Planet Burtain, Year 536, DSS

536 years after the events at Delta system, where the three races fist met, there is a tense peace between the reptilian Saurian, cat-like Leon, and Human peoples. While the Homeworld governments still claim to be at war, planets where the three races live together in harmony are commonplace throughout the Milky Way. The small planet of Burtain is such a place; far from the oppressive Homeworlds, the people of Burtain live in harmony and understanding with eachother.

However, that peace is now being threatened, since the discovery of ancient ruins in the forest near Gilgamesh. Now, the town is torn asunder as Homeworld troops and experts come to examine the temple that is older than any of the three races...

There is a saying on Burtain: A happy Leon is everyone's best friend, until he gets angry.

Gordon was an angry Leon.

He had been laid off! The only job he ever knew, he had worked for old man Galager for over twenty years, and now, he was fired for being non-human! It took three humans to do his job, Galager had admitted that he would probably go out of business if this lasted, but the damn Homeworlders told him to fire "the beast."

Well, he'd show them. He'd show them all. He had put out a bulletin, underground, asking fellow concerned citizens to meet him in the pub at midnight. They were going to the ruins themselves, and they'd get the treasure. Then, they could use it to sue for peace on Burtain. After all, if it belonged to anyone, it belonged to the Burtainians. Why couldn't they live in harmony?

It was 1130, time to head to the pub.

Kar slowly made his way to the pub, running over the evenings events in his head. Just this afternoon, he had seen the poster advertising a quest to the newly discovered ruins by Gilgamesh. It was the chance he had been waiting for, he had longed for... the chance to MAKE something of his desires, of his skills... the chance to prove that he, too, could be a success...

Telling his parents about the quest had been an altogether strange ordeal. He had not expected his mother to be 100% behind the plan, of course, but he had thought that at least his father may have been encouraging about the quest... after all, he had begun to make small remarks now and again about Kar's distinct lack of a job over that past 3 months. Yes, Kar had thought he had known what his parents would say before they spoke... his mother, ever careful and wary about these little excursions he would take, would be sure to warn him of the dangers of exploring new places. His father, he would be pleased at Kar taking the initiative and getting involved in something... but no. Neither parent gave quite the reaction Kar had come to expect. His mother, rather than saying anything at all, merely fell silent, and looked to her husband with uneasy eyes... almost with fear. Kar's father demanded details - who was going, when, for how long... questions to which Kar could offer no answers, not until he had been to this meeting...

The pub slowly came into view, its entrance bathed in the flickering light of the street lamps burning softly outside. 11:50, almost time to begin. Kar paused, fingering once more the gun his father had pressed so desperately into his hands when he left. Yes, it had been a strange night, and try as he might Kar could not shake the memory of the fear that stole across his fathers face at that moment he had left... "Take this, son... and be wary. Be careful who you trust, stories have been reaching my ears..."
Kar had never known his father to be afraid, nor had he ever known him to have anything but fellowship with and respect for the other reaces of Burtain. Yes, something was indeed strange about tonights events... and the meeting had not yet even begun...

11:55... drawing his cloak tighter around his shoulders, Kar pushed open the pubs large door, and stepped inside...

Thrill looked around angrily. He had been trusted by so many humans, and now he was hated by the humans he had worked for since he was twelve. There was a chance to fix this though. He had seen earlier that day, an underground message at the pub Thrill usually went to when he had a good reason. He quickly looked around to the clock. It was about 11:45, "Sh**, I am late." Thrill quickly stood up, knocking over his desk again, but this time he just shook his head and ran out the door, grabbing his few guns, sword, and backpack on his way the door. He sprinted, and just about trampled a man in a cloak who had just entered the pub as Thrill slid to a stop. Thrill looked around panting. "Yay," he said softly to himself. It was now 11:56, that was truly a close call for him on time.

Thrill aproached the bartender and slipped him a tranquilizer gun with home made tranquilizers in it. "Those things would take me down in half a second, just incase things get out of hand," Thrill said with a smirk and walked over a table where the cloaked mand sat...

Mekren watched. She had been sitting in the bar since 10. Just watching, it was easier to understand the events of the world when no one else thought you were listening. She, even though she had nothing to dictate her as a she, had learned much. People were scared, they were angry, a lot of people had had their toes stepped on. Loss of jobs for both Saurian and Leon races... thanks to the human guard.
She felt the cauldron of rage in her chest rumble and steam but she was emotionless to see. She had come cloaked as most people wore actual garments. She did not wish to stand out.
She had overheard a coversation about a poster on the wall which intrigued her. Someone wanted help going into the ruins, they probably knew nothing of the jungle. Thus she watched, waiting to see who would gather. If none of her clan came forward, she would aid the strangers.
Her tail coiled and uncoiled as she watched the human in the cloak come in. He was trying so hard to stay inconspicuous, he stood out like a sore thumb. He definately did not seem like the type to come to a bar like this. She could see the fear in his eyes. Poor child... but he was obviously one who had come for the meeting. A scholoar most likely. She got to her feet, quiet, almost un-noticed by all but the bar staff. She weaved in and out of the tables until she stood towering just behind him.
"You are either brave or foolish to come here, sit quickly before you are noticed." she spoke softly but her voice was naturally hardened. She probably sounded quite menancing but she had already noted some of the more drunk patrens looking the boy over as an easy punching bag. Her scaled, black taloned hand rested on his should as she stared down at him with her fierce golden yellow eyes.

Armed with a palm sized notebook whose page was primarily scrawled in ink the shape of a mini map, or something alike a map, Maeffynce walked blindly, her eyes practically glued unto the said map.

"It's supposed to be around here..." she mumbled worriedly, then turned to rummage through her sling bag. After several 'clings' and 'clangs', which managed to attract the attention of some passersby, she finally produced a chain watch. A modified chain watch to be exact.

First she checked the time. 11:56. Swearing in a low hiss at her lateness, she then glanced at compass that she had personally added above the time piece. She had not the time to turn to face north and begin the tedious process of gathering her bearings for some sort of direction when a light tap on her shoulder shook her from the muttering.

"I knew it would be you, Muffin! Whatcha doing around here?" a familiar grin greeted her.

"Oh, Flinn! You're here! Good, good. Could you tell me how do I go to this... LeThrank pub?" she replied gleefully, not forgetting to gesture at the map in her hand at the same time as she asked.

"It's right behind you." Flinn pointed. He almost burst out laughing at her embarrassed blush, but managed to swallow it, barely. "What's your business in there?"

"I've got to meet some people. My mum's errand. Anyway, I'm late, so gotta go! See you later!" she waved haphazardly at him as she hurried towards the pub, tucking her timepiece and notebook into her sling bag and jumper short's large front pocket respectively.

The pub was not crowded, but several tables were already filled with people. After staring at the various tables indecisively, Maeffynce finally gave up looking for any particular table that appeared to contain the group of people she was supposed to meet, and approached the one special table where a large white Leon, who happened to stick out sorely, sat and asked. "May I ask if you know of anyone called Gordon?"

Thrill looked around anxiously. This wasn't exactly one of the first times he had to this bar. However, this time there was a strange sense about what was going on. He watched as a saurian helped a the man Thrill had just about trampled. He looked up as a small, compared to him, girl walked in looking around. She sat down next to him and asked, "May I ask if you know of anyone called Gordon?"

