Zelaria's page

"I am slight enough that you can follow me on my mule," Zelaria volunteers with a smile. She nods at Kharia's suggestion. "I'll fetch her and the slings and shot and meet you here."

In addition to the shot, Zelaria will purchase a pair of saddlebags, if available, to maintain her various gear off her person, and replace the days of trail rations and feed that she and her mount have already eaten.

((Slings x3, - 0 gp
Sling bullets x5 (50) - 5sp, 25 lbs
Saddlebags - 4gp, 8 lbs
Trail Rations x2 - 1gp, 2 lbs
Animal feed 2 days - 2cp))

Zelaria speaks to her mule about magical theory in Thassalonian as she leads it and her various purchases back to the the Rusty Dragon in a calming tone, and pets her muzzle and flank affectionately while they wait.

Zelaria enhanced Handle Animal 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Zelaria sighs. 'Therein lies the danger of specialization,' she recognizes, having little else but her own protective magics to make use of in the trials ahead.

"If both are taking slings, I suppose I could be troubled to maintain one as well. For all my abilities with the staff," she chuckles and touches her quarterstaff, merely decorative in nature, "I do not think it exceedingly intelligent to throw myself at the mercy of dead men. I should only hope that my aim with sling shot will be good enough to assist, and not simply pose a detriment to you all."

Zelaria giggles a bit at the Warden's slow struggle to rise, feeling blessed by Desna with the intellect to recognize her physical limits and never having fallen into the cycle of imbibing to sickness. She sits quietly while Kharia says grace over the food, silently observing the woman's faith when not confronted with with an alternative perspective.

After the Warden and Caiden have managed to hold down some food, Zelaria speaks, and quietly, mindful of their condition.

"I have no knowledge of undead," she says. "Kharia, will enchantment magics be helpful against them in the least?"

Zelaria manages a faint smile and looks to Caiden. "I should think that if we find them, provided it is in a place that our mounts can follow, I should be able to protect them with my spells at the least."

"That depends entirely upon the priestess," Zelaria answers. "And Caiden," she adds after a moment's thought. "Though I am confident in my very limited magical prowess, I've no knowledge of the undead. However, I believe it safe to assume that my enchantment magics will not affect creatures without a mind."

Zelaria frowns and considers the inebriated warden and sighs. "If Kharia can be roused so early in the morning, I will meet you here. If not, it would be best not to be seen dawdling in my mother's house while Sandru-" Zelaria arrests herself and colors slightly. "Happy hunting, Lady," she says and offers Shalelu a somewhat awkward grin.

Zelaria says goodbye to Ameiko before retiring to the house she shares with her family. She will light a lamp before she goes to bed. In the morning she will spend the quarter hour required to meditate on the mysteries of the arcane speaking in Thassalonian with her eyes closed to restore her spells, then hurry to the cathedral and hopefully entice Kharia into joining her at the Rusty Dragon with an offer to buy her breakfast.

((OOC, hope your holidays with your family were merry and bright, and continue to be through the New Year!))

"I would expect no less of the priestess," Zelaria says to Ameiko and winks. "The masterful way that she greets men in their own homes is ever so... reserved," she jests.

"I regret that we did not bring the box. It was stuck in the mire," Zelaria replies to Ameiko's questioning.

When Ameiko goes back to the bar, Zelaria peers at the map that Shalelu is drawing, occasionally looking to see that Caiden and the Warden's revelry has not yet been exhausted. While her contribution to their victory could not be denied, the magics that forestalled the goblins scarcely outweighed the warriors that dispatched the monsters. The true heroes of Sandpoint.

"There was a creature at the Warden's home," she tells the elven warrior while she draws, "a monster capable of disguising himself as the Warden. Perhaps of anyone," she says and bites her lower lip. "Might Old Megus have succeeded in producing him?"

Husband's last dental procedure was Monday. He's stopped taking the pain meds so things are still a bit tense. Hope your holidays are looking well.

