Seeing the bear markes, Kunala wrinkles his nose, "I'd rather it have been wolves, I like wolves." Looking towards Iradyiel, he points out the obvious. "didn't Sanok say we just keep heading south by southwest until we find the river?"
Falling in behind Iradyiel, Kunala stops the mare when he see's the 'all stop,' 'Rad knows I don't speak kobold, I wonder if Dhavik does.' Turning he looks at Dhavik raising an eyebrow.
Mirana glances over at Kunala and flashes him a quick look. "Just out of pure curiosity, why do you like wolves so much compared with bears. Is it just a dog thing or is there something about wolves that tickle your fancy?" she asks in a lighthearted tone tinged with amusement before nodding at both Iradyiel and Kunala's directions.
"He did say that I believe, hopefully we can press onward towards the camp in a stealthy manner."
Caitir steps forward, lightly tugging on Mirana's arm, the gesture reminding the druid to hold off for a moment and focus on the present. "Actually, I can speak kobold. Or rather, I can speak Draconic which I think the kobolds can speak fluently. We could wake them up and I could communicate with them, assuming they are not immediately hostile. Do we want to give it a try and risk it? Do we want to ask them anything in particular, perhaps where the bandit camp might be?"
'Tickle my fancy?' Turning to Mirana, Kunala smile looking wistful. "I guess dogs are ok, but we grew up around wolves. When we were little our mother moved to a hunting lodge in the Narlmarch Woods, met our step-father, Onnello, there. He had a..." Kunala stops speaking, thinking what word would work best, shakes his head a little, "Not a pet she-wolf, more of a companion. She took us in, almost as fast as Onnello did. Had four litters while we lived there. I guess we knew every wolf in that part of the Narimarch." Gesturing towards the bear marks. "I didn't think about how much I missed them, until I saw the bear marks."
'Caitir speaks draconic? She never ceases to amaze .' Seeing Caitir step forward and tug on Mirana's arm, Kunala chimes in. "If there is a tribe nearby, we need to find out if they will live and let live." Seeing Iradyiel glaring at him, Kunala realizes he has interrupted other peoples conversation again. Softly clearing his throat, "I apologize for interrupting. Could we risk talking to them?"
Moving carefully south by south east, Iradyiel hears Mirana and Kunala talking about the alpha female Amber. Smiling, as he remembers the multiple litters.
Keeping a keen eye out as Caitir addresses Mirana, 'She addressed Mirana, not him, why does he like to talk so much?' Hearing Kunala answer Caitir, Iradyiel turns and gives his brother the stink-eye. Making eye contact ever so briefly, he turns back looking at the clearing while his brother apologizes, and the other discuss the next option.
Dhavik grips the handle of his blade; "The only talking I've needed with those creatures is this. But, you're calling the shots" He rest the dull edge of his blade on his shoulder. "We could move on and hope that bear finds itself this sleeping snack."
With the keen elven vision you received from your father, you can make out that the four baskets are overflowing with baskets of radishes. You also can make out that they are laying in a radish patch.
"There is no need to apologize, it was a question for the group" Caitir remarks with a smile in Kunala's direction. [b/]"If everyone is comfortable with the potential risk, I could talk to them and everyone else could stand in aggressive positions where they could swiftly strike if they provided difficult. I'd suggest disarming them but that might not be possible without waking them up"[/b]
Chuckling, Iradyiel winks at Caitir, "It's ok, let him apologize, he talks too much anyway." Turning towards Dhavik, Iradyiel shrugs, "Maybe, but I know folks who feel the same way about orcs." He smiles and winks. "And I probably could find some dwarf who feels the same about elves." He gestures towards the back. "Besides, their hunting radishes, how much trouble can they be?"
Giving Iradyiel a droll look, Kunala, nods, "Thank you Caitir. I would prefer we speak to them." Looking toward Dhavik, "rather than leave them for the bear." tying the mares reigns to a tree he Moves to a position where he could best 'stand aggressively' as Caitir recommended, he continued. "There is a group of them living south-west of here." He looks back at Dhavik, showing the concern in his face. "Killing thieving raiders is one thing, wiping out a village of elderly and children is quite something else. We will need to make contact at some point in time, determine if some kind of coexistence can take place, or if they will need to move on."
Dhavik sneers at Iradyiel's comment; "I guess its a good thing we are only half blooded then..." Dhavik follows Kunala's lead and ties off the reigns to a tree nearby. "When a dog bites you it doesn't matter if its the alpha a pup or the b***h, you put them down. Once they have a taste for blood it's only time until they bite again." Dhavik looks around as if expecting more Kobolds to appear as everyone else is getting in place.