Thrill looked at her, than nodded. "That is why I am here as well," Thrill leaned his chin into his right paw, looking at the clock. "11:58 and counting, he should be here any moment now if the bulletin was correct," Thrill stood up, hitting his head on a lamp, and fell into his chair, his weight breaking it. "I will pay for it Jasper." he called to the bartender. Rubbing his backside, and grabbing a new chair, he sat down again mumbling soemthing about the lamps being to low. 11:59.

12:00

Exactly.

The door to the pup opens; and in walks a red-haired Leon. He is tall and wide, even for his species; his head held high, his shoulders back. He saw the group assembled; their weapons a telltale sign of their wish to join his quest. He said simply, his deep voice carrying across the room: "I am Gordon."

He sat at a circular table, in the corner, knowing that the others would assemble. Which they did.

"Friends... we all know what problems these ruins have caused to our fair community. I was fired, I'm sure I'm not the only one. I have faced persecution, and worse, have been ridiculed by Leon forces from the Homeworld for not ripping off my former employer's head! These ruins are on our planet, they are ours. I say, let us go find their plunder and take it for ourselves, and force these intruders to leave us alone!"

Stranger and stranger still... no sooner had Kar set foot in the pub, than he was nearly knocked down by an albino Leon who seemed desperate to enter the pub himself. Expecting an apology, Kar lingered by the Leon's side, but he merely muttered 'yay' and moved off to the bar. Kar pulled his cloak a little tighter around himself, scanning the room for a place to sit. He had never been in this particular pub before, and despite his efforts to conceal himself, was attracting unfriendly stares from all over the room. Not only that, but most of the occupants seemed to be either Saurian or Leon, and based on what Kar had already seen and heard in the past number of days, Saurians and Leons had become more and more suspicious of his kind.
However, who could blame them. Even the company Kar's father worked for had been forced to make layoffs of their kind. Kar did not judge them for their anger. However, their stares did make him grip his staff a bit tighter under his cloak.

From behind him, a voice growled, low but firm, "You are either brave or foolish to come here, sit quickly before you are noticed."
A heavy hand laid on his shoulder. Kar turned, slowly, gazing up at the Saurian standing behind him. "What do you know of my business here?" he questioned, trying to sound less nervous than he felt.
"Maybe more than you think. But business or not, this is no place for scholars or students. Now, sit down"
Kar laughed. He tried not to, but he couldn't help it. Prickly as the situation was that he was in, he couldn't old back the laughter at being called a scholar...
However, the Saurian seemed less than amused by his reaction. "Ok," Kar then replied, calming down. "Lets sit, and you can tell me what you know of my business, if any at all"

At that moment, the door to the pub burst open once more. It had not remained shut during the entire time Kar had been present, one or two others has indeed entered the building. This entrance, however, commanded attention. A tall and built Leon strode into the pub, arms held aloft, red hair seeming to burn like a fire around his face.
"I am Gordon," he proclaimed, and strode boldly to a table in the corner. Turning back to the Saurian still holding his shoulder tightly, Kar noticed the change in her expression, and knew that she too had seen his.
"Perhaps you know my business after all," Kar stated, shaking off her grip and walking to join Gordon at the table, eager to hear what he had to say.

Maeffynce concentrated on nibbling her cookies as silent as she could as she listened to the raves of the discontented Leon who called himself Gordon. She found herself unable to agree or disagree with him. She had done the necessary research on the ruins once she had confirmed its existence with her mother, and the truth had been ugly.

The intrusion of the Homeworld Forces was indeed unnecessary and their acts even more so. However, would they really up and retreat because of a threat of an significant Burtainian force. Even if they had indeed captured the treasure?

Then again, it was not a necessity for her to consider so far was it not? Hers was the job to enter the ruins and recover whatever precious machinery to be found within those ruins, and that would be all. But it was not necessary to spill it all out to them either, so why not join them, and see how it goes and ends?

"I'm in." she said, raising her crumb covered lips over her cookies. Surprised and indifferent looks alike shot at her as she broke the silence that had enshrouded them the moment the redhead had stopped. "I'm Maeffynce Loa. I'm not all that good in a fight, but if you need someone to fix any mech in that place, I can do it."

The boy had spirit, she comended that so she made no more of it. She simply stood and listened as the one named Gordon began his tiraid. He was one with wounded pride, pride made men and leons alike do stupid things. He made it all sound so easy, but despite his strength and rage driven will he and his merry band would be lost and dead within a week.

"You won't survive brave stranger." she said softly "The jungle will swallow you whole if you do not tread carefully. My people have lived on the edges of the jungle for generations until these Homeland guard forces us from our homes. I can get you all to the temple alive, after that I'll be there to settle my score with these people"

Only the tip of her snout was visible under the hood aside from her glowing eyes in the blackness. Her scaled arms folded under the cloak. "From what I've seen they have to fly their people back and forth, not many land based machines can go through the jungle, they are cutting their way through but it will take much time as the jungle becomes entangled and confusing with many stream and rivers to pass over."

Kar sat at the table, observing the band gathered around him. The red haired leon was filled with rage, it was impossible to hide. His bitterness and anger seemed almost palpable. THIS one was in it for revenge...
Kar allowed his eyes to carry on around the group. The self pronounced Maeffynce was the first to break the silence, a young woman dressed in a simple jumper-shorts... or at least, she seemed ALMOST a young woman... there was something disticntly leon about her hair... Proclaiming that she intended to accompany the team, Kar was unsure of her intentions. She had admitted being less than adequate in a fight, but her expressions betrayed nothing of her reasons for going...
One or two had since left the table, obviously not convinced by Gordons argument. Kar was, of course, decided before Gordon had even spoken. This quest struck a chord deep within him - a chance to validate his life so far, to prove himself, to prove that his skills and his desires had value, had meaning...

The sharp voice of the Saurian cut into his thoughts like a knife. She seemed to speak with concern for the party, but Kar was unsure of what she was saying... did she think they were all inexperienced labourers, venturing into the unknown? What were HER reasons for being here?
"I'm in, Gordon." The red haired Leon viewed him in surprise, seeming to notice him for the first time. Frustration crept into Kar's mind. Did everyone see him as just a lowly student, a 'scholar'?
"And for your information, whoever you are," he started, eyeing the Saurian uneasily, "not ALL of us are inexperienced in the ways of the jungle..."

Rather than the reaction he had been hoping for, this latest outburst was met with smirks and giggles. Kar felt the anger boiling up again, but bit his tongue. Giving himself a moment to calm down, he stated once more "Gordon, I'm in. You may underestimate me, but I will prove myself, in time. Besides, with the quest ahead of us, I don't think any of you have the luxury of choosing teammates... I choose to come, and to help. Who else is in?"

