out a little deformed and it takes the sight of him to really wake her up "Aikuen? What happened to you?" she's quickly up on her paws and going to look at that arm.

Aikuen tries not to smile at her, as there are bigger things to worry about, "There was a little..." he grits with pain as she takes his arm to look at, "A little Skirmish..." he sighs, "My arm is the least of our worries... Trust me..." he does give her a little smile and hug, just to prove that he is alright. He then says, "Fira... get all the stuff ready and packed. We move out as soon as we can."

Fira keeps looking between him and the arm, clearly concerned "A skirmish? Here? How did they find the place?...They're coming back?" there's a second where she looks like she might panic but then she's quickly to work, stuffing things into bags.

Aikuen shakes his head and keeps his gaze on her so she can still read him as she packs, "No...It was far away from here... Deep in the woods. But they were able to track Windhunter... and he is a professional at keeping hidden..." he sighs and starts to load up anything and everything in his pack, "We managed to... umm... Divert... them from the holt... but one escaped, and he may be back with more... umm..." Silence, as he continues to pack camp. After shouldering his pack, he picks up the chest in one paw, like it was nothing, "If i know him, he well find this place... that's why we gatta move... create new fresh tracks for him..." he looks around, "Keep him away from here..."

Fira is still a little panicky. They're in danger of invading her quiet spot! She's about to suggest leaving the chest when he's already picked it up and she doesn't consider it a good time to argue. The letters and her books are swiftly tucked into her bag and the sword, with a bit of rope work, she straps over her back, bag going on her shoulder and she grabs her spear. A quick glance around for anything else and she nods "That's everything"

Aikuen looks around also and nods quickly, "Alright..." A hurried kiss to her cheek, "Lets go... Follow close to me and keep your eyes peeled... And in case something happens..." he sighs, "I love you, Always. Now and forever..." he takes her paw with his free one and is off to a part of the woods, in a southern direction.

Fira is all the more worried by the kiss and what seems like a good bye just in case. She squeezes onto his paw as she moves and gives him a little frown "Don't you dare do that"

Aikuen smiles weakly at her, but doesn't rebuttal as they quickly are off. A few hours later, and both otters are deep in the woods. Aikuen is well known for getting lost in woods, but tonight he seems very confident in finding his way. He keeps a tight grasp on her paw as they move south through the growth. He stops suddenly and feels the ground, before making a quick western change, "This will get them off track..." he looks around a little more as he keeps up his phenomenal pace.

Fira is thankfully rather fit so she can keep up without getting completely out of breath even if at times he will be partly pulling her along by the paw and she's certainly not all that quiet about it "Who are they anyway?"

Aikuen keeps looking around and seeming a bit jumpy as he answers, "They are Northern Red Guards... Led by an Otter called Jericken..." he hops over a fallen log, "According to Windhunter, they are..." he sighs, "Hunting me down, because i'm wanted back on the island... for... Crimes..." he stops and looks at her, "They are looking for me... and they want to capture me really badly for some reason... I... don't know why... I left the island... so i could escape... and now..." he curses, "They are following me, and are hunting me... And im afraid that they might use you... to get to me..." he starts off again.

Fira looks a little worried for a second more before she bites down a several dozen questions in her mind and finds a little more speed to run with "Then we better make sure they don't find us"

Aikuen will answer any questions that she might have, as soon as they are in the clear. They get to a clearing in the woods and he continues on through, "Aye, with more haste we can lose-" Three arrows come shooting out of the trees and bury themselves in Aiks back. He plummets to the ground and writhes before hurriedly getting up and cursing through his fangs, "... They found us...RUN!" if he wasn't dragging her before, he is now. As volley after volley of arrows come out of the trees, like angry bees.

Fira's eyes widen "Aik!" helping to pull him up again before they're running again and now she's really terrified. Trying to keep her head down and watch her feet so she doesn't trip rather than the masses of arrows.

Aikuen is beginning to sweat, and breath heavily as the arrowheads dig deeper holes in his back. But he has to get her to safety, he just has too. But he may not get the chance as another arrow plants itself in his shoulder, and is once again thrown to the ground. He does not get up this time and just lays there, bleeding heavily from his back and shoulder. As soon as the arrow hit the otter. There was loud yelling, and the volleys stopped. Aik struggles to get up and stand there, he seems really out of it.

Fira isn't giving up so easily, she forcefully pulls on him, trying to get him up, off the ground and onto his feet "Come on, move move move" no chance she's leaving him while there's any slim chance.

Aikuen blinks at Fira, and gives a nod and mumbles something incoherent before they are off again. She is giving him strength to go on. As they run off, a little slower than normal, the arrows seem to have stoped falling, and lots of loud voices can be heard around the forest. They get to the edge of the clearing and out steps seven redcloaked beasts, each wielding a long sword held like a pike at them. The biggest one of the bunch, a Squirrel, steps out and says something not of the common tongue. Aik leans heavily on Fira and says back, "I dont speak it anymore...I..." he takes a deep breath as he just went in and out of consciousness, "I... Cant speak it anymore... Don't know what your saying..."

