That evening in Koya's wagon. "So it looks like Rajah isn't going to make it after all. Too bad. On the happy side, though, is this trip what you were looking for? Feel good to be on the road again?"
Koya sighs and looks reflective for a few moments. Finally, she nods her head and says, "Yes. Yes, it definitely is. I still miss Mother, of course, but it is good to be on the road again. I spent so long looking after her. I never had a chance to see to my own desires. Now, at last, I can." She smiles. "And this whole business of continuing on to Kalsgard after Brinewall is quite exciting, don't you think? That's not even in Varisia anymore!"
"Indeed! It's further than I ever thought I'd travel. Of course, deciphering this mysterious past that Corinna's looking into but won't tell any of her friends about (though then she spills the beans to complete strangers about) is an interesting diversion, though I don't know if the puzzle is Seventh Veil quality. You know, I don't think we've ever really sat down and discussed the relationship between our two patron goddesses. They do both have a love for learning the unknown, albeit for different reasons."
"A generalist," he replies. "My teacher's a generalist, so I kind of had to follow in his footsteps, although if I'd had the option, I probably would have specialized in divination. I'm certainly far more interested in the knowledge side of magic than in the blowing things up side. Although the occasional explosion can be kind of fun, I guess." He chuckles a little uncertainly.
Corinna laughs with him. "I just cast my first magic missile on this trip," she confides. "I think specialization can have its detriments as well as its benefits when it comes to employment. The range of arcane positions you could be considered for is certainly larger than mine, but if a placement specifically calls for conjuration experience, I'd have the advantage over you... on paper, anyway," she adds with a blush, not meaning to be insulting. "Honestly, when I enrolled at the Academae, I basically chose conjuration because it was considered their strongest school. I suppose if I'd attended the Stone of the Seers, I'd have specialized in divination, and if I'd gone to the Twilight Academy, I'd be an evoker now. I can't claim to have put much thought into my career path at the age of sixteen."
"Indeed! It's further than I ever thought I'd travel. Of course, deciphering this mysterious past that Corinna's looking into but won't tell any of her friends about (though then she spills the beans to complete strangers about) is an interesting diversion, though I don't know if the puzzle is Seventh Veil quality. You know, I don't think we've ever really sat down and discussed the relationship between our two patron goddesses. They do both have a love for learning the unknown, albeit for different reasons."
Koya chuckles. "Yes, I suppose there are some similarities," she says. "I confess I don't know a lot about Sivanah, no more really than what you've told me. She is a mysterious goddess, but I do believe that she and Desna must get along well."
She gets up and reaches for her teapot. "My relationship with Desna is not something easily explained in just a few words. It will take a little time, so we should be comfortable while we talk. I'll just go heat up some water for tea. I'll be back shortly." Taking the teapot with her, she leaves the wagon and heads to caravan's campfire.
Several minutes later, she returns with hot water and begins to prepare tea. "Where would you like me to start?" she asks as she pours Gilfroy a cup.
Gilfroy thinks for a moment, then asks, "What's the real purpose behind this drive to travel?"
Corinna laughs with him. "I just cast my first magic missile on this trip," she confides. "I think specialization can have its detriments as well as its benefits when it comes to employment. The range of arcane positions you could be considered for is certainly larger than mine, but if a placement specifically calls for conjuration experience, I'd have the advantage over you... on paper, anyway," she adds with a blush, not meaning to be insulting. "Honestly, when I enrolled at the Academae, I basically chose conjuration because it was considered their strongest school. I suppose if I'd attended the Stone of the Seers, I'd have specialized in divination, and if I'd gone to the Twilight Academy, I'd be an evoker now. I can't claim to have put much thought into my career path at the age of sixteen."
"That's probably true for a lot of people, I suspect," Amil says. "And sometimes you just have to take what you can get, I guess. But I'm sure you're an excellent conjuror, so you shouldn't have to worry too much about employment opportunities."
Gilfroy thinks for a moment, then asks, "What's the real purpose behind this drive to travel?"
Koya raises her eyebrows. "Real reason? You think there's some hidden ulterior motive?" She chuckles and takes a sip of tea. "It's for experiences, of course. The more experience one has of the world and its various wonders, the better a person one becomes. Some people can experience a lot in a small area, but for someone like myself, I need a little more. This is a big world and it consists of far more than just Sandpoint and Varisia. The only way to truly understand the world is to experience it, so that is my aim."
