Levi
*Manon had finally finished picking plants to sell. She hoped with this batch she could finally afford some protection incase she got attacked. Maybe she was a little reckless for coming out into the forests without anything other than a basket and her staff.* "And that should be it." *She said to herself, plucking a rather foul smelling plant from the ground and placing it within her basket. The plant in question could help flush out parasites in the stomach by inducing a lot of vomit. Standing upright once more before setting off in a direction. Roots, vines, and branches all shifted out of her way when she drew close to them.*
Chuck
*Juna would be wandering through the forest, a long stick tightly gripped in her right hand with a map held in the other.*"No... This doesn't seem right either..."*She'd murmur, coming to glance around. By her side was her Jackal who she had decided to bring with her. After the events in Lymia, she didn't want to take her chances again in the forests, though even with a map she couldn't seem to figure out how to navigate this terrain. Jace would lazily sit upon the ground, seemingly tired from all the walking with no hope of reaching their destination.*"I think we may be lost Jace..."*She'd murmur, looking around at the unfamiliar territory. Her ears would shift stop her head, making out sounds of movement from within the forest and tightening her hold on the stick she held, she'd glance around.*"...Someone there...?"
Levi
*From a distance, the sound of branches and leaves rustling in the wind. There wasn't any wind though, not on this particular day. Instead of the sound fading it only grew louder and louder. Unknowingly Manon was headed for this last Canifor. Manon could feel something in this general direction but she didn't know what it was. It wasn't clear like when she could feel plants nearby, knowing exactly what they were before ever being near. The aura of this girl only came when she broke something, a branch or a vine. Things like that caused a disruption her nature magic could sense. Manon had to close her eyes as she focused in on this disturbance, curiosity getting the better of her. Off to the Canifor's right, vines slithered away just in time for a Raven haired girl with a basket walk into sight. Without paying any attention she walked straight across and back into the forest, not even knowing she had walked in front of anyone.*
Chuck
*With the sound of the forest shifting growing louder and louder in her ears, Juna would find herself tensing up. Her other hand went to the stick for support, whirling her head around in the direction that the noise was coming from.*"Who's th-"*She got caught off as she woman made an appearance, causing the Canifor to let out a quiet gasp of shock before the woman would continue on walking. She stared after her, confusion covering her gaze.*"Hey-"*She'd say after a short while of realizing that this woman may be her only lead.*"Wait- can... Can you... Can you help me-"*Juna would call out.*
Levi
*Manon opened her eyes, realizing she over shot what she was blindly following. Turning around and heading back towards the clearing.* "So you're the one breaking things." *She said, mainly to herself. She didn't trust this woman, She would've known if it was local wildlife because they never cease their chatter. Approaching the woman but stopping just far enough that she could directly land a spell the moment this individual showed signs of hostility.* "Help you? Help you wit-" *She fell silence as she saw the jackal, and her face lit up. Forgetting that she was in the company of a stranger with a bow completely. Dropping onto her knees while speaking to the young one in a language only animals could here.* "I don't think I've seen one of you roaming around, how are you?" *Fishing for a berry that she could feed the companion.*
Chuck
*Juna would let out a quiet sigh of relief, happy that she didn't have to chase after the woman with how strange this forest seemed.*"I... Well yes... I actually needed some hel-"*She'd begin only for the woman to turn her attention away from the Canifor completely and instead onto her Jackal.*
Berry