Fira can't hear them, it's not until the beast steps out in front of them that she finds out how close they really are. She grinds to a quick stop with a quiet squeak, still keeping hold of Aikuen with one arm to make sure he doesn't fall. She doesn't understand the words from the squirrel but she's a little distracted by being surrounded. She has the good sense not to threaten any with her spear at least.

The squirrel tilts his head at Aik, and then goes off back onto the woods. The beasts circle both otters keeping their sword level at their middle, to keep them in check. Though some of them look really frightened of them. The uniformed beasts are quiet and unmoving keeping their gaze on the otters. Aik goes to hold Fira close to him, giving what some would call the last hug. But he looks and mouths to her, "I promise... that no matter what... to... protect you..." quoting one of his vows. After what seems like an eternity, the sun is now showing that it is time for the morning. Eventually, The squirrel and a mangled otter, step back into the clearing. The otter takes off his cloak and smiles toothily at them, "Hello Captain Aikuen..." he barks an order and the sword beasts begin to edge nearer the otters.

Fira has so far said nothing, just watching the uniformed beasts as carefully as possible. Even his hug gets nothing more than the quietest mutter of "Don't give up, still need you" trying to move her lips as little as possible. She looks to the newest arrival as soon as the otter appears, just a glance up and down.

Jericken steps nearer and walks around the circle, "Been a long time looking for you otter... and now!" he stops and grins, "I found you! Thought you could get away from the evils you committed... for all the crimes... for all the beasts you killed..." he stops and looks over to Fira, giving a quick glance up and down in return, "Aikuen has a friend i see... Female... A mate perhaps..." he grins evilly, and barks out an order. Three sword beasts go to attack Fira. Aikuen yells, "Fira!!" and swings the chest he was carrying heavily on their heads, shattering the chest and killing all three. Aikuen is immediately set upon the rest of the sword beasts laying him on his stomach and forcing his into the dirt. Aikuen yells, "Fira RUN!" But even before she can decide anything, Jericken slams the hilt of the blade on the back of her neck, knocking her out. He barks out an order and one beast carries Fira, while the others force Aikuen to march forward into the woods.

Fira stares back at Jericken, she's carefully moved her paw to palm her wedding ring by this point, waiting for a chance to hide it. Less they have on her to use against Aik the better. The attack surprises her though she does glance around in time to see it since she's wondering what the barked order was. A slip of the paw as she raises her spear and the ring's hidden in a fold of the sash around her waist, just as Aik kills the others, much more to her surprise. Of course run's not her first thought but doesn't matter cause a second later she's unconscious anyway.

Holding Cell

Both otters are lying on the floor of a dark, stone lined room. Similar to those of a dungeon cell, though this one is not underground. There is a small barred windows near the roof on the north side of the room. in which you cannot see out of by yourself. On the east and west side, are iron bolts with shackles attached to them. Two are for forepaws, and two are for footpaws. On the south side there is a heavily locked wooden door, with iron bracers. There is also an iron bolt attached to the floor, where a chain is connected, with two manacles at the end. Dry blood stains, strewn the floor and walls. Aikuen is laying on his stomach. The arrows have been removed from his back leaving big gapping holes of flesh in his back. But they are not bleeding. His left eye has been sealed shut, and is dark red on the outside. Looks like it has been bleeding again. He is breathing hoarsely. And by the looks of him, he is completely out.

Fira is first to awake it seems, eyes slowly opening before she scrunches them shut again against a headache. It's a moment or two before she opens them again and with a deep breath she sits up, wincing a little. She just touches a paw to the lump on the back of her head but seems no more harm done by that. Place certainly fits the description of a dungeon so she's going to assume that and really doesn't like the gloom but she's soon moving over to crouch by Aik, make sure he's still breathing before she looks around anymore.

Aikuen is still alive. Though a healer would say otherwise by the looks of his back. When Fira kneels down and just touches him, Aikuen jerks awake almost jumping from his layed position and off to a nearby wall. He breaths heavily and looks around the empty cell. He blinks a few times and looks at the door. Then his eyes fall upon Fira, and he feels very sick. He tires to hold it in, as he goes over to her and kneels, "I..." he can see her lump on her neck just barely, "I'm sorry i couldn't protect you..." he looks down and then back up at her, "I'm sorry you got caught up in this..." and wipes a paw across his eyes. Though it seems the left one is bleeding again.

Fira gives the door a glance but with the absence of beasts watching them she places a paw on his cheek and aims a little kiss between his eyes "Just relax. I'm fine. More worried about you and getting out of here right now"

Aikuen blinks a few times at the kiss and places his paw on hers, with a small smile "Don't worry about me... i'm fine, and im more worried about you..." he sighs, "I'm fine... though i cant feel my back..." he then tilts his head, "Okay...right... A way out..." he looks around the room, then his eyes go to the window. No its barred. Then the door. Its braced, and its probably locked, maybe. He stands up and goes to the door, but before he tries anything he looks back at her, "Before i see about this door... If anything happens...I..." he stops and blinks a few times, and wipes his paw before going to open the door. Its locked, as evident by a loud clink on the other side. Bolted. Loud voices then can be heard on the outside, as apparently they also heard. Aik looks quickly back at Fira, "Voices! Quick!" he goes over and hugs her tightly, keeping his back on the door. Trying to keep her safe. Jericken step into the room, "Good morrow otters..."

