Tandlara smiles at the others as they join the party. Her new little family were all together, disfunctional and arguing, but together.
'I'd like to have a day off, before our long trek. However, I'm happy to leave early if your all eager.'
Nodding, Zander replies, "I'm ready to go now, but can wait if we need to. I do think we should sort out the loot from the bandits with Oleg before we head out though. As for the bandit woman, I'd prefer we leave her here. She would be more trouble than anything if we brought her along."
Sighing Berrin smaks his lips and shakes his head. "Fine, fine." he says in surrender. "Exploring it is then. We'll leave the Stag Lord to his own devices for the time beeing, I just hope we're not making a mistake."
"A day of rest would do us all good, I think you'll agree. Settling on a price with Oleg for our loot and sleeping a night in a bed sound in order to me. Agreed?"
Jemini is happy with the consensus, as she addresses Zander she also moves towards him - on her way to Svetlana to tell her the news - "I agree, Kressle should stay. I think, also, that we're getting quite used to you Zander" - she grins at his all-to-serious face, cautiously reaching out to touch his mask (in case he jerks away) - "I think you can bare yourself to us." Hearing a barely covered coughing fit come from Verik's direction she turns her head towards him and laughs: "Don't you agree? We've all seen a lot of each other in the last few days."
Jemini moves along to Svetlana in the main house.
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"I agree, didn't she mention something about a password before? We will need that. Whatever you are comfortable with Zander, I am sure I've seen worse - Taipser is my cousin afterall, you should see the kind of girls he goes for." Verik says lightly - before turning slightly pale as his smile takes on a sickly aspect.
Its better to get these things out in the open, and not pretend he's pretty. I hope he will see it that way. Ahh, gods did I just compare a burn victim to Taisper's paramours? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
It is only as Jemini leaves that Verik catches on, "Hey I have not seen enough of you... A lot of you, a lot of you! Or anybody else, because I have not been looking... I... I... I'm going to pack!"
In his lighter armor Verik can move with astonishing speed, as the group seem by the cleric shaped blur racing away for the tents.
Berrin stares after Verik, mouth agape. "How does your cousin manage to put his foot in his mouth everytime he speaks? Frankly, I'm amazed!" he says to Taispar after Verik has scurried away.
Shaking his head in amazement at the pugdy cleric he turns to Zander. "She's right you know. Ugly as your scars may be, your alright by me. Come! Let's see if Svetlana has any ale hiden away! Let's share a drink you lot!" Berrin slaps his palm on the table and heads into the house to find Svetlana to see if he can requistition some ale.
Tandlara smiles at Zander, and with a hand laid gently on his arm whispers to him.
'Don't let them bully you, though they have the best intentions. Wounds take time to heal, you do not have to be ready yet. You have alot of time, a lifetime in fact. Just be heartened that we all like you for who you are dear. Where the mask until you are ready not to.'
She smiles broadly at him, again then looks around her and stands to stretch. Riddleskin clambering rapidly into his belt pouch, the wizened rat spares a disgruntled look for its mistress before retreating.
Svetlana happily breaks out some of the ale, serving it in mugs to everyone. The guards try to get some as well, but Kesten intercepts them and sends them back out to guard.
She wards off the cold of the early evening with a well-controlled campfire, using some of the remains of the burned table. She stands with a mug out and toasts the expedition. "A toast! To Jemini, Taisper, Verik, Berrin, Zander, and Tandlara! The heroes of the trading post!" At Kesten's look, she adds them in. [B]"To Kesten and his men as well, bravely keeping us safe!"[/dice]
Amidst the revelry, Oleg drops a ledger in front of Verik. [B]"I can sell your inventory as buyers come. 50% sound good?"[/dice]
"Svetlana! Guess what!? We're staying a bit longer. I think the boys will sort out all the items we've recovered from the bandits. Apart from you and Oleg, do you know of any specific people that have suffered because of the bandits? Maybe some farmers, or trappers that come to Oleg's on occasion? I hope that some of the spare things will help to improve their lot."
After hearing out Svetlana's reply, she asks for a quiet room with a chair and a table. She fetches a few details from her pack, some ink and inkpen, and a sheet of paper.
