Clayton
*It was in the dark of night, as a lone stranger walked along an old path leading towards town. His horse trotted alongside the figure, and a hawk sat on his shoulder. A thick fur cloak shielded the man from the winters cold, making his frame seem much bulkier than it was. A pair of ever-weary fox ears sat upon his head, black with a bluish sheen at the tips. Mid-length, unkempt raven hair covered the mans face, making it hard to distinguish him from afar, if anyone could even see it in the dim light of the moon. Strangely, he didn't seem to be carrying any sort of melee weapon, even lacking a sword belt from what one may be able to tell...*
Rick
She hadn't wandered nearly as far as she'd expected to. Usually by now she would have been quite a ways from the city and well off to another one, but she'd found herself wandering, almost circling, the province and often returning to her hidey hole to rest. Tonight however she was out, wearing a shirt loose around herself and pants. Despite the cold air, her skin steamed from fever and her clothes stuck to her skin. Walking a rather drunken path, she turned her head often to track and follow movement. 

Above her, flitting rapidly through the air, are bird sized figures. They dart around with seemingly no real planned path, aside from out and around. They spread outwards, until they find anyone, or anything out and about. Then they flit past repeatedly, as if observing like curious dogs.
Mona
*A night like this was a peaceful time to travel. The sun having sunk hours ago meaning these roads would be far less traveled and contested. Another perfect night to be out and moving to the next town, next city, to see if they have need of another sword. The Black haired man may see another in the distance walking this same path. The figure in the distance was mostly obscured by a cloak, what features visible hinting at a tail and ears with short kept blackened hair. The steel head of a halberd catching the light of the moon as they walk. If the travelers nose was strong enough they may be able to catch the scent of a canifor upon the wind as the stranger continues down their path.*
Clayton
*The Kitsunes ears twitched as it picked up the sound of something above him, tensing slightly. He continued down the road, keeping an eye out for anything else that may be near by. The Hawk on the mans shoulder flew up into the air, noticing the creatures in the sky as well. It would circle them briefly, before flying back down with a thundering of wings. The figure would gently pet the beast, attempting to look nonchalant. As his hawk landed, the horse to his side let out a nervous whinnie, the man tenderly patting it on the muzzle. It seemed any hope of passing silently had been shot down.*
Rick
The hawk circled something with wings, but no feet, and no mouth. Just a single seeing eye with winged growths circling around and observing with an unblinking stare. They went so far as to stare at the hawk as it circled briefly with an open curiosity before streaking away to return to its summoner. Psyche paused as it did so, turning in the direction the eye came from and walking unsteadily towards it. She inhaled softly, catching different scents but unable to identify them as the eye pushes under her shirt and the fabric smooths out over a bump on her shoulder. Head tilted she continues the odd, drunken pace as the second eye follows Mox like some overly curious bee from high above. 

At least they weren't going after anything, but as she got closer she said, "Is someone there?"
Mona
*The whinne was what finally caught Canifor's attention. One ear swiveling to catch the sound as his pace slowed. The halberd twitching on their left shoulder as defensive instincts took over before being clamped down upon. Slowing to a stop they turn around to see what had caused that sound. Ears swiveling to catch any sound as he waits to see who or what may be coming down the road. As the Kitsune gets closer they'll be able to finally make out features. This Canifor's pattern was potentially new, an Orange base with a darker near black coloration covering most of their muzzle and what was visible of their arms and legs. Earrings jingling on their left ear as, was that a voice?*
Clayton
*The Hawk on his shoulder seemed a bit unnerved after what it at seem, if a bird could be unnerved, but Ishikawa did his best to calm his friend and companion. Ishikawa sniffed the air. Was there someone else here? His ears twitched once again, the Kitsune not sure what to think. He eyed the Canifor cautiously, raising his hands slightly in the case he had to defend himself. His right hand shook horribly, as if it had sustained some sort of horrible damage in the past, and, as they came close enough to get a good view of each other, it was clear the Kitsune had been through hell at some point. Underneath his icy blue eyes lay deep-set circles, as if he hadn't slept for several days, and there was a fresh scar running across his nose. What was strange about the scar was that parts of it seemed older, with the new wound being simply overlaid. Ishikawa didn't have the time to say anything to the man as his head snapped in the direction of the voice, the hunters eyes darting around the area.* 

"...Hello?"
Rick
She came in view of the two slowly, pale eyes unfocused as the second 'bird' found her when she met the group, then crawled haphazardly beneath her shirt. She frowned with discomfort, grunted faintly, then relaxed again as it vanished before tilting her head. She finally let her eyes land on Ishikawa, eyes focusing on the tremor in his right hand then shifting to the scarring with an odd appreciation before shifting to Mox. Taking a measure of the two allowed the same to be done of her; A dark haired Oni, quite small honestly and pale with a sick-sweat stench clinging to her skin and soaked into her clothes. She's carrying a bow with a relaxed grip as if she's not yet found a reason to draw it, or perhaps doesn't have the strength to be bothered yet. 