Have been rather occupied with my husband lately. He's going through rounds of getting a root canal and bounces between being coherent, in a lot of pain, and soaring on freakishly large pain killers.

Zelaria spares a glance for Caiden's cheerfulness, and produces the fan fro her belt pouch before handing it to Shalelu.

"Seems like so little," Zelaria says and gestures to Caiden with a nod. "If not for magic, it would have been Gutwad telling that story to his warriors and generations of his monstrous kin."

Zelaria waves Ameiko over. "Have the heroes of Sandpoint already drunk their bounty?" she asks. "There was a box at the site, where the fan and others were found. I did not see the use in bringing the thing itself, but I thought you might be familiar with the figures that were painted on its surface."

Zelaria will attempt to recall the details of the box 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 and reproduce them with the Prestidigitation spell.

"Soon. Likely tomorrow," Zelaria answers. "I will meet Caiden at the Dragon to discuss a map we found with Shalelu."

Zelaria manages a pained smile. "I've a mount, and food. There's very little else I could need," she demurs at his offer of aide, then rises. "I will notify Belor of our arrangement when next I see him."

"Good evening, Mama," she says and offers the elder woman a kiss on her cheek. "I'll not be out too late," she promises before starting towards the tavern.

Zelaria blushes when Sandru refers to her as family, more than a little frustrated. "It may at that. And it should please you to learn that my magics were instrumental in defeating the tribe," she says softly. "Gutwad himself was besotted with me, till Caiden hacked at his head. If you wish it, you will have your... investment, and more when I receive my share of the bounty."

Zelaria speaks the last while drumming her tattooed fingertips against the water glass.

"You've greater claim to it than I. Were it not for these markings, I doubt we would have succeeded. The spells allowed critical time to assess the threat and our surroundings and retreat when it was necessary."

Being out in those times is completely understandable. I'll give my lady a read over and refamiliarize myself with her.

Hope everything worked out well.

It is good. I had a horrible time getting home with the closure of Newark Airport. I had 3 different flight iteneraries in six hours, and my bags are still in London.

I could easily use a week of rest after everything. Take your time.

"Is she?" Zelaria wonders dramatically, and taps her jawline with her tattooed fingertips. "I should answer 'yes,' although considering her mission, it is wicked of me to say so. She has no discernible tact or wisdom," Zelaria continues, "while Caiden and I waited on the Warden's stoop, she went ranging several hours ahead - alone!"

Zelaria sighs. "Pray forgive my impertinence. Surely Desna lights the young woman's path, as She does mine, but Kharia was hardly a pleasant conversational partner. The same could be said for Caiden," Zelaria recognizes.

"What is to be said for a warrior? He defended us ably, and appeared to take no joy in the killing. He listens well to instruction, which I am sure is a boon to my brother..."

Zelaria accepts a cup of tea and is grateful for the pause created by 'cooling' the beverage with her breath. The warmth of the cup itself is comforting, and the scent... much greater than Warden Proudstump's ale or the swamps.

"Is Sandru still angry with me?" Zelaria asks of Sandru. "I am not certain how long I will remain in the city, but I might assist him with the merchants. We found evidence of undead in the swamps which is... troubling to say the least. We are to meet Shalelu later, Caiden and I to discuss the map we found in the goblin village."

((Playing that Zelaria is not particularly 'heroic' in that she's going to sit there and recount how her magics essentially saved the day, or willing to go into detail about how the goblins were routed out, or worry her mother that she was in danger.))

((Zelaria will take coin as well. Even split would be 107 gp, correct?)).

Zelaria accompanies Caiden to the stables to furnish Daviren Hosk with the remainder of the sum he required for the purchase of her mule ((1 gp, although she will give him the full 5 for the standard price to stable the creature for her)), and to let the poor creature rest comfortably and inside for a night. She casts Prestidigitation on herself and Caiden as they walk, freshening their clothes and at the very least lending herself a scent of apple blossoms which is no obnoxious.

