Nalaris - The Hunter & The Raven

[Ekaterina]

This woman, this creature of efficiency, would soon evoke the man to provide what information he had… In the end, both men would be dead… and for any to find, they would be angered for what they would find. But Raven, being a creature of the forest knew such maladies that occurred would only feed the scavengers of the night.

And as the sun gave way to evening, and the female slayer cleaned herself up, Raven would make his plans to follow this dangerous one. Had the Queen assigned this person to find the invaders? Could the Queen not use the information he had provided instead of issuing an arrest warrant? This entity he followed was not of the old code… not a warrior of the old ways… this one’s ways were new to him. But he had to admit, she was definitely skilled.

The sun was low, thick shadows now cast across the ground as the evening began to fall. It would be useless to try and track anyone in the dark, and she had to find a new trail to follow. Thus she'd await until the morning, but she would have to put some distance between herself and the disfigured bodies. Turning she'd moved back to where the equine awaited, it was then she lead him in another direction, taking care to hide his tracks. It was almost dark when a cave was found, the entrance large enough to lead the horse into. She had no torch to lead her way, so it was by slow walking and careful steps she moved deeper inside the cavern. Once she was sure was a good distance from the opening, it was then she set to the task of making a small camp for herself. No fire would be needed, she had dried salted beef and sourdough biscuits to eat, and water to drink. The horse would be urged to lie on the ground; she would use his body and a blanket to keep warm for the night.

Raven knew every cave, every rock… this was his domain… and he could direct anyone to where the invaders were holed up…IF they would only heed the message he was attempting… and he knew exactly where the woman and her horse would go. And he smiled when she made the choice he knew she’d make.

As for the bodies of the two men, with the coming of night, predators were on the prowl and a pack of wolves would be feasting this night. Come the morning there would be remnants of the men, and their belongings laying close by to where the carnage laid.

And he too would find quarters for the night… nearby. He climbed the hill across the ravine from the woman’s choice of cave and prepared his own “quarters” for the evening. As he prepared his bed with branches of pine, he piled leaves upon his cloak and lay down, gently pulling it upon him. In the distance, he could hear scavengers of the night feasting upon the men’s remains and he smirked as he settled his head upon his arm.

As per usual for the Norse, she would rise well before the sun. She'd start off by getting her horse up and walking him around to work out the stiffness that laying upon a stone floor could cause. She would then lead him out of the cavern and permit him to graze while she partook of a breakfast of dried beef and biscuits. While she ate, her surroundings would be looked over, and she listened to the sounds about her. The forest had a way of letting you know when things weren't right, and it had been the very thing that's saved her countless times in the past.

The night sky began to grey with the dawning of a new day. Still the gruesome sight from yesterday rang true in today’s memories. Away from his own quarters, Raven lay still, upon his bed of pine branches, his green eyes surveying the cave’s frontage across the ravine for early signs of stirring. As such, it would have been strange if they both knew that the other was listening, that both were experienced in the art of tracking… that both were so different… yet, so much alike.

[Ekaterina]

Breakfast over and soon the sun would be rising, so noted by the graying of the night sky. After her horse was watered and provisions secured, she'd again set into motion with her being on foot and the equine following behind. It was in the opposite direction of the carnage she left the night prior, that she'd move, across the ravine to the hill side that rose. Along its base she'd move, keeping a skilled eye trained to the ground, and that's when she spotted it. Faint and it could and possibly would have been overlooked by anyone else, was a trail upon the ground. Small plants had their limbs broken from being stepped upon, something most would overlook even with the most careful of foot placement to not make sound. It took a moment to find the next and slowly she began following this till it led her to the hills base as it rose up.

From his position, he watched the female roust from the cave, accompanied by her equine… and he was amazed by the teamwork both displayed. He lay quiet watching her move away from her nocturnal quarters of yestereve and down into the ravine. Oddly enough, she amazed him again… She had spotted his tracks… a feat not many could do… and yet... he just smirked. Seeing her move down the hill, and into the ravine, he could guess she was on her way toward him…. And that would just not do… time for him to relocate.

