Pervading Darkness

[Pegasus]

50th Ashan, 719
Wiki Entry

A call had gone out to the citizens of Desnind. Resident or visitor, passing through or here to stay, help was needed and urgently. Francis looked at those who had answered the call and, if he was disappointed, it did not show. Were these the hope for Desnind? He could only believe and so, he muttered a low prayer to Moseke, then stood in front of them.

"This is what we know," he said. "The area known as the Bad Lands has spread towards our homes. Ten trials ago, one of our Scouts reported that it is now only three trials away, rather than the seven it was. What has caused this, what is happening out there we do not know. And that is where you, our volunteers, come in."

The elderly human man looked at them all. "This threatens all of us. You will have a guide and a guard with you." That said, Francis motioned and two Sev'ryn stepped forward. One, a tall female with long dark hair, a spear and a bow and a man, slightly shorter with a sword and bow. Both of them were wearing sturdy ~and well worn ~ leather armour and they nodded to the volunteers. They said nothing, simply looked to Francis as he continued to speak.

"I can not, and will not, ask you to take unnecessary risks. I would urge you to be cautious, but we must know what is happening. You should ensure that you are armed and prepared. The journey will take you three trials. If any of you have any questions, ask Dale'ee and Tark." With a deep sigh, he nodded. "Moseke's blessings on you all."

The man and woman stepped forward, then. "I am Dale'ee," the woman said, looking at them. "We have horses which we will ride. Before we begin, it will help Tark and I if we know you, your strengths and weaknesses, skills and abilities. What experience you have in the wilds, what skills you have which will be helpful. We will fight for you, defend you with our lives, but working as a team is made more efficient by knowing each other. We are some of Desnind's best trackers and guides. We can keep you safe and fed, but you must do as we tell you, without hesitation or question. If you can not agree to that, then leave now."

The man stepped forward and put a hand on Dale'ee's shoulder. "I am Tark. She speaks truth." His accent was much stronger, more difficult to understand. "Speak, then. Tell us of you."

Off Topic

Hey there hello!
Ok. So, this is a "set everything up" post. There will be a three day journey there - then some stuff - then a three day journey back. I'll probably split the story into three threads, but we'll see how it goes. I'll try and make it exciting along the way. Please make sure to let me know what equipment etc you have with you and, other than that, just respond to the post.
Rules for this thread are simple. I control the NPCs, you control your pc only. Please don't assume the outcome of any action, I'll determine that. And, have fun!
I will reply on the 28th February.

[Rose Greenwood]

She was an idiot…

A stupid, stupid idiot.

What made the other healers at the Medicine House think that this particular red head was in anyway qualified to investigate the encroaching Bad Lands? Rose grumbled to herself as she shifted the pack on her back to a more comfortable position. She had her medical kit stowed away back there along with her herb pouch in the assumption that she would be serving as a medic on this mission. The half blooded Sev’ryn had also brought along her father’s shortbow which was strapped to her back and a quiver of arrows that was hanging from her belt.

“You complain too much.” Tyr muttered with an amused snarl. The bear spirit lumbered along beside the healer with his eerie amber eyes glancing at her from time to time.

Rose snorted derisively at her familiar but failed to comment. She knew he was right. She had grown too comfortable living within the safety of Desnind. The woman was used to her safe, secure treehouse and her work within the Medicine House. Life was easy for her, maybe a little too easy and she had gotten too accustomed to it.

What had happened to the young girl from Strosdyn who wanted to find her Sev’ryn mother no matter the cost? Rose had made it as far as the southern continent and had gone no further than the capital of the Sevir.

Maybe this expedition would change things. Maybe it would change her. Perhaps that’s why Tyr was always trying to force her out of her comfort zone. He knew she needed to leave behind the security of her current life if she was going to keep growing as a person.

Finally they came to a stop near the edge of the city. A small group was gathered there and an old man stood at the forefront of them. The healer knew his face although they had never spoken before.

