Toney
*He placed his hands behind his back to hold her in place against the backs of his palms. A memory came to light of being carried around like this by someone... His big sister...? The memory faded as soon as it came. He shook his head. Whoever she was, she had to wait.*

"I see them. Hold on tight. Use claws if need to." *In this light, it was clear to see how dirty, bloody and damaged he was. Whiplashes covered his back in a deep, jagged 'X' and over his shoulder, she could see the telltale sign of a slave - a scarred branding symbol, a grey-purple ring with an insignia on it.

A chunk of one of his ears looked like it had been bitten off and the wound sewn shut. He was damaged goods. A few more years at most - a few weeks at least - and he would've been killed by a newer 'star' of the pits. It was fated that she rescued him when she did.

He secured her on his back with a small bump to hold her higher as he began to take a few small steps (granted they were huge compared to her). Each step got a bit wider, a tiny bit faster before he was slowly sidestepping, the jogging, then he broke into a full on sprint.

He felt the floor beneath his bare feet - it was smooth, cold, slightly wet. It was like nothing he had ever felt! The musty air in his lungs that he was so used to was soon swapped for bucket-breaths of clear air. His pale, malnourished stony skin shone like starlight in his strides. A small gap in the ground came up ahead of him, and he leapt across it with ease, jumping a least two feet upwards, landing with a stumble and continuing his run.

Something damp hit Ves' face as he did so, it was small and clear. Ursa was crying tears of joy, quietly laughing as he finally felt the freedom Solaire had wanted for him all this time. He praised Lunam, he praised Lunam a thousand times.

Another tear hit her cheek.*

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Gary
Ves held on tightly as her newfound friend began to run. She was finally able to study him in the light and could see the tortures he had endured. He was scarred and branded, with bits of flesh missing entirely. The lash marks across his back made her queasy. She had been struck by a whip once or twice in her life and could not imagine what it was like to receive a flogging.

Wetness struck her face and confused her. Was it raining? The sky seemed clear. Was someone throwing something at them? No, nothing of the sort. He was crying. It was his tears that hit her cheeks. Her own tears pricked at her eyes as she became overwhelmed by this display of pure joy. She smiled, happy for him, happy for his new life. There was nothing she wanted more in the world than to bring people like him their freedom.

No crossbow bolts came whizzing past. They made it to the nearest alley safely and unseen. Ves continued to direct him through the city, whispering in his ear which way to go. She knew the city well and knew how to avoid the main streets and guard patrols. A few people may have looked their way briefly before turning back to their own shady business. Anyone in the back alleys had reasons for being there and few wanted to bring attention to themselves.

They eventually made it to an abandoned stable. "In there," She said into his ear. He would have to duck to enter, but the inside was dry and spacious. There was old stale hay piled in one corner to make a small bed, as well as a few candles and a satchel. It seemed Ves had been staying there for a while. She waited for him to kneel before sliding off his back. As soon as she put weight on her injured leg, it buckled beneath her. The adrenaline was wearing off now and Ves yelped as pain shot through her. 

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Toney
*When he came upon civilisation, he was fearful, aggressive, anxious. Like a caged animal... He was secretly thankful for the whispered directions of Ves. It was a sight to see. A half naked Goliath piggybacking a Kobold around town... One elf took one look and decided he was finishing drinking for that day.

He ducked into the stable and looked around, it was large and spacious, was this what homes looked like in the free world? Stables? He had never seen one before, it was alien to him, as we're the strange races he saw on the way here.

As she slid off his back, he saw and heard her pain. He immediately crouched down to her level, scanning her for injuries. When he saw her leg, he kissed his teeth momentarily.* "You help me. I now help you."

*He picked her up and placed her on the stale hay bed, looking at the wound, to see how bad it was and how he could help her. He had been in many injuries before, many sword wounds. To him, this was a weekend occasion. He watched her face for signs of pain in specific areas.*
Gary
Sweat trickled down Ves' neck. As the adrenaline faded, the pain became worse. It was really amazing what the body was capable of hiding in times of stress. Now, though, the Kobold only had the pain to focus on. She looked down at her thigh where the metal shard was sticking out. There were about three inches sticking out and it was impossible to know how much more was embedded into her flesh. She swallowed hard, her entire body beginning to shake. She didn't handle pain well.