Fira looks all the more concerned when he says he can't feel his back but she can't exactly try and help right now without the healing supplies to paw. She's quiet again, just a little nod at the end of his sentence. She knows he loves her. At the mention of voices though she quickly stands back up again, watching the door as Jericken appears again, just a squeeze to Aik's good arm is all the affection she's showing so far.

Jericken swings a cat-o-nientails whip in his one paw, while keeping his other behind his back. He barks out an order and five sword beasts enter the room, and flank Jericken. He grins, "Hello Aikuen had a nice nap after we removed the arrows? You did? Ah good!" Seems to be talking more to himself then to Aikuen, "Do you know why i captured you... do you know why the north is following you, everywhere you go... What? You Don't? Pity. I thought it all would have come to you by now. Especially your last run in with that ferret... what was his name..." he laughs, "Name seems to have slipped from me at the moment..." he grins and goes to pacing near the door, "Anyway, im here to tell you that in one season you are to be executed at Ashurah, by the lord himself. Sounds like fun! Wish i was going to be there!" he chuckles and looks over to Fira. Looking her up and down very slowly, with a tiny smile. He then frowns and barks. The sword beasts goes to shackle Aikuen to the floor chain. Aikuen of course is trying to fight back. Jericken shakes his head and holds the whip up, "Don't move or she feels it..."

Fira can see what's going to happen next and she can tell there's nothing she can do to stop it yet. She's not brave enough to demand they leave him alone and stand getting whipped herself, all she can do is move quickly away from the beasts only to have them go for Aikuen. She looks scared for all she's trying not to.

Aikuen is pressed down to the ground so the floor shackles can be clamped on his wrists. He struggles against his holders, until he threatens her. He stops immediately and lets them do it, closing his eyes. He thinks quickly to try and get out of this situation, "Ummm... The dead beast has rights... I want to hear my record... Why am i being executed... Tell me my record... laws say you have too!" Yah, that will buy some time to help him form a plan, but first. To his most important thing in life. Fira. Aik looks over to Her, "I promise to protect you... Nothing bad will happen..." his mouth is gagged with a piece of cloth, and he is slapped shut.

Jericken tilts his head, "Your Record?... As a Former citizen of Ashurah... I will allow that... Glin!... Bring me the record book!" he barks out at one of the rats. Glin, gives a small salute and walks out of the room. He soon returns bearing with him a very large bound book. It must weigh a ton. Glin goes to stand in front of Jericken and looks away from him. The rat kneels and places the book on his back, so the Sea otter can use the rat as a book stand. Jericken, remains grinding his fangs until he returns. He flips open the book about half way into it and runs his claw down the page, "Lets see... ah..." he looks up with an evil grin, "Tazan, Aikuen... You know Aikuen... your family's name, has been kept secret for over two-hundred seasons. Never been on a record, or anything. But now..." he taps the book, "That has all changed... all thanks to you... Your first mistake was getting married..."

Fira notes the rest of the beasts in the room, does a quick scan for anything blunt and heavy on the floor. Hmm, chains. Curious if she could wiggles one out now. Something to investigate later. Counts up the beasts three times just to calm her mind. Lots of swords. Big heavy book she could hit someone with. Looks important too. She's basically running through ideas until Jericken starts to speak and she fixes on him, watching the words. Assuming it wasn't their marriage since she's sure that's not on record anyway.

Aikuen, while the sea otter speaks is also thinking of anything to help them in this situation. All he has to do is get Fira away from them so he can... well... Be him... so to speak. But first before that he has to think of a way to get from his shackles on the floor. He gives one a little test, and is slapped for his actions. But he does note something. The chain is very secured. He keeps thinking on what to do, only half listening to Jericken. As he knows his own life.

Jericken looks over to Fira, and scoffs, "The first time he got married... First time a Tazan has ever been on record... Most historians thought it was some sort of fluke... But they were wrong... The scum of the earth was still alive... you... But, What we had was an impartial record... we didn't know anything else, besides who you married... But thanks to you again... and your failed assassination of the glorious leader... all it took was some gold coins, and a bit of back stabbing... I now know more about you... than you..." he chuckles, and looks back down at the book, "Aikuen Tazan. Named after Aiku, the badger lord. Born on, Se386-Dy57. Father: Tehelium Tazan, Skipper of Holt Tehelium. And..." he looks up and grins again, "Your mother was unknown... but then we got a letter from a tavern, and it gave us what we wanted to know... Mother: Betts Yu'long... a Bar-maid..."

Fira doesn't even blink at the mention of the assassination attempt, she trusts there was a good reason for it. The Skipper mention gets a slight eye brow twitch. Other than that there's not much of a reaction.

Aikuen is looking at the wrist manacles and eyeing it. He is not punished for doing so, as he doesn't look like he is doing anything. He makes another note, and looks at the one on the other side. He stops and blinks as he looks to Jericken, at the mention of his mother. Even he doesn't know that. Its gets a very strange felling in the pit of his stomach.