"Will you demonstrate how to care for her?" Zelaria inquires with a smile, cleaving close to him in a flirtatious way. She flips her hair near knee length auburn hair out and giggles. "As you can likely tell, I've no small amount of experience with a brush."

Zelaria will remain to learn the basics of attending to the mule's needs, if Daviren will instruct her, wishing to do as right by the animal as possible considering her complete lack of skill with them.

"I will meet you at the Dragon shortly," Zelaria tells Caiden before they part. "I thought I should inform Koya that I have returned safely rather than her hearing it from the Sheriff, or any other mouth before mine."

Zelaria sighs as she turns home. Is Momma like to be cross with me still? she wonders, her feet seeming much heavier here than they ever were in the swamps. And Sandru... Zelaria colors and shakes her head. Engrossed in the mystery of the swamps, she had not allowed herself much thought for her brother, save for that this mission would square her debt to him. It was curious, but though failure had never crossed her mind, the ramifications of success had not, either. How might she open a conversation? The magics contained within make me irresistible to monsters? Don't worry, I only hurt myself when I fell? Zelaria giggles and knocks politely on Koya's front door before trying the door and entering her own house.

"Kharia has neglected to mention that the goblin compound was impregnated before we arrived, but what seemed to be the dead," Zelaria volunteers. "And this map we discovered," she folds out the fan for Sheriff Balor and shows him the points indicated, "shows that the whomever made it had two separate points of interest in the swamp aside from the goblin village. We, however, thought it prudent to return to you and inform you of all that had transpired, and seek guidance. We would speak with Ameiko concerning a few articles we found within," Zelaria snaps the fan shut, "this fan notwithstanding.

"Also," Zelaria adds and blushes, "I am bereft of magics and did not fancy spending another night in the swamps, especially not with shelter. Whatever attacked the camp left the gate and several doors of the huts in shambles."

Zelaria shakes her head. "Would you be aware if my brother has moved on, Sheriff?"

"Compelling, yes... but naught else," Zelaria agrees with a soft smile. Zelaria taps her tattooed cheek with her tattooed fingertips. "You may sooner thank my brother when we return. It was the coin I stole from him that purchased these tattoos, which bolster my innate magics," she answers and then sighs. "Without them, I am quite useless."

Zelaria pauses and colors slightly, snaking a glance at Caiden, Warden Proudstump, and finally Kharia herself. "When you are not healing, Sister, you can still threaten with your bow. Without Rutherford, Caiden still has his shield and sword, and the Warden will always have his skill with the bow. Without magics I am... scarcely support," Zelaria laughs nervously.

Its alright. Take all the time you need.

((Zelaria, for now, will add the contents of the chest to her "inventory." She actually intends to give them to Ameiko for appraisal, but she'll effectively be carrying them. She cannot lift the chest, and since it is ruined, she will not attempt to bring it, but will describe its appearance to Ameiko later, if there is any significance to the symbols.))

"Your service is much appreciated, Sister. If those weapons are in your hands, they are out of others," Zelaria comforts Kharia with a smile. "I am also looking forward to quitting these accommodations."

"This garbage is of little inherent value," Zelaria says to Warden Proudstump concerning the goblin's dogslicers, armor and shields. "I believe that their ears will fetch a better price, and are less cumbersome to transport. The bows, however, and the arrows can be useful. I will assist with the disposal of the refuse."

Zelaria assists tossing the ratty leathers, shields and dog slicers into the pond. She does not tell any of the others about the map for now, believing that getting lost in the swamp attempting to find these things is detrimental to everyone. She would rather return to Sandpoint and discuss these points and the information with Balor, and Shalelu. Additionally, she is completely without offensive capabilities and worries about spending the night in the swamps with undead about.

Zelaria is first to get her priorities in order. "Caiden, take the chief's head. We'll need it as proof of the bounty," she says efficiently, then looks to Kharia and Warden Proudstump. "Sister, Master, I will assist you in searching the chief's hut for what may remain of the fireworks stores, but we'll not remain here any longer than is needed. We should try to return to Sandpoint this evening, and warn the sheriff."

