She let's out another one of those scratchy, creaky laughs...

"Well you wouldn't be the first to make such a suggestion."

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 195):

Thoroughly believing this was not a young woman, nor someone they should trust, Boris considered drawing his short sword and stabbing her, just to get this over with. But the Paladin didn't seem to share his suspicion and Boris didn't care for his odds if he had to defend himself against his friend coming to her aid.

"I shall leave you to your pleasant conversation, Albion. One doesn't often get the chance to converse with a demoness or succubus in a social way. Do let me know when you want this charade to end, I shall be over by the camp. Do not let her close, if you please."

That said he did not wait for a response, he disappeared into the shadows.

PM

Frederick bends down and scratches Dinen behind the ears.

Hawkmoon nods absently, even though Boris would have used the name "Hawkmoon" (LOL, he has never given the name Albion.. I know, I am a bad person).

He smiles thinly at the "young lady".

"Oh and why might that be, fair maiden?"

His sword by this point was almost resting point down upon the earth, but the handle still within his right hand, though he did use his left for various things.  As a man of the Bastard Sword, he rarely wore more than a buckler upon his left arm.

PM

Frederick stands and sits Dinen on his shoulder, then speaks thru the message as if talking to Dinen.



Frederick turns and moves so that he faces both the woman.

Hawkmoon smiles faintly and concentrates upon the power granted to him by Pelor, the power to sense evil.  He extends it out, and the 'lady' is well within the range.

In reply to Frederick (msg # 201):

Boris had a feeling of impending dread. Obviously, the woman was evil, and the crusaders of Outremer could sense such things. But the crusaders of this place perhaps could not, or perhaps Hawkmoon chose not to. Either way, he felt it was unwise to stay near the rebuilt fire to await whatever approached. "For the love of Christ, prepare yourselves, my friends." With that, he sought the concealment of the shadows to hide him until it was time to strike.

In reply to Boris Underhill (msg # 203):

Stoney feels the urge to stay hidden.  Not sure why or what is compelling him, but he doesn't feel comfortable with this new lady.

The young woman began watching as the group refocused their attention.  Slowly, she began to stand up, a look of worry drawing across her face.

"What...what is it?  Why is everyone looking around?  Is there something out there?"

Hawkmoon....may have had a misunderstanding with the Powers That Be

Boris, having heard the distant yowls, realises where he heard those cries last. It was during the attack by the Saracens on Port Strange. Funny, they had spent all this time going the other direction looking for the Saracens. And here they were, coming for them, as if they were merely waiting for them to show up. Having found a place in the shadows Boris considered his tactical options, deciding to draw his short sword and strike from behind or in the flank should the opportunity present.

PM

Hawkmoon nods slightly to the lady, and his features soften some.
"I know not what truth you speak, milady, but I feel no evil intent from thee."
He says it loudly enough that his companions might hear.  He makes no attempt to address her cackling, as that would be rude.  Either the lady is hiding her age somehow, or is giving a preview of how she will be when aged, both would be impolite to mention.. with EVIL ruled out.
"I would hold near the fire for now, though, milady.  It seems there may be something out there hunting us... or you.  The darkness is often allied with evil, for rarely does it wish to show itself until it is too late."

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 208):

PM

Frederick stays in the shadows, out of the firelight so he doesn't cause his night vision to be lessened. He continues to watch the direction Dinen Dal does and speaks.

How old is your son Mi'lady? And how long has he been missing?

In reply to Albion Hawkmoon (msg # 209):

From somewhere in the darkness, Boris hissed loud enough for his comrades to hear, "the Saracens... I hear them in the darkness, they are coming!" Surely the others could hear them! Or was it only him? Was he going mad?

At the mention of other "visitors" Ondrea readied herself for the assault. Getting low she tried to pinpoint their approach and to pick up the noises Boris was hearing.

-

In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 212):

Stoney, also has his hammer out, trying to stay low, lower than a halfling already is, and in the shadows.

As you stand in the darkness, senses tuned, a sound begins to arise in the distance.  It is faint at first but grows steadily louder and more distinct.  It is high pitched but with an aspect of animal.

"It was my brother, he's been out here since this afternoon."

Ondrea/Stoney: Can I have Intelligence checks please

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 214):

Ondrea Avalor rolled 14 using 1d20.  Intelligence = 12.


-

PM

Frederick shakes his head and continues to watch the darkness.

Ma'am, what information can you give us about your son so he doesn't get hurt when we all find each other.

The sounds continue to grow in strength and pitch, drawing closer towards your area, you're certain of it.  It is unmistakably beast but of what origin you still cannot be certain.

The young woman begins to stand now, the sound having reached her ears.  A look of worry begins to spread across her features.

"We need to leave this place now."

What is it ma'am? What is out there?