Sepheroth looked up towards the moonlit sky. In the distance. A campfire was currently smoldering. The light it gave off was dim with no smoke. A very common light of a controlled camp fire. Most however would not camp with an open fire in these lands which made Sepheroth curious. It is well known the beast that reside in this part of the forest are dangerous to all but the Kitsu clan and even then the Kitsu still die despite being on decent relations. With the intelligent beasts.
Sepheroth took flight mostly out of curiosity. Gently he landed on a tree. Observing from the tree tops it looked to be a large party of around 50. Only one campfire was set. It seems the fire was actually set to give a bit better sight and maybe a little protection from the weaker animals. Approximately 10 people seemed to be on gaurd. Each had a clear sight of one another.
These people obviously had the experience of veteran soldiers. Many people might think a party of 50 so close to the Kitsu Clan's village is a threat. In reality 50 people in a party is actually common around here. It just goes to show you how dangerous these woods are. The good news is the strongest monster is only an S class that being a savage dragon. However the weakest is still A class basically this means even the weakest monster in this forest could wipe out half their party if they are not careful.
The classes are an interesting subject for those that don't know. Each class has 4 ranks. Example an A class Rank 1 could never beat an S class. However an A class Rank 4 could beat an S class Rank 1. After
S class their is SS then SSS. After that is X and Finally unmeasurable. Those with unmeasurable are usually considered gods at the same time they could be as weak as a mouse but have some special ability that gives them the class. A good example of an unmeasurable is the old Wizard Gremlis. Gremlis has the ability to slow or even stop time. Gremlis himself without the ability could only be considered an S class at best but the Ability makes him unmatched.
After further examination of the group he saw a carriage of sorts. It had people inside though they weren't in the usual shackles it was obvious these people are slaves. Dirty clothes grimy skin. Despite this it seems the slaves are well fed and given proper bedding. Contrary to common belief not all slavers are bad. Some join the business to make sure the slaves end up with good owners and are treated well. It is likely this caravan will be sold to the Kitsu Clan.
Although its always good to be on the safe side. While there are good slavers their are also bad ones many of the bad ones act good and then plunder your a village after gaining your trust. This gave birth to a saying among the slaves, slavers and common folk.
Never trust a slaver. The good ones seem bad and the bad ones seem good. Do your business and with a knife in your pocket.
It was good advice. So Sepheroth decided to follow it.
Sepheroth hopped upwards in the air flew upwards about five feet then dive bombed towards the ground. Upon landing he created a Crater. It effectively woke everyone up
Before they could draw their weapons Sepheroth commanded in a very loud deep voice.
"State your Business you are Currently a days ride From Kitsu Village and You Are on Kitsu Land Without sending A letter of Notice."
Some of the soldiers seemed to relax when they heard I was Kitsu however the older ones Tensed a little.
" how do we Know your Kitsu. I know they have rare varients but I never heard a Kitsu With Dem wings before."
These people are Cat beast men after closer Examination. The Cat People only live to be about 50 years on average their oldest being around 65 their lifespans are a little shorter than the average human so it is sort of expected they wouldn't know.
"You are correct to be wary. The last winged Kitsu lived over a hundred years ago only the oldest of our clan remember them. If you remember our average lifespan amount Kitsu is around 200 to 300 years the rarer varients like myself tend to live a little longer. So State your Business."
As you can see we are Slavers. Slaves. Sell well in the Kitsu Clan. Besides I don't know if you heard of our races reputation but we only stay in one place for a few days at most we have no homeland everywhere is our land. You leave us alone we leave you alone." An older man in his mid 40s it seemed.
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That was true enough the cat clan among the beast races are well known slavers amongst one of the more trustworthy groups. They hate the idea of slavery but they hate humans more for inventing it. As a result they feel they are giving humans a taste of their own medicine they really don't hurt the slaves however that doesn't mean they won't give one or two a quick death to make an example. Basically the cat Clan is both the half elves and the Kitsu Clans biggest slave trader. They are probably the only trustworthy salvers. Well they do occasionally raid towns but its rare. Especially amongst their two biggest buyers.
"Fine I will allow passage however at the gate you will hand over all weapons. We will return them after you leave. You will each be aloud to carry one hidden knife for protection purposes."
This was the common rule almost every Kitsu village and city followed these rules. Only members of the Kitsu Clan may have weapons on them.
" Very well," the Eldest of the group replied.
1 day later.
Sepheroth had returned to the village 1 day ahead of schedule. Normally this would not be aloud but at Sepheroths mention of slave traders arrival within 4 hours they quickly ushered him to the elder.
So boy what can you tell me about them." The elder asked in his husky voice
" Standard 50 person party one Slave Carriage race Cat Beast Man. Leader Is an older man in his mid 40s rather well muscled despite age has several battle scars he weilds a large scythe.
"Hmm. Thought members of the tiger clan died out. Well its likely he's a varient."
Tiger Clan?" Sepheroth asked.
"Yes a very dangerous Clan they were whiped out by humans long ago. They live a little longer than the oldest of humans never lose their strength due to age. Its likely that like yourself the mixing of racial blood caused him to become a tiger clan varient. We should be Cautious."the elder explained.
" Yes Elder," Sepheroth said and left to prepare for battle.
Before that he went to Aria's house. After three knocks he walked in.
Aria was passed out on the couch. There are a few other people in the room all passed out several bottles of hard liquor lie on the ground.
Seems a party happened last night. Sepheroth gave aria a gental kiss on the head and began cooking breakfast. At the smell a few people roused. They were all girls when they saw Sepheroth he put a figure to his lips as well as a smile.
They got the message and left one walked up and whispered. You get her lover boy.
Will do Sepheroth replied.
" oh yea last night Steven got drunk and kissed your girl he still passed out honestly I feel sorry for him he was twitching for 3 hours."
Pfft serves him right I'm not about to get mad at an idiot who was drunk and all ready got his punishment. Sepheroth thought with a smile.
"Can you girls get that idiot home I'll give you one of my famous omletes tomorrow." At this the girls got a little excited. Everyone knows that his omelet are to die for.... Literally he has had people kill each other over an omelet as a result he stopped selling them.
They basically ran to steven and started dragging him to his house his head hit several things on the way out.
....he is going to have a hell of a hangover' Sepheroth thought bringing his famous omelet to Aria waving it over her nose until she got a good wiff.
..,..................................
Aria smelled something good and began to wake up because of her hunger.
Upon open her eyes she went wide awake in front of her was Sepheroth she squeeled and hugged him Sepheroth barely managing to keep the omelet from falling on the ground while laughing he patted her head.
"Let's eat quickly. There are some slavers who will be here in a few hours you need to be battle prepared." She looked serious for a few seconds then said.
"Okay."