Telias, breeches and sleeves rolled is wading into the river searching for holes to invade.
Survival
Takes some time but you manage to get a hold of two fish, however others appears to slip out of your fingers or you found holes that have been empty for some time, but your search wasn't in vain as you find a alchemical silver dagger and a small collection of coins that have been dropped over the years: 9 copper, 4 silver and 7 gold.
A confused look in the face, Bronwyn asks:
"So... The fish now eat copper pieces?"
A confused look in the face, Bronwyn asks:
"So... The fish now eat copper pieces?"
After finishing burning off her steam, Carina sits on the rock she was blasting and stares off into the distance thinking.
Perception:
A confused look in the face, Bronwyn asks:
"So... The fish now eat copper pieces?"
"An s%~% gold" Telias says as he tosses another coin onto shore.
Telias doesn't care for zorestars lecture, catfish swimming happily on a frying pan in his brain.
Responding to Zorestar's extensive dissertation about the nature of changelings, the simple-minded knight says:
"Well, we'd better do our best to give her a place, then. That's what I was trying to do anyway."
""Well, we'd better do our best to give her a place, then. That's what I was trying to do anyway."
"Of course you were! Naturally you are very close to her and you obviously treat her most kindly. I just want to reassure you of the importance of what you are doing. I am finally figuring out another piece to the Carina puzzle and we need to be on the same page in terms of offering support and helping her with the arcane powers that flow within her. Eventually she will hear the call and we will need to be ready when she does. Well, if you need to talk to me further about it, please feel free to ask."
"Telias if you don't want civilization down here you should make sure nobody else knows the fish can turn copper to gold."
Upon witnessing Telias catch catfish with his bare hands, Zorestar politely comments to him, "Those prominent barbels certainly make that creature look very intimidating. Are you concerned when you feel around in dark murky water that the creature will bite your fingers off? From the look of your approach, you do not seem overly concerned. However, have you ever considered using a net or a pole with a line for bait? Do you think that it would have less impact on your hand's appendages?"
Later on, after Carina has hopefully calmed down a great deal, Zorestar will approach her and ask her a few questions.
"Hello Carina. Are you having a pleasant evening? I am sorry if I offended you with my earlier comments about your acid splash. Were you able to destroy the rock? Well, no matter. I was simply wondering if you were inclined to give me a lesson with the crossbow? You see, I would like to be prepared when the time comes. I was wondering if there is any lever, knob or such mechanism device on the crossbow that will allow you to calibrate it for accuracy?"
Looking over her shoulder at Zorestar:
I told you, you just point it at whatever you want to hit, then pull the trigger. Here, let me show you.
I take out some blunt bolts (I imagine that I would have a few for target practice so that the real ones do not get broken.)
I then take my crossbow and begin to shoot at whatever is around for a target. An old log or something preferably. (The grumpy ranger and grumpy druid would probably be annoyed if I used them.)
Attack:
"Why bother?" Telias says as he wrestles a fish out of the water dripping with water. "Book tell you ya gotta do that too? Ya gotta book that tells ya how to deal with yer digestive business? Or eat? Or breathe? Ya may want to think about what good a book does ya out here son ain't no book that can make me a better noodler than one that can make Ganit there a better shot. Ya practice at it, and ya either get good or ya don't. Ain't as complex as ya wanna make it sound."
As Telias hurls the fish out of the river, Ganit is on hand with his knife; gutting and fileting the fish almost mechanically. He prepares the catfish for the group as he would for himself: simply spiced with pepper, then burnt over the fire on each side equally. Although he initially cursed himself and the group for not buying some conventional cooking tools, he still finds it in himself to enjoy the meal for all it's simplicity and goodness.
"If any of you picky bastards don't like the way I cook than you can stick with the trail rations, otherwise don't say a g****mn thing. I'd like to see any of you properly season a meal in the middle of nowhere. If you're serious about becoming lead cook, Zorestar, better pick up some supplies next time where in town."
attack at camp
a hunter? Seriously?
okey, hunter is it...stupid dice
That night the smell of fish appears to attract someone's attention. A man calls over to the group. He appears to have a bow, dressed in leather with smudges of dirt over him as some kind of camouflage for himself and with a hood up. He is also accompanied by a slender figure behind him with a bow in hand and arrow notched as it looks around at the surroundings.
You recognise this man to be Beaufort of the green belt. A hunter in these parts who has been around longer than you have and last you saw him he was starting to grow gray hair, blaming it on raising his daughter, whom you assume is the figure behind him.