She takes another sip of tea and smiles. "In some ways, it's like you gnomes and your search for new things to keep you going. I seek new experiences to keep my mind engaged and sharp."
"Ah, but it's the experiencing of the world's unknowns that keeps your mind sharp. If you already knew what the experience was like, you wouldn't have any benefit or pleasure from it. People need mysteries to uncover, like the mysterious chest and the secret of Ameiko's grandfather. She was content to sit around running her inn, but she'll be a better person for having gotten off her duff to figure this thing out (assuming it doesn't get us all killed, of course)."
"That's probably true for a lot of people, I suspect," Amil says. "And sometimes you just have to take what you can get, I guess. But I'm sure you're an excellent conjuror, so you shouldn't have to worry too much about employment opportunities."
"I've... done well enough for myself," Corinna admits awkwardly. "I was actually looking into a better position in Magnimar before I took off on this journey. Suddenly taking to the road between semesters probably won't look too good on my record... but I think casting in the field is to my advantage. I learned magic missile, as I said, and I summoned a dog to kill some goblins and kept her on this plane longer than I've ever been able to keep a summoned creature here before. Not really sure how to put such things on my resume. Perhaps a letter of reference from witnesses? Somehow I doubt the word of a Varisian caravan driver will hold much weight up against that of the department head of an established arcane college."
Corinna repeats her question to Sandru after Melon's interruption. "Have you ever been in the Calphiak range? I mean, I know it's not a normal caravan route, but I didn't pay close enough attention as a girl to the rumors about you and Ameiko. Where you went when you went out adventuring, I mean," she clarifies, blushing.
"Ah, but it's the experiencing of the world's unknowns that keeps your mind sharp. If you already knew what the experience was like, you wouldn't have any benefit or pleasure from it. People need mysteries to uncover, like the mysterious chest and the secret of Ameiko's grandfather. She was content to sit around running her inn, but she'll be a better person for having gotten off her duff to figure this thing out (assuming it doesn't get us all killed, of course)."
"Exactly my point," Koya says. "It's all about new experiences. New ideas, new ways of looking at things, even solving mysteries if you like."
Corinna repeats her question to Sandru after Melon's interruption. "Have you ever been in the Calphiak range? I mean, I know it's not a normal caravan route, but I didn't pay close enough attention as a girl to the rumors about you and Ameiko. Where you went when you went out adventuring, I mean," she clarifies, blushing.
Sandru shakes his head. "We never made it this far north," he says. "Although if you had listened to the rumours, you'd probably think we had. People seem to think we travelled all across the world. In truth though, we went about as far north as the Churlwood and the Fogscar Mountains, east to Ember Lake and the Sanos Forest, and south no farther than the Mushfens. Just the little corner of southwest Varisia really. But I guess that seems like the world to people who have never ventured more than a mile or two from Sandpoint."
Melon takes the chance, when she sees it, to ride alongside Sandru for a day. "What do you suppose will happen after Brinewall? We are likely to find the remains of a small town, and maybe even be able to dig out whatever knowledge remains for Ameiko. But what then? As a trip, this caravan hasn't nearly made the run worthwhile yet, I think. I'm not great with numbers and trading, but I think we probably need to do a bit more before its run its course. What do you think? What would be our options from Brinewall? Back to Riddleport? Onward Karlsgard? Magnimar? Kaer Maga?"
"No mystery there," Sandru replies to Melon. "We've already committed to going north to Kalsgard to help Corinna with her little task. After Kalsgard though..." He shrugs. "That depends. Like you said, this trip hasn't really made money, but that's not really my concern right now, as Ameiko has hired the caravan. She's paid for it and for me. Afterwards, though, I have to keep making a living. I can't just go gallivanting off anywhere. The Magnimar-to-Riddleport route has done me well over the years. I may investigate the possibility of extending the route to Kalsgard while we're there, but other than that, I can't see changing the route. So unless you or someone you know is thinking of hiring me for something different, this caravan won't be going anywhere like Kaer Maga."
The next several days pass fairly pleasantly. The road makes its way across the Velashu Uplands, often alongside the Velashu river, but also often continuing in a straight line north when the river bends and twists. The weather is also reasonable. It's cool every day, but not cold. The sun shines brightly with only a few clouds in the sky each day.
You see occasional other travellers on the road, too, although it is not heavily travelled. Occasionally, you catch glimpses of riders galloping across the land well off the road. They never seem to approach the road, however.