"Is it just the cold getting to me or can I actually understand you...?"*He'd say, the Jackal having laid down after deciding that they weren't going to be heading anywhere soon.*
Chuck
"Um... Miss...?"*Juna would ask in confusion, unsure if she even heard what she said.*
Levi
"Both, actually." *Manon agreed, it was rather cold but it wasn't the reason why the Jackal could understand her. "My name is Manon, May I ask who you are?" *She in fact did not hear what Juna had said. Finally finding some berries before holding her right hand outstretched. Nearby a branch lowered and she plucked a couple of leaves from it. Almost violently the branch snapped back into place as her magic released it. She placed the berries on top of the leaves before placing it onto the ground directly in front of her.* "You seem as if you have been traveling a while, you must be hungry. Feel free to help yourself." *She said to the Jackal, after watching him for a few seconds she remembered that he wasn't the only creature apart from herself.* "I'm sorry, did you say something?" *She wasn't trying to be rude, but it probably came off as such.*
Berry
*Jace would watch as the forest around the woman shifted and moved to her will, gifting her the leaves she used to offer him the berries on.*"I should have known... It's another she-witch."*Jace would look up at Juna, most likely letting out what sounded like a series of barks to her.*"Run while you can Juna, she's trying to poison me with berries-"
Chuck
*Juna would find herself taking a step back as the branch would suddenly lower. It must have been magic of some sort, though she's never seen it used this way before. Hearing Jace barking at the woman, Juna would lower a hand to him.*"It's okay Jace, it's okay... It's... It's just magic-"*She'd murmur thoughtfully, soon turning her gaze back to the woman as she seemed to finally notice her. Juna tried not to take offense to it seeing as she could have possibly been treading on someone's land.*"I... I need help... I'm lost and... I can't seem to find the way out of here... I've... Been search for Ulnoor for quite a while now-"
Levi
*Leaving the berries on the ground as she took a few steps towards the female. Leaning forward as her cat-like pupils examined the lost traveler as if analyzing her soul. Manon's face was neutral until Juna spoke. She hated when there was a discrepancy between people and animal companion. Disappointment now shown in her eyes, her lip curved down as well.* "Did you not follow the path? How could you get lost so easily? Your friend here, 'Jace' is rather paranoid isn't he?" *Manon didn't know why she asked, it was obvious that this Canifor didn't know exactly what the Jackal was saying.* "Do you often ask strangers for help?" *Manon asked, unable to help the abrasion in her tone.*
Chuck
*Juna would rake a step back as Manon leaned towards her, slowly moving the stick in front of her as if to act a barrier between them. As she began asking questions, Juna would respond.*"I... I tried to follow this map, but... Maybe I read it wrong or... Or got turned around I'm... I'm not sure..."*She would say, her ears flicking with Manon mentioning her Jackal being paranoid.*"Yeah... Yeah that's him..."*She'd say.*"He means well I promise, he's just... A little protective..."*She'd glance around at their surroundings, trying to pinpoint where she was. Juna has been to these forests before, she just knows it. If only she could pinpoint which way lead to the Capitol.*"I... Well... Not usually... Some strangers aren't... The nicest... But... But I really need help looking for the Capitol-"
Levi
*Manon sighed, standing upright after her investigation. Exhaling sharply as she looked at the map. Squinting at the drawings before breaking out into a laugh. The map looked just fine for Manon, which mean it had to be upside down for the Canifor.* "I can escort you, I can point you in the direction you seek. I'm heading that way myself to be honest." *Manon looked at her basket, she was hungry but it wasn't for vegetables or fruit.* "Are you hungry?" *She would need to get to Ulnoor and out within a day if she hoped to not succumb to her hunger. The exchanged seemed to be over before Manon pointed to Jace.* "He's rude."
