The trail south is unremarkable.  While there is clear sign of recent use, it is obvious that there is a more permanent, but very faint, trail underneath.  Something, perhaps that speaks of trappers, woodsman and hunters travelling these paths for  years, as well routes the bandits are liable to use.

Then you get close to the forest margins, both Rook and Zorah call a halt, for they can see this is where the paths diverge.  One running trail running west, across the top of the Narlemarch, the other East, and then possibly south, down the side of the forest.  This is clearly the place that Henry spoke of.

It isn’t the best place to camp -  although water is available from a stream you passed half a mile back, and there is liable to be plenty of small wood at the edge of the forest, which is about 400 feet away.  Much of the day has been used up already and you guess there is about two hours until it starts to get dark.

OOC -  See Group 9 Map
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:10, Sun 08 May 2016.

Aris'ta had been strangely silent since well before leaving Olegs'. She had refused to be anywhere near where the branding was taking place and whatever reaction she had to the sounds of screams and agony is gone the moment she has returned to the others. Clearly, she was not too far as she has learned of their plans and retrieving her things has readied her horse for another length of the journey. Bow on her back, pack ready, she slips easily atop her mount and waits for the others before taking a position near the end of the line.

Silver eyes watch the surroundings like those of a hawk, ever ready or expecting a subtle move, but none comes and eventually she relaxes into a quiet complacency only marred by the tightness of her lips and stiff grip upon her horses' reins. When they arrive, she is ready to dismount and ready for a change of pace. She pulls the cloak away from her face and looks around.

"Shall we settle here and decide who is to do what? We'll need wood for a fire, to be sure. " It is the most she has spoken for quite awhile.

Aris'ta's words surprised Cyrus, but they were what he was thinking as well. They had little time to prepare for night time and though he was sure Zorah's fox could retrieve some fruit, they would need a fire to keep them warm and they should set a perimeter to watch for bandits given they were on the path toward what they believed to be a bandit hideout...

"I will gather some wood. We should set a perimeter and a watch schedule. Given the bandit activity we are better safe than sorry."

Zorah finishes examining the trail as the others discuss a fire and watch.  "The east trail is where most of the recent travelers have gone.  That's probably our best bet.  You can include Wilson in the watch rotation.  He's been trained to keep an eye out.  I'm working on the others, but no luck yet.  It's only a matter of time though."  She points to the hawk perched nearby, whistles to it, and holds up two fingers clearly.

"I will help fetch wood," Andalon volunteers. "We won't need to fetch water. Abadar will allow me to call forth as much as we need."

"Mother nature is always willing to give forth life-giving water as well."  Zorah adds.  Indicating she too can provide water for the group.  "And cleansing fire if need be to start up the camp fire."

While the others gather wood or scout the area Zorah checks nearby for any food to supplement their rations with.


15:32, Today: Zorah rolled 19 using 1d20+9.  searching for food.

Cyrus couldn't help himself when Andalon offered to pray for water and he muttered under his breath, "Will there be a fee for the water as well?"

He kept to himself while he gathered wood and walked around what he thought was a sufficient perimeter trying to identify spots that would give anyone assigned a watch a good vantage point.

Valoria give a sharp look to Cyrus as he gave his unkind comment. “You may not value his faith, but I do. Besides, Zorah can give you water if you prefer. There is no need to mock my kin, sir Cyrus.” Valoria then looked back down to her tome and Muninn finally come out and perched himself on her shoulder. “I'll take first watch."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:04, Wed 11 May 2016.

"Thank you Cousin," Andalon responded to Valoria before giving Cyrus's question some thought.

"Thank you for asking, Cyrus. It would be well for us to all understand the rules for such things. If any of you ask for Abadar's blessing then there will be a fee to be paid for that service. But if I decide to use the gifts Abadar has granted me without being asked, just because I deem it to be for the good of all, then there should be no fee involved. The agreement with Valoria regarding healing is a special case and there may well be other exceptions in future that we cannot yet foresee."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:33, Wed 11 May 2016.

Cyrus realized that his muttering under his breath must have been louder than he intended it to be from the two cousins' response.

"Yes, understanding the rules is important. Thank you for putting the good of the group first."

He says nothing more while he continues to set up the camp. After the fire is lit, the tents and bedrolls arranged and dinner is eaten, Cyrus rests so he can take the last watch.

After finishing the meal with the group Zorah sets to feeding her animals, or in some cases letting them loose to feed themselves.  Wilson soars off to hunt before returning for his turn at watching the camp.

In the meantime Zorah removes a small spikey-furred animal from her pouch.  She sets the hedgehog on a stump beside her.  Stroking the creature's back Zorah feeds him a few seeds and dried berries.  Once he's done eating Zorah gets to work.  She holds up four fingers in front of it and clearly says, "Sedgewig, sneak."  She then comically demonstrates what she wants the tiny hedgehog to do as if she herself were one.  Zorah continues to train the animal for the next couple of hours before getting ready for bed, satisfied with what little progress Sedgewig seemed to have made.

Cyrus and Andalon soon gather enough wood to keep a small fire burning for the night, while Andalon and Zorah offer to provide magically created fire and water to keep the camp going.  Once the basic camp is built the discussion turns to deities and their gifts, with Valeria defending her cousin’s stance to charge for spells when he feels it appropriate although Cyrus still doesn’t feel that it is a right and proper way for a cleric and deity to behave – even after Andalon explains it again.  Sometimes things just don’t seem right for some reason.

In the mean time, Rook produces a small cooking pot and a packet of herbs that he uses to make up a warming tea, which  helps make the trail-rations you have for dinner more palatable. While Zorah amuses herself, as well as everyone else, as she trains her hedgehog, although some of the positions and postures that she takes looks really strange to the rest of you.

Just as you settle down and Valoria sets up to take the first watch  you become aware of something in the grass about 50feet away from your camp.

"It's a group of small, dark skinned humanoid lizards. That can't be good, can it?" Andalon observed quietly.

He calmly picked up his light crossbow and loaded a bolt.

Zorah follows Andalon's lead and picks up her walking staff as she readies herself in the event the camp needs to be defended.  "Would you like me to try and speak to them?  Or maybe someone else?"  She keeps her voice low so only those nearby can hear.

"Perhaps we had best to leave them alone?" she questions softly, but she too has reached for her bow as she sat by the fire. There was no room for discussion before hand, she felt no relevant need to rehash her views on fee or no fee and she would rather make as few enemies as possible along the way. "They may not necessarily mean harm. " despite her words, she is clearly preparing herself.

"I'd be happy if they moved along without our asking..." Cyrus too readies his weapons, drawing his longsword and shifting his shield into a guarded position. He maintains a neutral stance but is ready to back into a guarded stance should the lizards advance.

Valoria smiled and nodded to her cousin and the group at large. “I think we should try to talk to them. Small humanoid lizards you say? I will try to speak to them in Draconic.” Stepping forward and holding out her empty hands in a friendly manner, Valoria begins to speak in the ancient tongue. “(Draconic)Friends of lizard and dragon kind, I welcome you in good faith to sit by our fire and feast with us.” Then picking up one of her rations and taking some gold coins she continues. “(Draconic)In friendship and in good faith, I offer you a gift of gold and food. I am Valoria of house Lebeda. May I have your names?"


OOC: If they come forward, Valoria will give them one of her rations and 5GP.

There is some soft chittering in the grass before one of the Kobolds, dark green in colour, stand up and takes a few paces towards you.  Its eyes darts from side to side as if it is sizing you up and watching for traps or tricks from you.  Then speaking in  a high pitched chirrupy voice it says [Language unknown: N p Enhifi. Mewa an ichearion of enatwe etpa?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:38, Thu 12 May 2016.