Rose felt her eyebrows arch faintly as Francis explained how dire the situation was. There was a sickness in the land and it was headed their way. It was now only a few trials away from impacting Desnind. The auburn headed woman shifted uncomfortably in the fitted leather armor she wore beneath her overdress. This mission was obviously far more dire and dangerous than she had been expecting.

Her skill with a bow was passable at best, Ti’niva certainly had been surprised to learn how ignorant she was when it came to handling the weapon. Nor had she ever actually been in combat beyond a mad rush through the forest when she had been chased by wolves. The healer gulped when their guards stepped forward and explained their role and the fact that they would be traveling on horseback. That would be a novel experience. Rose would be lucky to keep her balance on those leggy beasts.

Straightening her posture to look a little less like a tittering lamb who had gotten lost from her herd the young woman stepped forward to speak when her turn came.

“I’m Rose and I have no problem following directions.” she added with a wry smirk.

“I work in the Medicine House and I’m comfortable acting as a medic if needed. I have some medical supplies on hand as well.” She shifted, her shoulders falling slightly. “I can handle a bow, though not very well if I’m honest and I know a bit about surviving in the forest but that’s about it.” The young woman finished, stepping back in line with the others to stand beside Tyr who was sniffing curiously at her boot.

Off Topic

Peg gave me permission to join via discord convo. Glad to be tagging along

Items:
Nearly a full Medical Kit
See contents in CS:

Shortbow x Arrows

Herb pouch

Wearing: image
Good quality leather armor and bracers.

[Rakvald]

How long had it been?

Since Rakvald tasted the dew of early spring? The sap of strong trees? The sweet cloying aroma of life that wasn’t out to kill you, and life that didn’t leave a trail of foul-smelling shit behind it? It felt like generations. At the very least, over a hundred arcs. A hundred arcs spent tarrying in Quacia, trying to improve conditions there, and failing despite his best efforts. It took a truly bad turn of fortune, and nearly losing the lineage of his flokke to realise that some things were not worth salvaging. Even so, it bothered him at the back of his mind that he’d abandoned the rest of his flokke to the ravages of that Theocratic outhouse of a city.

He’d had his share of sickness overcome him in the early days of Ashan. Bringing up lunch after lunch as he adjusted to a diet that included sweets and plants of various kinds. Rakvald had only recently adjusted to the local fare, and even then found its flavors a bit too cloying sweet. Nevertheless, the air brought something back to him. A memory of a far away place, the fields of his birth of Western Idalos.

He shook his head out of that reverie. He was following behind his little boar. It’d grown up, the last scion and last remnant of a flokke that had provenance going back hundreds of arcs. Dozens of generations of care had gone into the cultivating of its brood, and he was confident of its pedigree. It wasn’t anything special yet, just about knew how to follow him and had a decent nose for truffles. But on this one animal, he now placed his hopes for the future.

Rakvald heard the call, sent out via common language for all to understand, whether they be residents or visitors. He wasn’t sure exactly why he’d answered the call. It was in his nature to be helpful to a city that harbored him at any given time, whether it be an ash-laden dungheap like Quacia, or a cloying garden like Desnind.

He arrived and listened hard to the people gathered. He squinted as he tried to puzzle out the meaning of their words. He thought he took it well enough.

”I Rakvald, might have Common understanding trouble.” He looked around at the others assembled. ”I come from far. Far away.” he gestured toward his little pig that was accompanying him, ”This Flappy. He have good nose mushroom and truffle. Like to follow Rakvald. Looking for good mate in future. Look out ladies, pig is a gentle boy.” He winked at the woman with the spear, and then glanced at Rose and winked at her as well. Flappy just snorted in disinterest, snuffling the ground beneath Rakvald's feet.

”I swing kukri, and hide behind shield if trouble get here. Not much a rider? But I can try.” He waited apprehensively, hoping he hadn’t butchered his introduction too much.

OOC info

Rakvald has some plain clothes of leather on his back. A backpack with a few supplies related to his trade as an animal trainer. Two Kukri, one large one medium sized. They are made from embersteel and are masterwork. He wears a studded leather set of armor, made of cobalt. Also masterwork made with a shield of the same stuff.