You often insulted him on the count of his red hair, but it was all in light-hearted ribbing.
Instincts taking over, Bronwyn puts a hand on the pommel of his sword and grabs his shield.
"Hello?"
"I told you, you just point it at whatever you want to hit, then pull the trigger. Here, let me show you."
Zorestar picks up the crossbow, lines up the sight, and aims at a knot in a nearby tree. Then he pulls back the trigger and releases the shot.
"Ow Wow! It hit! This is not as hard as I thought it would be. Imagine what will happen with practice!"
"Book tell you ya gotta do that too? Ya gotta book that tells ya how to deal with yer digestive business? Or eat? Or breathe? Ya may want to think about what good a book does ya out here son ain't no book that can make me a better noodler than one that can make Ganit there a better shot. Ya practice at it, and ya either get good or ya don't. Ain't as complex as ya wanna make it sound."
Man, this guy sure has issue with books! He must be a real experiential learner!
"Well, I have books to tell me how to do a lot of things, but no, not eating or breathing. I just picked that up on my own."
"If you're serious about becoming lead cook, Zorestar, better pick up some supplies next time where in town."
"I would certainly be willing to try. It sure beats the manually intensive jobs like gathering wood and such. The next time I'm at Oleg's, I will see if I can pick up some spices and cooking equipment. So tell me, Ganit, what do you do to cook the fish, just put it over the fire. How do you know when it is ready? Hmm, it sure smells good."
A man calls over to the group. He appears to have a bow, dressed in leather with smudges of dirt over him as some kind of camouflage for himself and with a hood up. He is also accompanied by a slender figure behind him with a bow in hand and arrow notched as it looks around at the surroundings.
As the man approaches the camp, Zorestar picks up his quarterstaff just to be safe. He doesn't say anything, but listens to Bron to see if this man is friendly or not.
"Well met, I am Beaufort of the Green Belt. Local hunter and this is my daughter, Gwen. We were hunting when-" he cuts himself off when he notices Ganit "If my eyes don't decieve me. Ganit, how've you been you miserable old sod?!" he calls out in what you can guess as the typical male ribbing. At this he takes down his hood to reveal his elven heritage and red-hair. His features are not as sharp as an elf's so he obviously a half-elf. His daughter, too takes down her hood.
Beaufort's hair is red, but you can see streaks of grey revealing his age whilst his daughter has long flowing red hair and a lithe form that fits in well in her armour. Whilst her father's eyes are dark blue her eyes are emerald green.
"We have our own meal to cook with you, if you'll invite us to sit beside you at the fire." he holds up a few dead hares.
After teaching Zorestar, Carina returned to her rock and continued to stare into the distance thinking. When the elves appeared, she initially stood up warily. But, when they spoke in a friendly manner, Carina sat back down and continued brooding.
"Well met. If Ganit will vouch for you then you are welcome here."
The tall half-orc bows graciously, if inexpertly, at the newcomers and casts about for a log to seat them.
The knight quickly takes his shield off, and approaches the hunter.
"Well, only if you'd accept a cup of our ale and offer us at least one embarassing story about Ganit!"
He approaches the hunter, offering up a hand.
"My name's Bronwyn, that sad grumpy old sod you already know, but that other one's called Telias. That's Jameson by the horses, Zorestar there with the funny beard and pointed hat and that beautiful lady by the stone is Carina. Welcome to our humble camp, Beaufort. And this lovely lady's called?"
Funny beard? I thought it was quite dignified!
"Hello, Beaufort and daughter." Zorestar replies politely.
Well it appears that Bron's' taken an instant liking to the young female. He sure is a charmer!
"So tell me, Ganit, what do you do to cook the fish, just put it over the fire. How do you know when it is ready?"
"That's the gist of it. Catfish is good to be burnt black, can't say the same about most fish though. You know it's done when the meat starts to flake off when you pull at it."
"If my eyes don't decieve me. Ganit, how've you been you miserable old sod?!"
"I was hoping the next time I saw you that ugly mess on your head would have turned completely grey," smiling as he walks over to Beaufort and extends his hand. "I guess I'll have to endure that wretched sight for one more night then."
With an open palm he signals the campers that there's no threat. "Yeah James, I guess I can vouch for them. Just keep your coin purses close."
After sharing a laugh with Beaufort he turns his attention to the quiet huntress, "Evening Gwen, your father still taking the credit for all your kills?"
