for use in the forest, itself.

<<<<< Kree's  group from Tou...

  The   Giant  Trees  seem to be in an Embrace. the beauty of that is   not  diminished by the Bodies, in various forms of decay, That have been staked to dead stumps or  deadwood  poles.

 The  Bodies have had  Runes carved  , so deep into their  Foreheads, that they show on the  bleached skulls of some.

 As Orlin and the others  who have the Chests  stand near the archway.. Kree moves up   quickly and Gives a long strange  whistle

 Ivy is grinning  as he looks away from the  Mages that are keeping a relative 100 yards away.

  Swinging  down from Inside the Archway is a Blonde elf  with Green eyes, slightly shorter then Kree and Ivy, and  wears  tan colored  leathers.. His  smile  is Bright..

 What ho!... My wayward kinsmen return!.. what brings you home!

 The Elf  Gives   Kree a Hug, then    runs to Ivy and Hugs Him as well.

 This is  Tental. He is a Trace elf, who was grabbed by slavers at a young  age..we hunted his captors  down in the  Great Desert. He has  since Joined the Razorhawk clans, and has been know to kill a few slavers , now and again...

  Tental grins  as he waves  to the others,who then? Is your   ugly tail?

 Kree frowns,..Mageguild..I tried to sell them what  we have in these chests...they chose to..'make us wait'... so? we left..word  got out  of what we had in the chests..so  they now follow us, i would not sell it to them...

 Tental Nods, his smile gone,..are we to kill them?

 ..No..not  yet.... You  lead us home.... have  your people..'make them wait'..then they can travel the road to the Village...

 ..and if they choose to leave?

 Let Them...but i do not thnk they will, the chests  are full of vials of Engar  White...

 Tental lets out a LOng whistle......Your father may not be pleased....Engar white..well...

 Our Mages and Sages should find  good work for it to do.... if  the Village  sells it to the magelings... that is fine... But I will not  have  my name attached to that sale...

 Tental chuckles,..well...let us go... we sighted your camp last eve... the totem sages  are waiting   more numbers!..and Your father   has a feast of sorts in the Village  center..of course..there is also a caravan of the Sand Folk there..so..i think he is trying to polish out gem..aye?

 He Looks over the  group at Lucky, Diana, Shadow Mist and Brie...Perhaps one of thses new Arrows  would deem to spend the night with me...?

 he leads the way with Kree and the others  follow..

  stepping out of the trees like  green clad wraiths.. some humans elves and halfelves  move to the  Arachway, to greet the Mages.

Brie glowers her eyes at the comment of accompanying this new elf, whether it friend or foe of Kree or not.  She quickly walks by and follow the group with the chest.

I do hope that your cousin, is kidding, she said to Ivy as she passes him.

Aside from being an accompanying guest to this new blonde elf, Brie was excited to see where they were heading and hearing more word about Kree's father.  It did make her a bit on the nervous edge side.

Lisfual continues with pursed lips at that comment but doesn't really look at the group and continues on with the group.

Diana didn't say anything.  She shot the elf a dirty look, and that was about it.

When the group began to move on, she was very happy about it.

In reply to into the trees (msg # 2):

"Like hell." Lucy said under her breath.  Anyone close to her, clearly heard what she said.

For a moment, her claws came out, but quickly withdrew.  It happened in a split second.

She was happy to move on the village, only gave a brief backwards glance at the elf who had spoken.  Then she put him out of her mind.

  They walked for a few Moments , the Forest  was DarK and Cool..Fading light  from the sun, barely filtered  down.

  Tental walked  with  Kree, Ivy was on  the other side, none of their weapons were  ready.

  ..So? Who  has it been , since last we came?

 Tental smiled,..Well.. Your Father is  the #2 Elder  now....They made Grenwal the  third  Elder.

 ..The High Peak Dwarf?

 Another  grin from Tental,Aye, Good Ivy.... They felt it was time to allow one of the other races  that have  helped  rebuild Razorhawk Village... and? He is  as Much Black Timber, as he ever was a High Peak Dwarf...

  ..You do have new  Numbers  for the totem.... they did add the numbers  you sent   a bit ago...

 Kree  patted his tunic,..aye..i have...

 Tental let out a whistle , a few moments later a Young half elf woman swung into being  from the trees...She Looks at Ivy and kree..and says,edhel en' gurtha !..it is a great Honor!

 Kree looked a bit  embarrassed, Tental waved her back,Lannia..please take  Good  Kree's  Numbers back to the   Village so they  can have them ready  for when we arrive?

 Kree handed her the parchment and she  smiled once more,..I hope to see you...and your friends, of course..at the feast!

 tucking the parchment into a pouch,  she  ran up the  Vine like a  spider, and  swung back into the  thick boughs...

 There is a  quick head shake,..best get used to it, Cousin....the young ones  have been inspired by you... the old ones..angry at you aid to those who seem not to care to help us?

 Kree's  face darkened  as they began to walk once more,we are a merc  Group... but  i use that as a weapon to  find and Kill slavers... Ivy and I, are still on the Black Hunt...

 Perhaps?.... But i think that thing that softens them, is the coin you bring back..

  Kree  chuckles  as  he and Ivy continue to walk... tental slips back in with the others. His  Arrow  pin  is  displayed around his neck.  he will try and chat with each of them, Asking them how they like the life of 'An Arrow'

Brie quietly walked along, only pausing as the rest of the group did.  When Tental got close, she ignored him unless he pressed her for information or details.  Her weapons were put away since she knew they were in safe area.

   Orlin, observes and continues.  His staff? for once it follows suit.

   Pounding of  Drums  were picked up, by those with  great hearing... another  half Mile or  so... the group  realized, they were not on the trade road any longed, a tighter, clean path, that would  shave Miles off their  journey .

  Tental , still trying to talk with  the Arrows, spoke up... They will not  reach the Village  until  Midday tomorrow..that is..If The Elders  accept them...

  Looking around he calls up to Kree ,..your  people  do not seem to like me, Cousin?

 There is a bit of a Half smile, as Kree turns, walking backwards,..we have had some trust issues , of late? And, Not  all my comrades are as....fun loving..as  I...

Brie chuckled.  You can say that again.

She then went back to looking at the area they were walking thru and taking it all in.

 Those  who have been in true, Elven forests..may have had a slight  idea of the beauty and Majesty that was the Black Timber.

  Even the Ironwood  elves, who sold out there trees, did not have they look of the BLack Timber... Dark, with greens and browns... The first moon was starting to shine a bit... the Night bloomers were   opening up... sweet smells filled the  air, brining in night birds and insects to do their jobs.

 A Rather Large Bear came across the Path, no 40 yards  from them.. it  stood on hits  Hind legs  and   roared a bit... then dropped  down and continued to walk into the trees on the other side.

 The Pipes...strings and voices  could  just be heard now as they drew  nearer the Village...a soft light in the distance, gave a hint, of where the Village stood.

 Tental snapped his  Finger as he said,..Kree?..The Metal fellow, who had  trouble with his speech?.. He did not  die...did he?

 There was an easy laugh,..Justin?.... Nay..he  wanted to try and lead a unit... I allowed my comrades to choose if they wished to come with me... or go with Him... 3 of the newer  folks went with him...

   Tental nodded thoughtfully and  continued to walk among the others.

   Orlin.... looked at the trees with undisguised affection.  His step was light like that of a child despite his huge form and the weight he carried.  Those familiar with the trees would know they are aware of his presence.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:09, Thu 27 Apr 2017.

   The Music  was Much Louder now..Voices couldbe heard  chanting along...smells from the Cook fires  drifted into the trees

  ...For Those who have mot Been here?.... Welcome to my Home....


 >>>>>>>>>>Kree unti to Razorhawk Village.

 She follows the others in the group. She is tired of walking and will be glad to reach the village and rest.

  "I am honored."  Orlin says formally

<<<<<<<<<<<  Kree's Unit, from Razorhawk Vilage

    The walk, relaxed... the  road ( such as it is) shows sign of wagons and foot traffic, but, not near as much as the roads to the human cities.

  we will keep an easy past for most of the Day There is a small farm and PAtch houses, we should reach by day's end.. we can stay  there..though, the Inn they have may not have enough rooms.

   the  team walked for a bit, mostly quiet. Some of the folks  who have never been in  The Black Timber, same the Massive Ironwood trees  and Black oaks. spread through out.  Pine trees and such were   in copse , and though they were bigger then most forests..they will still dwarfed  by the  mightly "lifeblood" trees.

 Kree  felt the  need to give a history Lesson...many of these trees with  Old, when Elder Bleackroot's  grandparents  were  babes.... Now and again..Lighting  or   wind  might  claim on.. or perhaps  the odd creature that some how sneaks into the wood.. when that Happens.  Our people   cut it  Down  and  send a message to Ironmound fro them to send a crews of   lumber handlers up... they will  cut the   offering to fit their purposes , and even try to take the Longs  down the Tou River.....normally they  will make the planks sized to order... right  out side the  Forest  and take them back in caravans...  its the biggest time the  Forest receives  coin from the crown..the money is  always  spread among the  Vilages, Unless  the tree  came from their  own settlement

Lafisual walks along enjoying the forest some more relative quiet.  He listens to the forest and generally ponders he visits to the temples in this context knowing that later on he will have to be more alert.

Luthien had little to add to that, most of his thoughts on the desert, if it comes to that. Hopefully the commander will find something better to do before they get there.

   they walked  for another  2 hours.. the  forest was warm from the  sun as it fought through the branches and boughs of the forest.  but a breeze, mostly from the south west managed to make its  way through, sending the  cooler , shade birthed  , air  along the road.

 Two  Riders  on sleek, thin looking horses were riding  hard down that path towards them, Loam and leaves  thrown up in their wake.

  Kree, Ivy and any other   with elven eyes made out that they were  wardens, well before, they came in normal sight...

  They Slowed  as the reached The  Arrows,  and  the  Male   stopped,..Hail, and well met. I have heard a group of Arrows  had returned with some grand news.... I should have Known it would have been your unit...

 turning his head to the  others   as a younger , shorter  Female  sat  and gave them a cheerful smile, Unlike Kree's people, she had  facial tattoos, that some how manages to highlight her beauty, rather then erase it.

 ..I am Captain Polis..This is SGT  Cali...

 Kree  puts  a Hand to His chest and Bows his head  slightly,<DarkGreen>from the Village of  Gelvis..at the south end of  The Timber...</DarkGree(more later..RP what you wish)

   The Captain  asked,what brings  you  this way?... I hear you seem to prefer the  City!

 Kree smiled slightly ( Ivy and  the SGT were sorta, eyeing each other),...aye..in a way,  My cousin and I have more  experaince treading the streets there.. as does out  old comrade  reedrick, who now commands out Headquarters there.,But? to answer you.. we  are ehaded this  way, that we might make  our way to Mok?  There is a Unti of Arrows who have not been heard from, for some time....

 The Captain pushes  his helmet back a bit as he looks  over the group,Mok is a bit out of your territory..aye?...Carn's   team  roams there?

 ...so does the team that is  missing..and Carn  claims no news....

 what of you... you seem to be riding hard, for a Warden? he grins.

 The smile  came back to him,Aye.... we had   had  two caravan of  Sand folk come through our Village... and the trade  went rather well.. we bring  some of that Coin, to be stored, in case of  war..The Sandfolk are..... a bit...shaken though.

 why is that?

 ..sand folk are like most humans.. they have those who are good, and those who will do anything for coin....every now and again, there sand patrols  find catfolk  , humans  and Reds  together....and..some of the Human are sandfolk...it is no secret  that some of the coast runners  are sailing sand folk, who make a great deal of coin, in the slave market....They also make alot of coin, selling prize vessels to the Red Isle..or the red Elves...not  to mention, the normal Human Pirates... we are brining that news to your Village as well..so the Elders Might decide  what to do...

  Kree snorted,..I will tell you want to do,, Captain. You start sending Wardens  on patrols  outside the trees at night..and kill any slavers in thier sleep.. leave the Bodies  as a message of others

 The Captain grinned,..I Have heard that is your Way, CAptain... But  I will folow what the Elders say...

 ..I will follow  that way.... best to end them..then toy with them The SGT  said.

 Kree smiled at her,sounds like you ahve a wee bit of Trace Wood in you...

 she smiled,aye... my parents  settled in after sailing Up the Lather to find a farmstead , outside the trees...all we  found was  slavers..since that time.. My Father and I have  Lived in  Gelvis..we are both wardens.. though..sometimes I feel the call of the Arrows...

 ..You get to Razorhawk Village.... you ask for Tental.. you can compare  Tatoos..

 ..we should be  getting along..Fair travels  you  and your Arrows...   The riders    took off the  SGT taking a last smiling glance at Ivy...

Brie took a flank to help scout and keep an eye out on any wanton intruders.  When Kree and Ivy came upon the new people, she stopped and watched then made her way up to them standing behind Kree and off to the side a bit more.

She stood and listened as Kree talked with them. She gave them a friendly nod.

   Continuing the  walk,  Kree was  quiet for a bit  then said  aloud,... this is going to make the Going a bit rough... there are going to be sand people who may...or may not...be enemies, that we will run into. The bottom line here? If they have the look or..we find evidence , that they are slavers  or Bandits, they die, just like  any others..

  It was always a bit easy before... if you saw sand folk in  The realm, you knew them to be traders, or  mercs..even pilgrims?..Now?  we will not have any easy time telling them from  others, as we have  telling  realm-walkers  from each other...

    Orlin had been walking quietly through the woods as his people are want to do.  He walks slightly to the side of the group so he has good vision before and behind and so he has ample space around him.  these are the traits of one used to walking alone.

In reply to Orlin lion soul (msg # 25):

Gareth takes the other side of the party watching for ambushes and spies. "I enjoy the dark of the woods and wish I could be hunting in it."

  There is a chuckle  from Kree and Ivy,..should you   retire and  settle down in the Forest.. you will be permitted to hunt of forest broehters and sisters, as long as it is to keep you and your family fed...

 Ivy  waves a hand to the North east,..One may Hunt the  Swamp... the  grasslands, the  Moutnains,.... for a fee the trace Elves will allow you to hunt..and the Ironwood  elevs  will allow  people to hunt, for a fee as well... to Kill for anything othert the  food, or self defense..is to suffer  from a shorten lifespan.

  There is another  laugh,..There are parts of the Timber, that we allow outlanders to enter..but we watch them. If they gather  fruit, nuts and dead wood.. that is  fine. But? if they cut down a liviing  Tree, of  Kill a prize creature, just because...it is a prize  creature.. then... they never  leave the  Trees.,

 ...except the one time... Ivy was laughing.

 Aye.... There was a grand Patron of Tra. He would take a small army with him, to find Beasts that are grand trophies, sometimes, if a great beast was harassing townsfolk somewhere.. but.. you would thing he  would fight slavers instead.. he  can mount  as many heads of theirs that he would have wanted.

 He waves it off,..so?.. he made a  big donation to Tra, in Ironmound and set out to Kill a Forest  Runner..we do not need his help, to cull beasts from out lands.... when he was within 2 Miles of the Timber, we sent out  scouts to warn him....when he was within one mile , we sent out scouts to warn him... so he Veered to the south west a bit and entered the forest, closer to  the  Swamp lands.... Half of His  people stayed behind, because they did not wish to violate , the warnings  we  gave..   He did manage to take the ehad of a Rather large  Forest runner, about  half a day later...the 4 men that were  with him shot it with  crossbows  tipped in  a poison to slow it  down.. then he used his longbow to weaken it  further, before  taking its  head...

 The story goes.. his for   men at arms were never found, But the  Wardens presented  the head of the Hunter to the 4 who stayed outside our lands, along  with thier  master's  weapons, the rest of his body was given to  the forest .. The  Temple of Tra  sent envoys asking  for reparations, for the loss of their  greatest donor...  Our   Priest met them outside the trees, and explained the warnings, in the end? if we will not allow Ironmound troops in the forest... we are not going to  allow  folks to  come  and kill for sport.

 She trudged along listening to the others speaking or lecturing with half an ear, her mind tumbling over the things she heard, and her discussions with Lafisual, and her beginning unease about what to do with her future. She'd wait to see how working with the Arrows would be before making any decisions.

"I too am a hunter. But there is such a thing as respecting other people's wishes. The world is very, very large. There was game all over the world to be hunted."

Then again, Luthien's main prey is a bit different, particularly considering the arms he bears.

"Come to think of it, you actually wouldn't even need to call me if a demon did show up. I bought these weapons from your home...which means they're more than prepared."

  Kree  Turns his head  towards Luthien,..you would be surprised  at the  finds my people  make, when they must slay trespassers, or invaders.  Most think they only have to worry about   scattered pockets of  forest dwelling elves, who weave baskets and tan hides.

 ..almost any Vilage  may  have something of use, that the  folks who live there, do not care to use...or..perhaps  do not have the coin to buy.

  There was some  sounds   coming  from  down the road, echoing of the 'tunnel' of   boughs and branches... Kree  held  Up a Finger  and  mad a 'lowering motion, for  his  group to move silent  and slow.

 they rounded the Slight Bend. A forest Runner... a mid-aged one, only 8 foot tall at the  head,  its  short arms waved  about     . Its  Tail slashed the air..  by his huge  clawed feet  lay a Stag with a Young  one near it... The Young One  Bleated in fear.. the   Older  stag was   struggling to Get up.. it had  Clawed wounds on its  side.

  But what bothered  the  Forest Runner the most,  was the  swarm of small birds, no bigger then the coin pouches on the Arrows' belts.

 a few of the birds lay on the road.. some fluttered trying to get up..others laid still. But the  others, dozens of them zipped around the Forest  Runner,  Its head with an elongated snout, snapped the air.. it was rewarded  with a hapless bird   that would get  caught in the massive maw... but.. the other   Birds  would  Fly In their   heads  lowered  as the boney , sharp  head crest  sliced into the  thick hide of the  Forest runner.. Others   her on the back  of the creature.. rapidly pounding their crests into its back  and  Neck. Wounds  covered the Forest Runner    and One eye seemed to be Damaged.

  Ivy  had an arrow nocked   and Aimed at the   large creature...Easy Cousin.. let us  see if our namesakes can win this battle on thier own....

 ..Razorhawks..Totem of our Clan. They Fly in large  Flocks.. they maintain settlements, high in the trees..... they hunt  for prey, that hunts other  prey..In My life, i have never seen them eat carrion.. but i have seen them Kill and  eat Humaniods that hunted other creatures.... once the Hunters Have fed.  they tear off  large chunks of flesh , to carry to thier  nesting settlements..... they will return again and  again, for more, Until the  kill has been picked  clean.. they also never attack any creatures that come out to feed on the Kill...in a way.. they share their bounty with their forest family.... They will  take thier  wounded comrades back to thier settlement... they leave the dead behind.  most of  are arrow  heads  are made from the  dead Razorhawk crests ..or.. if you are luck, and find where the Razor hawks  are nesting, you will find  crests from those who have died at the settlement, and fell to the forest floor... There are Some Alphas..male or female.. that grow a bit bigger.. they tend to  lead and protect the settlements.. they might  grow to twice the size  as a normal Razorhawk... but?  I have seen flocks  without an Alpha, so there must be other ways, they chose  whom to follow.