Dearest Father, kindest Mother
My Journey has thus far been Unexpectedly Eventful. Several more took the Call to claim the Stolen Lands - though I must regretfully inform you that no other House has sent an Emissary. There is no lack of strong Men, and representatives of the Abadar; and a strange Elven woman of the Arts.
It will please You to hear that not only have we Defeated an Ambush of bandits, but an Outpost has fallen to our Efforts. Much More pleasing is the news that the city of Restov will Rest easier through our First Steps in the Dark, in spite of my Leadership being Questioned.
An incorrigible Woman or Poor Repute is in Our Custody. If it will please you to Hear my Plea, I would ask to Prepare for Her a lasting Reception in the Low Halls.
Serving you in Deepest Affection
Jemini of Lebeda
After finishing the letter she folds and seals it with wax, clearly stamping her personal seal of Lebeda onto it. "Svetlana, please ensure a trustworthy merchant receives this and takes it to my father. I expect one such merchant headed for Lebeda will arrive not long from now."
Jemini employs coded messaging that relies on structure and keywords to convey meaning behind meaning. The letter above instructs Jemini's parents to the presence of a threat and conspiracy that Jemini believes is centered on the leadership of Restov - and by extension the Lord Mayor.
Jemini expects that her father will want to keep a quiet eye on her. For House Lebeda that means the presence of merchants.
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Verik takes the ledger from Oleg and looks it over at length, finally he nods approvingly. "Excellent, we will happily agree to that Oleg, and my thanks."
The cleric gives his ale a weary look, but sips away and raises his mug with the rest in toast. He smiles and laughs, but feels suddenly out of place and says little lost in his own thoughts.
Taisper gives Berrin a wry smile. "Me and Verik, we had pretty different upbringings and, well, he's more comfortable I think in some situations than in others. But he gets by alright. His heart's always in the right place, even if his words aren't quite." At Svetlana's prompting, Taisper raises his mug in toast. "Yeah! And to Svetlana and Oleg for being such great people and great hosts!" Taisper sets the mug down, but does not drink. He instead opts to get some fresh water, and since he has time; finish the laundry.
Though it takes him a moment to gather her meaning, when Jemini reaches out and touches his mask, Zander goes rigid. His vision blurs and his pulse quickens as he hears the others talk about him and his breath catches in his throat. Feeling on the verge of panic, the world suddenly comes back into focus as he hears Tandlara whispering in his ear and feels her hand on his arm. He returns her smile meekly and looks away towards Oleg and Svetlana and the others, moving to follow the group.
The evening turns into night, hastened by good cheer and shared stories. Jemini and Taisper relentlessly tease Verik, while Tandlara and Zander share a quiet conversation on the eastern wall. Berrin distracts the guards non-stop, despite Kesten's attempts to keep them on task. Oleg and Svetlana retire fairly early back into what remains of their house.
All in all, it is a good night. With the guards on watch rotation, the expedition gets an excellent night's sleep before setting out in the morning.
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A nearby rooster crows fairly loudly at dawn. Oleg is out in the courtyard, chopping some wood and laying out tools for the continued repair of the trading post. Svetlana, as usual, scurries about preparing breakfast. The air is cool with the faint smell of an oncoming shower coming from the east.
When Oleg and Svetlana go off early, Jemini winks at Svetlana and makes two little claws and growling motion.
Jemini has a great time with the others - though she does hold back a bit on the drinking. She does try to play with Riddleskin a little, by offering him a bit of ham and cheese - curious to see how the rat will react.
When Oleg and Svetlana go off early, Jemini winks at Svetlana and makes two little claws and growling motion.
Jemini has a great time with the others - though she does hold back a bit on the drinking. She does try to play with Riddleskin a little, by offering him a bit of ham and cheese - curious to see how the rat will react.
Riddleskin is very wary, his nose twitching as he smells the offering. He then creeps out onto the table to eye Jemini, and ignoring her food, sniffs at her hand. The old rat's grey muzzle darts up and down her palm, before deciding she is safe. He then takes the bits of food, suddenly relatively easy in Jemini's presence. He however keeps his eyes on the men, with almost human scowl on his rodent features.
As the party share breakfast at the trading post for the last time in what will be over a week, Tandlara finishes preparing her spells with Riddleskin and comes over to join the others.
