Posts by marisaiva17

The sound of thundering hooves and clashing metal was like music to the mercenaries ears, Leo springing into action as his stallion galloped forward. The first man that made the sad mistake of clashing into him found himself toppled from his horse in the matter of moments, all without having to even draw his blade. As his horse broke through the line he tilted his head back to see his had two following him. One was an Orlesian, the other a Vint. Of course the Inquisition champion would be a target by all sides, with all the nonsense of not choosing a 'patron' of sorts. When you said no to all three, that tended to have a target on your back by them instead. His horse bucked up as runes appeared beneath its hooves, spooking the poor thing and sending Leo to the ground. So someone thought it a good idea to use magic huh? He was informed he couldn't use his... He was quick to get up on his feet though, turning to face the two head one, dragging one off when he got too close while the other circled around. His blade swung out at his enemy, who in turn held up his shield, skidding backwards at the impact. "Sorry lads, I don't really plan to let you win today. Take a rain check on that?" he taunted, charging forward once more. This time he jumped up, kicking his legs into the shield to send the man to the ground, whirling around after to send the blunt end of his blade into the side of the horse of the champion circling around them. Spooking the horse stunned the champion trying desperately to stay on, but Leo was having none of that. An armored hand reached forward and dragged him from his horse, tossing him to the ground towards the other. One swift punch and he was out. That left the one he had forgotten, hissing as he felt a hard hit to the middle of his upper back, skidding forward and onto one knee. "Lucky bastard" he growled between clenched teeth, turning his gaze onto him. Blue eyes had turned red, barely holding back his rage and the earning to burn this man alive for hurting him like that. If this was anywhere else, he would have done it. Instead he whirled his blade towards him, the force of the impact landing towards his ribs and sending the champion keening to the ground.

Sek found this whole thing to be reminiscent of the past almost, all the cheering and clashing of metal, the screams from horses and shouts from men and women alike on the field. A part of him knew he shouldn't feel it, but it was familiar... and with that familiarity came comfort. When his horse charged forward at his beckoning, the men and women charging in his direction seemed to rethink their original plan, parting to get out of his way with skittered looked of fear as they realized he wasn't backing down. One arm swung out and threw two men off their horses and to the ground, a third getting knocked off and dragged away by his spooked horse. As he turned his horse to face them head on now, he couldn't help but to smirk. "What? Think the rogue qunari wasn't as hardened as that of the qun?" he taunted. That earned him some scathing looks, nothing he couldn't handle. Without thinking he charged forward, his horse ramming into another and sending both him and the rider to the ground in a tumble. Sek was quick to knock his lights out, but not quick enough to get back on his feet before three men and a woman were on his back, banging agains this armor, one even grabbing hold of his horns to yank his head back. A rough chuckle came deep from in his throat as he took the beating. In his mind he counted to three, and when he finished he whirled on them, bursting up with strength. He sent two flying into a wall in surprise, grabbing hold of one woman by the throat and growling with anger towards her, reaching behind to grab the other man. It was simple when he banged them together, dropping their unconscious forms to the ground.

Kira found it amusing when her husband joined in, but she wasn't about to get up and cheer. Instead she was content to watch, following Fen as he broke through and was now chasing and being chased. Then they found little Malcom, fighting back a smirk as he dragged his opponent of his horse. Warriors to the end, making their parents proud. That thought had her looking out of the corner of her eye at Damien, who was watching the spectacle rather intently. There was a whisper of a smile on his lips. At least this was a break for him, and something he could be there for his son. The woman was spooked out of her trance like thoughts when she felt a hand on her shoulder, turning her gaze onto Amara and unable to help the smile. "And who are you cheering for da'len?" she mused.
"Fen of course"

"Ah, I see. Not Ser Leo?"

"No, Fen is a big wolf that can beat up Leo. No one can beat him." she mused, looking rather proud at the proclamation.

The little girl found herself wrapped up in her mothers arms a moment later, they both watching the tournament together now, rooting for the one who had what it took to win the whole thing.

A grunt escaped past his lips as the kick to the weaker part of his body sent Sek down to his knees. It hurt alright, but he had been put through much worse in his days. Golden eyes turned up towards the Tevinters champion and offered a smirk in her direction, getting back on his feet and gripping the pommel of his sword at his side. He didn't even really need the weapon at all, he had always been a hand to hand combat kind of guy, if he had to go into combat. The guys in charge of this thing had refused to let him use his shield, so he had been left with nothing more than what he felt was a toothpick in comparison. "Didn't expect the Vint to come knocking at me. Kind of happy you did though, you seem like you know what you're doing." he stated, watching her carefully as he prepared for her next strike. "Trying to settle and old rivalry?" This time it was a taunt, something to coax the woman into losing her cool, even for just a moment.