Cyrus looks as Zorah, then Valoria, then Aris'ta and Andalon and asks, "Was that a yes to your offer of gold and food or is it time to do battle."

Rook rides along with the group and keeps as silent as he had with the first, though this was a curious silence. It afforded him the opportunity to watch how everyone interacted. He paid particular attention to the treatment of the horses. Everyone went their separate ways to provide for the camp and he helped to secure their mounts in a comfortable spot for light grazing.

He pays particular attention to the Westward path when they arrive, but doesn't speak up when Zorah mentions the other trail. As they decide on a watch order, he volunteers for the last two watches of the night. Sitting down at the fire with the others, he provides them all a tea to drink in hopes it will help foster a sense of closeness with their shared meals.

While Zorah did her training, the young man settled on his bedroll and produced a small woodworking set from his pack. Using a blade, he idly carved the beginnings of a second holy symbol from a blank of wood. His eyes were beginning to get heavy and sleep called for him when he was startled by the presence of the lizards. He put down his things and stood slowly, one hand moving to the symbol that dangled around his neck.

Valoria continued to smile and quickly responded to Cyrus. “It's going well. This is Nuzes everyone. Please be friendly.” She then looked back at the lizard creature in a friendly manner. [Language unknown: “Nt di rat ioudaywit eve us, Ioublevor n a Thiortent ameeveess m al evestinti ll ineiv, icaee pl ur ol ce ataset.  Aintioure p i Ivetpa it a acwealfi netrwi, lionhi ill u ometheresenc k nti li. K lat ckund ielawhan nachei. Tinithder el ac fiho li diine but ti n ticai ave m re venhouear tent nenc nadi p ul ecwais."] Valoria takes a few more steps towards the kobold, offering gold and food.

Nuzes wears leather armour, specially sized and shaped to fit around his  tail, and carries a spear in his hand - he thinks for a moment, as he digests Valoria's words, although about the only thing the rest of you can make out is Henry de le Maistre's name.

After a moment Nuzes says [Language unknown: Ncai inenin urusan seto'usto.] and scuttles back to where the other kobolds are still hiding in the grass.  A few moments later he returns holding out a small bunch of root vegetable towards Valoria in exchange for the coins and food.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:54, Fri 13 May 2016.

Valoria give a small bow at the offer and takes the trade. Handing over the coins and food, taking the radishes. [Language unknown: “Pl astno in meing ilngac us ivean thoai ha? U na hatblesti ck lengca fo il di oushi etieofwi hiur at i."] Valoria then introduces each member of the group. [Language unknown: “Herwh wa The, Letona, Usasbe, Ieeval anet Londan. Ureereany iv il sheoveect.” ]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:18, Fri 13 May 2016.

Nuzes backs away, towards his compatriots, now that the trade is done.  However, he answers Valeria's question by pointing in various directions and speaking in draconic.

[Language unknown: “Ver ul iviou thinceear plalstri wh un ofholi, tedta int prointart neplet (trwhheas etelen).  Wilth ad pl  aintioughyin io tra llart mantinrut era n ort noeieriv (nirewhou andoutwas) unol nata n lesca ersnotsannde u ingdi ntteio linestthu lesla o reus omeandint ioneveith (plca-ofnc encai) wit me n fint elprer p rian eihou m p haon ortatiher (hatstiwithat omeng).  To weros it plur Astlat'manres res ss hias vorar (tioicalarhis ureratiou)  A ieee k ie  ostela renech ateectratare roreas n n all il. (hoieontr fo staentwas)”]

Zorah thanks Nuzes in a gesture she hopes is interpreted correctly.  She slowly approaches Valoria and offers to take the radishes in order to let the diplomat continue on with the conversation.  It was good to hear everything was going well, considering practically anything could have been said and Zorah wouldn't have known any different.

Valoria hands the radishes to Zorah and tries to get just a few more answers from Nuzes [Language unknown: “Erelni sthe.  Ilwi, Il ouno intionredsta me chnc siai vir omnesape witstaven t beutdi a pl n derstaourectthe ailo entsanproted adheti ng ar presi est? Of miunma st inatun t meon wasri was her tinainvor areivehou n ro, kor pr landee tr einti teilnt. Oereenint ss ame witie acove loasilhe esand? P hi es seme astinevir maone es ngos ainterbut, lin menho theanttic.”]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Fri 13 May 2016.

Nuzes takes a few paces towards his compatriots, and there is a quick conversation between them.  [Language unknown: Tha urta tissrisica of ad ei wer m plere Weroerthe diilch ureaveugh ad loitto ullaomwe, all it ac ons ous ect ni are terhasons   "Whiratsan? ... Ome ...  tinctr asre illundpro"] before Nuzes turns back and addresses Valoria  [Language unknown: Ncle icsstr k the rondro ti repl osilut ecilno e el ic tinic et loove t la lesthodayund.]

And with that Nuzes withdraws another a couple of paces towards his colleagues hiding in the grass.

A disappointed look comes across Valoria's face. If she had more coin, she would offer more. Sadly, she did not. This adventure was quickly putting her in the hole, with no pay off as yet. No pay off at all. [Language unknown: “T ess, omleni An setameoun hintaril essthetio. Erablethebut, Ichntithi.”] She then sat down by the fire and opened her tome, the same bored look from before returning to her eyes. “They know about the bandits that the other group went after and the trading post. They mentioned a swamp and a boat to the west and orcs in a ring by an old bridge to the east. There are also mites in an old tree, also to the east.” Valoria let out a deep sigh, as if frustrated by something.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:40, Sat 14 May 2016.

"It sounds like our friends here have been very helpful, Valoria, why the long face?" Cyrus asked after watching the back and forth without understanding any of the items being discussed.

Rook tilted his head, leaning back slightly as Valoria returned quickly to the fire. Eyebrows up, he rubbed one slowly, transitioning to scratching his forehead thoughtfully. "Uh, before they leave, could you ask them where they live? They're on foot, it has to be close. I wouldn't want to surprise them during the exploration."

Aris'ta watches the interplay carefully, not making sudden movements, and not speaking up as she wishes not to interrupt. "Most curious. " she mentions more to herself than anyone as they begin to pull further away. "Perhaps we will be in luck and they will spread word that we are friend and not foe, though one can never be sure what to expect. " she says after a time, slowly releasing her bow beside her.

Valoria looked up from her tome and locked eyes with Cyrus. “Disappointment in my own  diplomatic abilities. I wanted them to act as our guides for the next few days, but I feel I did not offer them enough coin. Alas, handsome Cyrus...I am almost completely broke....Never had to worry about money in my life, till now...” She then looked over to Rook and Aris'ta. “I did ask them where they lived and they simply said, the forest. I was hoping they would take us to their chieftain, after meeting up with the others...the less enemies we have, the better.”

Cyrus considered the situation further and then asked Valoria, "How much gold do you think would have been required to garner their favor?"

Making sure they did not get far, Valoria calls out. [Language unknown: “Ntrom ent ekolas atehouwhi, Werthusan! I rea ur terortoul wheillard oreti pltr terstrate thantivor. Arte chouac kores ektiur her con, korwe? Wh thi herce hilar pl al eeat era andoursonome?”] She then looked back to Cyrus. “I offered them two silver pieces each, plus food and water per day. I think a little more then double that, five silver each would be sufficient. I could still pay for a day of that, but no more.”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Sat 14 May 2016.