   If  Eta and Netta  are with you... and you approach a flock... one may  land  by you... if it does,  it will leave the flock and become your partner.... it is rare, that it happens... but it is a great feeling  for a warrior bird to chose you...  Ivy said softly

 ..it also leads  to  great sorrow.. as the birds  only live 10-12 years?.. when your  feathered  comrade dies.. it leaves a hole...


 The   Forest runner  was reeling   from the onslaught now.. the wounded Stag was up on its   feet staggering towards  the group..its   young  still bleating in terror...

...Let us..... take a few steps.. se what aid  we may give the Stag... and? see if   the Razorhawks can use  a hand.... be wary though... should they think you wish to harm the stag..

Lafisual nods a smile in Shadow's direction as Kree talks sharing a knowing glance about uncertainty.  He listens carefully as Tra is referred to and again as they approach the upcoming scene.  He heeds the warning to not look threatening to the birds.

Brie was in awe of the scene before them.  It was amazing to see this type of battle.  It didn't take long for Kree's comment to hit her ears.  Being akin of the forest like those birds she was off and started targeting the same creature the birds were attacking.  She drew her bow and started firing using the foliage as a shield.

   Orlin gazes to the hawks and speaks directly to them.  "Brothers of the wind, My comrades seek to help the stags.  I have medicine that may help.  Let us approach.  We will assist if you need it."

   as the group slowly Approaches the scene.. The Forest Runner  roars, its One  Good wide at the  sight of the Humanoids .

   Brie's  arrows  slam into the Creature  and  it  roars more... it is  staggering   as it  shakes its head, slamming it s tail on the ground , again and again...

 The   Birds   continue their  Attack... The stag is  pushing its   calf  towards the trees with its  head , as it staggers.. the little one too frightened  to move much , on its own.

 Ivy Sends  a shaft into its  right thigh.. trying to hamper its movement.

In reply to Kree's unit (msg # 34):

Gareth loose a volley at the forest runner to protect the fawn.
17:45, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 17 using 1d20.  arrow 2.
17:45, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 14 using 1d20.  arrow 1.

  Gareth's  shafts.. zip into the  Creature, one near its belly the other on its  right flank as it  turned..

 Deep wounds were showing  in the  creature's back, at least 5  razorhawks  hammered  away with their bone crests Bloody, some bits of flesh  flying as they drew their heads back.

Now that it appears the help is wanted, Lafisual fires arrows into the creature as he is able.

 Laf's arros   hit the  creature.. to be fair.. it was  hard not to hit the thing... it was  big and distracted and in pain...

  another    bird  fell to the ground and lay  still as the   swiping tail managed to hit as it  flew past.

In reply to Kree's unit (msg # 36):

Aiming again Gareth releases 2 more shafts.

19:28, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 18 using 1d20.  arrow 2.
19:28, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 11 using 1d20.  arrow 1.

"Wait little ones ". Orlin says approaching the deer.  "I have a salve that will help you heal."

 Once she saw the battle she slipped to the shadows trying to slink up behind the Creature, and if she can, when all others were done striking at the beast, she'd try to flank it and strike it from behind, in such a way as to disable or kill it.

 Kree  Nocked  an Arrow  and  Fired On shaft that bit   into the chest of the Creature.

 Gareth's  next two and varied success.. one grazed off   and into the trees.. the other   hit  lower in the  belly.

  Ivy was taking care with his aim, fired  another  shot as he tried to  move between the   , slowly escaping, stag.. his next shaft went in the right hip.

 The tail Thrashed  about,  Shadowmist received a  defected  whap as it  hit the  Ground... despite the  bit of   Pain she came up on the  creature's  right  side , Stabbing the beastie,  and causing  more damage   as  she withdrew  the Balck... The  Forest Runner  screamed out a loud  Cry, and then one of Rolf's arrow's slammed into its left side.

 As orlin approached the Stag.. it snorted, painfully.. and  tried to push the  frightend  calf  away...As it watch the bigger  humanoid come closer.

 Birds     slammed  into the  creature more often  now, one eye gone, the Forest Runner  wasn't going to  make it.. it was swaying, its   tail dragged  more then Flicked

Brie saw some of the birds falling to the ground during the struggle and if she could get to them safely and in time, she'd swoop one up and scurry away to put it a safe distance from harm.

She then returned to firing at the larger beast.

Now that is seems the creature won't make it, Lafisual gently moves toward the stag and casts cure wounds on it.

Lucy attacked from the rear of the creature as well.  She had quickly scaled a tree, and attacked the creature in a downward attack, landing on it's back and stabbing the creature repeatedly.

Diana notched and fired two arrows at the creature, joining in the attack a bit late.

Orlin had the salve in one hand.  There was a topical pain killer in it that took affect immediately, however it was little more than an antibiotic layer that protected the wound from infection.  The healing factor was there but only doubled the rate of healing that would take at least weeks.  It could help these deer much more than it would in battle.

Orlin calmly and gently crouched down and slowly reached out toward deer's injured shoulder.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:58, Wed 07 June 2017.

 If/when the Creature goes down, she will offer it the coup de grace so it doesn't suffer needlessly. Once she is finished, she will go back to her pack and clean the scrape she received from the tail.

    Orlin and Laf ........  reach the  Stag.. It's  wide  round eyes  roll as it watches them, It tries to Put itself between  the calf and the Arrows.

   Laf's spell  heals some of the Cuts, they are not as  beep and the  blood  no  longer  flows. but  raw skin  and glistening flesh still show.

   As the larger, Orlin steps over   It seems to freeze..the Calf  Bleating  and Bleating, but the firbog  gently  fills the wounds  with the  salve... the creature  seems to relax as  its head turns from Orlin to  Laf..its eyes   no as wide...

   Diana's Arrow  fly... .the first goes off into the trees the second one  hits in the lower left of the Neck, more  blood   then the normal arrow  wounds pours.. The Forest Runner is staggering...

  Brie....  finds  two  wounded  Razorhawks and  carried  them off to the  side.. another 6..looks like they will never fly again, as they lay still and Broken.


 Lucy... is on the back of the creature  stabbing  Down.. much like a Razorhawks, the Blood  and bits of flesh   fly , the Birds    change attacks to  hack  at different areas  then hers.

Shadowmist...slashes  at the  right  flank again.. the  beast shutters  from the Attacks..its roars  are now of Pain, and not of Anger..

 Kree, Ivy and Rolf  all send  another  Arrow  each into the body of the Beast

 Gareth  adds  one last shaft as  well.

 The  Creature   shutters, Its head Lolling  from  side to side.. one last, loud roar and the thing  falls to the  Ground near the   the left side of the road..on its  right side... the  arrows snap off or are driven further in, on that side...The creature's head   slams to the  ground.. two as  Breaths  as its  ruined eye looks up, into the sky.

 Kree  has his Bow up , then slowly Lowers it... he calls out to his  Unit,Retrieve  what arrows you may...  Take a Claw or tooth, if you wish as something to wear...not many folks  kill a Forest Runner  , this large... not only,  will it gain you some respect...but , to the right Jeweler , or Potion salesman.. it could be worth a few Gold...

 The Elf  Approaches the Body, Pulling Out    his dirk.. he  Cuts  a plug of Flesh around the first of his arrows and  removes it, flicking the flesh off with the balc and checking the arrow head.

 Ivy  Says.....Kree.... Alpla!

 Kree  Turns and a Larger  Razorhawk, female by its coloring. is sitting On the body..with a chucnk Of Flesh in its  beak... her head crest is bloodied  by the  battle... It hops over jerking its Head to Kree... Kree holds out his right hand, it  Drops the flesh into his hand... it tilts  its head back and forth.

  Kree  drops  the arrow from his left hand and reaches into his belt pouch to Pull out an Ration and holds it out to the  Razorhawk..  the Bird  takes  the  ration  and  swallows it, Kree  takes the  Forest runner  flesh and eats it... It chirps a few times  and Flys  back to the body, as the  Unit  witnesses  the harvesting , being  done but the  birds...  a line. more or less is forming, going  from the   body, into the trees.. with  birds coming and going...

  The Alpha tears off larger  chunks then the   normal size   Razorhwaks, and flies it back to wards their nesting area....

 other alphas  come down..searching for wounded Hawks to take home.

 Ivy  Chuckles,..mmmmm...raw lizard..must taste great!

 ...Tastes like kissing a Lizard woman....only less  salty...

Kree  reaches  for his  leather  Canteen and  drinks making a face   . Then, goes back to  getting his arrow, he can only retrieve 2 ..then, Beings to Climb, the works on getting  a tooth..

  He turns back, and says,According to the teachings of Tra... you must Cut your own trophy ....

  Ivy is working on taking a Claw   from one of the three finger  arms

Lafisual, seeing that the stag appears to be in decent shape for now, moves around the the various wounded birds and casts healing on them as well.  Looking to Shadow he adds, I can look at that in a moment if needed.  Just let me tend to this first.

 by the time Laf  finished his part of dealing with the Stag, the   other Alphas have  taken the two wounded   Razorhawks into the air...

 all that was left  were 5 dead hawks on the ground, that they could, not counting  those  that made for a 'last snack' fro the creature as they fought.

  Shadowmist  was limping a bit, but nothing  nasty.

   Orlin goes over the stag checking all the injuries and looking for signs of bone or soft tissue damge that might be lasting.  If allowed he will also apply salve to the fawn.

Although Lucy isn't really one for taking "trophies", she does decide to take an ear.  She slices the body part off, before taking some water and washing the blood off of her clothing and weapons.

Brie wasn't concerned at the moment for getting the tooth or claw, though later she may regret it.  However, her current concern were for the injured birds.  She gathered up the ones that looked well enough she could heal.  The ones that looked could be taken care of by the other birds, she'd shoe them off in their direction.  The others, she pulled out a cloth and tucked them into it nicely.  For those at death's door, she said a silent blessing of peace for them.

Once she was done, she made a low sound for the nearest critter to come to her.  With the package of the razorhawk birds safely bundled up, she awaited for whatever creature heard her call to arrive.  She would send the injured birds back to Kree's village to be tended too.

  The Alpha's carry away  the wounded... in time, making trips back and  forth.. the razorhawks   slice and  grab chunks of   the lizard  and  take  them away... it is eerie  as they do it all in silence...

 Some Razorhawks   stand near Brie, tilting their heads as she bundles up  some of their Comrades.

.............

  Lucy manages  to  cut   the slice of reptile leather  wear the ear hole would be.
......................

  After Orlin and  Laf's aid..the Stag and its  calf..  move off into the trees.

After watching the stag head off and then realizing there is nothing he can do for the birds except let Brie bundle the deceased, he moves over to see about healing Shadow's injuries.

   Orlin watches the deer go then turns to the runner. "The lizard hide could come in handy, and the bones are strong.  The Razor hawks are only interested in the meat right?"

  Kree  nodded to Orlin,... Just so, but take  care, in what you take... The Alpha has  shown we could share in thier  Kill....

 Ivy Nods as he wipes off the foreclaw...... in the Forest, one shares when one can.... one takes  when  one needs... one gives, when  one does not need...

Brie speaks a variety of tongues that she's heard when out in the forest.  She sees the concern that the other birds around her are giving and she does her best to speak fowl language to explain that they will be taken to a place where they will be cares for and safe even if they can't fly any more.

  Kree  slides  down the   creature, careful not  to get in the  way of the Harvesting    Birds.

   He is chuckling as he nears Brie and the  confused  Razorhawks on the ground...I know  not, what you are syaing? But if you called for aid?... I think they are it?

  Ivy  took his bald   and  cut the shafts of his that did not look salvageable ...whatever   any of you wish to take.. you best do it  now..if you want Hide you can  take from the haunches and  belly, they will not get there for a bit...

Brie looked from the confused birds to Kree and back to the birds chuckling.  I see, she said.  I'm still learning so much.  Never can tell whose going to show up.

She gives a laugh again and then mutters some fowl language and hands off the bundle to the strongest looking bird.  She tells it to take it to Razorhawk village and to find a quiet boy that he will tend to them.  She slips a small parchment in the bundle and mutters some more for them to take off.

She looks up to Kree and gives a girlish giggle.  So much I learned being out in the woods just meandering about, she said.

She then gathers the rest of her stuff up and reorganizing her pack quickly.  She goes to the creature and gathers the arrows that were standing out from the flesh.  She made sure to get her own and not someone else's, though she'd pull them out and hold onto them in case someone came wanting them.

I guess this was a once in a lifetime occasion, she says over her shoulder to Kree behind her.

   Kree was   wiping  the  blood from the arrows  he managed to save..checking the  heads, and  smoothing the fletchings,  he did it as he looked around, almost second  nature,

 well?... The Balck Timber   has alot to teach... and if  we go to the trace Wood.. we will even have  more to learn...  I have been roaming these lands  for a good   5 years.. there are alot of  stuff i do not know....

 Ivy  Grins as she comes  up  to them,..Aye..But there  are alot of  folks that know you..one way or the other!

Brie couldn't help but poke back at Ivy's own jesting to Kree.

Aye, and I'm certain there's not a fair lass that hasn't heard of you either, Ivy, she says with a plain smile turning smirk.

Sounds like traveling this area would be rather interesting at a later time, she looks back to Kree and smiles giving him a wild adventurous look.

In reply to Brestine Darksbane (msg # 61):

"Thank you for rescuing my shafts. It is not every day a young woman gives a man a shaft." In a slightly laughing way.

Brie turns and looks to Gareth and the additional arrows that she had gathered and was holding onto.  She hands them over and giggles at his comment.

I'm quite certain it won't be the last, she said.  If any of them are damaged, when we rest I can work on some of them if you have spare pieces.

She gives them a quick look over as he takes them and does with them as he pleases.

Otherwise, may have to wait to the next town to stock up or have them mended.

  Kree grins,...you do not know the   thrill of  running through the deep forest here... when you have chased  slavers or bandits... it becomes a contest, between you and the tress.. who will get them first...Some elves..Like those of the ironwood, have lost sight of that..so thier trees , no longer are thier comrades... yet, the balance is..even the Humans who grow to live here..are touched by the   trees.

  The he turns to the others,..if any here  want any spoils from the Forest Runner.. take it now, we will rest here... if not? we will be on our  way, and  leave the   Razorhawks to thier   task.

Orlin strips off a wide swath of the belly and rolls it quickly "We have ground to cover.  I will not delay us further."

After tending to Shadow and casting a spell if necessary, Lafisual heads over to Brie and thanks her for the arrows.  He then shrugs and grabs a tooth.  After studying in a bit, he finds a place for it in his pouch.

  Once all were  ready, Kree   whistled to get everyone's attention   and  they moved out. Shadowmist was  well healed  by Laf.  As they Left an Alpha watched them go..turning its head now  and then

   We will travel another  Hour  or two... if the  farm is in sight, we will push on to get there.. esle wise, we will find a suitable spot...

 Ivy placed his  claw in a belt pouch, though he had to wiggle the thing a bit to get it to fit.... Funny to see a forest runner  this  early in the day... they noramlly will not hunt, until right before, and right after, sunset?

 ...Hard to tell...maybe the riders woke them, made them hungry for horseflesh?

Luthien had observed the Forest Runner, and the others had killed it before he'd had to draw his bow. And then the Razorhawks saw fit to help. It was...very interesting.

Orlin tucked the thinner , more flexible belly hid under his arm.  The creature was big enough to give him plenty of skin and he wondered how long the razor hawks would take to dismantle it. "If it were closer to where we would camp, it would have been interesting to help the Razor hawks harvest the creature.  I've not seen birds as intelligent or compassionate as that before.  I wonder if they care for the young of the fallen."  He thinks, "Do they eat all of the soft tissue or just fat and muscle?"

 while they walk, kree     turns, walking backwards to answer ,..very few, have ever made it to the canopy, where Razorhawks  dwell.. It is a Long way  up, that there are dangers in the tress, one would not think on?  Sages  say they  have  Cone  shaped  homes  made of  sticks and leaves.. the   Boughs  and Limbs help protect them from the elements.. and larger  Hunters of the air...... some say they have  sacks , made from vines, they store  food in... bad  food drips down to the forest floor?..none have had any word, on the working of a Razorhawk settlement ..because none have ever been able to stay long.

"One would think the Druids would've spent some time studying them. Then again, they may not be forthcoming with what they've learned."

At least, that seems reasonable.

     Kree   holds his arms out, his left hand holding his  bow,..That may be, Good Luthien...and  if any have the skill to  make the long  Journey upwards, it could be them?

   Still? I for one, would not  wish to make that climb, unless  lives depended on it!

  "Climbing is not the only way into the canopy."

  Kree Grins,  deftly stepping over a bough on the road with hardly seeing it,..That is  true,  orlin... but.. most things  coming from above, give   nesting settlements a wide  birth.... even the snakes that  live in the Canopy seem to shun , going to near.... there are alot of   snake  sketetons to be found when you walk the    forest, when not using the roads.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 66):

Brie nudges into him and smiles.  You and I will have to do that one day, she said and once she saw the injured birds off she gathered what was left and started walking in her normal flank position.

  Kree  nods to Brie,..aye. mayhaps , next we come home..I know of only one area , under a settlement, we could  gather crests for arrow heads.

  He turns, back forward,  As the group continues  down the grassy road , they can hear some  birds Call,  sometimes rustles, or down right crashing in the  forest.

  once such Crash, Kree's arm points to the left of the road,..some fool of a sage, in Ironmound, was giving a Street corner  speech... he asked..' if a tree falls  and  noe one sees it, does it make a noise.."... you now know..it does...

 Ivy shook his head,..sages... they are like spell flingers.. i think the  book dust  gets in thier  heads...

   Once a  Long Plumed Bird Glided  silently across the road...Long Purple  feathers, with  spots of Yellow  feathers. Ivy Points...Its a Barrow Bird!

  Kree frowns,..Barrow Birds  .... they hunt for burial mounds.. and feed of the  insets that eat the dead... some say..they too, eat the dead.... do not let the  colors fool you.. though they seem graceful.. they  will attack, if  disturbed..... Wild Elevs, and Humans   try to capture them.... in the city, they bring  great coin for people's  gardens and such, after thier wings are clipped.....some used them to help find  Barrows and such for looting...though they must be trained  early... Both Humans  and orcs will eat the birds.. But i am not one for  eating something..that eats dead humanoids ..

 ..some  say the feathers will add10 to 15 yards to a well made arrow... I have never seen an arrow flecthed  with such feathers.., so i cannot  agree, nor disagree

Do they not molt on occasion?  Are their feathers hard to get?

 Kree nods....Aye, they do... but the wind is the bane of those  who seek feathers. Thatv is one reason i gather  feathers to  take back to CArr... at least, until  he gets the skills to hunt the trees himself.

 there was a breeze at their level, ...above the  wind  was much more active.

does he fletch?

   Kree shakes his head,..not as of  yet. ..His..adoptive  Father is trying to ahve  him  learn to be a farmer.. the mother. might have learn the fletcher  trade?.... I am try to teach him the way of the Bow..hoping he may be a Warden....but, I am not around enough to have much say, in what the lad  will choose.

    "The boy rides well.  The old one seems to enjoy him.  There have been hundreds of years of history after his bindin.  No mention of the beast takin interest in a humanoid like this."  The staff makes a comment and Orlin gives it a scornfull look.  "And where would the boy get a mount such as yourself.  It may be near your original shape but that's my body and power your drawing from so we are out of the picture." It mumbles again and Orlin get's a suprised look on his face, "Obvious objections aside, why are you interested in this lttle village in the woods when you have been nothing but a bain to my people for centuries before your capture, and a burden for centuries after?"

