Hollie
*It's morning. Kaisa and Ale are covered by a large plaid, cuddled and sleeping on a large rock. The canopy of the trees shields them from the early sunlight. The couple wake up, Ale first, as always. As he woke up, he would see Kaisa's face, peaceful and happy, sleeping.*
Ryan
Ah yes, the morning! Ale has awoken himself, starting up his morning routine. A classic shave with his dagger, a wash with some... Water somewhere... A prayer to his gods, kneeling in front of the ritual stone that many of his ancestors kneeled in front of. Wonder what he was praying about? 

He took off his coat, draping it over his left shoulder, it behing held on like a cape. His kilt was tightened up, the excess being draped over his right shoulder. And of course, on goes his weapons. A pretty sword and a dagger! He was set to go back to the town! He checked for his ring, smiling at it as he admired it's workmanship. Very well made it was. 

Now, he goes on to wake up his wife. Beautiful woman she was, much like his aunt said. But before he did wake her up, he felt the need to dress her up. Since her dress was literally a massive roll of cloth, he picked her up, placing her on top and... Wrapping it around her so she can move around well enough. The excess was clipped on and she was ready to be awokened. He woke her up with a soft shoulder nudge, whispering in her ear to summon her from the realm of dreams

"Wakey wakey, my Kai. The sun is out and we should depart"

He said, making sure that he shielded her from what little sun peeped through from the canopy of trees. Of course, there wasn't much light on the bottom side of the forest. The ancient trees, which stood there for centuries, blocked most, if not all of it.
Kirk
Isabelle, a young woman trying to escape from the hands of society and cruelty. She had just ran away from the merchant who captured her, hoping for a salvation or miracle. The poor one ran through the woods, a book on her right hand, she just wanted freedom and peace. Tripping sometimes and jumping over roots and rocks, Isabelle continued to run while bad thoughts ran her mind and her past haunted her again.

"Please, someone help me!"

She begged in her mind, her last hope was to find someone.
Sally
*Some distance behind the fleeing girl, something follows. At first glance, one might mistake the large figure for a mounted woman, armed and armoured, yet a closer look reveals the truth; A Centaur. Tall, powerfully built with light blonde hair and tail, with a deep, almost golden brown coat, her face is certainly humanoid, but with sharp, almost elf like features. A pair of long, pointed ears twitch lazily this way and that, catching the sounds of the forest, and further away, the clumsy foot steps of the fae as she stumbles through the undergrowth. It was hardly even necessary to concentrate on her quarry, the distinct markings in the soil and trampled leaves alone gave away her direction. 

The Centaur sighs wearily, tossing her mane of hair back with a flick of her head. They never thought to plan ahead once they got away. She never understood why, what they thought would happen. Tilting her face slightly upwards, she sniffs at the air, tracing the scent. Panic, fear, desperation. It didn't matter. Where did she think she was going to go out here? Ridiculous. 

 Loosely resting a long steel glaive over one shoulder, the beastkin saunters onwards, easily following the trail. The merchant had promised a fine bonus if she brought back his fae servant unharmed. A set of iron shackles bounces from a belt at her 'waist' within easy reach. She was confident the girl would come quietly, but if she had to restrain her, she would do so.

Not bothering with even a pretence of stealth, the Centauress pushes aside smaller saplings with her weight and mass, and tramples shrubbery under her hooves, clopping loudly in the otherwise quiet woods. Were this some other prey, she would be exercising a lot more caution, yet the wilderness stretched for miles. Surely there would be no one else out here..*
Joan
Waking up to somehow be already dressed came as a surprise. Opening her eyes showed her her handsome fiancé, blond haired and bright blue eyed, shielding her from the sun. She smiled, her pink lips curving upward.

"I won't be long. Let me just wake up fully."

She brought him in for a quick morning kiss, then stood up, still sheltered from the sun. Her ring, with beautiful bronze and nickel etched into it. Her peaceful morning was quickly broken with a scream for help, though.

"Who is that? Sounds like someone needs help."

And with that, her armor began to appear. Her ring became her weapon, as she slung a shield on her left arm.
Ryan
He allowed her her morning kiss, suddenly standing up after she mentioned someone needing help. Rather, he stood up immediately after hearing the aggressive footsteps and... Well, the cries for help. 

They didn't sound like a local. Damn a foreigner! He got his new ring sword out, it leaving a light trail of fire as he flourished it. It shined in the sunlight, the beautiful white brass grip, copper and zinc damascus hand guard, and of course the classic steel blade. It was razor sharp too! 

He looked at Kaisa, frowning for a moment. Will she be able to fight in that? She should be able to right? He tied it so that it'd only reach down slightly past her knees... 

"I hear footsteps. Sounds heavy. A beast? And it sounds like someone from somewhere that isn't here. We should go help yeah?"
Kirk
Isabelle continued to run, for a moment looking backwards, afraid of being chased. She was trying her best, was it not good enough? After some time running, she started to get tired, but continued to run at her maximum speed, praying to it be enough and her freedom to come. Thoughts and remembers continued to ran through her mind, each one making her weaker.

"Please, someone help me! Is anyone there?! Please!!"

She yelled, her voice could echo through the woods. A voice with fear, hope and sadness. She was trying her best, why would she give up now? Why? She needed to continue. For her. For her family. For her Kingdom. She ran, jumping over a root and running forward.
Sally
*The girls desperate pleas for help echo through the trees, startling a couple of small birds from the perches. Not far now. She could run all she liked, but she wouldn't outrun a centaur. Kaliepos rolls her eyes, and picks up her pace to a steady trot, moving into a slight clearing alongside the trail. Once, long ago, she might have felt bad for this girl, felt some sympathy for her plight. But the world was cold, and unforgiving, and those at the top stood upon the necks of those below. It was just the way things were. If you lacked the strength to keep your own freedom, then you could never truly be free. The fae would either learn that, or she wouldn't, but it did not matter. 

If she weren't being paid, she probably wouldn't have even bothered chasing after the girl, but the merchant was very eager to have her back. Understandable really, she was likely worth  a great deal. Perhaps I should demand a higher bonus after this, she thinks to herself. Ducking under a lower branch, she inhales and calls out loudly in the direction of the runaway.*

"Girl! Make this easy on yourself! You can either walk back, or I smack you over the head and carry you back! I assure you, that's the faster method for me, but the choice is yours! You will not survive more than a day or two our here! Stop now, and perhaps your master will be merciful!"

*That seemed unlikely. The merchant had a nasty squint in his eye, and a cruel leer to his mouth. It was probable that the Fae would receive a beating for this. It was worth a shot though, if only to stop this silly chase. It wasn't even fun, hunting something so easily. No challenge... Wait..

She skids to a halt, head tilted, concentrating. Did she hear.. Smell something else?..She could have sworn... Hmm. Better hurry. There may be others out here after all, as unlikely as that seemed. Breaking into a canter, she thunders onwards,  bearing down on the girl, not far now, not far at all. Trees and branches whip by, the morning sunlight flashing rapidly through gaps in the foliage, and her hooves rumble ominously against the ground.*
Ryan
There was a loud yell, giving Kaisa the "Stay here so you don't get hurt" Look and runs runs off into the forest, his sword in hand. Someone was in quite... Let's say, a bit of a predicament. He was dressed in his traditional clothing, something the centaur must have seen on her travels here. Something that appears to be a very fancy looking skirt, a tunic of sorts, and of course... The hat! The hat is very important.

He was quite speedy honestly. He thundered towards the location of the sound, his right hand crackling in lightning, while his left carried the special sword. Someone was in for a world of beat. At least he thinks. He doesn't want to fight anyone. He just wants to get them out of this forest so they don't destroy a holy and ancient site.

"Cease your hoaxing you damn halfwits!"

He yelled, following up with another yell. He wasn't happy for sure. Yeah no, for sure, he was pissed of. This was a special place for him! He definitely wasn't going to let it pass...

"Leave this area for it's a holy spot!"
Joan
Hearing the thundering hooves beat against the ground, Kaisa suddenly becomes aware. Hearing the cry for help, she quickly pinpoints where it came from. She can't stay back, despite Ale wanting her too. She runs in the direction of the noise, quickly catching up to Ale. She's faster than he is. Please no fighting here. This is Ale's sacred spot.

"Where are you?"
Kirk
Isabelle had a small smile and had a little of hope again after hearing the two other voices. *Finally someone appeared. I have a chance!* She thought, continuing to run through the woods. 

"Over here! Please, help me!

She yelled the louder she could, and tried to follow the voice coming from the woman and the man. Isabelle couldn't look back to see if the centaur was approaching, she just wanted her freedom, and she was going to fight for it. She thought of using her abilities, but it could be dangerous for her and it would take time to cast. Isabelle then, ran at her maximum, a bit slower than before as she was being tired. *"Please, help me..."* She thought.
Sally
*Voices! So there are other people out here. This could be bothersome. From the sounds of it, the girl has slowed down, and approached the newcomers. They couldn't possibly be friends, could they? No. It was mere chance. The male voice sounds displeased, and as Kalie enters a small clearing between them, she immediately spots their weaponry. Her hooves dig into the soil as she skids to a stop, sending up a small spray of debris, then she rears back on her hind legs for a moment, crashing down with a dull thud. It wasn't an aggressive display of any sort, it just.. Wasn't exactly easy to stop when you were her size.

Cautiously, she stands there for a moment, eyeing up the man and the woman. Macens by the looks of them, and possibly local given their attire. Her eyes flick to the fae and back again, and she tosses her head, letting out an equine snort. Her expression is utterly neutral, and she keeps her glaive lazily propped on her shoulder, her other arm resting casually against her belt. There was no telling what theses strangers were capable of, nor what their intentions might be. It was best to try talking, first.*

"Good day to you."

*She begins, her tone flat and without inflection, almost monotone in fact.*

"I apologise for the disturbance. I shall retrieve the runaway and be on my way, yes?"

*The Centaur nods her head in the direction of the desperate girl, as though discussing nothing more unusual than the rounding up of a lost sheep.*
Joan
Kaisa's been in this position before, and she hated what she did that day. This time, though, she has the power to make a choice. She knows what she's making.

"Stand behind me. You'll be okay. The runaway of what? Of a slave owner? Someone that refuses to acknowledge that everyone is a *Person*??!!"

She's mad. Not only was their morning disturbed, Ale's sacred spot being occupied by others, and having to wear armor with a dress on, which wasn't the most comfortable, but someone had sent a mercenary to capture what seemed to be a slave. No longer.

"You're not taking her. Go to your employer and tell him that she had help."

She's serious. And with that, her helmet closes over her face, hiding it behind a mask of steel.
Kirk
*~~( Kai'sa hot moment in the cinematic )~~*
Ryan
"I stand with her. If you want to fight us, have it be. This person is safe with us. But if you step in front of us with the intention to take the girl, you won't be coming out alive"

He growled, having a sort of edge to every word. It's as if a master smith sharpened every on of those words to shave. Sharp and strong. Nothing won't convince him otherwise. Plus, the centaur is out numbered! Two potentially damgerous people... And one slave. 

That and... They were in a sacred spot. It would be VERY not smart to fight here. Who knows, maybe the town folk would jump the centaur! 

His hand was still crackling in blue lightning. Not really doing much, but it was still a thing. This tends to happen when he is on edge or about to attack something.

"So now go along. Tell the boss that they had help."
Kirk
Isabelle got behind the two, was she finally free? She panted and put her hand on both her shoulders, trying to recover her breath and a bit of her energy. *"They're helping me..."* She thought, looking up at the two from behind, and then at the centaur. Her hope had increased after this, she had found help and if everything go fine, she will be finally free. She remained quiet, a bit afraid of what could happen, but still comforted by Kaisa's words.
Sally
*A long sigh escapes her lips. Macen could be so.. Unreasonable. And these two were no different it seemed. The butt of her glaive thuds against the soft earth, and she holds it upright, the long blade next to her face. Fingers rap a short, metallic rhythm against the steel while she regards the pair with half closed eyes, calm and relaxed. Her tail swishes slowly from side to side while she watches them, and despite her casual demeanour, she is taking in every detail she can. Armed, armoured, magical weapons and spells. A pointless risk, to attempt an assault. She hasn't survived for this long by taking foolish risks, and she wasn't about to start now. Still, she needed the girl.*

"What you are doing is illegal, you know. She is bought and paid for. Will you compensate her master?"

*She turns her attention to the fae cowering behind the dangerous looking couple, and raises a blonde eyebrow.*

"As for you, just how far do you think you will get, hmm? Will these two humans feed you, clothe you? I doubt it. And besides, your master will not take this lying down. He will send others. You know full well he has manpower, and resources. Do you really wish to cause bloodshed, simply for a moment or two of false freedom? And what then? You will be homeless, cold and hungry. At least you have a warm bed every night."

*A hand extends in a beckoning gesture, her chin up-nodding.*

"Come now, don't be a fool, girl."
Joan
"There's a difference between what is legal and what is right. I will not. People are not property. They have lives, souls."

And to add an extra hint that she's not backing down, her armblade extends. It's changed color, bronze and silver in a beautiful Damascus pattern inlaid in steel, blazing with flame. She really hopes there's no bloodshed. That would mess with Ale greatly.

"We'll take care of her. Better than any 'master' will. I'm willing to put others before myself. Better to die on your feet than live on your knees."
Kirk
Isabelle stood right behind Kai'sa, her lilac eyes staring directly into the Centaur's. *"Is she right? Should I go with her? Can I be free?"* She thought and slowly closed her eyes to take a breath. 

Hope and happiness grew more and more while Isabelle listened to Kaisa's words. She had a chance and she didn't want to waste it. Isabelle was ready to help who needed, and if a fight happens, she will be ready to help the two kind macens in front of her. *"I won't give up."* This thought echoed in her mind. 

Isabelle observed Kai'sa with her armor and weapons, indeed, she never saw something like that. Although, Isabelle tried to trust these two.
Sally
*Kalie groans, and closes her eyes. How annoying. And why were these people so willing to help a stranger? She couldn't understand it. Never in her life had she met anyone willing to risk their lives for another. Kaisas' last words resonated with her however. Better to die on your feet.*

"True. Well.. Don't say you weren't warned. I hope it's worth it, girl."

*One last look at each of them, and then she snorts, turning about and setting off the way she came without a backward glance. Truth be told, she had no idea whether the merchant would send others, but it seemed likely, at some point. Slaves were hardly cheap, especially ones with talents like the girls.
Soon enough, the noise of the centaurs movements fades into the general background noise of the forest, and she's gone.*
Joan
"Are you Ok? What's your name?"

Making sure the centaur leaves, Kaisa them turns to the small girl. Hopefully she's not too hurt, as neither of them have healing magic. She's done her job properly now, being a protector. Hopefully she can take care of her.

"Maybe we should get her some food?"
Ryan
"Yeah. We should get back to the town and get the horse. We shouldn't lurk here too long. Uncle doesn't like us so we should head west. Maybe we can reach another village yeah?"

He asked, the sword shifting back into the ring. Ah yes... A beautiful ring. Looks a lot like a marriage ring, but let's not jump to any conclusions yeah? Maybe this person can be their protected one yeah? 

"We can talk about it on the way. I have an irking suspicion that the horse woman summoned some mercs on us"
Kirk
"I'm okay... My name is I-Isabelle." 

Isabelle said with a quite quiet and afraid voice, her lilac eyes looking up at the two. She needed a moment to realize she was finally free. But... Could she trust them? Nothing says they won't drag her to another slave merchant. She was cautious and would keep an eye on the two. Even though, she tried to think positive in relation of them. *"They... Saved me?"* She remained quiet, waiting for them to decide while thoughts ran through her mind.

Isabelle looked at the two rings, and then at both Kai'sa and Aleksander. She quickly realized the situation and smiled a little for seeing others' happiness and achievements. Now, she was finally free, and her journey was just starting.