Greel meerly sat across the crowded table. He has read the poster and figured he'd enjoy the gathering of the unemployed. He knew what most of them came for, the treasure that everyone was looking for; but they all had different reasons probably.
Greel sat at the table alone, watching a massive Leon, probably Gordon, ramble on about finding the treasure and using it to sue for peace on their home world. It was a wise choice to use for the money, but probably not the best. Greel always thought of Leons as good workers but not good scholars, Greel had always read that the ones with the biggest muscles had the tiniest of brains.
Now, Greel was smarter than that, he knew there were always exceptions to rules, but who knows. The table mostly Leons, Greel knew this was going to happen before the showed up. They had lost their jobs. Surprisingly there was another Saurian there, dressed similar to Greel who stood next to a human.
Greel approached the bar and asked the bartender for a whiskey on the rocks. He got it, and returned to his seat; but before he arrived he just had to ask the other Saurian why she was here.
He tapped her on the shoulder,
"Why have you come to this.. gathering? I don't suppose you've lost a job too?" He took a sip of his drink.

Mekren turned her her head slightly as the Saurian spoke to her. Her cloak hide her smile.
"Employment? No, I'm here because these Homeworld Guards forced my clan to leave our sancutary on the borders of the jungle. They refuse to let us return to land that has been ours for centuries. They have no right to drive the Oscirar from our homes and sacred places."
She turned her eyes down to the young human. She approved of him. He had potential to become far more than he was. He would need to taste blood... He would need to loose that innocence.
"But what of you brethren?" she asked the Saurian behind her "Why are you here? I doubt it's for the pleasent atomsphere..."
She still had her arms folded under her cloak, the majority of her body hidden by it.

[OOC: Just a note, generally, Maeffynce appears to be human, as she has no other features, other than her ears, which is of the same shade (as her hair) and is usually hidden amongst her hair, that dictates otherwise.]

Maeffynce took a long look at the ones who surrounded her. Some were cloaked, while others, like herself and Gordon, stood in plain clothes and even battle wear. She paused for a half-second to wonder if it was necessary to dress themselves so oddly before discarding the thought altogether. What they dressed like was not her business, but what they thought mattered.

However, even with that cloak surrounding her, the Saurian who stood beside the cloaked man appeared as though her nose grew above her eyes. Maeffynce wondered if it was skill or pride that had produced that result. As for the young man beside her however... Determination burned in his honest eyes. If she needed to trust anyone in the entire group, he would probably be the first.

As the lady-like Saurian turned to speak at length with another of her kind, she took the chance to whisper to the neglected man beside her.

"How long do you suppose this will take before the meeting ends?"

Thrill watched as the meeting went on. So far there were three to join Gordon. Thrill stood up, watching for the chandeleer this time. Standing about a foot over Gordon, he said simply, "I am in, howver, I would like it if you would like it if you would allow me to do some, studying of the ruins." Though he did not look it, Thrill was a great scholar, and fighter. He veiwed himself as not quite old enough to have grown foolish, and prideful as most male leon do. He thought of himself more or less as a scholar with the ability to protect himself. "But more importantly, if we can find this treasure, and use it to get rid of the military forces, then so be it. Those a** holes took my father and forced him to fight for them."

Thrill looked around, attention seemed to pull to the large albino leon. "Not to mention, I know more about poisons, and the herbs of the jungle than any of you I am sure," he paused. "Then again, I only now appearance and affects, not names and lables." Thrill threw a glance at the two cloaked Saurian. Mainly the one who had mentioned about the dangers of teh jungle. "I'm in to say the least." He sat back down, quietly, he peered around the room.

Gordon looked around at the assembled group: two Humans, two Saurians, himself... a well mixed group. Yet, the most interesting was the other Leon... an albino Leon.

Amongst the Leon, albinos were very rare. Gordon had only ever heard of two; and both of those were legendary. Albinos were supposed to be harbingers of change; be it for good or ill. The Leon who first built a starship and the Admiral in charge of the Leon Fleet at the Delta System incident were both supposed to have been albino.

Should he allow the albino to join him? As far as history was concerned, the albino Leon had caused the current conflict. However, was not change his goal? And a Leon that stood a foot above Gordon would be useful indeed; Gordon himself was a large specimen of Leon, making his albino brother a giant among the races.

Yes... this was a good group. Strengths abound, and their weaknesses seemed to be balanced out.

"My friends, I appreciate your willingness to join me. Of course, we can also study the ruins, that is likely the treasure contained within, the knowledge. Now, my friends, I shall share what little I have learned of these ruins with you. Perhaps you have already heard this, and likely a couple of you may know more. But, please, bear with me."

"The ruins are ancient, over a thousand years old. That means that they are older than the space programs of each of our races; they are not ours. Some ancient race, likely space-faring, has left behind these ruins on our fair planet. They are made of a yellow stone, hard, but succumbing in places to the elements. The ruins are not officially in the possession of any of the military forces; but each has sweeping patrols, attempting to keep citizens away. However, the ruins are quite expansive, and they cannot guard it completely."

"So, my friends, shall we plan our way in?"

Mekren turned her head back towards Gorden as he spoke. There was much fire in his heart. He would be a strong leader. At the mention of planning a way in, she stepped forward slightly.
"I know the majority of the jungle like my own skin. My advise is we head east and follow the main river. The cover is thick but the animals have left many paths that we can use without being spotted from the water based patrols. I have however heard rumors of small confrontations beteween rival patrols, we may be able to use this to our advantage."
She pulled a scroll of paper from under her cloak, spreading it on the table.
"I also... 'found' this at an empty Saurian patrol post during the shift change. It marks some of the landscape of the jungle as well as the temple's location."
She pointed to the marked position on the map then traced her finger across to the river, for everyone to see.
"It will not be an easy journey but we can traverse the jungle far quicker than they can build a road through it."

"But what of you brethren?" she asked the Saurian behind her "Why are you here? I doubt it's for the pleasent atmosphere..." Followed her answer to Greels question.
"Well, " He said, finishing his drink, "If you are truly interested, then I must say that I've felt a bit empty on the inside. See, at my old age you might say I have 'Been there, done that'. But thats exactly it, I haven't and I believe this is a chance to make a difference, maybe not just in my life as well. And besides, it sounds fun and I have nothing to lose but my life." He laughed, "And I have almost outlived that."

She listened, or seemed like she did. Greel appreciated this, no one liked his rambling, nobody. She was covered in a cloak but smelled of the jungle and years of summer days. A scent Greel gave up for books and ancient texts, something he will be soon. Dead.
A short while after, a white Leon stood up and started talking. Greel wasn't actually listening to a thing the child said, he was fascinated by the color of his fur. He stretched out his right hand to touch his fur, but quickly brought it back. That might seem a little, sketchy, He thought. I'll have to keep a close eye on him, make sure he doesn't he doesn't wind up six feet under..

The female Saurian he had just spoken too laid out slight blueprints of the temple and some of its surroundings, pointing out there are deep paths that will keep us hidden until out destination is reached.
"It will not be an easy journey but we can traverse the jungle far quicker than they can build a road through it." She said.

A wise path.. But I can't help think that there is something wrong with it..
I'll have to reread over the geography before we depart..

