Several miles away, a small caravan ground to a halt as the tuskow pulling the pair of carts began rearing and plunging in panic. The driver of the leading cart, a cloaked human woman, jumped down from the driver's seat and shouted to the second driver, a biolune ferrikoon.
"Tavi! What's going on? Keep Xan from bolting or ruining the goods!"
The female jumped down onto the common tuskow's back, hanging on for dear life as the beast bucked. She kept working her way forward, clinging with her sharp claws, until she reached Xan's ear and started trying to talk to him. The human meanwhile was clutching the reins of her chaos tuskow Tyr, whispering to her in a soft voice. Eventually the pair calmed, and the drivers could relax.
"Where did the guards go?" Tavi panted.
"To find the disturbance, I think, they should be back soon," the human replied.
"Okay. We'd better get ready to move on then. The plains aren't safe at night."
Tavi nodded in agreement and both moved to tighten the ropes holding the goods they were taking to market into place.
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In the darkness, guided by sharp senses, a pair of sleek shielupe raced over the plains. As the night deepened, the wind had chilled as well, and the the Purine Shielupe shivered as the wind cut coldly into her fur. The chaos made no sign that she was cold or even that she felt the exertion of their run as they slowed, spotting a group of people.
"Perhaps they know if something's happened?" suggested the Purine.
"Tonight has an ill feel to it, Accalia. I would rather that we passed through the plains without stopping."
"Ylva - By the purities, what is that!"
Whatever Accalia might have said was cut off by unearthly howling. The pair trotted closer, tingles running down their spines.
(heh, finished)