Into The Stolen Lands ~ Say What You Will, I Live Free.

Game Master Ravenica

Cerian nodded as Hella agreed with him about the moniker for Roderic, he certainly sought it fit well enough. The guards milling about the fort occasionally caught his eye, but he couldnt get Neila out of his head. He blushed again for no reason. "I dont suppose i could ask you why you took up this mission could I miss Hella? Sir... er Roderic?" he asked as he forced himself to sit down before he started to nervously pace back and forth. He also made sure to turn his back to the way to her room before he foolishly returned. She needed her rest.

to Arilyth: "Adella seems a fine name for a fine horse. If you have any questions on the care of her, let me know, I'd be glad to show you."

Turning to Cerian, Rodric pauses thoughtfully, and then proceeds: "That's a bit of a difficult question. I've long enjoyed being outdoors, and the rush of armed combat. My time in the militia helped to fulfill that desire, for a time anyways. I suppose I'm a bit of a glory-hound, but I desire more freedom than the militia would allow. Charging across a plain on the back of Fortune there, that's what I was built for. As Hella would say, I needed to find a pack to run with. I'm impressed with what I've found." Clapping Cerian on the shoulder, the large man stands and walks to find his pack. Taking up his fiddle again, he begins plucking along with Arilyth as she sings.

Arilyth gives Rodric a smile. "I thank you for your offer. I'm sure Adella does as well. And good Sir Rodric, if you ever want help with your music, I shall repay in kind." She returns to brushing Adella, her humming continuing to grace the ears of those around her.

The humming and her singing soothed the nervousness in the young elfs mind. He could do this, Talking to a fair maid shouldnt be hard. Hearing Arilyth sing made his mind wander. Poetry. He could recall at least five stories where an ilduliel was started over a poem, and three where an ilduliel was ended over one. He would compost a poem for Neila. Toes tapping with the song he rose and slowly snuck back torwards Neila's room. He wondered if she was asleep yet.
stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
He slid into the chair near the bed and gazed at her for a long while, before he knew it he was out, off thinking and dreaming and composing epic poems in his mind.

Yay for refinding my elves of Golarion.

Turning to Cerian, Rodric pauses thoughtfully, and then proceeds: "That's a bit of a difficult question. I've long enjoyed being outdoors, and the rush of armed combat. My time in the militia helped to fulfill that desire, for a time anyways. I suppose I'm a bit of a glory-hound, but I desire more freedom than the militia would allow. Charging across a plain on the back of Fortune there, that's what I was built for. As Hella would say, I needed to find a pack to run with. I'm impressed with what I've found." Clapping Cerian on the shoulder, the large man stands and walks to find his pack. Taking up his fiddle again, he begins plucking along with Arilyth as she sings.

"Interesting. Well, we may all be getting a share of glory ,or infamy, before all is said and done. It's all fleeting some sages say, but I've been told notoriety can impress some ladies...which is enough reason for many of the lads in the 'pack' to knock themselves out with the effort," He smiles a bit thinking of the romantic in their midst.

Arilyth ends her song before stretching a little. "I'm afraid this lady must retire for the evening. Sooner to bed, the sooner we can set out for the Mite's lair, yes?" She pats Adella one last time before heading to her bed in the guest quarters.

Dropping to her knees, she makes a quick prayer to her chosen deities. "May Desna's wings guide up, and may Shelyn make the day ahead beautiful." And with that, she lays down and nods off.

I'm assuming everyone is alright with moving on then?
The sunrise is beautiful though the movement of the guards wake you earlier than you intended. The sounds of work greet you as you come outside. Already food seems to be ready and a number of the guards are making repairs to the walls and siege engines on the towers.

