Away and Beyond

[Neku]

Neku ventured to the forest's entrance quite a lot, to jus observe the behavior of the Humans. She found it fascinating the way they interacted with one another, the way they flung their arms around each other in a strange greeting. Neku found it even more fascinating the way they ignored one another. She kept to the shadows, being able to see them, but them not being able to see her.

The time came when she returned to the forest, she remembered all of the things she had learnt about the humans and often wondered why she was brought up to believe that they were a form of evil. They werent... Were they?

Just because one group of Humans are bad, doesnt mean the rest are.

She had taught herself that, and though she could see some of them had quite soft hearts, others she could see had stone cold ones. It saddened her the way the Human race was heading. They would destroy one another eventually. She knew that. Shame, they could go far if only they could get over their differences, but Humans were arrogant creatures who cared none for those not like themselves. She could see some going down the route of destruction and evil, others going to prosper and goodness. Neku knew these two differences would clash, and eventually it would bring their downfall.

Some Humans however showed no signs of an alleigance to either evil nor goodwill. This worried Neku. Did these people not want to get involved in it? Or were they just blind, like the rest of them to what would eventually happen? Even if they didnt want to be involved, they would eventually be dragged into it anyway, it was inevitable.

Since being in this forest, Neku had not yet seen another Centaur. She knew they were here, she just figured they were deeper inside the trees, a place Neku did not want to be. She had resided most of her life, hidden, within the confinements of the wood, and now she was alone, her herd destroyed and her home ambushed. She was now trying to find her own way, her own path...

Her own beliefs.

Neku held the teachings of her herd close to her heart and often looked back on what she knew, though now she was learning new things, things she had never been told. Things about the world, the races inside the world and what was happening. It was true the world was cruel, it was harsh, and a hard place to live. Though everyone seemed to get along somehow, even Neku herself was beginning to come to realise that not everything was written in the stars, or in black and white as the Humans said, and not everything had a plan. Not everyone had a fate. What happens in your life depends on the choices you make, and she was beginning to learn that.

[Valunce]

The herd had known of her presence for a while, having frist sighted her some weeks back, since then furious debate had escalated to raucous rows as to what to do about her. Most had been for driving her from the forest, far away as centaurs were naturally rather protective of what they viewed as their land.

But a few had suggested welcoming her into the tribe and Valunce was one of them. Meetings had been called and elders had struggled to find an answer, even the stars couldn't pinpoint as to why she had so suddenly appeared. The elders were stumped and knew not what to do, division had spread through the tribe as they argued over the best course of action.

And so the weeks had trickled by one after another, much as they always did, Valunce had seen nor heard the centaur and had been incredibly curious ever since, someone from outside, who wasn't held down by the rules and regulations of the tribe, the daily monotonous routine of stargazing nor even the confines of family traditions. Making up his mind to seek out this female Valunce had begun his preperations.

He had sought out the scout who had first spotted her and now as he trotted throught the forest he knew the location where she had last been sighted. The liklihood of finding her quickly in the vast expanse of the forest was slim yet Valunce was determined to find her.

Arriving in the small glade where she presumably had sheltered all those weeks ago Valunce sought out the trail, it was exceedingly difficult to find, but at long last he had found it, unfortunately she had seemingly laid many a false trail, unless his tracking ability wasn't capable enough.

Valaunce made his way cautiously ever closer to the edge of the forest, rather than trampling through the undergrowth he carefully found paths suitable to create less destruction to the natural world surrounding him that he so dearly loved. Abruptly he came to the very precipice, the borderline behind lay the relative safety of the forest and before him stood the daunting prospect of irrational humans who played with magic.
Yet still he had seen hide nor hair of her, only a number of tracks which could easily have been created by other centaurs foraging.

Peering at the castle which so often drew his eye Valunce slung the small pack from off his shoulders and tucked into his meagre supplies; a few wild mushrooms and acorns.

Perhaps the joruney had been a wasted one afterall.