"My purse isn't limitless by any means but I will pay for a few days of their service, especially if they know all that you say they do."

"No, no, save your money." Rook shook his head and hand simultaneously. "They have families to support, we shouldn't take them away from that. Pay them to draw us a rough map based on where we are now. That way you can still give them money, make them more friendly, let them go home where they belong, and give us directions we can't forget."

As an afterthought, the young cleric looked around the group. "I can believe de la Maistre couldn't find a map-maker."

While the discussion about how to negotiate with the Kobolds continues, it is too late.  When Valoria returned to the fire, Nuzes faded into the grass alongside his colleagues, and they moved back out of your sight range so that you can't see exactly where they went.  Although you catch occasional disturbances that make you think they cross the  few hundred feet to the forest's edge.

Not a bad evening's work.  The Kobolds confirmed the description of bandit bases that Rook had heard from Pipre, gained new information about Mites that live to the east, and you have a bunch of vegetables that look like Radishes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:45, Sun 15 May 2016.

With a shrug Rook settled back down, now removing his shirt and boots in preparation for bed. The holy symbol remained around his neck. "Zorah, if you would, wait until we get back to the post before preparing those radishes. I'd like to try and use the bottoms to grow more for seed." He cleaned up the wood shavings from his work and tossed them into the fire, putting his tools and the unfinished piece back in his bag.

Seeing the lizard men leave, Cyrus realized Valoria might have set her goals to high and wasn't seeing all that she had done. "Well I guess you won't be needing more gold now but I think you were able to garner quite a bit of information with what you did do. Henry will be pleased and the information may save us hardship in the coming days. You should be proud. Not concerned."

Aris'ta has been watching Rook carefully since they journeyed. On more than one occasion she has seen behavior that is most surprising to her. With the danger gone, she removes the string from her bow to let the wood rest awhile and turns a curious eye towards the young man. "The Radishes will make good for a new settlement. " she comments off-handedly, running a hand along the wood as she checks for any obvious signs of damage. She looks around her, not wishing to overlap conversations and when given a moment, she leans closer to ask. "Forgive me the intrusion, but what is it you were doing just then?" she has an idea, but wishes not to assume. Some men whittle while others bloom and she is curious to know which the young man before her is.

Like Andalon, he appear to carry a symbol of his faith, though he doesn't present it so heavily as the other and that she finds slightly unnerving.

"Yes, they will." Rook replies to her initial comment with a grunt as he flops down on his bedroll. "Root vegetables are the easiest to grow in a new place. They're real hardy. And since the lizards grew them, I know they'll thrive. You can eat the leaves as well. They're peppery." He stretches his arms high above his head, trying to push the tension out of his shoulders and neck. A yawn fought its way out of his mouth and he covered it with a fist, biting down on it at the end. He blinked, wiping water from his eyes and looked over to Aris'ta as she leaned toward him. The young man props himself up on an elbow, the wooden symbol hanging on leather falling forward.

"What, that with the blade? The whittling? I'm just working on another one of these." He shook the cord around his neck lightly. "I figure one day something'll happen and I'll wish I had another. Might get busted or maybe I meet someone who needs it more than me. Picked it up when I needed something to do after dark, before bed. Keeps my fingers nimble and it soothes me."

A smile, albeit a weak one, flashed across her face at his answer. "Something to do with the hands? My father used to do something similar. He said it brought him joy to bring out the hidden beauty within. I never understood what he meant, until now. " the smile faded and she turned away. "I'm sorry, you were readying yourself for sleep, I did not mean to keep you. " She watched the flames, before slowly rising and stretching. It was to be a long night, she supposed, but the darkness to her was a friend, one which would not turn on you.

Valoria thought about Cyrus's words while she sat back down. “I do suppose you are right, Sir Cyrus. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, you see. I often set my goals too high. I am also glad to know my years of study have paid off. The information will come in handy...I thank you for your kind words.”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:46, Mon 16 May 2016.

"Good work Val. If you need more cash next time I will be happy to chip in as well. I expect others would be too."

Andalon will take his turn on watch as well when required.

"That's a great idea, Rook!"  Zorah was excited to add more plants to the collection of those to be grown one day.  She carefully rolled the radishes in a cloth and packed them away on Puck.  "They're moon radishes, best if we don't eat them by themselves anyway.  They can be spicier than the typical radish, which already have a zing to them.  I usually see them combined with other ingredients to cut the spice a bit, but I'm no cook."  After packing the radishes Zorah prepared for rest, she liked to sleep early in order to wake with enough time to meditate in the morning before setting out.

Rook settled onto his back again, putting his hands behind his head. "You aren't keeping me. I haven't gotten used to the active lifestyle that exploration requires. My body is used to being asleep not long after it gets dark. But I enjoy the fire and the talking to someone new." With a grin he indicated the ground beside him, though his eyes remained closed. "You can pull up a bedroll and we can gossip and giggle until we fall asleep like my sisters do. And we don't have to worry about my mother coming after us with a hickory switch. My name is Rook, by the by. I know we didn't get to properly introduce ourselves."

Aris'ta paused, for a moment taken aback by gesture, and the sincerity she hold. Then, she moved to grab her things, kneeling  to lay out her bed roll as she spoke. "Is that what female sisters do? Giggle and gossip?" she asked as she settled her things before sitting in the middle of it and pulling at the strings of her cloak.

"My name is Aris'ta, at least, the only one I've known. If my mother ever gave me one, it was never heard by those that found me." she frowned, looking forward into the nearing darkness. She was unsure why she had told him that. "My father called me Ari, and you may as well if you wish." Then she laughed, soft and low. "I do not notice proper introductions. It is rare I make them at all, to be honest."

She reached for the bindings of her shoes. "Enough of me, tell me about your giggling sisters. You must miss them?"

"Well, proper introductions make travel a lot less awkward. Imagine the stuff we could've talked about all the way here if things had been different at the post." He put one hand in the air to gesture in the fire light. "An introduction says, I acknowledge your being. I might be loopy." The grin on his face widened and almost drooped to the ground behind him. His hand suddenly dropped to his chest as though the strings holding it up had been cut. Lines appeared on his face and his mouth pursed for a moment, then opened but remained silent. Rook cleared his throat and put his hand back behind his head.

"Gossiping is what my sisters did." He raised the pitch of his voice and put on a bad feminine affectation. "Did you see Jacob Hartswell? He's got hair under his arms now. You know what that means." He shook his head, unable to fight off the smile on his face. "They'd fall to giggling and mama would come in swinging that switch and light their backsides on fire. You think they'd learn, right? Nope. Once'd a week, at least." He yawned again and stretched his shoulders until they began to cramp. "I, uh, miss them, a little. I miss knowing they're safe. And I sure hate leaving my dad behind in that house full of women."

Aris'ta watched him in his animated state, a smile alighting her lips once more as his boyishness took over. It was infectious, too, for she soon found herself laughing at his impersonation of his sisters until her stomach ached from it and she rolled on to her back as she allowed the picture in the minds eye to grow and bloom. "I don't know, they sound charming. " she remarked at the portrait she could conjure in her head of a younger man than the one next to her with young girls of equal likeness, all smiles and animation. Her childhood had been nothing like it, she had been a very sullen youth and not much more as an adult.