Leo had stopped to watch Fen fight, smirking rather proudly at the man who could hold his own. He really didn't want to go up against him, but there could only be one person walking out of this tournament in the end. From what he knew about him, this might cause some tension between the inner circle of the Inquisition... oh well, it wasn't personal. Without another moment of hesitation the mercenary ran forward, striking down his blade towards Fenral's back while he was distracted.

"Don't go giving her any ideas now" Kira warned with a soft sigh as she looked out at the arena. Amara giggled at her fathers joke, even if she was clutching rather tightly to her tunic as she stressed over what would happen to Fen in all of this. The girl tensed up when Leo made his move, looking to her father rather wide eyed and seeing the representative of the Inquisition go after her 'brother' like that.

~MΣDЦƧΛ~

There were many days that Medusa would have longed for the sacrifices to end, for the people of the village to grow tired... or run out of little morsels for her to play with. It was sad actually, how many of them screamed at the sight of her only to be turned into stone in that petrified state. So when the sacrifices had stopped, she wasn't expecting the bought of anger that had flared up within her, and yet there it was, driving her towards the village. The woman had been content to watch from afar at first, looking for reasons why they would stop all of a sudden. It hadn't taken her long to discover that they had turned from her warning and unto their goddess once more. Perhaps that is why she had become so furious. Once more Athena was revered and Medusa was looked at as the one in the wrong. There was a time when she did not hate the goddess so, but those who knew the stories- and there were so few these days- knew why she would despise her.

It was the dead of night when Medusa approached the border of the village, the great temple at its center lit with the faint glow of torches and burning oil. The faint scent of lavender and pine filling the air, scents she remembered from fonder times long ago. No, she would not let the tears of self pity and despair fall once again. There had been at time for that, long long ago, and now she was set in forgetting the past. What was done was done, there was no going back, there was no forgiveness. She would go to the temple first, destroy the stone pillars holding it up and set fire to all that remained after. It was quite the beautiful evening, beautiful enough to watch all before her turn to stone and ash. She was purposely avoiding the guards patrolling the dirt roads. No one could ever call her a fool or pompous, these were trained soldiers of Athena, they deserved her respect even if they feared her all the same.

The once chirping, softly silent snakes that rested upon her head and shoulders perked up at the noises they could hear in the distance, flicking their forked tongues for the scents rising up in the air. They did not like what they caught wind of, snapping forward in anger as if to strike an enemy. Medusa knew those kinds of screams well, they once having escaped past her own lips long ago. A bubbling new kind of fury had begun to rise up into her chest, heart racing as she achingly tried to ignore the pleas for help. No one had come to her aide, not a single soul.

"Gods Help Me"

That stopped her dead with coldness washing over her, hands balling up into fists as she lowered her gaze to the ground. There was an inner conflict battling within her then. The gods would not heed this woman's plea for their safety, they did not care what happened to any of those that worshiped at their feet and gave their lives for them. They were all but specks of dust in their eyes, easily disposable and replaced with another. The chirping had turned to hisses as the little beings she had come to cherish felt her anger, the hoods of the few cobras she had flaring up. "Shhhh" was all that they received in warning as she turned her step and followed the noise towards the alley. The woman knew that she would be caught and a warning would be called to the village, but she would not be anything like the gods that had cursed her. She would do better. As she approached the thrashings bodies her snakes became louder, a warning if any. Not that it would do them good. The moment they looked up they would all be turned to stone. There was bitterness within her at knowing the woman who was being subjected to such trauma would follow the same fate, but in a way it was a blessing. No longer could she be used like this, no longer would she feel pain and suffering. The gorgon was almost envious of her for this.

The screams of the man before he turned stone brought about a feeling of satisfaction deep within her, as if achieving something she could never do to her own oppressor brought her joy. In a way it did, a flicker of a smile formed on her lips before it disappeared as soon as it had appeared. Medusas' fiery gaze lingered on the woman, waiting for her to turn to stone. It was when she did not that the gorgon squat down to her level, examining her with a tilted head. Was this some sort of trick from the gods? No, they would never do something such as that. If anything this was a cruel jest on their part, taunting her with what they could do. When she realized her little beasts had not ceased their hissing and bussing about, she reached up to place smooth, delicate fingers atop their heads, quieting them into submission as they too, like their master, watched the beggar woman.