She had stepped back so the other could examin the map and access her choices. Her beads clicked slightly as she moved, but there was another sound. A faint clink of metal. She moved as if it was of no matter but in truth she tried to limit that sound. It alerted those with keen ears she was armed.
Still, these days who wasn't.
"I tried to get more information but I was interupted and was forced to make a sharp exit. they have since moved the maps and increased the number of guards at that post."
She sounded a little disappointed in herself, but it didn't stick.
"I've heard rumors of patrol sightings, here, here, and here. Each army has their own patrol line but the follow almost the same routes. The jungle doesn't relinquish new paths well. Even if we're careful this could cause a problem"
She pointed to a line on the map which indicated a small canyon but there was only a few routes across.
"We are most likely to have clashes leading up to and around this place. Your ideas are as good as mine on how best to approach it"

Thrill looked at the map. "You know, I carry tranquilizers that could knock out most leons. If we see any trouble, I will take of it so we can avoid as much conflict as necesary. Also, I carry many other neat combinations, including a few bullets in which victim is forced to speak the truth, not surwe how I came across it, but I tested it on accident, and ended up grounded for a few weeks," he pauses. "Any ways, truth serum and knock out darts just in case."

He looked at the map on the table and saw small waterfall along the river. Pointing to it he spoke up, "Wouldn't there be a route leading behind the falls right here. I mean yeah, it would be slippery, and quite dangerous, but i have heard of small caverns behind waterfalls before. I know it is a bit out of the way and all, but still. Then again, they could have a small unit hidden in there. But hey, it is still worth a shot in my opinion," looking at the two saurian, "What do you think?" he turned his head from them, to Gordon, then to Maelynx.

Mekren couldn't help but growl a little.
"We cannot go that way, unless unless it has already been defiled. It is the grave site for my clan's greatest heroes. If any troops have set up a base there... I will be forced to spill blood..."
Something rattled under her hood, as if she had a rattlesnake coiled round her neck but the noise passed quickly. She was highly agitated but it wasn't the Leon's fault. The thought of such a desectration made her scales flex, though part of her mind already knew there was a high chance it had been.
She closed her eyes and attempted to place a lid on her simmering rage. The Oscirar had always been an old, tribal based clan, even before they had arrived on Burtain. When the first of them landed they immediately felt a home within the jungle and life soon revolved around it. Stories, leaders and heroes were born with in it's cradle and the Oscirar had given much of their love to the jungle in thanks. So it had been for the past 300 years...

Since his last outburst, Kar had taken a seat quietly by Maeffynce, letting his irritation subside. Pulling his hood down for the first time, he sat and listened to the plans to reach the ruins. Gordon explained what he had gleaned of the task ahead. Despite his now calm tone, Kar could still sense the deep anger rippling beneath the surface. Yes, Gordon would be a strong and determined leader... but with so much heat burning in his heart, would his loyalties lie with his teammates? Or with his goal...? The thought worried Kar... he was not used to thinking this much about people and their goals... perhaps it was what his father had said to him, but regardless, he could now see the benefit in thinking ahead.
Maeffynce shifted in her seat beside him. Kar considered her once more... of all the people gathered here, he found her the hardest to work out. Stealing a quick glance at her, he wondered once more why she was here. Based on her appearance, and what she had said, she seemed to be a mechanic. Why was she here? She had yet to betray any emotion that would reveal her purpose on this quest... Yes, Kar was confused about this one. Before this night was out, he would make a point of asking her why she was here.
Turning his attention back to the meeting, the Saurian Kar had encountered earlier was continuing to lay out her plans for entry to the ruins. In all honesty, Kar cared little for the path they chose. For good or ill, their path would be an adventure, and it was THAT to which Kar was looking forward. He would take things as they came, he would follow his teammates into success and danger alike. He could handle himself sufficiently in either situation.
Kar's attention wandered once more. Considering this Saurian, who's name he was yet to discover, his mind worked over the conversation he had overheard between her and this other Saurian. Yes, revenge, anger seemed to also drive this member of the troop. Like Gordon, she too had suffered at the hands of the homeworld troops, and her heart was driven by the desire to settle a score, so it seemed to Kar.
This albino leon, however, he was something of an enigma. His statements led Kar to conclude that here sat a scholar, though he certainly didnt look it. However, he too had suffered since the homeworld troops arrived. At least, his father had, seemingly... Kar's father's words echoed once more in his head. Is it right to trust what this giant had said? He certainly did not seem like the scholarly type... however, Kar himself knew that appearances could be deceptive. Had he himself not been misunderstood, based on his appearance? Kar paid greater attention once more, as the Leon began to speak of tranquilizers, truth serums, and hidden waterfall passages... Yes, Kar knew he would need to watch this one more closely to come to a conclusion.
Finally, Kar came around to this other Saurian. He had only first noticed him when the first Saurian had addressed him... and so, knew nothing of this one. All Kar had observed was an outstretched claw towards the albino Leon, which was clearly retracted... Kar wondered if he knew it had been noticed?
The first Saurian was agitated, her anger now visible below her hood. Uneasiness crept into Kar's mind...
Enough thinking for now.

"OK. I don't mean to rush you guys, but I for one am wary of discussing any more of this in this place. We don't know who anyone else in this bar is, or if they are on the payroll of the homeworld troops or not..." He threw a wary glance around the rest of the bar, most of its patrons talking together, most clearly inebriated. There were one or two, however, eyeing their table with badly disguised interest.
"Gordon, I am just one member of this team, should you have me. But I suggest we move out for now, and sort out more of our route on the way. I don't trust the safety of this place..."

Thrill looked at the saurian as she snapped back. "We cannot go that way, unless unless it has already been defiled. It is the grave site for my clan's greatest heroes. If any troops have set up a base there... I will be forced to spill blood..." Hearing a slight rattle, Thrill looked at her uneasily.

"I appoligize, I had no idea." Thrill ducked his head very inafectively.

"OK. I don't mean to rush you guys, but I for one am wary of discussing any more of this in this place. We don't know who anyone else in this bar is, or if they are on the payroll of the homeworld troops or not..." The young man spoke up. "Gordon, I am just one member of this team, should you have me. But I suggest we move out for now, and sort out more of our route on the way. I don't trust the safety of this place..."

Thrill looked around uneasily. "I agree with the man, we should definitely get out of here." He paused, he thought about using his house as a place to head to, then he remembered the mess he had left it in. Books lay everywhere, some open, others thrown across the room. Heck, one was even stuck in the soft clay wall of his homemade book rack. Then the herbs and poisons laying around everywhere.

Looking at the group, he eyeballed all of the people there. Gordon seemed more focused on a goal than anything else, it was almost dangerous. Then the two saurian kept themselves cloaked. Plus the young man. Then there was the young half-breed, which for some reason, Thrill found kinda cute. He knew that he could not completely trust the first saurian to arrive, or Gordon. He seemed to set on his goal. The second saurian almost smelt of books. The two other young ones besides Thrill seemed about the only the ones he could completely trust.

"So, where do go?" he asked the rest of the group.

Everyone gave the looks of 'I don't want them in my house..' Greel chuckled slightly.
"Well.." He hissed from under the darkness of his hood, "We could all head back to my place." Mostly everyone had their eyes on him. "I live not too far from here, but it's a nice walk. I live in the basement of the library a few blocks down. It's a fairly large place for only me and I'm sure it could fit everyone happily." Greel unhooded himself and continued talking.
"Living under a library is usually helpful because if you cannot find a book in my mini library, theres always the big one above me."
Greel exposed his face. Greel mostly resembled a reptilian type of a head but with dark blue scales. His tongue slipped out in between his lips and licked the air around the front of his mouth, then licked the scales on his upper lip.
"Of course, I've always had a hard time obtaining company for my looks. So if you have any objections for the way I am," Greel smiled as he spoke, "I'll eat you." He laughed. The white Leon let out a smirk it seemed, or so he hoped it was. Gordon remained still, Greel saw the other Saurian just slightly shaking her head back and forth.
"Plenty of light, books of everything on anything, and food. I always keep a gross amount of food incase something was to happen outside." Greel looked at the map on the table, "Probably got something like that laying around. I'm pretty sure you can get blueprints on the general area that go more in depth, but not the temple itself of course being something of new but old."