For a moment she paused and listened, not a sound seemed out of place. However, that could be deceptive, she knew little of the man she hunted, and his skills could equal her own. Quietly she returned to her horse and collected the crossbow from its back and the quiver. One bolt loaded into the crossbows nock, a motion for the horse to remain where he stood. If she found nothing, a simple command would have him following after. It was then she began the uphill climb, taking care to not step on anything that would make noise, or damage the foliage so her own path would be followed. Wearing boots of a moccasin style made it easy for quiet steps to carry her forth, and find proper footing so she wouldn't slide.

And relocate was what he would do. Leaving his bed of pine where it was, he took up his bow and quiva, pulling the hood over his head of stringy dark hair, he would meld into the background of the forest. As he moved away from his own nocturnal quarters of last eve, he caught a glimpse of her, and he smirked as she motioned to the steed to stay, whilst she began to move toward his last position. The game of cat and mouse became more dangerous as she took a crossbow and notched a bolt into it, he canted his head with a “hmmmm” from his lips. And in his distraction, a twig snapped under his boot, and the birds spooked from the sudden, but soft noise. He grit his teeth and crouched low to eliminate his profile as the twig’s snap seemed like a castle’s alarm bell tolling to him.

Icy shards of crystalline blue took in her surroundings. Breaths taken in slowly and deep, then released just as slow, even for the effort put forth with that climb, to enable her to hear clearly. This also ensured her heartbeat to maintain a slow pattern, so not to thrum in her ears to hinder auditory. When a small group of birds took flight up the hill and off to her left, she'd pause, freezing in motion and looking every bit the part of a statue. Ears strained as she looked over the area awaiting to see what might have spooked the birds. Within moments she'd get her answer, as a silver fox emerged from the underbrush. This caused her to grin and inwardly chuckle, for she'd not outwardly emit a sound to give hint she was there.

Eerie green eyes peered under the edge of the green woolen hood of the cape. His lips quirked in frustration at the mistake of a novice instead a seasoned Ranger; he knew the huntress would pick up on the noise… but to his amazement, fate would on his side… the fox would save the game of cat and mouse. He smirked at how fate would play a hand in all this.

The deer skin pelts that comprised her cloak would help to mask her human scent, but it could also work against her if a group of hungry predators were lurking near. Never having had a problem with the predators of the forest, she found the cloaking to be for more than warmth. It helped her to blend in with her surroundings, as it would now. Continuing up the hill she'd make her way, soon reaching its crest and crossing over it.

When the huntress would resume her trek, so would he… As she made her way toward his former quarters, he would move to her side, stopping only to ensure his own tracks were covered the best that could be.

It wasn't long before she came upon his the placement he used to bed for the night. A brow rose as she knelt beside it removing a glove to test the surface of the foliage. Brows furrowed in the form of a scowl, they were still supple from warmth, no doubt that of his body. He was here, and not long ago before he left. It was then she wondered, the birds that scattered earlier, and slowly she rose to look around the area. That was when she spotted him where he stood on the opposite side of the ravine. Crossbow raised, and she remembered the man was to be taken alive. Yet, she wasn't even sure if the man she seen was the one hunted. Only one way to find out, she had to capture him. With the same taint upon the bolts end that was upon the darts used on the two men the night prior, she took aim and let the bolt fly.

There they were, on opposite sides of the ravine… both involved in the old game of cat and mouse… Raven turned away momentarily, glancing swiftly to his surroundings… and then turned his eyes back toward her… all he saw was the crossbow leveled at him and the familiar “thwang” of the bow string as it was released. Feeling the prick of skin, and looking down at his side, he saw the long skinny bolt sticking thru his green woolen shirt. He snarled and pulled it out with a wince.


She could see by the way he flinched that her bolt had found its way home. As long as it pierced the flesh, the toxin would do the rest of the work for her. Many times she had to track stags she hit and didn't drop immediately, and the toxin did take a bit to enter the system, and with this knowledge she was heading his way. Either she got the man she was hunting after, or another of those whom were infiltrating the land. If it was the latter, the man would have the same fate as the two the night before; after she toyed and tortured him to get information before his impending death.

