No Turning Back

[Ari]

Arriana replied to his compliance with a simple nod, considering the deal made. She struck off for the gate, keeping pace just a little ahead of him - it was a reflex, walking ahead to protect but listening out for threats from behind. New worlds were always dangerous if you didn't know what kind of dangers she was looking for. She seemed to sway as she walked, bare feet leaving the ground just enough to not drag across, her footsteps light and silent. Her arms stayed close to her sides but never touched them, prepared to reach for a weapon that was no longer there. She was not military, but even Warren would be able to tell that before the Omniverse she had been a silent predator. Arriana would have smiled if she knew just how inexperienced Warren thought she was, but the question posed told her enough.

"I told you I don't need a tour guide. I need someone to help me get in to the heavily guarded world you just came from. It seems they would not openly welcome strangers snooping about their streets and, frankly, I don't have the time to search the world for what I need."

The Chimera looked back at the man, wondering if he was expecting that to be counted as a question. He had phrased them in such a way, careful with his wording. Foolish man.

"I am not a djinn, or as some humans call them, the 'genies'. You do not need to pick your questions so carefully. If it counts, I will say so. At'ch are not known for breaking rules or promises. You asked for a favor and I offered you information instead. Information for Information is an equivalent exchange."

Arriana's step faltered a moment, raising a hand up to balance herself. As much as she fought the pain, it still took it's toll. Growling to herself, Ari lifted her hands towards her head. A silver band appeared in her fingertips, which she used to lift and twirl her hair, tying it in a loose and very messy bun. This was a warzone. there was no time for her to be distracted, not even by her own nervous system. She had to focus, even if it was hard.

"I know how to make things, using the Omnilium. I know that I don't need to look for it to get more. My powers are confined, but I have been weaker, and I have been in more dangerous places. For two-hundred years I lived and grew an empire by studying foreign worlds and bringing back precious things."

Arriana left the nature of those precious objects a secret. No-one would be given the opportunity to blackmail her, not here. She turned back agian, pausing. She was strangely calm, her emotions a stone wall that could not be interpreted. It was a vast difference from when she had been growling in anger, and would be another sign that Warren could not underestimate this woman, could not assume that Omniverse's limits would continue to hold her down.

"I have fought a great deal of creatures, and made peace with many nations. If there is something you feel you must warn me about, please, feel free. But I will not let a human's poor perspective skew my vision. I am The Chimera, and I do not bow to the human's laws of nature."