Maeffynce nodded at the elder Saurian's suggestion. She had been about the offer her own workshop for their meeting, seeing the other's hesitation. However since he had offered first, and with better conditions, she was willing to go along with him.

The others apparently agreed as they shuffled to remove themselves from their barstools and threw in several coins on the table for each of their drinks.

The cool night air blew against Maeffynce as they exited the bar, and she shivered at the chill even as the huge albino Leon beside her blocked most of the wind from her small frame. Plodding alongside the cloaked youth as they followed the Saurian's lead, she could not help but lean forward in an attempt to catch his features and asked, "So, what's your name?"

[OOC: I'm assuming that all agreed to shift to Greel's library here ^^; But if anyone doesn't want to please notify me and I'll edit it.]

Kar pulled his hood back up as he exited the pub. The chill night wind had picked up considerably since he had entered the pub just over an hour ago, and now flew down the street straight at the unlikely team. Drawing his cloak tighter around himself to shield out the cold, Kar's mind mulled over the new situation. He had been certain there were a few overinterested patrons at that bar, and felt fairly sure their proposed secret objective was not as secret as they would have hoped... In all honestly, he would have felt far more comfortable setting off at once, reaching the jungle outskirts while still under the cover of darkness. However, going to a relatively neutral hideout to begin with clearly had its advantages too. It would give a chance for rest, a chance to gather any provisions they may need... and, most useful in Kar's eyes, a chance to learn more about his companions...

He began to long for a friend on this quest... Kar hated distrust. Normally, he would trust everyone he met, unless they proved they were unworthy of that trust, of course. But ever since he left his home earlier that evening... well, he no longer knew what to think. Looking around at the troop around him as they marched down the street, Kar's mind drifted back to some of his earlier adventures and explorations... his friends had accompanied him many times. Dougie, Gavin, Juthran... he hadn't even told them he was going away this time. He wished they could be here now too...

"So, what's your name?"
Kar looked around, his thoughts interrupted. The young woman, Maeffynce, had fallen into step beside him, looking into his hood.
"Karonin Valmus. But usually it's just Kar." Pulling down his hood once more, Kar looked more closely at her face. She was young, like himself, and her face had grubby smudges here and there... again, not unlike himself most of the time. He smiled, despite himself. "And before you ask, I can't even tell you why I'm here. I heard about the quest... and something inside me just jumped. I live to explore..." He tailed off, mind drifting back to adventures past...
"And you're Maeffynce, right?" he asked, shaking his mind clear once more. Inspiration hitting him, he added, "If you don't mind me asking... why are YOU here?"

"If you don't mind me asking... why are YOU here?"

Maeffynce stared for a moment at Karonin, or Kar as he had called himself, as he turned her unspoken question back to herself. Finally able to connect his face to his being, she realised that he appeared younger than she had expected. In fact, he looked to be just her age, which was five or six years short of her estimation.

While not exactly being handsome or cute looking, Kar had a distinct attractive air about himself. One that drew attentions of the opposite gender to him and left little who could forget his features. Perhaps it was that honest gaze in his eyes, or that grim set eyebrows that spelled determination, or even the scars on his face that some might find attractive.

"I don't mind." she finally replied to his question, having forcefully snipped her trail of thoughts before it wandered any further, "Like I've said before, I'm here to fix any mechanical problems you might meet at the ruins. I'm a mechanic you see."

At his nod, she continued, "I heard rumours that rare ancient parts can be found in the ruins. And as a mechanic it would be a shame to leave these rumours unconfirmed. You never know what you might miss! But all I know is fixing stuff and if I were to travel alone I might take a decade just to reach the ruin, much less explore it before anyone else. That's why I'm here. To get help, and to offer help."

As his eyebrows furrowed thoughtfully, she wondered aloud, "Do you think that's a silly reason to go so far away from home?"

Kar's brow furrowed, processing this new information. So his guess had been correct, a mechanic she was. And seemingly, she too was on this quest for an unusal purpose. Whilst everyone else seemed to be after the ruins for the treasure or for study, it seemed, to Kar at least, he had found someone else not driven by this purpose. Admittedly, he found the desire to collect and study old machina parts a little odd, but was his purpose any less strange? Had he not just now admitted that his only purpose was, in fact, exploration? The thrill of the adventure? A chance to prove his lifestyle had meaning, had purpose? Now he thought about it, such an idea, in itself, was indeed a trifle odd. No doubt they would be facing hardship, certainly danger... perhaps even death. And what was his goal, his personal aim? Unspecified... but regardless of that fact, Kar reminded himself, he just knew, just KNEW that this is where he was meant to be...

"Do you think that's a silly reason to go so far away from home?" Maeffynce asked.
Kar considered this a moment. "No..." he replied eventually. "I could hardly be justified in calling your decision foolish. At least you have a goal... If machina is your thing, I think you're fully justified in your reasoning. I just kinda wish I understood my own goal as clearly as that... I'm not really one for reasons and methods. My heart tends to throw me in the directions I end up taking..."
Kar liked Maeffynce, he decided. Her statements seemed a little direct and contracted, but her heart seemed genuine enough. She appeared secure in herself, which Kar admired. Being a human in a difficult job normally reserved for Leons could not be an easy life. Smiling to himself, Kar once more thought about the times he himself had been underestimated. He was now trying hard not to do it to others too, he realised.

The wind blew stronger still as the group rounded a corner into a new street. Looking over at Maeffynce once more, Kar noticed her smiling too. Yes, Kar liked this young woman. She would make a good friend, he decided. Turning back to face the Saurians leading the pack, Kar stole a quick glance at the albino Leon on Maeffynce's other side. He seemed to be keeping a close watch on both Kar and Maeffynce out of the corner of his eye... Kar's uneasiness rose by a small degree...

Mekren had said little if anything after they had decided to move. Simply taking up her map and tucking it back under her cloak. She had taken her position beside Greel, something was troubling her nd as she had spent most of her life in Saurian company, she allowed herself that sentiment now.
"I must say," she said quietly "I did not expect to see any other of my kind here, though I did hope it would be the case. So as kindred, please permit me to ask.... Do I seem... vengful?"
It may seem like a silly question but it had troubled her as she'd watched the faces of the others around her. Mistrust was high and she knew a lot of it was to do with motive. Her snapping at the albino had been uncalled for but... she had been raised to think of the jungle as part of her own soul, which was now being brutally violated. She said nothing to voice these thoughts yet but... maybe the elder would have a little advice.