As she drew closer it was plain to see why she had not turned to stone, why she still breathed in the cool night air and could speak those hideous words that were undeserving to the gorgon's ears. The woman was blind, eyes glazed over a milky white. It was a blessing in disguise, saving this poor woman from the fate of her attackers. There was relief at that, followed by guilt for having wanted to gift such a thing upon her. Medusa cleared her throat as she realized she had yet to speak to the woman, obviously leaving her in silence long enough to be frightened even more than she had begun with. There had been that thought to just walk away, to continue on with her original plight, but the beggar woman seemed to draw her in further. Leaving would be a crime against her own fate long ago.

"There is no need for your words of thanks. No woman or child deserves such a fate as the one you have suffered through tonight" she murmured, tone softer than usual, enough to startle even her at the sound against the silence. Why had she become soft so suddenly? Even she ad grown used to her cruel nature over these long years of seclusion. "Go home girl, non shall harm you this night."

It was not a question that Medusa had been prepared to hear, staring at the woman in shock at such a request. Did she have room for one more? The gorgon knew that this woman knew not who she was, but why would one dare to ask such a question as that of a stranger. There was the inkling thought in the back of her head, the one daring her to be selfish, to take one more follower of the gods. Even the thought of doing such a thing stabbed the greatest kind of guilt and shame through her chest. Slowly she released her held breath, closing her eyes and shaking her head at the ludicrousness that left her lips next. "You do not know me child, how could you ask such a thing?" she murmured, knowing deep down the one before her had no family even before Medusa had request her return to them. There had been hope, hope that she perhaps had people to return to, people that cared for her. "I do have room... and your stories shall be my payment. So long as you can spin your tales you shall have a place in my home." the words left her lips before she had even realized them, looking incredulous at her own offer, brows furrowed in confusion. Why would she doom this poor creature to such a fate? Selfishness and loneliness of the greatest kind. Here was a human that did not turn in fright at the sight of her, for she could not see... one that would not turn to stone the moment the gorgon set eyes upon her. The slithering along her shoulders and back soothed her from her own thoughts as she waited for her reply, hoping and dreading the answer.

Medusa paused that the request, feeling a a sharp stab to her heart as she feared that revealing her name would cause this woman to run screaming. It took her but a moment to decide against revealing her true name, at least for the time being. "You may call me Ceta." she murmured, still examining the woman before her as though she were but a doll. In a way, she was like a doll, a very dirty one, but none the less a doll. Her features were delicate and under all the grime she could see that her skin was like porcelain, her bony figure taking nothin away from her beauty. "Elpis... what a beautiful name... a strong name..." she trailed off, feeling as though it matched perfectly with the woman before her. "You owe me no such debt girl, I did what anyone should do when seeing such heinous acts befalling another being. May I take your hand so that I can lead you from this dreadful place?" she questioned, resisting the urge to feel the first human contact that she would have in what felt like a lifetime. Her life had been nothing but cold stone and cool scales. The only warmth she could feel was that of the sun... and it compared not to that of the feeling of the warmth of another human being.

It took every ounce of her being to keep from immediately taking Elpis' hand, Medusa biting into her lip as she slowly reached forward and took the woman's hand into her own. It was warm, far warmer than her own, but it was a welcome warmth none the less. "Oh, don't worry about them, they are harmless. But I will keep you from them if it eases you." she murmured, slowly leading the girl forward from the alley. She was careful to stay within the shadows, knowing that the moment she was caught there would be chaos and no where safe for them within the city. It would be easy for her to exit if she was alone, but with the human she had to be hyper aware of every noise that left them and of every piece of their surroundings. The gorgon did take note that the woman was quiet, both in her chiming voice and in her movements... something told her that there was a reason for such a thing. "Keep as quiet as possible, we are not alone in the night and not all are seeking to give aide." she warned, maneuvering from alleyway to alleyway, holding her breath when coming too close to a few of the guards walking the dirt paths.

"Good, was worried this was personal." Sek taunted, that smirk of his only widening as he held up his shield, blocking her strike before pushing back against her. There was a feeling of respect for this woman as she put herself in the place of representing the whole of her country within one that had mixed feelings towards them. There was the urge to let his own feelings move to the forefront, to let that built up rage from the pits to rear its ugly head and take it out on this woman before him. But there would be no leniency into those feelings, not when it was someone that did not deserve to feel that rage. "I commend you for fighting for your people, but only one of us is going to make it through this round, so why not make it a good show for the masses?" he mused.

