Hunting is clearly not one of Miras skills. In fact, she was looking a little thinner for having relied mostly on trail rations in her time on the road. She makes no effort to search for game, as the only way she is likely to catch something is to cast a dominate mind or a summons. And that always seemed unsportsmanlike to her. She considers setting a magical perimeter on the camp, but dismisses the notion as she remembers what Kree had murmered earlier about expected visitors. There isn't much point in setting a perimeter for elves they want to appear friendly to. Instead she helps the smaller children set up sleeping places and watches those too tired to gather woods with the adults.

As a banking of wood accumulates, Mira starts several fires about the large camp. Though not a hunter, she knows enough to assemble spits over each flame, readying them for the game others are starting to bring back. Though so many people mean several fires are required, Mira cannot watch them all similtaniously. She recuits several children per fire to feed them wood, who seem excited to be trusted with the task.

As the hunters return, Mira notices the fearsom looking Lucy (fearsom to Mira's eyes) is empty handed. Mira is mildly surprised she was unable to bring down any game. She silently goes back to her simple tasks. She still knows very little about these people; hardly anyone had held a conversation with her. Scouting and traveling had kept most everyone busy as well.

Without comment Myranda gave a nod at her cousins directions. offered a prayer to the Sisters of Fate before taking up position.  Moving gracefully across the countryside from point to point she scouted their way towards the Ironwood forest. During this time she spotted and felled two rabbits which she knew would assist to provide food for the group as it travelled away from the slaver caves. Hearing Kree's recall Myranda gathered with the others handing the rabbits over to be cleaned and dressed while she set about assisting with other tasks needed to sustain the group
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Thu 02 Apr 2015.

  Walking  through the trees, Kree carries his bow in his left hand,...You came an a good time. We freed these folks, and we can get  the LAdy back to the City. We will have to  make a move then.  We need  to  get some  people to aid   us, in taking that Mountain, and  ridding this side of the Mountain  of  slavers...We may need to go the  the Village for  that.

Justin gave thanks to Eta for Her hand in this skirmish, grateful that he could be used to bring about the release of these three wagons filled with hapless prisoners; as he rendered what assistance he could.

Brie walked along, her gaze on Kree as they continued patroling and talking.  Her hearing focused on everything around them.

Glad I was able to make it in time, she said to him in a soft tone, nearly muffled. Are you wanting some of us to go to the village and request aid?

SHe looked off into the woods and around then bringing her attention back to him.  Or do we need to get this "lady" to safety first?

  if  we sent our  best rider, on  our fastest horse..it would take what? 3 weeks? maybe add a day or two?

 he  looks   up into the air behind them at the  top of the Mountain,whatvere is in that Mountain..it is thier home...we shall return, but  we have a job to do first.

Brie gives a nod and continues patrolling, listening, hearing the area around them as if it were a second skin to her.  As if, she belonged here and she was one with the forest, it was enough to put a smile on her face.

I would suggest that someone should stay behind and watch the mountain and the comings and goings.  I see that you need all the able bodies you can right now, especially with the slaves that were just freed.

She walked quietly for a moment, in deep thought.  Any way to send a message ahead of us?  A feathered friend, mayhaps?

There is no reason to leave one of us behind, I sent others   back to Ironmound  with messages and such

 ..i hope the Ironwood elves will help us..we shall see...

She skipped a step to turn and look at Kree with a tilt if her head.

I don't suppose that is why we took this side instead?

She reached out mentally to the forest as if calling out to a variety of species to see if others were around.

  The Elf grinned,..That might be exactly why we took this  side.... he  Looks around,..Not many of us make the trip to Ironwood...there are much hard feelings   between our peoples, since  are people where the first to sign the Treaty with the Humans and Dwarves.... Ironwood is proud of its  Forests, and Proud that they rule the plains about this forest...but..in the end, they are No match for Black Timber Elves....

 he says the last words  a bit more loudly, then the rest...

Myranda busily moved about the refugees, rendering assistance, a gentle word, or a warm smile of encouragement to those in need, as she did she heard Kree's slightly raised voice and grinned at his comment. So this was but another of his designs to attempt to repair the rift which is why the Sisters of Fate have also seen that the Arrows have been composed as it has she mused contently
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Thu 02 Apr 2015.

  As the  ex-slaves  settle in, they rgow  more and more relaxed..there are 14 children from the ages  of 4 to 12

 there are 10  adults, ranging from age  of  18-30.  they Huddle around the Camp fire, Ivy says aloud,Adults?..Please begin to hand out some of the  stew to the Younger ones, By then some of the   rabbits and such should be ready to eat. As more  GAme comes in..we will cook that as well...

 He opens his pack and Kree's  , taking out tin cups  and a bole  for use for the Kids Kree had  seen fit to Borrow a few of the 'nicer' mugs from the  slaver's dinning room, Ivy shakes his head and  smiles as  they begin to  ladle out the stew for the Young ones.

Jenna returns with a single large rabbit from her snares.  She was careful to reset the line with the intent to check it again in the morning.  She had dressed out the rabbit in the woods, leaving the gut pile well away from her snare line.