With a feral growl, he knew he needed to get to more familiar venues… He turned sharply and tried to make his way deep into the underbrush, to draw the huntress from the path as he knew he needed to return to his cave, and quickly… But with each quick step, he felt the poison or elixir speeding in his bloodstream… the warm feeling filtering thru his body. First the blurred vision, and next a staggered step.

Soon enough she reached the area where she had seen him stand, and a moment taken to find the droplet of blood that let her know her aim was indeed true. A smirk formed upon her lips and she'd be more on guard, a wounded man was dangerous. Returning to the edge, she'd motion for the equine to follow and soon the massive horse was following behind her once more. She'd take her time on following his trail, which became more prominent as the toxin began to work it's venom into the man’s system and his trail became more clear.

He needed to get back to sanctuary. Could he make the safety of his hidden lair? He dared not to look back, for every second meant life and possibly death. He knew not if this was poison or a simple elixir. He knew not if he was a dead man or one destined for chains. There not far from him was his sanctuary, his hidden cave of many years… but his legs felt heavy… his heart pounded incessantly fast, and his eyelids were weighty, and he knew soon he could control himself no longer. Step after staggered step he drove himself forward… yet in the end, he was a mere arm’s length from safety. And with a thud, he hit the ground right at the mouth of his lair.

He had gotten ahead of her quite some distance, the man was quite strong, she'd give him that. He made it farther than most with the toxin in his system. It was now going on midmorning when she found the man laying face down on the ground, just outside the mouth of a cave. She approached him slowly, another bolt in place within the crossbow as she neared. Once at his side, she'd use the tip of her boot to nudge him to ensure he was out cold. Once satisfied, she then checked to make sure he was still alive, for some would react badly to the toxin used, or they were of a sickly nature and it would be fatal. Seeing he was still breathing and had a heartbeat, she was satisfied the drug worked as it should.

This time she'd have to be somewhat more careful on handling, until she knew for sure whom it was she had in her grasp. Taking a rope from the saddle, one that was soaked with blood, she'd tie it to the man, then use the horse to drag him. She figured the cave would be a good place to hold up until she found out whom it was she had possession of. So into the cave she'd take the unconscious man, moving in further and then becoming surprised when she seen what rested inside.

A cave… a natural underground cavity, some part of which is in total darkness. But Raven’s cave was bit more unusual. Neatly stacked stones, just to the left of the entrance seemed to be a fortified fighting post. Behind it a stack of stones in the shape of a chair, the seat and back filled with down-filled pouches as cushions; to its left was a slightly used torch stuck in a hole carved into the wall. On the right side, a bit further in, was a wood and rope bed, and a down-filled mattress. Near the bed were wooden pegs embedded into the stone wall… this was to hang a sword, or bow and arrow quiva. To the right, farther into the cave, there were wooden stakes embedded in the wall of the cave over unique stacks of rocks, what appeared as a makeshift fireplace and hearth. Upon the wooden mantle above the fireplace stood candles in hollowed out stones, the wax building up where gravity allowed it to rest after melting. Far above the makeshift fireplace was a large vent that twisted and turned some 200 meters toward a natural hole at the top. There smoke could vent out the top of the hill without giving away his exact location. To the left of the fireplace was a stack of firewood, enough for two, maybe three days. To the left of the woodpile were several crates and barrels. These were unnatural for the cave and one would have to assume these were brought in. The barrels were for rainwater, and the crates were for food stuffs. Truly, this was an underground cavity, but none that many had even witnessed. This was home to Dagger RavenHawk for many years.

He would be out for at least an hour, and not knowing how long he laid there before she found him, she was quick to place him belly down, tying his legs then connecting that to his wrists so he wouldn't be able to wiggle his way free. Once he was hog tied, she then took the time to begin looking through his belongings to identify whom it was she had captured. Searching the cave they were in for any clues. The Nordic woman was many things, brutal, barbaric and a murderer, but she wasn't a thief, so the things looked through wouldn't be taken.