"Besides, if you are any indication, I would imagine your father enjoys their company as much as you miss it. " Laying her hands over her abdomen, she looked at the sky and breathed deep. "It sounds enchanting." she said honestly, looking into the stars as if they held some hidden message. "Somehow, I think you may also have supplied your bit in the gossip, from what I understand, young women can be very persuasive, even if they are of the sisterly kind. "

Zorah had no shame eavesdropping on Rook and Aris'ta's conversation, or worse yet, interjecting.  "Persuasive?!  It's not like we can just train men like anim..."  She trailed off staring at the small hedgehog perched on the log beside her.  "Go on."  She encouraged Rook before turning away and pretending to not listen again.

Rook sat straight up when he heard Zorah speak, eyes open and bright. "Zorah! You can bring your bedroll over, too. Lay it long-ways at our heads. Then it'd be a proper gossip party. And Murdock and Sedgewig can come." He waved her over eagerly as he lowered his torso back down.

"My father loves my sisters very much. He exaggerates his pride when they learn something new. And he plays with them when he's not too tired. But he's only got another year or so of that before he has to start worrying about suitors." Rook turned his head to look at Aris'ta. "That's when you get the gray hair." He went silent a moment, focusing on the warmth of the fire and the sound of everyone's voices before coming back to present.

"I'm not a gossip, I can promise you that. And I'm not easily persuaded or trained either. So don't y'all go getting any ideas." He held up a single cautionary finger.

Zorah's eyes light up.  She drags her bedroll over and calls for Murdock.  The fox trots over and curls up at the top of the bedroll like a fluffy red pillow.  Zorah rests her head near Murdock and squeezes Sedgewig the hedgehog, performing the role of a spiky little teddy bear.  He seems used to the treatment.

"I'm not so sure.  My mother used to tell me all men can be trained."  Zorah smirks.  "You just need to appeal to their base instincts."  With that said she produces a handful of dried berries and offers some to the others.

Aris'ta turned a head to look at Zorah as she interjected, a light smile playing on her lips as she turned back and waited for the third to join them. It was the most company she had shared for a long time so she aimed to enjoy it. "A worry my father never had to face." though she didn't elaborate on why.

She turns herself to face them both equally, taking a few berries with a murmured 'Thank you. "Why train at all? If they didn't fit your requirements, then wouldn't seeking out a better match be more.." she struggled for the word and eventually shook it off. "I'd rather the company."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:55, Tue 17 May 2016.

Zorah shoved a handful of berries in her mouth and spoke while still chewing them.  "There's only so many fish in a pond."  She mumbled through the food in her mouth.  "Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to travel the land.  Many are confined to the same town their entire lives."

Cyrus overheard the "gossip" beginning but hadn't finished hearing from Valoria, "Where did you learn to speak the tongue of those lizard men? It must have required a lot of time and concentration..."

Cyrus hadn't attended any proper school. He'd had tutors for a few subjects, mostly courtly behavior, but it was clear to his parents the tutors should focus on his younger brother and Cyrus would fair better studying the way of the blade. Some days he envied his brother, the soft cushions and cool libraries. But then he thought of his father and the envy drained from his thoughts.

Aris'ta smirked and nodded her head. "For many the pond has long since dried. " she added to Zorah's reflection. Ever the pessimist.

"It has to rain eventually.  Maybe you just need a druid to help the pond along a little."  Zorah was growing to like the drow who she had been wary of when they first met.  Aris'ta was the glass-half-empty ying to Zorah's glass-half-full yang.

For every ray of sun, there was a cloud just beyond to threaten it.

"It never rains underground. " This, at least, is said with the hint of a smile.

Valoria listened to the gossip trio as she poked the fire with a stick. It did make her watch go by easily, as her companions where far more interesting then she originally thought. She lifted an eyebrow and wore a soft smile as Cyrus asked his question. “I've had private tutors for my entire childhood. When it was first learned I had the ability for wizardary, at the age of five, I started learning Draconic. Master Iridius was a hard teacher, but fair. Draconic is the language of dragons and most intelligent lizards, so it's kind of a must for wizards. I can also speak Celestial, Dwarven, Elven, Skald and Sylvan. The library was my second home...I miss it.”

“What of you Sir Cyrus? Who taught you the way of the sword and who knighted you?...Do you have a betrothed back home waiting for you?”
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Wed 18 May 2016.

The young man waved off the offer of berries, having abstained from meals in favor of divine nutrition it seemed. His arms were a deeper tan than the normally uncovered skin of his torso and they almost glowed like brass next to the fire. Clasping his hands together and resting them over the symbol of his chest, the cleric allowed his eyes to close again while he listened to Zora and Aris'ta ruminate on training men and ponds? And rain? One eye opened to survey them both as best he could without moving. Foggy understanding dawned over him as they continued and then he couldn't help but feel amusement. He'd invited girls to gossip and that was exactly what they'd ended up doing. It was almost like home and that made him very comfortable.

"Of course it can't rain underground, there's no clouds. But I bet you do get moisture. So it's not about looking for the fish in the pond, it's about adaptation. Go after the, uh," One hand came up and circled in the air while he thought. "Whatever animals live in pools of water underground. Or, hell. Get out of there, go lookin' for fish elsewhere. Wait." Now his eyes were opened again and what sleep he felt coming chased away by the rampant thoughts running through his head. Rook pushed himself up so he could actually look between Aris'ta and Zorah. "Y'all are talkin' about courting or...or settling for someone untrained?"

Turning her suddenly wide eyes toward Rook, Aris leaned back, placing a hand to the ground behind her as she did so. "Well, it seemed that we-- I mean, I'm sure it was-- Not that I really expect... " she trailed off, promptly shutting her jaw tightly together. There was a sudden heat to her cheeks and a flushed feeling she hadn't expected when starting this conversation.

Raising a gloved hand she gently ran a finger along the backside of one ear uncomfortably. "I assure you at least I, and I suspect Zorah, would never settle... not that I ever expect, I mean, certainly not with current views on... " with a flustered rush of air, she folded her arms defensively over her chest and this time, when she shut her mouth she kept it that way.

This was not how she expected this conversation to go, nor had she ever really expected to have this conversation. She was so flustered by the revelation, that she never had a chance to correct Rook on the presumption she had ever even lived underground, which she hadn't.

In reply to Valoria der lin Lebeda (msg # 59):

Sir Cyrus and the questions that came with it gave him a momentary pause, "I am only a Sir in the eyes of pages and squires. I was not knighted before leaving my family and my departure came prior to any betrothals, although I am sure there were a number of deals offered and declined by and to my mother."

"As for my training with a blade," Cyrus continued, "I began with the lesser nobles but a kind and noble knight, a fellow descendant of one of the great Swordlords took me under his wing for a few years..." The thoughts of his former life and the moments that lead up to leaving his family rushed into Cyrus mind. His words drift off momentarily while discussing his training. He then regains his composure and said, "I too miss the times of learning, it is strange that my fondest memories of that life were the ones of temporary hardship and strain, sparring with wooden swords against metal, pushing myself physically beyond my known limits. The clang of sword on shield. Though different than your own learning, my guess is your brain felt similar to my arms and back and legs after a long day of "tutelage,""

As he emphasizes the last word, there is the sound of a harrumph from Aris'ta and Cyrus can't help wondering what he'd missed. "And what of you, were you to be wed before you left or upon your return?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:11, Wed 18 May 2016.

Zorah beamed a smile as understanding hit those who first missed the hidden meaning of the conversation.  "Ugh!  There's a big rock here or something."  She lied loudly before getting up.  Mudock jumped up and followed as Zorah dragged her bedroll around to the other side of Aris'ta.  She placed her feet a little too close to the drow in an attempt to forced her back the other way.  "Muuuuch better.  Good night."  She called to no one in particular before drifting off to sleep.

