First Steps|Clan Beleg, Beastlands

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Nicholas shivered as he trudged through the rain, regretting not putting on something a bit heavier before leaving Autus. Oh well, this journey wasn't supposed to be easy. Besides, if the weather got too intense, he could probably find himself some kind of animal to hunt and skin.

He was more concerned about defending himself. He had read about the aggressive people in Beleg, and knew he was in danger. He was confident in his own abilities - after all, he was very physically imposing, fit, and skilled with his element. He had trained himself in some martial arts, but he had no actual fighting experience. He could only hope that this and his weapon would be enough to keep him safe until he was somewhere with more hospitality.

[Kender Bard]

Before he had gotten far, there came heavy footfalls behind him at a quick pace, as though someone were running or jogging, and making no effort to conceal their movements.

Vashti, one of the priestesses at Autus, made an imposing sight; it was hard for her not to, being a Gorilla-affinity. She was heavily muscled, dark of hair (and fur where it covered her arms and other places), and when she wasn't smiling she seemed to wear a perpetual frown or scowl, even though she had quite a kind disposition not normally seen in those born of Beleg.

"Wait!" she called out in her deep voice.

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"Get back!" Nicholas shouted as he spun around, not knowing what sort of vicious attacker was behind him. At the same time, he pulled out his weapon, a sickle that was tucked in his belt. He stared down the large priestess, ready to do whatever it took to defend himself.

[Kender Bard]

She made a grunt of annoyance and frowned at him, which if anything was more gruesome appearing than her 'neutral' expression as it allowed the recipient to see part of her sharp lower teeth. "Oh for Worg's sake, put that away," she snorted, waving a wide-palmed hand. "I'm not going to hurt you." She pointed at her robes with emphasis. "I'm from Autus."

[Deleted]

Nicholas relaxed a bit and slowly returned the sickle to his side. "Oh, sorry about that. I guess I'm a bit tense..." After a moment, he added, "Do you need something?"

[Kender Bard]

"Well I was sort of wondering why you didn't take a guide with you when you left Autus," the priestess replied calmly. She came closer and came to rest, hunching down on her legs into a squat. It didn't look comfortable but it was to her. It also took away from the fact she was tall for a woman. "Most people don't brave the wilds of Beleg on their own twice if they can help it."

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"Oh... I hadn't even thought of that," he said, scratching his head. He had been so busy worrying about whether he could fight off predators alone, he hadn't considered the possibility of asking for help. "Do you think I could find someone on short notice?"

[Kender Bard]

"Well I was going to offer my services actually," Vashti chuckled. "My name is Vashti by the way. So, if you don't mind, I'll help you find the shortest, safest way out of Beleg. Where are you headed to next?"

[Deleted]

"Thanks, I appreciate it!" Nicholas said, extending his hand. "My name is Nicholas. I'm heading for Humontis at the moment."

[Kender Bard]

"Oh, well then, this will be easier than I thought," Vashti remarked as she took his hand, giving a gentle squeeze even though she could have overdone it and tried to crush his hand. "I can take you towards the Poldora border and from there you should be safe, so long as you make it clear you were just from Autus. They take poorly to poachers and unwanted company there."

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"I see," Nicholas nodded. "How long do you think it will take to get there?"

[Kender Bard]

"To Poldora?" Vashti asked, already starting off at a leisurely pace. "Not terribly long. It depends on if we get... interrupted in our travels or not. And the weather, of course. It gets colder the farther east you go in these parts. Actually, Winter is a good time to be moving around Beleg. They're already on edge from the Poldoran's migration route." She chuckled deeply at the imagined discomfort of her kin. "I'd say a few days to a bit under a fortnight."

[Deleted]

"Okay, good," Nicholas said as he followed her. He relaxed a bit, knowing that he wouldn't have to watch his back for a while. "So I take it you know your way around here pretty well?"

[Kender Bard]

"Yeah," Vashti replied, flashing him a small grin. "I was born and raised in Beleg, though I've always lived close to Autus. My parents were devout followers so it was a given I'd go into the priesthood. I didn't mind. So you're from Humontis?"

[Deleted]

"No, I grew up in Autus," he replied. "My family is from Humontis, but as far as I can remember, I've never actually been there, or anywhere else outside of Autus."