[Neku]

Neku knew of the other Centaurs, though she hadnt seen them yet. She doubted she even would. She knew centaurs were protective over their herd and land and doubted they would even entertain her. She wasnt sure if she even wanted to be entertained. Though, she figured it would be a welcome change to see someone of her own race, though she didnt hold her breath.

It was difficult at first for Neku to adjust to life on her own. It was strange and she wasnt sure she liked it that much. That was then, things had changed in the few months her tribe had been desimated. Even so, she held her morals above all else, that tribe would always be the one thing closest to the young females heart. How she wished it hadnt died.

Weeks had passed now in the forest and she was slowly settling in. However, she didnt know how she would react when finally faced with torment of her past, when she would have to relive and tell others what had happened that dreadful night. The night she had passed all her training and won her battle ailment. She wondered often, how life with other centaurs was different.

Neku had been wandering around the forest the past few days, unaware that she had been sighted as she watched the Humans go about their daily routine. It would have been a bit nerving to her she imagined, if she had known. Neku was only a small Centaur, one of the smallest in her tribe. Though she was one of the strongest and definatly the fastest.

Neku had been exploring throughout the day, gathering some supplies after all she needed to eat didnt she? She'd starve otherwise. Making her way back to the part of the forest she called her home she couldnt help but notice tracks. And they were definatly not hers. Alas, i am being either Hunted, or watched she finally realised. Going at a slower pace she reached the glade. Her dark blonde locks falling over her shoulders, her blue eyes scanning the area around her. Eventually her eyes fell onto yet another Centaur.

Neku stood still for quite some time, wondering what she should do. Feeling herself wanting to slowly move away. She pawed at the ground. What was he here for? She began to make her way over to him, slowly, and cautiously. Eventually she found herself stood not too far from him. He seemed to be quite at home. "I do hope you found whatever it was you seem to be searching for" she said, announcing her prescence. Knowing full well he was looking for her.

[Valunce]

From this far off distance Hogwarts was radiant. It seemed a magical place to the eye of the centaur and indeed it was filled with magical beings who he was in awe of; such young humans weilding such terrible powers. Never would he understand them, no matter how long or hard he studied their ways and culture, perhaps it was necessary to live such a life for complete understanding, though he believed they probably didn't know themselves fully.

Nibbling upon an acorn he ran a hand through his mangled hair musing upon where she could be. Realising the search had been in vain and the inevitability of not finding her ever slowly dawned upon him, if an experienced centaur didn't want to be found then then only luck would swing the balance into his favour.

Grumbling under his breath he took a number of acorns from his supply bag popping them into his mouth one by one, slinging it over his shoulders once more he was about to set off on the long journey home when a sound reached his ears; something was cautiously approaching. Ears visibly twitching Valunce slipped a small carving knife ill suited to combat, from a vine he wore loosely as a belt around his midriff. Readying himself for action he took a deep breath when a voice broke the unnerving silence.

Swiftly turning leaves crackling underhoof, his steely eyes immediately found the voice, it was her. Perhaps she had wanted to be found afterall? His eyes looked the centaur up and down assessing her capabilities, she was small yet undoubtedly swift and agile because of it. Rooted to the spot his hooves planted, he bowed low, crooking his leg to show his respect and the fact that he meant her no harm.

"I thank you for your concern, indeed I have found what I have sought. My herd calls me Valunce, and yours?" He asked the customary centaur greeting, leastways from his herd. His unnatural curiousity for a centaur aroused he wished to ask her more questions but bedgrudgingly stuck to custom to gain her respect by awaiting her response first and not really wishing to interrogate her; if she wished to tell him antyhing that concerned her, then she would. Slipping his craft knife back into his belt realising it was no use and that he should in theory be safe in her presence. But in such a dark time who knew what would happen?

His sharp eyes never left hers as he patiently awaited a response, he couldn't guess how she would react to his presence, though he hoped it would be favourably.

[Neku]

Neku patiently awaited his answer, however, keeping on guard at all times as she neither knew, nor seen this centaur before. Neku knew these days you couldnt be too careful about who you placed your trust in. She had figured that one out with a sharper twist than what she would have liked, but none the less, it was a lesson well learnt. It had made her a little bit wiser than what she used to be.