"So tell me, Ganit, what do you do to cook the fish, just put it over the fire. How do you know when it is ready?""That's the gist of it. Catfish is good to be burnt black, can't say the same about most fish though. You know it's done when the meat starts to flake off when you pull at it."
"If my eyes don't decieve me. Ganit, how've you been you miserable old sod?!""I was hoping the next time I saw you that ugly mess on your head would have turned completely grey," smiling as he walks over to Beaufort and extends his hand. "I guess I'll have to endure that wretched sight for one more night then."
With an open palm he signals the campers that there's no threat. "Yeah James, I guess I can vouch for them. Just keep your coin purses close."
After sharing a laugh with Beaufort he turns his attention to the quiet huntress, "Evening Gwen, your father still taking the credit for all your kills?"
"Says the snot-nosed brat who got his leg gored by a boar's tusk." he laughs as he settles down into the group, being navigated past the traps. Gwen giggles at Ganit's comment.
"He claims his misses are because of the wind." she grins as the Beaufort glares in her direction. "How've you been? It's been years since we last saw you and we heard from Oleg people were sent down here to take out the Stag Lord." at this the grizzled hunter gives a grin
"Yes, I thought you would've driven the bandits off by now, what's taken you so long? Sure you aren't getting green?" he grins, obviously attempting to press Ganit's buttons.
"A noble in these lands, huh? Two in fact! I've not seen any before." Gwen grins as she looks over to Ganit "You need to watch your company, people will think you've gone soft." she gets up and heads over to speak with Carina. "I'm sure others might have said this, but welcome to the stolen lands." she puts out a hand for her to take and shake on.
"That's the gist of it. Catfish is good to be burnt black, can't say the same about most fish though. You know it's done when the meat starts to flake off when you pull at it."
This actually looks and smells absolutely delicious.
"What are marvelous dish you are preparing. May I kindly partake of such a delicacy when it is ready?"
"A noble in these lands, huh? Two in fact! I've not seen any before."
How did she recognize me as a noble? Do I look soft? Is it that obvious?
"Mam, I am Zorestar Lebada, at your service. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Telias watches the pair warily as he masticates his fish. Meeting people out here as unusual. Meeting friendly people out here was nigh unheard of.
Carina turns her head and looks at the elf.
It is nice to meet you. Don't find many people out here, especially people who are not trying to kill us. So, what brings you to the god forsaken corner of the Greenbelt?
Carina turns her head and looks at the elf.
It is nice to meet you. Don't find many people out here, especially people who are not trying to kill us. So, what brings you to the god forsaken corner of the Greenbelt?
"Me, my father and Ganit were all raised hunters. We make our living our of skinning animals, collecting fruit and that's about it. It's a very simple life, but I've gotten used to it." she smiles and then moves closer to Carina to whisper something.
"How's Ganit been? He hasn't been...'seeing' someone has he?" she asks, though she doesn't look terribly embaressed for being so blunt.
I know all about hunting. I hunted with my father many times, but rarely here in the wild lands south of Restov. Mostly when I went with him, it was further north in Brevoy.
You then see Carina move her head closer to Gwen and say something.
Carina raises her eyebrows in surprise. Seeing someone else?
You see a small smile creep into Carina's dour expression. So far since I have known him he has managed to grumble at everyone and everything that has come near him. Even the branches and rocks move aside when he comes through. So, no, I do not believe he is seeing anyone that I know of.
You then see Carina lean back grinning slightly.
So, what does a girl do around here for fun. So far I have spent most of my time saving the sorry a$$es of those guys from every sort of bad guy - bandits, mites, kobolds, worgs, tatzylwyrms, and even a demented and possessed bear. While I have no problem with this, something more girly once in a while would be nice.
I know all about hunting. I hunted with my father many times, but rarely here in the wild lands south of Restov. Mostly when I went with him, it was further north in Brevoy.
You then see Carina move her head closer to Gwen and say something.
** spoiler omitted **
You then see Carina lean back grinning slightly.
So, what does a girl do around here for fun. So far I have spent most of my time saving the sorry a$$es of those guys from every sort of bad guy - bandits, mites, kobolds, worgs, tatzylwyrms, and even a demented and possessed bear. While I have no problem with this, something more girly once in a while would be nice.
"We also headed east to meet one of the other groups the swordlords sent down to colonise these lands. We ran into one such man in Nomen Heights east of here. His name was Maegar Varn and he travelled south with a band of mercinaries, but he is also one of the swordlords himself. A low ranking swordlord, but we saw him cut down a owl bear with skilled and fast blows." she smiled as she looked ove the group. "He told us he was sent to deal with the centaurs and has already established a kingdom. He told us to wish you luck if we ever ran into you."
