"What about that bird? Did something cause it to take flight like it did? Could we do that on purpose and shoot it as it rose? I'm a fair shot with my bow."

As the walk draws close to the bathing pool, Big Job comes in sight.  His clothes clinging damply to his body and he is striding purposefully and confidently in the direction of Oleg's.  There is a wide grin on his face as he calls out a greeting.

"Good morning, all."

"Poisonous berries? I would never have thought of that! I was worried about stumbling upon a poisonous snake or spider or some other bug. I clearly have a lot to learn," Andalon responded to Percy's comment.

When Big Job came into view Andalon was startled at first but quickly recovered.

"Oh, hello Big Job. Have you come from the bathing pool. Is that where it is, down that way?" he asked.

If Percy was but concerned about poisonous berries, Andalon's remarks adds spiders and snakes to that list, though at least the approach of the big Half-Orc does not surprise him.

"I suspect that there'll be few bathing pools in the wild - the occasional stream perhaps, maybe a pond or two ... nothing we have to worry about," he suggests with a grin.

"Just behind those bushes." Big Job responds a little more loudly than you would expect.

"Well then, I should probably take the opportunity before we head out on our next mission," Andalon concluded. A quick sniff at his armpit and the expression on his face showed that his fears were confirmed. "The sooner the better, I would say."

He bowed courteously to the others and headed off toward the bathing pool.

--> To Bathing Pool

Cyrus made note of the location of the bathing pool but would wait until later in the day to bathe. That would be a luxury he would take just before dinner.

"Andalon, take care. We will see you in a little while. Zorah, thank you so much for your guidance. We should get back to camp and prepare for our expeditions in the morning."

After Andalon has departed for the bathing pool, Cyrus continues, "Perhaps we should find Brother Bartholomew and be officially sworn in as deputies? I wouldn't mind having all that official business behind me so we can make our final preparations for the morning." He looks down to Valoria to see where she would like to go from here and then over to Zorah and Percy to see their response.

Valoria tried to ask Zorah as many questions as she could think of. “What's that bush? Can you eat those roots? What can you harvest from the land at this time of year?” She listened very closely to everything Zorah had to say about nature and survival.

As the day began to move towards the afternoon, She smiled towards Andalon. “See you in a bit cousin. Zorah your knowledge of the wilds is greatly appreciated. I will miss traveling with you.”

“I think being officially sworn in as deputies is a must. Shall we be off?”

Overhearing Valoria's questions, Big Job looks surprised.  "Harvest?  At this time of the year?  Some of the berries are just coming in perhaps, and if you know the right  roots you can find something -  but this time of the year I would be looking for game, you know grouse or rabbits, rather than plants.  Berries start coming in soon, fruit trees later.  If you are lucky you might find some Bear Garlic, Ramsoms, in the woods -  But you gotta be careful because they look like the Valley Lily and those are poisonous."

He looks at Zorah almost in apology for butting in, but sees the plant Valoria is pointing at.  "No.  I'd stay away from those although I, personally, have never tried it.  But it is better to only eat plants you are sure of, rather than assume plants are safe.  Some will kill you slowly and in agony if you eat them. Even those Valley Lillies I spoke of earlier."

"Thank you for that advice, Big Job. Perhaps my bow will be of some use."

Cyrus was pleased with Valoria's approval and her eagerness to become a deputy marshal matched his own. He thought about why he was eager and realized all the moreso why she would be ready for an official position. He found himself troubled once again by the corruption of his "betters."

Cyrus let Zorah, Big Job and Percy get further in front of them so that he could speak to Valoria privately.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:33, Sun 12 June 2016.

"At least we know what grouse and rabbit look - and taste - like !" Percy smiles at Valoria.  "We'll be careful with the berries, then."

"Officially sworn in ... if we must, I suppose.  Sounds very proper.  Yes, let's get it over with.  Thank you, Zorah and, er, Big Job."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Sun 12 June 2016.

Valoria looked up at Cyrus and replied quietly.  She lifted an eyebrow at him with a small smile.

Cyrus smiles widely and his fair complexion turns a shade of red that belies his emotional response to the question he was just asked. He speaks softly in response

Cyrus looks away for a moment and then he looks back at Valoria.

Valoria smiled with glee, a red blush in her cheeks and nodded.  Valoria gave Cyrus parting smile before returning to the trading post.

--> to Oleg's

Cyrus watches Valoria leaves and then turns back to the direction Big Job had pointed for the bathing area. He guessed now was as good a time as any for a bath and a chat.

As he made his way, he saw Pipre emerge from the foliage adjusting her clothing and on a mission to get back to Oleg's. Cyrus nodded and made his way into the underbrush as well.