On the 30th, the road leaves the Velashu River entirely and continues north, while the river goes into (or more accurately, comes out of) the Red Mountains to the east. On this day, you pass through a wide gap between the Red Mountains and the continuation of the Calphiak Range to the west. From here, you pass into what your maps say is the Nolands. As best as you can tell, there should only be another day of travel left until you reach Brinewall.
Knowledge: Geography:
Gilfroy looks nervously about as they enter the Nolands, remembering uneasily the rumours and stories he'd heard of this area.
Umbral picks up on his unease and becomes that much harder for the poor gnome to control.
At supper that night, Gilfroy comments to Melon: "If some of the Nolanders come and offer to take you home for dinner, just say no. Press-ganging would then be the least of your worries."
"No mystery there," Sandru replies to Melon. "We've already committed to going north to Kalsgard to help Corinna with her little task. After Kalsgard though..." He shrugs. "That depends. Like you said, this trip hasn't really made money, but that's not really my concern right now, as Ameiko has hired the caravan. She's paid for it and for me. Afterwards, though, I have to keep making a living. I can't just go gallivanting off anywhere. The Magnimar-to-Riddleport route has done me well over the years. I may investigate the possibility of extending the route to Kalsgard while we're there, but other than that, I can't see changing the route. So unless you or someone you know is thinking of hiring me for something different, this caravan won't be going anywhere like Kaer Maga."
"Magnimar to Kalsgard?" Corinna asks dubiously. "It took us eleven days to travel from Sandpoint to Riddleport, so a one-way trip from Magnimar to Riddleport must take about two weeks, and then another two weeks back, so you should be able to make the run in a little more than a month. From Riddleport to Kalsgard is at least twice as far, so that's another four weeks of travel on the northern end, not accounting for the increased difficulty of the terrain and the possibility of bad weather. Six weeks one way, at a bare minimum, and six weeks back, and this Gunari Sindri spends the winter there, to avoid traveling through the snow, I assume. We... I mean, Sandpoint would barely see you anymore."
"Magnimar to Kalsgard?" Corinna asks dubiously. "It took us eleven days to travel from Sandpoint to Riddleport, so a one-way trip from Magnimar to Riddleport must take about two weeks, and then another two weeks back, so you should be able to make the run in a little more than a month. From Riddleport to Kalsgard is at least twice as far, so that's another four weeks of travel on the northern end, not accounting for the increased difficulty of the terrain and the possibility of bad weather. Six weeks one way, at a bare minimum, and six weeks back, and this Gunari Sindri spends the winter there, to avoid traveling through the snow, I assume. We... I mean, Sandpoint would barely see you anymore."
Sandru nods and smiles sympathetically. "That's a good point and not one I haven't thought of. I did say may investigate the possibility. It probably is much too long a journey to make regularly, but it doesn't harm to make enquiries while we're there."
She looks at him for a moment, a bemused smile on her lips, and then shakes her head. "Do you never think of settling down? At my age, I'm aching for a home that's more than a flat with a bath down the hall, and you're looking for a chance to travel longer and farther. My uncle says caravaners have to keep moving to stay one step ahead of the law or outraged husbands and fathers. I don't believe that's true," she assures him hastily, "but something keeps you restless. What is it? Madame Tieren's unicorn, always just over the next hill?"
As the caravan begins to nudge its way into the Nolands, Corinna's nervous demeanor mirrors the gnome's. "I wish we'd met some of the horselords in Velashu; they could have given us some indication of whether the, er, local exiles are restless -- and what part of the countryside they might be restless in. I'd have liked to have seen a whole herd of their horses, too." She smiles at Sandru. "Alil -- my Uncle Belven's wife -- lobbied shamelessly for him to buy one of the Velashu destriers when they married. It would have been an utter waste of money and of a good horse; Uncle Belven never rides and takes a carriage when he has to travel. Fortunately, his head for business overruled all the plays she could make on his heart; she couldn't persuade him to spend grandfather's money on that, anyway. Suppose she's making up for it with liveried guards." She rolls her eyes.
"You really have very odd problems," Gilfroy comments absent-mindedly to Corinna, never taking his eyes off the horizons.
"And plenty of them," Corinna responds, her eyes twinkling. "You ought to be envious of the constant small crises and embarrassments we've had to deal with over the years. Perhaps if you had my family, your hair would still be blue."
Malan had not traveled more than three days away from home since the day his family was murdered. He found it an easy thing to get lost in the rhythms of caravan travel. The hours spent walking and riding brought back long buried memories of his family. It gave him time to reflect on his life; his choices and his relationships.
