Thral shrugs and falls into step with the others as Katani starts out and takes the lead. He rolls the maps back up into a small scroll case.
Tristan shrugs at Thral as Katani takes the lead. "Seems we are here as ornamentation my friend." He says with a small chuckle. "Especially the shiny one." He says dropping his voice lower so only he could hear.
Thral laughs softly. "I have no problem following someone who knows where they're going, as our friend Katani seems to." Thral smiles at the Dhampir. "As for master Arkenstol, any shiny ornament that can wield a sword like he does is fine with me."
"I think he fights so well because his opponents get blinded by his armor." Tristan says jokingly. "I do wonder how far this rebellion extends. What kind of people are members of it?
Aria was not very talkative at first that morning; she never was a morning person. Its when the sun comes up that she has little to say and usually has to push herself through the morning doldrums. As the morning progressed while walking next to Tristan she started to perk up to her usual self. Aria couldn’t help but start snickering when she realized that she really did steal all the covers and push him off the pillows. She couldn’t help it, but when she sleeps it would seem that something comes over her and becomes territorial of the bed.
“Sorry Tristan, you know it wasn’t me really, just my sleepy self. Hell, if I didn’t know any better, I would say I am another being entirely when immersed into the world of slumber.”
A large smile cracked across her face. She turns her head and with a conquering-brow lifted she whispers,
“You want to be perturbed, but alas you can’t…I am too endeared to you and you know I am right!”
She leaned over to give a quick peck then an affectionate squeeze before walking up to Ninn and Katani. In a soft voice, Aria inquired the two on how they fared that night.
“How are the two beauties this morning?”
She looks over at what Ninn was looking at and couldn’t help but stare at the view. She could tell by the way Ninn and Katani were acting, that they needed friends they could count on. Then she thought of how they acted towards Zero and she couldn’t help herself but say to Ninn,
“Sweetheart, as soon as I find another tiger, I will gladly give him to you. Seeing those beautiful smiles on both you ladies make it work every piece of gold!”
Aria giggles a bit and gives Ninn a little hug. It was always normal for the ladies of the brothel to give each other hugs and be there for one another. Aria did what she felt natural. She looks back and gives Tristan a wink for a moment to let him know she didn’t forget about him. He always seemed to panic if he though she forgot about him. She looks back at Ninn and with a warm smile admits her feelings about their adventure,
“Truth be told sister, I am very nervous. This will definitely be a trial of courage for me I am sure. If ever you need someone, just know I will be there for you. I am sure Katani will not dissapoint either. I can tell she has a good soul and she would not abandon you either. Thank goodness we have her," she says while admiring Katani for a moment, "She knows what shes doing, as long as we have her I don't think we'll get lost.”
She could feel the sun tickling her morning sensitive eyes and muttered while blinking,
“Damn! Where is that morning pot of tea and eggs when you want them…”
She licked her lips without even realizing and casts her face up at the sky for a deep breath of morning air.
She turned for a moment and looked back at Tristan and the rest of the group. She reaches over to Zero and gives him a gentle caress of the ear and smiles lovingly up at Tristan. Her eyes soften and she couldn't help but just gaze at his face.
After the unexpected kiss Tristan takes his wife in his arms and maneuvers her towards an alley and kissing her passionately as he pushes her up against the wall. "Yea I'm sure it isn't you. I'll just have to bite you again...though you might like that to much" "He says back to her after he finishes kissing her, then the two finish their walk towards the group meeting Ninn and then the others. When he notices his wife staring at him he smiles back and caresses her cheek brushing a strand of hair back from her face. "Are you worried? You know I'm hard to kill." He says with a smile exposing his fangs for a moment.
Katani smiles her eyes widening in wonder at the beautiful Aria, her soft-embrace filling her with joy and stirring a desire she quickly forces down with her will. The scars of SHALIMARIAN torture still engraved on her heart... occasionally flaring in the dark desires left behind from their abuse of her spirit and flesh.
The petite Katani actually trembles a little in Aria's tender embrace.