Jericken chuckles, "Your a Bastard Kit... In the letter, it says that she placed you on your fathers doorstep..." he laughs, "Because she claimed that you were a mistake, and she didn't want anything to do with a Tazan!" he laughs some more, before more evil grinning, "Lets continue, shall we..." runs a claws down the page, "Finished with top marks in your basic training... And was giving the opportunity to join the Militia, as a corporal... First time that has happened to a 4 seasons old in many a season... But, you declined, even after your father insisted... You refused..." he shakes his head, "If you had joined the war then, you wouldn't be here now... in this situation... just saying... Lets see, there is nothing until 8 seasons. You married, Mehra Lligio... Aww, ain't that sweet... there is a small note here saying that she was your only friend when you were younger... But, i digress... She got pregnant soon after, and during that winter, she died while giving birth to your daughter. Bled out apparentl..."

Fira looks a little sorry for Aikuen, it doesn't sound like a very good life but she can't dwell on it too much give the rather dangerous situation.

Aikuen keeps his gaze on the sea otter as he talks about his mother. He blinks a few times and looks down. His father told him that his mother was killed, and that she loved him. And he grew up to believe that. His childhood seems lost now. He just continues to stare at the floor thinking about when he was younger, until he mentions Mehra. He now wishes that he didn't mention about his record. Thought it was a good to get a few minutes of time to think. But now... He pushes it under him and tries to think straight again. Have to get out... For Fira.

Jericken hmms and turns the page, "Named your daughter Mehra, after her dead mother... And she has the tell-tale sign of a Tazan... Pure Khaki colored fur... Pity your family has such a way to reveal itself... Lets see... at the age of ten... took over your fathers business of Brewing rum, after the poor old skipper died... Hey look, another side note, Says here that your father killed himself... tried to rid himself the pain from his liver" he laughs, "This is fun! Lets read more! At the age of eleven, while on a delivery run... your daughter was slain by the paw of the northerners... must have been something to see!" he then tilts his head, "Hmm... Says here... that you died, beaten to death by us... that's odd, though not surprising... joined the militia, becoming a lance corporal, of the 4th regiment, right off the bat... Became the squad leader of a scout and tracking group... created for killing beasts, whilst on the move..." he chuckles, "Funny..."

Fira can't help but start to frown slightly. Jericken's enjoying it too much for her liking and she feels so useless just standing there letting him bother Aik.

Aikuen has heard all this before and has lived it. Something he wishes never to do again. But when he talks about his father and claims it to be 'Fun' he growls to himself. If only he could get to him. But that notion is soon washed away as he mentions about his daughters death. He places his eyes into his shackled paws and slumps forward on his arms. Then most of what is said next is just passed over him. He remembers the day he 'Died', and at the time, he wishes that he did. But thanks to an old healer, he lived on. The militia doesn't bother him so much. He looks up slightly to stare at Fira. Even without her doing anything, she is comforting him. That probably keeps him from breaking down... or going insane at the moment. He wishes that Jericken would stop. But doubts that he will.

Jericken reads on "Lets see. Age 14... awarded the Medal of Ashurah, highest award anybeast can receive...after your method of Gurrellia and paw-to-blade tactics turned the tide of the war into the south's favor..." he looks up and frowns at Aikuen, "Your the beast who created that! YOU!..." a bunch of colorful curses as he goes over and starts to punch Aikuen in the face, "You!... Your the one that taught them that! YOU! Killed all my troops... MY FAMILY!" He gets up and wipes the blood off his paws, "I hate you... I didn't know... You ruined my life, My family... If i didn't have to bring you back alive in good condition, i'd skin you now..." he growls and goes back over to the book and flips the page, and with much grumbling "Age 16... Giving the position of Captain, and commander of the Main battalion forces of Ashurah... three weeks later, half the population of the north was wiped out and the south claimed victory over the island..."

Fira growls very quietly at the punching and looks a little twitchy on her paws. It takes a lot to bring out her temper but that'll do it and now she's fighting to control and hide it while she stares at Jericken as he keeps reading again.

Aikuen is just staring at Fira, just thinking of only her. And he seems almost calm. When suddenly he is set upon by the sea otter. He is helpless as the manacles prevent him from moving too much, and the beasts that stand over him. He is punched repeatedly in the face. And his eye, nose, and mouth start to bleed on the floor. He coughs to spit up blood but can't becasue of the gag, and goes to sit up again. Not to give what Jericken wanted. He goes back to looking at Fira and he blinks, at her state. He wishes he could say anything to calm her down. Anything at all.

Jericken blinks a few times, "I remember that day... The great solution... was put into act that day..." he looks up, "The north, as a last ditch effort to win, lit fire to the island... Killing thousands in their home... and the north calmed the south as the problem... Propaganda, is wonderful..." he grins, "North usurped power from the south, and our glorious leader was put in the chair... Lord Skig..." every redcloak in the room, raises a fist in the air, "All Hail, lord Skig!" Jericken returns his paw down and continues, "Think this would put an end, to Aikuen... the great failed captain of Ashurah... But no... there is more... After the usurp, you created the rebellion... which we still haven't figured out the name yet..." he hmms, "Leader of the rebellion, you assigned and performed many... evils, against beastkind..."