This brought Shalelu to mind. He was determined not to be like her. He would not just abandon those who needed him. He would be there for them. He would be a good friend and trusted advisor. He looked at each of them; Corrinna, Melon, Gilfroy, and Tevyn. Each of them needed something different and he would do his best to be there for them at every turn.
Once again riding close to Ameiko's wagon, Tevyn purses his lips with thought. "This is where things could get dangerous. I've heard stories of cannibals in this region. Wild men -- berserkers -- who prey on the weak. If we're lucky, our group will be too large to earn their interest. Otherwise, we could get in a fight."
Patting Abrazân, he smiles. "Of course, it's altogether possible we'll see some of the horselords. That'd be more interesting. I've heard that they breed the best horses in this part of the Inner Sea. I'd dearly love a look at some of their steeds."
She looks at him for a moment, a bemused smile on her lips, and then shakes her head. "Do you never think of settling down? At my age, I'm aching for a home that's more than a flat with a bath down the hall, and you're looking for a chance to travel longer and farther. My uncle says caravaners have to keep moving to stay one step ahead of the law or outraged husbands and fathers. I don't believe that's true," she assures him hastily, "but something keeps you restless. What is it? Madame Tieren's unicorn, always just over the next hill?"
Sandru laughs. "It's in the blood," he says. "We Varisians like to move around, but no matter what your uncle might say, it has nothing to do with getting away from the law or any such nonsense. Well, we have criminals like anyone else does, but it's not that for most of us. No, we like to experience the world. Staying in one spot doesn't let you do that, so we move around a lot. Of course, we do tend to stay within a certain area as going too far into the unknown can be dangerous as I learned well in my youth, so we have to find the best compromise. A regular caravan route does it for me. As for why we feel the need to experience the world..." He shrugs. "To be honest, I don't have a good answer for you."
Once again riding close to Ameiko's wagon, Tevyn purses his lips with thought. "This is where things could get dangerous. I've heard stories of cannibals in this region. Wild men -- berserkers -- who prey on the weak. If we're lucky, our group will be too large to earn their interest. Otherwise, we could get in a fight."
Patting Abrazân, he smiles. "Of course, it's altogether possible we'll see some of the horselords. That'd be more interesting. I've heard that they breed the best horses in this part of the Inner Sea. I'd dearly love a look at some of their steeds."
Ameiko nods and smiles half-heartedly. "Maybe," she says, seeming somewhat distracted. "To be honest, I'm much more nervous about our destination. I hope I haven't led you all into terrible danger."
Before parting from Amil, clutching her copy of the portion of Cyphergate runes, Corinna asks where in Riddleport one might go to inquire about letters. Feeling safe enough with her double escort of Malan and Tevyn, she follows the mage's directions and asks, a little hopefully, if there are any letters for Corinna Valdemar.
"I'm curious about what waits us there as well," Tevyn says slowly. "And if it's danger then we'll face it together."
Sandru laughs. "It's in the blood," he says. "We Varisians like to move around, but no matter what your uncle might say, it has nothing to do with getting away from the law or any such nonsense. Well, we have criminals like anyone else does, but it's not that for most of us. No, we like to experience the world. Staying in one spot doesn't let you do that, so we move around a lot. Of course, we do tend to stay within a certain area as going too far into the unknown can be dangerous as I learned well in my youth, so we have to find the best compromise. A regular caravan route does it for me. As for why we feel the need to experience the world..." He shrugs. "To be honest, I don't have a good answer for you."
"'The unicorn,'" Corinna smiles. "It's a surprisingly apt way of saying the same thing. I suppose that's why the major cities of Varisia were all founded by Chelaxians. We'd rather settle for a patch of real estate and a modicum of comfort and dignity than take the risk of chasing a dream." She sighs ruefully.
Before parting from Amil, clutching her copy of the portion of Cyphergate runes, Corinna asks where in Riddleport one might go to inquire about letters. Feeling safe enough with her double escort of Malan and Tevyn, she follows the mage's directions and asks, a little hopefully, if there are any letters for Corinna Valdemar.
Amil gives her directions that are easy to follow. He seems a little disappointed that she has to leave, but he wishes her well.
Unfortunately, there are no letters waiting for her.
