"Ipsmotligmytngilhpn" Aden says muffled under the hand.
He looks at Irawaru shakes his head and rolls his eyes.
Hoku tries to remain unobtrusive. Perhaps even unnoticed.
Elohir's eyes remain unchanged by Hasnett's words and he continues to look around the jungle unblinking.
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Very stealthily, four men approach through the jungle. They are not as tall as the woman, somewhat over seven feet, and are clothed, armed, and armored. They do share her oddly pale complexion. More oddly, they appear identical to each other -- differences only in the gear. They wear armor evidently made from skin of reptiles such as the ones you fought, or similar. Two carry long spears, two carry extremely large bows, all four with something like flails in their belts.
The woman silently makes a complicated series of gestures to them, including some kind of message about the nine of you, as well as gesturing to the west -- where, now that it is pointed out, more strange, large reptiles are moving.
Seeing what is actually happening now, Elohir looks apologetically to the giantess and prepares himself for battle, pulling his magic rod from the bag at his side.
Hasnett moves as quietly as possible to ready her morningstar.
Hoku slips into the underbrush.
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There is suddenly a great uproar from the reptiles in the distance. Much thrashing about in the foliage, much roaring, some screaming, but it does not seem to be getting any closer.
The woman and the men, working by hand signals, try to move all of you into the brush on the other side of the trail, apparently for camouflage.
Hoku:
Pat
Pat** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
At least I rolled a good Stealth check.
Elohir follows the natives into the brush and does his best to conceal himself.
Hasnett gestures to the woman, trying to ask if their party should follow and help.
Elohir looks to Hasnett and the others. His eyes have returned to normal and he wears a sour expression on his face.
"If this is how they're going to be I would just as soon continue on to the volcano. We do not have time to be sitting around waiting for a hunting party to return. They cannot even answer any of our questions about the place. Picking apples and hiding in bushes does not aid our mission."
"They may have given us a little time. Let's move on"
Elohir pulls briars and whatever off of his clothes and follows Hasnett.
"I had hoped that would get us somewhere," he grumbles. "Between all of us here we could not find a single common language. This is a strange place indeed."
Hoku peers out of the greenery, sees no action, and decides to rejoin the group.
"Keep tellin' yer, spirit world. Got its own rules."
"Reptiles, large naked forms, I wonder if this trip will get any better. So just how long of hike are we in for? Was never that good at judging distances and time"
Elohir looks to the horizon, looks up to the sky, and tries to make an estimate using some quick geometry.
"Reptiles, large naked forms, I wonder if this trip will get any better. So just how long of hike are we in for? Was never that good at judging distances and time"
"What kind of "better" did you have in mind?"
"Something you could tell a story about", he smiles as Hasnett.
"Not going to be remembered for meeting naked women. Though I'm sure some would say otherwise."
"I'd say that depends on the woman. Guessing I've been in a few memories in my time..." Hasnett's voice trails off and she isn't even aware of her involuntary look in the direction of the beach where Henrik is waiting.
Elohir chuckles a bit an Hasnett's words.
"Sometimes you leave memories with people who have not even met you yet."
She turns and shares a smile with Elohir. "Shame about the reality isn't it?"
Elohir looks down somberly and the smile fades from his face.
"Yes, reality. Whatever that is."
"Cheer up, reality, or what ever you want to call this, could be worse. I read in books about maddening realms beyond ours." Aden momentarily shivers.
"Plus who could be down when there's so much around here to explore. I'm sure there's something on this island worth a story. Then add that with all the interesting characters here." Aden smiles, giving a quick bashful look at Hasnett.
Irawaru ignores the philosophical debate.
Elohir smiles again unnervingly.
"Yes, Master Aden, such realms exist I assure you. Fortunately for us, this isn't one of them. There is a story here, however. I think it lies at the center of the island."
"Talking bout it puts no food on the plates, hey? Exploring the island does."
"Always with the sense Hoku." Hasnett concentrates on the path ahead.
"That seems a little odd...or not. Hmmmmm....can someone more subtle than I get a closer look perhaps?"
"The only thing odd about it is it looks like something I recognise." Hasnett goes cautiously up to the pallisade.
"Distance is deceiving ..." mutters Hasnett. "If it's a giant's pallidade, it'll be a lot further off than it looks."
"A giant palisade for a giant people no doubt. Should we pay a visit or just go around it? I personally vote for the latter but there is a chance someone else from their little clan may speak a language we can understand. Or they may try to eat us. Who knows."
"I pity anyone who tries to eat Irawaru."
"Yeah, kinda got a sharp taste." He says with a grin, hefting his axe.
"I must say that trying to communicate with these people again sounds exasperating. I would just as soon go around, myself. Perhaps Hoku could take a look around?" adds Elohir and glances over at the halfling speculatively, but with respect.