Something that bothered Neku was this centaurs size. He was huge, a lot taller than herself and definatly stronger. But Neku rekoned if need be, she could easily outrun him. Her size made it more difficult for those larger than herself to catch her. It often made it difficult for them to hit her too. Maybe thats why Elder Achklin sent her away, knowing she'd have a better chance of survival.

Neku still didnt know, or understand what this centaur wanted from her. It certainly didnt seem he was stopping by for some acorns and fresh water. Or tea and buiscuits as the Humans said. She was becoming agitated. She knew this was more his forest than hers, but she had been in this area now for a good long while and felt somewhat protective, if not responsible for what went on here.

After what seemed like an age, the other centaur bowed low to her. In her tribe, it was a mark of respect and a show sense that the other centaur would be safe in their prescence. Neku bowed to him, her blonde hair falling over her shoulders, but her blue eyes never leaving his. She got up from the bow, and even though she knew no harm would come to her, she was cautious anyway.

"Neku" She answered quite abruptly. She did not want to go into the fact of why she was here, and why she was very much alone. At least not yet. Neku had a nagging feeling her name was not all that he wished to ask. Furrowing her brow she added, "There is more than just that, that you wish to ask me, yes?"

She walked a little bit closer to him, each time feeling more and more small as she got closer to him. Her eyes never leaving his and her arms folded over her chest.

[Valunce]

Valunce had anticipated or rather hoped for a stronger reaction, more favourable perhaps with open discussion, as he wished to know why she was here, but they were both too cautious, a clearer situation of agression would have been more final and easier to understand but which ultimately would have saddened him. Overall Valunce was puzzled, as a centaur should she showed no fear in his presence and he was glad of it, perhaps talk would flow like new born spring soon. Valunce prefered a clear cut situation but this circumstance would take some deciphering and musing upon.

Was her tone perhaps a little frosty with him? He would gladly give her the benefit of the doubt though so spoke out gruffly, his voice lightened slighly with a touch of warmth; leastways for a centaur. "Neku, a strong name, you've been through much?" He said in his rich voice in a half questioning half factual manner, there was something undescribable about her eyes; they had seem grim events that he wished to never view himself.

"Indeed there is far more I wish to know, yet the answers only you hold," and your eyes he thought gazing into them, they were the window to the soul and he learnt much from them, other centaurs prefered to palce their trust firmly with the stars, but Valunce was open to less conventional methods of learning. He believed quite fervently that he could figure much of a person's character by examining their eyes, which he now tried to hold contact with.

"I will not press the matter," he expressed softly "but I do wish to know, why you are here? I believe you aren't an advanced scout from your tribe, there would be more of you, you seem not the type to be flung from a society, I cannot fathom why you are here, and I shall never know unless you wish it." He said pleasantly standing tall and straight backed, arms hanging loosely at his side, if she struck now he would stand little chance of defending any blows from his exposed chest, this they both clearly knew and he stayed in a defenceless manner to show his trust and to gain hers, all the time peering into her eyes, his face showing little expression other than some warmth and curiousity above all else.

[Neku]

Neku knew that Valunce had no intention of harming her, but that neither meant that there werent other things in her that would indeed cause her harm. Or at least, wish to. Neku kept her calm exterior, she didnt want to give anything away to this very much unknown centaur with her body language. He was a stranger to her, as she was to him.

She kept her distance from the other centaur, she did not like being too close to him. At least not yet, she neither knew, not trusted this centaur, and his motives to her, and what he wanted with her, was very much unclear. "One could say as much" She spoke calmly. True enough, in her lifetime, she would have probably seen many events, both happy and sad, that other centaurs would not have, and most likely, did not want to.

Neku frowned, she did not much like the sound of that. Now however, she knew this meeting was far from chance. "You have been searching for me, have you not?" She quiered, her voice becoming more, sceptical than before. She pulled around so she was stood on the side, thinking of leaving now while she had the chance too, however something stopped her and she found herself once more, faced by the bigger centaur.