As you are watching you see one of the Kobolds rubbing its full stomach and another one groans as it shifts from its left to right side and begins chirping and a language most of you do not know. But settle back down as they go silent again.
"Chief Sootscale will want these, we can't be late." "Oh he will be fine, we will just say we ran into mites." "Just sleep a few more minutes..."
'Well at least he took it in the light hearted fashion it was ment.' Tossing his horses reins over the saddle horn on Kunala's saddle, Iradyiel cocks his head "Normally if I get bit by a dog, I just ask Kunala to retrain it. But I get your point."
Hearing the creatures chitter Iradyiel shifts his bow, looking toward Caitir.
"You should not be so quick to judge, Dhavik. If a dog bites you it doesn't mean that all dogs will bite you I don't deny that your suggested course of action is a cautious one, but in this particular case I feel it better to keep an open mind...at least just this once" Mirana remarks with a quick smile.
Caitir waits until everyone is ready, before nudging one of the sleeping kobolds with her foot, speaking to them in their native tongue.
"Hey, you, Chief Caitir commands you to stop sleeping and wake up immediately. Explain why you are trespassing in these lands"
Dhavik shrugs at Mirana’s remarks and moves closer to the far tree line.
Caitir moves up to the kobolds and nudges one and begins speaking in their native tongue. They instantly stand up grab their spears and those from afar hear them beginning to bark and chirp at Caitir as they begin to circle her.
Dhavik moves to rush forward but quickly stops and watches the rest of the group to follow their actions.
“Stay back!! These are our radishes!!” … “You no chief, you long leg” … “You are trespassing, you leave or you die!!”
As they circle Caitir and continue to bark & chirp, they threateningly thrust their small spears at Caitir
'Well, that's one way to do it.' Watching Caitir move forward and wake the Kobolds. As they jump up and grab weapons and bark and chirp, Kunala see Dhavik shift, 'He has the right idea.' nodding, "I believe we should show ourselves." Stepping forward into the clearing, drawing his sword as he does so.
Iradyiel nods and steps forward also, notching an arrow to the war bow.
"Long legs have Chiefs as well you know, its not merely a scale skin invention" Caitir replies patiently, not intimidated by the small spears. "Put your spears down scales, if I meant you harm I could have hurt you while you slept. If I wanted your radishes I could have easily taken them. I woke you up because I wanted to talk. You don't need to be brandishing your weapons at me...unless you are scared of long legs that is" Caitir remarks, trying to put the kobolds into a verbal trap. They could either admit to being terrified of her to hold onto their weapons, or struggle to decline her reasonable request."
** spoiler omitted **
As everyone else looks on from a little bit of a distance, you see this strange interaction between the kobolds and Caitir. Caitir is calm and cool while surrounded by kobolds with spears.
As the brief conversation continues, they kobolds chirp, yip, and laugh in their exchange. But they do not move their spears
“hahaha, you not our chief. You long legs, long legs lie!” … “You move from our radishes, leave us now!” … “Not scared of long legs, we kill long legs!”
After the last one stops talking, he shoves its spear towards Caitir but not attacking her.
Dhavik turns towards the three that stayed behind; “Now I am interested in what she is going to do next…” He leans against the tree seeing that they aren’t moving up, yet.
Mirana steps up toward the kobold group, keeping towards the trees still but edging a little closer toward Caitir, while keeping an eye on the two kobolds. She observes their behavior, trying to see if its bluster or if there is a serious threat at present.
Caitir watches the spear jab in her direction, calculating the distance between it and her and realizes its not going to meet its mark. She doesn't even flinch, putting on a confident show.
"If you are not scared of long legs, then you won't have any problems dropping your weapons then won't you? There's four of you and one of me and I'm not holding my weapons. I'm here to talk. I understand you have a bit of a mite problem yes? I have a bandit problem. Perhaps we can discuss our problems and see if we can find a solution?"
'Just need to be patient.' fidgety, Kunala moves up slowly beside Iradyiel, watching Caitir to see if she gives any sign of what she wants them to do.
Still holding their weapons defensively, the Kobolds still yip and churck at Caitir
“You help with mites? We take you to help!” … “She can kill them all!” … “We take her there and get back magic statue! Then we will gain favor” … “Yes, YES!!”