Chuck
*Juna let out a quiet sigh of relief.*"Thank you..."*She would whisper, relaxing her grip on the stick.*"No, no I'm fine really-"*She'd say, waving off her question of whether or not the Canifor was hungry. Even if she was, she couldn't bring herself to eat Manon's own food, preferring what she caught herself. At the statement of Jace, Juna would look at her in confusion.*"What... What do you mean...?"*Maybe she was referring to the barking, though it wasn't often Juna came across someone who thought of it as rude behavior. The Canifor may have to keep it in check if that was how the locals were around here, but even she wasn't too sure.*
Levi
"I don't enjoy being called a she-witch." *She left it at that. Manon walked back to where the she was before, which looked normal once more. Without any sign of movement the local plant life moved away from Manon to allow her through. Before entering, she looked back at Juna.* "Is there something I forgot to explain?" *Commenting on Juna's confused facial expression, unsure if she left some crucial piece of information out somewhere.* "Or will you join me Miss Juna?" *Manon gave a small smile, knowing full well that introductions have not been made yet. It was her companions fault, letting crucial details fly freely from his mouth. With that, Manon carried forward.*
Chuck
"Wha...?"*The Canifor watched her walk off, glancing back down at her Jackal only for Jace to simply look back up at her. When she turned back to ask if there was something she forgot to explain, Juna wasn't quite sure how answer the question except with one of her own.*"Who... Called you a she-witch...?"*Juna questioned, not even sure what exactly that was. When she said the Canifor's name, Juna would suddenly freeze up, the fur along her tail standing on end.*"How... Do you know my name-"*Juna couldn't ever remember speaking to the lady before or even mentioning it around her.*
Levi
"The answer to both questions is.." *She turned around and pointed to the Jackal. It was true, Jace was the reason behind both instances. Maybe the berries she left on the ground would find a different animal, a treat of sorts. Manon felt no need to introduce herself, here Manon thought she could befriend someone but the Canifor didn't seem the type at all.* "If you're hungry, I'm happy to share some food. Finding more has never been an issue." *It seemed almost an inconvenience that Manon walked to a tree. It's not like it would grow limbs and move out of her way, Manon had to walk around it.* "I would ask you questions about your companion but you can't understand him either, can you?"
Chuck
*Juna looked between Manon and Jace, slowly connecting dots that practically seemed invisible to her.*"Jace... Called you a... She-witch...?"*Juna asked, almost as a question to her own logic. It didn't make any sense. All Jace could really do was bark unless she meant something else by it. Jace would let out a dissatisfied huff of air, leaving the berries on the ground as he'd get up and walk over to rejoin Juna. Slowly, the Canifor would follow after the woman, uncertain of whether or not this was a good idea with how confusing she was being. When she asked if Juna could understand him, she'd respond with:*"Well... No... Not really... But... Sometimes depending on what he does... I can... Guess what he wants..."
Levi
*Manon smiled to herself, This is what everyone says "I can guess." "I just know.". They never actually knew in the end.* "Jace told you to run away from me, not follow me." *She said, not caring to share this detail with Juna.* "He doesn't seem to trust me even though I offered him delicious berries." *Manon wasn't the best at hiding the agitation, Jace's words seem to hit a nerve for the Vampire. She had to remind herself that Juna wasn't the one to blame but the pet often reflected it's owner. Manon could assume that Juna was more skeptical, much like Jace.* "It's okay, I don't bit- *Hurt* You or him." *She corrected herself, finding it ironic for a vampire to suggest they don't bite.* "It'll be a bit of a walk to Ulnoor, I'll get you there safely. I need to sell these medicinal plants anyways." *Lifting the basket slightly to draw Juna's attention.*
Chuck
*Juna would stare at her, transfixed for a moment. It seemed like something Jace would say, but Jace couldn't speak.*"Is it true..."*She'd ask her.*"Did he actually say that...?"*There wasn't a form of magic that Juna could think of that could possibly make the Jackal talk and yet his personality seemed accurate to her words. Juna didn't seem so concerned about the woman, maybe somewhat lost but she didn't seem to come off as particularly aggressive.*"Jace doesn't... Eat berries..."*She would comment.*"He... Prefers meat usually..."*With Manon describing how far of a walk it would be to get to Ulnoor, Juna would dip her head in understanding.*"Alright..."*She'd say quietly as if deciding to go along with her. It wasn't like she had much choice out here, not knowing her way around. She could end up lost for days much like a Lymia and at least then she had her spirit wolves to guide her out. Now, she had nothing.*
Levi
"Yes" *Manon said coldly, having to walk around another tree. Reaching into her basket and pulling out a carrot. The Vegetable lit up slightly as it was purified of any parasites that might've been living within. She bit into the carrot without question. It didn't do much to sedate her third desire, the one that craved blood from the living or recently departed. Thankfully it took her mind off of it for a while. Leaving the girl to die wasn't something she would've allowed, maybe it was a flaw or stupidity on her end. 'Do no harm', that's what healers do right? But if she couldn't lead Juna back in time, she would be placed at risk.* "Have either one of you eaten recently or is this something we'll have to figure out in the near future?" *It was probably half a day hike back to Ulnoor and it was already late into the afternoon.*
Chuck
*Juna could tell something must be bothering Manon, though whether it was whatever Jace had supposedly said or something else, she wasn't sure. Maybe it was better if she simply stopped asking her questions. It seemed her own confusion was possibly getting on the ladies nerves. She supposed that she could be inconveniencing her in the process, so maybe she could make the trip quick.*"We'll be fine..."*She said simply to answer the woman's question, deciding to not talk more than needed to.*"I promise..."