"That's good to see he's still himself. I've always worried whenever he was out in the wilds alone but I havn't seen him in so long I was so relieved to see him here alive."
"Well I enjoy hunting down the creatures you mentioned, but I guess you could pick some Chew berries. They're only to the west and over the river." she points towards the west, showing she clearly knows her way in the wilds. "Perhaps you could find a beautiful flower out here. I have seen some strange flowers grow up around here at odd times. Once I found a bright blue flower growing out of the snow."
"Says the snot-nosed brat who got his leg gored by a boar's tusk."
"You forgot the part where I saved your ass by shooting down the one coming for you. Besides, not many men can say they've driven their dagger up to the hilt into a boar's skull," he retorts proudly.
"He claims his misses are because of the wind."
"Could say the same of his hits," he adds.
"Won't bore you with the details but I've been keeping busy, as you can see." he motions towards the party. "Mostly a babysitting job with an occasional need for real work. It's true, I'm to guide this band of outcasts and misfits to the Stag Lord's door and turn his ugly mounted head over to the powder-puffs in charge of Restov. I'd have it done quicker if I had your old man scare them off by shaking his ridiculous hair at them."
"A noble in these lands, huh? Two in fact! I've not seen any before." Gwen grins as she looks over to Ganit "You need to watch your company, people will think you've gone soft."
"Take a good look and get accustomed to it. When we're done here there will sure to be more coming. The prettyboy is a bit thick in the head but he's managed to survive for the past couple weeks we've been at it so he's earned a bit of credit, not a swordarm either. Other one will talk your ear off if you give him a chance, the rest are a touch better than your average hired sword. I've managed to lead worst men against greater foes. Hell, your father and I took down a pack boar together and he managed to survive."
I know all about hunting. I hunted with my father many times, but rarely here in the wild lands south of Restov. Mostly when I went with him, it was further north in Brevoy.
You then see Carina move her head closer to Gwen and say something.
** spoiler omitted **
You then see Carina lean back grinning slightly.
So, what does a girl do around here for fun. So far I have spent most of my time saving the sorry a$$es of those guys from every sort of bad guy - bandits, mites, kobolds, worgs, tatzylwyrms, and even a demented and possessed bear. While I have no problem with this, something more girly once in a while would be nice.
"We also headed east to meet one of the other groups the swordlords sent down to colonise these lands. We ran into one such man in Nomen Heights east of here. His name was Maegar Varn and he travelled south with a band of mercinaries, but he is also one of the swordlords himself. A low ranking swordlord, but we saw him cut down a owl bear with skilled and fast blows." she smiled as she looked ove the group. "He told us he was sent to deal with the centaurs and has already established a kingdom. He told us to wish you luck if we ever ran into you."
"That's good to see he's still himself. I've always worried whenever he was out in the wilds alone but I havn't seen him in so long I was so relieved to see him here alive."
"Well I enjoy hunting down the creatures you mentioned, but I guess you could pick some Chew berries. They're only to the west and over the river." she points towards the west, showing she clearly knows her way in the wilds. "Perhaps you could find a beautiful flower out here. I have seen some strange flowers grow up around here at odd times. Once I found a bright blue flower growing out of the snow."
Beaufort nods as he listens to Ganit and gives a smile.
"You have not heard the news from the north then?" he questions but continues anyway. "Those noble houses are fighting each other and it's about to get worse. They think Surtova isn't worthy of the throne and there's some dispute over who should own what from Rogarvia. Say what you want about the conqueror, he kept those snobs in line. Last I heard, a member of house Medvyed was poisoned and all of them are trying to one-up each other. Glad I'm just a hunter and not involved in any of this politics stuff." he says rarther simply as he looks over the group.
Are the Chew berries good? Not that I have ever been much of a cook, but usually if we bring something good back with us to Oleg's, Svetlana makes some marvelous treats.
Although if Ganit is looking for a beautiful flower, I think that it found him.
"Can't say I have. Oleg's is the only place we've been getting our news but we've been a bit preoccupied. We actually had a Medvyed down here for a short while with hopes of answering the charter. Couldn't quite deal with the lifestyle I suppose, left only a few days after getting here. Guess life at home is just as dangerous," the ranger muses as he pulls the catfish from the fire to make room for Beaufort's rabbits.
"Never seen a man noodle a catfish like Telias before," he nods to the contented fisherman. "I'm sure he'd have a few things to teach you if you had the mind for it. I still prefer hook and thread."