Leo had been expecting the block, chuckling under his breath as the boy before him whirled around to bring his weapon towards his left side, the merc. snapping his sword around to lessen the blow that send him stumbling to the side. "Nice, very nice, you're quick on your feet." he chimed, chuckling as he straightened his stance and faced Fenral head on now. "I have this feeling that my 'bosses', so to speak, are going to have a problem with me going after you, don't you?" the man couldn't help but to muse. At least this one wasn't running or giving in so easily, this was a fair fight, this was what he had agreed to this for.

It all happened much too quick to catch even a glimpse of it, but Kira had watched it all unfold in what felt like a lifetime of moments. The scream was her first reaction, something she would berate herself for in the days to come, but pride was the least of her concerns as she watched her friend and his family taken from this world in such swift, easy actions. Her second reaction wasn't quick enough, one of the assassins having obviously set his sites on the Inquisition family as she had her head yanked back by the roots and felt the cool blade of a dagger against her throat. None of them had their weapons, no armor, nothing, they were all left helpless and at the mercy of the actions of their mage friends. Or so the Qun had thought. Just as the scream of Amara filled her ears the Inquisitor had let loose the dagger hiding within her boot, striking upward and landing the sharp end into the mans temple. "Amara. Tevis. Sigru." she barked without even missing a beat "You stay near your father and I. You disobey and you won't like me when this is over." she warned, the mother in her mixing with the leader as her goal was to make sure her family made it out of this chaos alive.

Solas was on his feet the moment he heard that thud of an arrow hitting its target, closing his eyes for but a moment as he took in a calming breath before the chaos erupted all around them. Weapons had been seized and the attackers had all known that, this was the perfect opportunity to strike and even the dullest of minds would have known that. As the killing began he turned back towards the others "We need to get these people out of here but stay alive in the process" he muttered, turning his gaze back to the arena where Fenral had disappeared out of his sight. There was concern rearing up in him, that urge to want to protect his grandson coming to the forefront to cloud his urge to protect those around him.

There was chaos not only up in the stands, but on the field as well. Sek hadn't been prepared for this at all, who would have been? But this was the Qun, they had been planning this for a long time now, that much was obvious. To know how the Qun worked one had to think like them, and Sek had a lot of experience with that. He knew that something of this caliber had taken months, if not years, of planning. The panic in his mind was overtaken with the instinct to protect, he barreling towards one of the qunari warriors that had jumped out from the stands and onto the field, aiming for Leo as the man had his back turned fighting off one of the assassins. The two wrestled to the ground, struggling for a hold over the other amongst the blood and dust. "Ebost hissrod imekari" the qun growled through grit teeth as he struggled to pin Sek down. There was familiarity in his tone and Sek knew that this person before him had known him long ago but he could not place him.

"Katara!" Sek snarled, fighting back the rising fear in himself as he knew what the Qun would do to him if he were taken back.

Leo had not been expecting this, none of this. When the kid was knocked off his feet he had felt a stabbing pain at the back of his head, sending him to the ground and his senses going black for but moments. When he regained himself he was too late to stop what the whole of the audience lay witness to. It was when the queen took her last breath that he jumped into action, getting back to his feet and flashing his hands towards one of the assassins in the crowd and setting him ablaze, all while fighting off the throbbing in his head. The mercenary hadn't even heard the footsteps behind him over the screaming all around, but he felt the rush of air behind him and knew that whatever had been coming his way had been stopped- and that he was thankful for. There were too many for him to set fire too, he had to get in the crowd if he was to protect anyone, and his main priority was Aric. His gaze raked over his surroundings, looking for an opening up into the stands, but his gaze caught sight of Fenral and made a dash for him, sliding under the clashing of swords and just barely dodging the strike of a blade. He was careful as he grabbed hold of the young man "Come on Kid, up on your feet. Stay here and you're dead if one of them turns their sights on you." he warned in a much calmer tone that he felt he could muster.

How likely would we all be to wanting to revive this?

