Chapter 3: Oizys

Nikias nods. "We should make at least a reasonably close sweep of the camp proximity, see if we can pinpoint where the sound is coming from and make sure it is no immediate threat. I have heard tales of animals whose cry mimics the sound of weeping women, this could be something similar. I'll check with Kouru."

Nikias stands and gathers up his arms. He seeks out Kouru and explains their intent to investigate. "Honorable Kouru, might you aid us with your tracking skills and keen sight?"

"His voice changed? Wait, no..." glancing one last time at the rabbit the scout would rise, closing his eyes against the firelight to refresh them as he waved to his companions "Aye, of course. Have the lads form up around the ships and keep quiet. I'll see what I can find" stepping out from the fire's light he'd crouch low, pulling his bow from it's sheath and listening attentively to the wind "... creepy children. Nothing good has ever once come from creepy children"

"Small one," Nikias says cautiously, still standing far enough back to draw his weapon should the need arise, "where are your parents?"

"Oh? And what job was that?"

"... well, that's not good. Returning his arrow and bow to their appropriate sheaths he'd pull a bit of ship's bread and some dried fish from a pouch at his waist, slowly and very calmly walking up behind the captain. Hands would extend to the child to offer the food as he approaches, a slightly forced smile alighting the scout's lips as he briefly passes behind his captain, murmuring "Sir, she knows your name" before passing behind his fellow greek on the other side to offer the child some food "It is a fine thing to play, and there is nothing like a good nap. Here, little one, have something to eat while we wait for... what was your mother's name again?"

Nikias's brow furrows under his helmet.

'I will come with you, I'm not letting you two get into trouble alone.' The warrior is firm as Nikias suggests just taking Kouru.

----

As the others talk with the girl the Amazon watches curiously, though sever things pique her interest. '...we are but traveller's, new to this area. What is this walled city?'

"Who are they, girl? Enough riddles. I know not who you are, but I recognize you as a daughter of Olympus, for such you must be! What is it you are doing here, this eve?"

Hearing his name would bring pause, though even through the armour his companions would be able to see his shoulders relax as the little girl takes the mouthful of bread. Stepping out of his shoes the scout would kneel down eye level to the little girl, right hand moving to his quiver to brush lightly over the nocks as he addresses her... carefully avoiding eye contact, but not avoiding looking her in the face. His internal monologue was a jumble of profanity, but his voice was only slightly stiff as he spoke "We are honoured that you have deigned to accept our bread. Perhaps we could offer you the further hospitality of our camp? We have a warm fire, and I'm sure we could find you somewhere comfortable to rest..."

"Ah, there it is" As he spoke his fingers would close around the papery feathers of an arrow, drawing it out to present it with both hands: it was barely visible in the moonlight, the shaft a matte black of squid ink mixed with campfire ash, the point a steep pyramid of razor sharp bronze and the fletching a carefully bound feather dropped over the battlefield by an Imperial Eagle, the dark brown appearing molted against the black lacing pattern "...while you wait for your esteemed mother. Please, a gift for you in her stead"

Nikias watches the display with apt curiosity. "Kouru, do you know who this child-like goddess is, or her mother she has mentioned?"

He kneels and looks to the girl. "Are my men in danger here, bright one? Or is there something needed of us so that we may expect good fortune? Who are those who come to play with you?"

"Misery. Oizys. Then these villagers, are we meant instead to be tools, by which your message is to be delivered to these poor fools?"