"Dear sister... forgive my ill-company this morning... I am this way after lonely nights of ...desire unfulfilled. It will pass... of course I will give all my strength and skill ... and blood if need be to thy defense and success."
She glances over at Thral and whispers...
Katani smiles sadly for her beautiful sisters, in spirit.
She looks back at Thrall and then back at Katani with a warm smile. She meant every word she said, and believed it with all her heart. She was worth so much more than all the women she ever worked with. If she only knew how much Aria admired her.
Katani's surprise at Aria's humble beginnings are evident upon her face. But as she gazes into the beautiful bard's loving eyes she can feel the truth of her words of encouragement spark hope in her heart. Her pretty green eyes water with joy...
Katani hugs Aria with a fierce strength, resting her head affectionately upon her breast and cries softly...
Ninn laughs as her dazed look is quite apparent. Aria's presence causes Ninn's heart to flutter. {If I avoid directly looking at her I will be fine... I hope...} "I am doing quite well, aside from the fact that the sun rises and falls for you dear Aria. As does Tristan~. But to have a splendid creature like Zero now that would be a treat, although I may spoil Zero rotten in the mean time." She continues to laugh lightly and smile warmly at those around her.
She continues to slowly follow Katani and listens to Aria's words nodding in agreement to what she has to say. "Trust me sister's this will be a Trial for myself as well, for I have never strolled in the country. I have spent more time on cobblestone and behind a forge then in a real forest. I wonder what the natural magi are like? Do they actually talk to trees? Hmmm... so much to research, to learn... I do hope we find something interesting in this foray of ours~
As the pair of women speak quietly in the language of the ancient ones, Ninn can't help hearing what is said before moving back to give them some privacy. Her face is grave for a moment as she stares at the sky and ponders her dark thoughts. {I wish them both the best for the path I walk is laced with disappoint and loneliness...}
She whispers quietly to herself watching the women before her embrace. "Dra kodr Y doga yk jaryyj yv myra, Y 'ymm 'omg dra nyojk omyra 'rdym dra joi Y vomm. Orj arar drar Y 'ymm ca Jaryaj." Due to her own ramblings she missed the rest of what was said but it still brought a smile to her face. It always made her happy to see others prosper and seek happiness...
Aria giggles as she is pressed against Katani's bosoms. She hugs back and then notices that Ninn is a bit behind. Without a second thought, she links arms with the two women and squeezes herself in the middle.
It has been a long time since Katani has felt the warm sunny light of love shine upon her... But that time is ended for her, this fortuitous meeting with like spirited sisters has strengthened her heart and brought a healing to her soul. As she hugs the two beautiful women in her arms... for once... it is not the dark desire of lust that burns in her heart... but the pure golden fires of LOVE for these two woman who she hopes to make a part of her life and become a part of theirs.
When she releases them... the light of hope twinkles in her emerald eyes and a inner light glows from her demeanor. Her smile touches her eyes and is warm and inviting. Both Aria and Ninn know... today... then have brought joy to someones heart... a joy that will not soon fade... no matter the circumstances of fate. They have earned an eternal friend in the petite, fierce barbarian woman.
Katani leads the party out of the Great City of Ren with a spring in her step and a certainty to her gait that marks a difference in her emotions that was not there before... 'The Stormrider'... rides not alone... anymore!
Thral watches from the back of the party as the three women embrace and exchange words in a language he doesn't understand. In the end, they all seem quite happy, even Katani.
Katani. Thral sighs. It did his heart good to see the fierce barbarian warrior happy; certainly she deserved it. He hated having to bring any kind of sadness to anyone's heart, especially a heart so scarred as hers, but his life's path is set for the time being, and he must walk the road laid before him. After that, indeed as he said to Katani not two minutes ago, who knew what the future held. Isaura only, he was sure.
And, really... Thral thinks to himself Why me? Surely one as lovely and fierce as herself could find some strapping, hulking man more able to keep up with her. But then I suppose when the heart is involved, everything goes right into the breakers doesn't it?
