But you could do that, Right? I mean, I know about the wilderness but not the desert and not looking after so many people. There's that village I saw just beyond the forest, maybe there's stuff there we could use or the community in the cliffs that gnome mentioned.
He sighs.
I just think these people need some hope and at least the semblance of a plan. Whatever happens they are our responsibility now and me and Skyfall will do everything we can to make sure we take care of them.
He reaches up and pats the bird's thick neck.
We've come a long way since you dropped in my lap eh girl?
Skyfall muzzles into the caress as if in agreement.
Whisper listens to Lilith and then sighs audibly as the elven wizard talks about getting to know her better. She holds a hand up to stifle any more speech, points at Lilith's eyes, then sweeps a hand down in front of herself and stands there on display for a moment, pointing south with a serious expression on her face. A heartbeat later she strides off, grinning.
At Lilith's urging, Mallis begins getting everyone to stand up and arranging who will carry what of the group's scant provisions. Within a few minutes everyone is moving southwards. The survivors seem to have latched on to the idea of an island paradise that might be the perfect shelter, discussing what colour the sand would be, and how warm the water. Sacha's boy says the sharks will stop the groaners swimming out to get you, so he thinks very highly of the plan. His sister and mother help Shayliss and take turns carrying Aura along with Ashleigh and Tabitha.
Around midday, just after a quick stop for a tiny ration of water and a single bite to keep everyone's strength up, the terrain moves from plains to small copses of trees scattered about, and you can see the forest's edge on the horizon. It is likely you can reach it by nightfall if you keep up this pace. Just as you are about to move off, Whisper holds up a hand at the same time Skyfall chirps a warning. A few hundred yards away, in the direction you want to travel, lie two lions in the shade of a single large tree. They do not appear to have spotted you yet.
Melo and Cyn lay in the Shade aware of the group trudging through the tree's, they make no intention to move on them. They smell of flesh and blood not rotten like the creatures their used to hunting.
When they finally spot them, Melo makes sure to show no sign of spotting them they don't look like bandits but he's been tricked before. The large of the lions stands, rubbing his head against the smaller ones they both stands and look at the group. Showing no sign of aggression they begin to walk towards the group.
When they get within 60 feet, the larger one rawrs and the smaller one runs off into the trees. Thats when he looks directly at the group, and bellows out. "I could smell you for miles away, although you don't seem to be undead or bandit. You seem to be running from something and you're going about it all wrong. I haven't seen a group this big since before the plague of undeath was unleased." He growls at the thought. "Now tell me, friend or foe." He flashes his teeth as looks from side to side.
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Taking a step forward Lilith responds in a loud and clear voice. If she is impressed with a talking lion she does not show it. We are friends to all who would not harm us or other travelers on the road, and foes to the army of undead that we flee from and the Whispering Way cult members who seem to be be driving them. You are correct that we flee, and with the sick and injured we travel with we go about it as best we might. Know that you will find no easy mean here if you mean to harm us. But you will also find true friends if your intent is friendly.
Earlier
Lachen was more or less silent after the Solace affair, keeping to himself.
He can be seen drinking something from a small flask, with a weird smile on his lips, right after the victory against the cadavers.
When an "old friend" of the original group is found surprisingly alive when they all thought he was dead, Lachen listen at his story, just for the fun of it.
People coming back from the dead? I thought so far that only the dead came back for the people ...
Another weird smile appears.
Finally the man speaks, when the group is wondering what to do now.
Lenn, I'm not bad at finding food and water, so I can scout around. I wish I would be good enough to find some good wine and a tasty, warm meal, but with the current conditions, all the best inns I knew are closed.
Lions, here and now
A talking lion? Nice trick... that's a welcome change from walking rotting flesh. But I guess being eaten alive by a talking lion or some unholy cadaver is all the same for the victim.
Lachen is obviously ready for another fight, if needed, holding his trident.
Not that I'd like to test my theory in the next few minutes, of course.
Melo waves his head from side to side and lets out a low rawr as the smaller of the lions comes back into view and lines up next to him. "I mean you no harm, but it's hard to find people to trust anymore. My names Melo and this is Cyn. He motions to the smaller lion. "My speech is to do with this collar i wear, it a item of my order, Torque of the Alpha." He moves to show the collar around his main. "We've hunted undead in this area, never more than four. But i have felt a large disturbance recently and the undead patrolling through here have been bigger groups than we could deal with. I had been considering moving alone." He pauses for a moment seeming unsure of what to do next.