The one standing in front of Caitir points to her with its hand, not its spear this time;
“You will take us and we gain favor. Then we help you. Deal!”
When Dhavik sees the others moving forward he lowers his voice; “They haven’t seen us yet, or at least they are not acting like it. Us moving forward could cause problems. But, it’s your call” Dhavik waits for the others lead as he grips the pommel of his blade.
Caitir rubs her chin somewhat melodramatically as if she was giving the offer serious thought. In truth, she was fine having the kobolds as allies and the decision was an easy one, but she didnt want to look too eager in case she intimidated the kobolds in some way.
"I'll accept, on one condition - that my friends can come too. They are even better warriors than I am, and will therefore make it even easier to deal with the mites. Does that sound fair? I'm allowed to bring some of my friends along to help you with the mites and get you favor? Then you help us?"
The kobolds step back from Caitir and begin talking quietly between themselves. Every now and again, one pops its head up and looks at Caitir then goes back to its conversation. They break the circle up and all stand in front of Caitir with spear butt ended into the ground no longer in a threatening manner. The one who was front and center the entire time begins speaking to Caitir.
“You will need friends. Will take us couple days to get there. We will guide, you will kill. We should go now.”
The kobolds pickup their packs and baskets readying themselves to begin the journey to the mites layer.
Caitir nods, then gestures towards the others, standing in a group, waving them over.
"The kobolds and I have come to an agreement I believe. They are willing to help us, if we help them deal with the mites. Apparently they want to 'get back' a magic stature - so it was probably stolen from them at some point. I considered it a fair quid pro quo."
Caitir pauses for a moment, before creasing her brow a little in annoyance. "One problem through, they said it would take a couple of days to get there. Which means that even if we defeat the mites, its two days to get there, two days back. Thats more than enough time for the bandits to have reinforcements. What do we thing?"
'Well, putting down the spears and having a conversation among themselves seems like a good sign.' Seeing the immediate threat reduced, Kunala breaths a sigh of relief. 'Good, done talking and no ones threatening her.' Seeing the Kobolds gathering their stuff and Caitir heading their direction Kunala steps out of the undergrowth toward Caitir.
'So the 'war' Bokken spoke of was started by the theft of a statue....helping them would take several days.' Kunala looks toward Iradyiel then Mirana. 'She right, that would be enought time for them to know something happened to the group sent to Oleg's' Nodding in agreement, Kunala asks Caitir, "Do you think they would wait for us? Or tell us where to meet them later?"
Seeing the conversation between Caitir and the Kobolds take a turn more diplomatic, Iradyiel relaxes a little and returns his arrow to the quiver. When Caitir begins to head their way, he nods to Dhavic and follows Kunala out of the copse of trees. As Caitir explains her conversation with them, Iradyiel watches over his shoulder at the little lizards. Finally rubbing his chin, "If you think we can trust them Caitir, I'm good with helping them. But eventually we're going to need to come to an understanding with them of what is and isn't acceptable behavior in relationship to the people in the area." Looking back at the Kobolds for a moment, he asks, "Did they know where the bandit camp is at?"
Dhavik sheaths his blade as Caitir approaches and informs the group about the stolen statue and the mite war. Nodding when Iradyiel says Did they know where the bandit camp is at? “If they know where the bandit camp is at, we could use the kobolds to ambush the bandits. Even if they gain reinforcements, a kobold tribe helping clear it out will be less chance of our own blood being shed.” Dhavik makes his way to free his horse.
As the five of you are discussing, the kobolds begin chattering between themselves.
Nothing overly important. Mainly about gaining prestige when it comes to killing all the mites, ending the war, and getting back the statue. A small argument begins with who will present Chief Sootscale with the statue when they arrive back at their cave.
Mirana gives Caitir a stern look as she frowns at Caitir "You probably shouldn't have agreed to something without running it past everyone else first. It does now put us in an awkward situation at having to sidestep an obligation you agreed to" she admonishes.
Mirana wasn't too upset about the whole thing, and she knew that options were limited due to the language gap, but she wished the timeframes had been worked out before hand.
"Caitir, can you translate for me? I think its better if an adjustment to their initial request are recommended by someone other than yourself so that they can continue to trust your word".
Caitir nods at Iradyiel's comments. "I tend to agree, but I don't see them as a particularly rogue faction at the moment. Helping get the statue though will hopefully lead to a friendly relationship though. Best case scenario, we learn to co-exist. Worst case scenario, we help them and they help us establish a foothold in the area...and then we deal with any problems later down the road."