Absently, he takes Look-First out of its sheath and practices off-hand strikes as they walk. Part of the beauty of Þannig vindur is one can practice it while actively journeying since movement is an essential requirement for any given mynd to work. Spinning and swinging the short sword, he brings up the rear of the party, more than content to let Katani and Aria and Ninn lead the way.
Ninn's smile turns to shock for a moment as Aria pull's her over for a full embrace with the other two women. Ninn laughs merrily as they parted, soon after they began to walk along again. She noticed that the men, it seemed, were taking their time trailing the women. More then likely watching the view from the rear. Figures~
As they walked though she watches as Katani seemed to glow with a new happiness, this is a good sign, it was good to see her happy. Ninn did not know of this woman's past or any of the other's but hoped fervently that their combined futures would be bright if not brighter then her own...
She slowly pulled out her tome and began perusing its worn pages, keeping herself sharp and the proper motions for her spells in mind.
The journey to Lake Meronia takes about half a day, but eventually the pristine waters of the world's oldest, deepest, and most voluminous lake in all of Aris - an average depth of 2,500 feet - soon come into sight.
"The legend behind Lake Meronia is vast. Many say that the goddess Meronia, in seeing the rivalry between her older sisters, Cerelia and Amoria, shed the divine tears that would flow into the dried lakebed that is now Meronia. Many others believe different and various legends surrounding the world's largest lake. But even this epic lake is not without its dark side. Invaders once holed up here in hopes of siezing the city of Ren, but the inhabitants of both Ren and nearby villages seized control back from the invaders and pushed them back to the sea. Their leader's galleon was destroyed, sinking to the deepest point in the lake, almost 6000 feet below the water's surface, and was never heard from again. Not even the Marivelli Guild of Mages was able to locate the ship's remnants. That was over a century ago and the underwater ship has still not been found."
Beyond the extravagant view of the waters lies the thousands of buildings and kiosks set up all around this shore of the lake (to see anywhere beyond you would either have to fly or traverse around the lake - a feat in itself). Droves of people come and go and hustle and bustle about. The map picked up by Thral lists a few areas of interest, but as you ask about, many citizens suggest a variety of points of interest.
"Even if ye ain't a religious type, the Temple o' Meronia looks might purdy this time o' day."
"Meronia's Merriments *hic* is prolly the best place to *hic* find a drink around here if yer lookin' fer one."
"The Undine over on the eastern shore have mighty good statues set up in honor of Meronia. Carved outta pearl I do believe but some say its just ivory from the teeth of the Meronian Sharks that inhabit these waters."
Niyra's Forest is nearby iffen you ain't the water-lubbin' type. 'Course I am, but you know what? I love the Forest more I do. All kinds of wild in there though so you best be watchin' yerself when you go in."
Oh! This is probably the absolute best place to be sometimes it is! It always calms me down when I come here. Great place to meet people and hear their stories too it is! My Momma and Pappa always say that you can meet all sorts of nice folk if you just listen to them, but sometimes you just never know until you actually start TALKIN' to 'em, you know? Oh yeah though, Niyra's Forest is so pretty and serene, but you have to watch out for the animals in there. Dangerous lot those. The Undine over on the east shore are some of the nicest people I've ever met and there's lots of great things to do here at the Lake there is or my name ain't Verelatessa Sebastian Shufflehand! Hope you lot have a good time here at the Lake I sure hope you do, but if you don't, don't think you ain't welcome back here any other time. My Momma and Pappa wasn't too fond of it the first time they came through, but that was back when Pappa was always busy with his job and now that Pappa ain't got no work, Momma does all the work and me and my kin do our best to help out. But yeah this place was good when they came back again, it was! And they didn't never tire of it after that. Born here I was. Well not here but in Ren and I comes here every day I do. When I can get a chance. Its the most beautiful place in the world or my name ain't Verelatessa Sebastian Shufflehand! Anyways it was nice to meet ya'll folk but I best be getting these herbs and spices back to my Momma and Poppa. Momma'll tan my hide if I don't." With a skip and a hop, she's gone, without another word to you lot.