But he then nods his head as he begins to stand upright as his body shifts from lion to man and now before you stands a large brutish man his hair matted with dirt and skin brown from living in the wild. He wears leather armor, no shoes and a large collar that stands out with multi coloured beads. He stand still for a moment before beginning to stretch. "It's been awhile since i took this form." Stretching again as he walks forward on unsteady feet. "I am a druid of the grove, this was my home long before the undead blight was unleashed. I think we could help each other, you will need my skills gather food for such a large group and me and Cyn can't stand again such large numbers of undead. If it's friendship you seek i'd like to help you and your people." He bows before the group.
Good thing you can keep your clothes on when you change from lion to man. There are ladies there... I think.
He chuckles.
Seeing the group stop, Flynn banks Skyfall hard and swoops down to see what the hold up is. As he gets closer, remarkably, he sees a pair of lions in the road.
He unhooks his lance, worried that the wild animals may have turned even more feral and spurs Skyfall downwards.
What's happening? she shouts down. Are they aggressive?
He sees the lead lion suddenly twist and transform and before them where once there was the cat, there is now the man. A smile spreads across his face and he urges Skyfall down to land in a cloud of dust.
Dismounting he strides to the man, wiping the dust from his goggles.
A skin-changer! he says, delightedly. At least, that's what the Druids of the Circle where I am from call those with the talent. Flynnvas Merryweather, it's good to meet you. he says, offering his hand. Honestly, I thought your kind had gone back to earth and I am pleased to see I was wrong.
Is this your territory and do any others from your Circle still live?
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Lilith considers the dirty man before her. She knows that she has never been a excellent student of character but likes this man and wants to trust him.
She seems to make a decision and says. You are right. Our need is great. And someone who both knows those woods and can hunt would go a long way toward keeping us safe and fed. You shall have the protection of the group and we will be glad for your company. And you are right about the undead - they are massing in what I can only call an army just a half day's walk north of here. My name is Lilith. I'll let the others introduce themselves.
Valex's eyes light up as he sees the transformation. He has actually stepped forward, finger raised and drawing breath to begin a stream of questions, before realizing that now si probably not the time...
Melo frowns at Lachen unsure of what he means before he can comment on it he spots a roc land and a halfling move up to him. "I am Melo, i am a skin-changer one of a long line... although i find myself to be the last of my pack." He takes Flyns hand stiffly, still remembering what it is like to be on two feet. "They fell defending our grove we ranged from here to the east, many cubs died that day I was only able to see the aftermath." He looks down, the memories hurt him more than he would like to admit.
He nods at Lilith as Cyn nudes him. "How could i forget this is Cyn." He reaches out and strokes his friend. ""We were bonded at a young age, she is the closest thing i have to a family and the only person i've had to speak with since the undead's rise." He smiles down at her. "I think we would both appreciate not needing to sleep with one eye open."
He then looks down at himself as Lenneth laughs. "You soon forget of indecency and proper manner when you spend so much time in another form... It's nice to hear laughter after so long." He smiles at Lachen and Lenneth, a strange strained smile as if the act was new to Melo. "Please to meet you Lenneth, And your little friend."
"Please to meet you Lenneth, And your little friend."
I could do with more indecency. We're still alive, after all, and should enjoy it from time to time, before...
He stops his sentence
But that might be my soldier's way of thinking.
The sun is still high in the sky as the group, now larger by two more creatures, moves onwards towards the southern forest. Between Lachan and Lenneth, with Melo adding his expertise, enough edible foodstuffs are gathered so everyone can have a reasonable meal that night.
You reach the edge of the forest just as twilight falls, and it looks like the march, combined with the illness and lack of sleep, has tired everyone out completely.
Mallis smiles half-heartedly as he leans against a tree and takes one boot off, smacking the bottom rhythmically until a tiny stone rolls out
So, do you want to camp on that last area of grassland where we can see a bit better? Or a ways in to the woods where it's more sheltered?
Weary faces stare at you, and you realise this small tribe that has accompanied you is waiting on your answer.
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Anyone watching Lilith might detect the faintest raise of an eyebrow when Lachen says "But that might be my soldier's way of thinking."
When discussing where to camp Lilith will add It might be good to camp just inside the woods to gain a little concealment from the plains. That way could see out a long way and still benefit from cover. Of course we do not know the woods and any possible threats there. What do you think Melo?
Skyfall will perch in the trees all night. For my watch I'll join her and get a better view of the surroundings so I agree, rest just within the trees so that if anything attacks us from the Woods side we have a clear retreat and if anything comes from the plains we can hopefully hide and let is pass. What do you think?