Caitir scowls a little at Mirana's comments, but does see the wisdom in letting someone else kick up a fuss over the agreement instead of herself. She listens to what Mirana instructs her to say, before translating for the kobolds.
"My friends here, are happy to lend our assistance towards taking care of your mite problem, as agreed. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a significant time problem. My friends want to eliminate the bandit tribe within these parts, but they are expecting six reinforcements over the next two days. If we leave to attack the mites now, it make sour job almost impossible by the time gets back" Caitir remarks almost sadly, before brightening slightly. "My friend Mirana though recommended some options. [b]"If you want, you could help us eliminate the bandit tribe now. They are weak now, vulnerable and its the best time to strike. Alternatives, we could leave and go to the mites and attack the bandits later. The bandits will be stronger though, which increases the risk that someone who takes part in the raid or attack might get hurt. My friend wanted to know if you had a preference between the two options, since you might not be aware that bandit tribe will be much much stronger in a few days if we delay."
The Kobolds react to Caitir in a flurry of chirping and angry finger pointing
“Why do we trust her? She is backing out of our agreement!” … “We help her after mites like she agreed to.”
One of the kobolds quiets the others and talks to Caitir
“You agreed to help us. Once you get us magic statue our tribe will help you get rid of these bandits. More of us than them. You agree, you do!”
The one that spoke up accents its last statement as it points to the ground and stands silent.
Dhavik glairs at the one speaking and shakes his head as he grips his sheathed blade.
"No-one is backing out" Caitir says smoothly but firmly, putting on her most charming tone. "My friend was just conscious that the bandits would be tougher to handle if we wait until later. She was worried about the increased risk to members of your tribe that would help us. She just wanted to give you the option is all. Seeing as you are willing to wait until later to handle the bandits, why don't you lead us on towards the mites and we can both help each other."
Watching as the Kobolds seems to get riled up, finger pointing and chirping angerly, Kunala sees Iradyiel shift his bow and Dhavik grips his pommel. Resting his hand on his brothers shoulder he catches Dhavik's eye, giving a slight shake to his head. Relieved to see one of the Kobolds quieting the others, Kunala whispers to the others, "Stay calm, Caitir knows what she's doing. She will do what's best for us, Whatever she arranges we can work with."
Caitir’s response to the “leader” of the group earns a nod from it as it turns towards his companions and begins speaking. Then turns to Caitir and repsonds.
Dhavik’s tension is still present, but he follows the head shake from Kunala and moves his hand from his pommel to his hip.
“We head to the mites, let’s go.”
Turning to Caitir “You keep your word, we keep our word. You follow.”
The kobolds begin to walk past the five of you, not giving any of you a distrustful look. You can tell the change in direction. You know you were to go west/southwest and now you are heading directly south.
The party led by the kobolds make their way through the forest for a brief period of time before emerging from the forest to see rolling hills and not the flat plains near Oleg’s Trading Post.
Once on out of the trees and underbrush Dhavik mounts his horse and continues riding. "If this is a journey these kobolds make regularly they do not need to walk themselves. As much as I don't want it, should we offer to give them a ride and speed this process up? They do have little legs..."
You are not sure about these kobolds. Their excitement of retrieving the magic statue makes you believe they are willing to help you with your bandit problem. But, you also know that some creatures and people would say anything to get what they want.
Caitir gives Dhavik's comments consideration before shaking her head slightly. "I don't think so. They appear to be largely independent anyway - and apparently prickly enough to be suspicious of anything we recommend regardless if our intent. We might as well proceed in a manner they feel most comfortable and have a smoother journey overall."
'well, that was abrupt.' Realizing the Kobolds were done speaking as they picked up their baskets and headed out. Shrugging, Kunala quickly mounts his sorrel mare, and follows after. Moving the horses single file through the underbrush, Once they transition out of the woods, he trots the mare up beside Caitir. Turning as Dhavik inquires about offering the Kobolds a ride, 'Keep them comfortable, not a bad idea.' he nods when Caitir answers.
Later, he leans over and asks Caitir. "Did they say where we are going? I don't mind helping them, but I would like to speak to someone actually in charge before we do so." He gestures towards the one who had done most of the talking. "That one seems like it wants to be in charge, but let's face it, they were sent to collect radishes. I doubt if any of them have the authority to make treaties."
Seeing the kobolds moving, Iradyiel quickly get's to his horse and mounts up. Waiting a second, he let's the others get to their horses, but he moves the mare forward, so he is the horse nearest to the kobolds. As the forest opens to rolling hills, he slows down a bit so Miriana can join him, smilling he observes, "Beautiful country."