Katani nods and smiles kindly to the locals giving small thanks for their greetings but says nothing really.
As they enter the Northern lake-side community of buildings, Katani will gesture the party to an ally or behind a deserted building and speaks in hushed tones, "Ok. The way I see it we have a few choices in our search... Niyra's Forest is to the west of us... we will need to skirt the lake to get there, but we could do a little discrete inquiry from the locals about the rebels... I would suggest going to the Temple of Meronia and ask the high Clerist what he/she may know or have heard rumor about the rebels. Personally... I'd prefer not to talk to the locals to tip our hands to any prying ears as to what were up to here. I'd say just ask the high clerist and leave it at that - even if he is a rebel... if we get ambushed ...we'll know the temple is compromized... something that the Tyra~...er Lords of Ren would best know. Regardless I want to cross the lake to the south shore then skirt the shore around to the west so we come at the Forest at least not from the direction of Ren. I'm sure the rebels will have lookouts so we will have to be sharp-eyed. When in the forest... I'll range ahead of the party about 60 yards... try to keep it quiet. We will NOT be using the forest roads... they will be being watched... at least if I were a camp of illegal insurgents... I'd have them watched."
She pauses looking to see if there is understanding in her parties expressions.
"Anyone have any other ideas we might try?"
With adamant resolve, the Templar watches, and listens, and takes into accordance what further deeds had been said and done on the way. He was very polite in listening to the child, especially. With all the information before him, he nods, and takes into suggestion Katani's words - though what weight they have is questionable.
"I would like to head towards the statues on the other shoreline. It is far from the public, and most likely a meeting place, if not somewhere to see. I can expect many well-made icons there, from what they say. Beyond that, the Temple seems fair - though mayhaps I should do the talking. Wouldn't want the wrong impression, would we?"
He gives them all a wink and a smile, and adjusts his armor a bit before looking around, and waiting for others to speak up.
Ninn listens intently as they gather information from the local's, she found the information about the lake more fascinating then most of what was said. She made a mental note to scour of the depths of that place whenever she was able. Perhaps something lay dormant down there...
She snaps to attention when the templar starts talking and eyes his golden armor pointedly as he finishes speaking. She does smile at his attempts at joking or sarcasm, it was hard to tell, but she couldn't resist commenting quietly on his full attire.
"Of course we wouldn't, although I do hope no one recognizes your golden buns, Templar. For it is not everyday, I am sure, that a man of your station comes to ask questions~" She gives him a broad smile as she adds "If you need help, then I will be nearby to assist you. Good Luck Templar Arkenstol.
With that Ninn gives him a light wave and goes back to pretending to be completely engrossed with her tome once more. She does not wear her vestments today, she does wear her armored greatcoat and kilt as she saunters about in the shade of the nearby trees. Hoping that the shade would keep the metal of her weapons from giving away how heavily armed she was.
"I suppose we can split up, maybe just scout things out for now and then meet somewhere at nightfall to discuss our options. My natural tendency is to suggest that I visit the woods with Katani, even if just because I'll be more comfortable there. I can imagine Luc and Ninn would probably be much better at getting information from locals and people at temples than Katani and I would, anyway.
Tristan, Zero, my lady Aria, what are your preferences?"
"It would be hard to recall me, since most I seek out end up dead or imprisoned, Lady Ninn. That is what my station carries - but I do have to talk to others to get to them. Come! Let us speak as we walk, for we have little time to spare chit-chatting as these 'savages' might!"
He throws a wink at his companions, and beckons Ninn towards his position - for indeed he still wore his golden armor this day. Everything was as the day before, cleaned of blood and worked to keep his appearance as glorified as it had been on entry. This, in itself, showed how much he cared for that armor, and himself.
Moving forward, he continues to stride, not being overly pompous, but with his authority in palm as he clears a pathway for himself and Ninn, ensuring that she has the utmost room to twirl, dance or whatever overly flamboyant movement she might desire for the trip. After all, he has no idea what she does, or who she was, for that matter.