He awoke with a start and almost slid out of the chair. His eyes widened as his mind cleared.. he certainly hadnt meant to sort of zone out while in the room. He glanced torward Neila and did his best to slip outside without waking her.

stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Once out in the open yard area he stretched for a long moment then sort of just hopped in place trying to wake up. "Morning" He said to those he passed guards or not. He moved to the stables to check on his horse smiling to see that the young man that Hella had taken under her wing so to speak had already been by with the morning feed. Their wasnt much to do but eat and wait for everyone to be ready to go. He had been nervous and uneasy the day they had moved to attack the bandits, Today he just felt... the light fluttering of nerves, swirled in with excitement.

Graceful he isnt in the morning i see.

Nedyr rises with spells refreshed as well as himself, except his thoughts are a scramble. I think the next time we come here I'm going to ask for two days in a row so I can memorize that spell and actually use it for our hosts as a gift without being useless the next day. My own fault for not bringing it up, but it can't be a surprise if I go blabbing. Maybe I'm just trying to distract myself from my task here. The Tower of the Rising Moon? Can kobolds actually be useful in finding it? And irony of ironies, a true nation may yet arise from the two headed dragon thanks to MY help. Assuming we all survive, of course. Mmm...and what an odd country it will be with such a collection of Wetnurses to tend it.

When he sees the others, he waves and yawns, "Good morning all."

Arilyth rises, a little grumpy. If there is one thing she dislikes, it's being awoken earlier than she feels needed. Still, she does her best to lighten up. She dresses and steps out to see her fellows. "A fine morning to you all." Her head slumps to the table as a loud grumble leaves her stomach. "I don't want to sound to rude, but is there a meal ready?"

Smiling Oleg plunks a plate down in from of Arilyth, "Good morning songbird!" He says with a wink. "You all look a might beat, figured the least we could do was have something hot to eat for you first thing." He points at Kesten, "He's a might grumpy, his men caught of pair of them does trying to sneak over the wall last night. Got them chained up under one of the back towers right now."

"Most likely to free their bucks I suppose, or worse," He looks to Kesten, "I hope you didn't lose any men last night?"

Hella looks at Cerian with her head cocked looking as if he should know the answer, then the slow realization he didn't think like a wolf. "To start a pack. The winds finally spoke that it was time to move. Only ill winds blew before now. So I waited and followed the good wind that led me to join you all. I have waited many years searching for a pack that would accept a wolf in their midst. This is a wild pack, one that is still finding itself but it is a pack I like and am claiming as mine. Any that seek to harm or disrupt it will answer to my teeth."

As if to emphasis the point she curls her lips back and gnashes her teeth. What is amusing is her wolf mimicing the same motion.

------The next morning------

Hella woke early preparing her spells as she normally did, helping Benny with the horses. Heading out to the group to eat with them smiling at Arilyth's grumpy attitude and thinking of something moved behind her putting her hands on her shoulders and ran her thumbs up her muscles to her neck massaging gently for a few moments and then would move away as Oleg put down the food. You don't get between a pack member and their food if they are grumpy. Hearing Oleg's words she nodded looking around for Kesten.

"Sir Kesten, do your men need tending? Also have you found out anything from them or have they rememained silent?"

"Perhaps they are runaways? Perhaps they are scouts. Do we know thier names? we can ask Neila if they are turstworthy of if they should be..." He frowned not wanting to advocate a captured prisoner's death. (give him time). He rose and hurried to get a plate to busy himself in, He liked that Oleg, He had a good outlook on life considering the trials he had faced coming her so far. "Miss Arilyth, I think i want to try and compose a poem... for you know." He said coloring. "If i get stuck will you maybe help me a bit?" He asked hoping that might brighten her mood a bit.

Aluxion looks up from his food. "I don't reckon they're runaways. Not tryin' ta climb the wall, anyway. I'll leave the interrogatin' up ta the guards." He trusts that Sir Kesten is much more capable at questioning a prisoner than he would be.

"A poem, ya say? I tried one of those once, for a girl with orange hair. I didn't get very far."

