The Forgotten - Prompt 1

B: The vast cave systems beneath Vitalus spanned deeper than Noka could see, even despite her keen eyes, as her and her small party of Reos ventured across steep ledges and narrow bridges of natural stone. At least she could only assume it was mostly natural, though something had been coming and going enough to forge these pathways they were walking on. Stepping on a loose stone, the large puller stumbled and pressed her side against the cave wall as the small stone tumbled down into the abyss. Sighing deeply, she glanced at her travel companions, before slowly getting back into pace. At the front of the group marched Antila, the ever curious runner that led most of the way through the caverns; followed by Hero and then Nokare, two less-eager to delve into the unknown. While Antila seemed ready for adventure, Noka had a concerned eye on Hero, the smallest of the group. The runner rivaled even Noka with how timid he was. The darkness was thick and difficult to navigate, but the many crystals dotting the cave walls served like a breadcrumb trail. And thankfully, Antila's borealis coat lit a small area so they weren't stumbling on their own feet and loose rocks.
After a while of walking and climbing, the party found themselves at a small opening, with tall rocky ledges reaching down from above them. Atop one of these ledges, was an unfamiliar Haedian; Troall. She watched the group with skepticism, before introductions were shared amongst the four. They had finally found the first clan; the Forgotten. Noka presented the Haedian with a gift of good-will, to try and garner some favor. Intrigued by the Vayrons' curious yet cautious demeanor, the Haedian lead the three through the tunnels, closer to her clan territory. On the way, Troall shared some details about his clan, their misfortune and misfavor amongst the other clans. His clan was suffering and in need of aid. If the Vayrons wanted answers, they should prove themselves allies of the clan, and what Troall had in mind made Noka's hackles crawl.
"Stealing?" She reaffirmed. "Oh, I'm not so sure... Is there no other way?" The puller's ears lowered as she glanced at her traveling companions. Troall cast a look to the Vayrons, expecting their answer, glowing eyes narrowing slightly. No doubt this somewhat determined the clan's co-operation for their cause for research, which Noka was afraid was the case.

Z: Hero was no stranger to difficult times and difficult measures. Having been among the likes before, he understood the assignment well, and if anything, he would likely succeed given all he’s had to make do with as for his way of life for the longest of times. As though the memories crawled back to him painstakingly, Hero dropped his gaze to the ground, head bowed, unable to look anyone in the eye, his brow furrowed further and tail curled between his legs submissively. 

He may not have looked like it, but he was ready and willing, after all, it was ingrained in him. Given the chance, he could slip through the shadows, with none who would notice his presence gone especially in such a dimly lit cave like this.

As a sign of approval, the frail looking runner slid down on his oddly clawed front leg, bowing lower this time, but refusing to meet the Haedian’s or his companion’s eyes.

If his companions wished it, he would help them, now he only waited for Noka or Antila to be his voice. 

A: They had traveled through caves darker than she expected, following Troall to the place his clan called home. The runner felt deep empathy for them, how dare they be shoved down underground, forced to live down here in the dark? Her thoughts had been running as they arrived, and the Haedian had told them that they could help by stealing. 

Stealing wasn't something that Antlia could condone, but her heart ached to try and help these creatures the best they could. Brown eyes moved to her companions, Hero seemed like he was volunteering to do the dirty work.

“Noka, if there isn't another way, do you think it would be worth it to help? They've been stuck down here for who knows how long, and I would at least like to give them a little hope in the matter. That's the least we can do.” She reached into her bag, pulling out an object and turning to Troall. “I also have this to give you guys as a sign of my help.”

Z: Upon hearing Antila’s words, Hero’s gaze ever so slightly turned to it, he was listening. Anticipating. And while his gesture may have been small, he knew that his companions would pick up on it, and know that he would help them where needed despite his silent replies.