'Which direction will we be heading today? I'd like to go into the woods proper. That's where we'll find any resistance to the Stag Lord, and honestly I want to have a chance to be in touch with the land. And forests are my preferred place to do so.'
Delighted Jemini lets Riddleskin sniff as much as he wants. Then, when he seems comfortable, she cautiously scratches him behind his ears. Such uncommon intelligence shines through his eyes. Why is that?
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Verik awakens just before dawn and heads outside as quietly as he can, he heads off for a secluded spot again an douses himself with a torrent of created water; scrubbing away vigorously and glad of the chill which brings him forth into wakefulness.
Then he finds a spot that faces the rising sun and sits with his back against a wall, pulling his legs beneath himself and choosing to keep his eyes open for once as he begins his prayers.
Dear Abadar,
So today we set out to explore the wilderness. At least this time we have tents, we were just lucky the heavens did not open up last time I suppose, but their is no point tempting fate afterall.
Everyone seems to be bonding quite well, apart from me of course, ever too irritable and pedantic... Jemini continues to think she is our leader by right of birth, and I continue to disabuse her of the idea as best I can, though it does not help that she is, um, attractive. But then of course aside from the obvious nobility serves as a shield there, it ought to dowse any metaphorical fire when you know that a person regards you as lesser because your ancestors were not as successful a set of murderous basterds as her own. Pah.
Meanwhile Tandlara continues to remain, well, an elf. There is something profoundly sad about her, and part of me wants to shout at her because most men would gladly trade their span of years for her's. On the other hand she is not human, a fact which is curiously hard to remember, she is not merely a slender woman with pointy ears. She is more... Other than that.
Zander is slowly warming to the group, and we all tried to encourage him to be comfortable enough to take off his mask. I shall have to force myself not to stare. I know scars are beyond my power to heal, but that does not remove the desire, or truth be told the empathy and horror that such wounds call up in me...
"Are you afraid of women?"
The morning had started with the first kiss of Sarenrae on Jemini's cheeks. Then she spotted Zander as he sank into quiet prayer. Zander seemed so peaceful, Jemini felt a bit ill at ease interrupting his meditation - but she felt this was important afterall. "Specifically a woman that asserts herself. Many things are harder for me - the world has build a whole fort of layers that make it hard for girl to do and be what she wants. A noble birth has given me many things that others of my sex have not - like being allowed to read and write. But even so it is often frowned upon if I have an opinion of my own. If I want to go to a place of ill repute or travel the world. Or if I make my own way in the world the way I see fit."
"I cannot condone what Kressle, for example, has done - but in her case, more so than in the men we killed, I can understand some of the frustration at having been denied by fate and the world. So, if you will scold me like a little girl, I want to know that it really is because you fear oppression by authority of blood - and not because some gender-induced dogmatism that acts without reason."
Taisper awakens at the usual time. Today, however, after finishing his morning exercises, he grabs the longbow that he tried for the first time yesterday under Zander's watchful eye and runs back to the hay bale with the target on it. He eyes the handful of arrows he brought with, as if daring them to miss.
Doing his best to imitate the more skilled archer's stance, he fires.
The first arrow lands just on the outside edge of the bullseye. Taisper's eyes widen and he lets out an exultant shout. "YEAH ALRIGHT!!" Then, realizing others might be sleeping, he immediately slaps his hand over his mouth and mumbles a muffled "sorry. sorry! I'm sorry." Shaking his head at his own inconsiderateness (C'mon Taisper buddy it's just like back home, people sleeping behind thin walls, you gotta play the quiet game. Remember the quiet game? 'See how quiet you can be, like the mice...') Taisper nocks a fresh arrow and fires again, this time landing in one of the outer rings, similar to his first attempt but at least a bit closer.
Twisting his mouth, he fires again.
Hay bale. "Ugh." And again:
Taisper smacks his forehead with the palm of his hand and mutters blackly under his breath for a moment. He looks at the last arrow he grabbed on his way to the target. His eyes take on that odd, flat shine they sometimes get. Slowing his breathing and forcing himself to focus, the inquisitor calmly turns to the target. He is whispering in Celestial as he fires the last arrow.