"A poem? Mmm..." Nedyr considers it, "I'm afraid all that comes to mind right now are dirty limericks, which may not be what you're going for. I remember one chant. a fellow told me at a tavern.How'd that go again...ah yes"

"I am a fine fisherman m'dear
me chosen tool's me spear
Show me a pool to thrust in
and I'll show you skill you can trust in
I can fish all day
if you have the wet I've the way
Now, do you know a fishing hole near?"

Nedyr pauses, "I was advised that one worked better when both parties were drunk. Come to think of it, the man who told me it WAS drunk....and oddly sans female company." then he smiles, "I think you're wise to go to Miss Arilyth with this."

Mme. Pindles wakes with the noisy crew, but spends a lengthy amount of time dressing herself and adorning her hair with her favorite trinkets. The others may have picked up on the fact that Mme. Pindles takes her appearance very seriously, and takes her sweet time in the mornings if she has the opportunity.

Dressed for the day, she spends half an hour more playing with a slightly grumpy thylacine who wishes the gnome wouldn't make her train before breakfast. Working toward the Flank trick, day 2/7

At long last, Miri presents Darbi with a bowl of scraps of meat Svetlana had set aside. The thylacine wolfs down her breakfast with delight as Miri takes her own breakfast with a steaming cup of whatever hot liquid is nearest. She soon catches up with the morning's news.

She dissolves into snorts of laughter at Nedyr's "poetry," and mumbles a few words to him behind her hand.

"Let's meet this wandering Doe! I'm sure she'll have something interesting to tell us, sooner or later," Mme. Pindles announces; her tone is pleasant, but she is idly turning over a tiny dagger in her free hand. "'sides, if Cerian's lady-friend can vouch for her, then maybe there's hope for Aluxion yet!" She tosses a wink at the rough man.

Hey, I messed up and forgot to change Elvish to Gnommish. I was going to put Elvish until I remembered that half of our party is elves, and Nedyr already spoke to Miri in Gnommish once. Sorry!

Nedyr chuckles at Miri's comment.

Then he nods at the rest.

Cerian half frowned at the ribald rhyme of Nedyr's. He wasnt sure for the moment whether he was being made fun of or not. He finally did smile a little. He was sure it was just his nervous reaction to being in unfamiliar territory. The dirty limerick reminded him of something his uncle would have told him. "I will um... put that one as a reserve." He said with a slight grin. He tilted his head to the side slightly as Miri and Nedyr shared some mirth in another language but decided against comment. He was sure his attempts were well amusing to everyone.

"It might be wise to see about those 'does' first. It wouldnt do to be halfway to deal with mites to have them attacking the fort while we were away if they were advance scouts. Even with Sir Kesten and his men here, I wouldnt want to think we are leaving our hosts and... He paused for just a split second. It was obvious whom the added concern was for the young elf. the fort less defended.

Arilyth nods to Oleg before helping herself to the meal. As she eats and listens to Cerian, she gives him a broad smile, her mood lightening as her stomach and heart fills.

"I would be honored to assist you in a poem, Cerian. And please, just Arilyth. I'm not in Brevoy anymore, after all." She turns to look at Nedyr, a cocked eyebrow at him. "And no wonder there were no ladies about. The man would have better luck at a Calistrian temple with that sort of verse. Pay that poem no mind, Cerian. Now, what sort of poem do you wish to form? One that is short and sweet, or one that is multi-verse and full of kennings?"

Hella listened to the conversations around her and would shake her head only partially getting some of it. She patiently waited for Kesten, or one of his men to answer the questions that have been posed to them before nodding to Miri.

They would indeed need to talk to them. If anything to figure out what they were doing coming here.