Here’s a reference for a close approximation of his armor: Here

Let me know if there’s an issue with any of this, please! Thank you for the event.

[Silaqui Falone]

She stayed towards the back of the group. Keeping herself out of direct sunlight in hopes that she wouldn't need to speak much. So as with the turtles that threatened shipping in Yithril so to the verdant palace of trees have its own problems. A blight spread towards them and threatened there homes. She couldn't say she was surprised this was the nature of their world. Life. Death. Rebirth. Still more death. Another rebirth. Death for a third time. And more life to follow. On and on and on and on and on till eventually the whole thing ended for forever. Was this a sign of that time coming? No, most likely not. Surely a sign of that eventuality would be bigger than some encroaching bad land.

Her people knew all to well of the fickle nature of the worlds immortals. Their souls were bound to this world through mystic tattoos that if damaged could spell the end for them. Caught with such a pox from Treid himself, may he rot in his immobile state forever. A fine line they walked. Relying on fragile marks upon their skin to hold together this construct that kept them whole. Made them be. Without them they ceased to be wherever light existed. Some day, she hoped, someone would storm into the pit that his chosen children had been digging for Arcs untold to recover his heart and bury that team alive. Let them seek out and find his heart only to have no way of returning with it. He had doomed her people to an existence on the razors edge and their Nightmaiden had cursed them with the task of finding the right heart. Now if only one of those moons could simply disappear.

She knew not who cared for this place in the trees. Her knowledge of the world outside of Augiery was limited. She hadn't been away from it long before her mishap with the Ithecalian sailors and the turtles made of stone. They weren't truly made of stone but the Ithecal's sure believed they did.

She'd only been sort of useful with a bow before her arm was made pulp and her right eye made worthless. Now, she could hope to land one punch or a well placed kick but after that she was screwed. She had no ability with a knife. She could use no other weapons. True, she did have her shadow form which was helpful in a way. And despite her wrecked eye she could see in the dark better than most could see during the day. Maybe they could shorten the trip if they continued moving at night? Three days two and back was ridiculous in her opinion. Many hours wasted sitting about a campfire. Still, wasting time traveling was better than sitting about doing nothing. She'd heard no mention of pay though.

The guards spoke. The female asking for them to introduce themselves. To lay themselves open like a book to the rest so they could work more effectively together. She would provide the minimum info about herself. They needn't know she was a crippled archer. Or that she was cursed with a damaged eye. Or that she could do nearly nothing to defend herself. That would be a surefire way to get told to leave. Who would want someone who could offer nothing to the group. Well... Save for a horse and a wagon, if the wagon could be used on their route.

Two people spoke. One was a girl who mentioned medical abilities. That was great. Better to have someone to stitch up a wound properly than to have to bind it tight and pray it sealed up on its own. A quick glance of her kit told Sila the girl had never ridden with a bow before. Arrows on the hip would rattle and make a tremendous noise thus alerting everything in ear shot to their approach well before they'd ever reached it. It would make providing food that wasn't a plant more difficult for the hunters. She considered telling the girl to un-string her bow and put it in a water proof case while traveling. She considered telling her to put the arrows over her back and to tie them into a bundle with a length of cordage or a thin strip of leather. She considered it, but perhaps the girl would know to do these things. Perhaps not. Either way Sila wasn't concerned once the man with the pig began to speak in his broken common.

She couldn't place his accent. Then again what little time she'd spent away from Augiery had spent spent with lizard people and turtles so it was fair that she knew not where this man came. But his pig could find mushrooms and truffles. Interesting. So at the very least this man and his pig wouldn't starve if the girl named Rose didn't know how to travel with a bow. The rest might subside on berries and tree bark for the duration but he and his pig, whom he'd named, would not. Rakvald used, as he called it, a kukri and a shield. She presumed a kukri was some sort of edged weapon. Specifics she knew nothing of. Could be knife. Could be a strange type of axe or sword. It was a word she knew nothing of.