When Dhavik asks about offering the kobolds a ride, Irdyiel scratches his head, nodding as Caitir answers, He shrugs his shoulders. "It would be quicker, which would mean less days we have to camp with these little guys. Not sure how much I trust them while I'm sleeping."
Caitir leans back, letting the wind push her hair backwards as they continued to ride at a slow pace. At Kunala's comment she turns and half smiles in his direction.
"You raise a good point and I'm thinking along similar lines, having a bit of a pessimist view on things. I doubt they have the authority to make treaties, but equally, if we prove ourselves capable of defeating the mites and regaining a station the kobolds have so far been unable to claim back for themselves - I think it tells their chief that we are formidable at the very least. I think we should absolutely be on guard and ready for a possible betrayal - I think that would be practical - but I do think its worth trying this and seeing if we can open up diplomacy before we start slicing off heads."
Nodding, Kunala pat's the mares neck, "I guess the question is if we should retrieve the item then meet the leader with it in hand." He looks from Caitir to Iradial and Mirana. "Or meet the leader first and work out some kind of deal."
I'd prefer that we meet with the leader with the item in hand" Mirana responds, after giving the query a moments thought."Call me old fashioned, but I tend to prefer bargaining from a position of strength, and having something they want might help. I'm also not sure if these kobolds would be particularly accommodating enough to let us visit their chief without first proving ourselves. They seem a paranoid bunch - and thats putting it mildly."
'Item in hand, I can live with that.' Iradyiel nods at Mirana's recomendation. then smiles. "I'm ok if we get the item first. But if these guys are jerks about it, do we get to keep it?"
He jestures back to Dhavik, "Should we send Dhavik back to the trading post to let them know what we are doing? Just in case the bandits decide to head that way once they realize there people arn't coming back?"
Keep the magic statue? Is he serious? Sending Dhavik back, might be a good idea.' Kunala waits to here the ladies opinion of letting Dhavik return. He then changes the topic a little. "Hey Caitir, I pick up languages pretty quick, do you think you could teach me draconic?"
Your conversation continues on as you follow the Kobolds across this hilly grassland. The cool breeze that you were feeling within the forest has picked up as you leave the slight protection of the trees. Along with the breeze picking up, you notice clouds starting to roll in.
It looks like it is going to rain, but thankfully you can tell the worse is going to miss you.
Dhavik chimes in; “I know I’m along for the ride for when we get to the bandits, but I agree with Mirana for what it is worth. Having the thing they want will make them see we are not a force to mess with, and possibly someone they will want to ally with for protection. They” pointing to the Kobolds. “know more than we could imagine about these lands. They might think they would be gaining the biggest benefit from allying themselves with us, but their knowledge is far more valuable that what we can provide.” Looking off to where they are heading; “Just don’t let them know it.”
You ride on for a few hours and the clouds that started to roll in brought a drizzle of rain along with it. Just enough to cause an annoyance. The Kobolds act as if nothing is happening, where Dhavik pulls out a cloak and puts it on pulling up the hood.
The kobold that seemed to take charge points north.
“We go this way to a cave. Rest for the night and get dry.”
As he quits speaking, he turns in the direction that he had pointed and continues to lead the group onward.
"If the guys are complete jerks then yes, we keep the item. Likewise if they decide to cause us trouble down the line then we wipe them off the map. I'm completely happy to open up strong, peaceful relationships with the creatures who already call this land home, but I won't tolerate those that go back on their word.".
Mirana folds her arms firmly before turning her mind to Dhavik's situation. "Id prefer Dhavik stay. The more numbers we have, the less likely we are to be betrayed by these kobolds and the more likely this is to work. Besides, you never know, we might run across that bandit on the way here and an extra pair of hands could prove useful."
Caitir nods at the kobolds and translates for the others.
"They want us to rest for the night, and perhaps let the weather pass over us. They don't seem to be bothered by the weather, so perhaps this is their attempt at being understanding - or perhaps they just hide things really well. I'd suggest we take watches though just in case - even if the kobolds dont try anything, I don't imagine we would be the only things in this forest that would view a dark cave as a nice place to ride out a wet night."
At Kunala's question, Caitir smiles slightly. "I'll be happy to teach you the basics - its beats me having to translate all the time. Its a pretty straightforward language to learn - I don't have much talent for them and picked it up off an old text. If someone like me can learn it, I'm sure it won't take you too long to pick it up."