Kesten comes over hearing the conversation turn to the Does, "They've been somewhat tight lipped but we did get some information. They think the Bucks turned, they think the bucks sold them out and removed the sentries by the river, and they were sent here to find out what the plan was. I suspect that they are in disarray over your little raid and the disappearance of the men. I doubt they will pose a direct threat to the fort for the time being." Turning to Hella, "Thank you for your concern, my men were prepared and actually took them by surprise. They are vicious fighters but no match for trained soldiers in platemail when outnumbered 3 to 1. They have until dawn tomorrow to decide to be more cooperative, at that point they will be hanged. The punishment for unrepentant banditry is death by sword or rope and I am vested with the authority to carry out the sentence just as you are."
He glances at Cerian nervously, "I, ahem, hesitated in bothering Lady Neila last night, but if I could get a full accounting of these two's crimes it would look better for the writ."

Cerian half frowned at the ribald rhyme of Nedyr's. He wasnt sure for the moment whether he was being made fun of or not. He finally did smile a little. He was sure it was just his nervous reaction to being in unfamiliar territory. The dirty limerick reminded him of something his uncle would have told him. "I will um... put that one as a reserve." He said with a slight grin. He tilted his head to the side slightly as Miri and Nedyr shared some mirth in another language but decided against comment. He was sure his attempts were well amusing to everyone.

"Wise man," Nedyr smiles back with what he hopes is gentle humor.

. "And no wonder there were no ladies about. The man would have better luck at a Calistrian temple with that sort of verse. Pay that poem no mind, Cerian. Now, what sort of poem do you wish to form? One that is short and sweet, or one that is multi-verse and full of kennings?"

Nedyr looks amused by something said, but leaves whatever thought tickles him unspoken.

Besides, Kesten has news...

Kesten comes over hearing the conversation turn to the Does, "They've been somewhat tight lipped but we did get some information. They think the Bucks turned, they think the bucks sold them out and removed the sentries by the river, and they were sent here to find out what the plan was. I suspect that they are in disarray over your little raid and the disappearance of the men. I doubt they will pose a direct threat to the fort for the time being." Turning to Hella, "Thank you for your concern, my men were prepared and actually took them by surprise. They are vicious fighters but no match for trained soldiers in platemail when outnumbered 3 to 1. They have until dawn tomorrow to decide to be more cooperative, at that point they will be hanged. The punishment for unrepentant banditry is death by sword or rope and I am vested with the authority to carry out the sentence just as you are."

"Disarray? That's good news for us. I wonder how long it will take them to adapt and catch on?" He looks to Hella

"Kennigs?" He asked obvious a bit confused obviously. "I would like to think short and sweet would be the best. I dont know if i would be comfortable with something... well complicated." He answered his slight nervousness showing just a bit. When the man in charge of the guards came over and answered their questions, Cerian colored as the man glanced at him. Did everyone know he was... interested in the maid? "I dont suppose you got their names? I could go ask her what she knows." He offered as he looked to see about getting Neila a plate to eat.

Man the captain fellow being nervous? that makes me nervous now. *lawls* I would assume if he had names to take to miss Neila he would go to her room to ask and give her food, if not He would take descriptions of them to her. Rough night at work last night, I should be sleeping for the next four hours?

heh you spent the night there, he wasn't sure how protective you were.
He nods, "Valerius and Gellis, wouldn't give us last names, both big human woman size of any one of my men. If you would I'd appreciate it." He looks relieved that there won't be a confrontation.

Here i was worried he had designs Poor Cerian wouldnt have known what to do.

Cerian nodded still looking . . . slightly nervous. Did the captain think Ill of Neila because of her forced association with bandits? Did he have designs on her himself? He wasn't sure what to do about either of those really. "Valerius and Gellis." He said with a nod glancing to the others. Anyone coming with me? He asked a plate full of the food in hand and ready. He wasnt sure if there would be questions about the charector of the captured women that he might possibly miss.

"Let the lady eat first, Sir Cerian, or you'll force her to speak with her mouth open. And I'm not sure I'd welcome a party of people into my bedroom first thing in the morning, either," Miri chimes in. She's toying with the dagger in a bored fashion. "Tell her to meet us out here when she's ready, and then we can go ascertain the worth of the Does who've come to greet us."

