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Confound it, it was too long ago. And I have to admit I wasn't really the most attentive student anyway...
Exiel sighs as he shrugs his shoulders in mild frustration.
Well, we have the time to check it out if we want, and I am curious, but ultimately I do not mind whether we investigate it or not. If more of us feel that we should press on than investigate, I will abide. But one thing we should do is make a decision before we start feeding the resident mosquitos and leeches a 7-course buffet.
Perception:
"Well, I'm not really fond of becoming leech or mosquito food truth be told." Shiori speaks up from the back of the group.
As casually as she can, Shiori speaks in tien, "我们并不孤单" as she not so discretely draws her dagger.
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"好视力." Exiel replies calmly. "他人在哪?"
He frees a club from the sash around his waist and furrows his brow as he takes in his surroundings.
Just like Yi Ruo thought you, Exiel. Watch for any potential point of ambush. Focus on those locations and be ready for an attack from any and all of them.
"我失去了他" Shiori adds, keeping her eye's peeled.
Darinius looks about in confusion for the source of everyone's sudden worry and flips the cover from his spear as the others ready weapons. What's happening?
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没问题, 至少我们知道此地有不速之客.
In common: We're not alone here.
Damn it...now would be a good time to take a good look at that spear...but I risk leaving myself open if I let it take up my attention. There will be time...what that line Yi Ruo always said? "You are too distracted, Exiel. Focus on the task at hand, that you may live to attend to the next matter."
Thribden grimaces. Then the road is where we want to stay. Let's move. Maybe as we go, we can get our friend to reveal herself. She begins to move down the trail. As she does, she pulls out her dagger, holding it tight.
So continue to Waltus? Slower and more carefully?
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Exiel scowls in discontentment at their situation.
Something is watching us, and potentially wants to ambush us. If we press on, it'll wait for a bad time to spring an attack, but if we stay, it will just keep watching us from hiding...
We need to turn the tables on it a little.
Shiori, 不如我们继续照路走, 但你在途中设法隐藏自己, 看你能不能再发现他. 但別离得太远. 让我们当饵. 你意见如何?
Darinius backs close to Exiel, his weapon ready. What's the plan?
"也许是更好的，我们尽量不要出现像我们知道它的存在" Shiori answers back before switching to common, "Let us continue, with caution."
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Exiel nods.
It's Shiori's call to make, and I was leery of giving her the most dangerous task anyway.
"We press on," he says loudly, nodding in agreement to Shiori. But as he walks past Darinius, he also mutters, "but keep your guard up."
Thribden's got her dagger in hand, so it looks like she's on the alert. Darinius is clued in, somewhat, and Gorou would have understood everything Shiori and I said. I hope Tripp and Narissth understand Tien. I'm not sure I can say much more to them without alerting our hidden observer!
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Tripp slowly shakes his head back and forth as his ears are assaulted by words and language he doesn't understand. Upon hearing that they are not alone, he slowly grabs his sling staff and loads a bullet, just in cause. He carefully takes a look around.
"You guys are going to have to teach me to speak that... otherwise I fear I will never be a part of conversation! Not without much effort anyways... but I agree we must press on. We can deal with any trouble that may or may not befall us."
Carefully our heroes travel another hour before there is te sound of snapping twigs to the left of the path.
Survival:
Perception:
Narissth keeps up with the others trying to keep his beady eyes open for any thing of note.
Narrissth pinpoints a cluster of bushes that the sound came from
Dagger in hand, Shiori keeps an eye open for movement.
Thribden stops momentarily, wary, but continues to walk, watching for any sign of the one following them. ग्रे महिला मुझे गाइड कर सकते हैं. She makes the sign of the spiral over her heart and punctuates it by pressing her hand there.
The heroes stand ready, moving slowly. Nothing happens, the marsh returns to its silence.
As the day progresses the party passes over 3 different bridges spanning small sections where the marsh flows over the path. As they move no less than 4 more occasions arise where someone sees something, or hears something. And once the entire party is sure they saw red eyes staring at them.
In the end it takes about 6 hours to get to Walthus's cottage, but there it is, about 40 feet up a gentle incline.