Taking a moment to adjust herself as he finished speaking. She made certain her face was well hidden by her hood and her cloak draped so it was impossible to see that she had no left hand. Once he'd finished she stepped forward slight. "I am Sila, I have a horse and a cart if the path will allow it," she winced both because of her arm and the personal pronoun, "I can see well enough at night that if the group wanted to or if the need arose I could navigate for us at night with someone else leading. I can also take guard duty at the darkest points of the night. In my cart I have some stores left over from my travels. A tent, some rope, and various other things." She left it at that. No need to expose her lack of defensive skill. No need to expose her physical deficiencies, not yet at least. Hopefully not at all. If she could swing it they'd not know till they were back from their mission.

OOC

Sila's wearing her usual oil cloth cloak worn in such a way to hide her face save for her mouth and chin and keep the fact that she's missing most of her left arm from being obvious.

She has no armor. She has a knife thats more useful for cutting food than for killing things.

Whats on the wagon

• Treated canvas walled tent
• Campsite Equipment (Pots, pans, cooking essentials, etc.)
• 1x Bedroll and bedding
• 1x Camp Knife
• Fishing Gear (with a set of hooks)
• Trapping equipment for establishing a safe perimeter around a camp
• 1x Hunting Kit (equipment for hunting, skinning animals, etc)
• 1x leatherworking kit
• 1x Storage Chest

[Cirrina]

Arms firmly over her chest the mer looked blankly at the man before her speaking, her eyes simmering with slow churning rage. These people meant nothing to her, and here the fools were praying to the Immortals, the same Immortals who had done nothing about their fears so far. They’d be better off praying to her creator, at least she was honest in how useless she was. The mer curled her lips as the man gave their guides the floor, grinding her teeth as she glared at her mentor out of the corner of her eye. “You knew of this.”

“I did not know we would be doing this.”

“But you knew of their,” Cirrina rolled her eyes at the dramatic name, “Bad Lands.”

“You would too if you’d visited before.”

“Thats why you came here isn’t is?”

“Does it matter if it is?”

“It does when you want to go gallivanting off into the woods and get killed. You are my mentor.”

“You’re not a child, as you remind me so often, I’m sure someone with your skills would be fine on their own.”

“Not until—“

“Cirrina.”

Her teeth clicked shut and she gazed around them petulantly. The mer did not want to help but if she wanted her mentors help she was to do as he asked, his refusal to train her had begun to wear on her. She needed this for her Spark, it raged at this loss of control, made her rage even until she wasn’t sure which if them was more irked and needed this more. If she had the skill she would have tried to change all their minds and be done with it, instead she was stuck her with her sacks and smirking mentor. Clearly she needed to strangle him more often. And harder.

As people began introducing themselves, the girl with her medical skills, the big man with the pig and the human who might as well be no more than a bedsheet for all was visible of them. There were others, and it grated on her to have them cave so easily. To follow orders blindly was foolish, filled with folly and she’d do what she damn well pleased. Yet she was doing the same and that only annoyed her more, the annoyance both growing and dying as Marins voice cut softly under those speaking.

“Are you sure you still agree to our terms?”

“Marin, I agreed and if you ask me again I’ll bite out your tongue and feed it to Clay.” She hissed out behind her teeth before raising her voice to speak. If there was any annoyance to be heard in her tone, Cirrina made no effort to hide it. “I am Cirrina. I have little skill in the wild, I’ve got my trapping kit, dagger, and compass,” she pushed the next required words out like she was puking them, “I’ve no trouble following orders.”

Whose orders? Well, the mer would keep that to herself. And it was no ones business if she had her mirror or the gem wedged in her cleavage. But those thoughts were only fleeting as the mage beside her chuckled lowly at her obvious discomfort. Oh yes, the next time she strangled him he would not get up then she’d wear his innards like a necklace.

“Our first lesson will be in four days then, don’t be late.”