Again, right on the edge of the bullseye. Not exulting this time, Taisper simply lowers the bow and nods his head. He holds the rough longbow at arm's length, considering it. "I think I get it. I don't have a clue how Zander does what he does, but I think I get the basic swing of this. I'll bring you along Mr. Bow, sir, and let's see what we can't maybe accomplish together for the Master and the Lawgiver." Taisper begins ambling off to get more arrows, noting Jemini and Verik conversing as he does so. He doesn't break stride or hail them when he sees them, but he does indulge in a warm and at least slightly conspiratorial smile.
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Verik - not too concerned about being interrupted since he is not changing his spell selection or re-preparing anything - looks up at Jemini. This is his time, he feels at peace, and clam, and wise, and he refuses to be flustered. Right then.
"A little, well, perhaps a lot. I am not worldly and perhaps it is more my own acting like an addled fool that concerns me. I apologize if my bufoonery has caused you distress. I assure you that was not its intent.
I am sure that it is very hard to achieve certain goals as a woman. But that is just a stupid as nobility itself, position and value both ought to be based upon individual merits. The idea that a parent can bequeath their child their fortune is a sensible one, the idea that a leader can bequeath their child a nation is profoundly stupid.
So in short. Yes I get embarrassed around women. Yes you are are a woman." It takes a great deal of effort for Verik to catch his 'very much so', "But that has nothing to do with why I chaff at you trying to exert authority. I do so because - breasts or not - you have not earned it, or been granted it, and because like most nobles you expect it as your due - or so it seems to me.
Abadar is a god of civilization, and I believe that to be truly civilized a nation must cast aside ideas that make no sense. I do not know what we are doing here precisely, but there is a feel to it... A potential to it, that I can taste. And if we are to start something here, a village perhaps, or a town, something more, then I would not see it begun with the same foolish ideas which blight so much of the world.
A man of merit should not be kept down because of low birth, or lack of a certain boneless appendage.
Now if that answers your question I am trying to pray, do not let me detain you any further." He finishes primly, somewhat astounded at his own temerity.
Waking up with a start at the sound of Taispar's yell Berrin crashes from his bed and fumbles for his longswoard. Standing up with his heartbeat pounding in his ears he pauses to get his bearings. Hearing the thunk of arrows hitting hey he makes his way to the window to see Taispar practicing with the bow.
Waves of relief wash over him and his knees go wobly for a bit before he catches his breath. Calming down brings last nights drinking crashing forward in the shape of an ear splitting headache, the smell of Svetlanas cooking brings bile to his mouth.
'I need to get somthing down.' Steadying himself and swallowing the bile he makes his way to the benches with a murmured "..mornin.." and asks for water to wet his lips. Spending some time at the benches, slowly getting food down, Berrin goeas to wash in the barrel when he's certain he can stand without shacking.
Also waking at Taisper's shout, Zander joins Berrin in readiness at the window and is pleased to see Taisper practicing. Witnessing the the inquisitor's last shot, he smiles approvingly and decides he could use a bit of practice himself. Grabbing his own bow, he heads over to the range, passing Taisper on the way, "That was some good shooting over there. Remember, keep your feet shoulder-width apart and it will help you aim." he says with a smile. Reaching the range, he calls out, "Here, watch how I'm standing. You have to keep your weight even and stand perpendicular to your target." Aiming down his arrow, Zander fires off a shot.
Landing a direct bullseye, he looks up and grins.
'This is going to be a good day.'
Tandlara smiles to hear the sound of archery and moves out to the side of the guest house, removes her shoes and does a number of stretches and bends, before sitting to meditate atop one of the tables. Rather than seek queit she lets the noise and bustle of the others wash over her, and keeps her eyes open to the world. To seek the Brightness isn't to be apart from the world, but to perceive it.
Although Verik was berating her yet again, Jemini felt highly mollified. "That is great! I'll keep you to your word, you hear?" She starts to turn away, then suddenly a thought strikes her. "One of my mentors, Miss Orian, hailed from Hermea. Maybe if we have make a success of this charter, we can attempt to have you travel there on a diplomatic mission of some sorts. From what I've been given to understand it is the ultimate meritocracy - although... I'm not entirely sure you would like it. The way Miss Orian described it might be taken the idea of a merit-based society too far. Still, maybe you would like to experience it? Just a thought." Jemini moves on, trying to catch Svetlana before she completely finishes the preparations for the morning. When she's half-way to the main house she calls one more time to Verik: "Oh! And you should research the history of Lebeda. Some things might surprise you."