Edit: Actually it says the efficient quiver can hold javelins longspears and what not....could Requiem fit in theory then he could carry it incognito so to speak?
Katani listens carefully to the proposed options. Her eyes flash with excitement at Thral's suggestion.
She smiles, "Ok... that sounds like a ...viable option. Thral and I will do some scouting in the forest, Luc and Ninn go to the temple and consult the Clerists there about the goings on... How about Tristan and Aria going street level and nosing around some of the bars and local inns...listening for rumors and anything that might indicate our quarry? You'll have to be very subtle, Aria. Be careful... but with Tristan around... I'm sure you'll be fine. Anyone else have an idea?"
Waiting for any additional input a moment.
Katani concludes,"Ok, let do our investigations for about 4 hours and regroup at the circle of Statues at the Undine Shaal. Okay? Good hunting everyone!"
With that Katani and Thral head off to the west to scout the Niyra's Forest environs.
Ninn hides her surprise well when the Templar speaks to her, and smiles broadly at being called 'Lady'. She marks the page in her tome before gently closing it and placing it back in her bag. She inclines her head politely to Luc as she moves to walk side by side with the Templar.
"May Soleil give us grace this day and give us the right path to follow Lord Luc. I fear though that they will show the same ineptitude as those we faced before. So I am ready if things go awry... But what part shall I play in this charade, hmm? Or shall I merely be a lady on your arm~"
She gently takes lucs arm in hers as she saunters along, appearing to be enjoying the scenery and her golden company to any casual observer, all the while she takes in the people and objects around her. Looking mainly for escape routes and places she could use as cover if things went badly. She smiled broadly knowing the extra measures she had prepared for their journey and she desperately hoped she wouldn't be forced to use them.
He graciously allows her to coil about his shield-arm, and gives a knowing nod. This is nothing new to him and his deeds, for he has escorted targets that his deity has decided to keep alive rather than die, and to protect their lives from others and themselves. With this, he strides in a manner allow her as much flexibility. He even takes in the lake's view, and smiles at the beauty of the place.
Lord Luc. I kind of like the way that sounds... how about you, Luc?
"You can play whatever part you wish. My intent is to walk up to the door, knock politely, and state my name and office. This should grant us entrance if denied to the public, and maybe we can offer our services. I believe it will be successful even if it goes wrong - for we can talk our way out of it rather than bash in heads. What say you?"
From the looks of it, he had no intention of escaping any situation prevented - as if he had a plan...
"Don't worry nothing will ever happen to Aria with me and Zero around I promise you that." Tristan says his eyes a terrifying shade of crimson only witnessed in nightmares promising pain and death to anyone who dares touch his wife. Zero growling in agreement the purring feline of earlier replaced by a creature that not even te he term lethal seems to not do it justice.
After listening to all that was said Aria decides to head off with Tristan. She couldn't help but smile as her husband pledged to protect her, it always made her proud of him and made her blush at the though. Aria was determined to learn as much as she can about her surroundings and the locals.
"Tristan my dear,"
She pauses only for a moment,
"Don't forget to smile without showing your teeth and speak with a gentle voice to the locals...OH!And don't forget to be nice!"
She pats his arm and winks at him.
"I know my Tristan is a kind gentleman and I am sure you could get some answers... Especially from all the old ladies, they'll eat you up!"
"Oh I'll be a proper gentleman." He says with a smile revealing his pointed teeth. "Ha, I don't think I could ever be mistaken as a gentleman especially with all this." He says gesturing to his armor and small arsenal of weapons.
Thral double-checks his gear and follows Katani towards the woods.
Ninn smiled, patting his arm as she nodded in agreement to his words.
"I would prefer words naturally Lord Luc, I hope that they see wisdom this day. I see any situation we face being easily dealt with, I have no doubt about that, between your sword arm and my strengths we will be unstoppable~. Hopefully the others find out something as well~"
Also take if possible take 10 gold from Tristan's total for having bought drinks for people for a small bonus to diplomacy amount chosen by DM.