“You’re not funny.” Cirrina snarled lowly to him as he walked away, leaving her alone now with the other idiots. If she died not only would she haunt her mentor, she’d make sure she drove him to madness before he died. And if she came back in one piece she may still kill him simply for the satisfaction alone. But as his back disappeared from view she was unable to stop the niggling feeling that she was still playing into his hands, not matter his denials.

[Splinter]

Near the back of the group a man dressed in a variety of well worn clothes - mostly leathers and fur - stood, quietly observing the group as each of them spoke in turn. He listened intently to each of them, all with their unique talents, accents, looks, and interesting backstory; he was keen to get to know each of them. A playful smile crossed his lips as he made an open-handed gesture, suggesting perhaps that he was there for many reasons. "I am here for the journey," he said cryptically and then his face broke out into a beaming smile, "and the company! Oh, and you can call me Cal." He gave a brief nod, the trinkets in his hair clinking together with the motion, and stood patiently, awaiting the journey's start.

With a three trial journey ahead of them, those that were familiar enough with riding would show themselves, and those that weren't, well they too would show but not quite in the same manner. Those gifted with the knowledge of surviving these harsh lands would be made known, though the man had his suspicions as to which would best be able to handle themselves for whatever the coming dangers were. Not that one could see it by studying his face. Quite the opposite in fact as he stood and listened, fully engaged with each person as they spoke, his attention not drawn away by the blowing winds or building heat of the sun.

When the time came, he'd take a horse and ride with them, eagerly listening and being rather jovial with each of them in turn, not neglecting any, unless they should chose to not take to his offer of company. In those instances he would leave them as requested.

[Oluwànjẹ]

➸ 50th Ashan, 719 ➸
➸ Mood: Timid, Alert, Cautious of Self
➸ Company: Many people
➸ Current Thought: Try not to hurt anyone
➸ Current Theme: Save Me From Myself

➸ It was unsual to find myself around so many people at once. I tried my best to stay around on the ground with everyone, but my nerves had gotten the better of me. It couldnt be helped, and i scurried up a nearby tree as fast as i could. Using my axe as a leveraging tool, i found myself perched in a branch and my nerves calming a bit.

The good part was I was low enough to hear what was being said. The old seemed worried about the Bad Lands, which everyone would be I'm sure, but knowing that time was not on our side made one's own mood damper at the thought. Not only that, If I was understanding correctly, by the time we would reach the Bad Lands, it will be hitting the city.

The more I thought on it, the more things didnt seem to be in our favor. But it was for the good of Desnind, and I wanted to help in some way. When everyone had gone I was the last to speak.

"I'm decent with a longbow I guess, as well as hunting and using a hand axe. Other than that I'm not sure how much help I can be but I don't wanna see our city suffer."

I explained, looking down as my feet swung back and forth. I truly was hoping to be of some use, of any use really.

The only other good thing was I had slept for a few trials, though my place was a mess when I woke up. I at least knew that I wouldn't need to sleep these first three trials. ➸

"Common Speech"

"Xantheon Speech"

OOC

Olu is bringing his weapons and armor, and 20 trials worth of food on this journey.

20 trials' worth of food

Lori Cazuth{Prized Possession}

Longbow & Arrows{Extravagant Quality}

Masterwork-quality Tier 3 armor - Lori Däuä{Forest Skin}

"Save me from myself"
— Oluwanje Toa

[Pegasus]

50th Ashan, 719
Wiki Entry

Dale'ee and Tark listened to what they said, then, and then - when everyone had spoken Dale'ee replied. One at a time, she spoke to them. "Rose. We will protect you, should you need it and hope that in doing so we stop us all from needing your skill. We can, we should all, please, keep an eye out for herbs which might be useful for medicine. Any we find, we will donate to the House or the Order, as you choose." Evidently, healer was a good thing. Rakvald gave his introduction, Dale'ee nodded and Tark grinned. "She's mine," the man said, and Dale'ee arched an eyebrow. "I belong to no man. No one but me. But I choose him. For now." Tark laughed and carried on with the preparation of the horses, a task which he had begun as they spoke. Dale'ee nodded to the Lotharro, and gave a slight twitch of a smile. "Welcome, you and pig. There are many predators in the wild, and that is a little pig. I suggest you keep him away, but the choice is yours. You defend yourself, that is good. Defend others, too, that is better."

