Penumbral

Chapter 18: Good Terms

Alimur feels warmth encompass him, but before he could open his eyes it fades, his vision clear, his mind at peace, he looks to the side to see his friend clearly pretending to be asleep, her fake snores were annoying and he couldn't quite piece the situation together, "Another dream of Mia? But she always felt cold" his thoughts were interrupted by Aurora's giggles, he shakes his head and focus on the task at hand.

-Aurora, come on we need to go-

-Sure- She happily leaves the bed and gets ready for their trip to Hylsadrou.

Alimur shakes his head in slight confusion, but just smiles for a night lacking in nightmares, he puts on his gear, straps Jorn's skull to his back, instead of putting on his helmet the Human simply held it by his side, he meets Aurora downstairs were Onyx and Adam had prepared some food, the Demi-Human was already sitting on the table happily humming, the Human sits beside her and starts eating.

-I hope you two like it! Since you're the hero and all we decided to make a goodbye meal, of course you two are free to visit anytime- the black scaled Onyx speaks with a happy tone.

-Where's Grido and Rathan?- Aurora asks.

-They went to help clean Wesche, said you two could just leave, as communicating with the council is key- The bull Beastkin answers.

Alimur nods while munching on stale bread, after about half an hour the duo finishes their food and leaves, at the gate they find Rathan wielding a mop and sweeping the blood off the floor, the Scaleborn takes notice of them and waves goodbye as they pass, the duo retributes the action and head on towards the World's Capital.

A few hours into the road they see a caravan being looted by five Demi-Humans, part Human and part bird Beastkin, their legs were like the talons of an eagle, their arms had small claws midway through them and expanded into large wings, a feathered tail could be seen from each of their lower backs, their feathers and hair were of varied colors ranging almost the whole color spectrum, the one with short spiky black hair was shouting orders while drinking out of a small barrel and was seemingly drunk.

-Listenere sitars! Dad has putme in charge! So grab everthing an d we'll be back home getting prayses from dad-

-Lea! There's someone approaching!- The small red feathered one announced while pointing at the duo.

Lea squints and uses her wingarm to look at where her sister was pointing.

-Ellen!- She turns and calls to her blue feathered sister.

Ellen pokes her head out of the box with a few necklaces hanging from her neck.

-Preare for batteu!- Lea announces.

The five Demi-Humans get into position and form ice feathers on their wings, Alimur notices their change in stance, summons his arm and unsheathes his sword, Aurora summons a spear and throws it at one of the bandit's wings the spear hits and pins the red feathered Demi-Human in place.

-Aurora those are members of the Harpies, last time we fought them they were dangerous so be careful-

The Demi-Human nods and takes flight, Alimur rushes at the Harpies and slashes Lea's wing, the black Harpy dodges very narrowly and stumbles to the skies, the other Harpies throw their ice feathers at the Human but he backflips and swings his sword in a defensive manner to parry and dodge the projectiles, a green feathered harpy jumps at Alimur's head and steals his helmet.

Aurora pins the green Harpy to the ground with a spear before she can escape, the drunken Lea takes a look at the Human's face and squeals.

-Helho handsome, YOU'RE MAINE NOW!- The black Harpy dives at him and extends her talons to grab him.