Session 30B:
Proving Worth


[JadedDM]: Chrysote 18th, Rockday; 19 bells.  Immediately departing that very night, the Tainted Hands head to the eastern gate to leave the city of Voxis .  It's a calm, cool night as they are stopped by the gate guard to identify themselves.

[JadedDM]: Guard:  "Oh, it's you.  Are you off on another adventure?" he asks, noting the two new members.

[Jasmin]: "You could say that," Jasmin says to the guard with a charming smile.

[Siara]: Siara steps up behind Jasmin, nodding to the guard.  "Should be an exciting trip."  She half-grins at the guard.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "Tell me, have you seen any sign of the Shadow Bats leaving the city?" he asks.

[JadedDM]: Guard:  "No, sir."

[Jasmin]: "They probably won't leave until morning," Jasmin points out. "That is what we usually did when I was with them."

[JadedDM]: Kricket hands the man a small pouch that jingles slightly.  "If they should come by, and ask if you have seen us, we'd appreciate it if you told them no."

[JadedDM]: The guard nods eagerly.  "Yes, sir!"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin giggles lightly as she watches Kricket, but she covers her mouth to try to stop herself.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Well, then...let us be off," he says, heading out of the city with his sons behind him.

[Siara]: As they walk, Siara does her best to stay near Kricket and Jasmin and as far away from Cardel as possible.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin glances over her shoulder towards the city for a few moments before she follows after the others. Oddly, she keeps near Cardel and Liam as she walks. "Avoiding someone, Siara?" Jasmin asks in amusement.

[Siara]: "Just trying to keep up the pace."  Siara murmurs through her teeth, managing to maintain a soft smile.

[JadedDM]: Liam stays near the back of the group, often looking over his shoulder.  Unable to see far in the moonlight, the effort is largely futile.  Nevertheless, he remains vigilant.  Kricket remains near the front, a spring in his step.  One would think he was on his way to the pub for a nice drink, not into the desert.  Cardel remains closer to the middle, glancing between the two women as if trying to make some kind of choice.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin comes up to the side of Cardel and taps him on the shoulder. "You are looking a little...lost Cardel," she teases.

[JadedDM]: Cardel hefts his mighty axe over his shoulder and grins.  He looks about to say something when he is interrupted by Liam, who states quite matter-of-factly, "He always looks like that unless there's a battle going on."

[Siara]: Siara rolls her eyes, rolling her shoulders back as if trying to keep something gross off.  "How far till we reach the ruins, Kricket?"

[Jasmin]: "So then, do you always look paranoid Liam?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "If we keep a swift pace, we should reach the desert by tomorrow."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "You of all people should know not to underestimate the Shadow Bats, Jasmin.  I want to make sure they don't catch up with us."

[Jasmin]: "Why are you so concerned with what the Shadow Bats are going to do though?" Jasmin asks while running her fingers through her hair. "I know that they probably won't leave right away, so I doubt they will catch up to us tonight."

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Ahh, you worry too much, son.  Without Jasmin and Siara, the Shadow Bats are no threat to us at all.  Even if they catch up with us, they'll never make it through the desert in one piece, never mind the ruins.  Relax, and enjoy the journey."

[Siara]: Siara smiles a bit more genuinely now, turning her head back towards Liam and Jasmin.  "We'll likely see the Shadow Bats as we're returning to the city."

[Jasmin]: "Don't be too confident you two," Jasmin points out.

[JadedDM]: Cardel:  "If they try anything, I'll just separate their heads from their bodies," he boasts.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "That is his usual method."

[Jasmin]: "Um, I rather you not go separating anyone's heads from their bodies."

[JadedDM]: Cardel:  "With this axe, which I call Frenzy, I can cut through solid stone."

[Siara]: Siara scoffs.  "Impressive."

[Jasmin]: "Can you now?" Jasmin laughs lightly at Cardel. "I can do better than that. Solid stone isn't all that impressive."

[JadedDM]: Cardel's smile falls suddenly.  "Better than stone?"

