As David watched, kept an eye out on their surroundings he let those around him decide the way to go. Once sorted.

"Something smells .."

The march forward through the swamp and ultimately into the forest took a good piece of the morning but before noon you had managed to reach the edge of the treeline.  Both the heat and humidity had continued to climb steadily as you marched onward and the cool, damp air surrounding the forest floor was a welcome relief.  The forest is somewhat old with large conifers and deciduous species alike towering into the sky.  The ground was mostly open save for the usual ferns, grasses and flowers found under such thick canopies.  Large stones dotted the landscape as well; resting against offered a much enjoyed respite from the swamps rising temperatures.  The air was damp and thick with moister but was noticeably many shades cooler than the open air.

While slightly harder to follow, the trail can still be found with only a minor of effort.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 421):

"Are we there yet?"
Stoney says out of frustration marching forward, hoping to see any signs of something other than trees, and swamps.

Possibly familiar with this 'game', Hawkmoon replies.

"Sire Applesmith, we can take a break if you need it."

Smiling, .."Ah, yes .. time for a cup of tea. And a rest for my poor back. Though, I think we should keep the flames low to keep any prying eyes from seeing our travels. Certainly these creatures though they came in the night will be as fierce during the day."

Slowing his steed, David looks around. Waiting if others would agree to a brief recess.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 421):

Boris stopped for a break. "Right, let's find where the Saracens came from. Then go back to Port Strange."

In reply to Boris Underhill (msg # 425):

"I am always up for a break."
Stoney paused to help find a good clearing to take a short break.

David got off onto the ground, tying up his 'trusty steed' to a tree, afterall it would most likely be hard to find a new (dead) horse that would be in a better shape as the one he was riding on at the moment.

"If we are to find these abominations, .. I do suggest perhaps we make a hasty plan of engagement of sorts so we dont walk into each others metal"

"I am one of the best armored, though I am not fast.  I am willing to put myself between harm and the spell casters."

Frederick stops and takes out a flask of water from inside his cloak and takes a few swallows.  He pours some into a small cup for Dinen Dal to drink from.

I admit to a certain weakness to acuate or aciculate objects. They tend to cause me to leak precious fluid from my skin.  I try to avoid doing so at all costs. But I do have the ability to weave the mana of the world into dangerous magics.

In reply to Frederick (msg # 429):

"Cheers"
Stoney holds up his wineskin, then drinks.
"I too leak fluids, so it is important to replenish the body!  wiser words may never have been spoken!"

Looking towards Stoney as he proclaimed the wisdom "Im prett certain with Fredericks web and my skill in burning skin to the crisp we can remedy such ailments that there wont be any leakage from drinking such ammounts of ale. That would be good. No ?"

David chuckled softly

"My offensive wizardly magicks are abit constraind due to my studies, though .. Im pretty certain some might harass them more then they feel comfortable with."

So as I have it, you're all taking a break close to the treeline currently, yes?
 I just need to know so I can arrange for this gia....I mean, it's such a lovely day.
 Look at the pretty birds :D

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 432):

Boris kept a careful watch out as he drank some water. Not far away was the dark treeline.

Which trail are we on?

1) the trail of the girl from the night before.

2) the Saracens from the night before.

3) the trail back to Port Strange.

For the record, 2 or 3 would be acceptable.

Frederick lays an oiled ground cloth and and sits on it, then leans back against a tree.

As we follow the woman's trail I wonder if it will intersect with another trail? Could be most interesting to find out.

In reply to Frederick (msg # 434):

"I hope we are not following the woman's trail. I tried to make it clear we had little to gain by doing so. I'm sure I started back, I trust I somehow did not get turned around."

As the steed was tied up to a tree David joined the others. certainly, even a dead horse would warn those from a source of impending doom. Then again. That what is dead may never die, but rise again, harder and stronger. Wich could be a good thing

Looking around for herbs and a-like to make tea, and possible some dead branches to start a fire. "These realms can be tricky to your eyes, I have heard .. read as well mind you, that whoever resides in these parts can alter things just enough to make you go where you are needed to go."

Thus it could be possible that they were nudged to where they didn't really want to be.

In reply to David Von Ersch (msg # 436):

Hopping off the ground, after sipping his drink, looking confused.
"I thought we were, we, were.  Wait?"
His hands pointing in two different directions, confused.
"We were going to? Well I don't know what we decided to go."
Plopping back down and drinking again.
He mumbles to himself.
"I dont remember where we were going, this cursed place!"

Albion decides to opt out on the conversation and instead pay attention to their surroundings.

In reply to Boris Underhill (msg # 435):

"Agreed, but I think we have been turned around.... Either way I don't think we should dally here...." She looked left to right with her hammer in her hands.


-

Nodding carefully towards Ondrea "The eyes may be fooled, but .. instruments certainly will register things as they are. And have been. Anyone carries a compass of sorts. I dont have a map of this region. But if we head a certain direction. Im pretty dure civilised parts will apear before our eyes."

In reply to David Von Ersch (msg # 440):


Composing himself, enough to talk to the group.
"If I might be so bold to admit that we are turned around.  We don't know where we are going, or what we are after anymore.   So what is the plan, now?"

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 441):

"I for one vote to return to the village and regroup. Try and take a prisoner if they raid us again."


-

In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 442):

"Yes. Return to Port Strangefellow. Those Saracens we killed looked like the raiders we were sent to find. Well, find them we did. We perhaps owe the young woman some Christian charity but as we would need to catch her first I say she doesn't need it that badly."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:38, Wed 18 Sept 2019.

Just so I'm on the same page, when you say 'return to the village' you are referring to Strangefellow Port and not the creepy town?