 Ivy Looks   to Orlin, then to some of the others,..so.. the  beg Felow... he talks to his  stick ...often?

 Kree shrugs,..I think he listens, more then talks.....

  Ivy  blinked a few times,ohhh..aye.. that is much better.......

The stick can be heard laughing at Ivy.

 She watched the birds eating warily glad she wasn't there alone. It was gruesome!

Brie giggles and tries to recompose herself.  Between Orlin, the staff, and Ivy she couldn't contain her outburst of laughter.

She cleared her throat and mussed with her attire. I can see Carr being a great addition to the group once of age.

She adds.  He's got a spirit I see in so few.

   The  group moves  through the forest. Kree and  Ivy seemed overly relaxed. The creatures making  noise in the forest or  crashing through the trees.

   ..I am Thinking  we have another  hour or  so, to come up  upon the  Patch farm.   Keep an eye out... Wardens or no?  they cannot cover the whole of the Forest, and the wild  creatures are drawen to the farm animals.

Orlins long legs serve him well for making time, but he moves quietly

       There was a bit of a 'lightening ' in the  treetops,after a while.  A Small child  carrying a basket of  Berries  ran   up the road.

   Not Long after  a  Fellow in back skins   and a old battle axe  stood on the road...next to him a  woman in a Dress stood  with a bow  drawn.

 Ivy  Chuckled  at the sight. Kree  Moved a bit a head of the others ..Hail and Well met... Might   we stay at your Barn?

 ..I Answer your Hail... we shall see..whether  we are well met..

 ...we come from Razorhawk Village....

 The woman says  something to the man.. and  lowers her  Bow, The Man  Waves Kree  forward..

 Ivy says softly to the group,....careful how you act.... we  see 2.. but there is a goodly chance.. there  are more....

Luthien replies, mildly, "If we act respectfully, what have we to fear? If their souls are darkened, I will notice."

In reply to Luthien (msg # 91):

Orlin snorts in amusement, but is careful not to act threateningly.

  following the  two,  Kree closes in on them without , overly rushing.  Ivy and  the others  follow  along.

     The  Man Looks  back over his shoulder, perhaps a Little surprised, how  much distance the elf  , closed on him,..You are pushing though the  woods then?

  We have  Just left my Home Village.. we  travel to the South, so  we may exit The Timber, closer to the Lather  River, and  spend less time in the Grasslands..

  ... your  Home?..Then you  know Lic The Miller?

   By now   Kree was  right behind them,..Nay, I have not heard that name... but he may have  joined the village   while i was away...

  have  have not heard of Lic?... Then... you are not  From Razorhawk Village....

  Arrows  not  expected to  know then name of every person who settles.. I have my friends... and  merchants i deal with.... others , need to know me... rather  I.. Them.

 The  woman laughs,... so?  you  are the High and The  Mighty....

 ..I am Neither... but I am ...the deadly...
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:26, Sun 18 June 2017.

    the path was thickly covered. more of a Tunnel, then a path... but opened  up, to an  area, that was the closest think one  could say, was a clearing.


   7 Houses  ringed the clearing,  with  two large Barns at the  North end of the Clearing.. Rows of  corn  Grew in the  Middle of the  field with cabbages and Lettaces and other  greens  growing on the outsides.. and  fruit trees  grew, Just inside, Circle of Houses...Criss Crossed sharpen Poles filled the  spaces between the Houses  and the  thick trees .

  ... Found  Some Razorhawks attacking Forest Runner ,that attacked a Stag  and its  calf. .. we  gave them a  hand....

 ..Your  Group killed a Forest Runner  then?... he stopped, half laughing...

 ..We aided the  Hawks.... they did  as much damage as we, and they suffered some losses  for it... it is..maybe...4 miles or so, as the elf walks.. should you wish to  take part in the spoils..

  The Man Hrumphed  and continued to walk, The woman slowled a step  to walk beside  Kree,what kind of Runner?

  Big head and Teeth.. short arms, Run on  two legs....

 oh.... of  course it was..... rather  then the  4 legged  kind  with the club tail...

 ..those  do not attack   others    to feed, only in  defense.... But these...do.... he pulled , the mostly, clean tooth from  his pouch and Showed it to her... She looked it over looking at some of the   fresh  blood, stick  sticky  near the root.

 An Alpha  traded meat with me... thus allowing those who wished   a trophy to take what we wish...

 The woman handed the tooth  back,..'tis a fine bit o' spoils.. that's is for certain.

 some others were coming out of the Barn.. at least three with leathers  and Bows, the rest were men and women with swords, daggers of  pitchforks.

 The Man stopped, JUst inside the  Houses... there was a store of sorts,  to the right of the   road entrance...YOur  people can stay in the second barn for  one night.... in two ours.. come to the Store..it serves as out  tavern as well... we  will feed you this night.

 ..Thank YOu... next time your are in RAzorhawk Village, tell the folk you offered food and rest to  Kree's   Unit of Crimson Arrows, it should serve you well, when  dealing with the Merchants, buying or selling.

 Kree Pointed to the  BArn and lead the  way  for the Others... The Man looked at Kree , then at the others.. the woman looked like she wanted to say something.. Ivy  just winged.. and then  hand his eyebrows  go up and down a  few times, as he followed his cousin.

Brie let Kree negotiate with the leaders of the village.  She shifted her gear around as they walked to the barn where the group would be staying.  She lifted her water canteen and took a sip as she looked around, carefully.

In reply to Brestine Darksbane (msg # 95):

Gareth climbs up to roof and settles in keeping watch all night.

  After they settle their  things for the Night, Kree says,..let us go  and take part in the food.. and find out what rumors there are...


 as He walks out the  door of the BArn, he looks up at Gareth,..i do not think you need to worry this  night, climb down, lets see what the locals have to say.

Brie settles her gear bag in a corner, hiding hay over it, and with a small dagger in her right boot and the bow strapped firmly to her back, she followed Kree out to commence.

What do you know if these people? she asks quietly.

In reply to Kree's unit (msg # 97):

"I prefer to stay in the open at night. The villagers may be safe but they have no lookouts up high."

  Kree chuckles,Good Fellow.... You are in The Black Timber....Tell me  what you see from up there?

  he  is   smiling, his laugh being  withheld, As he  waits  for the others to head to the Stoe-Inn...building

In reply to Kree's unit (msg # 100):

17:49, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 28 using 1d100.  Spot hidden forest.
17:48, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 53 using 1d100.  Search forest edge.

Gareth gives a report.

"Trees and more trees but night is the foe to vigilance"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Mon 19 June 2017.

Lafisual follows along keeping alert mainly to learn about these new folk (to him anyway).  It seems one lookout is more than enough from the sounds of things.

To the farmer, Orlin says "Thank you sir, may what gods you worship reward you for your hospitality."

  The  elf  just shakes his head  and begisn to move with the others.

  well, cousin?.. we  seem to have  found someone , whose bowstring is a bit too tight?  Ivy adds  with a Grin,..almost like you?

 Kree  half smiles  as the  walk around the   fields in the middle of the settlement,..perhaps.. buy how many of the  13 Hunters are still alive....

 ...just us two..but..

 Kree  just waves him  off  and Ivy frowns........ your bowstring is  still strung too tight....

  when they get closer to the  store-inn, they here some pipes playing.. inside the store ( which is near as big as their barn).. there are  8  round  tables... merchandise is   on shelves  around the room..and the  bar is about half as long , on the   south side..

  there are  4 people  sitting around... the Guy behind the  bar/counter   tells the arrows  to find  seats.. the meal tonight is boar stew, and boar steaks...  there is   Elven Gold  wine, and Elven Black as well a Black Timber ale...water is also   available.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:12, Mon 19 June 2017.

 She followed those going in, into the Inn and found a seat at a big table with others of their group. She put her pack under her chair for safety. She looked interested when the keeper said boar stew and boar steak. She hoped it was cooked over a wood fire for a smoky taste! She ordered when the server comes to take her order.

 "They serve boar steaks? Is it cooked over wood fire so it's smoky flavored? I'll try some of that! Does it come with roasted vegetables too? That sounds delicious. I'll try that please."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Wed 21 June 2017.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 104):

She follows the brothers into the store/inn and pauses near the entrance as she hears the melody of the pipes.  Reminded her of the evening entertainment at her home town's festival, it was a very Gaelic tune and partially froze her in her place until she realized she might be in the way and then kept walking.

She'd overheard Ivy's comment about Kree and shook her head.  Nope, not too tight at all.  Just right. 

She gives a playful wink in Ivy's direction.  She hears the drinks of choice available and shakes her head.

Don't even be thinking about getting me tipsy tonight, Master Quickshadow, your games will not fool me.

Lafisual sits down at the table near Shadow.  He whispers to her, I think they meant boar, but I hear that wood actually adds texture so i will go with woodchucks.  He winks at her playfully.

     The owner of the store/inn has his wife and a few others  brings out  hot  boar stew and  some thin cut boar staeaks

 there are some  side  dishes , Dried  Corn , made into a cream style. and  potato-like  tubers.

  Kree pours a Glass of  Elven Gold  for himself  and  Passes the Elven Black to  Brie, for her to choose.

 Rolf  Get Ale and steak with fixings.

  some of the Village folk join in the   dinner , but most just drink and as questions about the 'realms'.

  Kree  fills them in on CArn's Victory over  the   Mage's Guard Captain...( thought he leaves out any mention on why it happened).. Tells of the missing Arrows ..and the safe return of the Princess.

  In return, the Arrows  hear tales of some catfolk that tried to sneak in through the  southern Trees..  and died with in a day or two... Leaders of the Hunters in the area were perplexed, since the Cat folk and no slaver chains, or the like on them

In reply to Lafisual (msg # 107):

 She nodded and laughed as she realized maybe the server had a speech impediment that someone else had copied accidentally. She waved for Lafisual to join her at her table if he desires to. She listened to the conversations with amusement and laughed at some of the antix told in the stories.

"He is the life of the party isn't he?"

Brie sits next to Kree and looks around the table as everyone takes a seat.  When Kree hands her the black Elven wine, she glowers at him and passes on it.  She looks over the other items they have access to.

  One of the women who was sitting   and eating with a young fellow, finally  stood up,...Good  Captain?  I..I must ask You....

 The Inn/store keeper   glared at her,..not now!.  Allow them to rest...

 Kree's eyes shift at the angry  Inn Keeper to the waomn, her hands   were wringing as she looked, slightly   afraid of the Innkeeper.

 .. Allow the Woman to talk.....

 ..To the  East, Captain. There  is an entry way to the  Black Timber....  loggers tried to burn their way in...the  Timber never healed for years....

 ..Evie!..no!

 Kree  stood  after  pouring  another Elven Gold  for Himself. He walked  over to the  woman, and pointed at the Innkeeper,..speak not, another word, Until asked....

to Evie he said, ...keep talking...

 Well  , Captain.... The wardens  cannot   send patrols  all the  time, nor   have a post there.... so, from time to time, outlanders  will come into the forest... some are caught  by the wardens, or  killed  by the creatures...but..some manage to  survive.. they take  people .... they capture  animals  for sale... and, sometimes  children who are gathering....

 Kree looks around at the people and ask,well..why was this something you did not   wish her to speak of?

 .. CAptain... the   entry way is only  20 miles away....we fail in our responsibilities to kill or capture those who trespass ....

 why werenot, Bruids  called in, to heal the Timber?

 The InnKeep spoke up,....The wardens said the  forest would heal itself... but  we think the intruders  keep cutting or  Burning the   entry point...

  Kree nods,have you sent  scouts, to at least watch? So you can send  a warning?

   ....That is   easy for you to say... if  one of your  people   die, you simply take on another...We lose  someone.. we lose a family member..

   Kree's   Mug Flies  towards  the  Innkeep and  scatters into clay bits  and wine,  SO!..YOU ALLOW OTHERS TO BE TAKEN IN YOUR STEAD!

 The  Inn Keeper     was  down behind the Counter...

 Kree  went over,  and pulled him up  by his tunic...You.... are leaving right now... for    Razorhawk Village, and You will say, that i sent you... and we need the  Druids.....

 Then he  Turns to the Arrows, Finish your  Meal, and we   return to the barn to get some  rest, In the Morning  we will go to this oepning...

In reply to Shadow Mist (msg # 109):

He sure is. Lafisual responds quietly and smiles at the offer to sit down.  I generally don't like to be in the spotlight anyway so that makes it a lot easier.

He sits and listens to the latest exchange.

And it looks like we will have another party to attend soon. He winks at her.

In reply to the Inn (msg # 111):

Orlin had remained silent watching and learning to this point.  "You trust him to go to Razorhawk?"

   "Respectfully I would suggest he drive a manure cart to the base of the injured trees and fertilize them...ahead of us.  Those trees are going to need food if they are to heal, and at least in that task you can make sure he does it correctly."

   "The woman has proven trustworthy of this honorable task and deserves a reward from the druids themselves.  She at least won't dally especially if she is given the best horse in town.  I would accompany and protect her myself, my pace is worthy to keep up."

  Kree looks over  at Orlin, then to the Faces of  the other Arrows...Perhaps you are right......

 Looking at the woman, Kree  tilts his  head slightly as he asks,so?.... Evie... Do you wish to travel to Razorhawk Villie and Inform the Druids there.

 ..I would . M'lord..I......do not  think i have the skills to make it so...

 ..Do not  Call me ..'m'lord'..i barely tolerate Captain.....

 The woman who held the Bow on them, at the road  said,..I will go with her.... together  we  will make it...

 Then  Leave as soon as you think you are ready.... if you have  mounts... use them.. it matters  how  fast you get there...not  how  fast you return... for the Druids  we outstrip  you and   be here  , well before you might arrive...

 ..You..InnKeeper... You kive in The Black Timber.. so you best know your  way around a bow.... You will leave with us in the Morning....

 The  two  women  left the Inn to get ready..The Inn Keeper seemed very afraid...
Kree, then turned Back to his   plate to finish his meal...so?  we heard Pipes  before.... will the player...still play?

  Orlin nods to Kree "Thank you Quickshadow, mayhaps this will be better for the trees."

    Most of the talk settled  down to crops and how the fields  where inside the Homes  so they could be protected by the   fences and houses.

  other  small  stories  of   the bandits that  would come in with caravans, and leave the camo areas to roam the   Forest looking for  Villages and Homesteads to  raid.

    Many of the  still decorated the trails  and roads , staked to dead   trees.

  Kree  Finally stands,.. I am going to retire to the BArn now... the rest of you, get rest as you see fit...we will be  travelling through the forest, and not on trails, so we will need to  be wary....

 He   lays two gold and a pair of silvers on the table, and takes   the half  empty bottle of  Elven Gold.

In reply to Lafisual (msg # 112):

 "Another party?" She looked around at the rukus wondering what was going on now.

"Is it always like this? So chaotic?"

I don't so suppose I have been around long enough to say always, but they do like to have a good time and chaos does seem to tag along.  That's the one kind of party. Lafisual takes in the scene a bit considering adding his own music but for the moment he stays put.

The kind like we will soon have at the edge of the forest seems a bit more organized in comparison. He shrugs.  At least so far, anyway, we have been rather efficient at dealing with hostilities.

 "I admit I don't like chaos as much when resting. Noise can help me sometimes, as a distraction, but it's not restful for me. Your forest group sounds much more restful."

 She sliced into the boar steak and savored a bite. She took a drink when she has swallowed the meat then cut a bite of tuber.

letting his  people up to their  own devices, Kree and whom ever else, moves back to the Barn.  There are night sounds of beasts in the forests.. and the Frist Moon  is already on its  way back down.

 He takes a   Sip of  the  Elven Gold as he calls up to the roof,..Go!..Get something to eat and Drink....

........................

 In the  Store/inn..  one of the men  is playing  a pipe, while a woman who has the look of a forester, plays  pans  pipes.

  The owner is sullen as he drinks and watches the others.

Brie looks around but eventually walks back to the barn and finds Krie sitting and relaxing for a moment.  Finally decided to call it a night, she asked him.  She found her bag and pulled out the bed roll and laid it down.  She looked to him to see if he wanted her to do the same to his.

   There is a slight  smile and a nod, has he moves over  by  his pack, he only ever uses his blanket and Heavy cloak, depending on the  weather.

  Put uis on the  right corner of that end stall.. i want a clear shot to the barn door, if  someone decides they are not friendly

Luthien has been fairly quiet...much is on his mind, but he hasn't been sharing...

Brie nodded understanding what he wanted to do and she took both of theirs, placing hers behind his so that he'd have a clear shot of the entry to the barn.

Are you that uncertain of them?  Or just weary in general? she asked as she finalized making the bedding for them to sleep on.

   Orlin goes to the barn and takes whatever watch s available.

In reply to Shadow Mist (msg # 119):

Lafisual nods in agreement and then follows her lead and starting eating and enjoying a peaceful meal. Yes, the forest is very peaceful at times, though it seems this one requires being a little careful.  But I do look forward, albeit with  a bit of reservation, to going off the path tomorrow.  That will be something a little bit new for me in these lands anyway.

  Kree     settles on his Blanket, with  the  Clock   to cover.. His  bow stands  against the inside of the  stall with his quiver next to it.

  his  weapons belt also stands next to the stall, the peace knot of his sword hilt...They seem to be good  folk, though they are a bit  skiddish.

 he  settles down a bit after  dosing the lamp in their  corner of the barn,..I also do not like the  Inn keeper. Merchant or  nay, none  from the Black Timber would leave a hole in the trees this long, without demanding protection.... Nor would druids refuse to aid that section of the forest...We will see how he reacts to trip tomorrow.....or... if  we receive any visitors, this night...

.............

   Ivy  tries  talking with some of the maidens, but they seem not to be overly interested.

  Rolf has been quiet as he finishes his food and drink

   One  Burly fellow, the arms and the look of a smith about him, He had a Mug  of  ale, and  asks in a gruff voice,...your Captain... he has the name of a Blood thristy Hunter... and many a folk have  died  following him...

  Ivy raises his Mug,..Aye to that!... But  10 times   as  many have died  standing against him...

 ..aye... it  is all well and good for ye to Jest....but this is our Home..he could bring enemies  down upon us!

 Ivy sips  from his mug, his eyes peer at the fellow over the rim, his voice  echoing  inside ,...But Master Smith?.... You live in the Black Timber.. what enemies would there be, that the Wardens have not seen?

In reply to Lafisual (msg # 126):

 She finished her meal enjoying the quiet company feeling quite peaceful around Lafisual. She smiled at him as she put down her utensils.

 "Oh yes, that worries me too. I hope the forest is friendly toward us, and doesn't take exception to any of us! Thank you for your company. I guess I too should find place to sleep now that I have finished eating. I pray nobody snores too loudly in the barn. I may have to stuff my ears with cloth if they do! Peaceful repose, Lafisual. See you on the morrow."

 She leaves payment for her meal with a small tip for the server then heads toward the barn with her pack.

Brie lay on her side and watched him.  I know a bit about druids, just from what I learned from the few that passed through our town.  I am quite surprised too that the Druids haven't come through to tend to the forests themselves, even without being called.  It hurts them to know what their part in this world is in pain.