'Dhavik is right, they would be knowledgeable.' Smiling when Dhavik says "Just don't let them know it." Kunala turns to Mirana, 'Wipe them off the map? I hope it doesn't come to that, and she would rather Dhavik stay with us.' Nodding with Mirana, he finally chimes in. "Hopefully it won't come to wiping them out, but we will need to keep ourselves and those coming here safe." Turning back to Dhavik, "I think she's right, a show of strength here would be best."
'Looks like rain.' As the clouds roll in, Kunala reaches back and pulls his cloaks hood up over his head and secures it around his shoulders. Smiling as Caitir agrees to teach him draconic. he smiles, glancing at Iradile, "Thanks! It will be nice to spend some time doing something a little more academic."
Riding through the rain, the smell of wet horse filling his nostrils he reaches up and pats the mare on the neck. "Sorry we don't have a nice barn to put you in girl." When he hears the kobolds chirping, and Caitir explanes, he nods in agreement. "Your totally right, a night watch would be prudent. Hopefully their cave will be big enough for all of us," He quickly adds, "And high enough to stand up!"
'I wonder if it's going to be a bad storm?' Looking at the clouds, Iradyiel shrugs, he listens to the others talk about the Kobolds, the magical item and whether Dhavik stays our goes. Finally nodding towards their guides. "Did they ever say what the magical Item was?"
As it starts to drizzle Iradyiel leans his head back opening his mouth wide trying to catch the rain in his mouth, occasionally rubbing the water on his face, then drying his hands on his cloak. turning to the others he smiles wide, "If it rains enough, won't need to take a bath right?"
When Kunala comments about 'academic' activities, Iradyiel rolls his eyes, and responds, "Great, then you can talk too much to them too. I thought we were trying to avoid them hating us!"
"Whether it rains or not, Mirana will probably still insist on bathing with her Create Water spell" Caitir remarks, rolling her eyes as her friend sticks out her tongue at her in amusements.
"As for the magical item, I don't believe they specified what it was - just a statue. It might have magical powers, or it might be significant for religious or cultural reasons. We might know more when we lay eyes on it."
Dhavik listens to the four of you going on; “I’ve always liked being talked about as if I’m not standing right here. Must be the Orc half of me that doesn’t include me in the conversation. Strength in numbers is probably the best, but I ask if the numbers are worth dying for.” Dhavik pulls his cloak a little tighter and rides closer to the kobolds.
The kobolds lead on a spot where there is a slight rock formation that juts out causing a natural ceiling. Not what you would call a cave, or even a spacious spot to rest, but it is out of the rain. Cramped as it might be. An audible grunt comes Dhavik as he dismounts and begins taking the saddle and bags off of his horse.
The kobolds point and crawl under the ledge and make themselves comfortable. Once you make your way under, you can see where the ceiling and charred from fire and smoke marking this as a regular camping spot.
“I can take second watch when it is the darkest or last watch. Whatever you four decide.” Dhavik says.
You hear the kobolds chattering about trusting the five of you and who is going to take watch. Also talk about being hungry and if there is any more dried meat to go with the radishes.
Dhavik listens to the four of you going on; “I’ve always liked being talked about as if I’m not standing right here. Must be the Orc half of me that doesn’t include me in the conversation..."
'Dhavik is right, they would be knowledgeable.' Smiling when Dhavik says "Just don't let them know it."... Turning back to Dhavik, "I think she's right, a show of strength here would be best."
'A magical statue, curious that it's valuable to both kobolds and mites..' Listening as Caitir explains what the Kobolds had told her about the statue, Kunala nods, "Your right, they probably don't want to tell us too much. but we'll know more once we find it."'Numbers are worth dying for? Does he mean hear or back at he fort?' Not sure about Dhavik's meaning, he looks back at the half-orc, raising an eyebrow. "In what sense Dhavik?"
'Well at least it's high enough to stand under.' Smiling as Dhavik grunts, Kunala dismounts and bends over, hands on his back, trying to stretch out. He then pulls the saddle and bridle off of the sorrel mare, lying her halter to a nearby sapling. Carrying the Saddle back under the overhang, he drops it the opposite side of where the kobolds have camped. Speaking to no one inparticular, "At least we can stay dry here."
Nodding when Dhavik offers to take a watch, Kunala smiles, "Thanks, Dhavik, I take the next to the last watch, I'll have Iradyiel wake both of us, that will give me someone to talk to."