"...I haven't seen either of you in the area yet. He hasn't either." Mostly to herself as she then says, "Passing through then?"
Mona
*From the moment the Kitsune came into view the Canifor's right hand was set on the sword belt at his waist. A short sword visible as it hung from his right side. This close his armor was visible, a full brigantine coat covered in a blackened cloth.* "Evening." *Adding another to the little stand off that was just happening a moment ago. Compared to the battle scarring and bags under the Kitsunes eyes the Canifor must have clearly been younger, very few scars visible on their exposed fur as they size up the newcomer with yellow eyes. The grip on his halberd shifting as he grinds the butt of the handle into the ground.* "Did not expect the road to be busy this time of night."
Clayton
*The hawk on his shoulder continued to shift uncomfortably, the animal shying away from Psyche as she approached. Ishikawa took note of this, the young man eyeing the surrounding area cautiously, as if he were formulating a plan of escape, if needed. He looked the Oni up and down, before straightening his posture slightly. His hand still shook.* 

"Mm. Yes. My home is near Narshapi... I was just making my way back..." 

*Ishikawa had of course been walking the direction opposite to Narshapi, but it may be that something had rattled him enough to get his directions mixed... Or he was lying. He didn't seem very intimidating now, yet, he was also more than he let on...* 

*Underneath Ishikawas fur coat was brigadine armor that had been painted black, so it was near impossible to see at night. Despite his eyebags and scars, the Kitsune seemed only around 16-20, his face was very young. Ishikawa kept watch on the Canifor out of the corner of his eye, murmuring,* 

"I could say the same..."
Rick
"I've been walking a lot lately. It clears my head," She says quietly, wiping dried lips with the back of her hand. Maybe she was simply diseased from her appearance, but she was up and around. Glancing at the hawk she smiles, a look that seems entirely inappropriate for the moment, then looks away from it. "Narshapi... Is the other way, isn't it?" Not looking at Ishikawa as she spoke, instead examining Mox. Despite that she spoke to Ishikawa, "...Are you hurt? Or scared? Your hand shakes."

She seemed somehow less interested as she looks away. "It's usually not. Usually it's just us walking and nothing bothers us. Seems that tonight it's different." As she itches at the fabric over the lump on her shoulder, stretching her arm back awkwardly. "Maybe it's about time for us to leave, but it feels wrong to leave yet."
Mona
*Mox tries his best not to deadpan as he hears the Kitsune pretty much repeat him. Fighting the urge to snark in this situation with the Oni acting the way they were.* "The road is a public one last I recalled." *Mox did not know where this Narsphai was, this was not his territory, only a place he was passing through.* "They are far clearer in the evening then day. Less chance of a carts wheel catching a tail or one with swift fingers taken your purse." *His right hand on the sword belt refused to let go at the moment as his thumb quietly pressed itself against the guard of the blade.*
Clayton
*Ishikawa gave a quiet nod to Psyche, believing her, for now at least. The hawk settled itself down, though it was still wary of Psyche and... The creatures that surrounded her. Ishikawa looked at the ground, mumbling,* 

"I suppose it is, isn't it.." 

*The monster hunter made note of her appearance, taking care to check for fangs. That was the most important thing, for now. Ishikawa looked to his hand, sighing.* 

"A recent injury. It was healed, but my hand... It will likely never be the same." 

*The Kitsune tilted his head at the mention of 'us'. His ears perked, but he didn't say anything quite yet. He held less trust in the Canifor than he did the Oni. Ishikawa didn't look to the Canifor, but he addressed him curtly,* 

"Well stranger, you've clearly never walked this road before, then. It usually isn't very busy at any time..."
Rick
"Suppose. Sometimes bandits pass through but not often. None very strong." She said, like discussing the weather with strangers and not armed and ready to fight individuals. Her head rolls slightly along her shoulders, eyes shifting to the ground blankly as she says. "Should see a healer then. And should tuck your tail into your belt if it's so long as to get caught by a wheel," Before smiling, then laughing as if the idea is funny. Rude much.

Chewing on her thumb she pauses before speaking again, "You're both armed. I'm sure you'll deal fine with bandits. We have. So far." Then she shook her head, letting the two talk as she turns to look behind herself as if hearing a whisper. Indeed, anyone with strong hearing might hear it as well. Frowning she says, "A healer. I should find a healer before I leave..."

Then she looked at the two, frowning and brows furrowed as she grounds herself back in reality slowly but surely.
Mona
*This time Mox's annoyance was rather apparent as a brow twitches.* "Ah good to know. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm through these territories. I shall scratch it into my journal. Helpful advice from a twitchy stranger." *The canifor does seem to begin to relax a little bit considering no one is trying to kill him at the moment.* "Ain't from here and tucking tail into belt is uncomfortable."

