Orrin turns to follow

 She saw the group coming toward her and moved somewhat to the side, not completely out of the way but not confronting them in any commanding way. She eyed the fighters and the elf with curiosity, wondering who they were and why they were there. She smiled slightly and looked down just a bit to show she wasn't a danger to them...she hoped.

   If The Elf was bluffing, he seemed well versed at it. His walk away from the guild was just a fast, as it was towards it.

   passing through the middle of the group,  Ivy not far behind. there is the sound of clicking  chain mail as the younger guard caught up to Kree at the intersection.

 Elf!.... The Barter Agent is at the Gates now....

  ..good for her..I am sure the fresh air will have done wonders for her lungs...  he never stopped, Turning right where  the  gates opened to the  Trade road on the  'black Timber  side' of Tou.

  ..She  wishes  to see what  goods you  have,  since your  demands  were so Harsh..and...

 The elf stops  and Looks hard  at the  Young Guard,..I stated..we had items of great inetrest to the MAges Guild.... your  halfbreed ghate Captain, thought it wise  to treat us like common beggars....

 His  eyes  looks the young guard up and down,..you are but a lad, But   The Arrows..Nor Me....will suffer indigities, just because  some  pale skinned , robe wearing, finger flashing bookworms..thing they are better then others?

 He  Puts  a finger  ito the young man's  chest..This is Just as well.... perhaps it was Eta or Neta,..or both.showing me, I need take my own words to heart.... I berated merchants for not coming to my peoples Lands... so..I  will do what i have preached.

 ..But?  Captain?... if was  was to them to give you the  100 gold up front?

 Kree shook his head,... the 100 gold.. WAS..just to bring us back to the gate..withotu that coin in my hand we would  have left....now?  It is 500 gold....  and once i set my foot outside that gate..it will be 1000 gold, just for us to return....and?... I will count ever gods be damned coin before  we  return....Now?.. I know you cannot make it back to the Guild in time to reach  me  before i pass that gate... he points to the Gate a few 100 yards away
...so?...just  tell them it  will be 1500 , just to bring us back.... should they want to catch up, and barter on the road...it will be 2000...and..after you say all this...say these worlds... " Captain Quickshadow..would have  dealt  with you, had the halfbreed  Gate Guard been civil...'...Now?..Off you go...

 The Elf  marched  with renewed  vigor towards the gates

  while this  went On Riku and the  stranger  were passed  but he Arrows, and   more then a few onlookers..

 She watched with her mouth open as the elf man gave the young man an ultimatum of excessive amounts of gold coins just to get the group to go back! The group passed by her, with their warriors and the ones carrying trunks that seemed heavy enough. Whatever was inside must have great value indeed. But the elf's clear voice stating such amounts of gold was sure to attract many numbers of scavengers hoping for a windfall. She looked at the Arrows and wondered if they were enough help to keep the rest from being ambushed.

 She followed more closely now, wondering if they might be looking to hire more help.

Lafisual raises an eyebrow, more in amusement than anything else.  He wasn't too concerned about the money one way or another.  He glanced at the crowd to gauge the reactions and this clearly was noticed by a few.  To one quiet lady who seemed to be paying extra attention he just gives a shrug and wink as if this is how it always is and continues to follow along looking for potential hostiles.

 When the man (Lafisual) smiled at her, she grinned back and speeded up to catch up with him in a casual manner. If she could, she would attempt to speak with him, to see what they do and if they were hiring.

  By this  time, the party was  straighten out as to their  formation once again, the guards  at the gate opens them, as the  saw the group approach.

  ..look...Cousin? I rarely second guess you,,,,


  ..Most time... you second  Guess me....

  ..aye, but  most often....

  ..you tend to be  wrong..that is  why I am the Captain...

 Ivy's  face twisted in a mock frown,

..look..the guild is not going to  pay that much money, just to have  us come back?...

 Aye...In that, you are right...

 so we have to carry  these  chests to  The Black Timber?

 ..aye..and  allow our  Mages and sages to use the items  as they see fit..i am most certain, when the rumors  reach the ears of the Mages inside that damnable dome..that they will be short one Gate Captain

   "We almost didn't have to wait that long."

Lafisual glances over as the lady moves next to him.  It seems our group has caught your eye beyond normal curiosity.  Are you looking to tag along or something?

 "I am curious. Your group seems to be an interesting fellowship, and I find myself at loose ends. Are they looking to hire anyone? Or perhaps I could Tag Along as you said? Perhaps I could make myself useful."

 She smiled at him sideways, seeming a bit shy or unsure of his welcome.

Well, if you are ready to kill some red elves in the name of ... us...sure. He winks back at her.  Another person along would certainly be a help.  Actually though, as good a fit as I am sure you would be, Kree there is the one you want to talk to at this point. He motions in Kree's direction. Though for now maybe just tag along.  If we get ambushed and you help out, I am sure that would be enough.  We are a bit occupied at the moment.  He looks around a bit trying to avoid being too distracted.  If we get a moment where we are relatively safe that might be the time to talk to him.  Then again, he might just notice ya and see about it too.  Who knows?  He smiles and shrugs at her.