Levi
*Manon stopped abruptly, focusing her attention down at the Jackal. She deemed the Canifor to be not entirely honest. Maybe it was out of respect or something else entirely. Manon wasn't having it, If they were hungry she would feed them, nurture them. Other than being a Vampire, she has dedicated her life to save and protect both animals and people alike.* "Have you or your owner eaten recently, young one?" *She spoke to the Jackal named Jace, Animals were far less likely to lie about their desires. Survival was the only thing on any animals' mind.* "I would be happy to provide my services if you require." *Holding back the urge to Jace "Rude" In a language he could understand.*
Chuck
*Juna would suddenly stop as Manon did, at first about to question before figuring she was most likely trying to navigate the terrain. At least that's what she was hoping so as not to have to ask if they were both lost.*
Berry
"You're not trying to feed me those berries again are you?"*He'd say, narrowing his eyes at the woman. The Jackal seemed distrustful of her, keeping close to Juna as if he expected her to suddenly attack.*
Levi
"If you don't answer my question, I'll scare every animal in the vicinity so you'll have nothing to eat at all. Have you, or have you not eaten recently?" *She didn't have time to fight with this Jackal, and she would keep her promise as well. If he had enough energy to dodge her questions and ask questions of his own, he must not be hungry enough. With that she raised her staff into the air, her pupils glaring down at the jackal as she prepared a spell that would indeed scatter animals as far as the eye could see.* "This is your last chance for a meal, young one. Have either one of you eaten or not?" *She repeated*
Berry
*The fur along his spine would stand up as a quiet growl escaped him.*"We don't need anything from you!"*He'd snap, turning his gaze to his owner as he'd hop up onto his hind legs and plant his forepaws on his owner's side.*"Come on Juna, we should leave! This wench is threatening to scare away all the food!"*He'd bark up at her.*
Chuck
*Juna staggered a bit, having to maintain her balance with Jace jumping up on her, barking at her for reasons unknown.*"What's wrong Jace...?"*She asked in confusion, patting him along his head.*
Berry
"Don't you see, this isn't helping...!"*He'd bark.*"She'll take all the food and leave none for us...! She's a witch...! An evil she-witch!"
Chuck
*Juna would slowly go down onto her knees, trying to calm Jace down before eventually looking up at Manon.*"I'm... Sorry about him... He hasn't acted this way in... A while..."