She absent-mindedly changes the flavor of her tea as they wait, and surreptitiously begins to slowly change the color of the forest-colored tablecloth lighter and lighter shades of green.

Arilyth nods along with Miri, and appears far 'warmer' than just minutes earlier. "A full stomach helps with memory and soothes the soul. Let Neila eat, and then let her know the goodsir Keston wants her testimony. And a shame for those bandits who fail to speak. Personally hard labor would probably better..." Shuddering at the thought that she have to witness a hanging (or worse), she shakes her head some, her loose hair spilling some. "Well then, once we are all ready, I say we move on to the issue of the day: the mites. I'll be tending Adella if any pf you need me."

Cerian brought Neila breakfast and informed her of the two captured 'does', letting her know that the captain of the guards there wanted to know if she knew anything about their charector that could perhaps get them to talk and/or might save them the hangmans noose. He didnt stay too long, she had breakfast to eat and they did indeed have mites to worry about. He was also feeling a little self concious about trying to make her a poem. The education he had recieved at the hands of his parents was varied and good, but wooing a maid with fair words hadnt been part of the teachings. He did leave her side at the bed with a healthy smile and the promise to see her again when they returned from the mite lair.

Hella looked at Nedyr and nodded slightly. "Depends on the organization of their herd. It took them one full day to send scouts to find out if the Bucks had betrayed them. That means they have at least one major leader in their herd. Someone able to work realitively quickly. But there is just enough of a delay to say she is concerned about the state of her herd. I would expect another scouting party tonight. Possibly double. Since they were supposed to return early morning or later today. With them not returning it will make them more wary."

Wolf comes up sniffing Kesten looking for any meat on the man and would move to someone else until he could beg something to eat.

"Though if these are some of their best fighters. Well, then it may make them withdraw into their camp. Only sending out parties to hunt and supply. A missive may be sent back to the Stag Lord's place telling about the betrayal. It might not. It is a dangerous thing to rise the ire of a leader that rules partially by fear. So they may tell him they have it well under control. If that happens, it is good. It disconnects the two camps and allows us to hunt them properly and buys us plenty of time to explore."

Hella looks at everyone, then to Cerian and Kesten as they have their exchange and she chuckles lightly. Cerian was a young pup when it came to courting a possible mate and had some fear of Kesten. Kesten had fear of being attacked for encroaching on Cerian's possible mate. This was amusing to her for she knew Cerian had nothing to fear. Neila was part of the pack. Hella wouldn't let anything happen to her pack.

Looking to Miri she smiles at her sweet smile that definately had teeth behind it. She could easily imagine Miri as a fierce beautiful small wolf that would be sweet to a friend and rip your throat out if you should harm what she considered her friends.

Looking at Arilyth she understood the shudder. Though to her hanging was inhumane. If you were to kill someone. It should be swift and quick. Her preference was how a pack would. Banishment. But they couldn't risk these going back to their herd. It was a tough decision they would have to decide as a pack the punishment that would run through these lands.

"Now about the mites. We know they are underground. In small tunnels most likely, so the larger of us all will probably be crowded. Make sure you have weapons that are easier to wield. Like shortswords and daggers. Shortspears would be good also. We know that we don't need cold iron to hurt them but it will make them scream. Probably for the best we try to keep it quiet as possible. We don't want to be overrun. Roderic, I need your advice on this. In a tunnel situation, I would expect there to be a chance to be surrounded. With that in mind how do you think we should organize ourselves?"

Nedyr dines slowly, enjoying every morsel in its time. And he listens to the talk as always, though he does throw his two cents into Roderic, "Bear in mind that some of us are soft and squishy, please."

he takes a sip of his drink, and pauses, staring at the tablecloth as it... Is that changing hue?