-> Bathing Pool

(technically you saw her walk away topless, drying herself in the sun. just saying)

In reply to Pipre (msg # 23):

OOC: thanks for that correction, I'll be sure to address that fact to Andalon in my next post :)

Zorah stares off at the bird, considering the purpose of it's flight.  She spends too much time trying to locate the nest it had been attempting to lead her away from and misses many of the questions the others are asking.  Finally she snaps back to the conversation in time to hear several of the others say their farewells.  "Oh, you're welcome.  Yes, Big Job is absolutely correct on all counts.  Sorry for my scatterbrain.  That grey grouse was trying to lead us away from it's nest most likely.  I was hoping to find it, but can't seem to locate the thing.  Yes, we should probably get back before it gets too late."

OOC - Sorry for the delay.  The weekends have been keeping me busy the last few weeks.

---->From Oleg's--->

Giving only a momentary glance behind her, Aris'ta moved out until she found a flat area where she could still be seen and sat herself flat to the earthen floor. She removed her shoes, rolled up the ends of her trousers, and removed the right glove from her hand. To say she was dressed casually was putting it mildly, her arms bare, legs pulled to just below the knee and feet bare, she looked more prepared to relax than what she was planning to do.

Of course, it all depended on other people. She raised a hand idly to one year, pulling at the tip before giving up entirely and spreading her legs before bending forward to stretch. She was wound so tight, that she never seemed to get enough to feel truly at ease, and even now her stomach coiled tightly. Instead, laying her sheathed sword in from of her as she stretched, she readied herself for what promised to be a most uncomfortable situation. Regardless of what conversation came with.

< Oleg's

Not long after the meal was consumed and any final preparations were finished, Rook wandered out of the walls and looked for his instructor. He'd gone throughout the day wondering when they would train, if they would at all. Doubt had crept in after her quick departure and lack of return. Now that the time was upon him, a slight jitter traveled from his stomach up. Whatever he'd be doing wouldn't be with a stick as it had been when he was young. The sword was a weapon, dangerous and probably not as sharp as it should have been.

Wondering if maybe they'd leave the sheaths on and practice that way, he spied Aris'ta already stretching. He skipped a step and stopped, not wanting to kick up any dust. Especially after she'd washed in the pool. "That was a long bath." Rook commented as he approached her. "Gone most of the day. I bet it was nice, though. Did the sun warm it up? It was a little chilly this morning."

Aris'ta sighed and shook her head, "The bath was short, and cold. Very cold. " she assured him, pushing herself up from the stretch and folding her legs beneath her. Pushing herself to her bare feet, she turned and looked at him, looking more tired than she had previously, or perhaps it was something different. Fragile would have been a way to describe her at the moment, but also resilient. Leaning down, she fetched her sword and held it in her gloved hand.

"You hold the weight instead of letting your body adjust to it." she pulled his hand away from his belt to allow it to hang and shook her head. " You would be wise to speak with the tanner and have him make you a proper sword belt, since you seem uncomfortable with it." she took a step towards him, hesitating only a second for she invaded his personal space to fiddle with the belt that held it's sword. "I promise, your chastity is safe with me, Cleric," she murmured softly, tightening the latch and adjusting the fitting. Even as best as she tried, the movement still pulled him alarmingly close, even with the best footing, and his was suspect.

"Sounds a lot like mine. But those are the best kind. Wake you up, get the blood pumpin'." He gestured with his hands as though he was waving his blood up from his stomach. And then he pointed to her feet and his boots. "Do I need to be like you?" But before she could answered, he was pulling them off and tossing them haphazardly to the side. "At least we've both had a bath today!" He chirped happily.

"Well, yeah." Rook replies as she takes his hand off of his sword. "It's extra weight that I'm not used to. Feel like it's gonna pull my pants down. Maybe I need new pants too." He seemed to have no problem with the helpful adjustment, instead he put both of his arms up to give her better access to the belt and weapon. Rook was trying to stay still, but failing, especially when she made a joke that caused him to bark in surprised laughter. "My chastity is safe with me." The grin on his face disappeared as his expression darkened. "Oh, no. Having to actually fear for that when you're with someone must be terrible. Especially as a woman, when all you have is his word. Aw, I made myself sad." His eyes darted back and forth as his imagination began to rev up.

Without thinking, Aris'ta grabbed at the top of his pants and tugged, then shook her head. "You might indeed." she said, lifting her face to find him right in hers. "Yes, well, I've never really had to worry." she darted her head, giving the belt on more tug for good measure. This time, there was little give. Satisfied she nodded. "Easier, of course, when no interest is shown." she didn't add that the comment had made her sad as well. "Tell me if that feels better." she indicated, pulling back and waiting for him to walk now that it was fit correctly.

"That bath definitely helped." Rook finally managed a grin, the tugging on the fabric reminding him of getting his inherited pants taken in. "Are you sure it wasn't shown? I'm convinced you wouldn't know it if you saw it. Imagine all the glances you thought were something negative and they could've been something else." Arms still up, he swung his hips from side to side to see if anything fell down before taking a few gyrating steps back and forth. "That does feel better. I reckon I have to get used to the feeling. Maybe some extra suspenders, too?" He inclined his head, as if asking her opinion on the matter.