Before parting from Amil, clutching her copy of the portion of Cyphergate runes, Corinna asks where in Riddleport one might go to inquire about letters. Feeling safe enough with her double escort of Malan and Tevyn, she follows the mage's directions and asks, a little hopefully, if there are any letters for Corinna Valdemar.Amil gives her directions that are easy to follow. He seems a little disappointed that she has to leave, but he wishes her well.
Unfortunately, there are no letters waiting for her.
"Oh," Corinna falters, obviously disappointed. "Thank you for checking." As she returns with Tevyn and Malan toward Lubbertown, where the caravan is parked, she explains, "I had hoped to hear from my mother. They all thought I was returning to Korvosa when I left Sandpoint, but I sent her a note from Galduria to let her know where I was really heading. I suppose even if she sent a letter here it might not have arrived yet, we had such a long headstart. I... I already know I can't go back to Sandpoint; the rest of my family will be furious. But I had hoped she would forgive me."
"Each of us new the danger when we agreed to come, Ameiko." Malan adds. [b]"We all heard what was in your grandfather's letter and several of us risked our lives in getting it to you. All of us, for one reason or another, want to be here. We choose to be here with each step."
[b]"Besides, if Tevyn is right, there is plenty for you to worry about today. You could all get eaten by cannibals. Sure Gilfroy and I will be ok, we are not human, but the rest of you could end your day as someone's dinner."
"What's that?" Gilfroy pipes up from his entrenched position by the fire. "They don't eat gnomes?" He looks relieved. "Oh, well then! What are we having for dinner?"
"I'm sure she will," Tevyn says. "It may simply take some time for you to receive a response. I don't mean to intrude," he goes on after a second, "but I'm not sure I understand why you aren't returning to Korvosa. I thought you wanted to go back."
-------------------
Tevyn looks at Malan with surprise. Had that been a joke? "I think it's less a matter of cannibalism in and of itself that appeals to the berserkers and more a lack of interest in discriminating between one source of meat and the next. I'm sure they'll be just as happy to eat you as the rest of us. Gilfroy might not be...he does look to be kind of tough and stringy. If nothing else, I suppose he might have the satisfaction of being a source of indigestion."
Gilfroy casts a spell, and the wildly disturbing illusions that writhe about and haunt him return, giving him a ghoulish appearance. After about ten seconds, they fade.
"'The unicorn,'" Corinna smiles. "It's a surprisingly apt way of saying the same thing. I suppose that's why the major cities of Varisia were all founded by Chelaxians. We'd rather settle for a patch of real estate and a modicum of comfort and dignity than take the risk of chasing a dream." She sighs ruefully.
Sandru chuckles. "Yes, I suppose it could be that blasted unicorn. We shouldn't over-generalize though. Yes, lots of Varisians travel, and lots of Chelaxians settle down, but there are exceptions on both sides. You, yourself, are chasing a dream right now, although perhaps a bit reluctantly. And while it may seem like you're not making much headway, you do possess more knowledge than you started out with and none of that knowledge has made the dream impossible."
Ameiko chuckles at Malan's comment. A smile slowly creeps onto her face and she laughs at Gilfroy's spell. "Yes, you're right," she says. "I need to stop worrying so much. Thank you, Malan. You you, all of you for coming out here. I appreciate it."
Ameiko remains in high spirits for the next little while, as camp is set up and dinner prepared. After dinner, she begins playing music and singing as usual. She seems a little off her game, however, her voice just a little flat, her fingers occasionally slipping on the samisen. She presses on for a while, nonetheless, but it becomes clear she's getting a little frustrated. Eventually, she stops and puts the samisen down. "I'm sorry," she says. "I'm feeling a little weird. I must have had a bit of bad meet with dinner tonight. I think I'm going to lie down early."
Gilfroy looks concerned, coming to see Ameiko as she rests. Using guidance, he attempts to determine what's wrong, if anything.
Heal:
Whether or not that tells him anything, he still goes to Koya afterwards to tell her about Ameiko's queasy feelings.
Gilfroy doesn't notice anything physically wrong with Ameiko, although she looks a little shaken. "I'll be fine," she says, trying to shoo him away. "I just need a little sleep."
Koya quickly goes to check on Ameiko as soon as Gilfroy informs her.
Koya comes back out a short while later and shrugs. "There's nothing wrong with her as far as I can tell. She's probably just overwrought. Sleep will do her good."
"I'm sure she will," Tevyn says. "It may simply take some time for you to receive a response. I don't mean to intrude," he goes on after a second, "but I'm not sure I understand why you aren't returning to Korvosa. I thought you wanted to go back."