[Jasmin]: "Of course. All you have to do is use all of your lovely strength to get through solid stone. That isn't really as impressive as you make it sound."

[JadedDM]: Cardel grunts and comes to a stop.  "We'll see about that."  Casting a glance around, he finds a good sized rock...about as large as a goblin.  He approaches it, readying his axe.

[JadedDM]: Liam sighs.  "Don't encourage him..."

[Jasmin]: "Oh, I think I hit a nerve," Jasmin says, laughing slightly. "Come on, Cardel. You don't need to show off for me!"

[Siara]: "Oh good gods...."  She rolls her eyes.  "Kricket....can't you make him stop?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket pauses and turns around to face the others.  He smirks.  "Let the boy have his fun.  He gets antsy if too much time goes by where he doesn't chop up something."

[Jasmin]: "He's going to hurt himself," Jasmin says as she moves to walk beside Liam.

[JadedDM]: Cardel readies his axe and begins to concentrate.  Focusing all of his energy and will, a red haze of energy begins to form around the axe itself.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin watches in great amusement.

[JadedDM]: Cardel brings the axe up over his head and with a primal scream of rage, strikes down at the boulder.  A sudden cloud of dust surrounds him and there is a mighty 'crack' sound, although it's uncertain which comes first.  When the dust clears, the stone has been cleanly cleaved in twain.

[Siara]: Siara applauds sarcastically.  "If only it had been a pyrolisk."

[JadedDM]: Cardel hefts the axe back on his shoulder, quite pleased with himself.  Despite the fact that his impressive physique is now covered in dust, the axe is remarkably clean still.

[Jasmin]: "Oh, I'm sure it is easy to cut an object standing still in two. It is different with moving objects," Jasmin says, sneezing a good three times as the cloud of dust starts to clear.

[Siara]: Siara bites her lip before continuing on a few steps.  She tilts her head back at Kricket, gesturing for him to match her pace.  "You know, you have two remarkable sons."

[JadedDM]: Kricket chuckles.  "Yes, they do make a father proud."

[JadedDM]: Cardel frowns at Jasmin and begins looking for something bigger to chop.  However, short of the distant mountains, there's really nothing in the area.

[Siara]: "Have you thought about marriage for either of them?"  She raises a slender brow.  "Any woman would surely be proud to stand beside such men."  Her training does her well, and her voice is warm and genuine.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin skips over to Cardel, seemingly full of energy. "Oh, Cardel," she starts before patting him on the shoulder, "no matter what you chop up, I'm still going to say I'm better. There is just no winning here," she teases.

[JadedDM]: Kricket chuckles again.  "I suspect Cardel would rather face a dozen angry dragons than think about marriage.  A fact that breaks the heart of many women, I am sure."

[Siara]: Siara's voice quiets as it trails off.  "What a shame..."

[JadedDM]: Cardel:  "We'll see about that, once we see some real action."

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Indeed, it is.  But he is young.  Perhaps he'll settle down in time.  It would be nice to carry on the family name, to know it is ensured after my own passing."

[Jasmin]: "You have to admit that I at least have some skill, or I wouldn't be here now would I?"

[JadedDM]: Cardel shrugs.  "I just assumed we took you along so we'd have some warmth at night while away from town," he says.

[Jasmin]: "Well, you aren't going to get any warmth from me."

[JadedDM]: Cardel grins.  "We'll see about that, too."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin steps back towards Liam, and locks an arm with him. "Oh, there is that look again. Save me," she says playfully, looking up to Liam with a soft smile.

[JadedDM]: Liam glances over his shoulder again.  "You seem to be in high spirits," he comments.

[Siara]: Siara's gaze slips back to Jasmin, who is toying with both of the sons.  "What of Liam?" she questions Kricket.

[Jasmin]: "It is really a way to pass the time. I always have a lot of energy when I'm out on some sort of mission. The Shadow Bats didn't make the journey all that fun."

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Hmm...I am uncertain.  I have not seen him show interest in any women.  He seems to prefer the company of books."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "I can imagine.  They seem a somber group."