At the camp she hands off the dressed and skinned carcass to those doing the cooking figuring too many cooks would spoil the pot.  If there is anything left at the end I'll take the leftovers, otherwise I have some dry jerky in my pack.  Let the others eat.

Finding Kree she says, I didn't find anything that made me believe we're being followed or watched.  Lots of animal tracks but nothing human.  I'd guess the elves are about but if they're anything like the Shinari people of Andoria, I wouldn't find any tracks to follow.  What next?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Thu 02 Apr 2015.

   ...we  wait. Those  people need to eat and rest, the children will fall into a deep sleep, I am thinking, after what they have been through..we have seen it before..

 ..the  Elves  will come, perhaps  an hour or two after the moon rises...

Brie senses movement, the forest was becoming excited, nervous, perhaps.  She turned just as Jenna approached and quickly knocked an arrow with stealth movement the arrow targeting Jenna's lower abdomen.  It was enough to slow down, but not insure.

Thankfully, she'd anticipated someone sneaking up on them but held off on firing just in case it was friendly.  She exhaled slowly when she saw it was Jenna.  She lowered her bow, but kept the arrow out just in case.

Just as Kree spoke she gave him a nod towards where she sensed the forest growing antsy by the minute.  Are you certain so late? she asks softly.  I feel them growing closer as we speak.

Jenna nodded to Kree, Then I'll get something to eat and rest.  If you need a watch for the night, I'll go first.  Let me know.  Without waiting for an answer she turned and headed toward her bunk, paying no attention to the antsy, pointy-eared bowman.  Jenna decided if she wanted to shoot her in the back, well it wouldn't have been the first time.

Back at her bedroll, Jenna fished some salted jerky from her pack and reclined on her bedroll, using her pack as a pillow and had dinner.  Bailey soon sauntered over and looked down at her, chuffing.

What?  You had your dinner, she said around a bite of jerky.  It was starting to go bad but she figured it would stave off hunger until she woke and checked her traps in the morning.  Besides, you hate this stuff.  The horse chuffed again and then looked off toward the woods that the jumpy archer had indicated.  Jenna's eyes darted that way as well and she said, Yeah, I wish they'd get here and get this show on the road as well girl.  Seems a bit impolite to keep  us all waiting here, darkness coming on and all.  Real neighborly types would have had a meal and a show set up for us, wouldn't you think?  Bailey snorted agreement and started away again, munching on more grass.

Diana chuckled at Jenna's comment.

"Elves in these parts travel with caution.  They will scope us out, make sure we aren't anything too hostile, then make their move.  For all they know, we could be a bunch of slavers or something else." She said.

"Once they figure out that we're safe they will come.' she said.

In reply to Jenna McKillian (msg # 304):

ooc Removed post as Jenna has secluded herself out of both hearing and sight of everyone.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Sat 04 Apr 2015.

"And, my dear, you miss my point." Diana said.

"They are being cautious, which is to be expected.  I'm sure they can be generous.  I'm by no means saying they aren't.  But it's a tactical move.  When an unknown comes into your territory, you don't go rushing headlong to meet it.  Instead, you send scouts to investigate it.  You watch and observe.  Then when the scouts have reported, then and only then you make your move." Diana said.

"There is no disrespect intended." She said, staring Myranda right in the eye.

ooc Apologies Diana, have removed my post to Jenna which you responded to.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Sat 04 Apr 2015.

Justin does what he can to help make the refugees comfortable

  Kree  and Brie return from the  wood. Brie managed to bring down another Rabbit, and Gives it to Ivy.

  By now the Kids  are  eating ( drinking?) their stew, from the mugs and Cups  from Ivy and Kree, IVy is   using skillets and a pot to keep the stews going. He calls  an adult  over  and HAnd him or her  a Rabbit on a spit  and tells them to share with a few others.

  Kree had Picked up  an armload of  deadwood, and  spit it up among the cook fires and a few for  the  fires the Kids were sitting around.

 How Much Longer?

 Kree gave a half-smile,Not Long........, After the  ex-slaves   had food, Kree motioned to those who had not eaten in the Slavers  Dining room to take Food. Making sure he went over to Mira and  get her to get some stew or  Rabbit.

  everyone was about steeled In...when the first one came. She swung out of the trees on a vine and Landed  near the Cook fires. She did not even bother to draw a weapon as the  Elf Maid said,We do not permit slavers to enter  our  Forest..and Live....

 Kree tilted his head,..well..that is certainly good news, considering the  Slavers have a stronghold  about a day's  travel from here...

 The Elf  Maid  turned her head sharply to him, and he pulled  back the cowl of his  cloak...The Crimson Arrows, seek your  aid in protecting these freed slaves, and to ask you escort them to ironmond, or at very least , one of the Forts on the Highway...

 At least 6  other elves stepped from the trees, at least far enough to be seen.

 Ivy  said to the others,For everyone you see?..there are 3 you do not see....