Thrill looked at the the two next to him talking. He himself had kept his real reason for being here to himself. He was here not only for the study, but for simply the experience. Thrill had always been at home studying, and though he knew plants very well, not including names, he had never actually been outside beyond his familys home and town. Thrill stood by them, allowing himself to block some of the wind from them. He occasionally looked at them from the corner of his eye, but when Kar, as Thrill had over heard, gave him an uneasy glance Thrill spoke up. "You want to know why I am really here?" he asked looking directly at Kar kindly. "I have never left this town. I have studied plants, sword play, and practiced with my long barrels most of my life, but I have never actually left town. I am here not only to right this wrong, but to research, as well as finally feel an adventure, and to have an actual weight on my shoulders."

He looked at Kar, The humans hood now pulled down, revealling an honest, though untrusting face. "I only hope I can carry the weight of peice upon these weak willed shoulders." He said to himself. "By the way Kar, that is your name right, sorry about almost knocking you over back at the bar." He said clearly with a goofy smile on his face.

This caught him off guard... the albino Leon had clearly noticed Kar's uneasy glance, perhaps noticed the slight stiffening in his stride... But rather than ignore it, the giant Leon had decided to call him on it, addressing him in direct conversation. Kar admonished himself once more as the Leon spoke. Yet again, he had allowed his preconceptions to formulate his opinions. He had thought this Leon harboured hostility towards him, for whatever reason... but it now seemed that this was not the case. Kar considered his words, read his body language... yes, this Leon was telling the truth. The warmth shone out from his eyes, it was clear that his words were genuine. Kar found himself smiling once more as he listened to the Leon speak. There seemed to be little difference between this being and himself, as far as where their hearts lay. Here, too, was a creature bound by the craving of adventure, of exploration. Kar pitied him, to a certain extent, having never left the town... what wonders, what glories he had been deprived of! He could never have seen the sun setting over the forests beyond the northern valley, nor observed the serene beauty of the Cuthran falls by the Dianour mountains... Yes, Kar thought to himself, he is in for an adventure all right...

"By the way Kar, that is your name right, sorry about almost knocking you over back at the bar."
His goofy grin was mirrored by Kar's amused smile. "Tell you what," Kar replied, "I'll forgive you if you tell me your name, friend!"

Friend... no less that 3 minutes ago, Kar had been longing for a friend on this trip... it now seemed he had found two

The leon stood up tall. "I am Thrill, my father gave me this name because of the history of albino leons." He grinned, "Though I care not about their history, my future is a great mystery to soon be seen." He looked bent down, walking backwards now, and looked Kar in the eye, almost touching nose to nose. "Freind." He stood up straight and fell back beside the two when he noticed the young Maefynce shivering again.

The other Saurian walked beside Greel, they lead the group. Breaking the silence between them, she asked:
"I must say," she said quietly "I did not expect to see any other of my kind here, though I did hope it would be the case. So as kindred, please permit me to ask.... Do I seem... vengeful?"
Greel tapped his chin with his scaly finger.
"Vengeful?" Greel spoke, following her whisper, "Slaughtering innocent kin, and disrespecting sacred ground?" Greel paused. "The lust for revenge should come naturally, no? If you were to spill blood for revenge of your honored heroes and innocently killed kin, I would only think good of you. They brought your hatred upon themselves and now they Should face the consequences." Greel put a hand on her shoulder, "I'm not too sure where I came from.. more or less what family or branch family. Most of my memory was pushed out by knowledge I learned from staying here. These books have become my life. I fear I may never know my parents, being an orphan."

He paused for awhile.
"Kill any amount of people you find necessary. I wont judge you." Looking up, "I'm not too far, only a few hundred more feet."

She let out a very soft trill, a rare sound from any Saurian but it had greatly eased her heart to know that at least her own people understood her motives. She assured herself with time their group would mix far more easily. This was Burtain after all. However the news that her companion was an orphan made her head dip slightly
"No Saurian should be without a family..." she said softly, and there was movement under her cloak. "My brethren, your words have eased my heart... as thanks I offer you this." her arm slid fully out from under her cloak now, her soft, sandy-coloured scales glinting in the night-lights of the street. Her arms was slim but very strong and her wrist was covered in beaded bracelets. One of these was in her out-stretched palm.
"It marks you as a friend of our clan. If we should meet any of my family during this journey, you will at least be treated as part of it."
The beads were interchanged between bloodstone and deep turquoise, held together by a strap of leather. A single shimmering green feather hung about an inch. It was simple yet very beautiful, with each stone, polished smooth.

Kar walked on behind the two Saurians leading the group. The smile had not left his face, as he walked along beside his two new friends, but his spirits were beginning to lessen once more... it certainly seemed like they had been walking a long time... Speeding up his pace slightly, Kar covered the distance between himself and the Saurians in front. Tapping the one who's residence they were making their way to, he suddenly realised he did not know the Saurians name...

"Excuse me... whatever your name is, but are we close?"

Kar had barely finished speaking before the chaos ensued. The 'female' Saurian had seen the danger moments before it came, having had turned around as Kar began to speak. She spotted the homeworld troops mere seconds before they opened fire. Not even taking time to speak, she seemed to react instinctively, pushing Maeffynce aside to safety at the same time as moving for cover herself. Kar whirled around just as the trrops opened fire, the first couple of rounds flying past up the street mere inches from his chest.
Diving aside behind a post box for cover, Kar assessed the situation quickly. A squad of around 10 homeworld troops stood at the end of the street, now a good 80 feet behind them. All were wearing urban combat gear consisting of helmets with clear visors, chest protecting body armour, and sandy coloured camo gear. Each had their own rapid fire rifle, which was trained straight down the street at their unlikely fellowship. As some more shots whizzed past, several hitting the post box now hiding Kar from view, he tried to see where everyone else had gone. No one seemed to have been hit, certainly no one was lying in the street. Kar had briefly seen Maeffynce getting back to her feet, now located just down the entrance to an alleyway left of where they had been standing. The 'female' Saurian had followed, now too in the alley, trying to find a lull in the fire to take a look down the street. The other Saurian Kar could not see. Perhaps he had taken cover behind something between the post box and the squad, an area Kar could not see. Kar looked to his right, and on the other side of the street saw Thrill pressing himself in as tight as he could to a recessed doorway, whilst seemingly reaching for his weapon. Gordon too was in a similar situation, two doorways further up.
Concentrating hard, Kar could make out the sounds of running footsteps behind the constant sound of gunfire... the squad was approaching. Reaching for his own gun, Kar noticed Thrill sqeezing off a round or two from around the corner of his doorway. Pulling his gun out, Kar looked left once more, catching another glimpse of Maeffynce standing behind the Saurian, who was positively shaking with rage, stealing another glance down the street. She almost seemed to be WILLING the squad to come, so she could use them as an outlet for her rage... Turning himself around, Kar too stole a quick glance down the street, before pulling his head back quickly as bullets once more missed him by mere centimetres. Again, he had not seen the other Saurian, but what he HAD seen had caused him a great deal more concern...
Humans. These were HUMAN homeworld troops. Kar felt the chill of shock steal over him as he held the gun in his hand. Yes, he had been suspicious of the patrons in the bar, yes he had suspected homeworld troops would be an issue... but had he really expected his own people to launch a sneak attack on a fairly ambiguous group, without warning or mercy? What was happening??