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Lachen studies the woods, where the party wants to stop and rest, trying to find spots to set some alarm traps in, and the easiest ways to get in and out of the camp.
He walks alone, on the border of the future encampment, his trident ready to strike
A fine little bunch of do-gooders I found myself. The best groups to be in! Wonder who will be stupid enough to sacrifice himself next? Probably the halfling, out of guilt now that his friend died. Too bad there ain't any bets running. I haven't any gold to bet, anyway.
He breathes fully, widening his shoulders to get more air in his lungs
Great to be in the open air again. That stinking prison was no place for someone who enjoys his freedom, like me! The cavern under that small village could have been a deadly trap. Be careful, Lachen. You got lucky so far... Take as few risks as you can. Good to know there is someone able to heal me if needed. I got to make myself useful and trustable, so Lenneth won't hesitate to keep me alive.Of course, I'll do my best to keep HER alive first.
He comes back to the camp, with some dead wood for the fire
Do you need something, Lenneth?
He answers with a smile
I'm not a cow..I don't know that much about herbs. But I'll do what I can.
He seems to hesitate a few moments, then shows Lenneth a small flat flask labelled "Corcio"
That the only kind of elixir I got, a fine Chellish brandy, quite potent and perfumed. I found it in a decrepit house, a some time ago. The flask is near empty by now, of course... I use to drink a small mouthful after a tough battle, and the last one was tough.You healed me, so if you want some, I'd be happy to share, cause you deserve it. It's not magical, but it's damn good! Another small pleasure in life I treasure even more right now. And who knows, it might lead to indecency...
His smile widens as he winks to the dark haired woman
Flynn lies in his hammock thirty feet up in the line of trees, swaying softly in the cool night breeze.
He can feel a ball forming in the pit of his stomach as he catches parts of the conversation between Lenneth and Lachen. Not words as much as feelings and surface thoughts. He yanks the bracelet from his wrist and turns over with a sigh.
Melo nods at Lilliths and Flyns assessment. "We can camp just inside the tree line it will give us good cover and disperse some of our scent." He looks around at the large group as the realisasion hits him. Being alone so long you get used to looking out for yourself, he will have to get used to being in a pack again.
He frowns at Lenneth and Lachen's talk. "In a pack modesty isnt throught of we clean each other, make sure to check for wounds. I dont expect that but we all need to look after each other." He states with a straight face.
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"Me and Cyn will take the first watch, we will prowl the perimeter. If anyone is in need to healing i have some skill in it."
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Lachen, I know quite a bit about herbs, but I am not a cow either. Should I take offense?
Lilith looks thoughtful for a moment before asking Melo Would it be worth it for you to try to follow our trail back a few thousand meters to try to hide and confuse it? If that could be done then maybe a pack of undead will not wander into our camp before dawn.
Lachen smiles again at Lenneth, with an twinkle in his eyes, and offers his hand to help her getting up.
Thank you for your earlier laugh at my small joke. It's been a while since I last heard someone laughing. You have my honest gratitude for that small thing I will treasure for as long as possible. But please keep it secret, I have a rude and crude reputation to maintain. As I said before, we are still alive, and should try to enjoy every small pleasure in life while we can.
His second hand is on the small on your back, and lingers there only a few seconds
He corks back his flask, putting it in his backpack, before walking away calmly, passing near Lilith, telling her in a casual tone
Sorry if you took my little joke wrong, it was aimed at myself, not at you.
You are not a cow.
Setting up camp just inside the treeline, even in the fading light you are reasonably sure that nothing has followed you.
Mallis laughs genuinely at Lenneth's quip as he distributes out the gathered foodstuffs, keeping a little back for breakfast the next day.
Aura thankfully seems to be quiet overnight, and in fact this night you rest better than you have in months. Unfortunately, whatever power you experienced in the underground beneath Solace, it may have refreshed you, but it has neither cured the illness in the group nor inured you to the cold.
When you awake, you find several of the group have fared poorly overnight. With the weather as cold as it is, even by sleeping in close proximity, the lack of a fire and the freezing ground has led several people to look haggard and shaky with a blueish tinge to their lips.
Mallis stands to one side, stamping his feet as he waits for feeling to return to them, arms clasped around himself.
He nods at Ashleigh
Gave my blanket to the poor lass, she and Tabitha were shivering last night. If we're not putting down roots and building a proper shelter, we need to find some more clothes I reckon...