She shrugs slightly.  At least that is my interpretation, she said softly.  Obviously there is a reason that they are skiddish.  Just what that reason is, I cannot put a finger on it.

Do you want me to take a shift so you can rest?

     Kree settles in,.... it matter  not  why they are the  way they are, and? i see no magleings   in this village.  we can allow them the chance to attack us... if they do?  this village will soon have  a whole new set of residents, and  the others, will be   picked from true sons and daughters of the Black Timber.

  ..settle in..everyone get rest.

Riku felt like she was making good time.  She was going to be more than exhausted when she finally met up with them.  She'd find one of the horse riders and a nice comfy place on their saddlebags and take a nap until they came up against something opposing.

As she was making her way in the direction that Tental told her, she saw off in the distance a pair of travelers making their way towards her.  She slowly approached them, cautiously preparing herself in case they felt confident enough to attack her.  She had her sleep dart out and readied.

  the  two figures were getting closer, the  faint moon light that filtered through the trees, showed them to be  women.

  One had a bow and looked more confident...andother   dressed  more like a homemaker that carrier  a hand axe.

In reply to Shadow Mist (msg # 128):

Yes, thank you too.  I trust it will be a good rest before the fun begins.

After watching her go a moment he takes a little time for himself before heading to the sleeping area and settles in.

In reply to Riku (msg # 132):

Riku flutters within easy sight of the two females as they encroach one another on the same pathway.

Greetings, fellow travellers, she said.  I am on the hunt for a unit of Crimson Arrows.  I am wondering if you mayhaps came across them on your way?

She holds up her arms to show that she does have a weapon, but not intending to harm.

  The  woman with the Axe, all but shrieks,gods have mercy it is a forest Demon!

 The other woman looks at  Riku, then to the other woman, shaking her head,..Pick yourself up.... you shame yourself and out farmstead...

 ..there is indeed a Unit of Arrows, Lead  by an Elven Captain, or so it appears..... they arer staying at out  Farmstead this night..and will be checking on a breach in the tree's not far from out homes....you will see the Lamps of the  Inn through the trees.... ware though... a corpse of a Tree runner lies  a mile or so behind us.... scroungers  will come this night.....the branch path to our Framstead is  another 2 hours or  so, as the Human walks, past the corpse..

Riku giggled at the started woman.

Demon I am not, she said between chuckles.  If there lurks danger, then what has you out this late?

   The  axe woman spoke first,..the elf..said we needed to go to  Razorhawk and  ask for Druids to aid the  forest breech..he  made us leave  now, to hasten the druids help...

 The   Warden-type  woman  nodded,.... he seemed to take issue with the Inn/store keeper.....I think he feels there maybe Loggers..or bandits, or worse  entering the  Forest from there...at any rate?... i am not saying no to an Arrow Captain.

     Ivy strolls in,  he sees  the darken  corner,with a shake of his head he says,...you don't  trust  folks of the  Timber?

 the quiet voice of a ...somewhat...resting elf is heard from the corner,...this  stead, was an opening to the  grasslands... to our enemies.... and not only  have they failed to close it...but they do not seem to have sent messages to the Village for the druids....

 ..perhaps.... but they would be grandly foolish to attack a  unit of Arrows?

 ...or...profoundly desperate....

 Ivy  looks back over his shoulder  , then  climbs the ladder to the Loft...setting himself up on the  same wall as the door.

In reply to Kree's unit (msg # 138):

Gareth sits on top of the roof gazing at the stars and scanning the surroundings. Though he heard whisperings from the conversations below, he never could get the full picture. Still something feels off about this place.

Lucy had gone off in the night to do some night hunting.  It was a time she enjoyed most, because Everything was quiet.  Now, her feline senses of hearing and smell, and night vision could really come to life.  She hadn't had the chance to do it for a while.

She moved with stealth some 300 yards from where the Arrows rested.  She wasn't hunting anything in particular, more hunting to keep up her skills.

she paused just listening to the sounds of the night.  The crickets, the sounds of night birds like Owls and the like.  She listened to the founds of field mice running around.

She also picked up each of their scents.  Although, her elven side still felt a bit silly, her feline side relished every moment.

She slowly moved in on a pair of field mice.  Now, her elven side objected.  But she ignored it.

Her feline side was in control and she was going to hunt feline style.  She moved slowly and quietly in the darkness.  When she was in positon, the mice decided to split up.  She pounced anyway, nailing the first of the two.

She smiled to herself.  She still had it!  She held the field mouse up high, and silently celebrated, mostly to herself.  Then she let the thing go, and watched as it ran off into the darkness.

She continued her night hunt.

In reply to Riku (msg # 137):

Well, Master Kree knows his area well, I'm sure there is a reason for his instinct, she said.  You be off.  I'm headed towards them now.

She nods and proceeds on, careful of the forest walker when she gets close even moving to not get too close as someone could harm her being small and such.

   Quiet. more or less in the    Barn. Ivy was uncharacteristically  quiet near the  door , elven sight  would barely  be able to detect him, though he  did  move a bit, most likely, snacking.


  There was  some  complaints   and scuffing outside, as the Smithy was pushing the Inn/store owner  towards the   BArn.
.................

 Lucy  did have  fun, though she  froze... she  felt, before she heard... smelled , before she  saw... The crunching of  Bone  and the smell of Blood  and the brief   light of the  2nd moon.

 Two small  creatures... they looked like they could be  Goblins but their  green  and Blue skin, marked them as Gremblins... though native to the deep forests..they were still considered  evil...and dangerous.

 they  tore at the  body of a boar...  wicked blades where on shoulder  harnesses , small  hand crossbowa  and a pouch of  quarrels on  , odd skinned belts....

 Legends  told of  these creatures  attacking   columns of troops in the old wars ...

..............

 The  woman Nodded  and  continued  on... Riku  soon reached the   half-harvested  body of the Forest Runner...there were some wolves now, tearing of  chunks,  and  rodents of many sorts  chewing away... when the sun  came back...so would the  razorhawks.

Riku fluttered around the carcass and out of harms way.  Once she could get back on the path, she made a sprite line to the group.

  True to the women's words. Riku could  see faint lights   from a path that5 lead to the   northeast of the path... As she  drew near she  saw  Lanterns  hanging from the porch roof's  edge. A Sore and  an Inn... and the buildings  that surrounds the FArmlands of this  stead.

Riku took a deep breath when the outline and lights of the small village came into sight.  She let out the sigh and took a new spirited flight to reach the team.

When she approached she was on the look out for guards and any archers or rangers that may be guarding the grounds.  She went invisible scared that they may be on the attack of a small stranger.

She peeped in first the store, then the Inn, and when she didn't see Kree she fluttered to the other buildings, leaving the barn for last.  She finally made herself visible when she entered the barn becoming near flustered.

In reply to Riku Key (msg # 145):

Gareth was on watch on the roof of the barn. He might have seen the arrival.

17:15, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 64 using 1d100 ((64))

 She tried to sleep with all the comings and goings in the barn. She sighed but finally it quieted down. She drifted off to sleep.

Finding a quiet spot Lafisual listens to the comings and goings in the barn.  Once he decides to turn down however he manages to distance himself enough from the distractions that he is able to get the proper rest and be refreshed when it's time for action again.

Around 1 am Lucy finally made her way back to the barn.  There was a skip to her step, that very few would have noticed.

She found a place to crash, and curled up into a ball, like a cat.  She had dreams of chasing field mice and slept the night away with a big smile on her face.

She awoke just after dawn, refreshed and ready to go.

   As   Riku fluttered in and came into view...a soft voice on the left said,.... well...wee  one... you should have a care as  how you approach  sleeping Arrows.... If you want Kree... you should be able to tell where he is...

 Not  far behind Riku, was the smithy,  shoving the  Inn keeper towards the barn

Riku had nearly turned and was heading out of the barn when Ivy spoke up.  If a flying creature could jump, he would have seen it.

You nearly had me out of my skin, you silly elf boy, she said giggling at his surprise attack.  But, thank you.

She turns around and off in a dark corner completely across from the barn door was another dark shadow of an elf and his lady.  She flutters over to him and when close finds a railing that she can land on to speak with him so he didn't have to get up.

Master Kree, she said bowing.  Glad to see yours is alive and well.

 The  elf  chuckled  softly,..though it may happen, sooner or later... i have  not seen the like to kill me  yet..... Ivy , at least, still seems  awake.... I here the  a couple people  coming, they must be rounding the fields, since all i can see is the  crops.

 ..do you have  news  from Reedrick?

Orlin had the last watch and he was sitting in the loft looking down at the approaches. "Aye, it seems the smith is delivering the the innkeeper for our use.  I hope there is a cart with manure handy, should I go speak with the farmer about that."

   The Smithy shoved the Innkeeper towards  Orlin..the man fell ( again). The smithy  through a pack and an old pack  and   almost dry rotted sword belt.

  Seems this  fellow  wanted to leave a bit  early.... i thought it better  for him to stay with you.... you know... so he dose not  run into trouble....

   Ivy's voice comes   from the building as he looked through  a knot hole,..That sword belt  doesn't look like it  has been given much care..... In razorhawk village we have  children who take  care of thier weapons better.

 yeah?   well.... i don't need my sword in the Stead....

 Ivy's  voice  was more  Muffled as he turned away from the not hole to settle down,..veveryone in the  Black Timber, needs thier weapons  ready...

  Orlin jumps down and says in his thick accent. "I'd say his attempt to leave gives us the right to examine his possessions don't you Mr Quickshadow?"

  as he  converses  with  Riku, he calls over,..I am sure he won't mind  Arrows   checkign his pack..... if can't be any worse, then what he are intending to do with him, should he prove false...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 152):

Nothing from Reedrick that I bring to you, she said.  She lowers her head.  It's the, other group, I personally don't feel they are following the Arrow guidelines. 

She gives a shrug.  They bullied up on a group of goblins that truly weren't doing anything outside of their norm.  From my last trip, some of them have left.  When I went back to check on the goblins, one of the members left his arrow pin on the goblin.

She shook her head.  Kree, I honestly don't feel quite comfortable around the leaders of that group.  They certainly go outside the scope of all that you've taught me and the others here.  I left the pin on the goblin, so if word gets back, you'll know as a fact that it wasn't this group.

    Orlin Giggles "Now, mister innkeeper I can't have you disturbin me while I pilfer through your belongings but I'll give you the best seat in the house."  The firbolg lifts the hapless man off his feet by the scruff of his jacket and pounds his digging dagger through a knot in the barn wall just between the collar of his cloak and the mans shoulder and leaves him hanging there like wet laundry.

    Orlin starts rummaging through the man's belongings looking for things that don't belong.

  The elf's  titled his head  at the report. Then he  mumbled a curse in elvish,...not all people are good, as you have learned...not  a dark creatures  are Evil...at least....do not act, overly evil..or to be more to the point....they act in such a way, to keep thier people alive...

  I would have preferred you brought the  pin back... it will darken  our reputation....and what is worse.... The Goblins will, indeed...find that pin....


 ...they will not attack  the  Black Timber... they would not survive  more then a few hours..... but i would not be surprised, to see then send hunting parties to find  Justin's  group..

 ..Take your Rest...we are going to see about a breech in the   Black timber's  walls, in the morning, You may stay with us..or stay here... or go to the Village, or Back to Reedrick.

..............................

 Orlin...

 The  Man   cries out, the Smithy sands  will his arms  crossed making sure there is no...undo ..punishment.

  the man had  two change of clothing,  a packet of  rations for a week. two Brand new daggers from his  store and some tindersticks  and two flasks of oil. the  biggest thing was a  pouch of Coins, fat..plump...and heavy.

In reply to Kree's unit (msg # 159):

    Orlin hefts the coins in one hand.  He looks at the Smithy, "We kinda saw this one comin down tha trail didn't we. He looks at the inkeeper.  The filth was no longer worth talking to so Orlin speaks to the Smith. "How long has this rat been in town?"

  The   innkeeper looked afraid. The Smithy  cast him a dark Look.

  ...about  two years ago, he broke off from a caravan he tagged along  with..... seemed we were lucky, cast the other   InnKeep was lost  in the Timber....he  wasn't much good for  anything , but working the store

Orlin raised an eyebrow "Really?"  He turns too the innkeeper.  "So tell me lad, did your employers have the other innkeeper...detained?"

   Orlin casually draws his belt knife and starts cutting the laces to the man's foot wear. " I advise ye answer truthfully, it would be most unfortunate fer ye if I feel you are lying."

 The Fellow  looked at the Smithy for  aid, the big fellow  just kept his arms  crossed....

 ..detianed ?  no!...no one  detained him...he just ran afoul of the forest. It happens...even Wardens  fall if they let their  guard  down...

    "Nope, sorry.  Don't believe it."  Orlin finishes bearing the shop keeper's foot and opens up his medicine bag "Now where is that base gel I had, it should burn him for days and get worse if he tries to wash it off.  Ah, here it is....or is that my gang green preserve." He pulls out an earthen wear jar and carefully dips a piece of straw into it and pulls up a green viscuous goo.  "Oh, I forgot about this one."  He chuckles evilly "This should do."  He giggles again, a deep menacing sound. "This should do quite nicely."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Fri 07 July 2017.

  The Smithy looked  a bit unnerved , but didn't say anything,

  ..what?..what are you thinking!... you can't do this ta me!

   Ivy's  'disembodied voice  from behind the wall...well....sir?... we could use you to take us to that breech...but Kree and I grew up  in this trees...and at least half our people know  wood craft...so...we will find it sooner or later...

 the man looks at the barn, then back to Orlin , until he asks the Smithy,..you , just gonna  watch..not  do nuthin'?


 ..i'll watch as long as me belly will take it...then i'll walk away...not very often Arrrows Come by and help out....as far as i am concerned, they can do what they must...

    We'll just go for the inner thigh where it is REALLY sensitive.  Orlin starts to cut away the cloths really close to the man's groin.  Are you sure you don't have anything you wan't to tell us?

  The Smithy looks away, but  doesn't  say anything.

  The Man looks at Orlin,..you are crazed, you are!... I haven't  done a bloody thing?...I don't have  anything to tell you!!

 Since she didn't know what was going on, she snuck out of the barn and went looking for Lafisual to see if he knew what was going on, or if she couldn't find him, she'd slip into the trees and watch until she figured out what the horah was all about.

Lafisual rouses a little hearing the latest conversation and gets up slowly and starts listening a bit.  He see Shadow looking for him so he moves over to her and heads to the trees.  I honestly don't know all about what is going on but what I can gather is that someone who should have been more vigilant in their duties to the forest and the elves wasn't at best and was colluding with outside forces at worst.

Brie sat back and listened to the others talk and listened.  Sometimes it was better to listen than speak up with out full knowledge of what's going on.

Riku settled in among the straw.  She napped as everyone else was talking.

In reply to Riku Key (msg # 171):

Gareth listens closely to what is going on in the barn through the cracks.

11:39, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 75 using 1d100.  listen.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Sun 09 July 2017.

In reply to Lafisual (msg # 169):

 "Oh I see! Then I would suppose they deserve to be punished. Why would they neglect such a responsibility? Laziness, or money I suppose. Why is Kree so upset? Is he solely in charge of the forest? A good punishment would be to let the forest punish the bad man. If he's guilty, the forest can take him. If he's innocent, won't the forest let him go? I don't really understand the forest yet, but I do respect it, and won't light a fire unless it's allowed and then only with fallen wood as it allows."

 She followed him and listened to the trees as they passed by them.

Considering how punishment seems to be swift and harsh out here I am not seeing why there would be such neglect either.  He stops an listens when they find a spot where they can hear to what is going on but is also out of the way among the trees.  Yes, I surely would not want to make an enemy of the trees. He smiles agreeing with her.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:03, Sun 09 July 2017.

 She smiled shyly and tried to listen as well to what is occurring.

 She leaned against a tree and soaked up the peace of the tree, sap flowing slowly deep within, absorbing nutrients from the ground, water converting them to liquids, the leaves fighting to find the best spots of sunshine, the silent communication between the trees, so subtle it was just a hint of a feeling. She closed her eyes and listened to the trees instead unless Lafisual spoke to her. She smiled again as the peace seeped in chasing away the chaos of the humans fussing. The trees had their own ways of punishing the destroyers of trees.

In reply to orlin (msg # 167):

Orlin seriously doubted this was true but he was actually bluffing.  There has never been a reason to carry torture substances before, so he was drawing this out. "The gold in your pack says otherwise."  He says ripping a gash on the inner leg but not over the major artery. "The woods are sacred.  For those who love it you are the worst violator worthy of no mercy.  And now for the catylist."  Orlin speaks with the dead voice of someone going about an everyday task.   He mixes and smears on a salty solution that increases the heart rate and naturally burns on the wound.  The increased heart rate should trigger more fear.

   Orlin's  slice and salve  cause the  MAn to whimper on the verge of Blubbering.

  The Smithy looke  away again, his arms  across his  own chest in Judgement.

  ..its  my  coin!..i run theb place... buy the goods..sell the Goods we share out to the cooks  and  bedkeepers?.... but in the end...its  mine!

  ....So... If i go and look at the till, the Money own the   cooks and  bedkeepers  are there?....

 ..what!..NO!.. this is mine.. they got pay last tenday.... they will get pay the next tenday as well.... I...just like ta keep me coin with me....stop the Burning!

...........

 Kree  rises   from his cloak, Giving  Brie a  path on the head, leaving his weapons behind...at least those  folks  could see.

 he  hears the man's  cries   and  explain why  he had the Coin.

  His eyes shift to him, then to  the Smithy,..I know it is late... and  the Inn is a bit away from the barn....but call whomever shares the duties  at your store over and...

 ..n...nomoe... i run the whole thing.. the cooks, bedkeepers..they help with the stocking and such.. but i do all the...coin  work....

 The elf takes only a few more  steps, he points to the Smithy,..please... put your leather apron on the  Ground  and dump out the  Coin... Let us  count his  riches...and compare that, with what in in the till...and in  the safe....

 The Smithy takes off his Apron  and   lays it out, slowly he dumps the  coins, not to lose  it in the torch light. he gasps...after the sorting the smithy says,..there....is.......20 gold!....78  silvers....104 coppers..a a gods be priased Plat!

 Kree  nods   as he looks  at the  crying , sweating   innkeeper,...now?.... wht do you pay to  The Council... and  waht do you pay to your own town....

 The smithy shakes his head,...me?.... I am blessed  by Eta  is i  make  the total of  10 gold a week... one gold goes to the Council... one to the Stead...


 ...god  Inn Keep.... what do you make a month....

 ....I dunno..i mean...

 ...you do all the coin work...... answer me  now.....

 good month..... 40-50 gold? that's the inn and shop together, mind ye....

 ... so yo should  pay 5 to the council... and  3 to the  Stead....

 who is the  keeper of  your taxes.....

 ...My sister..she runs the sewing and leather work..


 ..call her... please... bring the tax money with you...

 the smith stands a lopes off towards the houses by his forge

 Kree watches him go and says to the man,...some of us.....lead twisted lives...that is was gives us the edge, against those who know only the light...or the dark...... if i am right... there is a good  chance... you will not be coming with us in
the morning   

   Orlin looks at Kree "Are my services needed any more?"  His back to the man, his eyes warn Kree he was bluffing.