Unfortunately, Kar didn't get the option of considering the answer to that question. He heard Gordon's roar, whilring around to see the huge Leon charging towards him. It was only mere milliseconds before the grenade went off that Kar realised what was happening. It must have landed fairly close to the post box, somewhere just off to the right of Kar's location. Before he really had a chance to react he was airborne, flying through the air straight towards the alleyway containing Maeffynce and the 'female' Saurian. Kar felt the pain of the explosion on his back mere moments before he hit the ground. And then he felt nothing, as unconciousness took hold.

Instinct. The own thing which kicks off the most powerful natural drug rush a Saurian could feel. Adrenaline surged through her body, making her react before her mind had fully engaged. The medical men she had encountered in her time had said that there were two layers of awareness at all times. Our higher brain function which allowed us to understand the world around, learn and adapt to our environment, and control our emotions and then a far simpler underlayerwhich thought in one word sentances to allow for the highest chances of survival.
One sighting the troops her mind had told her only one thing. Child. Protect. Alley. Move.
It was only once she had the girl out of harm's way that the rest of her brain assessed and agreed with the lower function's desicion.
Maeffynce had said in the bar she was not a fighter and that she'd never seen combat. To be shot at so early in the journey was not going to be a happy experience. She had the girl craddled to her as she assessed the situation, the two layers of her brain comparing notes.
Men. Humans with guns. Child. I need to keep her hidden and safe. Fight. I'd die.
She growled, the long rows of teeth in her muzzle becoming exposed. They were all like small ivory daggers, carnivore teeth.
"Child, move down the alley! Quickly now! Find a spot to hide and stay there, I will come back for you as soon as things quieten down." she half guided, half pushed the girl down the alley. Until the explosion that was.
She spun round, just shielding her face into time from the dust it had thrown up.
Fight. They are men with guns. FIGHT!
She hurried back down the alley, to see the limp body of the human. He reeked of burnt flesh but he was alive. She dragged him down the five, six feet of alley she had used to shield Maeffynce.
He had a nasty burn down one arm and quite possibly a very nasty headache when he woke up but he'd live. However now she was left with a dilemma. She wanted to fight, her body was screaming for itbut her higher consciousnes was not going to be ignored.
She had two children who could not fight. It would be irresponsible of her to leave them here while she went off to fight. She was of better use watching over them. They could be easily shot for being associated with the group and even though the boy's heart was strong, he could do nothing in his current state.
"Change of plans. We move." She slung the young man over her backdraping his arms over her shoulders and holding him in place under the knees.
"Come, young one. It seems we must be parted from our friends for a whille." she said offering a taloned hand to help the girl back on her feet.

Thrill took advantage of the explosion, though it knocked him off balance, he was more or less fine. He did not see were Gordon went, though he could hear the leon fighting with the humans. Running towards the alley through the smoke, he fired off a fw rounds in the midst of it all. He soon reached the alley, and there was Kar unconcious over the female saurians' shoulder, Maefynce was standing up. "We can meet up later," he said quickly handing the female saurian a slip of paper with his address on it. "I will hold them off as long as possible, then meet up here, just head there know, its not hard to find. Not to mention it is not a very place for us to be."

Thrill turned around the corner, and saw a few of the humans cuffing an unconcious Gordon, his head was bleeding. The others moved closer. Thrill pulled his long barrels, and let off a few more shots taking down three humans, but not killing them.

Only seconds ago, they were engaged in mundane get-to-know-each-other conversations, now they were attacked by soldiers whom she could only assume to be homeworlders. Maeffynce had not even the chance to blink when the lady Saurian carried her off in a rush and herded her into the alley. Then, when she had attempted to peek out of the little alley where she had obediently hidden in, the flying body of one smoking Kar flew in and stayed limp on the ground where he had landed.

By the time she overcame the shock at the thought of Kar dying, the lady Saurian had already slung his sizzling body over her shoulder and began leading her towards the other end of the alley. She struggled to follow the brisk steps of the Saurian as they hurried to cover as much distance as they could while Thrill stalled the troops, praying for his safety all the while.

It was when she had finished her first prayer that the thought of obtaining a vehicle occurred to herself, and she glanced at the vehicles along the deserted roadside parking lots.

"Wait." She said between gasps, and the lady Saurian paused. "I can grab a car from here. We can go faster by car than on foot."

After a second of weighing their odds, the Saurian agreed. "Alright, don't take long."

"Ok!" Maeffynce gasped, then bounded towards the vehicle of her choice. Skilfully picking the lock of the white SUV, she proceeded to hotwire the vehicle with trembling hands. She wondered briefly if the trembling came from excitement, fear, nervousness, stress or a mixture of all, but tossed the thought quickly as the Saurian who had laid Kar in the back seats settled into the passenger seat at her side and watched her expectantly.

Luckily enough, the engine rumbled to live within a minute, and she sank into the driver's seat in nervous relief.

"Ok.. where to?" she breathed.


[OOC: I'm assuming the SUV is opened manually by keys ^^;; If I missed any points please notify me ^^]

Pain burned through every corner of his mind. Kar willed himself to fall back into the dreamy calm of unconciousness, but it was not to be. He was awake now, and the pain made sure he would stay that way. His mind swimming, he opened his eyes a little, to be met with a hazy blur. His right arm felt like it was on fire, and every inch of him cried out in anguish as he tried to move. Taking a sharp breath in as he tried to sit up, his vision cleared a little. They were moving, he realised, in a vehicle. His mind still to hazy to fill in the blanks of how he got here, or where he was headed, or indeed who he was with, he just collapsed back down onto the seat, groaning in pain as his right arm rubbed against the seats surface. Ignoring the pain in his neck as he turned, he looked down at his arm. His cloak was singed and burnt, and his arm wasn't much better. He could smell the burn in his flesh.

A large, taloned hand reached back, gently but firmly pushing his head back down. "Rest, now," said a voice. "You'll be seen to soon."
Still dizzy and in pain, Kar lay back, watching as a concerned Maeffynce, seemingly driving, glanced back at him, then returned her attention to the road. "It won't be long now," she said. Kar closed his eyes, trying once more to sleep... unsuccessfully.

Mekren had stuffed the piece of paper into Maeffynce's hand and climbed in the back to do what she could for the human. In moments her cloak was torn into strips, at last revealing her real identity. Her sandy coloured scales covered her entire body, to the point where she wore nothing but jewelery, to the point it would make mammalian species embaressed to look at her. That is if the curved, cruel looking schimtar's on her hips wheren't enough of a distraction. However, not all the jewelery that decorated her scales was for display purposes. Having grabbed a bottle of water she'd found under the seat, the Saurian soaked some of the rags of her cloak, wrapped them into pads and tied them to the human's arm. It wouldn't heal him but it would cool the wound and ease the burning sensation.
Next she grabbed a blue bangle from her wrist and lifted the male's head up with his mouth open. Snapping the bracelet, it became clear that the bracelet was a hidden container for a trickling blue liquid.
It would taste foul but then, all good medicine did.
"It's for the pain, it should feel easier soon"
Tossing the shards of bracelet out the window, she laid him flat downand covered him with what was left of her cloak, her raptor like head looking out of the front window to ease the feeling of car sickness she was getting.

Looking back and forth between the scrawled address and the building she had just paused beside several times, Maeffynce finally confirmed that they had reached their location safe and sound. She turned her feline eyes to the Saurian, who appeared to be green despite her sandy brown scales, behind herself, "We're here."