After she was finished, she'd rest across from the man she held captive and would partake of an afternoon meal. She removed her possession from her mount, including bridle and saddle to let the equine roam free. She didn't worry about him being captured nor attacked, the animal was trained to battle in war, he would hold his own. The other plus to the equine was that he wouldn't be run off or lead away, when the time came, a simple sound from her would have the beast of burden rejoining her in the cave. Back pressed against the stone wall and she had found a makeshift torch that was lit so she could keep vigil on the man. Dried salted beef and sourdough biscuits were now being nibbled on and washed down with the clear spring water filled goats bladder she carried as a canteen.

[Ekaterina]

By now Raven would slowly wake, the effects of the drug leaving him blurry eyed and with an odd taste in his mouth. Soon he would be conscious enough to realize he was hogtied… and struggling against his bindings were fruitless. A snort from his nostrils blew dust up around his eyes and away from, his head. “Aye… any one here?” His head twisted and turned, and soon his body would contort, as he attempted to see who was there. “Speak now, I can smell your horse… o’course, th’t may just be you…” and he offered a chuckle, despite his predicament.

When the man awoke, her head would tilt slightly and she'd remain silent, just sitting there watching him. Continuing to munch upon that dried beef and biscuit. Had to grin a little when he tried his bonds, they always did that, you could bet on it and win every time. When he began to ask questions, her lips parted in preparation to respond, that was until the insult was aired. She didn't get angry, just quirked a brow and settled back to continue to eat and remain as silent as a mute. It's not like the man had any place to go any time soon, she was presently his keeper.

Meanwhile, his mind was beginning to clear and rummaging thru memories of who was talented enough to subdue him, and the beautiful lass quickly came to mind. If she had bade him like the others, he would surely he hanging by now; so apparently she had other plans for him. “Aye lass… come speak to me… I know you be there…”

She'd continue to make him wait in total silence, at least until after she finished her meal. Then the slow enjoyment of the cool water to wash it all down. It was once she had completed her food, that she'd pack her belongings away before she slowly stood. Brushing off her backside and legs prior to positioning herself to where he could just see her, the torchlight to offer viewing of profile. "Are you the one they call Ravenhawk." Her words more purred than spoken with her heavy accent to disrupt proper enunciation.

Slowly she'd move to now stand closer to his head, then lower to squat near his side with arms rested elbows atop of knees and hands to meet between those legs and fingers to interlace. Head tilted slightly causing that thick mane of flaxen waves to shift in its loose fall. The light, although dim, would be captured and reflected within those icy shards of crystalline blue. Which at the moment held the frigid edge of their coloration. "I'd take care to not lie to me, it might be bad for your health." Touch of a smirk to rest upon unpainted lips, which held the same cold nature as those eyes.

If he had anything more to say for himself, she'd offer the opportunity for him to do it now before she made her final determination on this would possibly end. She had several notions in mind, and a few of those included telling the Queen there was a horrible accident, and the man she was hunting ended up dead; she'd even be sure to offer an innocent as the one responsible, if a head was to roll. But that was still up for speculation.

Of course he would have struggled. What man would not at least try to get free of his bonds? As she approached, he lifted his head off the stone and dirt floor of the cave, tilting it a bit as she knelt down and asked her question. He had expected someone to come after him, but he was still a bit surprised at the female’s skill. With a smirk, he spoke softly. “Aye, I am RavenHawk…” though he desired to tell his full name and family history, now was neither the time nor the place. He would have sufficient time to proclaim his heritage. “And I guess I have sort of expected you… or someone of your profession.” He chuckles… “Oh lass, there is no reason to lie… I want people to know who I am and what I have done…”

Her eyes… a cold blue… the blue of crystal… They would be enough to scare most mortal men, for they knew not if behind those eyes were a soul or not… From her appearance and skills, and the event the eve past… IF she has a soul… it was deep down… and heavily guarded, if not already owned by a dark entity… With a quirk of a muscle, he smiled at her. “So am I to die… or remain undignified?” again he tested his bonds. “Waste not our time girl… do your duty, earn yer money…”

[Ekaterina]

In another time, or even another place, she'd have wiped that smirk from his lips and put the sound of horror in the place of chuckles. But, she had a job to do, and it was specified the Queen wanted him returned alive; pity! After he finished with his dialog, she just gazed upon him for a long time in silence. It was then she stood and turned to walk out of the cave they hid in, leaving him alone to the silence within.