The stammering of Aris'ta's nitial words caught his attention and the young man satup even straighter, leaning towards her with maddened glee dancing in his eyes. A grin spread across his face at the tightening of her jaw muscles. The change in tint of her cheeks sent him forward even more. "You can blush. Maroon. I've been curious cause I'd never met anyone with your color skin before."

He sat back again and appeared to enjoy, even relish the young half-elf's reaction. His eyes followed her gloved hand to her ears and, maybe for the first time, realized how different in shape they were to everyone else's. She'd said a lot of things, started several differrent sentences that he had no idea where they were going. His attention shifted to Zorah when she got up and he took that cue from her. Rook settled back down, tucking his feet into his bedroll. He wadded up his shirt under his neck for a pillow and closed his eyes. But his lips move slightly and he spoke in a musical near-whisper.

"Ari likes booooys. Ari liiikes booooyyyys.

Aris'ta, forced to move her hand and sit up straight soon found herself face-to-face with a maddeningly gleeful Rook. Her eyes widened slightly, turning a sharp smirk to Zorah as a warning that payback would be swift and keen. Rook's words prevented any verbal ramifications as her lips closed to a pout and her eyes narrowed. There was no point in denying it, she could feel the heat there.

As the pair of them settled, she looked from side to side fuming. It was meant as teasing, but Aris'ta, whom had never grown up with others was unaccustomed and felt keenly wounded. She didn't understand the joke and saw little humor in the stark reminder. Rolling to her feet, she meant only to walk away when Rook's song sprang to her keen ears.

The final straw on an already strained back as it were. "I most certainly do not. If I were to like anyone, which I do not! It would be a grown man. As none are present, you are all safe." Taking a deep breath, she started away. "I need to prepare for my watch, if you will excuse me" and she stomped off.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Wed 18 May 2016.

At first Rook merely laid there and enjoyed the dual warmth he felt from the fire and from the conversation he just had. It seemed so long since he'd left home, so long without quality companionship. Even if it had set off Aris'ta. Thinking about it now, she had seemed more than a little annoyed. She actually hadn't even gone to bed, which meant she'd be staying up until it was her watch and would probably be stewing over it the entire time. Apologizing, even if it wasn't needed, would be a good idea. And waiting until breakfast would only make it more difficult if she spent the whole night angry.

Fighting back a sigh, this whole thing was because of him after all, Rook crawled out of his bedroll and pushed himself off of his knees and to his feet. He trotted off in the direction of the stomping footsteps in his bare feet, trying to see beyond the light given off by the fire. "Aris'ta!" He whispered loudly so as not to wake Zorah or anyone else who might've been sleeping, but still be heard in the direction he was going. "Aris'ta, I want to apologize." As he spoke, the notion dawned on him that she probably didn't have any siblings and hadn't been the subject of good-natured teasing growing up. "I'm sorry for picking on you."

It might take him a moment, but he would eventually find her silhouette form in the darkness. Turned partially away from the direction he came from, she seemed knowing of his presence before he was even close enough to make out the sharp contrast of her eyes in the dark that almost seemed to illuminate the space before them. She lifted a gloved hand flat towards him before moving finger to her lips, then moved her hand out slightly, indicating with her middle and forefinger for him to come closer.

"You needn't have troubled yourself." she whispered softly when he was close enough. "I mean, it's kind of you, but I don't expect-- you don't have to play nice with the half-breed." she added softly, her voice was no indication of anything that played on her face. Which was sad and one might guess regretful, if they could see her clearly enough. "I forget myself sometimes is all, I will have to be more careful." She frowned into the darkness and took a deep breath, disappointed in herself that she had troubled anyone. It wasn't the first time since signing up for this position that she had regretted her haste. It was foolish of her to come into the world. She didn't understand it and worse, she found she hated it. Hated that she knew little other than what her father had told her. Hated that it had been forced on her. Hated the indifferent feeling she had learned to fake so well.

With a shake of her head so subtly it might have been missed, before turning to really look at the boy who had followed her out into the shadows and wondered at his reasons. She didn't understand and that only incited her ire and irritation. "You should go back and sleep. Unlike you I am accustomed to the darkness and a late night." There was no need to add that she was accustomed to being alone, she had no wish to share that particular vulnerability.

Valoria looked at the fire for a moment as if remembering something unpleasant. She began to speak in a low tone, so that only Cyrus could hear. “I will be with this group for a while, if I'm luckily. That said, I might as well be honest. I did not leave my home by choice. I was exiled by my father...I caught him having an affair with a mistress...and wife of another Swordlord. Worried that the news would get out and cause a war with the noble houses, he kicked me out and threatened me to keep my mouth shut. By the grace of my uncle, Andalon's father, I was sent here to assist Andalon.  No betrothals for me...as my family will now offer nothing for the dowry. Since I have no dowry to bring to any marriage the odds of me finding...Forgive me sir Cyrus. I should not bother you with my troubles.”

Cyrus is not surprised with the revelation of corruption amongst the nobility. He is all too familiar with it himself. Cyrus moves closer to Valoria and adopts her quiet volume and with a heartfelt sincerity begins, "Valoria, it saddens me that you have been treated so poorly by your own Father. Thank the gods for Andalon's father's actions. I am glad you are with us instead of locked in some keep."

Cyrus pauses, unsure of whether he should reveal his own dealings with such noble parents. He opts instead to acknowledge the pain she must be feeling continuing, "To be taken away from all you have known and loved, to be taken away from your studies, to be exiled from house and home, all because of the infidelity, fear and shame of another, worse even your own father... Valoria, no one deserves such harsh treatment. I am deeply sorry for your plight."

"With Fathers like ours, it is no wonder we are so far from home..." He trails off at the end and stares at the fire.

The only one who really settles down to sleep early is Andalon - the conversations and tensions keep just about every one else awake for longer than they ought to be.

But before long, everyone is awake again as the wolves in the forest start to howl.  The moon is up and shining brightly, the air is still with a faint spring nip and chillness about it.  And it is hard to tell how far away the wolves are.

Rook's eyesight was unlike Aris'ta's and once he left the illumination of the fire, his movement slowed considerably. Even with the moon shining he had to shuffle forward with his hands out. He could've made light, but was concerned that would draw attention to just the two of them away from the others. He did finally see her, a shadow moving in the darkness. His eyes adjusted further, pupils taking over almost the entirety of his iris. The young man, though he could vaguely see her motions, misread them and reached out and grasped her hand when she was gesturing him over.

"What?" He whispered in initial confusion. "No, this is all a misunderstanding. I forgot, you're not used to my behavior. I got too comfortable." Rook shuffled forward even more. "I was teasing, it was playful. No malice." He let go of her fingers now that he felt he wasn't in danger of falling or tripping over something. "You barely know me and I know less about you. It's unfortunate, but it happens. It's new experiences for the both of us. Don't feel embarrassed for wanting companionship, most everyone does. I'm sorry for making you feel...whatever you felt." He could pick up on the movements of her head as a whole, mostly by following the outline.

"You don't have to be out here alone, no one at the fire wants that. I'm just as used to late nights as you, but I'd still prefer to be by the fire. There's no nee--" But he was cut off by the sound of a wolf howling. It was single at first and then joined by others, they mixed together and made it impossible for him to count how many. "Come on." He said no longer in a whisper, but still quiet. "I need you to lead me back, please. I don't want to make a light and single us out."