Luthien watched, and waited. HIS services weren't needed here...his job was to pick out souls that could be saved, not those who needed a hard lesson.

   The elf  made a gesture to the Smithy who had  just reached his  Home,those  with night  vison could  seem him reach the   home well enough.  Those with out  saw the rectangle of light from where they were.

  ...The Smithy has reached his destination. his eyes  flicker to Orlin,though he talks to the Innkeep,Depending on what turns out from this next few minutes...on whether the questioning  needs to go on...

 The  Inn keeper was  crying he looked at his  thigh and the  big fellow by him...

  the Smithy, His Sister and her  Husband left the Home Both men carried a strongbox...then  the  door  shut.

Lafisual continues to watch what is going on.  Looking over at Shadow he sees the near communion she is experiencing with nature, specifically the tree.  He silences himself as well as the situation seems in control.  He moves to another tree and leans up against it.  He senses some things but imagines he has some practicing to do to achieve her level of perception but it was centering nonetheless.

   Orlin settles on to his haunches, eying the Inn keeper speculatively, as if dreaming up new ways to question him.

    Finally the  three people  return. They Comeover.. The woman is the one who met the one the road. She is less then happy.

  What the Bloody 9 hells is going on.... wakein' me from me  sleep!

 Kree  snicker a little,..well... we  all have  our  hard  times...aye?... which  Chest is the Stead's  money..and which goes to the Council...

 The woman's husband says,..now?.. we don't have to tell you....

 The   smithly  Gave him a slight  backhand to the Belly and  just shook his head.

 The  woman was a bit frazzled now, but she said,..the  Wooden one is ours... money used to  buy things  we can't  trade for or make.....maybe extra  seed  or   a few more livestock....

 Kree nods and opens his  arms for her to continue.

 ..the Met'l one is  the Council... ta help keep the wardens running...send   druids  and sages   ta help teach the wee ones....

 ..yes   'mother'..i know what the Council does with the coin.. now?.. open both boxes...

 ..bloody 9 Hells I will!

 ..First of.. these few with the  bleeding leg?.. he was  trying to leave..... there is  something amiss ,   we need to check your  taxes.... and  2nd of all...is there  any thought  in you mind, that says you could  stop  me from taking the coin right now?...If so..remember there is a full unit of Arrows here.

 The Smithy nods to her and she reaches in her Bodice to  pull out some keys...  then bends over  and opens them  Both the three of the  stood on the other side of the lids...

 ..when is the Council's  next payment  from you?

 About a 10 day..why?

 Kree points to the chests,... the stead's chest had  5 silvers  and  39 coppers...

 The council's box  helt  6 silvers  and 10 coppers.

 the  men shook their   heads,...thought they were  a bit light....

 ..I just put  coin in both today... from me own shop..and Me  Brothers... the Council's chest had a Plat in!

 ..does the Innkeep  have access to the boxes.....

 well.. aye... he  puts his coin and ...  and fills out a slip.... he just did it  today... right  after you left the Inn....

 ..well... on your Brother's Apron , is all the coin he had in his   pack...you three take it all sort it out.... and get sleep....

  what 'baout  'im then? Shouldn't 'e get a thrashin' or somethin' ?

 ... do you want us  to bring him back?

  The Smithy  shakes his , Don't  really have to.....

 ... Fine then?  we will have  him lead  us to the Breech... if he dies alone the way...no one will care.... if he lives, we will send him in the grassland... point him to Tou.

 The Smithy   fixed his  apron  to carry the Coin, inside the Stead's chest, so they would not lose  any coin.

 ..any good he has left behind  are yours to sell or  split up among those  who need them...one  way or the other... he will not  be coming back.

  then  left  the  Woman  complaining the  whole way...

  Kree snorted, and  said  have to himself,..your  are most welcome...   Then he turned to  Orlin,make  sure he stays quiet......I need to rest this  night...

 with that  he  walked back to  his  cloak in the hay and tried not to wake  Brie

 She heard him move to another spot and opened her eyes when silence fell near where the people had been arguing. She tilted her head to look then whispered.

"Looks like the fuss is over."

    Orlin grins an evil grin, he dips the knife into the earthenware jar ware jar and pulls out a wad of the green goo.  Like lightning his hand shoots out and snags the mans knee in a vice like grip while the other with the knife smears the goo on the cut as deftly as a bar maid butters a piece of bread.  The affect is immediate.  The pain in the leg stops instantly. "Burn gel.  For treating burns.  Tha aloe vera gives it it's green color."

    Orlin jerks out the digging knife and the man falls to the ground. "I'll will not bind that leg for you lest it take to much of the pain and you feel like runnin.  Find a place to rest here.  Ye'have a long day before ya, an if ya disturb the captain things will get very bad very fast."

In reply to Orlin lion soul (msg # 185):

Gareth yelling down from the roof top.


"About time you guys got done torturing that guy. You know torture will not get you the truth only what you want to hear. Bad form Chaps."

   Ivy chuckles,..you will learn.... The reason  the Arrows  are feared by those  we  fight, is because we are unafraid to use thier  own tools against them. Comes   down  to the simple  fact.... You want to be the Fire , that fights the fire.....

  ...besides....some of  us damaged . We like to see the same fear and pain in the  eyes, the bastards  push off  on farmers and Steaders..... the  fellow  was  Lucky  Kree or Myself didn't do the talking.... Orlin was pretty damn nice...

In reply to Shadow Mist (msg # 184):

It would seem so though it might not be long before the next...thing. He whispers back.  How late is it anyway...or maybe it's early? I sort of lost track of time there while I was sleeping and ... meditating. He takes a deep breath wondering what that next thing.

Brie hadn't been sleeping just quietly listening to the events as they played out.

When Kree returned she rolled over and placed her chin upon his chest.  She didnt say anything.

In reply to Lafisual (msg # 188):

 "I don't know. These stars are a bit different from those I am use to. I'd say I slept maybe 2 hours. I surely would like a few more hours though. Perhaps I will find a quieter place to sleep than the barn though. Perhaps here near the edge of the woods, but not inside the woods. There is a patch of clover over there that might make a nice bed. It looks big enough for 3 or 4 people...

 She smiled at him then strolled toward the clover where she wrapped up in her cloak and rested her head upon her arm.

 "Plenty of room for more if you wish to join me on the patch. It smells sweet and cool."

Luthien preferred not to be physically present when an interrogation was going on. But times like this reminded him it was his job to pick out the innocent among these sorts of people and work with them. Kree and the rest could deal with the guilty.

Orlin keeps an eye on the prisoner, he shrugs when he hears the critic. "Not usually one for that sort of thing myself, but his silence was responsible for the torture of the trees.  I felt at least the truth needed to be found.  The woods will have their ways in time."

  With Gareth on the  roof   and  Ivy in a semi-reverie state..., the pitiful Innkeeper falls  into a restless  sleep.

 Kree himself. fall into a real sleep, something not  done by him often  Brie  notices, that even as he sleeps, his right arm is only , inches away  from his blade and Bow.

  the  Stead is quiet.... sounds of  forest creatures  in the distance... many...many types of Night hunters,  cry out in the  night...searching  for mates... trying to scare prey..or warning other  hunters to stay away from their  kills.

 The  Morning  comes faster for  some, then others....

In reply to Shadow Mist (msg # 190):

I will go with that.  Lafisual nods and follows her over to the patch she found.  Yes, I do think this might be more relaxing this time.  He takes in the smells and sounds of the place as he lies down nearby on his back and looks up through the leaves to search out any stars he might find between them.  A relaxed smile comes over him.  He pulls out his recorder and holds it in his hand next to him. He just imagines what it would sound like at this point instead of actually playing it.

   There was the Tapping of  something wood on the door frame of the Barn.

   The Smithy and his  brother in law had  carried  a cauldron of   stir-about and  5 loaves of  bread.. the   woman brought a small cask of mead  and two bottles of Elven red wine.

 The Smithy was  smiling  as he sat a stack of bowls  down and leaned the  poles they used to bring it to the barn, against the  one  door that was closed. The other  Man  say a pouch down that had  a Jar of homechurned Butter, spoons  and a spread knife.

 ...we didn't want ya  to go ff  with a cold and empty belly....but the Inn folks don't  start to work before lunch... so we made this up ourselves....

 Kree   used water from his  water skin to freshen up, but he made sure he hand his weapons  belt and Bow with him,..Thank you for that.. you will join us?

 The  Brother in law  nodded and began to Ladle the stir about into  wooden bowls  and hand them out.... the woman  sliced  bread and buttered them...even the innkeeper  got some.

 ..so...let us pretend our guide  does not know the way...can you point us  in the best dirtion, of the breech?

 Both men pointed behind the BArn to the north and  east a bit.....It might  take you a day or reach it , depending on the  ground.... i haven'y beem that way for a few years.

 ..how  did your  coin counting go....  Ivy asked as he  wiped some meal of his bottom lip with a bit of bread.

 ..Fairly Done.....The Council's taxes are ready, and the steads is  ready for  next  caravan that comes through..there was a few overage.. so  we split it to may for the  food here, and the stead, and council's  boxes.

 She slept awhile, enjoying the quiet peace and the companionship of her new friend. He was more serene than the others and drew her spirit when she came nearby. She was grateful to him for introducing her to the peace of contemplation. She smiled as she sank deeper into dreamland, dreaming of walking through trees until the sun started lightening the sky.

 She eventually woke herself before daylight as was her habit when not in private security. She heard others beginning to stir and sat up to look around. She stretched and yawned and thought of breakfast. Bacon and hot tea, and eggs today she hoped.

 Softly she sang a song as she stood up and walked off into the woods briefly then came back a few minutes later.


I go by the name of Rook.
Lady of all that you can see.
I cradle and nurture my forest home,
my throne sits in the Poetree.

The canopy stretches before me,
tree tops licked in morning dew.
A finch catches my eye and winks,
greeting his Lady, then off he flew.

The sounds of Dawn, the forest awakes,
shedding sleep dust to the rising sun.
An owl calls her goodnight hoot,
disappears, rejecting the day to come.

Otters sport, play chase, by a stream
that flashes silver as light rays dance.
A Ladybird, yellow with black spots,
lands surprised, to crawl along a branch.

Clean crisp air, caressing nostrils,
invigorating life through cool beauty.
The vista of sunrise across the woods,
the source of inspiration for the Poetree.


"Good morning Sun, Farewell the night."

Lafisual wasn't quite asleep when he heard stirrings at the nearby barn.  He roused himself enough to head over and hear the conversation.  He then gathered a share of bread and mead for himself and Shadow and headed back out to where she lay peacefully.  He put a portion of the bread and mead in a container to keep critters out and set it nearby.  He took the time to enjoy the bread and mead himself before lying back down.  He slowly drifts off listening to the sounds of the woods which now included the soft breathing of his new friend.

In the morning he heard her stirring and got up himself and went for a short walk.  Upon returning he listened to her song as he sat back down.  That was nice.  Next time maybe I can add a little soft flair to it if that suits you.  He plays a few short notes on his recorder.  He retrieves the little container with the bread and mead sitting next to her.  This will get a start to the morning anyway.  Perhaps something more substantial will be offered later.

Diana had stayed out of the hoopla from the night before.  She figured it would be dealt with in the morning, one way or another.

Around midnight she called it a night, returning to the barn.  She found a place to sleep among the hay of the second level.  Once she laid down, she was asleep.

She awoke with the rising sun.  She went outside, and stretched, and then her morning run, just around the perimeter of where they were.

She returned to th4e barn, just after breakfast was delivered.

She ate breakfast and then got ready to leave

Lucy had gotten back to the barn around 2 am.  She was in a fabulous mood, but also tired.  So, she had found some straw, also on the second level of the barn, and curled up into a ball, and went to sleep.

She awoke just after sunrise, feeling very refreshed.  Memories of the night before were still on her mind.  Now, in the light of day, part of her was embarrassed.  Yet, the other half was ecstatic.  She still had the feline moves.

She ate breakfast, and then got ready to leave.  She had completely missed the events of the4 night before.

In reply to Lafisual (msg # 197):

 "Thank you for your kindness Lafisual. I would be honored to hear you play, and more honored if you add your talents to my humble efforts. And how sweet of you to bring bread and mead! What more of a start of the morn than the sweet nectar and the fruits of the earth!"

 She took the food and drink to ease hunger pangs while enjoying the song of birds and animals of the morning, and the breeze blowing through the trees heralding the beginning of the new day. Adding Lafisual's tune from his recorder made her smile as it blended in in harmony with nature.

 She clapped her hands softly as he finished his solo.

 "Quite lovely Sir Bard! Better than I could ever do! I've always wanted to learn to play a flute of some kind but had no opportunity to learn, or to get one. Listening to you play is a Blessing to my ears."

   Finishing   there  oatmealish stirabout, bread  and drink, Kree  took up the last  Loaf  of bread and  added it to his pack.

   Shaking the straw  from his cloak, and Puts in on,  slipping his  pack and  quiver over top. then pulls the hood up over.
..That us  Be off... The Tinber  needs  some healing,  our Comrades  will have to  wait a bit....

 The Two men lead  Kree  and the others  towards a section of the  Stead that has the 'back gate" used mostly  by Hunters  and wardens.

   they Open  the  Gate. The smithy bends a bit lower  for the shorter elf to see where he points......I Have not been this   way, for years... about a Half Mile or so  there are rolling  Hillocks..copse of trees  thick on or near them..many bearing  fruit or  nuts.... If you keep to the north and  east... you will  soon see signs of  tresspassers...

 ..Aagin?..why have not the wardens  takes  care of this?

 ..I am not a warden.. so?  I do not know...but we have  heard they have taken losses...

 Ivy shook his head,..that should matter  not... if  anything.... that should bring  More  wardens  for vengeance

 ..Either  way.....  this will ned before the next 10  day passes..... Thank you again, for the food and rest...  Once they were  all out into the forest. Kree  spreads his arms,..spread out , Form a Line...... Orlin, Luthien and Rolf  behind  us... the rest, have bows  ready...... I do not think we will see an enemy in a while, but the creatures  do not  care whose side you are on, if they are Hungry..... If you talk..keep voices low....listen...watch....

 The   farmer/guard  above the  gate  can only watch for a few seconds, before the  group is swallowed by the Timber.

You are certainly welcome.  Your peacefulness is a welcome balance.  He quickly looks around on the ground for a proper sized piece of dead wood.  I am glad you like my playing.  I like your singing so this could be a nice respite from time to time. Looking over the piece of wood he found he adds, This might work.  I can make you a recorder and we can work together on it if you would like to learn to play.  Smiling he looks over toward the barn and notes, It does seem to be time to move on though.  He sighs a bit but is ready for the next challenge.

In reply to Lafisual (msg # 202):

 "Really? You can do that? That would be wonderful! Of course I will pay you for your work crafting it! I can hardly wait! I only hope I am not dreadful at it!"

 "Oh dear, you are right! I will run and see if there is anything to eat I can grab on the fly and meet you with the group if you'd like!"

 She didn't wait for a reply, just grabbed her backpack and tore off toward the inn to ask if there were any food they could spare for the trail that wouldn't take time to secure.

 "Hi. Would you have some food for the trail that isn't hard to pack quickly, enough for at least two? Bread? Cheese? Sliced smoked meats? Sausage if no smoked meat? Mead or ale? We are with the Arrows but were delayed at getting trail rations."

   As the  Unit heads out the back  Gate, and Kree Call out his  march orders for  going through the  forest.

  Shadow Mist realizes that the  people brought the Stirabout, Bread  and  drinks to them, because the Inn would not be open..

 The woman  Points to the near  empty Cauldron...there is a bowl or  two of the stir about left... the  Elf too the last bottle of  wine and  bread loaf?

......................

  As the   Unit moves  deeper into the trees, Kree  calls out  once more.....Keep , well in sight of   the  person next to you...make certain you send a mesaage  down the line, if you see  anyhting....that may be considered a foe...

 She tooks some of the "stir about" scooped into a bowl she had in her pack and joined up with
Lafisual. She offered him first choice of the "stir-about" whatever that was. It was thick and hot though, so it would likely be filling anyway.

 "Here. It's all that was left. The inn was closed for some reason. Eat what you want. What you don't want I will finish."

 "We'd better hurry or get left behind!"

Ahh yes, this should do us for a time.  Thank you so much! Takes a very modest portion and leaves the rest for her. Once that is all settled he quickly gathers what little things he left out and heads with her to join the group.  Time for the next adventure!

   The walked... fairly fast, but at a pace , they could  still  look from trouble.

   If  Kree was concerned  about the  spread of his people, he did  not   show it. A hard shove to the Inn keeper  now and then, kept the poor  fellow  moving. Kree watched the man, more then he watched the forest....

   Thick boled  trees... Vines thickets... brush and berry bushes.... then the Hillocks began to loom ahead.. with  the Hillocks, there would be low  places... gatherings of water. perhaps   some   small streams... it was hard to see  to  far around  now... Kree from his place in the Middle  could see the Arrows  on either side of him..maybe  10 yards  apart....  the next two on wither side, we , near invisible  to him...

 As she and Lafisual caught up to the group of Arrows, she slowed down and ate the rest of the food in the dish then stored it inside her pack until they reached a stream where she could wash it out.

 She strolled along beside Lafisual with her ears and eyes alert to the surroundings, and her senses tuned to the forest, listening to the birds and animals inside, keeping track of any changes in sounds...or lack of sounds hoping to be notified of any dangers around. She smiled at Lafisual and talked with him softly now and then as they traveled.

Brie took the flank farthest left.  She used all her skills that Kree and Ivy had taught her thus far.

Riku had too to the skies and flew a yard or so ahead.

    The reach the  first 'wave' of  Hillocks. The  ground  rising    about   10 feet with  trees  and   brush thick upon them

    When the reach the top,  Kree    grasp the Inn Keeper  By the Collar and  Jerked him down.

..Sit...listen... Until we are certain all of my comrades have  reached the top...

  From far down the right..Came  Ivy's  whistle..... Kree waited for  answers from the others.

 ..why are you doing this.... let me go now...Let the Timber  decide  if  is hould live or  die..... I could fill a purse with coin,  for you, when i reach Tou...

 ...is there  anyhting... you have heard  about me, or The Arrows...that would lend itself to say we hunger for coin?  kree's eyes  scanned the  area as he had his bow  at the ready, he  Turns to the left and the right,..passs it  down... I want to hear a  sharp whistle  when you have reached the top...

 The Inn Keeper  looks  back,..there are more then a few  Arrows   that do not mind taking  coin to look the other  way.....

 ..Perhaps.... My people take  the Coin for  doing what our  contract  demands... killing slavers and the like..is sport...

 Riku has to be careful... she   weaves   around the  boles of the trees... more then once she  spots  a  larger  Large  snaje...  or  scuttling   lizard in the rbanches... or a wary Raptor that  look on her as a Morsel....

Diana was on the far right flank.  She moved at a casual pace, keeping up with the others, but a few steps behind.

When she reached the top, she let out a sharp whistle as Kree had commanded.

Lucy was in a very "up" mood.  The events of the night before had done something to her, although, truthfully, she couldn't say what.  But certainly there was a new spring in he step, and at breakfast she had been much more social then normal.

She was on the far left flank, and moving just ahead of the others.

When she reached the top, she gave not a whistle, but a clearly feline growling whistle.