B: Noka felt pity for the struggling clan, and words did little to comfort her nerves on the possible consequences regarding the other clan's reaction or retaliation to the act. Glancing to Antila, then Hero, she found herself outvoted, and with a small sigh to steel herself, she agreed. Troall's eyes seemed to light up upon the three's agreement, her lips curling into a smile.
"We'll help you and your clan." Noka nodded. "Though I wish for no harm to fall on either party involved."
"Then you and I agree," Troall nodded in turn, despite the hint of glee in her grin. "I have a party preparing to go, we will meet with them and devise a plan. Something needs to distract the rest of the clan, while we go for the supplies- anything you can find." The Haedian explained as she took the vayrons to where he'd likely agreed to meet with her kin. "Our young are hungry, our dens need repairs, what little you can take will help."
Noka gave a fond albeit small smile as she listened. It made her heart a bit more at ease to know she would be doing much good, despite the act being far from her own moral code. Life and its rules were different here, and if you were outcast, it meant the word in a more literal sense than above ground. 

Z: The group was led quickly to the meeting point, with desperate and hungry mouths to feed, they wasted no time in getting there. The other party they met up with was small in both size and members, but capable. These Haedians of smaller sizes trailed with them, holding willing and capable looks in their eyes. They were ready, they knew what to do and their bodies slinked into darkness, following the crevices of rocks and shadows to blend into the dark environment further. 

Hero, Antila and Noka followed carefully behind, every step silent and measured. They couldn’t afford to be seen or heard as they crawled closer to their goal. Hero eyed some food first, knowing that survival depended on this resource above all else, he would try his all to find and carry anything he could back to Troall. 

Being small was an advantage, and Hero used it fully. With his body low and close to the ground, he snuck quietly all while taking note of his companions whereabouts and surroundings. They definitely wouldn’t want to be caught here, especially since they knew next to nothing about Haedians. The thought of danger that it could bring to them was grand and unmeasurable, though far too late to reconsider their course.

Not that it changed Hero’s mind however, he was focused, surprisingly steady even.

A: The blue runner listened to her words carefully, and gave a quick nod when they were tasked with what to do. “It must have been hard for you guys being forced down here with so little support. I can’t even begin to imagine what that’d be like.”

Antlia was obsessed with the sky, of course it’d be hard for her to imagine life without it. 

Soon enough they had met with the group and were traveling towards their destination, though she still didn’t feel quite right with stealing from other clans. Surely there could’ve been other options, but they were already along the path laid out for them anyway. No use dwelling the could haves and would haves. 

Her eyes shifted to watch Hero for a moment, not sure what he was up to. Noka kept close, though there was enough room between them that one could easily slip between them if they weren’t careful. Antlia made note of that, slowing down ever so slightly to close the gap between them. 

B: As the small heist for supplies began, Hero and Antila quickly vanished alongside some of the smaller Haedians to fetch anything they could carry out quietly. Noka followed along the group, looking for anything she might be familiar with that was of great import above ground; medicinal herbs and food. The distraction the party had set up away from the clan camp alarmed the Haedians around and most went off to investigate whilst wholly unaware of the infiltrators in their midst.
With their mouths full of bags, rations, even some wood for building, Hero, Antila and the Haedians were inspecting their surrounding to make their swift escape when suddenly, alarm sounded in the camp. Many eyes sought the source, until they found Noka, standing under the inspecting eyes of the Haedians. The large puller rivaled her longer underground counterparts as they circled around her. Hero and Antila shared looks, but they couldn’t jeopardize their haul, not yet. All eyes were on Noka, and the rest of the party took full advantage of it. Swift paws scattered away from the clan to carry their haul back to the Forgotten territory. Troall signaled from the dark for Hero and Antila to go ahead, that she’d keep an eye out for Noka.
“Terribly sorry for the disturbance, I-” Noka stammered, wholly uncomfortable being the center of attention.
“Surface-dweller,” one of the Haedians spoke, stepping out to meet the Vayron face-to-face. “Strange disturbances nearby, shadows on the move, and now you,” she spoke with clarity, her tone booming above the hushed murmur among the clan members. “This is no coincidence. Why have you come?”