Finding the camp was no problem, even after being abandoned by their guide ("driven off," Kuronue had said, wings shifting as they twined through the small forest, "you've driven off our guide"). The group clearly felt secure in their location for the evening, for despite the late hour, there was still a roaring fire to greet them when they arrived, and all they had to do was follow the smell of smoke.
"Regardless of whether it is wise or not," Kuronue said, "they sound as if they are strong enough to ward off any attacks."
Youko scoffed, sweeping aside a large patch of weeds as he entered the clearing. "They are strong, but they are mostly human." He declared magnanimously. "They do not exude enough power aside from reputation to frighten away their foes."
His eyes drifted over the assorted group, savoring the moment before any of them realized they were here. Humans, a hanyou, a kit, and a priestess, he eyed, cataloging the bunch, what are the specifics of their quest that drive them so recklessly across the land?
They had settled in one of the darker areas of the forest, a place riddled with more half-mad youkai than any other, and Youko needed to know...did the rewards of their journey truly outweigh such clear costs?
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AN: you get multiples today, because i wrote a practice gre exam just now and am too agitated to sleep