Romanoff Dukedom: Eschira Forest (2)

While Ius was preoccupied interrogating Riberto Ilvos, Ivar was keeping a tight surveillance on the surroundings of the two individuals.

'We were requested to be on standby in case Riberto has the intention of wreaking havoc, but he seems too weak to do something like that. I think we're done with our job once we turn in that man to the Empire's knights.' He mulled over the matter with a relieved heart.

In truth, he was aware of how ferocious Riberto could be. That's the reason why there was a nagging feeling at the back of his mind that carried the entirety of his apprehension. With the current circumstances becoming favorable for them, he couldn't help but feel that karma had something for them in return.

Still and all, Ivar allowed himself to be at ease. When it came down to it, their responsibilities were greatly reduced after capturing Riberto Ilvos.

'Finally, one job left. We only have to verify if it was that maid who attacked Herkel. If not, then we'll have to search.''

Unbeknownst to him, at the other end of the branch he was dwelling on, a creature had shown itself. It was eyeing his defenseless rear with an amused gaze.

'Poor man, Ius won't let him go any time soon.' Ivar thought, shaking his head all the while stretching his limbs.

In the fullness of time, Ivar began to prepare for his descent from the tree he was stuck on for a few hours. It was to his utter delight as his grin, wide and exposing his teeth, was currently the most noticeable feature on his countenance.

"I should collect those two. They're probably not paying heed to Ius right now." The young man muttered under his breath before crouching down.

Immediately after, Ivar stabilized himself by placing his right hand -- bearing the weight of his whole body -- on the branch and the other on top of his left knee. As he did so, the muscles on his thighs swelled to an extent that nearly ripped his loose trousers. The veins that were delineating his pants continued to swell simultaneously to every breath that he took.

Ensuing a few seconds of grounding, Ivar ceased his respiration. He then gripped the tree branch with a tad of force, digging through the wood with his nails that were long and razor-edged, seemingly replicating the curved dewclaws of wolves.

Shutting his eyes, he assimilated with his surroundings supported by the senses that did the observation for him. Once he confirmed that there weren't going to be any possible obstructions on his path, Ivar reopened his eyes.

As he narrowed his vision, Ivar leaned his body forward ahead of knocking on the branch, propelling him to a far-off tree at a speed that couldn't be captured by the human eye.

In the intervening time, affirming Ivar's belief was the silent air between Aaviren and Ulysses. They were both absorbed in their own self-perpetuated issues, particularly being annoyed with each other. The two lads were in a juvenile quarrel, allowing their nerves to clash.

Their conflict manifested from Ulysses' grouchy demeanor whilst being reluctant to terminate his boisterous objections. Aaviren repeatedly expressed his annoyance that was fronted to his companion's immaturity.

However, true to his puerile fashion, Ulysses Parvor merely received the reprimanding on one side of his ear and didn't prevent its exit without absorbing a single word. They were not entirely focused on the mission anymore, yet it was supposed to warrant their full attention.

"He needs to grow up. This is getting tiresome." With a click of his tongue, Aaviren uttered with the intention of letting Ulysses harken his statement.

Ulysses simply responded with a sneer, pouting his lips thereafter since he couldn't think of a better retort.

Less than a minute later, Ivar arrived at the vicinity where the two were stationed. His appearance, silently sauntering on the previously undisturbed grassland, was noticed by the young men and immediately broke the tension between them.

"Ulysses, Aaviren, come here."

Ivar was not the least bit surprised that his assumption was correct, considering that he was a witness that these two never got along from the outset of their meeting.

Fluger and Herkel were worse when it came to how they worded their insults. But Ulysses and Aaviren won in the duration category for their day-long fights.

Upon hearing his summons, Ulysses and Aaviren swiftly slid down their spots. The reverberations of their steps as their feet landed on the dirt were barely audible, utilizing the beds of grass to cushion the impact of their momentum. They proceeded to dash towards Ivar, stopping once they're a meter away from him.

"Sir Chroly, you're here. What's the matter?" Ulysses initiated the inquiry, still oblivious of the progression of their plans.

Even though the rank of nobility didn't matter among their small circle, Ulysses and Aaviren had the utmost respect for Ivar. It was by virtue of his abilities and the fact that he was an older wolf who had accumulated years of valuable experience.

Provided that the two only had a two-year age gap with Ivar, if his life was compared to their peaceful upbringing, the result would give the impression that they were mere toddlers. While Ivar was a seasoned commander, Ulysses and Aaviren belonged to the ranks of the foot soldiers who were suddenly conscripted for a war that would happen within the next month.

"Well, did you not notice Ius' entry in the forest?" Ivar uttered as a grimace appeared on his face, one that reached his eyes.

It was the sort that the two lads didn't want to see.

At that point, Ivar Chroly beckoned them to nigh him. They followed without any delay, enabling Ivar to grip their heads prior to resuming his speech, "He already brought the snake clan elder with him. If I didn't let the two of you know, Ius would've been grabbing your throats by now. The two of you might've even replaced the old man he was beating up."