 An blonde haired Male in a chainmail vest walked  across the clearing, ignoring the slaves as his eyes shifted  from one arrow to another.....and why, pray tell..would we do that?

 Kree  took a few steps  towards the Mailed  Elf, the Elfmaid stuck out an arm to stop him and he battled it  away with force,..know your place, seek not to touch me again...

 The Chainmailed  elf lost his haughty smile,Quickshadow?..You Dare...

 Choose your next words carefully, Mollen. I still have not forgiven you for the death of My first horse....

 Um...second  Horse...Cousin...

 Turning to Ivy,2nd?..are you sure..I was certain it was the first?

 Mollen  snapped,enough!

 Kree, turned..Indeed..enough...will you honor your treaty or nay?

 First, You must prove to me, that you are..indeed..Kree...

 The elf Laughed along with Ivy,...are you addled enough , not to remeber me...

 we have been catching shifters  in these lands..slavers takign appearnces of loved one and such...But I know   Quickshadow's Bowmanship....we have a test...
 Kree rolled his eyes  slightly, a Mad was  brought out from the trees, he was tied hand and foot..they brought him over to a tray about 40 paces  from where the two elves stood....This fellow is a slaver-shifter  we captured..we were taking him to out  city...

 one of the elves  put a gourd on the man's head,You and Elsa will fire one arrow at the gourd..should you  win, then i know who you  are who you say....

 Kree  frowned  but  Pulled and  arrow from his quiver, he nodded at the elfmaid,She drew back her bow and fired, the shaft hit the  tree 2 inches above the  man's head, 1 inch to the right of the gourd...

 Drawing BAck  the shaft until the fletchings touched his ear, kree fired..the arrow went straight and True, and hit the fellow  dead in the heart...his scream was short as he slumped  against the ropes that held him.....you win.....

 Mollen and everyone else looked at Kree  as he held  up both arms in a shrug. The the Chainmailed Elf began to laugh as did the others,Well met , Quickshadow!....Bring in the food!

 Another Dozen or so Elves  came through the tree line with  BAskets of bread  , wine and water, as well as fruits  and some Deer meat sliced up. They set baskets  down by groups  of people.. as Mollen Grabbed a bottle of  wine, Opened  it  and took a long  Drink, the Handed it to Kree, who did the same,Elven Gold..it has been a while since i have had this...

 Mollen   smiles  as Kree hands the bottle back,Tell me then?..why do you need our help?

 We are on a Mission for the crown..that is the most i can say, lest there be listeners about...We  saved these Slaves   by happenstance...we could not  leave them, nor could i pass up a chance to kill a slaver...


 So i have seen!..That was the test! they both laugh and drink,..we will take them across the plans to  the Bow shot Ferry..they should be safe once they cross the Storm....but? why not take them with you?

 WQe have a ship waiting for us...we need to report back there, and ride it up the River to the City..we have  some...loose ends...as it were..

 Mollen Nods,Fait enough, our peoples   may not have  always agreed, but we stand with yhou, in any fight that aids elven kinds.

 Speaking of loose ends?...Have you heard of many Gnolls running about these lands.

 Nothing here....i mean..there  is  always the odd  pack or  hutning party, some join up with pirates and slavers....The  word has it, there is  a strong Leader..one who is an Outlander...if the words are true, he runs  slaver packs  up in your  lands...

 kree nods  after taking another swig,That is all i have heard thus far as well...thank you for the information though.

In reply to Jenna McKillian (msg # 304):

Diana watched as the first Elf appeared, and observed the conversation.  She just shook her head.  Typical Elves.

She turned to Jenna.

"See, I told you they were being cautious.  They can be very generous, but first they are going to play it safe, and make sure we are safe.  Once that is established, then they will open their arms." She said.

Diana said it with a wink and a smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:09, Wed 08 Apr 2015.

When the other red-haired warrior approached and engaged her, Jenna was unsure how to respond as she'd been talking to her horse and hadn't expected anyone to speak to her.  Before she had the opportunity to respond in kind the elves entered the clearing.  Jenna's immediate reaction was her hand on her longsword hilt.  When nobody seemed uneased by the newcomers, Jenna relaxed and watched as the contest commenced.

When Kree planted his arrow cleanly into the heart of the slaver, Jenna grinned.  Well done, she muttered and relaxed even more.  She was too far away from the conversation to hear what Kree and the other elf were talking about, but then the red-haired warrior spoke again, reminding Jenna she'd been addressed.

Yes, they seem very friendly, especially if you're a slaver, she said wryly.  The growl in her stomach when they started bringing more food into the camp betrayed her resolve to live on jerky alone and she said, Suppose we'd best get some of that before it disappears.  If anyone else is as hungry as I am that won't last long.

Turning to the woman Jenna holds out a hand, Jenna McKillian of Andoria, well met.

Justin had been talking with some of the rescued moved across to Myranda to converse when the Elves appeared Undeterred by their arrival he watched for any threat and was pleased the Captain was able to resolve the situation; however the mention of slaver-shifters was of concern.