James
The capital's square was relatively quiet considering the time of day. Usually, it was bustling with people out about their business, regardless of the cold that surrounded them. Gantrickans were a hearty people, so a little snow and ice would never stop them from going about their day. It was eerily still, only a handful of people passing back occasionally, but the sudden sound of clammer near the capital's tavern caused most to stop and look that way. The doors to the Last Drop burst open from a man being thrown from within by unseen individuals. The man slammed into the dirt-soaked ice and snow, his clothing now wet with slush from the muddy street. A voice screamed out from within the tavern and soon a small figure ran out after the man.

It was obvious this small individual was a young girl, and as she fell to her knees next to the man two more figures emerged after her; both large men with animalistic faces. One stood much taller than the other, his animal form being that of a white bear, though this was common in Gantrick. The other shapeshifter however was considerably smaller, his form a stag with a sizeable rack upon his head. One thing was for certain however- both dawned Gantrick armor, the symbol of the kingdom emblazoned upon their breastplates. *"You think you can steal from the king, half-breed?!"* The bear shouted, and soon a massive white paw was gripping onto the small girl.

Kicking and screaming, the little girl cried out for her father, but before he could get up to stop them, the stag stomped a boot upon the man's chest. *"We'll take her for payment, then. If you can't pay your taxes, then you can't pay to feed a second hungry mouth, can you?"* The scene was clear, but not a single person stopped to help the situation. Most people continued on about their day, others simply standing and staring at the scene. *"Humans have no place here, half-breed!"* The stag chimed in, and then offered a swift kick to the man's side.
Antonia
*Odessa was shocked, she would've thought these were slavers. Not guards bearing the Gantrick crest, while her father had made a few off comments about corruption she had no idea- she had to do something.*

*She checked to make sure she had her sword and shield with her, which were strapped securely on her back. She didn't grab them though, that'd be a stupid idea.*

*She approached the situation, sure that the guards recognized her due to the crest upon her cloak.* "May I ask what's going on here? From the outside looking in, it seems rather... How do I put this... Cruel." *She spoke with the distinctness of nobility, mainly because she was raised by such even though she had her titles snatched away from her.*
James
Another swift kick was dealt to the half-human man in the dirt by the stag, but the approach of Odessa caused both shapeshifters to noticeably stiffen. *"Who's this, eh?"* The bear spoke, his grip on the young girl only stiffening. Both men looked at the crest on the woman's cloak, their expressions turning from sick joy to disgust. *"What's going on here doesn't concern you, Duskguard."* The stag spat, his boot still firmly on the half-human man beneath him. *"Daddy!"* The young girl yelled, her voice filled with terror as tears rolled down her cheeks. With a swift slap from the bear's free paw, she quieted down, a red welt left where tears once fell.

*"If you really must know, this man is now wanted for evading paying his taxes to the crown. We're simply... Collecting payment."* The stag sneered toward Odessa, his hand now resting on the hilt of his sword. The tension was more than obvious between the three guards, the stillness in the cold Gantrick air heavy and thick. A long moment of silence began building between all of the individuals in front of the tavern, but finally the bear broke it with a growl-like laugh. *"Shame old Famir isn't here, huh?"* The stag nodded, looking to his partner in crime, *"Yeah, old man Duskguard just **Loved** This sort of thing."*
Antonia
*She had glared at the guards as she saw how they handled the situation. This was unacceptable. As they slapped the girl she couldn't believe the cruelty.*

"Collecting payment? Really?" *She looked to her coin purse, she managed to get away with a fair bit from her estate. Surely this man couldn't owe that much? She looked up though as they mentioned her father.* "Keep my fathers name out of your mouths. Now..." *She paused before saying.* "How much did this man exactly owe?" *Her intent to pay it off for him was quite clear.*
James
*"More than you can afford after mommy threw you out."* The bear laughed, the stag joining in with him as well. *"Get lost, half-breed. His welp will make up for his failures. She'll catch a pretty penny, though who knows-"* The bear glared downward toward the little girl, his snout dripped as his sharp yellow teeth barred towards her. *"-maybe I'll keep this one for myself."* The little girl tried her best to tug away, but to no avail. She simply wasn't strong enough to best a beast as big as her captive. *"Listen Duskguard. You may wear your father's crest, but your immunity ended with his dying breath."* The stag snorted, his hand now firmly around the hilt of his sword.

*"Last warning."*
Antonia
*She didn't want to fight them, she really knew it was a bad idea. But she wouldn't stand for this!*

"A warning, for me? How kind of you." *She said sarcastically before moving her hands a bit, it might look like she moved them since she's nervous but in fact she was casting a spell. She enhanced one of her physical attributes, strength and grabbed her shield with one hand, though didn't grab her sword as she didn't wish to outright kill them.*

*With her strength she went after the bear shapeshifter holding the girl, and she went to kick him in the groin. While she held her shield up, ready to block the elk if they tried anything.*