Valex sleeps quite poorly, awakening shivering several times. Once awake, he stretches and stamps around stiffly for a bit, flashing a rueful smile at this companions.
"We're not going to last too many nights like that," he whispers to his companions.
Flynn wakes from a restless night's sleep.
But as he stretches at least he doesn't feel that sagging tiredness in his bones any longer.
Can't say the same about the others though, girl. he says to Sky, looking down from their perch at the gathered masses of shivering and coughing Solaceites.
He packs up his hammock and makes his way down.
"We're not going to last too many nights like that," he whispers to his companions.
You're not wrong about that, Valex. These people won't last the week unless we get them some shelter or clothing. We're just lucky it hasn't rained.
Listen, I was thinking about ranging further today. At the moment we are walking with the hope there is something south. I want to keep an eye on where those rotters are moving and also sweep over that village I saw yesterday, see if anything is living there. That has to be our best chance now either way. If there are living people there we have to persuade them to let us stay and if it is full of the dead I'd rather know that before we get there, I can tell you how many of them need to be cleared out before we can shelter there.
I can help find food for the others but I think I might be best served as eyes in the sky.
What do you think?
Plus I'd rather not be around Lenneth and the Chelaxian... he thinks, casting a glance at Lachen.
"I will get it done, it should put them off for awhile but if we go down wind..." He look to Cyn and then they both leave to clear what tracks he can. He goes about sweeping them away and then heading east trying to snap branches and doubling back on himself as he attempts to leave multiple tracks.
Getting back he settles down away from the others Cyn has grown use to being alone and is skittish around new people so Melo settles down next to his friend, still getting used to his old form he throws a blanket over himself and settles in for the night.
In the morning he is up early, and starts to help as best he can with Cyn sticking to him still not used to this many people. As the others wake he sees them start to discuss something and moves to listen "We will need shelter, they won't last long in this cold. I offer up my skins and Cyn could sleep with some of the old and young for warmth." He nods to himself as he looks down at his friend. "You found a village? It's worth looking at it closer that could be a good place to at least search for supplies and decide what way to move next." He notices the glances from Flyn and the way Lachen acts to the women. He tries to show his dominance.. their no different to the animals each fighting for their place. He thinks to himself staring at
Lachen.
Before Flyn flies off Melo signals to him. "Flyn before you set off can we talk." He looks to the roc holding out his hand he lets the bird smell him but doesn't move to pet it. "This is a beautiful animal you have. Strong and brave." He calls Cyn closer to get the animals to meet. "I think if we're going to spend time together they should at least meet each other. You said you spent time with druids?" He strokes Cyn as she relaxes around Flyn and Sky. "I've been lucky, nature has watched over me but nature can't stand alone against such undead armies you said are marching this way. I'm not stupid I want to help, this is the first group i've met that hasn't tried to kill me." He muses over why that could be, as he tugs at his collar it seemed to fit a lot better in his other form.
[b]"I could follow but i will stick with the group, we will need me looking for food.
In the morning, Lachen can be seen shaving himself carefully nearly as soon as he gets up, until he his clean again. He seems lost in his dark thoughts
I so HATE to shave myself each morning... We'll need quite a lot of food for everyone. I don't know why they choose such a burden. Well, of course I know why, Lenneth and her group are good minded folks, unhappy if they don't endanger themselves for others... But these people don't know how to fight, they can't defend themselves, they are weak and frail. If the cadavers don't eat them, the cold will kill them. And then what? Why should I care? At worst, they are easier targets for the cadavers than me. But that means they will rise again too, making more foes to fight. Would the slip dare to kill the new mom to stop her from eating her own child?Don't think so. And that elf girl? She doesnt like me. Never liked any elf myself anyway, so why bother about her feelings? She seems to come from Chelliax too, that could be trouble. I don't care about Chelliax. Never liked that god-damned country, its slaves and devil worshippers... stick to the plan, Lachen.
He eats what he can, drink some water, and then gets ready to hunt and scout the way, speaking to no one
Flynn walks slowly away with Melo, using his long lance like a walking stick. Skyfall hops along behind, occasionally opening her wings to their impressive 18 feet wingspan to shake off the dust and try to encourage her master to take flight. She is not a nervous creature, knowing that her talons are sharp and beak is keen whether she is in the air or on the ground – but millions of years of inherent behaviour is a difficult thing to overcome.