[Jasmin]: "Your group on the other hand actually talks while traveling," Jasmin points out. "If we did talk, we were usually fighting, or rather Gaheris was usually yelling at me."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "We talk often," he says.  "In fact, I'm surprised father isn't recounting the tale of how we defeated the brown dragon, Sandbat."

[Jasmin]: "It is probably because Siara has his attention," she says, wrinkling her nose a bit.

[Siara]: Siara overhears and flashes back a grin.  "Care to trade, dearest?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin shakes her head. "No, I'm good," she says cheerfully as she gives Liam's arm a little squeeze.

[JadedDM]: Kricket comes to a halt.  "Hold."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin pauses in her steps, looking forward as Kricket tells them to hold. Figuring something is up ahead, she lets her arm drop from Liam's so she can grab her swords.

[JadedDM]: Kricket draws his rapier.  "There is something up ahead.  I cannot see well in this darkness, though."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin draws Radiant Star and Scalebiter. "Perhaps Cardel and I should take lead?" Jasmin offers.

[Siara]: Siara nods, more than willing to stand behind the two fighters.  She, too, draws her sabre.

[JadedDM]: Kricket nods quickly.  "But be silent."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin quickly gives Liam a kiss on the cheek before she moves up front to take the lead. She tries to be as silent as possible.

[JadedDM]: Cardel walks with her.  Although a big man, the fact that he wears no armor other than a pair of bracers makes it relatively easy for him to remain stealthy.  The two approach what appears to be a traveling wagon.  It has been tipped over.  They see no movement in the moonlight.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin glances to Cardel for a few seconds as if in question before she takes a few steps closer to the tipped over wagon.

[JadedDM]: There is a stench of death and decay in the area.  The wagon is pin-cushioned with arrows with red tips.  There are a dozen human bodies spread about, full of arrows themselves.  They look to have been dead for a day or so.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin wrinkles her nose at the smell, but she continues on to carefully peak inside the wagon to make sure nothing is hiding inside.

[JadedDM]: Inside the wagon are half a dozen or so broken cages.  Whatever they once held are now gone.  There is nothing else, as whoever attacked the wagon surely stripped it clean.

[Jasmin]: Finding nothing, Jasmin motions for Cardel to follow her as she makes her way back to Kricket and the others.

[JadedDM]: Reporting that it's all clear, the others move closer to the wagon to investigate.  "Bandits," Kricket says.  "How odd that they would operate so close to Voxis' borders."

[Jasmin]: "Why is that odd?" Jasmin asks curiously.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "It's risky.  They must be very desperate."

[JadedDM]: Liam kneels down by the ground and examines it.

[Jasmin]: "I wonder what is making them so desperate," she says as she watches Liam.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "Hmm...goblin tracks."

[JadedDM]: Kricket yanks one of the arrows from a wagon wheel.  "With red arrow tips.  Must be the Crimson Wind."

[Jasmin]: "Is it possible they are still around?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "They might.  These bodies have been dead for a day or so.  So they may have moved on, though."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "When worship of Shadowbite was outlawed, I heard a number of goblins fled the city.  I imagine the Crimson Wind's ranks have swelled."

[Jasmin]: "Well, I say we continue moving on," Jasmin says. "Just....I guess be on guard just in case?"

[Siara]: "I agree.  If they are still around, we'd be easy targets in the dark."  Siara still grips her sabre, obviously unnerved by the sight of the dead bodies.  "Let's continue."

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Ah, yes.  I suppose we should make camp soon.  We have enough of a head start on the Shadow Bats.  Not here, though.  The smell is overwhelming."  He re-sheaths his rapier.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin places her swords back where they belong as she continues on. "How is the trip going for you Siara? This is probably your first time out here isn't it?"

[Siara]: "I've done a bit more traveling than you'd think."  Siara's muscles eased the further away they moved from the corpses.  "I love a bit of treasure hunting, myself."  She meets Jasmin's gaze and shrugs.  "But yes, it's been a while since I've left the city."