"T-There are bandages in that satchel," She stammered, nodding her head towards the nearby pack. "As well as a salve to aid in healing. We need to remove the shard, then apply pressure to slow the bleeding." He probably knew all this, but it seemed Ves was talking more to herself. It was comforting for her to have a plan. "We'll have to clean the wound and apply the salve, but it might have to wait until the wound stops bleeding. H-Hopefully it didn't hit an artery," She added.

Her little body was shaking quite violently now. She took slow and deliberate breaths, trying not to panic. Her amber eyes looked up at the Goliath with a haunted expression. She was terrified. More terrified than she had been the entire time during their escape. It probably seemed quite strange to her new friend, who was likely accustomed to grievous injuries. 

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Toney
*The Goliath looked at the injury. He had seen worse. Thankfully, he knew a bit about working on broken blades like this. He pointed a finger down to it and began to mutter something under his breath. The jagged edge of the blade began to spark as it repaired itself, making the exit wound more clean. He then used some stale straw to tie around her thigh.* 

"This may hurt." *He spoke softly and without growl as he worked. Never once did he look up at her but he hesitated before placing a hand on her thigh. He grabbed the satchel and begen to gently grip the blade. He used one hand to steady her thigh and another to hold the blade.* "Squeeze me if you need to."

*He began to slowly pull the shard out, trying his best to not shake it or jut into something. As soon as it was out, he examined the edge and placed pressure on the wound the pressure of a Goliath was almost crushing but secure. It was then he raised his eye to meet her's.

His golden eye and milky white one looked into her eyes and saw her expression of fear and pain. In a soft voice he simply said:* "Breathe." *He then began to breathe slowly to show her how. His lungs were huge compared to her's so he used shallow breaths that would be a full lung to her.

"It will heal. But I will be carrying you from now on. No weight on leg." *He continued his breathing for her to follow. He was oddly calm, less primal than he was a minute ago. It's like a button clicked in his head...* "I want to you know, you will live. You will heal. You will persevere. Repeat those words in your heart."

*He thought her panic was unnecessary, but he knew he was different to her. Maybe reptiles couldn't handle pain like him.*

*In the light of say, it was easy to see his scarred face. Over his white eye was the claws of a wild beast, it was healed mostly, but it was deep. He likely would never see from that eye again.*

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Gary
Ves couldn't help but whimper as she balled her little hands into fists. She bit down on the inside of her cheek as he began to pull the shard from her flesh. Ves wasn't good at handling pain. She feared it, in fact. She reached out to clutch his shoulder tightly in order to ground herself as the stable began to spin. The color drained from her face and she looked like she might be sick.

At his command she exhaled slowly, then gulped another breath of air. Exhale, inhale, exhale... The Kobold focused on her breathing and on keeping herself from passing out. She trusted him. He wouldn't let her bleed out and die. For some reason she *Knew* This with all her heart.

"T-Thank you," She said quietly, finally finding her voice again. "I've never been good with... With pain." She sounded ashamed and her long ears were low. "But how are you? Are you okay?" It was easier to fuss over him than to worry about herself. It was a way to distract herself from her injury. Not being able to walk was going to be troublesome. They couldn't stay at the stable forever. And someone had to venture out to find supplies. He couldn't be seen wandering the streets, not as he was.

Taking another slow breath, Ves smiled up at him and reached for his hand. "You're free now. Do you... Do you have any idea what you'll do next?"

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Toney
*He listened to her whimper and whine like a wounded animal. He didn't like it. It bore holes into him to hear animals in pain. He allowed her to grasp his shoulder, feeling her claws break skin slightly. He didn't mind the pain. Pain is a reminder he lived.

He began to clean the wound, wrap her up and secure the wound. It would be an easy heal if she rested. He listened to her speak. And waited for her to finish.* "Pain is a reminder that we are survivors. At least for me. I am fine. I am... More fine then before."

*He nodded his head. He didn't smile, but he was appreciative. He wouldn't let her bleed out, somehow he knew she knew that. He let her hold his hand, for some reason that must bring her comfort? He slowly closed his hand around her's, he thinks that's how you do it. He looked at her and spoke directly.* "I... Do not know. I must heal. I must... Learn. I need a new life."

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Gary
"Survivors. Yes..." Ves said thoughtfully, her ears twitching. He was right. And the scar would provide an excellent story. Maybe if she ever had children she could tell them the tale of when she freed a Goliath. Though Ves really couldn't imagine herself as a mother. Her own mother had practically been a stranger to her. How was she supposed to treat her own offspring?