Thank you. Flynn says in response to Melo’s observation about his mount. She’s small for her kind but fierce as anything. I guess we have that in common. he adds with a laugh, throwing a piece of dried rabbit over his shoulder for the bird to hungrily snatch out of the air.
Cyn pads along quietly beside them. Skyfall shows no fear around the cat but a kind of distracted interest, hopping up beside the lion, craning her neck down to peck at it’s mane, flapping away again when the lion turns.
Cyn stands as tall as Flynn himself and when he looks across he finds himself at eye level with the cat. He idly scratches her behind the ear.
I come from the mountains east of here. Rocs rule the skies there, not even dragons try and roost on those peaks. Flynn says with some pride. My people lived with the Druids for generations, hunters and farmers. A few us were guardians of the community, taking wolves and taming them to mounts, but no one had ever been a Sky-Rider before, no one had been able to take a flying mount. But me and Skyfall just kind of found eachother. If it weren’t for her I would be dead long ago.
The Druids saw this coming, I don’t know how it works, they must have sensed some imbalance in nature. But by the time I had found the cultists in the mountains it was too late, the village was overrun. I don’t know how many of the Druids managed to skin-change and save themselves. Maybe all of them, maybe none.
What about you, how have you survived?
"She looks a fierce one." He reaches out and strokes Skys head, the bird more comfortable with him now. "We had flyers in our pack, at a young age we would be sent out to fend for ourselves. I worship the greenfaith, all of nature is my shrine. We would be sent to live on our own for a year and in that time we would bond with a creature and it would help with our skin changing to see how the animal moves and acts." He thinks back fondly. "I met Cyn, she was all alone like me and we bonded. I can take many shapes but four legs has always felt more natural to me.
He pauses again, reminded of how he survived. "We felt something also our Alpha Drak an ancient skinchanger. He sensed a change coming but we didn't expect any of this." He looks back at the group of cold and starved people. "The undead descended on us in waves, as my brothers fell the call to scatter was given... That was the last i saw of anyone. Where you met me was on the edge of our territory, i waited for months hoping to pick up a scent and trail from any of my pack mates but nothing. Drak went down fighting a monster he seemed to be a mix of different parts." He grabs at a strand of hair feeling the beads.
"I'm sure some of your people survived the undead seamless likely to chase us when i was in my animal form. I got lost in the form, that was when i met you i forced myself out of it and i'm still getting used to two legs." He looks down at his feet.
I know my people are gone. Flynn says sadly. We flew back to the village the instant the sky turned red but even then it was too late. I watched as the last of them were killed. We must have put down two dozen of the undead that day but even as I walked among the carnage hoping just one person had been lucky enough to hide or escape, my... friends... my loved ones... started rising as well. he puts his hand to his temple as if suddenly being overcome by a terrible headache.
I couldn't take that. I couldn't see them that way. I fired the village and we flew, not even knowing where we were going. So no, my people are gone. Some of the Druids may have been like you, changed form to escape but stayed in it so long they lost themselves.
I only came across this group only about ten days ago myself. They are amazing, really. Lenneth and Lillith look like they've been through Hell and they still lead the rest. Valex has literally returned from the dead and Lachen.... well, I'm not so sure about him.
They walk together in silence for a time then.
They tell me that the connection to the Divine is broken. I doubt know exactly what that means, I've never been religious, but you still seem to be able to change, still able to produce those berries that feed someone for a day. How is that?
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Lilith shivers through the night even with her blanket. But without training in survival she fails to realize what that would mean for the group members that did not have blanket or at least warm clothing. She awakes at dawn when the camp begins to stir. She is rested but still colder than she likes. Still she is grateful for a peaceful night. But when she walks through the camp and learns of the suffering of some of the people she is wracked with guilt and lends her blanket to the oldest woman in the group that does not have one. Then she moves to have a word with Flynn and Melo before she even studies her books in her normal morning ritual.
We cannot do this another night. Tonight we must of shelter or fire, if not both. She states flatly. When she hears of Flynn's flight plan she nods approvingly. Yes, scout the path behind us before scouting ahead. No need to stop back here if you have nothing to report but scout the path south for a few miles and make sure that is safe for us before venturing farther afield. That village you spotted before might have supplies and shelter. I think we have to lead these people there, even if we have to fight to take it. How far is it from here? I think we let you scout as we pack up and begin to move. After she provides her advise she goes to spend some time with her spellbooks and routinely looking up to glance towards Lachen.
It’s settled then. Flynn says with a nod. Hope you’re ready for a long flight, girl. he says over his shoulder to Skyfall as he pulls his flight goggles into place.