The more he twisted, the more his wrists and ankles burned... and he relinquished further futile attempts to test his bonds. This Norse was a sturdy opponent in the game of freedom, and he felt himself fortunate not to be like the previous men who crossed her path. She set out to do a job, and the job was him… and he would do as she instructed, which was better than the alternative he had witnessed previously.

Seconds felt as to be minutes, and minutes appeared to drag unto hours… or so it seemed, mainly because of his predicament... Bound and left upon a cold floor a midst of winter would stiffen his muscles and if left longer, the joints would begin to ache. In order to prevent further pain, he would roll from his stomach to one side, then the other…

In the position he was placed, minutes would more than likely seem like hours. But after some time, the Norse would return, and no doubt to a man who was flustered if not getting angry at his present predicament. She had left him hogtied on the cold stone floor after all. She'd move back to where he laid either on his back or his side at the moment and nudged him with her toe. "In the morning we leave!" Nothing more said, she'd stand and walk away, taking to setting up an area for her to sleep.

Once again, he would raise his head and turn slightly to look at her when she neared… and when she spoke, he just nodded, and lay his head back upon the cold floor… his breathe sending dust flying resulting in an odd snort, or sneeze. Laying there he had contemplated an escape, but this woman would just come after him again… with more… a vengeance.. and that would just not do… so the resulting thought was to just put up with his imprisonment of sorts… at least he was alive.

Now the Norse wasn't completely heartless, well, the hell she isn't, but she did find what the man did, to not be too heinous. His only mistake, is he left his bodies to be found. She'd move over to him and drape a blanket over him. "No whimpering about needed to relieve yourself. If you have to, do it where you lay!" Monotoned were the words spoken, though the volume of voice was soft. All lights would be extinguished and she'd settle in for a night’s sleep, with one eye open, figuratively speaking, and an ear on him as a warning system was set up out in front of the cave, in the shape of a massive war horse named Blaze.

He thought to look up at her, but decided against it as she would just be inspecting his bindings… but when the cloth was laid upon his form, and the warm of his body was immediately captured by the material, he glanced up, with an instantaneous “thank you…”. The blanket was a surprise… and he soon decided that the Norse was not as evil as he first thought. Assuredly, there was some good down deep…

And as she prepared for sleep… he’d watch her walk about… and yet again, he would be amazed at the guard she placed… and he smiled, laying down. In order to sleep, he placed his body in as comfortable position as he could and used his teeth to compensate the blanket’s position. And the sleep would be difficult throughout the night because of his unnatural position.


When the morning came, she'd rise and tear down the campsite and set her mount for riding. It was then she moved to where Raven laid tethered upon the floor. "I'm suppose to bring you in alive, but test my mettle, and you'll leave a Queen disappointed." Said in that same expressionless tone of hers after she woke him up and reworked his bindings. Feet would be set free, this to enable him to walk. He had been stripped of weapons, so his hands would be tied in front of him, but for added support of the bindings, they'd also be wrapped about his upper arms and torso, as well as wrapping about his neck. If he tried to escape, he'd break his neck in the process, at least she couldn't be blamed for his death this way.

He was tired… uncomfortable, his arms tingled from the rejuvenation of irregular blood circulation. His wrists and ankles burned… but at least he was alive. And when she neared him and knelt down, speaking to him, he finally got a clear view of her… and he smiled, for she was beautiful… moreso up close… Nodding to her words, his green eyes were fixated to the formations of her lips; then he looked at the eyes of cold blue.