Shaking the thought away, she smiled for the both of them. Ves was overjoyed by the fact that he now had his freedom. It would be a tough existence, perhaps, being on the run. But if luck was on his side then they would give up the search. "I would suggest getting out of Dasvaz first. They'll be less likely to follow you beyond the border." She would know. She had already been across twice now. 

Ves blinked as she remembered something suddenly. "I... I never asked for your name." In the rush of the escape there hadn't been time. And then the pain of her injury had distracted her further. But now, with a sudden clarity, she remembered she didn't know what to call him. It felt very important somehow. 

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Toney
*He paused... His name. He didn't recall it. But he knew what she called him.* "I... I was born from Ursa. Björn Ursa. Björn. Björn is my name. You are Ves. I am Björn." *He paused for a while, he stumbled over it a few times.

His mind was cast back. He saw Solaire as he tried to pronounce his name. She was the one who shortened it to Björn... But what was his name?! It racked his head into a spiral.*

"I need... To leave... Don't know where to go... No knowing." *He stumbled over his words once more. He wasn't used to speaking... He never had to.* "Where... Where will Ves go?"

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Gary
"Björn," She repeated carefully, sounding it out. She liked it. Not that her opinion on the subject mattered. His name was his name. That was all that mattered. "Hello Björn." Again she smiled.

Her smile shifted slowly into a frown. She squeezed his hand comfortingly, looking up into his eyes. She wondered how he had gotten his scar. "Easy. Don't rush. Think about it carefully. No one is making you decide immediately," She soothed. She had seen this with many of the other slaves she had freed. Some knew immediately what path they wanted to take. But most were clueless and panicked when faced with their sudden freedom.

"As for me, I'm not sure. I had just escaped Dasvaz when I returned." It had been as though something was calling her to come back. Something had been telling her that she was needed. Was it Björn? "Honestly, I want to travel. I want to see the world. And *Help* The world. There are more slaves out there that might need my assistance."

Her silver scales seemed to glow red suddenly as she became bashful and shy. Her tail flicked anxiously. "But this isn't about me. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself and we can figure out where you'd fit in? I have a map, although... I can't read. But it's pretty to look at and you can kind of see where mountains and forests are. It's in my satchel."

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Toney
"I can not read... Much. I was taught once. Not much common." *He listened to her talk though, her words soothed him. It was as if she rehearsed the lines.* "You were a slave?" *He raised is brows in concern - a new expression - for her safety here.* "Why come back?"

*As he listened to her talk about what she wanted, his eyesight didn't leave her eyes. Her scales became red... Why did she do that?* "What do I tell you?" *He was clueless to what she wanted from him. But he would try his best to provide.*

"I am Goliath. I don't know home. Home is lost memory. Family lost too. Tribe lost. I like Axe. They are nice to use. Chop trees. I like trees... They are gentle souls." *His face softened as he spoke of trees. It was true that some believed them sentient but he seemed to know it.* "I remember cold. Cold is comfort to me. Wind makes sounds at night, it comforts me." *He made a whistling sound, his home had trees and strong winds.*

"I want to make sure... You safe." *He looked at her, prodding her wounded thigh as he held it.*

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Gary
"I wasn't a slave, no. I was never owned. But I worked alongside slaves everyday in the mines. I saw what happened to them. I witnessed the horrors they had to endure. And I... I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to help. So I started freeing them, like I did for you today. Only I was eventually caught and I had to run. That's why I originally crossed the border. To get away."

She leaned forward as he began to talk about himself. Her ears twitched at the sound of his voice, hoarse from lack of use. She had heard that before too. Ves waited patiently until he was finished before nodding. She then reached towards her satchel, digging around until she pulled out a rolled map. 

The Kobold flinched a little when he squeezed her thigh, but nodded her understanding. She unrolled the map between them and began to point with a clawed finger. "If you like trees, maybe we could try a forest?" She motioned towards some crude tree drawings. "Or if you like cold and windy, why not the mountains?" All she could do was go by the pictures. The words made no sense to her and the color had long since faded. 

"There are lots of places out there. Lots of new cities and new people and new wilderness," She said dreamily. Then her expression turned to steel. "And there are others that deserve emancipation."