*Picking back up the Halberd he rests it once more on his shoulder and looks over his companions again. Ears twitching once more at the sound.* "You look like you could use the touch of one anyway. Seen a few tribemates come down with mange. Not a pretty sight, not sure thats what you caught but the scratching is at least similiar."
Clayton
*Ishikawa nodded at the notion of bandits. Nothing he couldn't handle. The Kitsune turned his attention from his hand to Oni, speaking rather somberly.* 
"I've actually just gotten back from being with a healer... If I hadn't, we wouldn't be speaking right now." 

*Something about the way he said that last part implied something more sinister than simply dying. Ishikawa finally turned to the Canifor, giving him a glare at his statement about Ishikawas state. It was a hardened glare, as if the man had regularly committed himself to staring down monsters. It certainly would make one uncomfortable, that's for sure.* 

*Ishikawas ears craned back slightly, and he turned to the woman yet again, an air of compassion in his voice, which starkly contrasted the glare he gave the Canifor moments ago,* 
"There's a woman in Narshapi, Ellaine... She might be able to help you."
Rick
She watches the two, pale eyes shifting between the men and their hardened eyes. Not particularly bothered it seems, or even offended, or concerned. She was visibly curious as she watched them interact and weighed their responses. She did pause at the ominous statement the kitsune made, whispering, "What happened?"

She wasn't scared, just curious, and as she focused on Ishikawa's wounds the bump on her shoulder visibly shifted, stretched, then relaxed as she bites down on her thumb to stifle any sounds of pain she may make. Exhaling slowly she paused and nodded. "Ellaine. I'll look for her."

She then hesitated with a shiver before looking at Mox. "What does mange look like?.. Would you recognize it if you saw it? He hurts me, but he's new. I don't think he knows any better."
Mona
*Mox's focus never shifted from the woman before her. The kitsune could see one of the canifor's triangle ears was turned his way, either an acknowledgment that they are still part of the conversation or a reminder he is actually paying attention. For a good minute he doesnt respond to her question, who did he know that had mange? Was it his uncle? By the ancestors it had been farrrr to long since he had seen it.*

"Neverrrrrrrr seen anyone but a beastkin or a beast with mange friend." *He was stumped. Every instinct was telling him something was off with this situation. The shifting of the wound not at all going unnoticed as Mox debated continuing down the road.*
Clayton
*Ishikawa looked to the side upon being questioned, his voice falling to a whisper. He had a far off look in his eyes... Whatever had happened to him, it was likely beyond words.* 
"You don't want to know." 

*Because Ishikawa had turned away, a scar going across his neck had been revealed. It looked as if something had bit it, and ripped its teeth out of the soft flesh. A vampire, likely. Though, Ishikawa didn't have any traces of the disease himself.. Ishikawa eyed the moving wound, not sure what to make of it. Some sort of new parasite? He would ask to look at it, but there was one more person among them than he'd like there to be.*
Rick
The Oni examined the scarring with her head tilted, pale eyes locked on the flesh. She sniffed slightly like she expected to smell something odd or off before murmuring, "It looks like it will leave a nice mark behind." And she meant it honestly, as if the scar would be *Pretty* Somehow. 

Rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand, she paused a long moment. "Can I ask you to look at it? I think something's wrong with it, but I'm not sure. I just feel... Very tired." And for half a second she sounded rational, and perhaps a little afraid even rather than half present and spacey.
Mona
*Mox sighs heavily at that. He wanted to leave but still.* "Its a dark night out tonight. If there are really bandits that roam here you'll leave yourself vulnerable to them if you try dealing with the wound." *He taps his nose.* "I'll keep my nose to the ground and keep any off you if you want to look her over." *He speaks, finally addressing the kitsune next to him, his voice seeming genuine.*

*Without waiting for an answer he steps off away from them and takes off his cloak to reveal a quiver full of arrows hanging just above his tail with a bow stored in leather. The cloak would slow him down if he had to face anyone. Scanning the tree line as he keeps watch.*
Clayton
*Ishikawa became more concerned for the woman as they spoke, beginning to realize that she may not be all there in the mind. His voice was still soft and compassionate, the monster hunter allowing his ears to fall slightly.* 

"Yes.. I can do that. If it's some sort of creature I may be able to deal with it." 

*Given the fur he wore it was clear he was some sort of hunter, but whether he meant he would kill it by dealing with it was ambiguous. The man would gently put his hand on her other shoulder, leading her to the side of the road. He'd whistle quietly to his horse, the large animal following after him and laying further into the trees surrounding them. Ishikawa shot Mox a grateful look, nodding.* 

"Yes... That would be most appreciated." 

*Ishikawa would make sure that the two weren't easily visible from the road, preserving their privacy somewhat. Firstly it was to make sure that no passers by could view whatever affliction the woman had, but it was also to conceal her state of undress, since she would likely have to take her shirt off for Ishikawa to get a good look at it.*