“I shall be no trouble M’Lady… Just so you know… I killed those men to alert the Queen’s men to the invaders’ location… Those men were planning something against the monarchs, I am sure…” he sat stretching his aching legs after she cut his lower bonds. He watched her adjust his bonds, and he’d speak softly again. “Think on this… if I were a plain murderer, would I not hide my kills…? Why would I leave my own dagger as proof of deed and my existence?”

The body had a way of preserving itself… but if he had waited any longer, his bladder would have burst, or he would have embarrassed himself. But fate had a way of intervening and he was grateful to the Norse, for sure. And so they began their journey back to the capital… Oh she could have easily made the trip so much more unpleasant for him than walking… but again she took pity upon him… or for the horse, so she would note.


When he spoke, she just looked at him for a long moment. She understood what he was talking about, and whether she agreed with him or not was of no consequence. Had she not killed as he done? Killed to protect those she served? Her ways were more barbaric in nature, and if found out they may seek her own neck to be stretched by a rope. Or perhaps they'd hold a dinner in honor of her actions. Not that she honestly cared, she was given clout to use her talents by the hand of the Queen in the name of protection. "It's not my place to judge. I do not condemn nor see your actions as honorable or dishonorable. To be quite honest, I really don't care. These questions should be held for your audience with the Queen when we return!"

She would lead him out of the cave, and permit him a moment to do his morning constitution under her watchful eye. No, she wouldn't gawk or make comments like so many others may do, she continued to show that stoic nature of her Viking heritage. Once he was finished, she'd lead him to her horse, and without another word, she'd mount onto the equines back. The rope would be fashioned around the saddle horn and she'd begin to lead him through the forest, at a pace that would be easy for him to follow, not too fast and down paths that lacked heavy underbrush or fallen trees. It was more for the sake of the horse than the man, her story.

They'd travel by day and rest by night, luckily there were no surprises along the way. During their nightly meal, she'd listen to any tales he wished to spurn. Their meal consisted of dried beef, sour dough biscuits and this time she made a small fire to warm up some coffee. She'd create a makeshift shelter for them to sleep in, one that not only shielded them from the weather, but nightly predators, or those whom would pass that might be affiliated with the two men she killed several days ago. No need to engage in battle if it could be avoided, she didn't know the man with her enough to trust him with a blade, and he'd probably use the attack as a diversion to escape; so was her way of thinking. He'd again be constrained through the night, but this time she didn't hogtie him like she had in the cavern, but he was secured instead to a tree with room enough to lay if he wished, or rest propped against the tree. Skins applied for warmth as blankets and the equine was again set free till morning.

The Norse had skills… that he could vouch for… and she was careful… that he had no doubt… His predicament was not desirable, but he was not so disadvantaged as to have a health concern… and for this he was grateful. And as time, and distance, passed so were his bonds lessened… He had not resisted her commands, nor her bindings of assurety. He had proved, and continued to prove, he would not escape nor retaliate.

Soon enough she'd be back to the Castle Proper, announcing as she entered the gates to the Knights who stood duty. "Contact the Dark Queen, let her know the Norse has returned with the Raven!" Through the gates she moved with her package in tow behind, a sight that had many gawking in disbelief and other’s glaring at the Nordic woman's prisoner.

If any got too close for comfort, they'd learn the error of their ways quickly. "He's to be delivered to the Queen, unmolested. I suggest you stand down, now!" There was a coldness in her tone that she hadn't used on Raven, and the warning was clear. She'd soon arrive to the front of the castle, and there to dismount and untie the rope from her saddle horn. Here she'd await on the front steps to see what was to transpire next.

He walked behind the horse, his tether secured by the pommel of the saddle, stopping when she stopped, and walk when she moved her knees on the warhorse, signaling him to move. His striking green eyes would scan the people that lined the street as they entered the city. Why were these people so cold to him? Had he done them harm? In actuality, he had saved them from potential harm, for the men he killed intended to kill them. He just shook his head at their ignorance…

Was it his attire? Did they detest Rangers so? Still he walked behind his captor, and his savior, for assuredly, the people would try to kill or at minimum molest him. When they arrived at the steps of the castle, and the Norse requested an audience with the Queen, Raven just stood behind her, his green eyes watching those that watched them.