Zelaria Perception to search Gutwad's hut 1d20 ⇒ 17

((this is of course assuming that we've the mules to ride back to Sandpoint without the compound somewhere. Or did we leave them at the Warden's house?))

Round One

Zelaria moves to where Caiden is ((assuming that she can)) and assist him with his melee attacks.

Zelaria to Aide in Melee to hit AC 10 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10 success, if it is possible Caiden will gain +2 to his melee hit

If this is not possible, she will at the very least move out of the hut to observe and wait on her turn.

"Caiden, can Rutherford attack without your direction?" she wonders aloud.

Round 2

If it is possible Zelaria will move up to Caiden to assist with his melee attack, again.

Zelaria to Aide in Melee to hit AC 10 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11 success

((Ah, I would not worry too much. Every RPG has its combat elements. If it were full story, it would get rather monotonous. That said, hope "level" comes soon so Zelaria gets some offensive capability. And when/if Caiden comes back, he'll be wanting to use his Cav to its full capability, I assume.))

"Should have closed those doors!" Zelaria growls in frustration. She is unable to do anything this round, as Walthus is blocking the door, and recognizes that only the ranged combatants have the slightest chance to bring the chief down, now.

Round One vs. Gutwad

Zelaria moves out of the way of Kharia's bow, and uses her standard action to assume a total defensive stance.

Round Two vs. Gutwad((If needed)

Zelaria will retain her total defensive stance.

Zelaria looks to Caiden. "We'll not be able to understand him, even if we put him to the question," she says to him. "When you threaten him, the spell will end. I will stay behind you, and lend you support."

Zelaria will move behind Caiden and continue to assist him to cut Gutwad down.

"This is a conundrum," Zelaria agrees. She recognizes that Warden Proudstump and Kharia have left in pursuit of the remaining goblins, and does not wish to initiate an attack against Chief Gutwad and break his enchantment while she and Caiden are alone in the hut.

"Keep your wits about you, Caiden. I do not wish to open this while our companions are away. I hope the enchantment holds until they return."

Zelaria moves into the room and steps close to Chief Gutwad without threatening him in the least. Her one "reasonable" request of the goblin chief is:

"Please tell me where the fireworks are."

After that, she will allow Walthus, Kharia and Caiden to cut down any survivors.

Round Two

Free Action to speak to party: "The Chief is enchanted. Do NOT attack him!"

Having exhausted her offensive capabilities for the day, Zelaria will attempt to assist Caiden with his swings, and once again just barely manages to assist, granting him +2 to his next melee attack.

Zelaria to Aide Another to hit AC 10 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

Round Three

Zelaria will continue the trend, moving with Caiden and assisting him to dispose of the lesser goblins, but her luck runs out.

Zelaria to Aide Another to hit AC 10 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Zelaria moves to a position from which she can see inside, but not be seen by the goblins, and casts her final Hypnotism for the day to affect 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5 worth of creatures for 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 rounds, Will Saving Throw DC 16.

"That is why we do this intelligently," Zelaria answers. "Tie a length of rope to the handle of the door ((assuming that there are handles)), and the other end to Rutherford's saddle, and instruct him to move. The force of an animal pulling on it should at least be equal to whatever force was required to completely shatter the doors to the smaller huts. Caiden stands before me, ready to defend us from any assault that may come from within, and I have my last spell ready to neutralize any threat. If that is not good enough... I do not know what else to say, because archery is not going to be an advantage in close quarters."

((No problem. Real life comes first.))

Zelaria touches her upper lip with the tip of her tongue and considers the situation carefully.

"The warriors with their fireworks were not in the least stealthy. Whatever lies within has enough sense to have barred the door against us, and did not assist in the attack," she says. Her eyes narrow as she considers the assault they routed. "Their forces were scattered, and sloppy, not directed. They pursued us when we retreated from their shelter. If," Zelaria continues and looks to the barred doors of the hut. "If Chief Gutwad were within, why did he not direct his tribe to withstand us? They had every advantage and they pursued us!"

Zelaria will suggest that the group sweep and clear the huts in numerical order as they are designated on the map, as it will allow us to watch the walkways for any stragglers. She will insist that Walthus goes behind Caiden, as it seems that Kharia is unwilling to complete the task that we have signed on for, for whatever reason. Although I wonder why if one has found evidence of possible undeads she would not want to discover if there is more, as they are also a viable threat to the city.

Zelaria Sense Motive (Kharia) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"Bone?" Zelaria repeats incredulously. "How would anything living leave bone, but no-" Zelaria arrests herself, her mouth forming an silent "O."

Zelaria recovers quickly. "Warden, from this position, would we be able to return to Sandpoint before dark?" she inquires. "We need to gather as much information as possible here, and report our findings to the Sheriff."

"Warden, Kharia, can you find any sign of who or what broke the gate?" Zelaria wonders. She keeps her eyes on the compound for now, intent to recognize any further sign of danger. "We know what some fireworks still remain here, or should. If the assault was not meant to claim the bounty on these creatures, or their weapons, then why?"

{{Since this tactic is working much better than standing in the middle of the town getting ambushed...))

Round 3

Zelaria will remain in her place, except she will draw her quarterstaff to protect herself as her move action, and then use her standard action to take a full defensive stance again.

Round 4

If more goblins have appeared to threaten, less than 3, Zelaria will remain in place delay her action to cast Hypnotism to affect 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5 HD worth of creatures for 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 rounds. ((for the purposes of the exercise, a sizable group is no less than 6, and no greater than 8. She does not want Caiden or Rutherford to suffer, she just cannot afford to waste her magics.))

If no more goblins appear, she will suggest that Caiden and Rutherford retreat to Kharia for some healing before we continue, as his mount is our only real advantage in this fight.

Round One

Zelaria will move 30 feet forward, and use her standard action to take a full defensive stance for the +4 dodge bonus to her AC.

Round Two

Zelaria will move forward 20 feet, or so that the gate area is within range of her magics and cast Hypnotism to affect 2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4 HD worth of creatures for 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5 rounds. Will Saving Throw is DC 16.

((Because of the alternate actions, I am not certain if Zelaria currently has Mage Armor cast on herself. If not, this is the third 1st level spell that she has cast, and has 1 remaining for the day. Also, my games are not going to require all that much effort. They do and they don't. Combat obviously is going to take a little more time than most, but I am able to post at least once a day nearly every day.))

((Change of tactics))

The gate, broken from the inside! It was not something trying to get in, rather someone trying to escape! Zelaria recognizes at this point. There must be a more intelligent way than to simply slaughter them all. We are not many, and our arrows are not infinite...

Zelaria's mind races. The advantage the goblins have is height with their homes on stilts, which makes only Caiden on Rutherford able to engage them in melee. Sooner rather than late, he would tire... And with their height advantage, Rutherford could not attack. They might retreat, but, how far? It did not appear as though their fireworks had such great distances. By comparison, Kharia and her bow-

"We must retreat," Zelaria says to her companions. "Their advantage here is too great, but if we draw them to the ground, Rutherford will be able to assist us. Warden, Sister, your bows very likely have greater range than their fireworks."

((Sorry its taken me so long to respond. I assumed responsibility as a GM for a Carrion Crown game here on the boards and was setting things up for that, then ran combat for my KM group this morning, and hardware failure on my gaming laptop put me out for a few hours.))

Round 3

Zelaria uses her move action to climb down the ladder and onto the ground, and a second move action to take a full defensive stance for +4 to her base AC for 15.

Round 4

If the combined might of Caiden, Kharia and Warden Proudstump have not succeeded in taking out the trio of goblins, Zelaria will cast Mage Armor to protect herself so that she can be a little more mobile.

or

If ((or when)) more goblins arrive to threaten the group that are not fascinated Zelaria will move into range if it is safe to and cast Hypnotism to affect 2d4 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7 worth of creatures for 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 rounds.

They still possess the fireworks! Then what manner of scene was staged here? Zelaria seethes.