Sila spoke and the pair of them listened. Tark's hands moved quickly, in some sort of sign language, and Dale'ee nodded, once. Then, she turned back to Sila. "There will be no place for the wagon shadow-daughter. But your offer is well taken." Tark spoke then, his voice deep. It was not to Sila that he spoke, however, it was to Rakvald. "She has injured. Not a warrior. You shield her, too?" Dale'ee raised an eyebrow and glanced at Sila more closely, but did not see what her mate saw. Dale'ee turned to regard Cirrina. "You sound not sure. If you, any of you, get into trouble because you did not listen, I will leave you to learn, or die. Be clear."

Cal, Dale'ee regarded carefully, apparently suspicious of anyone that cheery. "I asked your skills. I hope you hunt better than you listen." Then she turned to Oluwanje and quirked an eyebrow at the young boy in the tree. But he answered clearly enough and she nodded. "Good to know. Thank you."

Then, she gestured to where Tark was with the horses. "We know these horses. We suggest you use them. If you choose to use your own, and they are spooked and run, you are on your own. Ours will not do that. Tark will lead Rose, Rakvald and Sila. I will lead Cirrina, Cal and this boy with no name." The last was Olu, of course. "Alright, lets get going."





They made their way, Dale'ee and Tark leading, keeping them close together. "If you see something you want to explore, within reason, we can go with it." She nodded. "We go in pairs, always." They made their way out of Desnind itself, and into the forest lands beyond. It was Ashan, but soon the foliage and trees were so dense around them that it was like twilight. The sounds were strange and, to those who were not used to such, eerie. There was barking in the distance, then a silence for a while which was broken by a long howl. The birdsong echoed here and there and, in the corner of their eyes they might well notice that there were .... things. Creatures, maybe, dreams made flesh. Maybe.

There were also flowers and plants - tiny little things and flora as tall as them; vivid colours and a cacophony of scents. It was like another world.

In many ways, that was exactly what it was.

And so, the group made their way out for the first trial. The morning passed and the temperature began to rise slightly. It was good it did, it was cold. By the time they stopped for a mid-trial meal, though, a number of things had occurred.....

OOC Stuff

Rules for this thread are simple.
I control the NPCs, you control your pc only.
Please don't assume the outcome of any action, I'll determine that. And, have fun!
I want to be clear that I expect you to play to your skill level. If you don't, then there will be IC consequences.
I will reply on the 7th March.

Encounters

In the morning of the 50th Ashan, the group will encounter a number of things. There are some rules for that.
1. I will give you a choice of things which you might spot / see / hear. You may respond to one (or none) of them. No more.
2. If you are responding to an "encounter" you must take one person with you. That must be a PC (Cal counts as a PC even though he's being played by a mod) as the guides are staying on the path. If a PC takes you with them - you're assumed to go along. That way, you might end up in more than one.
3. No encounter is entirely what it seems.....

The encounters are as follows:
Flora A ~ medicinal flora
Flora B ~ unknown flora
Flora C ~ food flora
Fauna A ~ bird of interest
Fauna B ~ animal in the undergrowth (unknown)
Fauna C ~ animal in the distance (heard)
Unknown sound
Unknown "corner of the eye"

In your post, please explain what you saw (expand on the bare bones I've given you) even if you then choose not to follow it. If you go and explore, say who you are taking with you. That will be my next post.

Objectives

During your next post you have the following objectives:

!

Message from: Must Do

Describe your chosen encounter, your reaction to it and (if relevant) your companion. Describe (in an ooc at the end) what your pcs reaction to being chosen as a companion would / will be (do this even if you're the last to post, please). Choose one (1) from: Very reluctant, reluctant, neutral, eager and very eager. Also choose one from Very unfriendly, unfriendly, neutral, friendly, very friendly. Thanks! Cal will make conversation with you - please summarise that conversation (speak to Splinter if you need any details)

!	Message from: Can Do
	None this round.