Thribden looks up at the cottage, and lets out a sigh. She continues to grip the hilt of her dagger in pale blue knuckles, but her posture loosens and her gait evens out.
That's what we came for. Who would care to do the honors? She gestures to the front door as they continue up the incline.
Gorou stands behind the others, having kept silent for most of the day as is his way. He watches their backs as they approach Walthus's house. "I am not the best when dealing with new people. I will stay here and watch for our stalker," he says through his mask. "If there is violence, call for me."
For the millionth time that day Gorou curses his flabby body. The heat and damp of the swamp was making his armor rather miserable to wear. The biting insects had long since found all the cracks in his clothing, and it was certain he would be covered in red welts when he eventually removed the kikko. Hopefully Shalelu was right and this guy knows something worth our while.
Narissth stands off to the side, bow in his hand and a nervous look on his face.
Be careful. One never knows how strangers may react to an unexpected knock on the door.
Who is this Walthus anyway? What are we expecting here? Darinius clearly was not paying enough attention back at the Rusty Dragon and therefore does not want to be the one to knock on the door.
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Well, someone's got to do it. No point just standing around out here, and maybe once we're inside whatever it is that has been trailing us these past 6 hours will finally come out.
Whatever it is that has been following us may still be out there. Best stay sharp.
Knock knock knock.
Walthus? It's Exiel, from Sandpoint. Shalelu's sent us. We'd like a word, if we could.
I missed it!
Walthus is a halfling ranger that lives and "tends" to the swamps and takes care of his snakes. Very few in the town know him as he is basically a loner, but he is friendly enough, just reclusive.
Who is this Walthus anyway? What are we expecting here? Darinius clearly was not paying enough attention back at the Rusty Dragon and therefore does not want to be the one to knock on the door.
"He's a ranger, Darinius. He tends to these lands. While essentially a hermit he is friendly enough. He should be able to tell us more of the goblins, and may even be able to elucidate the meaning of the mound we spotted earlier," Gorou replies to the spear wielding man. He doesn't turn to look towards Darinius though, he keeps his eyes on the swamp around them, hoping to catch sight of their pursuer.
Thribden follows to the door but waits while Exiel knocks, calling for Walthus.
Narissth waits in the back, concerned that his ratty appearance might cause the hermit ranger concern.
At the knock the door opens a tiny crack a small face peaks out. Though Exiel can obly see half of it.
yes?
actually I have been feeling off lately, and I'd rather you all just left me alone.
Thribden looks up at this. Oh, what's the matter? She steps forward and attempts to push open the door open, if Walthus permits it, she begins to check him over. She pulls his eyelids down, Look up. Now down. She presses her hand to the back of his forehead. In between forceful directions and pokings and proddings she begins to tell him, It is very important we find out about the goblins in the swamp. We have just travelled for 6 hours to receive your help. And we are planning to rid the area of these troublesome creatures. So anything you can help us with would be much appreciated.
Darinius impatiently paces around the yard while waiting for the exchange at the door to conclude. His rounds progressively get larger until he is disappearing around the corner of the house on every lap.
Walthus absolutely does not let you push the door open.
Once the samsaran tries he pushes back. what are you doing?! I didn't invite you in!
Assuming the issue is not forced he continues. I just had an issue w a large snake but it is taken care of now. I just need to rest. If you can offer some magical healing I would take that.. He holds his hand out of the door to be touched and healed.
No map really needed
Darinius finds it is actually a two story building w a fenced in yard the hill over looks the marsh in all directions
Though at this point you have not circled it yet since it has only been about 10 seconds
The sudden raising of voices at the door gets Darinius' attention again and he emerges from around the corner. I thought you said this guy was going to be helpful. Maybe we can at least go in and eat our lunch at a table rather than sitting out here in the mud.
I'm sorry if I offended you, Thribden begins, hands on her hips, but I do not offer magical healing for every scratch and bite. If you would like my help, I will determine how best to help. She pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath, then continues, much softer However, if you do not wish my help that does not change the fact that we have traveled half a day to seek yours. I understand you need to rest, but if you will help we will try not to impose on you too much.
I think you should go. If you want to heal me then I will trust you and let you in for tea.