Then she waited for further orders.

With the right and left flanks covered, Lafisual moved with Shadow ahead but more up the middle.  He spoke softly with her occasionally and staying alert as needed.  Once they approached the top he waited as the rest until they heard the signal.  He then waited until they heard more from the scouts or an indication from the group as to how this would be played.

 She too waited for the signal to continue. She closed her eyes for a bit to listen then opened them again and unfocused her eyes to see if she caught any movements from the corners of her eyes.

  Kree lets out a shrill whistle... and the  group moves   down the other  side of the Hillock. about  20 yards away was another...and  they repeated the process.

  another  Mile or so of this, can perhaps   a total of 15 Hillocks... the  Unit stood  atop the last Hillock.

  Riku saw, the   trees looked like the would be easier to fly through now...but... something was   wrong

  Even Kree took a Moment, before  he understood... Large stumps dotted the land... Iron wood  and Black Oak...

  ... they have been Logging!..were are the Damned Wardens!

  ...Pass it down the Line.... if you see some one  cutting  trees, that isn't in chains... Kill them on sight!...Lets move!

  Kree  shoved the Inn keeper  hard enough  that he rolled to the Bottom of the  Hillock, only to be  grabbed   By his  collar  and shoved   forward.  The elf's green eyes  were almost black   his teeth in a sneer of hate.

Brie gave a whistle at each pause and each message that came down the line.  When she heard his final message she looked around and realized that the trees looked damaged, chopped even.  Her heart shrunk a bit but would follow the command to kill on site.


Riku fluttered with ease after a bit and when Kree commented his finding she was appalled.  Why would someone do this? She thought to herself.  She had been about to relay her findings but Kree had already determined the cause.

Luthien's armor made sneaking impractical...but his blade was sharp and his arm was strong. Very, VERY strong. Hence why he was back in the assault unit that came up after the sneaky types did their thing.

As for Kill on sight...

"I'll keep an eye out Captain. Not everyone in chains is wearing chains of steel."

  Kree  Gives the Inn keeper  a  savage  push again, as he calls  Back  to Luthien,...if they are in chains, and   are cutting  trees, they will get to answer ...WHY.... if the  cut the Trees and wear no chains... they die....Damn Wardens would have  Killed them before the second tree fell!..

   The   angry..and perhaps the Lust for vengeance   drives  Kree forward as he  begins  to  Jog a bit  faster his eyes looking  for those who  are attacking the trees...

   From the  far  Right  Comes Ivy's   Scream ...WARDEN'S.....STAKED TO TREES!...

 Sure enough.. as the   Unit   moved  forwards, the Bodies  of Wardens  Hung from trees.. in mockery of the Arrows staking  Slavers and such to  dead  trees.... the  Pooe Living Trees had the Lifless Bodies  of  Wardens  pinned to them.. with spears, Pitons, or  Heavy Gaggers.... Bits  and Pieces of the Warden's armor was missing.. trophies?.... all of the elven made weapons were gone....

 Male and Female  Wardens..elves..Halfelfs and Humans... and one Half orc...One..a female  half-elf who could not have reached 20 summers...

  Kree slowed sown as he approached  , what looked like, an officer of the wardens.... The  Human women's eyes stared wide ahead.. but saw nothing... a  pike  held her  feet a good 2 feet of the Ground... the Maple tree she was stuck to, weeped its sap, that mixed with her  Blood, that pooled at the roots..

  Her Horn was a few feet from her, Kree Picked the Horn up , looking  around quickly and  Pointed to Laf....... Right now..... yo have one  task.... you use your  music  skills... and sound this  Horn....loud...and Long.... Until we are either all dead.... or you see green armored  wardens  dropping from the treess.... This... will end one way , or the Other....today!

  Smoke.. from cook fires  and worse was drifting towards them as the  winds  outside the Forest shifted...

     Kree  looked at the Inn Keeper, he gave him one of the daggers he was stealing when he got  caught...... you  can  do one of  two things.... you take this dagger  and  follow us into the fight... or take this dagger  and  run...to the  east..and out of the forest... Never..let me  catch you in these trees again....

 the   Innkeeper looks  at the  Blade and nods  rapidly... then follows  the  Arrows  as they charge  forward...

Readying bow and following the charge watching the flanks for an ambush.

Luthien's eyes narrow. If THAT's happening, it's highly unlikely he's going to find any innocents in a bunch like that.

His eyes flash with a sort of holy fire...a pissed off righteous man can be one of the most dangerous things in the world.

Brie nearly tripped over her own feet when she noticed the wardens hanging from the trees.  She swallowed hard seeing the tortured beings hanging lifeless, staring off into the distance as if a ghost were past her.  Possibly there were, the spirits would take their own revenge.

She looked in Kree's direction and as soon as he started charging so did she.

Not knowing what had occurred here, she was in shock and awe.

What the atrocity? she declared.  She looked around having decided fluttering closer to the group than above was probably a safer option this time around.

    Orlin snags the innkeeper as he leaves, not saying any words his eyes glow and looking like those of a cat he lifts the man off the ground as the crystal on his staff glows brightly.  Orlin smells the man's neck like an animal looking for a scent, then lets him fall to the ground and flee.

    Orlin looks at Kree with sad eye's then moves forward and gently starts removing wardens from trees.

    "How soon will the Druids likely be here." He asks as he goes about his gruesome tasks.

  Kree shouts  Back to orlin,...leave the Bodies... if we win, we can take care of them Later... if  we lose... it  will not matter...!

............................

 The Arrows  did  not charge  like  mad dogs  howling  ( save  for Kree's   quick-snapped shouts).

  The vets  Among them  came  fast and silent....Some  like  Ivy, with no thought of mercy  in his eyes..

  Off in the distance, they heard  the  sounds  of Pipes...and the beating of  drums.. the  smell of   roasting meat in the  air..there was a feast?

 She stopped, feeling the wrongness of the once peaceful forest. Trees cried in anguish from being cut, others seemed to share grief of death to others. She gasped as she sensed and noticed the devastation opening up around them.

 She instantly sank into the shadows, hiding herself from sight of hostile eyes. She slipped forward seeking those who would rain such devastation upon the woods. When she saw the wardens hanging from the trees, anger came over her but she controlled it, used it to fuel her powers, didn't let it overpower her.

 If she found the evildoers in a large group, she would cast sleep upon as many as she could (25 hit points worth).

Diana stared at the staked.  Such a brutal way to die.

She wasn't on fire like some of the others.  Instead, she just readied herself.  It was time to slaughter her enemies.  That, was fine with her.

She readied her bow and notched an arrow and moved quickly, but with caution.

Nothing ever was accomplished by storming into an unknown situation.  Some recon was necessary first.

She volunteered for that duty.

  As the group mpressed on...Laf began to Blow the  Warden's  Horn......Long blasts that took most of his wind.... But he continued...

  The Arrows    ran over the ground... every 100 yards or so they saw more  devistation.... Not only the Proud  Black Oaks  and  Ironwoood... but other   trees  cut  for  fuel, , brush and  Bushes  that once held  berries  and fruit, simply because they were in the way.

   Drag marks of  logs  as the   trucks  where   Cut into sections  and hauled out to the  Grasslands...

 Some  2 Miles into the  run, Kree whistled  for them to slow  down...  the message being  passed on  down the Advancing Arrows... The Innkeeper   was gasping  for  air, sweat covered  his  face, his shirt dark...at least another  Mile... was a Killing  ground.

 All trees and brush where gone... area's of   smoking ashes and some active Bonfires  dotted the  are... One line of trees were Untouched... serving  to hide  the 'entrance' from the grasslands.. But  wagons  were there...some had a few logs in...others were empty... The loggers and their  allies were feasting....  some folks played on  drums..some played  Pipes... men and women capered  around fires... while   others  ate and drank.

  A rather Fat  human , whose  hair  blew in the  wind,  had  women  and boys  standing on a wagon as he actioned them off...

   some people  were chained together and wroked  cutting the  trunks  to  the side the loggers  wanted...

  the  longer the watched.. the more they noticed.... Horses and Camels  were tied to lines...desert folk were here?..Heavy Horse of the  Plains were there as well...

 Large Pots  of  food were being  cooked  stirred and prepared  by women who wore next to nothing.... a  Large orc with a  'sash' of human and  elven skulls across his chest talked to  two humans... one was dark skinned , like a desert Folk...the other  was fair  hair and beared, almost as tall as the Orc.. They were taking, the dark skin fellow held  a  parchment...a map?... and he  point to the  west...

 Kree frowned..  they had a good three more  hours until dark.... to  rush across the open area  would be foolish....

   he Opened his pack , taking out the loaf  for bread from the Stead... and the one from the Morning's meal. he took his last two bottles of  wine... Cutting  a  Chunk for bread he hands the loaf to the Innkeeper.....break off some, and take a  drink of  wine... tell the others  to eat..and rest.. we  wait  for  dark....

 to the   right, he  does the  same... eat what you have.. take some bread and wine.... we attack at dark....

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 227):

Lucy was going slow, the smells of everything beginning to overwhelm her.

She paused at the dead, and just stared.  She had their scent, and it was vile and vulgar.

Whoever did this were monsters, pure and simple. They needed to be destroyed.

Later when they approached the smoke, her nose wrinkled, and she recoiled.  She even went to one knee, overwhelmed by the smells the smoke brought.

There were at least five different smells coming her way all at once.  Horse flesh was being cooked, as was ... Rabbit, deer, boar, and even horse flesh.  That one could, aside from the horseflesh, expect.  The fifth smell took her by shock and surprise.

Humans were being cooked.  If humans were being cooked, then that meant ... catfollk.

She passed her warning on to Kree.

Catfolk were present.  As were orcs, ogres and humans.

When Kree called a halt she was grateful.  She had a blistering headache from being assaulted by all the different smells.  She needed time to collect herself, and regain control of her senses.

She had rested for nearly an hour before the headache went away.

"Kree, there are catfolk, ogres, orcs and humans.  There are also half elves, elces and dwarves." She said, coming to where he was sitting.

"They are cooking bore, rabbit, deer, and horses.  But they are also cooking humans." She said.

"From what I've been able to separate, elven, half elven, and human smells." She said.

"The smells were overwhelming.  But I can tell you who is there.  Who's what, I have no idea." She said, reporting what she had found.

  He Passed the word  along to  the others  to collapse upon his position . When they gathered together.  He  told  Laf,

  ..hang on to that horn... we may need it again.....They either   seemed Unconcerned  with the sounding of the Horn,  or   you were too far back for them to hear over thier  feasting.

 ..why is the scum armed? Ivy said, with no  pretense of hiding his  distain.

  ..he is coming with us... if he choose to run?  so be it...but he will have to  fight his way through the loggers and slavers....

  ..if he choses to fight.. he needed a weapon...

 being less then a mile from the edge of the Logging Camp. the sounds  drifted to them.... screams of  pain or  cries for mercy.... laughter  and roars as   warriors boasted of held contests.... Music  played..such as it was... some of the flute  music  was light.. the   drums  and  horns were not of elven make.

 ..I do not understand.. why  more  wardens  did not come?.... surely, those who have died  would have been missed by now?..

 ..Just from my end? I counted at least two squads  worth... if the same  was on the left flank... there may not have been  anyone to miss them yet?

 ..perhaps.... but the squads are always supposed to send reports... at least  one  runner  from every squad..at least  every two ,10 days?...Some one is Lax in their job at the Village....

  He  breaks off a  piece of   jerky from his rations,... when the  forest grows  dark... we will move up.... those  burning Bonfires, will aid us... keeping   folks eyes  from adjusting to the night.....The  cook fires and such will aid us, as it highlights those in the Camp....

 ...once  we  reach  a good  Bow shot range.... i wil give a signal... those of us  with bows. will fire..they to hit those    who are walking about  with weapons  first... the others  will  take time to have to grab thier  equipment.... fi you can

 he  turns to Lucy,<DarkGreen>on the right side of the camp is thier string of  riding horses... try to  slip over to there... and  Cut the  string,  stampede the horses...

"I hear the screams of the living. There is no further time for delay, Captain. We must go, now..."

With a holy fire in his eyes, Luthien looks ready to do that.

  The elf's   voice  is  cold... a bit of a waver as he holds back some emotion.

  ..let us  say... we did not stop to fight the Froest Runner... thus  causing us to stop at the Farm stead... which lead us  to hear of the breech?.... the  forest  would contine to be plundered... and  all the  people  would be  dead..or what ever the 9 hells they are doing...

 ...Another  Hour.... the  darkness becomes our friend..... we  come in, and Kill every slaver and Logger  we can  find...and  any who support them... we save  what slaves we are able....

 ..to go too soon, means the Wardens  and  the others  will have  died  for nothing, because... we will lose.... surprise, or no?

 his eyes  Narrow  as he checks the sky one more time,...but  , with the drakness holding us close...Eta and Neta can play Havoc on the Camp... how many can we kill and maim in the first 3  Volleys?... if  The Sisters  smile. we may never have to  use blades as we ship a bit here, and there and let them wonder where  death comes from?..So... there may be a few who die...and suffer, before  the darkness comes... but.. this will be the last of the days... that it happens here...

Orlin snorts and looks through his pack, "Damn, not enough sedative to spike their food.  If I can find something around here that might be of use, do we have someone who can deliver it?"

  Kree thought over,. what Orlin was saying,..not  worth the risk, of putting them on guard, if the suspoect something. They are celebrating...getting nto thier cups... there is a god bet they have killed off at least 3..maybe  evcen 4  squads of Wardens....they might be feeling a bit  too high right now......  we Just have to wait....

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 229):

Lucy nodded.

"Consider their strings cut." She said.

She moved off quickly, staying in the shadows.

She was grateful for her feline striping in times like this.  It made sneaking around a bit easier when you blended into the shadows.

She moved with silence and cautious speed.

She had here dagger in one hand as she moved through the shadows.  When she heard movement she froze, going to ground.  Taking cover where she could.

When she got close, she grabbed one guard by the mouth, while slipping her dagger into the back of his head.  She came up behind another one and grabbed him by the mouth, and slit his throat.

Then she went about untying the horses, dong her best to keep them quiet.  When she had them in one place, she startled them causing them to scatter, and stampede right through the middle of camp.

Brie sat and listened trying to ignore the wailing in the background of those in pain.  She breathed slowly to keep calm and not think anything more to rationalise the situation.  It was simple.  They must die.

She took the vread as it was pased to her and she avoided the drink.  She needed to be alert and attentive for their next plan of action.

Gareth checks his bow and arrows to make sure they are ready to go. Also hones his sword in case it is needed.

  Though it would be foolish to say, that time passed as  slow for the Arrows, as it did  for the Victim.... it was not too far off  from the truth,  as   women's   screams... child cries  and Men's cries echoed through the   'hollowed out ' forest.


 Without the Druid's  aid, this place  would  take  10s of years to heal....even with the druid's  aid, a few years  at least..but nothing could bring  back the elder Ironwood and Black Oak that had been cut.

   But the Darkness began to take over.... the  Bonfires in the   barren area  still burned... smoke  settled lower as the  cooling might  air  kept it  from rising... the camp was in a Haze... from the Cook fires  and  camp fires to keep drinks  or food  warm... their  comforts would  aid the Arrows..

     Kree called them all together,..Avoid the   bonfires in the cleared  area... its light   will aid us in the darkness, if  guards  are looking at it...... I want you all to get close enough to  make  good shots  with your bows.....  everyone take 3 shots...   move a bit  and use your bows  as much as you are able.... those who do not have Bows... ready you weapons and  protect an archer...

 .. I will give one whistle..... if you miss it...fire when you see the first foe  hit.....

 Turning  to Lucy,..go now.... try and Cut the string when the attacks  start....

   Giving Lucy a  chance to move  ahead, Kree then   waves  his  people to spread out... and they begin to creep across the  dark, devastated forest floor.

  The Inkeeper followed    Kree, who glided like a wraith over the  stump filled ground.

  after  15 minutes or more.... Kree  knelt by a small brush , near the Camp... whistled Once....

  Lucy  began her attack on the  horse guards....

   Kree brought  Up his Bow.... he wanted one of the 'leaders' he saw before..but he could not  find them, so he aimed  for an  armed guard  who was next to the wagons...

 On the far side of the  wagons...  1000 yards or so.. was the trees they have left alive to screen them from the Grasslands...

  Kree looses  His   arrow.. the Guard His  Hit... the surprise is so sudden, he does  not even Kree out.. Then kree's next arrow is already on its  way.

 Ivy fires  from his   flank closer to  Lucy... a  walking Guard  Is Hit  and Cries out  as he falls....

 Like  Kree, his next arrow is already on its  way....Unlike  Kree..Ivy is grinning  a dark hateful grin...

Gareth fires at one of the outlying guards.


08:30, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 4 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.
08:29, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 4 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Tue 18 July 2017.

With Kree going to the center and Ivy taking a right flank, she opted a bit farther to the left.  She was not as quick, but she was methodical.  She hummed a very soft penchant tune as she looked down the arrow and to its matching target.  3 arrows were a bit more difficult for her to fire but it wasn't impossible.  She was just a bit slower than the mastered elves.

   Orlin creeps forward with kree. "Tell me of you need the Old one." Orlin looks for a place he can sneak closer so when the battle happens, he's on top of the enemy.

Diana had eh4r bow up and was firing as quickly as she could notch and fire arrows.  She fired her composite short bow at the closest guard she could see, and then moved from her position, took cover and fired again.

( as they moved)

  ... I only direct the use of  weapons, or to set up tactics, once the battle is joined, I trst every Arrow to use thier  skills ..when it comes to spell raft and such..I am  of  no use, unless it is to kill a caster.... You... know your  merits and  hinderances...

.............

 ( attack)

    It did not take  Long for a scream of  surprise and pain  was heard.. or the   Sudden  falling of  dead or wounded...

 Horse  Burst from the  string, heading for the grasslands....

  Shouts of Anger  and  barked orders ....

  Gareth's second shaft, followed the first  into the chest of  a  Guard by the 'stage'   who screamed with each Impact and fell..

   Ivy's  Arrow Found the fat fellow  who's hair   tasseled in the wind  as he  auctioned off the  naked and  near naked slaves...  The Blueyed  elf's  arrow  slammed into the fat person's  thing..causing him to wail like a babe...

 there were 6  slaves  left on the   'stage'  they huddled   together, trying to cover themselves .

 Brie's  shafts  Hit  a Guard near some tent.. the first two   put him down..the  three  arrow  struck the tent, dangling in he Canvas

 In the  InnKeeper crouched near   Kree his  wide  eyes   and sweat betray his fear.. but he held  his dagger ready... A Dog  suddenly  launched himself  at kree... but the Innkeeper pounced  and the  two rolled in the    grass  as the  man stabbed, and stabbed and stabbed...

  Kree  just took a Moment to yell......DOGS!.... he went back to harvesting armed people

 On the far side of the Camp, Catfolks were leaping Up on the Logs... Hissing and Looking around, at elast half of them had the wicked looking  Cat-bows.

 from the  Tents  , Dark skinned  sand folk came out  with Blade in hand,  while women and children, who lacked  clothing, ran into the trees...

 The  Gutterial voice of something shouting orders could be heard, on the other side of the tends... larger  figures  were starting to be  seen  with the fire light

 Diana's  Arrow's took  down  a guard that was close to the Arrow's postion... her next arrow  , wounded  a  fellow getting up from a camp fire.