"You shall not press the matter you say" Neku spoke softly, however when asked why she was here, and his comment brought back the events from the night she had to leave. "No, i am neither a scout nor flung from my society" She spoke with a slight quiver to her tone. "However, the reason will remain hidden and secret for i hold it close to my chest." Neku looked away, her reasons, true were not that of her own, but it was not one she wished to delve into. At least not yet. "As i am sure, you must have held some formal rule, much like that of my own people." She began again, looking upwards. "You find a stray centaur, track it, you seem to have done that, but that Centaur only has to answer fully to the Elder of the tribe... At least that it what was done in my tribe, but things seem much different here" Neku neither wanted to be taken to another Elder, she didnt want to betray her tribe by joining another one. She looked at him, knowing full well she could strike him now and he would most likely be terribly injured, if not killed. Though she stayed stood still.

[Valunce]

So he knew little more than when they had commenced their discussion, though she would clearly think it more of an interrogation, as he would given her hooves.
"The tribe has indeed been tracking you since your arrival here in our forest," Valunce said simply, there was no edge to his words or aggression concealed or open, he wasn't one for violence unless his people were under attack, as yet he found not valid reason to savour growing suspicion over the female centaur before him, as others had, they nurtured the growing mistrust over her appearance here, the centaurs were duly wary, especially as she stayed clear of them, Valunce found himself compelled to persuade her to seek the council of the elders or else they would never allow her to remain in the forest.

"Your presence has not gone unnoticed as you may have wished, though we find you rather elusive," he complimented "We meet only because you want to be found now, tell me, what has changed your mind?"

Valunce knew he was treading upon uneasy ground liable to collapse at any moment, her mistrust would flourish or diminish depending upon the words he now spoke, he would have to choose very carefully.

"I'm afraid the rules of my people do decree that you approach the elders to enable your making the forest your home, I beseech you to visit them before the next full moon as their mistrust and anger grows steadily, but harken to me now, they will not treat you as you deserve, my Father is misguided and arrogant but the more you put the event off the harder it will be, you face a dilemna a fork in your pathway approachs and you must choose the way." Valunce spoke rather solemnly feeling growing sympathy and attachment to Neku, she faced a long, dark road no matter what she did he feared.

Perhaps some words of encouragement were called for "I will aid you however I can, don't let centaur confidence cloud your judgement." He believed it necessary that she accept his help, though he could in reality do little for her, he would try his utmost to keep her safe from the tribe's anger.

Valunce looked upon Neku with solemn eyes awaiting her decision, which he knew was hers only to make, he could neither sway or motivate her.

[Neku]

Neku had been through many battles in her lifetime. Many of them still fresh in her mind. The things she had gone through, first when she was captured by some renagade centaurs who had lost their way, and their purpose in the world, lost their faith in themselves. Neku lifted her hand, and there, clear as day, the 'X' was still scarred into her skin. She had many battle wounds and battle scars. Most of her life had revolved around fighting, mistrust, lost faith and those of whom had been misguided by darkness. Neku would never forget. Though, thinking back about her time spent with the misguided Centaurs, and what they did to her. They messed her up pretty badly. This made her trust this centaur even less now. "Hmpf" she fuffed. Though there were no means of agression in his tone, she was not just going to let him try and make her believe he was good. That only came with proof.

"I neither care nor wished for my presence to go unnoticed, nor do i care how you find me" Neku looked away from him, she wasnt going to be held captive to more centaurs, not again. "I tell you nothing"

"Let their anger and mistrust grow" Neku spat. Old feelings of resentment began to rise in her stomache. She couldnt stand to look at him any longer and instead turned her head away, but keeping a hand on her bow. "You know nothing of hardship, I have faced many dangers and dillemmas" She forced herself to look at the centaur once more, "Do you honestly believe for one second that i shall open up myself and explain what i am doin here? I choose my own way, for myself, and for my own safety. I shall not become a puppet toy to another bunch of ravenous Centaurs"

She pulled her bow out and loaded it with her arrows, just in the case that she will need it. The thought of becoming someone who was tortured by centaurs again, that just scared her. A mark of judgment was scarred on her chest, from when she was captured by the first foul bunch of centaurs and now showed clearly. Neku had too many battle wounds, torture wounds, emotional and mental ones and she would not be trusting anyone easily. Not again.