Ignorant is lack of knowledge... Stupidity is lack of intelligence or common sense. He knew the people of Nalaris were not stupid… but they were ignorant… ignorant of the fact that invaders could very easily slip into this land… and strike death and fear into the hearts of the residents… yet they looked at him as if he were evil incarnate. He would just hope the Queen would judge fairly upon him.

[Ekaterina]

If ignorance was lack of knowledge and stupidity was lack of intelligence or common sense, then assumption was the mark of a small mind limited by ignorance itself. Had the man taken the time to speak before acting, his current predicament could have easily been avoided, and the charges about to be laid at his feet dismissed... but with choice comes consequence, and now the man who presumed himself a hero would discover what it meant to earn a Queen's displeasure by flouting authority and presuming to know what she knew.

Informed of the Norse's successful return with her prize, Melaina summoned Tomas to join her as the instructions were relayed to deliver both hunter and prey to the Throne Room. The trappings of royalty were not acquired; she had no need to rely on crown or scepter to display herself a queen. Dark skirts whispered against the floor as she entered the room and seated herself to await the pair, a cold look resident on her face. Arrangements were already in place to provide the Huntress with her agreed upon price; the deed to a piece of land with a small house in good repair sat on the table beside her chair. It was a fair price in light of the efforts put in to hunting down the vigilante.


Tomas had received the summons and ended his training early. It was no surprise to any within the Chapter house he did not ever bother to change from the mail he wore. This news, this news made a dark heart lighten. The capture of that d**ned Ravenhawk. Blade to his side mail about his form the throne room was invaded with his presence only moments after Melaina had entered a look of hope was taken as his eyes looked up towards her. "Is it true? The Norse has found and brought in the man?" Oh that wicked smile was on his face for Tomas had few men he wanted to see and speak with more than this one who proclaimed himself, Judge Jury and most importantly Executioner of his own whim. Taking his place to the right and slightly before the throne of his Queen he waited a light growl to his lips.

Training her gaze on the door, she could hear the myriad steps that announced their approach.


The Queens servants would meet her on the front steps of the castle, and soon she along with the Ranger in tow behind, still bound by ropes, would follow after the servant to where the Queen awaited. Tomas would soon have his answer to that question, when the Norse stepped through the door with her charge.

Straight to Melaina she'd make way, leading Raven behind her, and as was the way of the Viking, no homage did she pay the royal, no bow of knee. But, the Nordic woman did hold a smidgen of respect, as when she stood before the Queen her head would bow forward slightly. "I have succeeded in my task and deliver to you the man you sought ...." A glance back at Raven and she'd give him just the slightest smirk before looking back to the Queen with that stoic expression. ".... unharmed!" It was then she stepped back, and move to stand behind Raven. Dagger pulled from her side and she'd cut his bindings free, letting the damaged rope simply fall to the floor about his feet.

She would then step away and look between Melaina and Tomas. "Though I will speak my mind before you tend to what ever task or sentence is yours to give. This man took vengeance on a party of men who slaughtered a small group of your knights. I sent by raven a shield and a map of where the bodies laid, and still do. I'm not sure if the raven made it not, but now the wolves and wild cats feed on the flesh of those that I'm sure their families would have wished to bury proper." As this was spoken, she looked directly at Tomas, since it was his raven after all.

Then back to Melaina her focus turned. "I killed two myself and left them for purgatorial pickings. Those who survived the slaughter of your knights and were in the midst of rejoining others." She would look between the Queen and Tomas, with a glance towards Raven before looking back to them. "I did it out of defense." Who was to counter her claim? No one witnessed the situation, or so she thought. "One did confess before he died...." Oh how hard it was to keep that smirk from showing at the remembrance of the act. "....... the rest of his kind were hidden in the mountains, using the caves." Maybe that would gain her a bonus, or perhaps this was shared in some strange sense of comradery with the man she lead in like a dog on a leash, to perhaps have the Queen view him in another light. What ever her reasoning for sharing the last information, would be her own, as she now stood off to the side in silence to watch and listen.