Fira is sadly not calming. Partly because of the harm done to Aikuen, partly because of what Jericken's saying. Killing thousands in their homes as part of such an underhanded plan to win a war. Anything Aik's actually done seems to have gone over her head. Afterall she doesn't trust the source of the information and she's never been prouder of her husband than right then.

Aikuen goes from looking to Fira to the sea otter at the mention of the Fire. The north did that? He remembers seeing the look on a beasts face as they burned, locked within their own home. He tried so hard that day, to save as many as he could. But there wasn't enough beast power by themselves, and the fire raged on. His anger begins to swell within him. An extreme hate for all of the North. He growls and glares at Jericken. And then he gets to the part about 'Evils, against beastkind' and he looks immediately to Fira. He almost smiles at her look. She /is/ his wife.

Jericken reads, and grins, "So Aikuen... How does it feel to kill a 3 season old in their sleep? Felt good eh? Looks like it, as it says that almost fifty little ones died by your blade... Just because they were in basic training..." he shakes his head, and chuckles, as he reads the list "Wow... You did a lot of killing... All in the name of the south right? Sad... that it really never helped... Hey look!... its says your were payed to do all these killings... A payed assassin... made over a million gold... too bad you couldn't spend any of it, without getting caught..." He turns the page again, "Last page... As a way to show the island that the rebellion was more then just a pipe dream. You planed a assassination of the Lord... Here is a note, says that if a 'Snive' didn't turn you in... the king might have died... Really? Well done..." he laughs, "Not you... Snive, receives my vote of thanks... Before the deed was done, you were knocked out by your own squad and placed on a boat to..."

Fira squints a little at the mention of the dibbuns and there is a little glance to Aikuen, that she has to know if it's true. She can't glance at him for long though as Jericken goes on. No matter what she still hates that otter more cause he clearly enjoys these ideas. It does make her think of the gold in the abbey too though.

Aikuen, at the mention of the little ones, looks down. Not one of his prouder moments in life. One of the things that he hates about himself. And something he will never forget. He sniffs a bit and shuffles his paws and looks back up to Fira, just saw the end of her glance, and that feeling in the pit of his stomach returns. And then he blinks. He was not payed. They were donations from the south to aid the rebellions effort. He was given it when he was booted off the island. By his own people. They rescued him that day. Saving him from entering the lords room, where an ambush was waiting for him. He sniffs loudly again.

Jericken blinks, "That note has been cut out... DAMN..." he sighs and goes back to reading, "The last line says that a season later, otters from island returned from a trip to Mossflower... turns out they were the last Islanders to ever see you..." he closes the book, and walks back over to Aikuen, "They were willing to die to prevent us from knowing where they took you... All it took was a little persuasion..." he barks out another order to the beasts. The redcloaks say, "Hail..." and quickly file out of the room. Leaving Aikuen free to move. Free enough with the shackles anyway.

Fira shifts her weight but is otherwise still. Anger's been over taken by ideas as she waits for the right moment when Jericken isn't paying her any attention. Aik may or may not have done bad things but she can't let the evil otter hurt him regardless, specially when she doesn't know what happened.

Aikuen glares up at Jericken, and tires to get up but the shackles prevent him. He spouts something in inaudible as the gag prevents him from talking. But its something bad. He just glances back to Fira, and blinks back at the sea otter. He really wishes that he and Fira can communicate somehow.

Jericken stands perfectly away to not to get attacked, "Alright Aikuen... you got your record read to you... And your wanted for crimes against the world... for that, you will be killed in front of thousands... thousands that you fought so hard to protect..." he sighs, "The rest of the battalion will be here to escort you to the boat, in three days... Until then you are to stay in here... and be a good otter..." he chuckles and turns around. His eyes then fall upon Fira, and he walks toward her "So... My pretty... What shall we do with you..." he grins.

Back up plan C or something like that then. Fira hasn't got to naming them but she shows a little flash of fear in her eyes and backs up a step.

Aikuen watches Jericken get near Fira, and he stands up. The sounds of Iron bending can be heard and seen from the otters manacles, as he strains against them. Trying to strangle the sea otter. But he can only bring his paws up to his knees, but boy, he is trying very hard. But it works to no avail.

Jericken smiles at her fear and looks back to Aikuen. He chuckles a little bit, "Don't hurt yourself Aikuen... Just be calm and all will be fine!" he laughs evilly in front of them both. He then looks between them both, "So Aikuen... i see you found a new mate... Pity, she wont live for vey long" he looks to her, "Fira is it? Very pretty name..."

Fira's fear doesn't last, it's still there of course, it's just when Jericken looks away again the anger and hate is released again and she crosses the little distance between them so by the time he's turning his head back to her her elbow is headed rather forcefully for his head.

Aikuen looks back to Fira and then back to him seeing what she is trying to do. WHAM! Right in the face and Jericken falls to the floor in a heap. Aikuen quickly makes a motion with his manacles.