 "That sounds like a plan! I will help guard until we get to a safe place. Then I'll talk to your leader."

 She walked along happily and tried not to be a distraction for the others. She kept watch closely trying to see the surroundings from a thief's standpoint to see where hiding places might be, keeping her hand on her weapons.

 The GAte Opens. The SGT of the guard there  asks  Kree how his time was here... the elf responds with a,..we had a bit of trouble sleepign during the storm last night..but the morning found our  troubles gone...  he smiles at her.

 Her eyebrows raised, but she  shrugs as she waves them out the gate. About  20 yards out side the Gates.. Kree points to the  vast wall of  Ironwood  trees  that seem to stretch, like a  giant wall.  the trade road bends   back to the  east....Trees are there as well, but not as impressive  as the  tree in the Black Timber. From where they stand..they cannot see the  end either way.

 Instead of  a trade road...  a battered cart path leads off into the distance... weaving its  way  through the Grasslands.

 ..There inside the  great wall of nature... is where My people Hail from..the Village has grown in size, as rescued  slaves, with no where to go..settle..to either ly thier  trade..or become  Arrows....

 as they walk Ivy speaks up, as only he can,...Cousin?..I want to know..what you think the  Elders  will say, when we show up with theses chests...

 Kree   seems  to shrug off the comment, but answers,...There are three facts in play here.... 1 fact? is  we have  valuable goods, that can be of good use...2.. we will get paid....bot as well as from the wizards...but we will get paid..3...no matter how folks  view the goods..they are here...folks have died  for these to just be destroyed...and they may be of use in fighting the very folks who want it....

 ..and the darkness that is considered part of those goods?

 Kree waves it off,...My bow is concsidered  Evil by some...and a blessing to others.... Your  daggers, the  same..it is one the goods  that have darkness... it is the person who use them for darkness..either way.... fire Vs  fire..aye?

Orlin looks down at the chest.  He has no trouble carrying this item but he is not comfortable having his hands full and not being able to use his staff.  Oh well, these people helped him out with money and aid in his time of need.   He owes them this.

Riku finally flutters out from behind Shadowmist and crosses her arms.  Just keep your eyes open and on guard, she said.  There can be an enemy in any shape, form, or appearance...we aren't all tall and mighty to pack a wallop.

She then flutters up to Kree to see what her next bit of business is and if'n she needs to fly back to Justin's troup.

Once the gate opened and you could see the expanse of the land a string inside her that often hummed a pleasant welcome hymn played a pleasant tune.  Although she was not born here, part of her breeding lie here.  She looks to Kree and smiles probably the brightest, welcomed, smile she could have ever displayed.  Some where among the trees and grove, was "his home".  She was finally here to see it firsthand.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Tue 28 Mar 2017.

 About 500 yards or so, from Tou's  gates. Kree held up his hand to have everyone gather around.

 When all where near he , he pointed  once more to the Massive  wall for giant Trees in the distance.There are three Major  forests on this side of trhe Highpeak Mountains.... Trace Woods.... The Ironwood  forest...and The Black Timber...The Elves of the Black Timber  and Trace Woods..are strong allies..we also share the same Code, for the harvest of Ironwood trees.... WE... pick those to be harvested..and the numbers  are limited.... Ironmound was not too happy at this....

 He Points  north,  the  glisten of the ribbon of  water that is the Storm River, and  the Tou River feeding it...The Elves of the  Ironwood..grew greedy..not  just for the  City's gold..but  for the honors that were paid to  Their   Horsemen and archers..giving them high positions in the army and Navy..but it cost them , much of thier  land.

 Kree looks at the ground  and gives his head a shake, then looks back towards  the BLack Timber.we..treat  all allies the same... we come when there is a call...but..not  all come to our  aid...Only the Trace Elves have been there, each time we called, as  we have been for them...

 Turning back he smiles,..you wonder..why i give you this talk? because you will be entering My home....The birthplace of the Crimson Arrows...The name still carries much weight..heavy with respect...with fear..and  with Hate,,,, The phrase was coined some 800 years ago... when Hargen first came   over the Mountain to try and stop the Building of Ironmound... Hordes of Humans  , Gnomes, dark dwarves..and other fell creatures attacked Bowshot..where the  builders  headquarters were  and the first wooden palisades were set up..marking the   boundary of the city... 200  Blacktimber Elves  Held the walls...sheets of arrows    flew  from the small town..cutting down  the Force that  came up  from the swamps..as the  legend goes... arrows  became scarce   They send runners to  pull arrows  from the dead and Dying... and when  those weren't enough, they pulled arrows from their own Bodies and fired them back....13 elves were left..but the forces from the swamp retreated...The  attack was Broken...the wounded of the HArgen forces..were mindless they kept speaking of the Crimson Arrows , that sailed from the  wooden wall to strike   them down.