"I was really hoping to go to Magnimar," she replies, "although, of course, I'd have to go back to Korvosa first, long enough to tidy up loose ends there and pick up a few things I left behind. That was my intent, at any rate, until ... I stumbled upon something more urgent than the next school term." She looks up at Tevyn and the elf hesitantly, then plunges on impulsively. "This man I'm looking for ... Pitivo ... is my father. I'd always been led to believe that he abandoned my mother and me, when truthfully it would be more accurate to say that my mother abandoned him. I found an old letter in her room, begging her to run away with him. But she was afraid to defy my uncle and leave Sandpoint, afraid of having nothing but a Varisian husband and a baby, so he waited for her to follow him or send word, but she never did. And all my life, she let me think he was heartless and irresponsible. It was a foolhardy decision to try to come and find him; he could have been dead by now, after all. But he was still alive as recently as five years ago -- and still in Varisia, if only I'd known then! And so now I'm off to Kalsgard to find a man who might or might not know where he is, my career abandoned, all the family I've ever known furious with me, and fifty gold pieces in my pocket to get me there and back again." She attempts a wry smile. "It's not the most well-thought-through decision I've ever made."
Tevyn listens to Corinna's explanation as he keeps a constant eye on the people moving around him. He returns her smile with one of his own.
"I see. Well I hope you can find him. If I can help in any way, be sure to let me know. Perhaps your decision to search for him was an impulsive one but I think there is virtue in acting with one's heart. So the stories all like to say, at least."
The morning dawns dull and gloomy. Clouds have rolled in during the night such that you can only really tell that the sun has risen because the black of night has changed to a sort of grey colour. It hasn't started to rain though, and while the temperature has dropped since yesterday, it's not terribly cold.
Ameiko is in much better spirits. She goes about morning duties helping ready the caravan for departure with a smile and humming. Sleep treated her well, it seems.
Tevyn smiles when he sees Ameiko looking better. Nodding a greeting to her, he turns to the others.
"Good morn. Now that we're in the Nolands and getting so close to Brinewall, we should be especially alert for trouble. We're a long ways from civilization and we'll be easy to spot for anyone who might mean us harm. I'd recommend we all keep our weapons at hand. Looking formidable certainly won't hurt either."
"Good morn. Now that we're in the Nolands and getting so close to Brinewall, we should be especially alert for trouble. We're a long ways from civilization and we'll be easy to spot for anyone who might mean us harm. I'd recommend we all keep our weapons at hand. Looking formidable certainly won't hurt either."
Corinna glances around the group. "So should Gilfroy and I hide in the wagons then?" she asks dryly. "I doubt an unarmed woman and a gnome in a pony cart have much capacity to strike fear into the hearts of berserkers."
Gilfroy casts the weird spell that makes him look insane again and leers at Corinna.
After sixteen days in the company of the gnome, his pet illusion is no longer startling to Corinna. "Very nice," she comments, sipping from a mug of tea. "Now keep recasting that five times a minute for the rest of the day, and we'll put you up front."
Gilfroy makes no reply to Corinna, save to stare off into space behind her.
Without warning, you suddenly hear a swooshing sound, like that of an arrow zipping past and a thud by Gilfroy. The gnome clutches his chest and topples over. There is no apparent source for the shot.
There was something definitely off about that sound. It was just a little too obvious and loud for a real arrow shot. Malan realizes that it was just an illusion.
Gilfroy has quite clearly not been hit by anything.
Shalelu springs to her feet, reaching for her bow. But then she stops, her eyes focused on Gilfroy. She sighs.
Tevyn spins around, pulling his bow free and readying an arrow when he sees Shalelu stop. He pauses, and follows her eyes.
"Damned gnomes," he mutters and slams his arrow back into its quiver, stalking angrily away.
Corinna drops to the ground seeking cover, spilling her tea in the process. She is so intent on searching the horizon for danger that it's not until some of the others begin reacting to Gilfroy in disgust that she realizes he's faking. "Of all the childish tricks!" she remonstrates angrily, surveying her dirty robes and her ruined breakfast. "It's not enough to embarrass the people in Galduria who were kind enough to welcome us into their academy; now you want to scare everyone when we're in hostile territory. It will serve you right if some day someone does pepper you with arrows and none of us make a move to help you because we assume you're just looking to laugh at us again!" She stalks away crossly to prestidigitate herself tidy in one of the wagons.