Fira rolls her shoulders soon as she sees Jericken's not getting up again yet. That felt reeeeeally good. She quickly stoops down to disarm the beast, nick his weapons and does do a quick pocket search too. When she gets home she's baking Lady Luck a cake. There are keys! She quickly nicks them and after a slight pause goes to kick Jericken in the head. She'll just say she was making sure. She quickly hurries on over to Aik, removing the gag first before she unlocks him.

Aikuen grins at her and when the gag is removed he says, "Ouch Fira... He is down and out..." and then he is unlocked and he quickly drops the manacles, to grab her in an embrace, giving her a quick kiss, "OH Fi..." But talking and questions will have to be done later, as escaping is required now. He goes over to the door and peaks around.

Fira smiles faintly and gives him a careful hug back, keeping his injured back in mind. Her mind's too filled with escape to think of all the many questions Jericken's created "Wanted to be sure" she offers him the sword she got off of Jericken too "Time to go"

Aikuen takes the sword and weighs it in his paws before mouthing, "Aye... lets make tracks... Get behind me... watch my back" not literarily his back, but hopefully she knows what he means. He holds the sword vertically and looks into the other room very slowly. He blinks a few times and looks back to her, seeming confused, "Its all clear..." he gives it another look around before steeping into what looks like a foyer to an old wooden house. Its a square room, with several boarded windows, and only one door. The door is open a crack and the light of the outside shines in. Aikuen is very confused, "Where is everybeast..." he blinks a few times, "Come on... grab your stuff ill keep watch..." he points off to the pile where all the objects that were confiscated over the past few weeks has collected. Aiks and Fira pack, along with their weapons lay on top. Aik keeps his gaze on the door. Keeping the sword in a ready position.

Fira does have some sense and even if she's not military she doesn't just start staring at his back but keeps looking around as she follows him. It's far too easy but she quickly slides into the room to grab their things "This reads like a trap" she mutters, tossing her sword and bag on before she grabs her spear, takes the chest under one arm and takes his pack over to him.

Aikuen doesn't likes this either. Its all too easy. When she gives him his pack he doesn't remove his eyes from the door. He draws his preferred sword from the pack and shoves Jerickens in his pack. Just in case, for later use. Then drawing his dagger from the pack in his other paw, he then looks to her to answer finally, "You right... It probably is a trap... Stay here and keep guard... Ill see... Trust me..." he smiles at her and pats her paw.

Fira grabs hold of his paw to give it a tight squeeze "Just remember I can't hear you yell and be careful...and maybe try not to burst in the door too quickly if you can help it" a reminder that he'll have to come back to get her and she'll probably be ready to stab anything that comes through the door.

Aikuen smiles and chuckles lightly, "I remember... i cant forget... I'm just gonna go take a little peek... I love you..." and he give her cheek a quick peck before he is off to the door. He runs and places his back against wall next to the door. The side where the door opens first. This would probably hurt, if he could feel his back. He bobs his head, glancing through the crack for a few minutes. Then he eyes something and slowly opens the door with the blade of his dagger. And does a quick peek to the outside. He blinks a few times, and looks back to her, and mouths, "Doesn't look like anything... ill be back..." and he disappears to the outside. He very shortly returns, not trying to be secretive anymore. This is very strange. He walks slowly back to her and says, "Nothing... not a thing... there is a large amount of tracks heading west, but that is it... I don't get it..." he sighs and sheaths his blade, keeping the dagger out. He just doesn't understand what happened.

Fira has her spear pointed at the door by the time he returns but she lowers it and relaxes again as soon as she sees it's him. There's a small frown but she shakes her head "We can't stay here to find out what's happened but I don't think we can go straight home either. They might be waiting to follow us or something"

Aikuen he nods slowly, "My thoughts exactly..." he glances around the room and blinks at the pile, "I have an idea..." he goes over to the pile and starts to dig through the remains. He pulls out a very dirt brown work tunic, made for a tall female hare. He tosses it to her, "Mind playing dress up? Put that on... just needs to cover up that your an otter..." he digs through the pile looking for something that will cover his khaki fur. His plan is too disguise themselves as other beasts. As they will looking for otters. At least he hopes that this will work.

Fira looks between him and the tunic "You know my midsection probably isn't my otteriest part" she wanders over to help "Just need to cover the head and tail...and roll you in mud or something" pulling an old cloak out to clip on, tuck the tail safely underneath.

Aikuen shrugs and chuckles, making light of their situation, "It was the first thing i saw, so oops." then he nods at the cloak, "Okay that works... you don't look like an otter... Well you kinda do... but only from up close... and i can tell, for obvious reasons..." chuckling. He takes the tunic that was tossed back and ribs up a few shreds. He ties his rudder to the inside of his leg, which looks really awkward, but it works too hide it, "Ill go jump in dirt when he leave... ill looks like a rat who lost his tail, if there is some mud..." There is the light sound of metal scraping rock. But Aikuen doesn't seem to notice. He stands back up too look once more at themselves, "Okay, you look... awful... but you don't look like an otter, and i need to go find a mud pud- GET DOWN!" and he places his paw on her head forcing it down, as they both duck as an axe flies over head from where they were standing. It buries itself on the opposite wall. Jericken stands on the other side of the room, blood trickling down his face as he glares at the otters, "YOU..." and he picks up another random weapon. A stone hammer, and wields it.