"Well, I'm fine with trustin' the safety of the fort ta Kesten an' his men. They know 'bout soldierin' than I do, at least. If anyone wants ta go help with questionin' the does, go ahead. I'm gonna help clean up a bit before we leave. Make sure y'all take some food. We'll be gone a few days." Aluxion stand up from the table, collecting dishes and taking them inside to the wash basin. A couple casts of Create Water fill it the rest of the way, and he starts cleaning dishes and setting them out to dry. Not as efficient as Prestidigitation, but it lets him feel like he's being helpful to their hosts.

If one of you crazy prestidigitation people steals his thunder, he'll have to go and like... feed chickens or something. Farm boy feels the need to do some chores around the place before leaving.

She ate slowly considering his words. In a quiet voice, "The does are worse than the bucks, if anything. They are willing and eager and all of them came to this life of their own volition. Those two are the most junior and still have spilled more blood and abused more slaves than all but the worst of the bucks." With a weak smile she adds, "Thanks you for staying last night."

Kesten nods, "We'll be on our guard tonight, and well, every night. We won't let them come in here and slit throats in the dark. As for their punishment, that was not for me to decide, the law is clear and I am sworn to abide. We will pray that you are right Miss Hella but for the time being I am operating under the assumption that a siege is coming and we will take steps to prepare this place."

Oleg's gets a big goofy grin, "Well Mister Aluxion we've thought about that, Svetlana's made up a package for each of you, it'll last three days so you all don't have to worry 'bout feeding yourselves while you deal with them mites."

Farin pushes himself back from the table with an angry shove. "I can't help with this anymore. I'm sorry but I am going looking for Ravboom. You may see me again, you may not. There is no telling."

Sorry but he's gone guys, we've been patient XD

"Be well, Farin, and fortune be yours," The elf says as the dwarf departs.

To Oleg he responds, "A package? How nice! Many thanks to you both."

Fear not, Miri's tired of washing dishes. It's boring even magically :p

Mme. Pindles colors when she sees Oleg and Svetlana distribute the packages of food. "I'll have to decline your kindness this time, I'm afraid. I'm very.... Ah.... Allergic to burlap," she says, nodding toward the cloth covering the packages.

"Don't make it in a different package either!" the gnome nearly shouts as Svetlana turns to wrap the food in something else. Sheepishly, she lowers her voice to normal levels. "Once it's touched something, it makes me break out in awful hives! See, I think I can feel them coming on already." Mme. Pindles breezes away from the packages to the other end of the table.

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

At least losing the ranger doesn't leave a huge gaping hole in the party composition. Half the party is half-ranger anyways. Losing the melee barbarian kinda hurt, though. Animal companions at level-3 just become speed bumps in a few levels without the Boon Companion feat. Oh well. We'll just go through a lot of thylacines later on.

Aluxion thanks Svetlana profusely for her kindness and gives an odd glance over at Miri. "Allergic to... burlap?"
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
He gives a shrug at the strange gnome's behavior and makes a mental note to use linen bandages if Miri ever gets injured. "I guess we'll be huntin' for ya on the way, then."

Drat! "Oh, no, I um, I have plenty of food. There's no need." Her voice waivers for a moment, but she quickly regains her composure. "Like I'd eat any of the stringy game you're likely to pull in, 'Father' Aluxion," she teases.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

"So you are saying I can't provide for you either? I proved I could." Something was up.

"Are you saying I can't provide for myself, Madame Hella?" Her tone was light and pleasant, but she clearly did not want to be having the conversation anymore. Mme. Pindles smiles and pulls open her satchel happily to showcase her trail rations. "Look, there's food right here in my pack."

She launches into a musing tirade about her family history, hoping to dull her listeners until the subject changed. "All this fuss! It's just a silly allergy issue, that's all. Burlap is very harsh on gnome skin, and I got a double-weakness to it from my father. Isn't it funny how things pass down? I think the magic came from his side too- perhaps they're related?- but it was so far back that it really could've been either side. We weren't sure. Are we quite ready to go?"

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 I don't think I need it again, but here's a fresh one just in case.