Aris'ta was more than a little taken back when Rook reached out to grab her hand. Though her fingers instinctively curled at first, she quickly realized his desire for stability and relaxed her hand until he had released it. As he continued speaking, she pulled it back and squeezed the fingers with her other hand. She was just beginning to have the making of a lop-sided grin when a sound broke through the air. Instinctively, she turned and looked around, attempting to spot any sign of looming danger but if anything is there she does not see it. Instead, she only nods to what he says and turns round, only then remembering he likely couldn't see her.

"Come on. " she says, reaching out her to curl around his upper arm as she started to lead him back towards the fire as quickly as she was confident he could move given the darkness. "It was foolish of you to follow me..." she started, looking back at him over her shoulder. "But thank you all the same." Then, with a look around once more she continued until they were close. When she was sure he could see and move easily on his own she released him, moving to retrieve her bow which would require restringing.

Andalon had indeed gone to sleep quickly. He expected to be woken in the middle of the night to take his turn on watch so he woke easily when the wolves started howling. He crawled out of his bedding and took up his shield and morningstar as his crossbow would be no use to him in the darkness. He made his way over to where the others that were awake had gathered.

"Does anyone here know about wolves? How far away do you think they are? Are they likely to attack a group as numerous as ours tonight?" he asked.

Cyrus was still staring at the fire when the wolves began to howl. He'd seen Aris'ta and Rook both head into the forest separately a whole back. And now that nocturnal hunters were potentially headed their way, he hoped that Aris'ta made her way back quickly.

He reached down to his arm, the place he had been bit just the day before. It was healed now but that didn't take away the concern he now had. "Valoria, if you know any magic that can enlarge a fire of push the wolves away, I say now is the time. Andalon, I am no wolf expert but I do know their teeth sharp.... If you have a torch, or even a long stick, prepare it. Wolves are not fond of fire.

Zorah wakes as the others begin to stir.  She hears the wolves the others are discussing and tries to pinpoint their direction or possibly how many there are by the different sounds.


15:44, Today: Zorah rolled 13 using 1d20+7 ((6)).

When Valoria heard the wolves yet again her blood ran cold. Getting up and placing herself behind Cyrus, she shook her head to his question. “I have no such spell at my disposal.” In truth, she felt a bit useless in such a contest. With only a few spells usable in this combat, she would have to use them wisely.

The wolves seem to be somewhere in the forest behind you, although distance is difficult to judge, in the clear night air.  However, as the howls continue it is clear that they are all coming from the one direction.  At least they aren't circling your camp ...

"What about light, can you or your cousin provide any extra light? Zorah, can you please throw any extra wood we have on the fire? The bigger it is the better."

Cyrus drew his sword and made sure his shield was at the ready. He'd much rather the wolves teeth dig into the steel of his shield than his arm or his leg. He also knew seeing the wolves would greatly improve his chances, he felt like he would be swinging his sword blindly but any extra light his friends could provide would be most welcome.

Has anyone seen Aris'ta and Rook. Ari is the only one of us who might be able to see where these wolves actually are in this light."

Zorah makes a popping noise with her mouth to draw the attention of Puck.  Holding up two fingers she issues a command.  "Drag," she says pointing to a large pile of branches and dried plants at the edge of the camp.  Instead the groggy horse circles around the fire getting in the way while Zorah tries to stack more wood on the fire.  "Puck!  What are you doing?"  She yells at the horse.

Once she is sure the wolves are close enough to hear Zorah makes a few quick movements of her hands near her mouth and whispers a few words under her breath before letting out her best impression of a howl.


11:26, Today: Zorah rolled 14 using 1d20+13.  handle animal for Puck to work.  Ugh!

Zorah casts speak with animals.  If/when the wolves are close enough Zorah will call out to them.

"Abadar will give us light. Light, detect magic and create water are the three orisons I prayed for today. Shield your eyes,"

Andalon casts Light on a stick and pokes it into the ground at a suitable place (between the fire and the horses.)

"I can call forth the light when required but it will only last a little while before I have to do it again. I will need to sleep when I can. Should we move the horses closer to the fire so they are not out in the darkness?" he asked.

Before long the campsite is ablaze with light, but the howling of the wolves doesn't appear to be getting any closer.  Then it goes quiet for a couple of minutes before there is the distant scream of an animal in its death throws somewhere in the forest behind you.

Pulling her gloves more tightly on her hands, she flexed her fingers as she came back into the light, trying to play nonchalance. "Did I hear my name?" she questioned, without another look at Rook. There is an irritation in her voice, but where it comes from is anyone's guess. "I take it we are all on edge from the wolves?" she adds as she moves towards the elastic limb before leaning on her knee to rummage for a new string in order to ready herself for what may come or her turn at watch. There are enough eyes alert, so she takes her time.

"It sounds like the wolves caught their meal.  Maybe a deer or moose from the sound of it.  They shouldn't be a threat unless something besides hungry drives them."  Zorah seems satisfied that the threat is over and heads back to her bedroll.  She fluffs her "pillow".  Murdock grunts at her before resuming his role as pillow.

"Thank you all, I would prefer not to offer up my arm as a midnight snack for one of these wolves. Perhaps we should double the watch and gather extra firewood for the remainder of the evening?

Rook follows Aris'ta from the woods rather quickly, shielding his eyes from the extra light of the camp. He's without his shirt and boots, though his symbol hangs from his neck as always. "Erastil's eye!" He exclaims. "Is everyone afraid of the animals here or something? First I get to see Percy wettin' his britches cause of a stirge and now the whole camp is lit up like a wedding party on account of some wolves." He shuffles over to his bedroll and pulls his shirt on to help warm him up. "They're wolves. They chase what they're after. You think they're gonna come and snatch us up from beside a fire? Go back to sleep and worry about people sneaking up on us, not animals."

Aris'ta could have laughed at the scolding Rook gave their companions, but instead, she was silent. Once more, she was sitting on her bedroll, placed strategically next to Rooks and Zorahs, folding her legs beneath her as she started working her bow together. It was likely the most uncomfortable 10 minutes of her life. Acutely aware of the actions of others for the first time in her life.

"The same wolves who killed your traveling companion and injured Henry and myself before finally being put to run? I am glad you are so brave as to run around half naked in the woods at night but it was yours and Aris'ta's absence along with the wolves that increased our need for additional light. Caution being the better part of valor and some such. Tease me now but you will thank me when it counts."

The nerve of those two to act like there was nothing to fear...

Andalon sighed with relief when Aris'ta and Rook returned from the woods. Rook's words gave him a great deal of comfort but he did understand Cyrus's concerns as well, so he helped Cyrus collect more firewood before going back to bed again.

The young man sat atop his bedroll and took the time to wipe the bottom of his feet off, freeing them of the dirt and detritus gained by walking through the woods barefoot. He pulled his legs back and stuck them into the bottom of the roll, pulling the front over his legs roughly.

"Oh, you know for certain these are the same wolves? Even though we're in an area hours from where Moto was killed? Moto, a person who was traveling alone? During the day? Don't pin your fear on me. More light here wouldn't find me lost in the woods." He laid down then, closing his eyes and folding his hands across his chest.

Aris'ta looked from first Cyrus to Rook and shook her head. "Quiet. The both of you." she said sharply, more so than she had wished given those around them. "If you were so afraid Cyrus, you might have spoken our names. We could easily have heard you. Rook was merely settling a misunderstanding. " she turned to Rook and sighed, hesitant. "Be kind to those who take death not so lightly as you, there are those of us who take pains in any loss of life. No matter who is to blame. " her voice dropped and she turned her head away from both of them to hide the sadness there.