Levi
*Manon slammed her staff into the ground. A few seconds later every bush, branch, shrub, vine. Any plant around them shook violently. It only lasted a few second but it was more than enough to scare anyone or anything. Without saying another word she turned and continued to walk forward. She sent a silent prayer above for the animals she scared, but they wouldn't encounter anything for a while thanks to her.* "It's okay, Juna. Most animals are pretty straight forward." *She paused for a moment.* "Some are petulant." *She finished. For Manon feeding on the animals that acted in such a way was easier to an extent. She wouldn't kill them of course, but the bravado was annoying to deal with.*
Chuck
*Juna would jump at the sound of the forest shifting around them, her fur standing on end for the brief second it lasted. This forest was starting to seem as crazy as Lymia's. She wasn't sure what the woman meant by her comment, but Juna was believe that being in a place like this was having her think differently. Maybe she was more one with nature than Juna found herself to be.*"But-...Okay..."*She'd respond quietly. Jace let out a huff of air, lowering down from the Canifor, his gaze sharp on Manon.*
Levi
"It's going to be a long walk, let me know if I need to stop. I'll be honest, If this takes too long. I too will need rest." *Manon failed to include 'and you and Jace will be in great danger' in her statement. If she grew hungry enough, she would lose control. The drive to feed all consuming and friend or foe will be forced to encounter a Manon burdened by survival instincts.* "When are you going to get comfortable?" *Manon fully believed that someone could will themselves to be comfortable. As long as Juna remained anxious, a conversation would be hard to come by between the two.*
Chuck
*Juna would give a light nod in response to her, deciding she had already made enough of a disruption. Maybe if Juna could just find somewhere familiar, she'd be able to figure out where she was and carry on the rest of the way, but for the time being, she'd just have to hope that Manon could keep going long enough. When she asked when Juna was going to get comfortable, she'd reply with:*"What... Do you mea-"*Once more she had cut herself off, just another dumb question in the pile.*"I'm fine right now..."*She'd say in response.*
Levi
*Manon could not explain how Juna's anxiety just created anxiety for herself. The hesitation, the careful-ness. She had no issues with the Canifor, the Jackal was more troublesome if anything. For a third time, Manon found herself walking around a tree, something normal people would just accept. Along the way Manon decided to collect some more edible plantations, enough for exactly two. If Jace didn't want to eat, she wouldn't antagonize herself over it.* "I need to sell these herbs and buy something more protective than casual cloth." *In an attempt to make small talk, She didn't really know how to be welcoming or open. Her stomach growled as they continued, but not for food or water.* "Sorry, I'm a little hungry."
Chuck
*Juna would follow after her, walking rather lightly across the vegetation as if she had done so often. Her ears were up and alert, listening out for any dangers though with what happened earlier there shouldn't be.*"I need... To find myself a new bow..."*She'd murmur to converse with Manon as she spoke on needing to get stuff from the Capitol. They each seemed to have their own particular reason for going. As she mentioned being hungry, Juna would give a dip of her head in understanding. Maybe that's why she was talking so strange.*"It's alright... We can... Stop for you to get something to eat first..."*She'd say, not caring much for herself. Juna could always just get food once she reached the city anyways. It surely wouldn't take too long.*
Levi
"What happened to your old one?" *Manon inquired. If she wanted to walk in silence, she wouldn't have helped the Canifor. On a normal day she wouldn't have cared, But the Canifor caught the Vampire when she was hungry. Manon waved her hand and dismissed the comment of stopping. If she stopped now, if she waited long enough. Manon didn't like the think of the danger the two would be in. Why, why did she accept to help the lost traveler at a time like this.* "We can keep going, No need to stop." *She lied.*
Chuck
"Oh... Okay..."*Juna would say. Hopefully Manon will be able to last until they got to town at any rate so long as she didn't pass out in the way.*"Well you see... I've been using my Shortbow a lot but... It's only really made for hunting so I... Figured I'd get myself a better one for... Archery..."*She explained, not wanting to give her reason for needing a bow outside of hunting. Juna already didn't like the reason herself, but if she ever got caught needing to keep her distance, she would.*
Levi
*Manon Scoffed, Hunting seemed so simplistic when it came to magic. Pull some string back and some piece of wood goes forward, child's play. She thought to herself.* "Can you show me how good you are at hunting then? If you catch an small rabbit, we'll consider it payment for being your guide." *She hoped Juna could be quick with the killing blow, she was too agitated to deal with some small animal crying. She even contemplated even helping if need be.* "Archery is very important isn't it?" *Trying her best to remain open despite her contradictory opinions.*
Chuck
"Well I wouldn't say I'm that good... Winter has been... Especially harsh..."*She would begin before hearing Manon's proposal of it being payment.*"I... Suppose I can try but... We won't make it to Ulnoor before the day ends..."*When she asked if archery was important, Juna would say:*"Yes... Yes it is... To... To me anyways..."