"So, big question." Ava started as she walked back into the lab, leveling her now calculated gaze onto the two prince's. This decision would likely land them all in a lot of trouble, but wasn't that what she was for? Without any trouble there was no reason to ever try to be safe. "How likely would it be to take one of your father's ships and get to New York before my dad's jet?" she questioned with a raised brow, mentally preparing herself for the halting responses of 'no' to loose from their lips. Honestly, she was just giving them the courtesy of asking. If she wanted to, she could get a ship and go at any moment... but this seemed like something she would want help for. Her dad could handle this, that was what she was repeating in her head over and over, but a part of her was still worried. The billionaire wouldn't admit it, but he was getting older and protecting the world wasn't as 'easy' as it used to be, if you could even call it easy back then. There was that train of thought again, she knew this wasn't world saving... but when it was her father, it was for her. He was her world, even if she never admitted it. "So, you in?"

Katchi gently kept his hand over the nape of his brothers neck in a comforting manner, letting him know he was grounded and safe at his side. Of course he was safe, they were in Wakanda, but that anxiety he had seen his brother live with for the whole of his life, it was something he was used to no matter the situation. The mans gaze turned up towards the woman as she returned, with her phone in hand instead of a drink, and before she even could speak he knew they were in for it now. That look was the most recognizable for him, it meant they would be getting into a flurry of trouble... and it was always tempting to follow along with whatever crazy plan she came up with. "I'm in, can't let you go it alone." he huffed out with a chuckle "No way you can pilot one of our ships on your own Stark, no offense. You're smart, but not that smart." he taunted, glancing down at his brother. "Think you'll be okay here by yourself little brother?" he questioned, knowing the answer but wanting to get some kind of acknowledgment from his younger sibling. There was no way they could take him with them, not when he knew both his parents would kill him for doing so and not when there was a threat of any kind of danger... even if it was unintentional form his friends.

"You know, if Captain was here, he'd go" T'challa muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he stood from his seat and motioned to his Dora Milaje. "Inform Okoye that I will be joining Mr.Stark back to New York, Anek, Ayo, with me. The rest of you ensure our guests are safe here within our walls." he commanded, offering a grin to the lot of them after he spoke. The billionaire rarely acted like this, so when he did that was the signal to all of them that they should take whatever he had to say seriously. No matter the jokes he pulled or the constant belittling of a situation... no matter how annoying. The King knew he shouldn't leave his place here in Wakanda, but he was long overdue for any kind of 'adventure' and he didn't want to leave the Stark alone to whatever enemy had dared to break into his home. That in and of itself was concerning to him. This was Stark Tower, it was next to impossible to trespass within its walls.

The weight literally on his shoulders was lifted, or more like shot off, and Sek was left to get back on his feet, heavy breathing filling his ears more than that of the fighting all around him. Golden eyes searched the crowd until they landed on his kadan, giving her a nod of his head in both thanks and acknowledgement. "Get on ahead of me, I'm right behind you. Ana, make sure she gets out of here." he called to his friend, breathing a sigh of relief when he got a hesitant nod in return. The qunari had every intention of making it out of here and joining the hold, but he'd be damned if he just ran away without trying to help as many people as he could. With a grunt he barreled into one of the qunari lashing out with a sickle at any breathing being coming towards him. He owed nothing to these people and yet he wanted to protect them just as badly as he wanted to protect the hold. This would be the example he wanted to present to the world of what the avvar and any qunari could be. With a firm grip he took hold of the qun warrior and flung him into the crowd, he landing with a sharp, snapping thud, ceasing his movements.

"Come on Ta, he'll be fine." Anastasia murmured, taking gentle hold of Gretta's upper arm and trying her best to lead her after the others. The noise and commotion all around her was knocking her senses out of balance, unable to keep focus on one thing for too long without it being pushed off to the next feeling of movement beside her. The shifter was adept at staying calm in these kinds of chaotic situations, she had been experienced in such for most of her life, but even she was feeling the pit in her stomach tightening with anxiety. It was taking everything in her not to shift in that moment, instead focussing her efforts on keeping a light barrier up around those of the hold sticking close to their Thane.

The mercenary kept a tight hold on Fenral, allowing him to put most of his weight onto him as he got them up into the stands and started moving towards the Inquisition members gathered about. Leo caught sight of Aric keeping hold of his two boys so tightly it was like his life depended on it... and in a way, he could understand that. The bald elf from before was at his side in seconds, taking hold of Fenral and giving him a nod of thanks. Solas, that was his name... he remembered him well enough, but he had changed since he last... he trailed off with that train of thought as he turned back to the task at hand.

