With Caio pressing closer to inspect the cart, Shiva vanishes entirely as she calls upon the mystery of her blood, and begins to move towards the crowd of orcs. As the distance between herself and her stealthy friend grows, she worries that she will be detected, but her measured steps are as silent as the grave. Eventually positioning herself within 10 feet of the suspicious group, she waits and watches. Until the sudden commotion within one of the carts startles her, and it takes all her willpower to keep herself perfectly still.

Alaris is conversation with the orc is interrupted by a surprised shout accompanied by distressed squawking from inside the second wagon.

"What have you done?" The woman demands, heading for the wagon, while her companions draw up into a battle line, weapons in hand.

"We could ask you the same." Caio's voice calls out from seemingly nowhere, until after a moment their eyes can focus on the shadar-kai in their midst. He has stowed his bow and instead has his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. In his other hand a raggedy little doll hangs limp by one arm. Ghoul gives an accusatory squawk from his place on Caio's shoulder before the elf speaks again. "Don't try and convince us that this belonged to one of your young. If you value your lives, tell us the truth. Where are they?" the last question comes out as a growl.

Nikolai casually draws astra furora from his shoulder holster, letting his hand fall to his side with the weapon as a clear display. "You also don't seem at all surprised to be accused of slavery. As a fellow routine scapegoat, I find that lack of irritation quite... interesting?" He grins, twitching his tail around behind him.

The Orcs are defensive and ready for a fight, but seem unsure in the face of the sudden appearance of foes on all sides.

"The children have been taken to the Lady Shizani," the same female orc snaps back at Caio when she sees their companion emerge unharmed from the second wagon. "They will secure our tribe's survival."

"I see. A noble cause, certainly. Now if you wish to further secure your tribe's survival, tell us where to find this Lady Shizani. Or we could butcher your little band and hunt her down, just like we hunted you." he says with a dead smile. 

     Astrid startles as Caio emerges from the shadows of the cart. With the evidence presented by the ranger, she shakes her head in disgust and gives the bindings on her shield a tug as the tensions continue to rise.

   The dwarf shoots a hard glare to the leader of this pack. "Its bad enough your kind is always stealing others' resources. But this is really low... What is this Lady Shizani keeping your tribe safe from?"

Nikolai raises his eyebrows as the female orc announces the name 'Shizani'. It recalled to him a memory of his time in the Tanemburg Archives and a certain tome he used to enjoy reading; Drakony Imperii. "I don't mean to interrupt, but you said Lady Shizani. As in the ancient white dragon from the Novidian Fields? She who reported consumed her own father, Old Wintercloak? That Shizani? What would your tribe be doing involving yourselves with her? And what does she want with children? And most importantly... where are they now?" He narrows his eyes menacingly at the last question, barring his fangs as his tail begins to twitch in agitation.

As Nikolai declares the identity of this Lady Shizani and she hears the frustration mounting in his voice, Shiva decides that now is the time to reveal herself. Releasing her concentration, she becomes visible to all. Slightly crouched, she holds the grip of her blade with both hands, ready to strike or parry in an instant. Eyeing the orc closest to her, she waits to see where this encounter will go.

The woman who has been speaking for the orcs laughs a cold, bitter laugh.

"Why, safe from herself, of course. She has involved herself with us. The children have been taken to the White Lady in the Laruan mountains. She demands such a tribute from our clan, or she will destroy us all".

The Orcs array themselves in a circle, ready to defend themselves, but seemingly unwillingly to strike first in such a disadvantageous position.

Caio's bravado simmers down as he processes this information, but he maintains his stern tone. "Very well. Find some other form of tribute to placate this beast. We may not be as fearsome as a legendary white dragon, but I assure you that if more children turn up missing your tribe will feel our wrath." He turns to his companions now. "Any more questions for them, or shall we take our leave?"

     Astrid looks a little stunned at the revelation that a dragon is behind the matter of the disappearing kids. "Oh, umm... What does this dragon want with the kids that you are taking her?" she finally asks after a moment. 

It’s late into the morning when Elodia enters the the Black Sheep, lowering a wide hood from her face. The petite human woman takes in her surroundings with a distantly intrigued expression, glancing around the various patrons before heading towards the bar with a smile. Long blonde spirals that spill down the blue of her cloak are the only thing to be seen of her as she places an order, and then turns toward the tables with two drinks in hand.

Her footsteps are light as she winds her way towards a particular young woman, placing the glass on the table in front of her. ”May I join you?” she smiles at Ling. ”I have a particular distaste for seeing pretty girls dine alone.”

The Orcs glance at each other and grip their weapons tightly.

"You can fight us now, but more will come," the woman tells Caio with venemous conviction. "You cannot hope to defeat them all."

After a long mid-morning nap, a less hung-over Ling makes her way down into the common room again, looking for some food. She orders and then sits at their usual table. Stretching, she observes the crowd for a little, but is soon lost in her own thoughts. The events from last night replay in her head a few dozen times, but she cannot make up her mind. How did he feel about her now? Did he regret it? Did it mean anything at all? Ling chews her lip and crosses her arms, lost in thought.

"May I join you?" A noble lady is smiling at her as she puts two glasses down. Ling scowls, but quickly rearranges her features into a smile, greeting the stranger. She shakes her hair out a little so it better hides her small horns. Pretty - very pretty. What does she want? And rich. Maybe she's lonely? Those earrings must cost a fortune, she doesn't look like she'd mind losing them. "I have a particular distaste for seeing pretty girls dine alone."

"Neither of us should be eating by themselves then," Ling replies, inviting her to sit. "Welcome to the Black Sheep. What's your name, what brings you here?" Once the woman has accepted her invitation, she scrutinises her clothes, trying to estimate the value of a few items and looking for hidden weapons. You never know, especially with humans.

Shiva takes a single, defiant step towards the circle of orcs, pointing her sword at the woman. Her voice is quiet, laced with ominous promise.

"We are monsters and demons, Madame. And we will consume you and your kin before this dragon ever gets the chance. Now, answer the question. Why does the dragon want children?!"

She smiles her thanks and sits, rearranging her skirts beneath her cloak reflexively. She had made an attempt to dress for the occasion, but the quality of the fabric of her dress belies her station. A single pearl dangles from each ear and a flower of dark red stones set in gold hangs above her breasts. She touches it briefly before her hands wrap around her cup, revealing a ring on each ring finger. Despite the jewels, she looks to be unarmed.

"My name is Elodia," she says simply. "And I'm actually here to see you. Or one of your group, if you'd prefer - are any of them here? You're Ling, are you not?" She smiles again, offering by way of explanation, "Word travels fast in Temnitsa."

A burst of inky shadow appears behind the orc leader, and Caio’s sword is at her back, flanking with Shiva. His body drips darkness like ink, and he speaks in a gravely whisper. “Answer.”

The female orc is about to answer Shiva when Caio abruptly appears in their midst and the warriors leap into action!

Nikolai sighs angrily and curses the impetuousness of these two as he begins taking aim with Astra furora...