Fira shakes her head again "I never did think otters disguised well. Too big for the other tube shaped species. Tail doesn't fit anywhere, neither does the mass of whiskers and webbed paw-eep!" she squeaks as she's pushes down and falls to the ground, quickly looking up to see the axe and then Jericken by the door. Drat.

Aikuen gets up quickly, eyes the sea otter, and growls, going into a fighting stance. He looks to Fira, "Stay down... And i lo-" But then, Jericken runs at the otter, hammer overhead. Aikuen changes stance and draws his sword in one smooth motion. Then quickly, Aik places his paw on the flat of the blade to defend against the much heavier weapon. Then, the clash of fighters. Sparks and dust fill the air, as both otters go at it. Jericken uses his hammers weight and swinging ability to fight against, the more experienced fighter. Aikuen uses his blade's lightness and agility to maneuver over the hammer. But Jericken is able to defend against the numerous thrusts, jabs, and quick motions. But only barely. Aikuen laughs as the fight is beginning to move in his favor, "COME ON JERICKEN! YOU FIGHT JUST LIKE LAST TIME" a very strange evil laugh.

Fira doesn't stay completely down as she's quickly scrambling to her paws to get out the way of the fighting pair and to the relative safety of one corner of the room.

Jericken is sweating, and breathing heavily as he is forced backwards and then comes in contact with a wall behind him. He swings his hammer heavily at the otter. Aikuen easily defends against it but the swing made contact with his blade in such a way that it made him lose his grip as the blade reverberates. The short sword drops to the ground. Jericken is having the same problem, the hammer reverberates and is shaking out of his paw. But he manages to keep hold of it. But not for long. Aikuen, seeing that his blade was loosened, goes to disarm Jericken. Using the split second lull, the otter grabs the others wrist and twists sharply. Jericken yells as the muscles are pulled, and is forced to let go of the weapon, then he is slammed against the wall as Aikuen stomped his chest toward it. Jericken is dazed as the air rushes from him. Aikuen uses this lull to grab the otter by the shoulders and he tosses him easily across the room, to land in a slump on the other wall. Jericken dazedly comes from his stupor and looks at the otter. He blinks and pumps both legs forward, landing back on his footpaws in a fighting stance. The sea otter disregards Fira, as he wants at Aik most of all. Revenge.

Aikuen totally disregards the blades as he slowly walks toward the otter. He smiles evilly, "Now... this is a fight!" he goes into a fighting stance similar to Jericken's but his right paw is further back than his. Both otters eye each other down as they circle, waiting for opening, a drop in the opponents stance. But both otters are trained, and trained well, in paw-to-paw fighting. But none is better than Aikuen. He swings his right paw heavily at the others face, trying to get this thing started. Jericken easily dodges left and swings his left paw as an uppercut at the otters jaw. Aikuen split second thinks. He lets the other make contact with his jaw, as he has bigger things in mind. When Jericken's paw hits his jaw, in which it dislocates. He grabs the wrist and twists sharply, then uses his other paw to swing a hook right at his opponents open face.

Jericken's paw bleeds open, as Aikuen almost rips the paw off, and then his head explodes with stars. And is forced backwards. Jericken quickly recovers and pumps several jabs at the otters chest, with his good paw. Aikuen easily dodges the punches, but not what the sea otter had in mind in the first place. As soon at Aikuen dodges he grabs the otters left arm and twists it sharply behind him. Aikuen's arm breaks loudly with an earsplitting crack. Aikuen falls to the ground and writhes with pain for a few seconds before getting up the same way as Jericken and lets his broken arm hang by his side. Then Aik, ignoring the blinding pains of his arm, goes back to a fighting stance. But this time he will not be sizing up his opponent. And goes in with his good paw flailing at Jericken. Forcing him to step backwards.

Fira can't stand to watch. She stops at the dislocated jaw and doesn't even get to see the arm break as she's completely backed herself into the corner and shut her eyes tight, retreating into her own personal nothingness. For all it's dangerous to be like that she can't watch Aik get hurt.

Now this is why Aikuen got the medal for coming up with this stuff. As soon as Jericken steps backwards the otter lets loose with precise painful hits. First a right hook, then a left slam, both at his head. Then a slamming jab at his nose, then an elbow down on the top of his head. All with his right arm and paw. And to add more injury, as the sea otter face bleeds all over the ground. Aikuen grabs him by the neck, picks him up and slams him, face first into the ground. Jericken is completely open to be finally finished off. But Aikuen doesn't do it, he goes over to the still conscious form and flips him on his back. The sea otters face is completely disfigured, and is openly bleeding everywhere. Even his jaw bone pokes out of his cheek. Jericken blinks his one good eye, that is beginning to fill with blood at the otter. He breathes heavily and closes his eye. Aikuen stands over him, but doesn't move. Or try to kill him. Just stares. After Jericken passes out. Aik bend down and picks up the poster. He then heads over to Fira, and taps her.