"I neither need, nor seek you help" A tear welled in Neku's eye, "You dont know anything about me, i care not for centaur confidence. I care for me. I am the only one i need, I can not, and will not, trust Centaurs again"

[Valunce]

Valunce's diplomacy was clearly failing, Neku's mistrust had increased tenfold it seemed and her anger was simmering near the very surface. She was a strong willed centaur, whether events had shaped her that way, or given a more sheltered and secluded life she would have been the same he couldn't know for certain, but she had now said so herself that she had been through dark and terrible times.

Valunce pitied her somewhat especially on seeing the cruel marks etched into her skin, a terrible cross slashed into the palm of her hand was clearly visible, and now he looked more closely tearing his eyes from her depths, even in the dim light scars and old battle wounds were clear, ones younglings would be incredibly envious of. Yet Valunce wondered at the life she led, to him it seemed free from the opressive nature of the tribe, but he had been taught that only together could centaurs survive, they needed unity.

She was unique among centaurs for certain and he couldn't help but ponder upon whence she had come. What had brought her here? He received a clue; another bunch of ravenous centaurs. Now he knew why she mistrusted him so, had her tribe treated her infernally? Perhaps, she was determined to steer clear of his showing her dislike for other centaurs. Valunce perceived that given a lifetime to figure her out, he never truly would.

"You are not unfeeling," he murmered, that was the impression she was trying to give; that she cared not other centaurs, in a way perhaps she did not, but all centaurs knew they couldn't survive long without others, be they centaurs or not.

Only through trust and unity can we be strong and stand against the darkness that will soon envelop our homes. Some had thought Elder Patriar rambled on and spoke always in riddles, but Valunce had been able to extract the wisdom.

"Much as you might wish it you cannot stand alone. The Elders are suspicious but given good sound reasoning they will allow you to stay here, you need not enter the tribe, only permission is required." Valunce urged trying to articulate himself in a way that would show his truthfulness.

"We will talk no more over your past, but you must look to the future, the lessons of our experiences will help us all." He had said his peace and to exemplify it he raised his hands palm towards her.
"If you do not trust me, then slay me now, I am defenceless, but free will I not betray your presence to the tribe, so we hunt you down, drive you from our forest?"

He remained motionless his eyes fixed not upon her weapons, but upon her eyes once again and then he saw unshed tears.
"I tell you truthfully I will not, I swear it upon the moon itself, I shall do what I can to aid you, whether you wish it or not."
Without thinking Valunce began to take the pack from upon his back, to give her what meagre supplies he had brought with him, would she see that as a threat?

[Neku]

She stood her ground, shaking only but a little. Her anger was high, but her fear was higher. She was beginning to think that it would have been better to stay, and perishwith her tribe, than to listen to the elder and flee. The young centaur had gotten used to life on her own, and true, it was a lonely one, but it was beginning to get easier. Or so she thought.

Now it was just confusing.

The horror of that night still bared fresh in her mind, and visited her every time she closed her eyes. Her heart was now sealed and protected, her trust vanquished, but her hatred grew only deeper. It was something she couldnt run or hide from. It was there, boiling down in the deepest pits of her heart. Question: Did she truly need others? Answer: She didnt know.

What does he want from me? she wondered to herself, as she felt the bow between her fingers. It would be so much easier to just destroy him and leave. Though surely they would hunt her down for her crime. Turning string to another centaur was a huge crime, or it was where she came from.

"You know nothing of me or my feelings" she mumbled back. Though, somehow, she knew he was getting through to her. Though she tried with all her will to make sure he couldnt. He was making sense.