Cerian of course colored at Neila's smile, not sure how to respond. He didnt want to sound like an overeager fool nor did he want to sound too unconcerned. He did reach out and take her hand gently squeezing it. "Just get well Miss neila." He said adding a bit of a wink hoping it was friendly enough without being too friendly. He left with the others with one backwards glance and a smile.
"Man those 'does' sound well I dont know if i have a word for it. I guess in this case nature got it right. The females are more deadly than the males i suppose." He said the slight welling of guilt that had been pressing on his soul when the idea that those women were going to be hung seemed to disapear. With luck it would be done quickly. He thanked miss Svetlana when she brought them the supplies and blinked at their boisterous gnome companion even tilting his head. sensemotive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
"That certainly must be rough Miss Miri." He said offering his support. If your sure you dont need any supplies, I think im as ready as i can be for this." He added trying not to sound nervous.

If we can slightly survive a few levels, I had always planned on going ranger/rogue. I suppose if something along the lines happens to make Cerian upset a dip into barbarian wouldnt be out of the realm of possibilities either.I had planned on focusing on range and being passable at melee but its early enough i could flip it.

After hearing the first fifteen minutes about Miri's great aunt, the one with one green eye and one blue who, the one with an odd cat fetish, and her penchant for a breaking out in rashes when the wind from the textile factory was strong, Nedyr begins to doubt the famed elven resistance to sleep spells.

Aluxion dries his hands off. "I'm ready ta go. Let me just grab ma pack and load up ma horse." He suddenly realizes that he hasn't taken the time to name his horse yet. He'll have time for that on the road over the next few days, at least.

"Oleg, can y'all get us some supplies while we're out? Miri doesn't like 'em, but a few cold ir'n weapons could be darn useful. I could use a quiver of cold ir'n arrows, an' maybe a couple daggers could be useful to keep 'round the group."

Ready to head out in the meantime. We can head southeast first, since we haven't explored that hex yet. We can get it on the way down to the mites, I'm thinking.

Arilyth is too preoccupied with Adella to pay Miri mind for the moment, but once the horse is all brushed and fed (with a small handful of oats as well), she returns to the group. "I thank you, Oleg. The thought is sweet and will no doubt assist us in our venture. Once we tend to the menace of these mites, I'm sure the Sootscales will kindly repay you in moon radishes." Accepting the gift with a small bow, she sits away from Miri, respecting the gnomes fear/allergy.

Now then, how about we head out while the day is still in it's youth? Unless you wish to travel 'neath Desna's starry wings?"

"No, it means Miri. I don't believe your story and know that you are up to something. I will drop it for now since you are so insistant on it." It was clear Hella didn't know what was the truth but her trust in Miri wasn't as strong as it was before.

Looking to the others as they would gather their horses and their supplies. Blue Moon was eager to move this morning also. He was not use to staying in a stables for to long and prefered the open trail. She would saddle him and fill the saddle bags. Wolf seeing this came to her side eagerly and she would feed him having ate herself.

"Rodric, you want to set us up a marching order? I was thinking having. You and Cerian lead, with Arilyth and Miri following, Then Nedyr and Aluxion, then me and Wolf bringing up rear."

Moving to Svetlana she would smile taking the offered. "Thank you for your gift. Be safe and take care. Hopefully we will bring good news when we come back."

Rodric I keep spelling the name wrong. I am sorry. But I will keep trying to include you even if you Can't post often. When you reply is good

Cerian nodded at Hella's assement of the marching order, gladly following and leading their way torwards the mite den. He was indeed trying to focus on the task at hand, keeping his eyes open and his bow in hand. What the wolf in maids form said about miss Miri drew a moments concern from the young elf, but is Hella wasnt... making a bigger deal of it he didnt think it could be that serious. He wrote it off to gnomes being ...well gnomes.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
survival: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Look... i see my horse okay so maybe being lovestruck is affecting his judgement