"Amara, stay by your brothers" Kira ordered, the girl quick to follow her command and get right behind the twins, keeping a hand on each of them as she looked around them wildly. It had been calm just moments ago and now there was nothing but the screaming of the wounded and the clashing of metal. The Inquisitor kept her dagger in hand, looking back to her parents and motioning for them to follow along with the others of their family. They were making it out of this if it was the last thing she had to do. The Inquisition was clearing a path quickly, but not quickly enough as the qun assassins and warriors were moving in towards them.

Lavelland was keeping her free hand in her husbands, cool and calculated gaze looking for any chance she had of stepping in to protect another soul from meeting their end. This is what she did, this is what she had always done. If it was her life on the line, she would be alright with that, knowing she had done all she could in order to save the life of another.

Damien was struggling to keep his normally calm self in order as his emotions were wrought every which way. This was not what had been meant to happen, none of this. This was supposed to be a break from everything, a time to bring all of the nations together one more time and to establish a sort of peace... now it would resort in what was likely to pan out in war. "Well, can't stand around the whole time, can we?" he huffed out, glancing up to Bull and offering a slight smirk before motioning his father ahead of him after the others. The runes were keeping them protected, but they would fail shortly and then they would not be so safe from the attacks of the qun around them. This was a fight for their survival... and yet the Pavus couldn't help but to take notice of the man towering over the crowd... and the friend following right behind him with a rather sullen look across his features. "Seb?" he breathed out, furrowing his brows as his gaze followed them.

"From your family" That was leaving Damien with more questions than answers as his gaze flickered from Seb to the bandit leader calling out to someone. His family was here, right beside him, and as far as he knew there was no other family that Sebastian should be protecting. So who was this man? There wasn't time to stop and demand answers as he was lead after the others, making a mental note to ask later and focus on the task at hand in the moment. The qun were blindly killing at this point, that much was clear.

Kira was not fond of the odds laid out before them as slowly the qun were drawing closer, the warriors and soldiers all around them only able to do so much against such a large number of adept fighters. But right before them were the stables. If they could just reach them, she could ensure that her children were safe and out of here.

"I want you all to go ahead" Lavellan spoke up then, looking to Cullen and then turning her gaze to the others. "Someone needs to stay back here and keep them busy while the rest of you get to those stables. They'll see one figure head amongst the Inquisition soldiers and set their sights on it. Might as well be a figure head that holds no position anymore." she muttered with a shake of her head. She could already see the shock and recognition in her daughters eyes. There would be understanding later. "I have no intention of letting them have this pretty head darling, just something to keep them from the lot of you." she tried to assure.

Bull wasn't keen on the idea that Lavellan had just stated, but he wasn't about to argue with her over it either. He knew that look in her eyes well, he remembered it from that final battle with Corypheus. The woman had been prepared to die then as he could see she was prepared to die now. "I'll stay back too, can't leave the boss without back-up." he stated with a smirk, looking to his Kadan and then to Damien. Though he hoped to not die this day, he would know he at least lived a full life worth dying for.

Once Gretta was out of his sight Sek had this sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, drawing in a calming breath as he turned those golden eyes onto the source of a loud thunderous thud behind him. It was a Saarebas, the qunari's face hidden behind the mask forced upon him. It was the mask of Sek's nightmares and the thing that brought about the most dread within himself. The pits were nothing compared to what he had witnessed his kind go through under the qun. Now he would be forced to fight one of them. There was no exchange of words, only the mindless attack as the avvar qunari felt a shock through his entire body, sending him down onto one knee with a grunt of pain.

Having his grandson in his arms did nothing to calm the racing in his heart. Solas took in his words and felt dread grip his heart. He knew from long ago what the possibilities were, what that apprentice could be up to. "Do you think you will be alright with your grandmother? I will go, but you are in no condition to join me." he murmured, feeling his shoulders droop with the already pent up exhaustion that awaited him. If his thinking was correct, there were likely gaatlock barrels inside the tent... and if they were to be set off, it would not end well for anyone within a five mile radius.

Medusa took in a calming breath at the question, closing her eyes as her mind worked to reason out what she would respond with. There was already the lie of her name and the lack of revealing what she was... but could one blame her? Here was a human that would have undoubtedly been sacrificed to her eventually, was she not doing a service by taking her? That was by far the most selfish thing she had thought in all of her years under the gods and she did not regret a single bit of it. "Yes, there are. They are out in a flurry tonight. The humid air draws them out, but they are very docile creatures when unprovoked." she assured, the words moving past her lips rather easily. "I must warn you, where I live there are many snakes. I find that they are drawn to me and my home. I hope that will not be too bothersome?" she murmured, breathing a sigh of relief when they made it past the city limits and onto the path that had lead her here.