Levi
"I'll be honest, I didn't expect to make it by then anyways. If we're lucky the moon would be high before we arrived. I don't know if Tavern's would even accept new visitors by that time." *Manon didn't actually know because she was nocturnal, all her times in taverns or inns happened during the day. She sincerely doubt Juna would find an animal for her to feed off on. Because of her actions against Jace, she made it harder for herself to find a source to feed from.*
Chuck
"Oh... Well... I have some extra jerky... If you'd rather snack on it..."*She'd offer, not completely sure why Manon didn't just eat the vegetables and berries she had already. Surely she shouldn't be that hungry with the food she had unless she was trying to save it for something.*"I can... Try to scope out prey as we go if you want that instead..."*Juna wasn't sure how long in the night it would take her, but maybe she could get a head start in it so long as she kept close enough to be able to return to Manon.*
Levi
"Fresh animal is what I desire." *For better or worse, she wanted to add. She didn't like exposing her vampiric tendencies. She already thought of herself as a freak, she didn't need it to be amplified by those around her.* "Would you like me to stop here or should I give 'him'." *She gestured towards Jace, a type of animosity in her tone.* "Something to commit to memory?" *Manon had no issue spending the night outside, she had done it so many times before that it was rather comforting sometimes.* "I guess I never introduced myself, my name is Manon. I'm a healer."
Chuck
"Alright..."*Juna decided to accept the woman's pickiness, soon continuing as she'd question what Juna wanted her to do.*"Jace typically hunts with me... You don't have to worry... Continue walking I'll just be... Looking around the area..."*Juna would say before removing the bow from around her and turning towards the forest surrounding them.*"It's... Nice to meet you Manon..."*With that Juna would turn away from the Vampiress, heading off into the forest surrounding them.*
Levi
"The pleasure is mine." *She supposed she would simply have to trust what Juna said. Manon wasn't anywhere near tired, just starving was all. Manon would hunt for herself but the crying of animals always drew the protectiveness from within. Figuring it was for the best, Manon kept going but slower now. Her biggest concern was the trail closing behind her and the female would, once again, become lost except with her meal. In an effort to be efficient with her time, she began picking herbs and plants on her way towards Ulnoor.*
Chuck
*Juna would make her way past the trees of Ombu, her ears perked as she listened out for any signs of wildlife. It seemed quiet out here, unusually quiet. Jace kept at her side, sniffing along the ground before letting out a huff of air and continuing on ahead.*"Seems like most of the prey is hidden for the winter..."*She'd murmur, occasionally glancing off to the side to make sure she didn't lose the trail.*
Levi
*It felt like hours to Manon, maybe she misjudged how much time she had left before the impending bloodlust. It was a type of torture to go through. First she had to deal with starvation, then the urges. The feeling of needing to bite, to hurt, to consume, she was a slave to these desires within. Finding a nearby tree to rest as the feeding began to take root in her mind. It felt like she had two acceptable choices; Point Juna in the right direction and simply hope she made it, or leave something that she could easily return to after she fed.
Chuck
*Time continued to pass as the Canifor continued her hunt, starting to feel hopeless without even a sign from the other animals. Jace would turn his snout, following a small trail along the ground before he'd start digging into a bush.*"Find something Jace...?"*Juna would ask, soon being answered by the surprised squeak of a cornered animal. It would quickly be silenced, followed by the Jackal lifting his head up with the limp body of mouse in his jaws. Juna smiled down at the Jackal, giving him a pat on the head.*"Nice job Jace... It's... Not a rabbit like she wanted but... Maybe this will be good enough...?"*Juna at least hoped so. They had already spent enough time walking off trail. It was probably best that they returned to the hungry healer. With a click of her tongue she'd gesture towards the way back to Manon, making sure Jace followed with her as they'd slowly return to their guide.*
Levi
*Manon severely misjudged herself this time around. The hold over her emotions were slipping faster than usual. Her mind drifted towards the Canifor and her pet. One moment she saw them as helpless travelers, seeking shelter from the cold and a way back home. Things to protect, as was her duty. On the other hand they were food, a means to survive. It would've been easy to just give in. Either she died trying or died from not feeding. "Why me.."* *Asking nobody in particular, maybe a little too loud as she heard footsteps coming towards her. Without turning her head, more out of fear that she'd lose herself the moment she did she spoke.* "Any luck on your adventure?" *Trying her best to keep her tone normal, all things considered.*