[JadedDM]: After putting a couple of miles between them and the wagon, Kricket halts again.  "This should do for now.  We can start again tomorrow morning."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin finds a nice little spot before she sits down. "What...type of things have you done for Gaheris to consider even letting you join the Shadow Bats like he did?"

[Siara]: Siara joined Jasmin on the ground, leaning back on her wrists, gazing up at the night sky before replying.  "Well, I suppose my treasure-hunting stories helped.  Not really sure.  I saw Gaheris often enough, gambling at the Blue Lantern and I was looking for work."  She peers back at Jasmin.  "It's hard treasure hunting on your own."  She pauses.  "We talked.  And I suppose he considered my skills enough to join you.  At least temporarily…"

[Jasmin]: "Hmm," she says as if she was thinking but she shrugs it off in the end. "Why did the Tainted Hands let you join?" Jasmin asks, looking at the three men curiously.

[Siara]: Siara blinks, glancing at the three men before answering carefully.  "I think we have similar goals."  Siara sits up a little straighter, her gold eyes fixed on Jasmin.  "Do you think it was a poor choice?"

[Jasmin]: "I wouldn't say a poor choice, but the Tainted Hands aren't really known for letting random people in their group," Jasmin says. "They know what I can do, but you were...kind of random."

[Siara]: Siara makes a careless gesture with her hand.  "Oh, well Kricket and I have a history that goes beyond the Tainted Hands.  He's one of my favorite patrons."

[Jasmin]: "So is Gaheris, from what I remember," Jasmin says. "But all right, I guess. I was just curious."

[JadedDM]: Liam stands up suddenly.  "Someone approaches."  He draws his bow.

[Siara]: Siara rolls to her feet, her breathing quickening, her sabre returning to her hand.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin glances over her shoulder before she stands. Quickly, she draws her swords.

[JadedDM]: The party can hear them--and smell them--long before they see them.  A dozen shuffling forms, moaning in eternal pain, drag themselves forward.  It would appear to be the victims of the bandit attack.

[Jasmin]: "...Zombies?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket sighs.  "Zombies?  How dull.  More of a nuisance than anything else."

[JadedDM]: Cardel:  "Well, guess I'll handle them then."

[Jasmin]: "I can do it."

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Yes, I prefer that.  Let the two new people take care of them."  He crosses his arms.  "After all, if they can't handle a few zombies, they shouldn't be slayers, yes?  Let's see what they have."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin smirks. "Oh, yes. We have to prove ourselves," she says sarcastically as she moves to meet the zombies.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "I'm sure you won't disappoint," he calls after them.

[Siara]: "Men...," Siara mutters as she follows Jasmin.  "Let the women fight the zombies," she mocks, her face a portrait of irritation.

[Jasmin]: "We can do it better than them anyway," Jasmin says cheerfully before rushing in to attack.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin and Siara engage the zombies.  (State actions for Round 1.)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin attacks the nearest zombie.

[Siara]: Siara takes on a zombie to the right of Jasmin, swinging her sabre.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] => [6] = (6)

[Siara]: [1d10] => [1] = (1)

[JadedDM]: Siara's turn.

[Siara]: [1d20] => [1] = (1)

[Jasmin]: (Ouch...)

[Siara]: (oh well)

[Jasmin]: (We are off to a good start.)

[Siara]: Siara brings her blade around in an almost graceful nature, until she trips on a crack in the ground.  She hits the dirt on her knees, her sabre flying from her hands.

[JadedDM]: Cardel's mocking laughter can be heard in the background.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [14] = (14)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [5,3] = (8)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [2,3] = (5)

[Jasmin]: Despite the fact Siara fell, Jasmin moves in and sweeps Radiant Star across the neck of the nearest zombie. The sword flashes into light as she does this. The zombie's head goes flying as Scalebiter finds its way into the undead's chest before it flops to the ground.

[JadedDM]: Zombies' turn.