Katani moved through the shore-side town in a rapid pace...ever so often having to slow for Thral to keep up. Though petite... she was very fleet of foot. She did not speak with Thral only smile affectionately, occasionally - enjoying his company.
On arrival at the out skirts of the shore side community, Katani changed course not taking the road see entered the wilds of Niyra's Forest.
Katani paused, waiting for Thral reach her side. She turned to him and stepping close gently placed her hands on his waist and looked up into his eyes adoration clear. She leaned close on his tip toes and whispered... almost sensuously, "... I'll go slow Thral, stay close to me, and be as silent as you can."
The wild smell of her this close fills his senses... there is no sense of lust in her demeanor... but her physcial attraction to him and the warmth of her gentle touch are... intoxicating. Her emerald eyes deep and clear... hinting at intimate desires stirring in their viridian depths.
Without a word she slips away from him her strawberry reddish-blonde hair tossing as she moves, leaving him a little stunned.
Katani moves through the forest like a ghost following a zig-zag search pattern as she looks for tracks or evident of travel. She does not speak but gestures a point pausing occasionally to gesture Thral to her side ...showing him the tracks and signs she finds. She occasionally climbs a tree to survey the lay of the land and determine land marks. she pulls Thral to her side often showing him what she finds and directs their course seeking signs of human and animal traffic. She smiles often for him and is often close to him her presence enticing... and seemingly intentionally so. she is not trying to seduce him to an intimate act... no... her tracking and her wood-lore scouting IS her intimate act with him. She makes the search, the hunt, as intimate and dangerously sensuous in her every motion - seemingly without effort. It is a very personal and actually informative companionship and all of it in silence as she moved akin to a ghost making no sound and uttering not a word all her communication through gesture and body language.
It is a 4 hours Thral will never forget...
|
Updating later along with the results from everyone's rolls. Waiting to see what the others are doing.
This is what I gather thus far however:
Aria and Tristan are asking around the town. Tristan, I'll give you a +2 bonus for your check (+1 Bonus per 5 GP spent). I need to know exactly what information you're looking for though.
Luc and Ninn are heading to the Temple of Meronia to inquire from the priestesses there. Luc, as a man of religion, you are going to recognize that you hold no authority at the temple as institutional-wise, the priestesses would technically rank higher than you. Some of the higher-ranking priestesses that is. Given your level, I'd say you report about halfway up the chain (to those of Bishop Rank) who hold sway over most Inquisitors, Paladins, and Clerics. Will repost the Church Rank Structure here later. Military one as well for reference. Both are listed in the Pub Thread as well if you choose to look for it. Not sure of the page, so I'll go back and check later.
Katani and Thral are headed to Niyra's Forest if I'm correct? From you two, I need to know how deep you plan on going into Niyra's Forest. Its a rather vast forest (not shown on the Overworld Map unfortunately) so I need to know how far you're separating yourself from the others.
From your positions, Katani and Thral will be a few hours walk away from Luc and Ninn, maybe longer depending on how far into the forest they trek. Tristan and Aria are indeterminate as they are merely going through the separate areas of town. You all plan on meeting up near the Undine Village statues correct? What time?
If there are any questions, let me know. Thanks.
Oh..yes... for Thral's sake... lol!
@Ronin:
@Ronin:
@Ronin:
FOREST
Trekking through the forest takes some extra effort as you hack and chip away at the foliage off the beaten path. As you keep close to the beaten path, however, you make note that it looks like its used often to include cart tracks. You do manage to track down a small clearing in the middle of Niyra's Forest where it appears a camp has been recently. Of course, the camp has been torn down now, but it looks like it was used the night before by someone. You find it strange given Lake Meronia's numerous inns and public campgrounds.
TEMPLE
Ninn, you realize some of the tenets of the Church of Meronia don't allow weapons within the walls of the temple. Both you and Luc also realize that you'll have to rely on your social skills as opposed to Luc's authority seeing as how many of the Meronian Priestesses will be of higher rank than Luc.
