Ginger commets in the background but still audibly enough, "I think my beard has grown nicely longer snce we started this conversation."

In reply to Ginger (msg # 245):

It matters little now as most are dead and those remaining are gravely injured.

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 244):

"So what will you do now? Go back to thieving?"

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 247):

"I  don't think I will be doing much of anything for a while. Maybe I can convince Marjent to go away from this place entirely."

"If you and your folk can be trusted, I'll tell you how to get to our hometown; they're not wealthy folks, but there's always work for a farm hand willing to work, and no one has starved there since before the plague."

In reply to Evelina Grattan (msg # 249):

"I am tired of this place. a fresh strart would be good."

Masugatan feels his face, making sure he hasn't also grown a beard since this conversation started.

"I see that some of our folk are growing impatient.  Let us go, then, so that Peyrona can introduce us to Marjent."

Ginger's beard wags as he nods at Evelina's words.

The injured bandit directs you off road and into the hills.

In reply to Bandit (msg # 254):

My understanding was that we were travelling since message #205... would we not be nearly there?

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 255):

You arrive in a clearing that is ringed with trees that give a reasonable view below.  There are signs that a fire was recently buried.

The elder sister steps into clear view.

"Marjent?  Peyrona is with us, but is injured, along with two more.  We'd like to help you and your village; we wish you and yours no further harm beyond what we've already done in defense."

In reply to Evelina Grattan (msg # 257):

Peyrona calls out "The others are gone, Marjent. It really is just us."

In reply to Bandit (msg # 258):

Christine waits and watches defensively. Emma watches her back...

"They've buried the fire -- how long ago?"  The younger sister advances cautiously into the clearing to feel if there's residual heat in the fire pit.

In reply to Elaina Grattan (msg # 260):

Christine turns to Crispin, who, not being dismissed, has followed along with them.

"Why don't you take a loot around the perimeter? Don't go starting any bushfire yet though."

Then she will call out as Crispin moves off.

"YOU CAN COME OUT AND WE WILL NOT KILL YOU, OR WE CAN COME LOOK FOR YOU. IF WE COME LOOKING, I MAKE NO PROMISES FOR YOUR LIFE."

Ginger watches Elaina's back.

Masugtan’s hand hovers an inch from the hilt of his Butcher’s Blade and he stands there with half a smile on his face.  He expects some entertainment, if not much challenge.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Yesterday.

Both sisters grimace at Christine's approach, but it's too late to stop her.

In reply to Evelina Grattan (msg # 264):

A slender figure in the same tattered brown cloak and worn and patched clothes as the other bandits cautiously steps into the clearing.

"You'll be Marjent, then.  Peyrona's told us the tiniest bit about you, including that you're neither monsieur nor mademoiselle.

"I'm truly pleased to meet you.  I'm Holiness Evelina Grattan, Queen of the Cult of Tsaggothua.  This is my Holy Sister, Elaina Grattan, our Priestess.  These are Christine Bjorn, and her servants Chris and Crispin, her follower Emma (another priestess), Masugatan and Valerie, and Absolon Steelbaker, whom I'm sure you can understand is commonly called Ginger."

In reply to Marjent (msg # 265):

"I am Marjent. What happened to my kin?"

"I am saddened to report that most of those who tried to rob us along the road died.  We've brought along the three we could save, though they still need much healing."

Ginger whispers to Elaina, "Are all priestesses this hard?"