She gives a remarkably loud screech to confirm that she is indeed more than ready.
"I know the feeling of losing your home my friend i don't think there is anyone left that does not. I lost myself... While i'm ashamed to say it I think i liked it that way, i had lost so much i left so alone without my pack always having so many near to help and protect you." He looks away from Flyn. "But seeing your group, finding people alive that didn't want to hunt me. I think i need you lot more than you'll need me, i need you to keep my humanity."
"Lenneth and Lillith seem smart and strong, strong qualities to lead. Valex look almost stunned when i skin changed and that Lachen. He's interesting, he seems to want to carve his place in the pack getting close to the ones in charge. Can't blame him, when the pack is weak and low on numbers everyone is paired off its the only way to make sure the pack lives." He smiles to himself for a moment. "I suppose it's not that simple. He cares for Lenneth, I only hope this doesn't turn to fighting.
Pausing for a moment Melo reflects on Flyns question. "I felt my connection to nature break it was like losing a loved one but my connection runs deeper than to just one god, I'm one of the greenfaith we worth nature we worship the tree's the grass. There is strong power in all of nature, i've slowly gained back my power to heal creature bolstered food. The great Divine might be shielded from us but it's not lost there is power out there."
@Lillith
"I agree with you, if we dont find shelter most will be to ill to even move. This village you speak of, we have to head for it as you say even if we have to fight to take it we need the shelter." He then turns to Flyn. "Lilith has a good plan, lets go with that and hopfully you get a good look at this village. Good luck Flyn fly well, i had better be off start my foraging and keeping an eye out for anyone watching us." Melo then calls Cyn as both running off ahead of the group, he takes note of where the others searching for food head and makes sure to not get in their way.
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Seeing that Lenneth is somewhat removed from Lachen Lillith takes a moment to walk with her and talk softly. She starts off all business. I do not know the spell Endure Elements, do you? We need some way to lessen the impact from the cold tonight. I think we must have a fire, even if it draws unwanted attention. then leaning in more closely she speaks even softer...
Also I have a warning for you about Lachen. Something is off about that man. He does not show the discipline or training of a soldier and seems not to speak Infernal like a trained guard should. I can only assume he is not what he says. He may have his reasons for deceiving us, but he is indeed not telling us the truth about his background. I do value him for his ability to fight but I do not trust him. Be wary my sister.
"I think you have the right of it, Lilith. Shelter or fire, or the dead will not need to run us down." Valex says to her, quietly. He leans a little closer as they move along.
"We need to keep an eye on those worst off, tonight. 'Twould not do to have some unfortunate pass in the night, and rise to slay others. I do not yet know the course of this poison or illness..."
Valex drifts gradually toward the back of the group, trying to get a feel for the health of the survivors.
The three children examine Melo's magical berries with some distrust, but encouraged by Sacha they try them and break in to huge smiles.
Mid-morning Lachen spots a badger, not much meat but the fur would make a warm blanket for someone. Unfortunately his chance is spoiled as the frozen ground causes him to slip and the noise frightens away the creature.
Cyn's keen senses sniff out some pine nuts that make for a reasonable tasting, albeit rather crunchy, lunch. The box proves impervious to attempts to force it open, and there is no apparent keyhole. Mallis notes your attempts and offers to try and open it later this evening when there is more time to devote to such things.
Lenneth manages to find enough edible tree bark that whilst rather bland and tinged with earthy flavor, will make a nourishing soup later.
Indigo feels indistinct, spending most of the day asleep, ignoring food as Lenneth senses he has no appetite at all.
Soaring high in the sky, Flynn is glad of his clothes, the air is chill and the wind strong today. Clouds mass on the horizon, tangles of white skittering across the heavens as if trying to blot out the pale blue of the daylight sky. Though the group has moved far enough on that he can no longer see Solace, comfort can at least be taken in the fact that he cannot discern any massed group of the dead either.
Flying ahead brings a little comfort, the forest canopy proving too thick for any decent assessment of the threats or terrain that the group might face today or tomorrow. The village he saw yesterday seems tiny and far away, cowering under the skeletal trees at the edge of the forest like a whipped dog. Suddenly... there! To the south-west, wisps of smoke blown away almost too fast to see were it not for Skyfall's acute vision. It's impossible to tell what's down there through the tree cover, but *something* is making smoke there.
"I think we need the shelter more desperately. I'd vote to continue on to the village, then branch out and search for the source of the smoke from there."