"How can I say Neculai, it was shocking, I mean there was the wound, deep and hurtful. I thought it would be my last, but more than that was the shock of life. As pleasant as it may be, I'm still finding it difficult. It is not so much the physical pain, but just my mind is reeling." she says with an unbridled truthfulness. She urns to face Xeros, and how he fared.
Good was just a test no one was hurt except for Fealix's pride, but why is he leaving have I failed him or maybe....
"I understand, this town has done much for us to hate it. But also it has given me a brother and you will always be my brother Fealix. I wish I could go with you ,but I have given a promise to help this town even if it hates me. I want to give you something to make sure my spirit watches over you." Xeros pulls out a dented flask with a bobcat fang on a leather strap wrapped around the nozzle. "This was the first item I found in the woods when I first began my current path, it saved me from a bobcat biting through my arm and gave me a chance to club the creature with a branch I found. It was the first animal I ever killed." He looks a little uncomfortable at that comment but continues, "Maybe it can provide you luck, or at least remind you that I am always around if you need me." As he starts to hand the flask to him, he stops and takes a drink. "Where ever you stumble, may you always find the hearth in the tavern. Have a good journey my friend." He stares at Fealix as he leaves, and watches the woods after he disappears, "Fealix won't be coming back I can see it in his eyes, he has a new path." He looks down at the ground, "Many might see a different man, but Fealix is a truly a devoted friend...." He trails off.
After a moment of silence he looks to the group, "Let us move on." He clutches his bow and collects his blunt arrow he fired, then starts moving down the trail.
Neculai starts doewn the trail as well, humming at first, working his way to singing lightly and slowly, finally reaching a regular speaking volume and quicker cadence with his new song.
"If the day looks kinder gloomy
And your chances kinder slim,
If the situation's puzzlin'
And the prospect's awful grim,
If perplexities keep pressin'
Till hope is nearly gone,
Just bristle up and grit your teeth
And keep on keepin' on.
Frettin' never wins a fight
And fumin' never pays;
There ain't no use in broodin'
In these pessimistic ways;
Smile just kinder cheerfully
Though hope is nearly gone,
And bristle up and grit your teeth
And keep on keepin' on.
There ain't no use in growlin'
And grumblin' all the time,
When music's ringin' everywhere
And everything's a rhyme.
Just keep on smilin' cheerfully
If hope is nearly gone,
And bristle up and grit your teeth
And keep on keepin' on."
Tarvinda, broods as they walk away, continuing on their path together, unsure of how well she really feels. She too hums along with Neculai, although she clutches the holy words she has written in her journal, taken from the 'The Acts of Iomedae' to give her comfort and strength.
Time for a disguise or should I follow in the shadows?. I'll go with the disguise, it'll allow me to keep a better eye on them.
But which persona; Diana, Alkaid, Pai or Lina?
I'll use Pai Innis, she has not been use in a while and it's a small group.
She uses her limited shape change to shift her form a bit and quickly puts on the right clothes.
If not, he'll point out the fire to the others.
Andwell enjoyed the challenge of sneaking around in the woods. As well as the saftey it offered. In an overly dramatic pantomime, he gestures is what he thinks is military fashion that he will sneak around the side (east, or right side) and take up a flanking position.
Then . . whoosh . . .he disappears into the surroundings.
Stealth
Hoo Ya! He is one stealthy little Halfling!
Xeros crouches within the woods watching on to see what kind of travelers await them.
"Well then, Tarvinda, it's just you and me for now. We're going to go up there, and Andwell and Xeros are going to cover us. Hopefully, though, whoever's up there isn't hostile. I'm pretty much spent for the day."
as the wind blows abit she thinks
Do I smell Rotten Egg.
It must be from a nearby swamp from upwind.
"Well Neculai, it seems we are left to introduce ourselves then..." With her longsword drawn ready in front of her and her shield protecting her body, Tarvinda tentatively moves towards the woman. As she approaches she shouts, "Stay....stay where you are.... you are surrounded! Be you friend or foe?" although she doesn't sound quite so sure about the surrounded bit. She moves out towards the woman into the glow of the fire, should the woman allow it. As she moves forward watching intently for any move, with none forthcoming, she calls out "Follow me Neculai, I think it is safe." With a severe tone she inquires, "So madam, to whom do we have the pleasure of speaking? What are you doing out here alone?"
she thinks abit
So the rotten egg smell came from one of her companions, hidden in the bushes.
she notices Tarvinda's approach and gear
"Is it not rude to ask for someone's name, before you have given your own name, Ms Paladin.
But I will comply, My name is Pai Innis. I am an investigator, or a detective you could say."
And the reason I know your a paladin is your gear, you have a "insert your deity's name here"'s holy symbol on your shield, carry a long sword with the same symbol, and asked for surrender before moving in.
And one of your companion's has eaten gassy food about a day ago, and is in the bushes.
You see a Ulfen Woman of about 6 foot 0 and around 210 pounds. She has inherited comely features and has a envious and lustful curvy build with pale skin, But her face is beautiful with Sapphire Blue eyes and braided Golden Blonde hair that ends near her waist.
She is wearing studded Leather armour, and She is wearing a green mid Calf length skirt.
"Well, I'm Neculai, and I assume from your friendly demeanor that you mean us no harm as long as we mean you no harm."