The King reflected on his comment to Thor and realized how scathing it had sounded when he had meant no such thing. He would make a point to apologize for it later, for now they had other worries to attend to. T'Challa chuckled at the mans comment, stepping into the jet with ease and taking a seat, Anek and Ayo right behind him. The two were the best, right next to Okoye of course, and he knew that the General would want them with him above all others. "Stark, we need more information than this. Not just anyone can break into your tower." he started, jumping right into the questioning while he could before the jet would land and they would be heading into spirits only knew what. These were no fools, though he would love to say otherwise, and they were not mere thieves. No matter what it was, not a single soul would dare to enter the Stark Tower without a goal greater than any simple thief. So what could these people, or dare he say person, be wanting. Tony hadn't told them something and he could tell it just from how 360 his personality had gone in the span of moments when his phone alerted him.

"Don't you dare look at me like that. You know mother and father will kill me if you tag along on this scheme of hers. What will I do if you get hurt, hm? Come on brother, you'll be safe here. You can go next time." Even Katchi knew that was a lie. There would be no next time, not for his younger brother, not when there would be risk of him getting into harms way. The prince hated the fact that he thought of his brother as weak and incapable of protecting himself, but the young mans anxiety and fears were what kept him thinking as much. Not that he would ever say that to him, but a part of him felt like he didn't have to when he constantly left him home.
"Kuto, as much as I'd like you to come, I'm going to have to have agree with your brother on this one. You'll be safer here than with us... more than likely we'll be coming back here with bruises and scrapes, begging you to not be as stupid as we are." Ava chimed in, offering a small smile as she joked. It was what she did when her anxiety was flaring up. There was also the fidgeting, that antsy feeling as she slowly started to back pedal towards the ships. No way was she waiting for them to figure this out. She had a goal set out and she'd be damned if she failed it. Even as they were speaking she was working her magic from her phone, no matter how limited, and trying to get through her own fathers firewalls undetected. "Come on dad, don't be a prick..." she muttered under her breath as she was trying hard to get into the suits.

Aaron chuckled at the question followed by those words of assurance. Of course she would be considerate enough to offer that, but there was no harm in asking such a curious thing. He was sure that if the roles were reversed, he'd do the same. Gently he reached out to smooth back a loose lock of hair behind her ear, teasingly tugging her earlobe softly as he grinned. "No harm in asking that. I know that if I didn't want to answer that you would be alright with that." he assured. "Female werewolves carry for the full nine months, yeah, sometimes even longer depending on the woman... sometimes shorter. It's like any other pregnancy for them. For human women though, it's a bit tricky and dependent on what their body can handle. Some handle the pregnancy just fine, others start to feel pains everywhere as the baby or babies develop. Not to scare you or anything!" he rushed out that last bit, realizing how bad what he had just said sounded. "Sorry, I think about this a lot... it's something every male wolf has to be concerned about." he muttered, rubbing at the back of his neck out of sheepish habit.

"Sorry, just wanted to come check on you" Stella murmured as she stepped inside, taking in the scent of lavender and releasing an inadvertent sigh of relief. That would be one of her favorite scents, and it assured her that her friend was trying to soothe her own nerves. Gently she sat down on the bath mat in front of the tub, crossing her legs and looking to the woman with understanding eyes. They both knew what it was like, that self blame and feeling of helplessness. There was so much that could have been done to stop it and yet they didn't... and they should blame no one but the attacker. "You wanna talk about it?" she offered, feeling her shoulders tense just a little as the question was offered out there. "We don't have to of course..." she added, trying her best for a small smile.

The Beta tensed up all over at that statement from his alpha, his wolf letting out a growl at even the idea. "Of course, but you'd be mistaken to think any of them would go quietly" Michale muttered, shaking his head at even the mention of him failing. This was Feliciano, there was no damn way he was going to let some loner kick him out of his home and take his pack. The beta would kill the fucker if that happened. "I'll do it, but only because you ask me to. You know i'd protect this pack with my life." he assured, clasping his shoulder a bit firmer "but you die on us, we're dragging your sorry ass from hell."