[JadedDM]: The remaining 11 zombies stumble forward, surrounding the two women.  Six on Jasmin and five on Siara.  They claw, bite, and punch at the women.

[JadedDM]: One of them, a zombie missing an arm, manages to get behind Jasmin and scratch at her back (with his one good hand).  One lurches for Siara, but its leg falls off and it flops to the ground.  Another two manage to claw at her while she's down.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [5,3] = (8)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [4,3] = (7)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin quickly turns to face the zombie that had managed a hit on her. She quickly ducks down as the undead lunges at her again, and she cuts off a leg with Radiant Star. The undead falls to the ground, in which Jasmin finishes him off with Scalebiter stabbing deep into the back of its neck.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 2?)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin continues attacking.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] => [5] = (5)

[Siara]: Siara retrieves her sabre.

[Siara]: [1d10] => [9] = (9)

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [10] = (10)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [2] = (2)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [3,3] = (6)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin quickly stands from the kill, and spins around to stab Radiant Star into another zombie. The creature moans before dropping to the ground. At the same time, she tries to stab Scalebiter into another zombie, but it lunges out of the way.

[JadedDM]: Siara's turn.

[Siara]: Siara, face burning red in shame and fury, rolls out of the way of one of the zombies to retrieve her sabre.

[JadedDM]: Zombies' turn.

[JadedDM]: The zombies gang up on Jasmin, one of them managing to get by her defenses and biting into her shoulder deeply.  The zombies on Siara show little mercy themselves, clawing at her and tearing at her clothes to get to the warm, succulent flesh underneath.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [10] = (10)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [15] = (15)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [2,3] = (5)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [1,3] = (4)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin cries out a bit as the zombie bites into her shoulder, but she quickly shoves it off and shoves Radiant Star into its gut. The zombie groans in pain, but it continues moving. She pivots her body slightly to slam Scalebiter into the shoulder of another zombie, actually cutting its arm off in the process. It still keeps coming though.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 3?)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin continues fighting.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] => [10] = (10)

[Siara]: Siara begins to cast a spell.

[Siara]: [1d10] => [7] = (7)

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [4] = (4)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [1] = (1)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [3,3] = (6)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin stabs Radiant Star into the zombie that bit her again, nearly cutting the thing in half before it drops dead (for good). She brings Scalebiter around to finish off the other zombie, but she loses her grip, and the sword goes flying.

[JadedDM]: Cardel:  "Ha!"

[JadedDM]: Siara's turn.

[Siara]: Siara pulls out a tiny, silver dagger and pours a drop of melted snow on it, her lips moving silently.

[Siara]: [1d20] => [9] = (9)

[Siara]: [2d4] => [3,1] = (4)

[Siara]: The small dagger embeds it self in the left shoulder of one of the zombies.  It slows it for a moment, but it continues coming.  As the knife collides with the zombie, it shatters, emitting a wave of cold.

[JadedDM]: The cold aura, however, seems not to effect the lifeless corpses at all.

[JadedDM]: Zombies' turn.

[JadedDM]: The zombies continue their assault, not letting a little thing like frozen cold and lost limbs hinder them.

[Siara]: Siara collapses, unconscious.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [6,3] = (9)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin rolls to the ground in one graceful movement. During the roll she picks up Scalebiter, and then stabs upwards with Radiant Star into a zombie's groin. It twitches for a few moments before dropping to the ground.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 4?)

[Siara]: Siara lies unmoving.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin continues with her attack.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] => [5] = (5)

[JadedDM]: Kricket's turn.

[JadedDM]: The sound of Kricket's voice rising in song can be heard over the moaning of zombies and cracking of limbs.  Five magical beams of energy strike the zombies surrounding Siara, knocking them away from her unconscious form.

[JadedDM]: Cardel's turn.

[JadedDM]: Charging forward, Cardel literally slices one of the zombies in two with his axe, Frenzy.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [3] = (3)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [13] = (13)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [2,3] = (5)

[Jasmin]: Upon seeing Siara lying on the ground, