Better Than Gore

And make a call she did. Nyra's curse came with many gifts; one of which was low light vision, much like her bear counterpart, she was capable of seeing nearly twice as far as your average human during the nighttime. Staying overnight in a nearby establishment just wasn't an option. Well, it was, but not one she wanted to choose. Nyra wanted to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible, so onward she went. Using her low light vision to her advantage to reach her destination safely and efficiently. @Sleepy Seal

Interesting. Nyra rolled her eyes. "They must really believe that." Or else they wouldn't have formed an angry mob; although, people have protested far less believable things. "Perhaps you could jot down some directions for me? Tourist attractions are always fun." Even if the waitress believed it to be that of a tall-tale, it was certainly worth investigating. At least now she had a slight idea on where to start looking, otherwise she'd spend all day questioning the locals, which didn't sound too appealing. @Sleepy Seal

"No thank y---" Chanting could be heard from outside of the tavern; which immediately grabbed Nyra's attention, forcing her to tilt her head in curiosity. Which was only used in order to hide her excitement. She was in the right place after all. Their protesting confirmed that. Gazing back at the waitress, she'd offer her a genuine smile. "And what's that all about then?" This probably wasn't the first time an event like this had taken place. Obviously, she knew exactly what and who they were after, but Nyra had to play dumb for the time being. Subtelty was an absolute must. "Who's this Lich Queen they speak of?" Another question followed; if the waitress cared to listen, perhaps Nyra would be able to get some information from her. It may not have been the information she required, but information none the less. While she waited to see if the waitress would bite, she too would bite, via grabbing her utensils and going to town on her steak. @Sleepy Seal

Reyna's sudden leave hadn't risen any suspicion; when one was done with their meal they normally departed, unless there was an obligation to stay. A complete stranger offering them a seat at their table didn't necessarily fit that particular category. Nor had the fact that she knew the cashier by a first name basis alert her, for all Nyra knew, she could have been wearing a name-tag. She hadn't bothered to look. "Ah, thank you." Nyra's attention was brought back to the waitress. Nodding in appreciation of the delivery and acknowledgment of her comment. Once her steak had finally been brought to her table, she'd question the waitress, maybe she had encountered Reyna before. It wouldn't hurt to ask. @Sleepy Seal

Nyra greeted the waitress with a smile. "Steak if you have it, preferably rare." She considered ordering a drink, but this wasn't a vacation by any means, so it was business as usual. "A water would also be appreciated." Was added in before the waitress was out of earreach. Locating her target may have been harder than she originally predicted, after all, she wasn't about to start interrogating townsfolk for information. But maybe that would have been easier than waiting for the information to fall onto her lap. Once her food and beverage had arrived, she didn't hesitate. Taking hold of her fork and knife only to cut into the steak, shoveling into her mouth and chewing with a satisfying sigh. Typically she preferred her steak raw, however, that may have made her stick out more than necessary. So rare it was, unfortunately. Taking a look around the room, a couple patrons were taken notice of. There was a mysterious looking man sitting at the bar, sporting a hat of sorts, drinking alone. Granted, she was eating alone, so maybe it wasn't so out of the ordinary. One other piqued Nyra's curiosity, a woman, about three tables down. She was drinking what appeared to be coffee, Nyra could see the steam steadily rising from the cup. Taking a quick whiff, it was certainly coffee, Nyra's sense of smell was spot-on. "Care to join me?" Nyra inquired, speaking loud enough to reach the woman. @Sleepy Seal

Nyra’s adventure was a long one, however, it could have been longer. Traveling by horseback was ideal; hopefully, her newfound barbaric colleagues didn’t worry too much about her seizing one of their ponies. The stolen steed made her travel that much shorter. Save for an overnight camp, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, making that long of a trek in a day was unthinkable. Nyra’s arrival was anticlimactic; drawing unnecessary attention onto herself was the last thing on her to-do list. Her clothing consisted of mostly leather and linen, tight-fitted to the shape of her body, pauldrons appended with fur, gauntlets, greaves, and sabatons were the main bit of her attire that was metal in nature. Other than her sword, which was joined at her left hip and sheathed. Nyra was short in stature; give or take 5’6”, and very petite. Her small frame bolstered an astounding 165lb, consisting of conditioned muscle that was aesthetically pleasing. Her hair was dark and dreaded, styled into a braid and decorated with what looked to be beads, and a variety of teeth/claws. Nyra’s complexion was an exotic shade of tan and her eyes were a brilliant emerald green. Her facial highlights were delicate. After touching base into town, she guided her mount to what she thought to be a stable of sorts, tying it off and giving it a pat before advancing further into town. Rumor has it there was a woman residing in Blairsville that could possibly help her overcome the monster within her. Her townsfolk would sit back and relax knowing there was certifiably no way of it getting away and butchering whoever crossed paths with it. But where was the best place to follow-up on rumors? A tavern. Exploring for a bit, Nyra would eventually discover an establishment that was exactly that. Upon entering, each inhabitant would get a once-over before she advanced to an empty table. Taking a seat, she’d trust that someone would inevitably take notice of her and fetch a beverage. @Sleepy Seal

Spending time with Constans was always loved and anticipated. With her withdraw into seclusion, she hadn’t been able to do so very often, which was regrettable. Especially with how bustling he had been. Constantly in a meeting or regulating the development of their new home. Even now, their time together had to remain short, for time was of the essence. Blairsville was a remarkable trek, Nyra had to leave as soon as possible if she wanted to arrive in a timely fashion. "Yes," She reacted, grinning shyly. Constans appreciating her beauty only added to the pink shade gradually, however, without a doubt introducing itself on her cheeks. At the point he started to clarify her errand, said blush was pushed away to clear a path for a genuine yet understanding expression. "I'm aware of how dangerous she is, Father. My involvement with the undead is lacking, however, I can certainly handle myself. Hopefully, it doesn't come down to violence, or we probably won't have a foe to battle." Nyra snickered. She was solid, with or without having to shift, if her life was in peril... Lord have mercy on whoever threatened it. "Is there anything, specifically, I ought to carry with me, Father?" Nyra was, obviously, alluding to gear. Going equipped with tons of weaponry most likely wasn't the sharpest thought, particularly if her intent was to obtain knowledge. On the other hand, if the chance of battle introduced itself, she wouldn’t want to be ill-prepared for the circumstance. "I'd imagine my sword and clothes that aren’t too cumbersome, just in case I have to depart in a hurry." Nyra included trusting that Constans would contribute his two cents. @Vansin

Nyra had, for the most part, separated herself from the larger part of Coth since the brute attack. Just a chosen few people were welcome in her modest abode. Not that she was intentionally staying away from anybody specifically; Constans knew the emotional toll she experienced when she changed form, it weighed substantially on her mind. The anxiety was incessant-- what might have happened had she hurt somebody while being in that hated, monstrous form? Fortunately, she hadn't. Generally, she was reflecting, constraining the monstrosity inside as though it had been a part identity. What made it tick? What she could do to tame it? How could she tap into its capacity willfully instead of depending on fury? She could only hope that maybe, maybe there was an enchantment or something that could bring her peace. Today, however, she couldn't let the dark feelings keep her hidden away. Today Nyra would wander out of her protected space and visit with those she thought most about. Coth required her, regardless of whether she merited that respect or not. Getting dressed was the hardest part, her reflective state left her extremely lazy. Taking as much time as necessary, she chose to don a tight-fitting robe, the cowl of which would help in her detachment shielding the glow of the sun from her face and concealing her from those she didn't want. Constans had asked for her participation to go over a portion of the building plans, getting ready for their future development. Coth had once been a basic homestead town, as of not long ago they hadn't envisioned growing past that. With the assistance of their once aggressors, they had developed tremendously. Their once quiet village was that of a blasting town, an ever increasing number of individuals made the trip from their home to settle down and wound up one with the green fire. Without interruption for a while, Nyra had the chance to go outside of Coth and investigate the huge and obscure. Yet, more imperatively, she was being sent to research a potential adversary, and the strategy was right up her alley. Nyra was to pick up the trust of this adversary, become a close acquaintance with them, just to take their mysteries and report them to her God. What's more, Nyra knew, this individual might have the information to relieve the monster inside her. Nyra advanced through town in a rush, gesturing in affirmation to the chosen few individuals who perceived her. Constans was, as far as anyone knew, situated in the Church, so that's where she went. After arriving, she pulled back her hood and took a full breath in, and gradually out. Investigating, there was shockingly no one in sight. Maybe Constans was upstairs. Pausing for a minute to accumulate her stance, Nyra started her rising upstairs and energy surpassed her after observing him. "Papa!" She hollered as she hurried over the floor, she may have been intruding on something, yet she couldn't have cared less. When she contacted him, she welcomed him with an embrace, crushing firmly and cuddling into his neck. Just to kiss him on the cheek before discharging her embrace. @Vansin

Viserex wasn't lying; his men were likely rampaging through her home, pillaging, and plundering with a smile. Nyra presumed that's what followed their seemingly endless onslaught of bolts. Those who followed her command would live to see another day and those that hadn't... Their fate was sealed. Viserex also could have been stretching the truth just a tad though. Nyra was under the impression that their antics were mostly to instill fear; although if Viserex was the leading example, maybe they were just as ruthless as he claimed. Or maybe he was the only competent one. Hopefully, he was the only competent one. Currently, the two of them were at a standstill; Viserex was far too agile for Nyra to get her paws on, which was a first. As was this. "Why would your God sit idle as your men slay their own?" Nyra's speech was understandable, somewhat. She wasn't dumb by any means. She knew what she saw and had witnessed it numerous times prior to their attack. Viserex and his men worshipped the green flame, just as her Father and townsfolk did. Maybe her statement would put it into perspective for him. The God she learned to love wouldn't have let this happen. So why was it happening? @Vansin

And frustrate he did. Nyra had little to no control while transformed; nor was it a switch she could turn on and off. Anger was the sole antagonist behind her transformation, and it also fueled it. Viscerex poking at her to no avail wasn't helping any. Nor was Constans here to soothe the beast. Nyra did the only thing she knew how to do. Charge and maul. Nyra aimed to close the distance between them once again. Aiming to swipe once she was in close enough proximity. Despite popular belief, she wasn't the mindless monstrosity her opponent thought she was. Nyra knew Viscerex was going to perform another evasive tactic. Nyra's approach was a lot more tactful than her last; she aimed to study her opponent, interpret his agility. Whichever way he decided to travel, Nyra aimed to hook a paw to catch and bat him. If she could knock him off course perhaps she could make her way to him, that was the only way she was going to get her paws on him. @Vansin

What a predicament; Viscerex had found himself trapped in-between the two of them, but at least he was making the best of his situation. Kind of. Apparently, Viscerex had never heard of the phrase, don't poke the bear, because that's exactly what he was trying to do. Engaging a bear wasn't very smart, not in the slightest, especially an already aggravated one. But it was somewhat refreshing. At least for Nyra, it was. There were few people brave enough to face her without transforming. Little did she know that Viscerex was smarter than he looked, which was pretty hard to believe given the circumstance. Viscerex was staying within close enough proximity to not permit a clean shot from Draug. At the same time, he was keeping Nyra's attention focused on himself. His intent was to cause a distraction, and it was working. First came the spear; Viscerex decided to ditch the weapon, via throwing it in an attempt to impale her! Which was successful. Metal pierced fur, skin, and muscle. Nyra removed it just as fast as it had entered. Ripping it from her chest and throwing it aside with a roar. But that wasn't the end of Viscerex's assault. The Barbarian King threw axes with impressive speed! There was very little Nyra could do in regards to avoiding them. So she did what any angry bear would do. She charged. By the time Viscerex had wound up to throw his third axe, Nyra was upon him, and she aimed to grab him. If she was successful in her grab, Viscerex would feel her strength as that grab quickly turned into a hug, of the bear variety. Hopefully, Draug took this as an opportunity to use his firearm. @Vansin @KittyvonCupcake

Nyra was surprised Draug showed up; however, Nyra's greeting wasn't awe. It was relief. Nyra hadn't expected anyone to take her side, especially after her command fell upon deaf ears. "It certainly appears that way, doesn't it?" Nyra's gaze sought her companion, giving him a once over before returning to pinpoint the source of attack. The onslaught ceased, but only momentarily, for another bolt had been fired. But there was something off about this particular one. It wasn't engulfed in the fire that originally sought to consume their village. "What?" Needless to say, Nyra was dumbfounded by what she was witnessing. Their attackers projectile was ablaze with a very familiar color. "Here they come." Nyra knew very little about her companions race, but her curse came with quite a few exceptional feats, her sense of smell and hearing was far beyond that of any human. She heard the galloping, smelt the trickle of sweat. "If I don't pull this off, shoot this bastard." Firmly planting the tip of her sword into the ground, Nyra turned toward the oncoming rider. Her breathing intensified as he grew closer. Each breath louder than the last, as it turned into a pant. Saliva rapidly produced and rolled off of extending canines. A hand sought her helmet, ripping it off and tossing it aside. The opposite hand went to work at her armor, tearing through straps and dismantling each piece. Letting them fall freely to the earth. Digits brandished claws, which dug into clothing and flesh. Nyra's stride started as a walk but soon turned into a sprint. Despite running, her hands continuously worked away, digging into flesh once no clothing remained. Exposing growing muscle, which soon displayed fur. Bones cracked and popped as they expanded and shifted. Any whimper or scream that managed to escape converted into a heavy growl and eventually a roar. Any trace of Nyra was gone. What charged the rider was that of a bear. Standing at 10ft and weighing in at 1,500lb. Unfortunately for the rider, he wouldn't know what he was aiming to collide with before it was too late. An enormous paw swung upward in an attempt at uppercutting the man's horse. Although it was more of a swat than anything, but still carried enough power and momentum to send the horse skyward. If not kill it outright. Had the horse reared; the monstrosity in front of it would act accordingly and continue its charge. @Vansin @KittyvonCupcake

Of course. Hardly anyone in their vicinity acknowledged her command. Why would they? Nyra was solely responsible for their safety whenever Constans wasn't present. Their home was under siege. While they panicked and scurried about, their so-called Guardian was off parading around with a child. Did they truly think that highly of her? Nyra was only human. That's what they were led to believe. Why were they under the impression that she was capable of preventing such a tragedy from happening? Nyra's guidance wasn't enough. Simple as that. Doubt. Nyra's jaw clenched, the very thought infuriated her. It was to be expected. Constans was their voice, their reason and hope. What had Nyra established amongst the community? She was nothing but their Father's kin. Maybe they would have listened had she bared their God's mark. Draug's suggestion was answered with a firm nod. Nyra's gaze sought the partially intoxicated man, if Draug had paid close attention he would catch a glimpse of her transformation, what had once been a brown hue was consumed. "Get my people to safety, do as you said and rendezvous with me once it has been done." There was something off about Nyra's voice. It was coarse and lacked the sincerity it once held. Each word she spoke only deepened and sounded akin to a growl. "Take Draug to Reeca's house, Prila. I will come find you when this is over." Nyra dared not look at her; out of fear that Prila found out what she truly was, she didn't have time to explain. These people wanted her to be their savior, that's exactly what she was going to be. Stepping down from the table, a metal clad foot touched ground, impacting with enough force to shake the very object it left. Dust billowed around the solleret and whisked freely throughout the air. "Be brave, sweetheart. I promise I'll come back for you." Is what she wanted to leave with, but she couldn't musters the words in her current state. Instead, her stride began, sword in hand. @Vansin @KittyvonCupcake