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Toney
*Björn listened to her. She was clever. She was lucky. She only had to witness, not endure. He wished he was any bit as lucky. He was not. He didn't understand every word she said, but he got the jist: She worked, worked with slaves in something called a Mine. She tried to free the slaves. She was caught and ran away.*

*He felt somewhat embarrassed by his lack of speech, however she did not seem to mind it. She understood him. Why did she look at him like that when he spoke? Why did she listen? Why was she not chasing him out? He took his hand off her thigh and placed it back in his own, rubbing then together. She was warmer than he, then again. He had practically no clothes. He looked around for anything but... Nothing.*

"You sound happy about places. You explore. It makes your scales red. Red suits." *He managed to get that much out before his throat became dry again. A short cough later, he looked for at the parchment she called a map.* "Where do you go?"

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Gary
Her scales turned red again at his words and she ducked her head shyly. She was probably talking too much. He probably thought she was a fool. She felt foolish sometimes. 

She noted his shiver and his cough and quickly pulled out her waterskin again. She offered it up to him. "I have a blanket," She said as she pulled one from her satchel. "It's not much but it will help." She offered this out to him as well, looking concerned for his well-being.

"As for where I'm going: I haven't thought about it very much. Maybe I'll go to the forest? I know this place is called 'Lerwick' but I don't know what's around there," She said as she pointed to a circled area. "That's as far as I got and it's close to the border of Dasvaz, which is right here." 

"There's a forest down here and I guess that's a big city there?" She said as she traced her finger along the map. "There are so many places to go! I haven't decided yet. A big city might be fun. I suppose it depends on the people. Sorry, I'm babbling..."

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Toney
*He liked her babbling. He hadn't heard words for a long time. There was something in the cadence of her talking... It intruiged him. He thanked her, wrapping himself in the blanket... That only covered his head and shoulders... He was amazed at how soft it was! What was this? The hair of Lunmar himself?! It was amazing on his skin, if a bit tickly.

He took two swigs of the water and handed it back. He could tell she was concerned. She became red and lowered her head. He did not understand at all, was she submitting? Yielding? He did not understand... They were not fighting, were they?*

"Ler... Wick... Forests and cities. There are lots to see." *He kind of understood her words.* "Do not apologise, I am not hurt or sad. I like hearing you speak. Your voice is nice." *He spoke plainly, it was true that hearing common was nice for once. He swore he knew more orcish than he did his own tongue.*
Gary
She took the waterskin back and took a few drinks herself. Then she once again began digging through her satchel. She came up with a small bundle, which she handed to him. Inside was a few strips of jerky. "Again, it's not much, but you need to eat." 

Before he could argue, she pulled out a biscuit and began to nibble on it. But she was frozen in her tracks when he mentioned liking her voice. Her scales flared red again and she gave a nervous little laugh. What was *Wrong* With her? She just wasn't accustomed to people being nice to her. She took another bite from her biscuit, chewing thoughtfully.

"Or maybe I'll go this way instead, towards the mountains. Though a city is a good place to find leads... I just don't know. What do you think?" She asked him honestly. The very tip of her tail flicked cat-like behind her.
Toney
"Hmm... Mountains cold for small lizards. You need furs. Mountains closer to Lunmar." *He had a point, his people preferred the mountainous terrain to be closer to their patron God. He chewed the jerky and nodded his head in thanks. He ate noisily, not knowing manners...*

"Cities have people. Mountains have not. What do you look for? From there, decide your trail... Your tail... It flicks?" *He tilted his head like a confused dog. He reached out to touch it but stopped himself, not thinking it proper to just grab anything that confused him, it could be poisonous.*

"Either way you go, I go." *He nodded his head.* "I stay with Ves. Keep her safe. Explore." *He seemed very certain of that. It was not like he had anything else to do or go. He was a blank slate, his life had reset before her and all he had was a small lizard with maybe-red scales.*

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Gary
"Good point. I could always buy furs though, if we wanted to go there. I took some gems with me from the mines. A lot of people take them for goods." She had the distinct feeling that she had been swindled by many of those greedy merchants, but what could she do? She had needed supplies.

"Though I'm looking for people I can help. Slaves I can try to set free. So I suppose I should go where there are many people. Hmm?" She looked up just in time to see him going to touch her tail. Before she could react, he had stopped himself. 

"Oh, ah... My tail's just expressive, that's all," She mumbled. "It seems to have a mind of its own sometimes." She grew silent for a moment at his words, considering. She should be encouraging him to go where he wanted and all she was doing was talking about herself. Yet truthfully Ves would be grateful for his presence. He was good company. 

"Alright then. We'll go together. To the city. But that's a long way off. First we have to focus on escaping Dasvaz again. I might have to alter our path a little to account for your size, but that's okay. We'll make it out."

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