Taisper greets Zander in kind as the masked archer walks by. Watching him closely as he drills a bullseye on his first shot, Taisper lets out a low whistle. "Looks like I got some practicing to do!" He looks down at his feet and measures a more solid stance, per Zander's instructions. "...feet shoulder width...okay...there" He practices holding himself in a firing position for a few minutes, then smiles and waves back at Zander before heading to the guest house and then "laundry room" to start gathering his equipment.
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Verik smiles sleepily, "Hmm, perhaps you can fill me in while we travel, I have a feeling we will have plenty of time to converse. I shall endeavor to keep my foot out of my mouth so far as that is possible. Now let me get back to praying, a priest without prayer is like a noble without lots of people to boss around - just the same as everybody else." He closes his eyes wearing the faintest of mischievous smiles.
Once he is finished praying the young priest gathers together his gear and readies Virtue, "Hello you perverse provider of posterior pain, whose a terrible trouser torturer? Yes you are, yes you are!" Giving the approving gelding a thorough brushing and rub down before tacking him up. Mounting up he trots out into the courtyard and calls, "Are we ready? The days awasting!"
With an enthusiastic hug from Svetlana and a disinterested wave from Oleg, the expedition sets out from the trading post. The cool air of morning is quite invigorating, providing a spring to the horses' step. The sun's rays warm the skin of the six, a fine feeling that leaves them in a good mood. It is an auspicious start to the expedition proper. They set out to the southwest, into the forest.
The thick forest soon surrounds them, tall trees rich with history. Most of the River Kingdoms were once part of Kyonin's territory, long before the Earthfall. Many have tried to colonize the land, largely without success. If the trees could talk, they would likely have quite a bit to say.
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Verik rides along grudgingly feeling a bit better about things, largely because his sore bits are feeling a little less sore.
"Right so you we are going on a round about route that will take us back to the trade post? That was what you said right Zander?" He asks peering up at a birds nest.
"Have we, decided on who is sharing tents with who? I mean obviously the ladies will share, and what me and Taisper, Berrin and Zander?" Verik says, racking his brains for something approaching small talk, but finding only practicalities.
Zander rides along on his mount, a black and white spotted stallion, and breathes in the fresh spring air. Though enjoying the day, he keeps his bow drawn across his pommel as he rides, keeping his eyes moving across the landscape looking out for signs of danger. It feels good to ride in the finely crafted chain shirt he took from the bandits, hardly like he is wearing any armor at all.
In response to Verik's question, Zander pulls out a crude map he had sketched out back at the trading post. "Yes, that sounds about right. I'm thinking if we head northwest after exploring this area of the woods, we can loop around the grasslands and over that big mountain there, exploring as we go, and then come back to Oleg's along this same trail we're walking now." At mention of the sleeping arrangements, Zander nods in agreement and glances to Berrin. He hadn't spoken much with the man, but Berrin's matter-of-fact nature was somewhat refreshing. "That sounds fine by me."
Taisper continues to be utterly enthralled by the woods around him. Once again he nudges his horse up by Tandlara. Taisper hasn't dealt much with elves, but as far as he can tell Tandlara is a decent sort, and he feels like he hasn't been including her enough, doesn't want her to feel left out or anything.
"Tandlara! Hey, hi, you know, uh, you know a lot about woods, right? I was wondering, is it true that in some forests there are things like boars as big horses? And that there are druids that can talk to trees? Do you know anyone like that? What do trees say? What kind of voices do they have? Back home there's not much in the way of woods. At least not like this." He gestures around, wide-eyed. Then a quizzical look comes over his face. "Wait did I...did I ask you this already? If I did I'm real sorry. I can tell you a joke if you'd prefer. I know a lot of 'em."
Wildflower is enjoying trot out on the open. And Jemini has a little trouble keeping her direction under control. She's curiously looking around, a puzzled expression on her face. Eventually she manages to get her horse more aligned with the group again. Coming alongside Berrin she whispers to him. "Do you hear something? Like voices? I don't mean these guys here" - waving at the party at large - "It's like many whispers that are just outside hearing." She looks at him with a puzzled expression.