Not even opening her eyes from where she lay near Aris'ta, Zorah added to the discussion.  "We do have a few light wolf snacks in the camp."  She cleared her throat and thrust the small hedgehog she used as a teddy bear into the air.  Sedgewig struggled briefly before giving up and hanging helplessly in the air for a few seconds until Zorah pulled him back in close.

Upon Zorah's presentation of Sedgewig, Cyrus laughed heartily. He'd been thinking of retorts for Rook's mockery, but couldn't help but laugh at Zorah's tension clearing words.

"I am glad we are all safe this evening, from whatever pack of wolves is in the area." And with that Cyrus resumed his watch silently.

The rest of the night passes quietly, and you manage to get a reasonable night's rest.  In the morning you break camp and set off slowly along the route to the east, that you suspect the others will have taken.  A couple of hours later, you spot a wagon and a group of horsemen coming towards you.

As they draw closer, Rook recognises his companions from the trip to Oleg's, along with a number of other people.

Daylight and the sight of the other group brought some relief. Cyrus was happy to add to the ranks. That happiness was short-lived as he saw the additional people traveling with Rook's former crew. He hoped Henry would judge these new captives in a consistent manner as he had the others but he was interested to hear about their captivity and if that tale had any implications.

Pipre appeared somewhat grumpy in the saddle, on Ragweed who led Thistle and they were both happy enough just that the pace wasn't demanding. She stood in her stirrups and leaned on Ragweed's old, but still plenty strong neck as she saw the other group. It took only a sparse few moments of inspection before realizing who it was and calling to the others to guide the wagon and group to meet up with the other band.

Once the two groups converged Pipre called out across the scant remaining yards, "Ho there, look who we found; new recruits! They want to know when we can start building a tavern. Blackjack loves cleaning mugs and Lolli makes a mean griddle cake." As the distance closes fully she looks the others over, "How was your travel? As unexciting as our own, I hope?" She gets off the old, dusty gelding that is her mount and to the new members of Henry's charter she nods and introduces herself, "Pipre. Alchemist."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:36, Wed 25 May 2016.

The young man didn't reply to anything else after closing his eyes. Apparently he was able to find sleep quickly. He woke for the last two watches, regardless of who was up, and found a quiet place to watch the sun rise and pray.

He dons his jacket and cloak when they set out to ride, keeping his bow in hand and holding the reins in his other. They were supposed to meet up with the others, but he knew there was a chance the people they met would be dangerous.

When the other group, people he recognized, appeared in the distance, Rook sat up in the saddle and raised his bow in greeting. "That's them, ahead. Looks like they took prisoners. I honestly thought there would be more killing."

He urged his mount to move more quickly towards them. "Yes, actually. Well, mine. They had some trouble." His face fell slightly as he remembered. "Moto took off after y'all left. He got killed by wolves. But on the good side, Henry didn't sentence anyone to death. How, uh," He paused, looking over at the wagon and the people accompanying it. "How many have you captured?"

"Ah, Moto. Killed by wolves, huh? Yeah, they can be pretty vicious if they overwhelm you. Did we ever figure out what it was he said to Svetlana? I don't like hearing that he died, but for some reason I feel like him leaving was the smart thing to do." She paused in reflection and then was relieved when Rook broke the quiet again. "Right, they surrendered, more or less. We had one guy run off in the night but after Kressle, the second boss to the Stag Lord, abandoned them, well. That certainly doesn't sit right. You kind of expect your leader to not be so coarse with those who follow them, right? Bai was squeamish about leaving them their weapons but I suppose she can tell you all about that." Pipre seemed somehow excited, her usual low, smoky tone perhaps a bit higher and more vibrant. "I'm glad to hear Henry was sensible."

Aris'ta shared her watch alone and in silence, which was the way she preferred it. At some point, she had found sleep, and at some point she had woken and as Rook had guessed, she was not in a fair temper. Oh, she didn't hoot or howl at anyone, but she had gone back to brooding. For her part, the trip down path had been a silent one and the slow and steady arrival of more strangers made the decision to stay at the back of the group a good one.

At least these were friend and not foe and she relaxed enough to let her horse stop when they were near and allow her gloved hands to fold in front of her as she watched the exchanges. Not one of many words, she merely listened to the happenings, always the keen observer.

Bai stayed quiet thinking on what Borric had said, he had made a point, though he was a child in his story, these bandits were adults, they'd made their choices as adults. Still, there must have been wisdom in his words, it bore more contemplation. She nodded politely at the group as they met. She took a moment or two looking at each of the new members, no doubt they were the second wave that Henry had talked about.

"I regret having to meet you all under these settings, I am Bai Kao, and I look forward to getting to know you all better back at Oleg's. As Pipre said I felt it was better to err on the side of caution with our..." she paused, looking for a word, "traveling companions." She looked in Rook's direction, politely correcting the young man, "Master Sanderson, they came on their own accord and with the exception of a few misunderstandings, they have been most cordial. They aren't prisoners, they have come to petition Mr de la Maistre to pardon them for their previous banditry."

Zoarh gets a decent night's rest.  She had grow accustomed to sleeping outdoors before leaving home and camp wasn't much different.  Rising early to meditate she spotted Rook at his morning prayers.  She gave him a silent nod, unsure if he even saw.  It would have been rude to disrupt him, so she sat far enough away so as not to disturb him and began her own morning routine.

Murdock, Zorah's red fox, was cautious of the newcomers, but Zorah applied her usual exuberance.  "Great to meet you all.  I'm Zorah.  This is Puck and Murdock"  She pats her horse and points to the fox respectively.  "And Wilson is keeping a birdseye view."  Zorah adds pointing to a hawk circling above.  "I brought plenty of friends, so it only makes sense for you to bring some of your own."

"Oh," Pipre says, not realizing they were introducing their animals. "Well the gelding there is Ragweed and the completely nonplussed yak is Thistle." She gestures to the horse and yak in turn and then looks back to the others, tucking her thumbs into the wide belt slung low on her hips. "Well, we'll have plenty of time to acquaint ourselves later. What do you say we head back to Oleg's?" She swings back up onto Ragweed's saddle.

During travel, as usual, Pipre would be keeping an eye out for alchemically useful plants.

Rook looks at Bai, eyebrows knit together. "If they aren't prisoners, why do you have their weapons? And why did a pair of them flee?" He shifted in the saddle, putting his bow away to take the reins with both hands. "Whether they came of their own accord or not, they're still guilty of stealing under threat of violence from a family. Those are their choices. They're not our traveling companions, they're our responsibility. We aren't letting them go and we're taking them to trial. That's a prisoner. Keeping that in perspective would benefit our safety."

He turned his horse around to begin heading back the way they just came, chewing the inside of his lip as he did so. Something he'd heard before was gnawing at him. "Pipre, you mentioned a Stag Lord. Who is that?"

Valoria stayed quiet for the rest of the night and much of the morning. Instead, she read her tome during the morning and followed along. As they walked, she gave a glace at the rest of the group as they appeared. Although, she did respond in kind to Pipre.  “Valoria, wizard.” She gave Pipre a questionable look at the way she was dressed. They where now in a large group and  Valoria stayed close to her cousin and to Cyrus who she viewed as a fellow noble in exile. Still, she listened to every word that was spoke as they moved along. A bored look settling in her eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:12, Thu 26 May 2016.

Aris'ta eyed the newcomers as she turned her horse and readied to return. She slowed the animal, letting most of the group pass her up. Holding the reigns in one hand, she reached a hand to rub the back of her neck before hiding a yawn. Lack of sleep was catching up to her and the bright sky was making holding her eyes open even less rewarding then usual. She listened to the chatter about her, though watching the open land to either side.

