<i>Chieftain Marjak.</i><br/><br/>The title was such an odd one to his ears, even if it was marginally appropriate. His tribe did not call him such things - “Jak” was the most common, maybe a few people called him ‘Chieftain’. But he was never called by his name. Not his<i>full name</i>anyway. It wasn’t unpleasant to hear, but perhaps that was her voice instead of the actual words she spoke. It was the same, yet different, and part of him wondered if his memories were going bad.<b>”Aye, the whispers have grown into shouts, have they not?”</b>Jak stated, nodding to Atia at her reply. Dru fluttered about nervously, but a calming hand rested upon his scaly head as the beast settled in place.<br/><br/>Jak turned to look at the man who introduced himself as Tillien. Of course, Jak vaguely remembered him, but he’d never really known the man’s name. Tillien seemed to suit him, and Jak just watched the man for a long moment, golden amber eyes checking his stature. There would be no allowance of a threat to his people outside of the foe they faced, and while Jak did not think Atia would harm him or his people, the chieftain could not trust the others.<b>”Of course. We are all here because of the…”</b>Jak arched a furry brow and tilted his head slightly to the side as he spoke.<b>”malice incarnate, was it?”</b><br/><br/>Atia’s soft request jerked his gaze from Tillien and settled it back upon her. Her eyes were still golden, similar to his, but less dark than his had grown. His was a melted caramel. Hers was light and airy, brighter even. Perhaps it had something to do with their personalities, and how she always seemed to be a source of positivity whereas the years had made him less of one.<br/><br/><b>”A private discussion?”</b>Jak questioned with slight hesitation. His voice lowered and he continued to voice his concern.<b>”You are a lady, Atia. It is not appropriate.”</b>While he was not as in tune with humanistic customs as what he should have been, this was one that he understood, but based on the way she stood before him, he shook his head and gestured for Atia to follow him.<br/><br/><b>”Come on, Dru. You as well.”</b>Jak’s cloak dragged along just above the ground, but the way he walked spoke of the mighty warrior that he was. Scars, while not always visibly present, bore down on his conscience. Perhaps Atia had information to offer him. Perhaps she had a vision about the way this darkness could be eliminated. His druid magics were different than the magics that blessed Atia, but something spoke to him from the earth, his goddess relaying a message to the great chieftain Marjak -<i>your time has come.</i><br/><br/>The tent loomed before them, and Jak held the leather opening for Atia. He nodded to Tillien and her other companions before he followed behind her and immediately began to speak his mind.<b>”Why would you violate the safety that you have been provided just to watch me die on a battle field with the rest of my tribe? Do you have the Fever? Are you losing your mind?”</b>Jak stood in front of the flap as he spoke, and his hands flailed as he lost all formalities that he’d carried before.<b>”You know better than to do this, Atia. It is not safe here. Any minute, the darkness will tear us to shreds, and while my men are rightly prepared to die here and today, are you?”</b>