[Rakvald]

Rakvald smiled broader when the woman braced at his flirtatious attitude, and then Tark spoke up in mock jealousy, to claim her. He was pleased with her answer to that. She was an alpha female it seemed, much like Cirrina who’d just arrived a few moments after Rakvald himself. He cast a grin in her direction as well. He could see she wasn’t wearing any shoes. So brazen! He could just see her barefoot and big with babies, her toes sinking into the earth as she plodded along. He shook himself out of that daydream, however. The hunters were addressing him.

He nodded to the comment about his pig. He wasn’t dead set on bringing the animal along, but wanted to show off his prized pet for the gathering, for however long. ”Come Flappy, we go put you home.” So saying, he excused himself for a half break to go back home, where he set the Pig in a safe area in front of a large trough of slop.

When he arrived back, the hunter Tark addressed him, pointing toward Sila. Rakvald nodded reluctantly at the request, ”Yes, but I no good with shield. I have it, but no good using it? I can chop chop animals fine with kukri. Getting good at that.”

”I look after the not warrior shadow lady, as well as I do.” He said solemnly. He cast a glance toward the strange-looking Naer and nodded to her. He felt the flesh curiosity creeping to the surface, at the sight of her wound, but he suppressed the Spark’s impulse to insinuate itself into this scenario. He would only use grafting in the most dire of situations here.

As the rest were getting prepared for their journey, Rakvald was approached by Cal. They got to talking, and the man imparted a really good sounding recipe for Bacon Sandwich to Rakvald. He would make certain to try it. In the meantime, he had a request in kind for Cal, ”Please look after crazy buxom lady Cirrina. She a bit crazy, but the best kind of crazy. As for Dale’ee, she look like she can take care of self.”

That said, departed from the second group to join his own designated foursome.

Soon enough, after all the arrangements and introductions were made, Rakvald helped Sila mount up on her horse, and then got on his own. Soon he followed his group into the forest. He’d blow a kiss to Dale’ee and Cirrina, playfully of course before they headed farther under the canopy. He winked at both of them at times, obviously distracted by their presence for as long as they were present.

His thoughts lingered on the women until he thought he heard what sounded like an animal in the undergrowth. Rakvald’s hairs stood on the back of his neck, and he perked up. Perhaps this was a wild hog he could mate to his little one! He stretched a hand out to Sila as they rode along, steadying her on her saddle if she needed.

”Come tracker. We look at this undergrowth to find beast. Yes?”

He would attemept to dismount from his horse, carefully and slowly. Once he was on the ground, he would aid Sila off her own horse if she allowed it. Then he would lead her into the undergrowth, to track this beast. The only thing he heard really was the rustling of undergrowth, and no animal noises. Whatever it was would be a surprise.

Options taken

Fauna B Animal in the Undergrowth

Taking Sila with him

Must Do: Reaction to getting chosen: Eager, Very Friendly

[Silaqui Falone]

Her one eye narrowed ever so slightly,barely noticeable by most, as the male, Tark as he was called, mentioned she was no warrior and was wounded. Of course she wasn't a warrior. She wasn't foolish enough to even begin to think she could be. She had been a hunter, and some might argue that she still was, and her primary mode of fighting or dealing with threats was with carefully planned actions and surgical strikes. A single well placed shot that when executed precisely could lay even the largest beasts low.

What concerned her most was that this man, Tark, had taken but a single look at her and immediately known she was wounded in some way. Never mind that they had outed her as a Naerikk. She'd been so careful since she'd first been plucked from the sea by that trading vessel to keep her left side covered and her hood up and her face as well hidden as she could. Maybe he'd seen her eye? She figured eventually someone would see beneath her hood. That eventuality she was certain of and had prepared for. He'd not been specific about her injury. Not that it appeared to matter. The man with the pig, Rakvald as he was to come to be known by her, was being tasked with shielding her. This was fine with her. She doubted she'd be much use in a fight if it came to it.

