Whispers swarmed through his people, although most were more interested in the way that Dru screeched than what actually approached them. Perhaps it was Jak's own calm demeanor that didn't make them worry much,but in reality, his demeanor was all just a ruse. Who dared to approach them like this? Reinforcements, perhaps? Had the other tribes finally listened to his requests for assistance?<br/><br/><b>"Calm yourself, beast."</b>He muttered to his pseudodragon familiar. Jak stood before his people, straight backed with eyes that were wide with curiosity, not fear. No one would defeat Dyami's disciples until they were ready to enter battle. This was their homeland; this was their playground, and Jak knew without a doubt that his beloved goddess would not fail him. Not after all that he had suffered already in his short life.<br/><br/><b>"I do not believe our foes would approach us from behind."</b>Jak stated while Dru cooed softly as he settled himself back upon the perch of Jak's shoulder. The horned man looked over to his brother, giving him a quick nod that directed him to continue the preparations for battle in his stead. Four beings approached the large gathering of the bovine men and women. Jak's heavy footfalls brought dried dirt to the air around him as he moved to intercept them, protecting his people in the only way he knew how. Had he been a chieftain for any other tribe but his own, someone else would have approached the strangers first, but Jak was a man of action and always worked to prove himself.<br/><br/>One lone figure distanced herself from the rest, and Jak inhaled sharply at his many thoughts. Was this Atia? Was it she that visited him on the eve of what was likely to be his last day on this world? Surely not. She should be safe and protected elsewhere, not here upon the battlefront where tensions threatened to explode at any minute. However, the closer they came to one another, more and more Jak became convinced that it was the girl he'd saved all those years ago.<br/><br/>When he finally reached her, he stood a few boot lengths away. Dru fluttered near his ear. He spoke soft things to the uneasy beast, who's own reptilian eyes darted between Atia and Jak. Most people underestimated the tiny dragonkin; his size was a disguise that hid his true abilities, and those abilities were only known to very few, Jak included. He had not found Dru until after he'd last seen Atia, but she had always been a smart girl, and if history repeated itself, she would know exactly what he was to Jak. Gradually, Jak grew tired of the prolonged silence and he relaxed his shoulders.<br/><br/><b>"Oracle Malatia,"</b>Jak greeted cordially.<b>"It has been too long. Many years too long. A lady such as yourself should not be here, not with the sounds of war echoing in the wind. So, tell me, Song of Fire, what brings you here? Was it the sights of blood and war? Or perhaps, something less noble?"</b><br/><br/>Tag:<a class="username" data-user-id="320" data-username="@Nasuada" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/320/">@Nasuada</a>