"That she does. Oleg's outpost has been a life-savor for all us hunters out there. Otherwise we'd never be able to sell our furs without travelling all the way to Restov."
She's a little taken off guard by that statement, but smiles.
"When he's ready to settle down, I'll make my move. I wish you luck in whoever you have your eye set on, if anyone?" she takes a glance around the group and then back at you.
"Can't say I have. Oleg's is the only place we've been getting our news but we've been a bit preoccupied. We actually had a Medvyed down here for a short while with hopes of answering the charter. Couldn't quite deal with the lifestyle I suppose, left only a few days after getting here. Guess life at home is just as dangerous," the ranger muses as he pulls the catfish from the fire to make room for Beaufort's rabbits.
"Never seen a man noodle a catfish like Telias before," he nods to the contented fisherman. "I'm sure he'd have a few things to teach you if you had the mind for it. I still prefer hook and thread."
"Same here, far more messy work." he smiles as he enjoys the site of the catfish and then prepares the rabbits. "Just like the politics up there, things are getting sour, but there is no all out war...yet." he pauses a moment and turns to Ganit, leaning over to whisper something to him.
"She's been worried sick about you, you know?" he states with a wink and a nudge before his smile turning to a grim look. "I'm gettin' too old for this. If somethin' happens to me, I want you to look after her, you hear? If ya don't ah'll come back from the grave to tan your hide."
Ah, Fangberries, my apologies. Yes, if you know where those are I would be interested in seeing them. Someone was asking after them back at Oleg's.
___
Would that I could set my eye on someone. I am too dangerous to be with. That is why I am here in the wilds. So that I do not cause harm to innocents. Every day I am afraid that I might unintentionally harm one of my compatriots.
"Yet," Ganit echoes as the smile melts from his face.
"That elf blood should keep those sorry legs of yours kicking for another fifty years, at the least. You just stay close to her and you'll do fine. Last I knew she was shooting the wings off butterflies at fifty feet." He replies in jest to the aging hunter before accepting the gravity of his warning.
Lowering his voice to a whisper, "Don't worry. I'll see that she's taken care of," he turns his gaze to the stereotype smashing ladies chatting idly across camp and continues. "Though I doubt she'd be wanting for anyone's 'help' anytime soon; too much her spirit reflects her fiery mane." Smiling he returns to Beaumont. "You should already know that so long as I'm near, she will remain safe. I'll be sure to check in more often if something should happen to you, you have my word."
"Oh? who was asking for them?" Gwen asks as she looks over at Carina.
"You are not a danger to anyone. Listen, the ones who are dangerous, are people who cause harm and don't believe that they are and don't care about the people they hurt." as she says this she gives a comforting hug. "After all, even the most dangerous women or men can find someone to love and sometimes just being with that one you care about will calm you down enough to not be a danger to anyone. Just let things play out and you might be surprised." she gives a wink then and a smile when looking back towards Ganit
"True, but you never know. I have seen some strange things out here, one of them is that Tuskgutter. I warn you, he's a boar of incredible size. Bigger than a troll hound." as he says this he looks to the west. "I tried but failed, we barely got out of there with our lives, though he got me good." he pulls up his leather armour to show where a large nasty scar was, caused by what must've been a huge tusk.
"You have not heard the news from the north then?" he questions but continues anyway. "Those noble houses are fighting each other and it's about to get worse. They think Surtova isn't worthy of the throne and there's some dispute over who should own what from Rogarvia. Say what you want about the conqueror, he kept those snobs in line. Last I heard, a member of house Medvyed was poisoned and all of them are trying to one-up each other. Glad I'm just a hunter and not involved in any of this politics stuff."
Zorestar listens to much of the conversation, but remain mostly quiet. However, at the mention of fighting within the noble houses, he suddenly takes a great interest.
"Beaufort, could you please tell me what you know about house Lebeda in the lands southwest of Lake Reykal. Do you any news of any fighting or political treachery in that region?"
I hope that you are right. I trust these men I am traveling with. But just last evening I almost blasted two faerie dragons simply because they looked like dragons. In fact, I almost attacked Bron, the blond one over there trying to look all rough, when he showed me . . . oh, sorry, he asked me not to say anything. Take it for granted that I almost killed him in rage when he showed me something that everyone else would consider darling and cute. Simply because of events in my past.
Carina shakes her head.
I do care for these men, and mean no harm to anyone, but I have been reacting in a very aggressive and dangerous manner to many things which are common in a civilized nation. Thus, I am continuously fearful of hurting them.