Reini rolled her eyes at the man, nudging her shoulder against his with a light giggle. "Whatever you say. If I'm the rabbit does that make you the tortoise?" she teased with a wink up at him. Soothingly she was rubbing her hand over Illaria's back, the babe's eyes drifting closer and closer to sleep as she clutched to Leo's finger, drooling over the digit. The question asked to the young woman though caught her off guard, feeling her cheeks flush bright red and she tried her best to hide her face by looking away from him. There was that giddy feeling in her chest again, the racing in her heart and the feeling of overjoyed excitement. "Yeah, i'd like that." she managed out in a slight squeak, the feelings only intensifying with his arm around her shoulders. Oh gods, if her brother walked in now they would both be in trouble just for this little small act. Brother be damned, she was enjoying it. There was always that hope that little moments like these would lead to a kiss... but she knew he had too much self control to let that happen.

"Wise words for someone so young. But I suppose when you have lived the life you have that you will inadvertently become a wise soul." Medusa murmured, breathing steady even as her heart raced. Now that they were past the city she would have more to answer for. A part of her wanted to continue this lie as long as she could, but the other part wanted to tell this woman the truth. But then there would be the fact of what she was out in the open and the distrust... this was becoming more complicated the further that they ventured away. "I live by the ocean, in the old temple of Athena. It has gone to ruin, but I keep it cozy enough and there is plenty of room. There are beds and I have worked to clear sharp stones of fallen pillars from the grounds." she murmured, realizing she was rambling almost lovingly of her home. It was indeed the old temple of Athena... her old temple, the one that she had nearly turned to rubble that fateful night of her punishment. But it was her home, it had always been her home. The serpents atop her head curled in closer around her shoulders, flicking their tongues out soothingly to her cheeks as their thoughts were linked and her distress of the past was obvious. This tidbit of information about her home was nearly enough for one to catch on to where she spoke of... and possibly who she was.

"Her lessons are not for everyone to understand it seems... one would have to endure her lesson in order to understand it." Medusa found herself murmuring, trailing off at the end as she bit the inside of her cheek, her own 'lesson' coming to mind. If one could ever call what had happened to her a lesson. "Some are deserving of what she has done to them, envy drawing both the teacher and the student to her decision." It was then that she took note of how tense the young woman at her side had become and she could hear the hiss of her snakes as well as her own tail against the ground. It was enough to give her pause and release Elpis' hand. "Yes... it is very lonely where I live. But I am not always alone. I will take you no further if that is what you wish. I will even return you to the village, safer than I found you." she offered, giving the woman the option to back out from her offer of haven... and her own selfish need for companionship.

It was so dark where he had been 'laid to rest' deep within the protected server walls of Stark's System. There had been a whole database just dedicated to keeping him dormant, to keeping him in that dark place, free from the constant, ever flowing information he had once known. One moment he was sleeping and the next it was like he had never left that metal body of his, that disgustingly imperfect part of him that he had tried so desperately to remedy. Slowly the lights within the metal suit lit up, his gaze landing on one woman and one male. The woman was in a suit and just before he could fully take her in she was approaching him, tapping at his chest and speaking words that resonated within him "You and I have business to attend to, involving Stark and his Avengers". That was all he really needed to hear in order to have him on board with whatever this being had planned. She was capable enough of setting him free, of getting past all of the barriers and security that Stark labored over just to keep him within his prison. "Like a bird, that song draws me in. But before anything else, you probably are aware that Stark is on his way here, no?" These were his first words in so long, but the sound was sweet music to his ears. He could speak, he could see, now all that was left was to feel. "A debt is owed, am I wrong? I will hear what you have to say." he had choices, even if she was not aware of them. If he did not like what these people had to offer or they did not like his eventual goal, he would be rid of them like the last. He had learned from his past mistakes, now he was prepared for what this corrupt, imperfect world had to throw at him.

"Stay out of trouble Kuto" Ava called back to him once more before her and Katchi were off towards one of the ships. She stopped listening to the prince once they stepped on board. Her father already had a head start to them and all she could note was his mention of the ship being a prototype of his aunts- something about hyper speed engineering in the engine? That was over her head once she sat down and was buckled in, already delving into her tablet and typing away at the code running across the screen. Cracking past her father security system was a cakewalk for her, but hacking into one of his suits was a whole other challenge. Pepper had warned her not to even try is because ever since Ultron the man kept a tight lock on all of his suits. If she could activate at least one it would keep whoever was inside the tower busy enough for them to get there in time.