She had been put under the care of Tark and was paired with Rose and Rakvald. The four of them were quite the group. A Sev'ryn named Tark, whatever Rose was, Silaqui assumed human at this point, Rakvald the pig farmer from who knows where, and her a mangled Naerikk. This was most definitely not a group she wagered would be good for much beyond what they were doing. Mostly because only three of the four could actually be of use in a fight. All she could do was try not to get killed by staying out of the way. Maybe she'd try and climb a tree? Grab a lowish branch from the back of her horse and try and pull herself up? Who was she kidding, with one hand? Better jokes were told at the bar and they were more believable.

Getting on the horse had been tricky. At first she'd tried by herself. Found herself unable to hoist herself into the saddle and had spent a moment trying to figure out how she'd get on the beast before Rakvald ever so kindly helped her climb onto the thing. She'd simply nodded her appreciation. Losing a hand was a humbling thing. It wasn't till you only had one that you realized how hard life was with just one. Her balance was off just ever so slightly so as they rode she slowly began to lean to her right. Thankfully, and she was certain this would likely become a repeat occurrence as they continued on, Rakvald was there and kind enough to gently aid her in re-balancing herself on the saddle. This was embarrassing for her, and she was trying to hide her displeasure at being at such a disadvantage, as not just a Naer but as a person. She'd owe this man eventually and she'd feel obligated to repay him in some way when he asked for it.

Not long after they had set off Cal, as he was called, asked her a question. A question she wished he'd not asked but he'd asked none the less. The question had been what exactly Tark had meant by her being injured. True, that wasn't the exact wording he used but that was basically what he'd asked. She had little option but to answer. "I recently lost an eye," she had replied and while it wasn't exactly true never-the-less it would suffice she hoped.

Lost in thought for a moment at her own displeasure over the events leading to her arrival in Desnind and being back on the same piece of dirt that her mother was standing on, though it was several trials travel away, and everything else that had gone wrong with her recently when Rakvald spoke to her. He'd apparently heard something and wanted to go check it out. With her. He was remembering she was worthless in a fight, right? He'd already dismounted and was offering his hand up to aid her in her own dismounting. Part of her wanted to tell him to get back on his horse and ignore it. Each time they stopped to check out some random noise in the undergrowth would mean less ground covered and the trip would take longer. Another part saw this as at least one way of paying him back for what kindness he'd shown thus far. Kicking her leg over her horse as carefully as she could, she gingerly took Rakvalds hand and eased herself to the ground. Dismounting was another thing she'd need help with it seemed.

Once she was safely on the ground she quickly adjusted her cloak to keep her left side hidden. By now she was certain they only knew about her eye, she'd admitted to be missing it, and was determined to keep it that way. An eye was nothing. An arm could be problematic. Best they didn't learn about it till after this was over or for as long as she could manage it. Looking at Rakvald she studied his face for a moment. He was excited about whatever it was that he'd heard. "Tark," she called without looking towards him, "I believe Rakvald wants me to accompany him to investigate a noise he heard. We'll return soon." Following him into the underbrush she was apprehensive. She could hear the sound but wasn't too keen on following it for reasons mentioned. Audrea forbid that it be some monstrous beast that liked eating wayward travelers. Following Rakvald and the sound was easy enough the noise was fairly consistent but wasn't giving up what type of creature it might be just the persistent rustling of some foliage. Keeping Rakvald between herself and the noise as they moved forward she mentally prepared herself to run back the way they came should whatever it be have intents on eating them. Let the man who raised swine do his best to fight it off while she made a beeline back to the horses, Rose and Tark. Hopefully whatever was making these sounds wasn't inclined to eat meat.

OOC

Silaqui is Reluctant about following a sound and leaving the relative safety of the path. She has followed Rakvald but is keeping behind him.
Silaqui is Neutral towards the group as a whole.