Fira jumps out of her skin, not quite literally. Her eyes snap open of course and at the same time she's raising a fist, looks like she's going to punch him for a second before she sees it's him and just springs forwards to give him a hug. One glance at Jericken on the floor and the state he's in and she doesn't want to look there again.

Aikuen probably would have taken the punch square in the face, as he eyes are going out of focus. He takes the hug and tries to hug her back, but his adrenaline is running dry really quick. And he may pass out soon. He looks to her, and pops his jaw back into place. He then takes a deep breath, "Lets... leave..." a small kiss, before he has to heavily lean on her.

Fira grimaces slightly at the jaw but isn't going to argue. Going to lead him just far enough to get back her spear and that chest from where she put them down when she was putting on the cloak before she heads as fast as possible for the door. Wanting to leave the place quickly.

Aikuen is lead by her and the pain is now beginning to flow through him. He is trying with all his might to not pass out. He keeps focus on staying awake and following her. When they get to the outside he nods toward the south, "Lets... over... there" and starts to walk, with the help with her in that direction. If he had been more awake, he probably would have realized that he needs a disguise.

Fira isn't worrying about it for now. They're already going to attract enough attention with him staggering through the woods. She follows his directions and hurries southwards, steering him round trees and their roots, making sure he doesn't fall.

The otters both head south through the woods. And there has so far not been any trap or ambush. Aik is feeling better, though he is grinding his fangs to keep from yelling in pain. About midday, he looks to her and taps a little bit, "I... Need to stop... for a minute..." As his arm is really bothering him. Its almost unbearable.

Fira looks back to him quickly and nods as she gives the woods a scan over. She can't see any beasts about so she picks a nice big tree to hide behind and leads him to it to help him settle down against the base of it "Ok, just stop and rest, I think we're safe for now"

Aikuen smiles at her before resting against the tree. Placing his immobile arm in his lap to look at. There is a dark red blob where the blood was broken and is showing though the fur. He sighs, as they may need to do something about that soon. He hopes the bone was just broken. Not broken and moved... He sighs and closes his eyes seeming to be out for a second before he pops open his eyes and looks to her, "Listen Fira..." as he reaches to her with his good paw.

Fira is not listening, one look at the arm and she's digging in his bag to get the healing kit out "Heal first, talk later" splint, splint, splint, ah! There's a splint, hurrying to fix up his arm.

Aikuen lets her splint the Arm. And the pain involved, is unimaginable. But as long as Aik keeps his gaze on her as she works, there seems to be a numbing. When she is done he smiles back at her and says, "Thank you Fira... For everything..."

Fira looks over him, checking for more urgent things to deal with. She does give him a little smile for the words and aims a little kiss at his nose "You are the most troublesome beast I have ever met. Think you can walk again?" troublesome maybe but she's still not leaving.

Aikuen cant help it. He wishes he could stop it but he cant. He is just going to have to be troublesome. Aik is Aik. But as long as she sticks by him, life wont seem like one constant fight... one constant battle... once constant death. She brings life into him. He smiles at the kiss and nods a little bit, "I'm sorry that i am... but thank you for sticking by me..." he slowly gets up and locks the splinted paw at his side, "Yes, i think i can keep going until nightfall... and if my senses are correct... we can make it, home, before then..."

Fira moves to help him back up again and to keep walking after that "For better or worse. I'm your wife even when it's not all rainbows and sunshine...which reminds me" a quick juggle of paws and spears and she's got her ring back from it's hiding place and on her finger again "Much better. Now if we can just get home without them following us all will be well"

Aikuen starts to head south again, with the help of her. He smiles and says slowly, "I love rainbows and sunshine... there the best part..." he then looks at her and at the ring, "Why did... oh..." he shrugs as he didn't think of that. He then shrugs at the last part, "I have no idea... i didn't see any scouts or trackers with them... so we might just have gotten away... lets hope... that they will be busy with... him... probably lost without him..." and they enter a familiar part of the forest.

Fira keeps up a pretty good pace but tries not to go too fast for him. She answers the ring question even if he does come up with an answer "Didn't want to give them anything to use against you...or a reason to focus on me. Think blending quietly into the background worked for the best...still don't see why he got everyone to leave. Maybe he has an ego and wanted to gloat"

Aikuen nods some, "Oh... well, i guess he figured it out... and i was no help in that matter" he chuckles a little bit, and then thinks for a minute, "Jericken likes to hide behind bigger beasts. I mean, don't get me wrong he is an excellent fighter..." the arm gets a painful twitch, "But I guess... after finding out about my... tactics... i guess he wanted to kill me himself... and sent the others away... Just thank our stars that we made away without them, so far, following us..." he sighs and gives her a small kiss on the cheek, "I love you Fira... My darling wife... and thanks... once again..."

Fira smiles faintly "Well his face did bruise my elbow..." she aims a kiss back at his temple, avoid the jaw "I'm just glad we got out. Lets just get home. You need resting up again" the curiosity about the tactics and of course the killing of dibbuns is lurking about her mind and one day she's going to have to question this stuff but not now, not today. Today she's forcing it to the back of her mind and thinking only of getting home safe.