 Thee was a smile,..In honor of those 13... The Razorhawk Clan will allow 13  'hunters' to go on the Black Hunt... killing enemies of our clan, when  the time occurs that they must do that... Ivy and I are the last of the  , most recent 13..when our Village was raided...

 ...My people are stern...but you will see a  feast or two, I am sure, before  we leave. I will warn you this.... DO NOT... cut a tree down, for whatever the reason... should you travel  The Timber  with me  or on your own..only use  dead wood,or stumps to make a fire.... The first time you are caught..it will cost you, your right arm, the second time..it will cost you your head...and? there is nothing....no one...who can save you ,from either  verdict

 He waves towards  the trees once more,It will take us..roughly...2 days to reach the forest's  edge.... scouts  will see us.. in another hour or so......

  Then he snaps his fingers,..I almost forgot.... as we near the   forest.. you will see bodies  staked to dead  trees.. or  ..afixed to stones  with pitons... They are slavers...or woodcutters..or bandits....They are there to send a message, to those who might  wish to wrong my people...again...

 ..now..I want 2  scouts , out ahead , for the first day of travel... ... I need one other, to hang back with Rolf  as the rear Guard..... we keep the chests in the middle of the company..

 Ivy clears his throat, Kree turns  and nods to him...Cousin?... before  the day's end...The Maages wil have learned..one way or the  other..what we carry..they may send  the BArter Agent out here.... what do you plan to do then...

 ..I will sell them one chest..if they meet my price.... the other   chest goes to our people

 ...they are the Mage's Guild, Good Cousin....they may wish to...'take'..the chests, should you be overly tightfisted?

 Kree smiles  as he turns to walk once more,..then, My good Cousin?..we will have some magic items to sell..and flashing robes  to hand out..though..they may need blood  washed from them...

 Ivy looks at the others, gives a comic  shrug and follows  after.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Wed 29 Mar 2017.

Letting others take on the task of hefting the chests, Rolf kept himself unencumbered, and ready to deal with more threats.  When the merchant approached, Rolf paid them little heed, more concerned with any more ambushes.

Rolf had found the day unsurprising.  He'd seen enough of Kree's dealings to have a fair expectation of how things would play out.  Rolf hadn't cared for being near the Mages Guild though.  Those Arts were not among the range of skills that would earn Rolf's respect.  Still, he saw it a shame to not have unburdened themselves of the chests.  If the contents were worth such fighting and dying, they would surely bring others down upon their heads.

Having left the town and hearing Kree speaking of the forests, Rolf was a heartened, despite the warnings.  He needed no such warnings to show respect for the forest, but the idea of spending time beneath the boughs appeals.  "It will be pleasing to walk among the boles, no matter what threat lurks."

 She listened with interest to the elven man's history, curious as to part of her heritage she hadn't learned before. Her mother had been human and hadn't spoken of her father much at all, and what little she had said was always filled with sorrow. It had hurt to hear her voice so filled with pain so she never asked after him. She knew only that he had come from the Trace Elves.

 She decided right then that if they would allow her to, she would travel with the group for awhile, and try to learn more about the elves and their forest life.

Lucy volunteered to take one scout position.

Diana volunteered to take the rear guard position with Rolf.

     Orlin is obviously in the middle.  He nods at the advice. "My people only cut live wood for permanent shelters...when there are no natural ones available, and we are selective in how we cut it."  He looks at the forest unused to the shape of large leaved trees. It is good to know that lowlanders have respect for the woods.  This is not what I was taught as a child."

  Kree looked to Riku...so?.. it would be nice to know, who  Lafisual 's new friend is...aye?

   When Orlin Speaks, Shadow nods,...we are Elves... had no elves , lived in any forest...most would have been thinned out to nothing...you notice the  Trees around Tou?..at one Time, Tou was surrounded  by a forest that would match the Trace Wood..but they cut them  down for housing, and used Ironwood , Black Oak and the Shining Birch for ships.

  My Village has used trees  for Homes... The  Largest Inn is fashioned out of one of the Oldest tree that are in the Forest... The rest are done with stone,,,the sages  made a mix using Sands  from the Great Desert..with water ..and   some  ground up stones..and they make stout walls

  His voice  rose a bit,so all could hear,..there are  large Lizards that roam the  Karth Swamp and the  Black Timber..some will try to eat you..have no fear of  killing any repitale in the  trees.

   Orlins staff speaks again.  "Yes,"  he says "That on the other hand would probably make good eating."

I think that's our signal Lafisual moves over to Kree and introduces his new friend.  Here she is.  I think she would like to join us, at least for a time.  If she would like she can join me in one of the scouting positions up front.  She seems sneaky enough.  He give her a nod toward Kree.

  The  elf  continues to walk, but not as he did  when the  Mage's  peoplewere trying to talk with him,

  Indeed..... well...Good Lady, perhaps you can tell  me what skill you have, and what you may offer to the Unit?..his eyes also shift towards Riku to see if she has anything to offer.