Nodding in affirmation, the Saurian hoisted the conscious but weak Kar out of the vehicle and padded towards the building Maeffynce had pointed at.

"I'll get this car in that alley, so that we can use it again quickly if we need to, and to hide it from those people." she explained the idea that had come to her during the trip to the Saurian quickly before turning off toward the covert route. A minute later, she had popped out of the SUV, shut the door close, and rushed out of the dark towards the Saurian as though running from hellhounds.

They found and entered Thrill's apartment with relative ease, and the messy scroll filled and herb smelling apartment still managed to surprise Maeffynce even though she had heard of his proficiency with herbs. Hastily clearing some scrolls off the furniture that appeared to be closest to a bed, they laid Kar down.

"What do we do now?" Maeffynce asked as she sank onto the edge of the mattress.


[OOC: Sorry for the wait ^^;; Hope I've gotten the apartment and Mekren right ^^;

EDIT:: Deleted the last para as per Kiya's request.]

((OOC: Thanks Yume, it's fine now))

Mekren looked over the human with a heavy sigh.
"Right now all I can do is make him a little more comfortable. I gave him a pain-killer in the car but I don't know enough of human biology to fully treat him."
She didn't like admitting weaknesses but bravado in situations like this were dangerous, esspecially for the paticent. She unwrapped the bandage enough to look at the wound now they were stationary. The heat rising from the wound suggested it was still burning, she closed her golden yellow eyes and sniffed.
"They really meant business with us. We're more of a threat than we realised... Young one, see if you can find me some lemon juice or something else acidic, these burns are not just from flame and they still burn into his flesh. We must cool the burn. I will fetch some ice."
She looked down at him, those golden eyes could penertrate the soul.
"Stay still, the pain killer should come into affect soon." with that she was up off the bed, her long tail lashes slightly as she hunted for the freezer, her talons tapping on the floor with irritation whenever she paused in her search.

Thrill shot off several more shots. The humans than threw a grenade at him. He ran to the back of the alley. When it went off, he took off sprinting. Reaching the group of men before they knew what was happening, he struck down two of them with powerful blows. He took a nearby humvee they were using and took off in the opposite direction of his own home. He soon reached an alley were he parked the car. Once it was hidden about two streets from his home, he headed for home at full sprint.

He burst into the door, just about knocking it off of its hinges, "Is he okay?" Thrill yelled walking over to Kar.

At the sound of the crashing door, Makren swords were drawn, her pupils were needles thin and her blade tip was pointed at the male's throat. Her eyes relaxed when she saw it was Thrill but she held the position.
"Too much noise." she said softly "He needs rest and peace. We need a low profile to avoid the patrols finding this place. So calm your adrenaline before I bleed it from you" She pressed the blade tip up for emphasis before putting the swords away.
"He's had a pain killer but we need an acidic substance to stop the burn and ice to numb and cool the wound. Do you have such things?" she waited for a reply, the cold warrior but there was a slight irritated twitch to her tail.

Thrill nodded. Looking around he began to dig in many random places. After a couple of minutes of rumaging and mumbling, he stood in front of Makren. "Okay, these herbs and this orange should make a substance that will help with the burns, the freezer is actually in the floor under the carpet," he yelled to Maefynce, he paused. "No, I am not a smuggler, there are just some things this city will not allow, and some of the things have to be kept at atleast zero degrees Celsius." He scratched the back of his head. "The purple colored rock is more effective than ice, it will cool his skin, and also works almost as a pain killer. It really just post pones the pain, but it will make an easier recovery."

Thrill started to mix the unusual ingredients in an old fasion bowl with a spoon. He smashed the juices the out of the herbs and orange, than strained them into a different bowl. "Here, this should do," he said handing the bowl over to Makren.

Mekren sniffed at the bowl, which a mix of disdain and irritation. Her cruel black talons tapped on the floor but she didn't move. The young leon was impatient and hyperactive... It concerned her.
"It's not his skin temperature which worries me, it's the chemical burning into his wound, the components should be applied separately..." she sighed and folded her arms. "But if you want to rush it and leave him with permenant scarring, be my guest..." She took the bowl and held it to his face.
"Orange juice will not calm this burn, if it can't rip limescale off a tap, it will have no affect on chemical weapons. Lemons or vinegar..." she set the bowl down and turned her back on the boy.
"If you truely want to help calm yourself. I believe the humans have a saying; more haste, less speed." She picked up a handful of the purple rock and walked over to the bed, perching on it and pressing it against the wound.
"Besides, given our current situation, do you really think we care if you're a smuggler or not? All that means is the authorities want you more now than before."

Kar looked around as the Saurian pressed the rock to his right arm. Almost instantly, the pain dulled down. Kar felt his mind clear. He had remained concious since the SUV, but was fighting against delerium. The pain lessening in his arm was helping on that front. Looking down at his arm once more, he saw the dark burn running down the skin, and the raw red flesh underneath. Grimacing, he looked away, looking back to the Saurian. Suddenly remembering that he didn't even know her name, he spoke up.
"Thank you for all your help. I probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for you." He paused, looking around as Thrill and Maeffynce looked round at him. "For all of you," he added.
Looking back to the Saurian, he asked, "So what's your name?"
Wincing as a bolt of pain shot up his arm once more, he closed his eyes, clenching his jaw. Openeing his eyes as the pain passed, he saw the Saurian studying him.

She smiled, which was a suprisingly pleasent and gentle expression when she didn't show her teeth. Laying her free hand on her heart, she bowed her head slighty in traditional Saurian greeting.
"Mekren, of the Oscirar. Don't worry about the pain, that just means your nerves still work. Try and relax as best you can." she tilted her finger tips up, making sure her claws weren't scratching him.
Despite her firm grip, she was suprisingly gentle, returning to carefully nursing the wound, her bangles jingling slightly. They were the most wonderful colours, ranging from rich deep red and oranges, to cool blues and greens. Her other jewelery was the same although some of her pendants sported claws, teeth and feathers.
"You certainly had someone smiling on you that the burn is only this much."

Maeffynce eyed the compartment that Thrill had identified to be his freezer warily. She had honestly not linked it with smuggling, but the sheer thought of having such queer furniture in her workshop threw her off kilter. What if a car broke through the door and smashed through her tidbits..?

Shaking her head to stop her thought wandering, she shifted her attention back to the Saurion who finally gave her name, Mekren. Said Saurion was pressing the strange purple rock against Kar's skin. While it appeared to be working smoothly, something odd tickled in Maeffynce's mind as she stared at the rock pressed bare against the raw burnt skin.

'If that rock is like ice... Ah! Frostbite!' the thought finally dawned on her as she remembered the times when her own mother had gently rolled a bag of ice over her arm whenever she burnt her arm while fixing the various machinery that she had been tasked with.

Pulling out a relatively clean hankerchief from her sling bag, she handed it to Mekren who seemed to be in deep thought. "Um, you should wrap the rock up with this, just in case that rock gives him frostbite or something."


[OOC: I'm so sorry I took this long to post this short one >< Been busy with work lately, so I haven't had the chance to come on the forum till weekends. Hope this post is ok. If there's any problems again, please just tell me.]