The tension from the night before was still clearly present. Cyrus eased in his saddle a bit after hearing Rook lecture his previous traveling companions. Rook was acting like many he'd met before in court, very opinionated about how things should be done regardless of the context in which they were happening. Cyrus thought Rook's indictment of the bandits was well founded but he wasn't sure what more the others could have done to secure the bandits shy of chaining them up behind a wagon, an act that would have greatly slowed things down. He was curious about the Stag Lord, Henry would want to know more about anyone claiming to be a Lord, although the way it was said made it seem very tongue-in-cheek. He found these bandits to be more interesting than he'd originally thought. They were survivors in a land that had already proven itself harsh.

Hoping to ease some of his own groups' tension, Cyrus spoke up and introduced himself, "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I am Cyrus Ondari, Slayer of Wolves, Builder of Fires. I suggest we make our way back to Oleg's but I would like to know more of this Stag Lord, perhaps there will be need for a renewed hunt."

"Yes, if we wish to break the hold of banditry over this area the Stag Lord will necessarily be our target. He took over around six months ago, I don't actually know too much about him besides that he is not a stag and probably not a proper lord-- and that I hate him. He rose to power and claimed a stronghold from which he now controls most, if not all, bandit activity in this swath of land," she explains, in her smoky tone, during the trip.

Zorah excitedly introduced herself, Murdock, Puck, Wilson, and even a small hedgehog she had hiding in a belt pouch to the yak.  She spent most of the trip back to Oleg's at the back of the group with the slow moving creature.  Most of the time was spent asking it questions as if she expected a response.  At one point she was heard to call up to those at the front, "He's wonderful!"

"Zorah, Valoria, Cyrus, it's a pleasure to meet you all." She looked back at the elven woman who'd not introduced herself and then gave a look of genuine concern towards the three newcomers which meant to imply There's nothing wrong, is there? Bai tapped on Jack's side, "I need to have a word with Master Sanderson in private, do you mind" Despite her polite tone, she gave him a look that implied she wasn't asking him to dismount their shared horse, but rather that he had to do it.

After he'd gotten off, Bai rode close to Rook, giving him a look that implied that maybe the pair should ride a little farther from the group. Once the pair was a fair distance from anyone she spoke to him in a hushed tone.

From her place, Aris'ta watched, raising a brow slightly from beneath her cloak as she watched one of the newcomers with slight interest as they rode ahead some. This was something she expected and understood. The glance her way was not overtly revealing, but it was best for one in her experience to keep a watchful eye. Danger was a constant companion in her world. A smile crooked on her lips, up to one angle and she forced her gaze elsewhere. Absently, she rubbed at the back of her left hand, her mouth falling flat.

"Aris'ta." she said after the pair were out ahead. "And I'm only here as the hired help." she added, cynically.

Pipre calls back to Zorah with a grin, "Thank you, Zorah, she's been a loyal companion."

She rolls her eyes slightly as Bai takes Rook off to the side. She doesn't seem very concerned, more dismissive before Aris'ta chimes in with her name. "Don't worry about them all," Pipre says, gesturing vaguely in the direction Rook and Bai went off in with a bottle in one hand, the pale jade liquid sloshing around with sediment. "They're just hired help, too. We all are. Even the wizards with scrunched up faces." She lifted the bottle, her lips curling to the side to show the open line of her teeth. After a decent quaff she wipes her mouth with her sleeve and offers the bottle to Aris'ta. "But at the end of the day we're a group now, so if you have anything particular to offer the group there's no need to be coy about it. Speaking of which--" She turns in her saddle to address the aforementioned wizard with the scrunched up face, "Say, know any cool spells?"

Looking as though she just offended a queen Zorah's eyes grow big and she blushes a little.  "I'm... so... sorry."  She strokes the yak's fur as she apologizes.  "Of course, she is wonderful."  Digging in the backpack her horse, Puck, is carrying Zorah retrieves an old apple she had saved from The Happy Drover.  She offers it to Thistle as a way to make amends.

Andalon had taken his turn on watch during the night the same as everyone else but rose easily enough when the camp awoke. He spent the required period in prayer before breaking his fast and readied himself for travel with the rest of the group.

Meeting up with the other group on the road came as a welcome surprise and he paid attention to the names of new friends and former foes as the introductions were made. He grinned at Aris'ta's description of her role and Pipre's response.

"Andalon de Lebeda, cleric of Abadar" he introduced himself. "Valoria and I are cousins. But Pipre has put her finger on the most important point there; we are all hired help at this stage and all have the same chance to show our potential in the days ahead. I look forward to getting to know you all better during our time together."

"It's an insult to Erastil that someone like him is known by that title. If he's behind all of this, I'd like to make him my next goal. I think getting some knowledge about him after the trial would help with that." The chewing continued as his eyes lost focus while he thought quietly about what would need to be done next. He looked from the distance over to Bai as she rode up beside him. The change in riders surprised him briefly and then he looked around until he remembered hearing what she'd said. He urged his horse after her, brows coming together again as he tried to discern what she needed to speak about.

When she slowed her horse, he matched her pace, looking over his shoulder at the group behind them. The young man turned his attention to her and listened intently, still chewing away. He finally spoke, gesturing briefly with a hand holding up one finger.

With a deep rooted sigh that stretched all the way to her toes, she lifted the hood of her cloak and pulled it back. Wincing slightly and giving the sun a rather pointed look before she took in the newcomers with more clarity. Though she kept a stray glance to the pair a ways off, she seemed to have relaxed a small amount in part due to Pipre's ease of manner.

"I can assure you there is nothing coy about my mannerism. I find it easier to feign dislike for the company before they ease into the idea of disliking me." Honesty was clearly a strong suit, although her methods of sharing it with others left more than a little to be desired. "If you wish to consider that a deflection or fault of character you are free to do so, but it is one that has kept me alive and roughly unharmed among more common society." Flexing her hand on the reins, she tried to relax.

With  so many of you to help with the wagon when it gets stuck, the journey back to Oleg's goes more smoothly, although you still travel more slowly that you would without it and it is almost nightfall by the time you get back to Oleg's.



OOC: All back to thread:   3b - Settling into Oleg's. Although you are welcome to finish off any outstanding conversations, tidy up actions etc in here if you want to.

BTW - Nice meeting posts guys  :)

Valoria lifted an eyebrow at Pipre question. “I have many cool spells you could say. Furthermore, I did not have a scrunched face. More of a surprised face due to your...unorthodox attire.” Valoria paused and then continued. “You say your an Alchemist, who did you study under? I did not expect to met another fellow academic out here in the wilds.”

By now she has leaned back against the pack on the back of Ragweed's saddle with one leg crossed casually over the top of the horse's withers. "I studied under, hmm-- duress," she says with a grin.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:48, Fri 27 May 2016.

Cyrus had been listening to the two magic users speak. Though he had no skill with the arcane, he found the power they wielded interesting to say the least. Battlefields were turned by a few strategically placed, well trained magic users. Much like the divine power wielded by Andalon, Cyrus did not understand it, but he appreciated it nonetheless.

He chuckled at Pipre's joke and found himself once again thinking of his own martial training with the sword and shield fondly despite the hardship, duress even he felt in the midst of it. Hard work had lead him here. Well hard work and the betrayal of his parents, but the hard work is what allowed him to endure that betrayal and find a new life.

"It's Pipre, isn't it? What did that duress empower you to create? Someone made mention of explosives during one of your first encounters, do you know any other useful concoctions?"