Signing again, Carina looks back at the men and then stares back at the ground. A small tear showing in one eye.
Looking at the exchange of words with an amazed look in his eyes, Bronwyn smiles, and goes to open the ale casket in the cart. He returns with a full mug, offering it to the hunter.
"That's interesting to know, Beaufort. We can only thank the gods we're down south and hope that war doesn't spill down here."
Sitting by the fire, the knight offers the hunter a place and a bit of crackling fish meat.
"Tuskgutter? The subject of bounty back on the wall at Oleg's? Where did you find him?" he asks while he looks over the nasty scar. "The trick to hunting boar, I thought you of all people would know by now, is position. Once you get off the ground they're about as threatening as ball of twine. If I can shoot at it from a tree to weaken it a bit, that heavily armored half-orc over there will show the thing how to gore." Ganit turns his thumb towards the quiet cavalier feeding apple wedges to his horse. "I've seen him tear a man in half with that lance without blinking an eye. Piggy should be no different."
"You have not heard the news from the north then?" he questions but continues anyway. "Those noble houses are fighting each other and it's about to get worse. They think Surtova isn't worthy of the throne and there's some dispute over who should own what from Rogarvia. Say what you want about the conqueror, he kept those snobs in line. Last I heard, a member of house Medvyed was poisoned and all of them are trying to one-up each other. Glad I'm just a hunter and not involved in any of this politics stuff."Zorestar listens to much of the conversation, but remain mostly quiet. However, at the mention of fighting within the noble houses, he suddenly takes a great interest.
"Beaufort, could you please tell me what you know about house Lebeda in the lands southwest of Lake Reykal. Do you any news of any fighting or political treachery in that region?"
"There has been in every noble families lands. Poison, political arguments and open threats, though no open declarations of war." he thinks for a moment. Nikita Lebeda was poisoned, however he managed to fight it off luckily with a healer nearby and no one has claimed responsibility."[/b]
** spoiler omitted **
Looking at the exchange of words with an amazed look in his eyes, Bronwyn smiles, and goes to open the ale casket in the cart. He returns with a full mug, offering it to the hunter.
"That's interesting to know, Beaufort. We can only thank the gods we're down south and hope that war doesn't spill down here."
Sitting by the fire, the knight offers the hunter a place and a bit of crackling fish meat.
"For the moment they're fighting against themselves, but if what I hear is true and you show weakness in your new nation I don't know how long it will be until they decide to head down here to claim your kingdom for themselves." he points out rarther grimly, but you can tell he seems more Ganit at times with his mumbling self.
"Tuskgutter? The subject of bounty back on the wall at Oleg's? Where did you find him?" he asks while he looks over the nasty scar. "The trick to hunting boar, I thought you of all people would know by now, is position. Once you get off the ground they're about as threatening as ball of twine. If I can shoot at it from a tree to weaken it a bit, that heavily armored half-orc over there will show the thing how to gore." Ganit turns his thumb towards the quiet cavalier feeding apple wedges to his horse. "I've seen him tear a man in half with that lance without blinking an eye. Piggy should be no different."
"Ha! You should remember, Ganit. When I saw something is bigger than a troll hound, you should know how big I mean." he gave a smirk and pointed to the wound. "Don't let it get too close. It's bigger than a horse and could possibly eat a man in a single bite."
"I won't. The only thing I'm worried about is getting the head back to the outpost if it's as big as you say," he jokes although his eyes betray his confidence. He reaches into his bag to retrieves the map, unfurls it and shows it to Beaufort. "Now, point out where you found it and I'll go avenge your leg, not to mention your pride."
Turning back to Gwen and smiling: We can only hope. . . . Well, shall we join the men and see what their excuse for dinner is tonight? I believe the hairy one was pulling fish out from under rocks. Fortunately we have your rabbits to add some flavor. Any chance you have any herbs? There is only so much of Ganit's cooking a girl can take.
Smiling again, Carina gets up and heads back to the fire.
"There has been in every noble families lands. Poison, political arguments and open threats, though no open declarations of war. Nikita Lebeda was poisoned, however he managed to fight it off luckily with a healer nearby and no one has claimed responsibility."
Dear Nethys, what in the world is happening?!
"Nikita was poisoned?! How in the world did that happen? I knew my cousin was ambitious and a little self centered, but he would never harm anyone. Well, at least he is still alive! So who did this? What is all of this fighting about? Is this simply a land dispute?"