"I appreciate your efforts to intercede on this man's behalf, Ekaterina. That you do so tells me there is mercy in you, and I can respect that... based on what you have seen. Unfortunately, you have only half the story." The blue eyes fell on the silent man, gauging him assessing before she continued, "One good act does not atone for a multitude of sins. I do not know what lies he has told you, but this man is an imposter, a traitor and a conspirator against my sister and me."

She rose to approach the kneeling man, then glanced at Ekaterina. "While you were hunting, my scholars took the opportunity to research his claims. This man pretends to the name Ravenhawk, when the last of that family died on the Fields of Passing nearly twenty years ago. This has been confirmed both by the scholars and several who were present that day. Furthermore, it has been established that he is a part of the banditry and slavers that plague this land. Several of the men he left for dead were his own men, who aided him in this endeavor. So while he may have appeared to work on my behalf, it was for no more than his own gain - pretentiousness to lands, wealth and a title that were never his to claim, and the hopes of gaining more beyond it."

A glance went to Tomas before she returned to her throne and lifted a sealed document from the table beside it. Extending it to Ekaterina, she continued quietly, "The reward you asked for in apprehending this man. A plot of land with a home on it. Take it with my thanks."

Upon hearing the Queens words, a narrowed glare would be shot back in Ravens' direction. She should have cut his throat the night she captured him. Berating herself for having thought the man to be someone worthy, instead he was no better than the two men she left for kibbles for the scavengers of the forest to feed upon. She'd offer his leash to one of the nearby guards and whispered near his ear. "Tug a little, it'll tighten about his throat." She'd give the guard a bit of a smirk before she'd turn and step away, moving up to where the Queen rested upon her throne.

The document taken in hand and it would be glanced over before those icy shards of blue would rise to rest upon the Queen. "My thanks .." That word was like a rare gold coming from the Norse, one who rarely thanked anyone in her lifetime. A bow of her head in respect to the woman. "Ever need my services in the future, consider them paid in full to be done." She had all she needed here now, and wanted for nothing else. If the time comes when she does, a barter shall be struck. Another bow of her head to the Queen.

A glance in Tomas' direction. "If you so wish for me to cut his throat for you, I'll do that for free!" Referring to Raven, a glare in Ravens direction as she spoke the words to Tomas and the Queen. Though she knew before she offered, the Queen would want to make an example by using him. A showing of why you don't go against the Queens, or try to lie about heritage to gain favor. Though she didn't favor the ways of the court, she did have respect for those who held position above her, to a degree. The Norse would step back to watch what was to transpire next, to learn of the traitors fate and perhaps even witness his execution.


Tom looked to the man as his sentence was held down, the sideways glance given to him by Melaina had him moving forward. His eyes turned however to the Huntress. Her words earned her a smirk. "I think I would take more delight in this kiss." His eyes looking over her a moment before a gloved hand gripped tight at the mans scalp. His hold was white knuckle tight and he didn't wish for the throne room to be bloodied. Nor did he think Melaina would enjoy his warning to others.

Dragging the man by his scalp, making him crawl before the others as he took him through the halls and to the door. The knights opened it and Tomas tossed him out into the courtyard. His eyes looked about to see who was there before he looked down to the man. "You wish to take a mans life before the Queen has asked, then you pike them like they are mongrels left to be picked at by the crows and ravens. If that is what you wish then that is what you shall have."

Catching a Knight, one of his in passing his gaze fell to the Pike he held. The Knight tossed it to him to which he caught it. Forced the man to his knees and pulled his head back. "You will enjoy the same fate as the men you condemned." Brown eyes narrowed and glared With the one hand he lifted the pike upwards then drove it down through the mans opened mouth silencing his screams before they could be uttered.

Once his point made he left the kneeling form within the courtyard. "He is to be left, come night fall remove him and feed him to the wolves." He muttered removing those blood stained gloves and moving once more within the castle to change and return to his Queens side.