Round One

As the trio of goblins are currently out of range of her magics, Zelaria will spend her first round taking a total defense stance and observe whether or not more members of this trio have fireworks on them.

Round Two

If the two remaining goblins have fireworks on them, and they have not moved from their position on the walkway, Zelaria will move passed Warden Proudstump and climb down the ladder beside where Caiden is currently ((assuming he will move up to attack)).

If the goblins move into range, Zelaria will cast Hypnotism ((creatures do not need to understand the caster to be affected by this effect)) to affect 2d4 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7 HD worth of creatures for 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5 rounds, Will Saving Throw DC 16.

Zelaria takes up a position behind Warden Proudstump, so that she has line of sight to whatever is going to attack Caiden, suddenly very thankful that she has not yet touched on her best spells. She does not wish to cramp Kharia at the window.

((Daze is only 3/day because it is tied to the Varisian Tattoo, not a cantrip Zelaria "knows." I honestly did not see it getting all that much use in the game, but I am trying to be conservative with "the big guns" not knowing what is going to be out there later.))

Round 4

Zelaria will use a free action to thank Kharia, then move closer to Warden Proudstump and target the only goblin who has not been affected by her Daze hoping that Caiden and Rutherford and the other martial combatants can drop the goblins in this round.

Round 5 if there is a need

Zelaria attack roll to aid Caiden 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Zelaria moves forward to assist Caiden, whose sword sometimes has trouble finding purchase in his next strike and utilizing the ability to aid another with their attack, makes the required AC 10 to grant Caiden a +2 to his next attack roll. ((Just barely *laughs*))

((Oh darn. That's my bad for not reading more carefully. Move the round 3 action of jumping off the walkway up to round 2, then, so I can actually do something if the archers don't waste the goblins on their turn. Sorry about that.))

Round 2

Seeing as there is only one goblin within range of her magics, on her second round, Zelaria will attempt to Daze the same creature again, Will Saving Throw DC 15.

Round 3

If Caiden has taken damage again, Zelaria will use one move action to jump off the walkway and roll to avoid taking damage from the fall with untrained Acrobatics check ((if required)) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 and take a second move action ((if allowed)) to move near Warden Proudstump so as to be seen by the goblins. If she falls and is prone, she will spend her second move action to stand back up and take no other action.

If Caiden has not taken any damage, and it appears as though the two archers are effectively backing him this round, Zelaria will cast Daze for the final time this day and reserve her more powerful spells for potentially more dangerous encounters.

If the door to the walkway connecting the watchtower and all the huts is currently open...

Zelaria will move out onto the walkway so that she is essentially standing 10 feet from the center of the burn pile, and closer to the goblin threat, and cast Daze on the nearest goblin. The will saving throw DC against Zelaria's Daze is 15.

If the door to the walkway connecting the watchtower and all the huts is currently closed...

Zelaria will open the door and move out onto the walkway so that she is standing 10 feet from the center of the burn pile. ((two move actions))

Zelaria touches her lips as she stares at the carrion pile, her eyes wide and her stomach rolling with nausea. The gate broken from the inside!

"This was a slaughter," Zelaria whispers. "Likely... likely professional mercenaries barred the gate from without, and went about to each house..." Zelaria shivers and moisture stands out on her eyes. It as if her nightmares have come to life. She steps away from the smoking carrion pile, and looks to the guard's huts.

"If...' she begins, her voice strained, "if there were any sign that whomever led the assault was not wholly disciplined, we may find some guards within those. Should there be any sentries there, they could provide some manner of clue as to who these hunters were." Certainly there would have to be more than one!

"Kharia, if you will come with me to the towers, you can provide cover at range for us all, and Caiden and Warden Proudstump can investigate the burned hut? I... do not wish to ignore the homes, but, I cannot at this moment bring myself to investigate them further. Nor do I find it intelligent for us to be out of sight to each other for so long to do a proper search."

((Sorry to hear Caiden. Be safe.))

((I look forward to it.))