TOWN
Tristan and Aria learn throughout their investigation very little in way of rumors of rebellion. What they do learn, however, is that the Imperium has increased its patrols throughout the region substantially and have been cracking down even harder on people suspect of being rebels. They've even set up outposts here at the Lake and a variety of checkpoints throughout the region in general in hopes of finding rogue magicals.
Ninn grimace's as she slowly remembers some of the tenets of the Meronia church, with a laborious sigh she pauses in their stroll and slowly starts placing her 'counter measures' into her Haversack. She informs Luc about these tenets, so that the Templar is prepared to surrender his weapon if they wanted to get into the temple proper. She pulls out strange and rough metal devices that Luc may recognize in his days with the military. Ninn gives him a knowing smile as she finishes packing everything into her small backpack and takes up his shield arm again. The only weapon of note still on her person is her crossbow and battle aspergillum.
When the party regroups, Thral relays what he and Katani were able to glean from their brief jaunt into the woods. "Based on what the rest of us were able to find out, it seems as if that's our best bet for a starting point. Why don't we take a quick break to grab a bite at one of the local eateries then set out after dark. Our party works better at night..." here he glances significantly at Tristan "...and I would imagine the likelihood that we will find rebels moving about would increase tremendously after nightfall. What do you all think?"
Katani, all serious, nods in agreement, "That sounds tactically sound though; ... Luc and I will have some difficulty seeing in the night... I have the means to get around it for very limited amounts of time - for myself, at least."
"At least you found something. All we found were a bunch of humans who thought they could feel up on Aria...doubt they can do that with broken fingers. Though we did discover that they are doing my searches for unregistered mages."
Katani will smile coldly up appreciatively up at Tristan, "How kind of you... I would have removed fingers... You take good care of my new sister! Thank you."
Then Katani looks at the others her expression turning thoughtful, "With Tallon at my side I can indeed see in total darkness for brief amounts of time and he is cunning and very intelligent so it should be little trouble. I agree we should seek the rebels at night ...they will likely be just as hindered as most are human... and will likely be sleeping save for their guard watches. But the forest is big... it may take some days to fully search it... stealthily and not befall ambush or trap set by the rebels."
Katani's hand is resting on the pommel of GREYNEXUS and it begins buzzing in its metal sheath. The petite barbarian woman gets a quizzical look to her pretty green eyes and draws the sword about a foot from its sheath so it can speak.
GREYNEXUS metallic voice buzzes in the air about them, ["ahem", "You could always walk openly in the wood to draw their attention and those capable of stealth ambush the ambushers. I'm sure you have means to convince them to reveal their main camp's location."]
Katani grimaces, "That seems needlessly reckless 'NEX', we are not in a rush... the search is not time critical... not yet... Trust you to want the bloodiest, and most reckless option!
GREYNEXUS metallic voice retorts, ["hmmmm", "So YOU say... blood spattered-beauty..."]
The blade quiets down and sensing he has said his piece... Katani sheaths him again.
"While I am not above that approach oh metallic one they are fanatics and there is no enemy worse than a fanatic. We have already seen that they are willing to be suicidal and not even I can get one to talk, and I am oh so persuasive when I need to be."
He says showing his fangs while addressing greynexus.
"I agree it could take some time to thoroughly search the woods. Perhaps we can set up a camp and simply begin exploring? Sleep by day, explore at night, always keep a watch, until we find a worthwhile target or at least gain sufficient intelligence to allow us to find where worthwhile targets may be, if none are to be found here."
Greynexus' metallic sheath hummms pleasantly.
Katani smiles whispering to the tall ranger, "... I think you're charming my sword Tristan... I think he likes you!" {grin!}
Then more seriously and loudly for everyone else, "I agree with Thral on that as well... setting up a base camp and then systematically searching and exploring the forest at night seems the most likely way to locate the rebel camp... with a modicum of risk involved. We will have to be wary though... they will be watching as well!!!"