Neku stepped back, her bow faltering, her mouth open. "Does it matter what i wish?" She questioned, "Wishes are useless and more often than not pointless things that only humans believe in." Neku pulled her bow back up, "You wish for me to speak with your elders, then force is the only way you shall make me heed your words... I may seem untrusting and uncaring to you, but you dont have a clue, do you?" Neku spoke.

Neku faltered once more at his efforts to try to keep her here. Even she could not slay someone who is defenceless. She threw her bow to his feet and looked at him through pained eyes, "I do not trust you, but i shall not slay you" She turned her back to him, "Do as you wish, send your largest fighters out after me. I care not, as for driving me from your forest, i do not believe that, i am strong willed" She turned to him and lowered her head. "But i do respect you"

She knew she should speak to the elders of this centaurs tribe. Maybe it would soften her heart. Neku watched as he took of his supplies, now she realised he meant it. He was truly willing to help her. Walking forward and pushing all her pride as far back as she could, she put her hand on his chest, right over where his heart should be. "Your heart is full of goodness... Too bad mine is not... I shall speak with your elders, if that is your wish"

[Valunce]

Valunce could see the pain in her eyes, what she had viewed he could scarcely imagine, and he hoped he wouldn't encounter events half so cruel as she had, but if it were his path he would tread it with all the fortitude and strength he could muster. He had felt fated to achieve his minor break-through here; to persuade her that encountering the Elders was necessary, but furthermore he felt destined to aid her not simply by freely giving supplies for her survival, but to stand up to the elders, if indeed they did go against her as he feared.

"Truly I know little of you, which may be for the best." but you know little of me either don't prejudge me. He thought sadly not all centaurs are the same, and I am nothing like my father.

But he was being side-tracked, time was of the essence the longer the elders waited for Neku to approach them, the more angry and distrustful they would become.

"I doubt anyone could deter you from a path you choose," he complimented believing when she stated she was strong willed, though weight of numbers and perseverance would likely deter anyone after a time.

Valunce pawed the earth somewhat uncomfortably as he honoured him with her respect; he was unnaccustomed to compliments of any sort.
"I too respect you," he answered curteously "your position is dire and yet you come through it like no others can." He shook his head in wonderment "tribeless I fear I would fall by the wayside."

"Is the soul not unchangeable from birth, never threatened by malice nor pain like the mind must endure? Your heart is warm, or else you would have struck me down in cold blood." Though their talk refreshed many lessons he had learnt he knew time was growing too short, and that Neku could easily change her mind.

"I shall stand with you throughout," he reassured, "the tribe grazes not a mile from here, let us depart and get this done with." He beckoned her to follow then sprang away through the foliage at an easy pace, the elders would be waiting.


Elder Patriar's words drifted into his mind as he galloped along Neku presumably hard upon his heels; Always be yourself and earn respect through both deeds and words.

[Neku]

"Yes, it is for the best that you know as little as possible.. For now, though i am in no doubt that you shall know much about me after i speak with your elders, but i shall not pretend i am happy about this, for i am not" Neku spoke, removing her hand from his heart. But he was willing to help her, this much she knew. Though what she didnt know was, how far was he willing to go? If this went the way Neku thought it would. Soon she would be gone, with the tribe hard on her heels.

Neku began noticing that the other centaur seemed on edge. Like he was pressed for time, however she did not move until he told her too. "You would be surprised, I am strong willed and true no-one could deter me from my path. But i am easily swayed. I have done what is neseccary to survive. Just, remember that"

"Respect is unneeded on me" Neku told him truthfully, the first thing she had said that truly came from her heart I do not deserve to be respected Her head snapped up, "That is what i thought, but I proved different. You do not know until you are faced with it, just what your capable of"

"The soul is the epicentre of who you are, if it bears evil, not a thing can be done to change it, it if bears darkness, you yourself are a dark person" She said, stating what her elder once told her. "My heart is not warm, it is cold but i do wish for it to change, but without help i know it can not." She didnt know what she meant by this, but her heart had been cold for a long while now. "I have never believed in striking someone down unarmed. It would not have been a fair fight, if you had had a weapon, i would have tried when you told me too" Is that true Neku?