((Sounds fair to me. I've done the same, recently in my KM game for a guy who disappeared when Irene hit the East Coast. It's been two weeks now? Not a single post. He's NPC status until the group gets back to Oleg's trade post, I've posted several times, and I've already got a replacement lined up for him. Is sad when it happens, but it does.))

Zelaria surveys the scene, not in minute detail, but in broader context. The smashed gate, assuming no sound deafening magics were involved, the clan would have heard, sounded an alarm and likely fled, she muses.

This would have happened at night, likely. The burnt hut... Might that have been where the fireworks were stored? Would I sacrifice myself, Koya or Sandru for a weapon if our home was invaded?

Zelaria's eyes narrow on the whole hut with its door still intact.

"Where is the blood?" she inquires. "If this was a mercenary assault on this tribe, where are the bodies? The bounty calls for goblin ears, shouldn't there be some corpses about?

"Nay, look!" Zelaria almost hisses. "The burnt hut! Either the fireworks were burnt, or stolen and this scene is a display to make us believe that they were not!

"This scene was staged," Zelaria asserts confidently. "Like as not, there is another hunter in this mire. Or was. He tracked as well as you, Kharia, likely better, and came upon this compound when its raiders and defenders were away."

Zelaria pauses and looks to each one of her companions in turn. "Yes, proceed with caution, but if my suspicions are correct, we have little to fear here but terrified goblins likely hiding in that last hut," she says, and then clears her throat. "And whomever this hunter is," she quickly adds.Aye, even more from him and his group.

((Well, seeing as there was not much to talk about, I do not see a problem with the length. The beer was bad, but no polite person was gonna go "Warden, your beer absolutely sucks and I cannot believe that you'd poison us with this filth!" We figured out the guard order well enough and it is not as though we can or should be speaking during that. I am fine with the length.))

((To you and your family, as well. Hope you have had a nice long weekend.))

Zelaria takes dainty sips from the brew, and nods when Warden Proudstump agrees that the creature needs burning. "I will assist by gathering the wood. Best we burn this creature now, while light is still with us, than create a light his allies might be drawn to when dark falls," she says, grateful for a few moments of occupation for her lips that is not around her cup.

---

When Kharia returns hale, Zelaria stiffens in her seat on the porch. She had allowed herself to think of many horrible possibilities while the priestess was away. "Thank you for your diligence, Sister. In the future, however, I would ask that you inform us if you are going to be ranging so far. I've no talent for it, myself, but I did worry for you in the mists alone. And we did agree to work as a group to complete this task.

"Could you please tell me if there is another way to cross the river without swimming? I have no talent for it, and my arms and legs are weak besides. I do not wish to slow us down, but if either of you have any suggestion for how I might get across without drowning, I will welcome them."

---

"I will take whichever watch has the most amount of light," Zelaria volunteers. "My eyesight is extremely poor, and my hearing as well, we'd have absolutely no advantage if I were to stumble about in the dark with very few spells to defend myself. Also, I require a full nights rest to regain my abilities, and be of any use to you at all," she says and fails to hide a yawn behind her hand. "Oh, excuse me, my manners are extremely poor when I am over tired."
Zelaria will volunteer to assist anyone who is going out fishing. It is not particularly her thing, but it could be a good team building exercise, and a lesson in cooperating with each other.

---

Zelaria chuckles softly. "Aye, nor with you. Although, I have to wonder if you have been sent by my brother to ensure that I behave," she says, her violet eyes flashing with amusement.

She gestures with a nod to the wilds. "Kharia is an interesting specimen, no?" she inquires. "Having been raised by a priestess, I find that she is lacking many of the qualities my mother displays. Tact, for one," she giggles again, "though it could be said that discussing such things while she is away also qualifies me for that statement, as well."

Zelaria pauses a while and looks to the direction where Caiden dragged the monster. "I wish that we might have learned what that creatures allies were. But, what is done is done," she concludes, and then tilts her head and favors Caiden with a smile. "Has my brother informed you of my debts?"