Neculai waves to the and shouts "Come on out, Andwell. "
"Well Pai Innis, indeed you seem a friend, yet you haven't told my friend Neculai, why you are out here alone? In these dangerous woods it's unusual? Just spotting a paladin of Iomedae isn't that difficult, for her glory shines like a light in the darkness, we are always proud to serve her ways. So before we reveal ourselves, you might like to invite us to your fire and tell your tale." Tarvinda still fiddles with her sword, but feeling more relaxed about Pai, she lets its tip fall non-threateningly to the ground and moves foward towards the warming fire. As she reaches the fire, she speaks, "I am called Tarvinda."
she replies
"I was given a job to look after something and have to travel with it until it's time to go back.
I usually travel alone as most men become pigs around me, even if I hire them for protection."
Xeros strides out of the forest and gives the new girl a nod, "I am Xeros, sorry for the paranoia but we didn't know if you were another trap." He stays back away from the light of the fire trying to show his face.
"We Xeros, you did a good job hiding as I did not sense your presence,
but I'm guessing you ordered refried beans with onions and or garlic a few days ago and it revealed that you were nearby, while you were hiding."
she pauses a moment to drink some tea she quickly made.
"I can understand about being cautious in the wild, and in towns at times."
Ah Ha! But who is the sneakiest sneakey sneak of them all!?
Andewll cheerfully cries out as he emerges from his concealment in the brush.
Answer!? The one who was never discoveed, he is, who is, is me. Says I.
He stands there beaming. Proud of himself.
I am Andwell Tactfoot. <pause> Is that tea?
"Well given the direction of the wind when it blew the odor, you actually were the stinker.
As it had a slight smell of Halfling Green Ale with some Halfling raddish dumplings."
"Yes, it is Earl Grey Tea."
I see a Paladin, A minstrel, and two sneaks.
Just out of curiousity, what is a group such as yourselves doing out here?
Andwell stands with his mouth agape. He knows he has NOT had any raddish dumplings latley (although that sounds lovely), but how did she know about the green ale. Hmmmm.
He chooses to sidestep this new intimedation tallone, and go stand next to, but slightly behiend, he friend Tarvinda.
Muttering to himself Earl Grey. Peww. Nasty bitters for immature pallets
Tarvinda looks suspiciously at Pai, worried at her explanation for being out in the wilds, "Then may we know what you carry to and fro? Or is it the tea you so easily give? As for ourselves, our business is on behalf of the Mayor and townsfolk of Kassen." She seems to know lots about us, but what is she really doing, to be carrying some unamed thing around for someone with no name? It really is a strange thing.
"My client has asked that it or he not be revealed."
pauses as she sips her tea.
"I maybe able reveal it when it's to be delivered in less than a weeks time in Kassen. And that is all I can say about the subject."
Wisperin to Tarvinda in a half kidding voice Maaaaaaaaybe ya should poke her. Ya know, 'ta make sure she's not an illusion. pause Naw. Just kidding. pause . . .unless ya wa'na?
Xeros chuckles at the women's jest on the halfling, and moves closer staying quiet still gripping at his bow. Trying to keep himself awake enough to find out if it is another bit of trickery.
"These woods are dangerous, especially at night. You must have some confidence in your skill to travel alone my dear." He lets the fire illuminate his face to her and guages her reaction.
she grins a bit
"They are only dangerous if you are not prepared or don't know a thing.
I made camp away from a hunting trail, and picked a spot that offers a bit more protection.
You can put away your bow, as I have no reason to attack you or your comrades."
At Andwell's words, Tarvinda raises her longsword, pensively taking a step forward, her eyes drilling into Pai's body. She turns back quietly saying, "Don't look like an illusion to me!" as she does this, she sees the halfling trying to hold in his laughs. She hears him speak, the words to draw her back, her face and eyes darken, her eyes redden as the blood flows swifty and her anger rises. She stops moving forward, takes in a deep breath and stares at the halfling. "Really!" a staccato word fired at Andwell.
She looks back at Pia, the tea drinking woman. Her blood still hot at Andwell's joke, "Then unless my friends have any reason for staying longer, perhaps we should say 'adieu' and continue on our way. It has been a pleasure."
she replies
"Since night has fallen.
I would recommend you make camp for the night as some of the local wildlife hunt at night.
Just out of curiousity, Your locals of Kassen doing yearly quest of Everflame, right?"
"Since I have to deliver the package in about a week,
Would you mind a hand in your quest?"
Andwells keen Halfling senses perceive . . .
not so much apparently.
"Sounds like Wolves,
it would be a good idea to camp for the night.
As I believe you don't want to get ambushed by wolves."
[b]I feel eyes are upon us. I do I do. Let's stay close to the fire./b]
Andwell moves close to the fire and stokes it up to give more light.
"Don't stroke it too bright or
it'll attract animals instead of detouring them."
"Let us beware they will be here within minutes. Were you only heating tea up on that fire?" Xeros asks as he looks on to where he believes the wolves will come from.
The timing of the wolves arrival will depends on them; do they see us as a meal or as intruders.
And I was only making tea on the fire, as I had some boar jerky earlier.
"Well then, there's not much we can do but wait."
"Well if we're expecting unwelcome visitors, best be prepared." as Tarvinda turns from Pai and starts to follow Xeros' gaze, her sword and shield ready. "Whatever they see us as, it won't be friendly."
To himself
Mmmmmmm. Jeeeeeeerky.
"I believe they'll be here in about 7 minutes, Enough time to finish my tea and to prepare."
As Xeros studies the creature as it apporaches the camp, and begins to think back at the lesson's his teacher Arnama taught him about calming the wild animals. He decides to try his chances with the animal, he moves towards the wolf in a non-threatening manner. He says a soothe voice, "It's okay wolfy, were all friends."
"Slightly faster than expected, At least I finished my tea."
Tarvinda tenses at the approach of the wild beast.
she gets out into a defensive fighting stance.
"I was hoping for a good quiet night."