Neku began to follow, it seemed strange being in company with another Centaur. She did not yet trust him. Trust must be earned. Though she kept quiet and began to think of things that would more than likely happen now. I thank you was her last thought before moving on.

[Valunce]

"Perhaps one day, hopefully far away, I shall see your fighting prowess." He stated solemnly unwittingly flexing his muscles as he gestured for Neku to follow quickly, with due haste.

Hearing her words upon the soul he countered with a believable strong argument.
"You must therefore be good deep down or else you would have slain me."

"The Elders may probe hard," Valunce cautioned as they rode along, "but when completed you will earn their goodwill." Leaping a heavily thorned bush he allowed Neku to canter alongside.
"Answering all questions truthfully is of course mandatory, but I've left things unsaid before." He divulged believing such knowledge would be invaluable. Often he had been hauled before the Elders, lectured primarily not to aggravate his father and perhaps even more importantly to cease his interest in humans, they claimed it was highly unhealthy.

Minutes passed by with little conversation between them, Valunce knew not what more advice he could give, but supplied a few more perhaps vital pieces of information.
"Hopefully you'll be faced by the Eldest rather than all of the council, it depends if they're available or not. Elder Patriar is an old friend of mine and wise beyond belief, he will side with you. Elder Gronan is deeply suspicious of anything foreign, even fellow centaurs, he's famed for single handedly drawing off a rampaging half-giant. Elder Tharpeen will be in the middle ground but has the final say, its critical that you..." About to utter valubale advice he was cut abruptly short as hoof beats, that weren't their own, were heard. Perhaps a dozen centaurs were approaching at speed.

"Here they come," stated Valunce whirling round and clapping a hand upon her shoulder, "may the stars light your way."

The forward guard approached weilding hefty spears, they crashed through the undergrowth trampling all in their path, with military efficiency they swiftly encircled their prey. Scant feet away from them they glared at the two with cold, piercing eyes. Bows were drawn defensively, these were the elite woodguard; muscular, broad shouldered and bearded some stood nearly as tall as Valunce himself they were a formidable foe priding themselves upon their military ways to protect the tribe.

In unison they raised their right palms in greeting...

[Neku]

"Perhaps you will, though perhaps you wont need too if everyone can agree" Though Neku completly doubted that with all her heart. It wasnt everyday a new centaur comes wandering into your home and goes for an audience with the elders.

Neku didnt answer about the soul, she figured it wasnt really worth time bothering and pondering over.

"I just so enjoy a hard interrogation, did i not tell you it was one of my more favourable things to do?" She said quite sarcastically. Neku came up next to him, she was so small compared to him, compared to any centaur, and she knew her size confused them, made them underestimate her. "I will answer truthfully, but however i may not tell them everything, i shall be selective in what i tell them"

Neku began to think about her situation when the voices ceased. She thanked him inside her heart for all the help he was giving. But she was too stubborn to thank him outwright.

Valunce's voice brought her back out of her thoughts, she listened to him carefully... She wasnt really sure she much liked the sound of these centaurs. She felt like not only would she be questioned excessivly, but she would be put on trial too. However, even Valunce was cut short due to sound of hoof beats. They were coming at quite a speed and all Neku wanted to do was turn and run in the opposite direction, but her centaur pride stopped her from doing so.

"So i believe" Neku answered, and felt his hand on her shoulder, it was comforting to her and she hung her head. "I may need more than the light of stars to guide me now"

Neku's head shot up, she was now surrounded by a mass of centaurs weilding spears. They seemed to be battle ready, and they seemed to know what to do, but Neku didnt think any of them had ever even seen a real battle, not like she had. Neku stood her ground, gripping her bow with a tight grip, she didnt much like the look of these centaurs, they reminded her too much of those that kept her captive a few months back.

Neku, first of all, threw her bows and knives and battle attatchments to the feet of the centaurs, "I do not wish to fight" She openly said, and bowed low.