Thread: A Radiant Slither and the False God. (Clearsight, SomethingEsoteric)

Hilde was gorgeous and incredibly adorable with the way she reacted in such innocence and how she had some minor misconceptions that spoke further towards who she was. It made her more irresistible than ever and Val had doubts that she would be able to hold back even with Hilde's protests and eventual link of the proposition with prostitution. That wasn't exactly what Val had meant, in her mind it was different, more that Val needed companionship and the easiest way to do that was satisfy another desire with the attractive paladin. Of course there wasn't much difference between that and prostitution but in the end whether it was an excuse or owning up to it she didn't give a damn, Val wanted what she wanted and if Hilde was actually a lady of the night Val would have bought her time, as she was sure every other person with eyes would. She was the one with a chance however and when things calmed down she had it in her mind to slowly explain what she wanted, make sure Hilde understood, and then do anything she had to in order to achieve her desire. Not that she believed it would be terribly difficult, she was skilled in the art of seduction, and above all else Hilde wanted it and her innocence made it impossible for her to hide that fact. It wasn't the time for seduction or argument and so she kept her focus, a much needed skill in combat, and one she could see in Hilde. In fact from the moment they entered the city Val could see certain things she was finding incredibly attractive in Hilde, including an understanding of the situation around them and it was no strange event for her, which meant she wasn't as naive to the world as she was to that of lust and sexuality. Val knew death far too well herself and it seemed she had something in common with Hilde after all. So when she could feel the shake of the earth, with the scene around her, well she knew what was happening and knew that their time in the city was limited if they wanted to live, even if they pushed back the current forces, as this was clearly a vanguard and more than likely the most expendable. As Hilde began speaking Val noticed what she was looking at, eyes narrowing as she calculated the numbers in her head, gritting her teeth as she questioned what in the fuck was coming their way and what she had gotten herself into because of Hilde. Yet she didn't blame the girl, she didn't regret anything, instead she nodded to Hilde's need to go to the temple and put a hand on her shoulder, almost comforting but more for the purpose of keeping her combat partner's nerves. Let us depart then. Val kept up rather easily with Hilde, while the girl was quick Val's dexterity was extraordinary and with her lack of heavy armor it would have been practically impossible for Hilde to outrun her. Val found the city rather mundane, there was little majesty to it regardless of the fountains, though when she was there the stalls had some nice items, especially food wise. At the current moment it was more hectic however and the last bit of resistance was the joke of a militia, badly trained men with unimpressive weaponry against ruthless invaders who fought for the entire length of their lives. They were not skilled but for militia they were skilled enough and that was evident in the thinning townspeople. Val sighed, it wasn't going to be difficult with such few and inexperienced men playing soldier, though Hilde had patience and hope where she did not and for the moment Val began to see Hilde for who she was, or at least could be in time, a true leader and inspiring person. More than a beauty, more than a skilled combatant or paladin, but someone people would follow, just the tone of her voice bringing a small smile to Val's face. A lavishly dressed man seemed to disagree with Hilde's shining moment though and Val sneered, eyes narrowed and venomous, not able to comprehend why a fool would open his mouth against someone far more experienced and then be disrespectful. Val wanted to step forth and correct him on his manners, especially seeing as his position and wealth, made clear by his lavish and ugly garments. She got no chance however as an arrow flew through the air and hit its mark with expert precision. Val's eyes opened wide as the man went down and everything became silence. For most people they were silent due to the death of a man of note in their city, for Val it was because of the arrow. Not only had it been quick and precise but the make of the arrow made it clear whoever shot it was not another crude thug and for the first time she got the picture that whatever was targeting this city was more than a bunch of marauders but something more sinister. Val slowly turned, eyes peering in the direction of the arrow based on the trajectory, her beautiful keen eyes focused on the more likely spots for a hidden archer. The archer was skilled, position was nothing short of spectacular as Val's eyes failed to notice even the slightest sign of person, save the marauders continuing to filter in, though in few numbers even the militia could take down. That was until another arrow came soaring and while Val couldn't pinpoint the location she narrowed it down, sidestepping the arrow aimed for herself and watching as it sunk into the hard ground, which spoke to its ability to maim or kill, and she could even smell something odd as it flew past her but her eyes were taking up most of her concentration. She was sure she would be fine though, her agility made dodging arrows at such a distance much easier than it was for most, especially with her full attention watching for the projectile. Yet the archer did not give up and another arrow flew forth, yet the direction was odd. Only when it was too late did Val notice, it wasn't aimed for her! Instead it was aimed for a small girl a few steps away and Val had no time, she could only throw her body in the way and take the arrow to her shoulder, a small cry of pain stifled by her teeth biting in to her lip. That arrow had been enough though, she couldn't dodge it but she could sure as hell see the archer and her hands sparked with energy, a bolt flying from her hands moments later, faster than the arrow and crackling through the air. A short cry could be heard soon after and barrels fell and rolled as the man behind them fell through, dead on the ground and no longer able to rain those arrows of his on the innocent civilians. Yet Val was hit and a snarl escaped her lips to hide the fact that she felt off as she snapped the arrow and tossed the shaft aside. There had been something on the tip but she wasn't going to say anything, instead she turned and looked at the people. You heard Hilde, gather whatever you can, food and water above valuables and leave the comforts. Anyone with horse pulled transportation help others load it up, we need to leave as soon as possible. And someone grab that fools bow and quiver for me. She said the last bit with a smirk, almost frightening as she seemed to take pleasure and wish for a trophy. Yet that was more mask and as people poured away to gather essentials Val turned to Hilde, Now do what you need to in the church, I'm going to go off and look for a few specific things before we leave. She gave Hilde a smile and wink, a basic I'll be back before turning to leave, a small wince on her features as she did, though she didn't stop or slow as she turned to search for a few things she knew there would be little chance of finding and much need for when they departed. Haste was essential.