Lucy never put away her dagger.  She continued to attack the guards closest to her.

When she spied the catfolk, she let out a hiss of her own, despit4e herself.  Then she started to move in their direction.

She had a single focus, to kill as many of the catfolk as she could.

Luthien was not a primary archer, but he did just fine in the dark. Drawing his bow, he lined up a target and fired. Luthien, in particular, was targeting anyone who had a victim that was still screaming, and therefore savable.

In reply to Luthien (msg # 245):

Going after another guard.


10:50, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 7 using 1d8+5.  damage.
10:50, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 10 using 1d8+5.
10:50, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 18 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.
10:50, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 17 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.

Riku fluttered from above and took stock on the scene.  She heard the loud bellow of a voice and sought it out.  With her sleep darts/arrows she snuck through the trees and approached the voice from behind and started spewing as many sleep arrows as she could and the apparent commander.

Brie fussed at herself quietly as she quick stepped a few feet away from her cureent position using the shadows as much as possible.  She shot another set of three arrows at the next person she saw that was a slaver.

  Gareth fired    off arrows.. the next closest was a Guard   Jumpoing up from his meal.. He  was hit, and fell into the fire.. another   Guard... what looked like an orc.. was  wounded  and   went to cover behind the wagons...

 Luthien's  arrows  Hit  a fellow who   had a  female halfelf  by the neck as he tried to stop her  from running... the   man dropped , the woman ran...

 Kree shouted ....LAF!...SOUND THE HORN!....


 Lucy  stalked  , but the  Cat folk, purebred.. were lookcing  around ..hisses... were constantly, perhaps... cat-talk..

 The Cat folk Arrows  were beginning to answer  back now... pnly the ehat from the camp fires and Bonfires saved the arrows  from their bows...

 As it was,  an Arrow lodged itself in Kree's pack, just over his  right shoulder..

 Brie's next Arrows  Caught a Sandfolk warrior who was  trying to put on a silver chest  plate... the  first arrow  Missed, the next two slammed into his chest and belly...he Fell as the    brown skinned leader shout  orders in some odd language...

 Laf's  Horn  blew.... he stopped  as  arrows   began to fall around him...but...from the Grasslands ... came some answers....

 Riku saw at least  20 orcs.. one was bigger, by a head  then the others..he was shouting at them in Orcish... the Horns had them skiddish.. If the Cat Folk turned to look at the trees...  Three   Tiny arrows  shot into the    Large orc's neck.. It  began to stagger...

 Then... Riku felt a dark chill.......

One down, another to go. Saving people is his mission, whoever happens to die in that process...yes, well, there's a time and place for mercy and he hasn't found one yet.

His next arrow lines up at yet another person trying to prevent escape...

Except after that arrow is loosed, Luthien sees something more important to do.

"I have to go. They're summoning a fiend. Fortunately I now have the right tool for that job."

But before he does that, his next arrow will be shot at the demon. Using the special 'Fangs of Tra' arrow, he lines up, and prepares to hunt his ultimate opponent. He invokes the magic on one of his cold iron arrowheads to get the best effect.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:11, Tue 18 July 2017.

Diana continued to fire arrows and move.  With only several arrows left, she put away her bow, and drew her blade.

She then attacked the guards and slavers in hand to hand combat.

Lucy charged at the nearest catfolk, a leopard.

While the Leopard took a moment to try and circle around, getting a read on the enemy, Lucy attacked.

She charged the Leopard, tackling it, and driving the dagger deep into the back of the catfolk.

She managed to drive it in twice before they fell to the ground.  Then she sank her fangs into the soft throat of the Leopard and ripped.

Blood spayed over the front of herself, and her face.

She didn't care, as another Leopard was now charging at her.

Lucy stood her ground till the last second, before side stepping the charging Leopard.  She attacked the Leopard as it went by, grabbing the throat of the Leopard, and driving the dagger into the back of the Leopard's head, killing it instantly.

Then she felt an intense pain in her side.

She spun and a Jaguar was using a spear to attack her.

   Lucy brings  down the    Cat-folk, they were both younger females..

 The   Jaguar had  stabbed her   deep, and  spun the  spear  around in a  arc with a spin, before he couched  it. ready to stab or parry.

.................

   Diana  charged fro the left side  Two  Sand folks  were  rising from their  Meal as the   men  and slaves from the tents  emptied out.. She  caught  on behind the  neck, the Other  One   flashed a curved Blade, that Nicked her left   leg...

..............

   The Arrow  hit the  creature  and  It screams sends   bits of chewed  flesh   into the air... It Kicked the Black armor Man in the Head, sending him flying   backwards  and on to the Ground...

  Luthien began to close  on the creature... People rising from their  seats our  coming up from there  Bedrolls that were under the wagons...

  Riku's chill  caused her to turn... and the Vile  red-black creature was screaming , and the Black Armored  fellow  bounced off the  ground.

  The  Big Orc.. fell  to the ground... as his    troopers  turns, Half   charging into the Camp to find the attackers.. the other Half  ran for the grasslands.

 Kree  stepped Up a bIt the  Dog ws  Dead.. The In Keeper  wounded    just waved Kree   along.

  Kree's  next arrow caught a fell who  Just rolling from his bedroll

  The sounds of horns were getting closer, from the grasslands.

 She fired her arrows at whoever she can hit that hadn't been hit by her spell and put to sleep.

Lucy threw slashed at the Jaguar with her dagger, using it as a distraction.  It was then she regretted not drawing her own blade, but it was too late.

the Jaguar easily used the spear to deflect the dagger, jabbing at her  with it, forcing her to go on the defensive.

Lucy took three steps backward.  She then threw the dagger at the Jaguar, aiming for the chest, knowing the blade would be easily deflected.  It would also give her an opening, as the attention was diverted for a second to the oncoming blade.

In that second, Lucy sprang forward, placed her hands on the spear.  The Jaguar had managed to deflect the dagger, as she figured, but now both were engaged in a fight for control of the spear.

Lucy using a human trick she had learned, and headbutted the Jaguar in the nose, twice.  Then she kicked her in the stomach, forcing the cat to double over in pain.  That was the opening she needed.  She used her claws to slash the Jaguar's throat.  Blood flowed form the slit throat, and the cat fell over dead.

Two more catfolk remained.  One a young male lion, and one a young, but older then the lion cheetah.

Lucy smiled, despite the pain from the wound in her side.  She drew her blade, and moved towards both cats.

In reply to fight (msg # 253):

  Diana  charged fro the left side  Two  Sand folks  were  rising from their  Meal as the   men  and slaves from the tents  emptied out.. She  caught  on behind the  neck, the Other  One   flashed a curved Blade, that Nicked her left   leg...

She ignored the wound for now.

She slashed with her bastard sword, the bow parried barely by the curved blade of the sand folk.

The two then engaged in a short battle of blades, till an opening showed itself.  The two blades were locked together, when Diana kneed the sand folk in the groin as hard as she could.  As he doubled over, and staggered backwards, she slashed out with the bastard sword, catching him in the stomach.  His bowels began to spill out on the ground.

   Orlin dashed between the stumps.  With his fur hood up and moving quick and wild, he looked like a wild beast wreaking havoc amongst the remaining orcs.  He would dash at an orc then cut to the side out of range of their weapon.  They on the other hand would not be out of reach of his iron shod staff as it slammed into the side of their knee in a crippling blow here, shatter an elbow from behind there or even feint to the head to bounce of an upraised shield using the rebound to swing around lightning fast and irreparably  flatten a codpiece. He didn't seem to want to kill so much as cripple which naturally caught his opponents off guard.

   The light on his staff seemed to rejoice in the combat flashing brightly with each impact, then quieting down so it wouldn't be seen in the darkness till the next hit, that would highlight where the arrows could probably find an injured foe.

  Shadowmist...  saw two Humans who had  fell against   a wagon that had yet to be loaded.  Her  Shafts  Flew into the Night, Catchign  a driver  who was stalking  around Looking     ( to hode..or  fight?) and he fell

 Lucy's....  pain was nagging, but  she  Moved  towards the other  two Cats that   remained on the wagon... Both chuckled  as she  Appoached

  It was not until she  felt a burning pain inher Thigh  , as she saw a Lynx , a cat folk scout, had  Jammed at Dabber deep into her Leg... The Surprise attack had  sore  wounded her...The Lynx did not get to  celebrate overly long and a  Red feathered  arrow sprouted from its  Throat...   Ivy was closing in and had already  brought his  Bow up to bear...

 The pair of Cats  leaped  down from the   Logs.. grinning their  feral grins..one had two cat-blades, short sword in lengths.. there other  a cat longsword...

 Diana...dropped the darkskinned   mam who fell to the  ground  trying to grasp  what used to be inside his  body.... two other    Sand Folk  came out of the  dark, one   hand managed a chainmail shirt, the other  was in Breeches and Boots..both had their Blades, that flashed in the Camp fire lights... one was to her Right, One  was two her  left..and she could hear more  voices  talking n their old  tongue on the other side of the Tents..

 Orlin... move, damaging    Humans here  and there, some  of the 'prey' managed to be missed or deflect the  heavy  staff, depending on their  skill sets..other  lie on the ground   calling for Help..one  fellow who missed,  fell with a caved in skull... Then two thick  bodied   Dogs  leapt at Orlin when he next entered the dark...   One Locked its  Jaws on  his Left ankle.. shaking its  head, to tear flesh... the   other smacked into his  chest, but   failed to get a  bite on his throat.. In  landed  Getting ready to pounce

Rolf.. snet a few shafts into the Camp one  hit a younger   Human  who was trying to lock  a collar around  a  scared  human woman.. He fell on top the  woman, gushing  blood  over her as she  screamed.

 Kree  stepped  , ever so slightly, into the light... Inviting  the enemy to see him..but not well.... He sent a shaft into   the tent's  area.. and was reward  with  an orc staggering out, it  dropped to its  knees  , but  still had not died.

  A rough looking  Human, with heavy  furs  covering  Chainmail  Saw  the orc, and looked to Kree... with a Look of Hate..he  charged the elf.

 Riku ... fluttered a bit away from the orcs, whose leader was down.. she  could barely see the  10 Orcs thet ran towards the   grasslands...  One orc  behind her  screamed   as it staggered out into the  camp,  folled  by the other  8 who voiced war cries... But they did not Concern her, as she  saw the Evil thing on the   burning  Alter...

  Luthian's....'fang'  slammed into the creature It howled in Pain.. the sounded echoing  of    what trees  still remained to the  east....  some of the Humans  who were  regrouping looked around in horror... 9 Orcs  will charging into the Came   where Diania  was fighting   sandfolk...

  Brie.... from her spot near Diana , the  halfelf  send   a pair of shafts into the    charging Orcs.. dropping one  with two shafts sporuting from its  chest.

 Laf... continued to Blow the Horn... it was being answered... more  quickly...and louder...

   Orlin looked down at the dog locked on his legging, drew his belt knife and slit it's throat... then gripped his staff waiting for the other dog to attack again.

In reply to battle (msg # 258):

Lucy's....  pain was nagging, but  she  Moved  towards the other  two Cats that   remained on the wagon... Both chuckled  as she  Appoached

   It was not until she  felt a burning pain inher Thigh  , as she saw a Lynx , a cat folk scout, had  Jammed at Dabber deep into her Leg... The Surprise attack had  sore  wounded her...The Lynx did not get to  celebrate overly long and a  Red feathered  arrow sprouted from its  Throat...   Ivy was closing in and had already  brought his  Bow up to bear...

  The pair of Cats  leaped  down from the   Logs.. grinning their  feral grins..one had two cat-blades, short sword in lengths.. there other  a cat longsword...

Lucy attacked  the one with the two blades first.  Her blade flashed in and around the two blades, a shade faster then the cat.  The two locked blades, and Lucy again used dirty tricks.  This time she had scooped up some dirt and threw it in the cat's face.

The feline snarled, staggering backwards, blinded by the handful of dirt.  Lucy ended the cat, with a slash to the throat.

She spun around and confronted the other cat.  The two blades clashed several times, both defending and attacking at the same time.  They locked blades twice, but only for brief seconds.

The two circled each other, each concentrated on the other.  Then their blades clashed again.  This time when their blades locked up, Lucy snapped a knee to the groin, and then threw dirt into the cats face.

The blinded cat staggered backwards, blindly flailing at an opponent he couldn't see, but could smell.

In reply to battle (msg # 258):

Diana...dropped the darkskinned   mam who fell to the  ground  trying to grasp  what used to be inside his  body.... two other Sand Folk  came out of the  dark, one   hand managed a chainmail shirt, the other  was in Breeches and Boots.. both had their Blades, that flashed in the Camp fire lights... one was to her Right, One  was two her  left.. and she could hear more  voices  talking n their old  tongue on the other side of the Tents..

Diana attacked as the one on her left, in breeches and boots.  She launched a viscous fury at him, managing to slice across his chest and snap kicked him in the groin.  As he doubled over, she sliced him across the throat.

She spun around in time to face the one on her right.  The desert folk launched his attack with a yell.  He charged her and she simply slapped his blade aside, and tripped him as he want by her.  he fell to the ground, and she was on him in a second, driving her blade into the back of his head.

More desert folk were coming around the corner of the tent.

Diana retreated, sheathing her blade and drawing her bow.  She took a position among the shadows, still close by and opened fire at the sand folk as they rounded the corner of the tent.

 The  first dog  died leaving  the bleeding  wound The Second  More  coiled and   Sprung towards Orlin....

.....................

 Diana  felt a Burning in her Left arm... a cut  from  one of the Sandfolk she had killed.  They came around the c the  far right side of the Tents.. hidden by the night , except for the gleam of sweat on their dark skins.

...............


 Lucy fought the last two ( that she knew of) Cat folk.. these two were better then the others, and she was wounded.,, the one  with  two blades.. Managed a wicked slash across   Lucy's right   Thigh... blood     flowed freely...but she ended that one..

 The second  One  came on her hard, trading  blocking Blows  with her, as  well as a Claw strike to her  left arm... as it  staggered Back from the dirt, a quick , desperate , slash  Brought it  Dow...

  Ivy was One her, Gripping her Roughly   to Pull her  Back... he  spoke through cleaned teeth,...do not be foolish... we do not need  more dead arrows...

 He pushes  a  small waxtop bottle into  her chest......use it...and be wise!

 He moved  slowly towards the  wagons  now... tying to get a feel for the flow  of the  Enemies...as he left Lucy with the flask...

......

 The  sounds  of Horns  very near were  cut short, as   war cries or elevs and orcs, and the  sound of  battle  could be  heard, coming from the  the grassland, on the other side of the trees...

In reply to battle (msg # 262):

Lucy fought the last two ( that she knew of) Cat folk.. these two were better then the others, and she was wounded.,, the one  with  two blades.. Managed a wicked slash across   Lucy's right   Thigh... blood     flowed freely...but she ended that one..

  The second  One  came on her hard, trading  blocking Blows  with her, as  well as a Claw strike to her  left arm... as it  staggered Back from the dirt, a quick , desperate , slash  Brought it  Down...

   Ivy was One her, Gripping her Roughly   to Pull her  Back... he  spoke through cleaned teeth,...do not be foolish... we do not need  more dead arrows...

  He pushes  a  small waxtop bottle into  her chest......use it...and be wise!

  He moved  slowly towards the  wagons  now... tying to get a feel for the flow  of the  Enemies...as he left Lucy with the flask...

Lucy nodded to him, drinking the flask.

She paused.  He was right.  She needed a pause to see to her wounds.  Dying her would do nothing.

She took to the shadows, to hide for a few minutes binding the wounds she could.  She felt the effects of the potion Ivy had given her.

Then she drew her bow, sheathing her blade for the time being.   From her hiding place, she searched out targets.

In reply to battle (msg # 262):

Diana  felt a Burning in her Left arm... a cut  from  one of the Sandfolk she had killed.  They came around the c the  far right side of the Tents.. hidden by the night , except for the gleam of sweat on their dark skins.

Diana tore a piece of cloth from her backpack, and tired off the wound to her arm.

Then she took a position in the shadows, where she could see the charging desert folk, but they would have a hard time seeing her.

She drew her bow, and began to fire arrows at the desert folk.  She fired four arrows, and then moved her position, so they couldn't get a fix on her.

She stayed in the shadows while doing so.

Firing at the guards again.

13:56, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 7 using 1d8+5.  damage.
13:56, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 10 using 1d8+5.  damage.
13:55, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 11 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.
13:55, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 11 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.

  gaerth hit a fellow in leathers, he had a whip coiled on his  Belt  , and  waved     shorten version of a Pike  around.

  two Shafts  slammed into the man, from Gaerth, and He  fell over the  harnesses for the horses   and tried to crawl into the darkness , towards the grasslands.

  ...............

  Diana's shots  zipped into the darkness.. The elad Most , of the sand  folk went down... Judging from his screams, he still lived.

  another   one was nicked , from the yelp that was  heard... the  others backtracked into the darkness....there  friend  calling out for aid....

............

  The  LArge Human closed In on Kree, he  dropped to his knee and fired his  last shot  shot and was reward with a curse for pain.. but the   Big  fellow Barreled into  the Eld   and the rolled into the Darkness...

................

 Ivy stalked slowly.. barely a movement of   the brush that was used to help hide..now..it hid the attackers...

.............


  The sounds  were getting   less from the grassland ... but the sounds of battle were still there...

Brie kept to the shadows and firing every 15 to 20 steps apart using the trees as cover and the reposting to the next tree.

Picking another slaver firing 2 shots.

v15:04, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 10 using 1d6+5.  damage.
15:04, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 10 using 1d6+5.  damage.
15:04, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 7 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.
15:04, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 15 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.

Luthien was suddenly many Luthiens as he closed to melee

(Mirror Image is used!)

"Face me!"

And then, like a proper Knight facing down the darkness, swings his sword with furious blows. His full strength is quite in evidence. It can sometimes be easy to forget how strong the Knight really is.

 She stood with her back against a mangled tree looking around for someone to shoot. She wouldn't move forward until all the shooting was done. She didn't relish a shot from a friendly person by accident! She kept shooting at any of the enemy fighters who might be trying to sneak up on one of her new companions, first and at any enemy or cat that was open otherwise. If she can use sneak attack she might put her crossbow down and use her stealth and her special blade to stalk one.


 *If she gets a chance she will become shadowy and strike from behind, one enemy if she can catch one unaware.

Riku had seen a single Luthien change to multiples and became quickly confused. Following her instincts she cast Detect Evil on the bad looking character.

 Riku.. is 'pushed back"  but the   blast of darkness she  uncovers... The  thing is evil..

    Luthien  charges  Up , as the  creature  tries  to put out  the  whithering arrows.. drops of blood fall on the  makeshift altar... ..hissing. and eating  at the  wood.

 The  Creature Looks at the Luthiens  that  are   moving towards it.... It holds out a hand that still hold  , partially eaten entrails  and   shouts    a high pitched  , but guttural shout.... One of the Luthiens  Vanish....

.......................

   Shadowmist... moves through the sparse brush that served a barrier of sorts to help hide the fires from the  'inside' of the  Forest... She  saw the  Fat mechant with his  hair Blowing  about in the  breeze...  the arrow that was suck deep into his thigh..made it hard for the overweight  fellow to crawl...