"Tandlara! Hey, hi, you know, uh, you know a lot about woods, right? I was wondering, is it true that in some forests there are things like boars as big horses? And that there are druids that can talk to trees? Do you know anyone like that? What do trees say? What kind of voices do they have? Back home there's not much in the way of woods. At least not like this." He gestures around, wide-eyed. Then a quizzical look comes over his face. "Wait did I...did I ask you this already? If I did I'm real sorry. I can tell you a joke if you'd prefer. I know a lot of 'em."
The elven woman looks at Taispar with wide eyes for a few moments, before shaking her head slightly and replying.
'Some fauna do grow to giant sizes, I've seen a wolf the size of stallion in the Verduran, and owls even bigger in my homeland. Hopefully we don't encounter too many enlarged beasts on our travels,' she smiles, still reeling from Taispars first barrage.
'I've known many druids in my time, some could indeed commune with nature in a practical and direct sense. I beleive trees think slowly, never thinking a word without vast consideration. They make even me seem impatient as a gnat,' she smiles again before adding, 'It's good to ask. How else can one learn?'
Tandlara sits easily astride Avanasatra, the brown horse picking its way carefully in the wooded terrain.
Berrin goes deathly quiet at Jeminis question, slowing his horse down and adopting a look of intense consentration as he strains his ears to hear the sound she was talking about. "Ssssh..." he hisses at the group, motioning them to quiet down. "Listen!" he instructs them, motioning with his hand.
Finally pulling his horse to a full stop he straps on his shieald and gets ready to jump of Bessie at the first sight or sound of anyone approching.
Zander brings his horse to a halt behind Berrin and raises his longbow, scanning the trees in all directions. "What's going on? Did you hear something Jemini?" he says in a quiet voice.
The expedition nervously scans their surroundings. Nearly all their skirmishes have begun with a sneak attack of some sort, making their paranoia somewhat warranted. There is a quiet rustling from the foliage, as they point their arrows and weapons at the noise.
A stag emerges, looking at them curiously.
'I think we may be safe, but then again things are not always as they seem,' Tandlara says, somewhat quietly. Observing the Stag to see if there is anything off about it.
Taisper shrugs and laughs. "Hehhheh. Look, guys! It's the real stag lord."
The stag stares at them for a moment, its dark eyes and proud antlers giving it a sense of majesty. Its fur is surprisingly lustrous and soft-looking. There is a strange intelligence in its stature and countenance.
Just like that, the stag darts to the left, disappearing into the treed.
Rather nonplussed, Taisper looks at Tandlara. "Uh. Tandlara. Was that deer kind of weird or is it just me? It looked...smart?"
Jemini mutters inaudibly to herself. No, that's not it. But they gone now. Strange.
"Is it somehow like Riddleskin?"
"I can't decide if a stag showing up looking like...like that while we're sort-of-but-not-really-maybe-kinda hunting someone called the "Stag Lord" is a good coincidence or a bad coincidence."
"hmmm... I imagine it does not really care much about the names humans choose for themselves. But then again, if it is intelligent, it could very well be petty too." Jemini suppresses a smile at that thought, but then continues with a new direction, "No, on second thought - it could be an omen from Erastil. In that case it might act as a guide or a warning to us." She looks unsure. "Anybody think that is possible?"
Taisper shrugs and begins to follow his cousin. "I've got no problem following omens and the like." As he switches directions, he starts to chuckle. "So, dad told me about this one time, in the mountains, two hunters were dragging their kill -- a stag, as it turns out -- back to their camp for dressing and suchlike to prepare it to be carried into town. As they're walking along, they see another hunter coming towards them with his own stag, and he's pulling his along too.
As the men's paths are about to cross, the solo hunter, he says to the first two 'Hey, I don't want to tell you how to do something ... but I can tell you that it's much easier if you drag the deer in the other direction. Then the antlers won't dig into the ground.'
So after this third hunter leaves, the two decide to try it.
A little while later the one says to the other, 'You know, that guy was right. This is a lot easier!'
But then his friend, he says 'Yeah, but now we're getting farther from camp.'"
Laughing softly to himself, Taisper loads his crossbow with a loud thunk, and sets it, at the ready, across his saddle in a fashion similar to what Zander has done with his bow.