Re: Quest for the Tower #4 LVL 8 @ 157
On the trip Zoccola was a fair bit more frugal with her spells than usual. It wasn't at all odd for the Goblin to only use magic when she deemed it necessary or ideal, in lieu of putting a little physical labor in its place, but even when they settled to rest she didn't conjure their usual home. The further they went, the more tense she became, as if expecting disaster to burst up from beneath their feet with every step.
Booth coming out one morning with a full beard was a welcome bit of relief though. Zoccola was left doubled-over with wheezing laughter at first and a tell-tale expression that she knew full well it might happen. Unlike Elodie, however, she greatly approved of the state of Booth's jawline. "You're finally starting to look like a respectable man, Longshanks." No surprise there since Zoccola had never been shy about how she fancied folk like Dwarves and Satyrs. Goblins didn't really have much in the way of body hair and were completely bald more often than not, so it might've just been the contrast that appealed to her.
Soon enough, the time had finally arrived. Zoccola had returned to her grim and tense manner when they parted ways with their escorts. She offered The Hound a fond bit of attention as she ruffled his head with her hands, then nodded after the Dwarves on their way out. "This is as far as you go, okay? You know what to do if everything goes to shit." she insisted gently. The Hound, despite his whines and nuzzles of protest, remained obedient all the same as he trotted off a ways back up the tunnel toward safer grounds.
"Alright... let's be methodical about this. Once we start moving, everyone keep at least ten feet apart from one another and stay within eyesight. No running off alone. Step lightly, and use whispers or hand motions only to communicate." the Goblin rolled her shoulders in preparation for what was to come. While Jurassic set about his various rituals, she performed her own to conjure up several shimmering, semi-solid phantoms drawn from the long-cast shadows on the floor. Rather disconcerting to see as well; despite how they looked very similar to horses, they didn't move at all the way real beasts would. No idle shuffles, no huff of breath, just ominous statues when still and too precise when in motion.
If Jurassic is ritual casting both Unseen Servant and Phantom Steed, that'll give Zoccola time to ritual cast Phantom Steed twice. So we've got three Steeds ready to go.