........................

 Laf.... figured, the sounds of the Horns were close  enough, he did not need to use  his any Longer.. bringing Up His bow... He send  a shaft, past Diana into the darkskinned man who had  flanked her... Though Diana didn't know the fellow  was there until the arrow  struck..The fellow didn't know he was dead, until  he hit the ground.

............

  Kree was in a desperate  Fight  with the LArger man, Only  the throwing  daggers  Kree hand hidden  about him  gave him any weapon against the big Man's Dirk.. they rolled into the  open area where the stumps  dotted the landscape..  Kree  wiggling  to  dodge    the Heavy blade.. while  striking  with  either Hand to slice the  Man's  neck chest and arms...

........

  Gareth .... found two  guards  circling towards     the area where Lucy and Ivy were....his arrows hissed through the  night.. one   hit  the end of the wagon.. another Hit  the   Guard who   spun and fell to the  ground, His friend, grabbing him  by the  jerkin, to pull him back around the wagon.

..............

 Ivy... Shouted, as he brought his bow up.....Surrender!  or Die......  he loosed  an arrow into a Dog that was   crouched low, sneaking up on something...( shadomist )  though he could not see who it was.

.............

 Lucy .... feeling better... she noticed the   slavers/loggers were thinning out..some foolishly ran towards the grasslands... but the sounds of Horns spoke of  what awaited them there...

..............

 Orlin.. and  the  dog  moved to see who would make the next attack...

...............

 Brie  move  and fired,, she  had come around  to  left side of the  brushline  now.. though it was hard to see them in the dark... a few Sandfolk and  some Orcs  where gathering and talking  among themselves...

   The other dog flies out of the mist and confusion just inside the reach of Orlin's staff.  Orlin smashes it on a brutal strike to the ribs but but the creatures momentum carries it forward to latch onto Orlin's wrist.  A deft slice of his belt knife across the throat kills the creature even as it savages Orlin's arm.

Riku shakes herself from the aura blast.  Once she has recovered she calls on Aura of Protection on the folks with in the area close to kree and ivy.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Fri 21 July 2017.

In reply to battle (msg # 266):


  Diana's shots  zipped into the darkness.. The elad Most , of the sand  folk went down... Judging from his screams, he still lived.

   another   one was nicked , from the yelp that was  heard... the  others backtracked into the darkness....there  friend  calling out for aid....

Diana used the man who cried out as bait.  She moved to a position where she could see the wounded man.  She smiled evilly.

when the first sand person went to help, she sent two arrows into him.  When the next man tried to help, she sent two arrows into him as well.  Although, she aimed to injure, not kill.  she wanted more bait.

Both mean cried out for help from the comrades.

Laf .... figured, the sounds of the Horns were close  enough, he did not need to use  his any Longer.. bringing Up His bow... He send  a shaft, past Diana into the dark skinned man who had  flanked her... Though Diana didn't know the fellow  was there until the arrow  struck.. The fellow didn't know he was dead, until  he hit the ground.


Dian glanced over, giving Laf a nod in thanks.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Thu 20 July 2017.

In reply to battle (msg # 272):

Lucy smiled at the sounds of the horns coming from the grasslands.  She let the suckers run.  their fate was sealed, and it was a worthy, justified fate.

She then turned towards the rest of the battle.

She moved towards her allies.  Looking for anyone who needed assistance.

Luthien closed to melee...the duplicates are there to deflect hits from the heinous thing. Never was there a better time to use it.

Luthien, having closed, starts lashing out with his sword, putting every bit of skill he has into every swing. His training with the longsword is well paid, and his strength hammers out thunderstrokes with the cold iron blade.

Gareth is startled by an arrow nicking his ear and his shots go wild.


19:32, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 1 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.
19:32, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 8 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.

 She took out the fat merchant with the blowing hair and yanked the arrow out of his leg to use in case of need. She slipped back into the bushes and moved on looking for another victim.

 She stopped and listened for the movements of the sand people and the others not friends of hers. She heard stealthy steps coming toward her location and disguised herself to blend in with the brush until they came past. It was another enemy trying to sneak behind the Arrows so she stopped them from slipping onward. She missed her death blow but managed to trip them and grappled with them.

  With Laf's Bow  adding  to the Mix... the    Battle outside  the Tree     seem to be getting  quieter ... and  Most of the Armed  men  dead or Dying...

  The Sandfolk and left over Orcs Took off  towards the    North east  but staying inside the trees, hopefully to escape out , past the battle going on outside the tree.

  .............

 Shadow Mist.... The  Fat  merchant's  face   held his fear in death, no one would  miss  this   scum....she  then ambushed  a younger  slaver, the lad  had a Gaff  hook about  4  feet long, used to punish and prod  slaves.. the fight  was short, but   vicious... Shadowmist took a deep wound to her left shoulder... but the slaver was dead.

.............

  Gaerth saw his shafts  sail into the darkness... targets were getting  scarce .

..................
  Riku's  spell   goes  off.... soe  folks begin  to feel 'safer'

..........

  Luthien Meets the creature,,, the  iron  Blade  flashes, dully, in the  fire light.. the weapon  lands and the surprised   creature  Shrieks again.... the sound of   a hundred voices..  as it  tries  to break free of the iron weapon.

..............

 Ivy shook his head,he says to Lucy,..at the far end of the camp , some  slavers  are running.... we can only hope the   Scouts in the grass lands, find them

................

 Kree stumbles back into the  camp as he   finds his Bow...  he nocks  and  arrow and sits on a small cask, near the  Innkeeper......bet you did not see this copming..2  days ago....

 ............

 Brie... sees  the    group of slavers  run..she also sees  a tent  that they caught on fire.. and struggling  figures inside the tent...

 To say she wasn't happy about her own clumsiness would be an understatement. She'd let the young man spike her with his gaff, and she doubted it was clean! She crawled away from the man and opened her pack to bring out a bottle of strong wine and some clean cloth. Soaking the cloth with the wine she cleaned her wounded shoulder then did her best to wrap a clean piece of cloth around the wound. Luckily it wasn't her dominant arm. Once wrapped, she stuffed the wine-soaked cloth into a hole she dug in the ground, covered it up. Then stored the clean kit back into her backpack. After resting a few minutes,she went back to looking for enemies, if any.

Luthien relentlessly attacks the creature, his cold iron blade hacking and slashing. With the holy fire raging in his eyes, he's somewhere between peaceful and enraged, engaged in a certain clarity that can only be found in not having any moral quandaries at all in destroying your enemy.

"Your time has come!"

And if it happened to respond in the foul language of its realm, he was ready.

In reply to battle (msg # 280):

 Ivy shook his head, he says to Lucy,..at the far end of the camp , some  slavers  are running.... we can only hope the   Scouts in the grass lands, find them

"Well, we can always hunt them down.  Encourage them to keep running, and damned sure not look back." Lucy says, with a fangy grin.

She found an extra quiver of arrows among the dead, and combined a few extra arrows to her quiver.

Then she started off after those fleeing.

She stayed in the shadows moving quickly.  She brought up her bow and fired two arrows at the closest fleeing sand person.

She ducked and dodged in the shadows zigging and zagging.  She fired two more arrows a the fleeing sand people.  She wanted them to feel fear.  To run scared to death that death was behind them.

She stalked them like they were wild prey.  Firing two arrows at a time.

Brie scans the area and sheaths her bow drawing her blade.  When its as safe as can be she heads to the burning tent fighting her way as she goes.

When she senses the others are safe, she calls moves about the fighters and adds more protection to her group the runs behind the monster and starts firing darts to put him to forget.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:31, Fri 21 July 2017.

Gareth goes after more slavers

10:39, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 7 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.
10:39, Today: Gareth Greenbow rolled 19 using 1d20.  Composite Short Bow +1 att thaco 13.

  More  Horns  sound  from  the Forest itself . Kree Rose from his spot  with the Inn Keeper  sa he began to take stock of  the  Camp...

 A fire  Burned among the Tents... screams of  fear and pain came from inside  some of the tents that were on fire.

  Gareth's... arrows    zipped through the dark... finding nothing as the  figures went  further  down range.

  Lucy Past Brie   , who was on her  way to the Burning Tents, and the screams from within.      As GAreth.. her  attempts  to bring  down the fleeing Sandfolk and Orcs..eas  falling  short

  Orlin Found the   Dark Armored  Slaver leader.. he was just waking up from the  Blow the   creature gave him.. He was  Just  trying to get to his feet...

 Riku fluttered Near the BAttle of the creature  and  Luthien. The Creature  was sorely wounded.. it  did Manage to bring  a  Clawed   Hand cross  Luthien's  armor... the  metal hissed  and  Melted.. Luthien felt  some  Fain.. the  creature's hand stopped Glowing..its  eyes  were losing   the  red light...

 Diana and  Laf. were the next closest folks to the Burning  Tents....

 Shadowmist could here  rumbling   from the forest... there were lights, bobig up and down the Hillocks..

 Ivy  stepped  Out of the Brush, he  kept  an arrow  knocked in the bow with one hand, and  drew his  blade  with another... as he   slashed the throats of  any  enemies who were still wounded.

In reply to Battle (msg # 287):

   Rage glows in Orlin's eyes beneath his hood. One giant foot stomps down on the slavers chest holding him in place as the Firbolg relieves the...monster of his weapons. "Ye've done the unforgivable Boy," Orlin growls in an impossibly deep voice, "An nor denizen of this plain has the power to punish you appropriately." 

   He looks to Kree  "How far out are the druids likely to be?"

  Kree  calls over to Orlin..i do not know if  druids  came..but i hear the hrons from the Forest.... it will depend on how well the Ladies  did there Job, seeking   The Village.

 She sought out wounded enemy needing the Kiss of Grace as she made  her slow way toward where she'd left her companions before the battle started. If she found anyone worth saving for interrogation she would tie them up to be picked up by other arrows later.

Brie had watched as Lucy passed her by quickly.  The cries and screams from those in the tent were nearly unbearable.  Brie took extra strides, this time taking a bit less regard to being safe.  She needed to get to those slaves.

Once she reached the tent she would start slashing at them to allow those within to escape.  If they couldn't, she'd carefully enter and start breaking bounds.

Pain would pass. But a great evil destroyed was forever. He expected to get hit a few times, even with the mirror images.

Furiously his attack continues, slashing at the foul thing, over and over again.

  Brie saw the fires were set, for people to make a choice..catch the   fleeing slavers, or  save those tarpped in the   tied tents....

 3 tends  all had  Images of  figure struggling and  screaming.

...............

 Riku peppers the  thing  with her  tiny arrows... only  one seems to cause  any grief.. the  rest seems to sizzle  away.

 Luthien...   slams his Blade into the creature  again.. It screams ..weaker.... the  2nd Blow   follows..it  fires off  a blot of black fire.. Luthiens    chestplate,  melts a bit more his  skin burns....

............

Luthien forged on, swing his sword furiously at the creature. Any damage he took is damage an innocent wasn't taking, and his sword continued hammering out the thunderstrokes of Heaven.

    "Would like to save this trash so maybe his energy can be used to help the trees."  He looks at the man critically then breaks bothof his legs at the knee with one strike, then smashes his hands as an after thought.  "I'll get back to him latter."

   Orlin looks to see if anyone needs help.  The battle seems over.   gazes out towards the plains. "Is it worth it to chase them down?  I know a cat who wishes to play with some mice."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:54, Sat 22 July 2017.

In reply to Battle (msg # 287):

her  attempts  to bring  down the fleeing Sandfolk and Orcs.. is falling  short

Lucy paused.  With her night vision, she can see the sandfolk and Orcs are out of bow range.

She turns back to the screams of those in the burning tents.  For a moment, she curses.

Then she retreats quickly to help get those out of the burning tents.

She slices open one of the tents, and helps those able to move.  To those who are unable to move due to being tied, she slashes bonds.

In reply to Battle (msg # 287):

Diana runs to the burning tents, as soon as they ignite.

She quickly slashes openings and begins helping get those trapped within out.

If any slavers were about, she will kill them.

Otherwise, she will help get those slaves out of the burning tents.

     Figure Begin to appear from the darkness..Most of the  green armored Rangers...  there rest people of the Black Timber armed with  weapons, or even farm tools.

   The Last Lucy can see , is  the last of the sand Folk  breaking into the tree line... to the grasslands.

    A Few  Ponies  enter from the Grass lands..  Elves and half-elves Dismount  and Look around  as they  see  slaves  chained to wagons, and  logs lying about...

 Both groups send  people to help the Ladies with the  burning Tents....

  what appears to be the Leader of the Grasslands , walk up to  Ivy  as he take the  head of a  slaver..he  merely points towards  the wounded Kree who is sheathing his arrow, and drawing   his longsword.

  From the  other Direction,  Krell and a LT  Cameput of the darkness..also Approaching  Kree.

  The  Two leaders  Nodded to each other... The   Elf from the grasslands said,...we  heard the Horn.... we  came, it well we did.. there are 4 wagons   covered.. that Contain  Black Oak...  we killed  many Loggers and  , what had the Look of slavers... there are Sandfolk, among them.

  Krell Looked with anger at Kree,..we heard no Horns  Until  we passed the Stead.... he  came this way, because this one sent  2  women through through the night...

 ..They are  women of The Timber.... and i could not spare any of my Arrows to run the message...

 The   Leader of the  Grasslnad   rider  bows to Kree,.Well met.....  we have  riders  going up and down the treeline, in case any of the scum tried to leave.... Blowing the horn most l;ike  turned the battle, as we   do not normally patrol , this close to the  Timber.

 Krell  glared at Kree,..you left my people   staked to the trees...  Did I raise you to be an animal!

 The Leader of the  Horsemen said......you are Kree!.... YOu have done well.... The Arrows  and   Elves have  gained much, because of your strikes against those who would harm us...

 ..do not swell his head, any larger then it  is, Mize.... I am still waiting  for  an answer...

 Kree shakes Mize's hand in a warrior  grasp.But says to  Krell,..maybe...Father?  I would not have had bodies to take down from the trees, had your   Warden's followed the rule , of Missing   scouts? then  he smiles at Mize,..besides... they were dead already.... taking them down can wait until after the battle....

 Mize  grunts,mmmm... he is   Right, Elder Quickshadow. We never tend the  dead, until after a  battle..we can do nothing else for them, nor can they do anything for us.

........................

 as the Leaders  met...   the tents  were   pulled   down, or  sliced  opened to  drag out wounded, and chained  slaves..most of the women and children that were wearing nothing, or next to nothing...at least 4 dead  males in the same  dress.. had been stabbed with the wicked  sandfolk blades.

  Some of the Wardens and Riders were taking  Burn damage as well as  some of the slaves...

 One of the Wardens  said,..I thought Sandflk were  allies?

 a  Male Rider   snorted,...you need to leave the Trees more often...Sandfolk are allied  with coin... and will do what it  takes, to get a much as they can...

.............
 Orlin sees the three meeting.... The   Slave leader was  howling  in pain...


....................

   Luthien's  Last strike,  cleaves the head of  dark creature  as it  grasps  his left arm... the  armor  melts in the  shape of a  three fingered grasp...

 Riku watches the  thing melt into black-red ooze as it  turns to smoke  and drifts off....

Luthien frowns at his armor...it'll take some time to fix that. No matter. He'll get right on that tonight. For now, he cleans his blade, very pleased with the purchase and its performance in this battle.

Then, the Knight turns, and heads towards the commander.

"They summoned a fiend. It has been dispatched."

  Kree Turned to Luthien and Called  Back,..No Good Luthien.. it is  Just My FAther..but it is an easy enough mistake to make...

 Mize  chuckles  and   Krell grits his teeth in anger.

  Mize speaks up,..There  are  20 score or More  bodies out  in the grass lands.. some came from here.... we will take the spoils outside the  trees.. and  Burn the Bodies....what will you do with the Logs?


 ..we will see about  sellign  it to Ironmound. We must make certain  none  from Tou get to make  coin from this....

 ..There  are Sandfolk, and Catfolk here  as well... I an thinking the Logs  were going  to Go down the Lather  river... or?  Up... Sandfolk make ships too...

"I meant the Siva."

As for Kree's father...Luthien is far too tactful to mess with a family dispute. Such things can only be handled by the family themselves.

 She finds some survivors in the tents and did her best to save then from the fires.
23:28, Today: Shadow Mist rolled 4 using 1d6-1.  damage from tents.

   Orlin approaches the meeting and hears Krell critique Krays actions. "Indeed we began to take the wardens down but felt it wise to deal with the situation at hand then release them with the care their station deserves rather than tear them down while in fear of allowing those who committed this abomination to escape.  I will help with this directly after caring to the injured."  He looks at the actions at the slave tents, "Alas this will eat through my supply of burn gel before before we even approach the dessert.  This  is a bad omen."

Brie began cutting open the tents and dragging people out.  If they were able to escape on their own but were bound, she would cut the bounds and motion for them to escape.

Brestine Darksbane rolled 3 using 1d6-1 ((4)).

   Luthien, cannot  tell form his chest plate yet, But  the armguard and been  eaten by hot acid.

  The  creature that was summoned is a  enemy of the   High Peak, and Ironmound Dwarves..destroying   fine weapons and armor, much less the  people using them.

  Riku fluttered  nearby , watching   for any signs of return... The  'stump altar' was  burning now, and the   blood  from the  creature  consumed the entrails  and wood ...

.............

   Brie, Diana,Shadowmist and Lucy  managed to free most of the slaves..  Two did not make it, as they were too close to were the fires were set. Laf watched over  with his  Bow.

 Ivy  was  wiping his  Blade off on   a piece of cloak, cut from a dead guard, he approached , Nodding to Mize,..It is always  good to see our brothers  from the plains... i hope  your aid , did not cost you?

 ..we lost more  Horses the people...  we are gathering Horse that broke from the trees, and will take them as spoils.

 ..If you would, Mize,perhaps we will sort out the Slaves..  those who need escort to Tou...you can watch over?... those  who wish to stay in the Timber  can  Come along  with us, and  we  can send them to Villages that need   people.

 ..The Farm Stead., could use some  people... there are a few empty nuildings...and  room for more to ne built...

 The Inn Keeper sat By the Dog he Killed. Krell pointed with his  sword to him...is that a slaver  Scum?

 ...No.. he was a traveler , on his  way to Tou. he was swept up in the action, as  My Arrows  moved across the forest floor , It  may be wise  for him to move with the others who chose to go to Tou..

  Krell looked over the wounded, the slaves  had  taken all sorts of wounds, from abuse, to beatings, to burns   A rider from the grasslands came into the camp,

 .... Mize.... we caught a group exiting the trees , a mile or so down the  treeline.. we killed the orcs and a few of the Sand people.. there are three left...

 ..Bring them here. Lonat.... The leader  will wish to  ask them questions....

 ..I have  no stomach for questioning..i..

 ..I did not  mean you, Good Elder.... I meant  The Captain.. this  was his  battle....

 ... aye... I have heard of the Sandfolks and their ways.... It will be interesting to  see what they think of Mine....

 Krell looks disgusted  as he Turns to  Orlin,..we have d ruids  coming to  help mend the land... smaller trees,  buches and shrubs. will grow  back quickly..larger  trees  will takle months.... it will be decades  befor e  the Balck Oak and Irowood   gow to usable  size again.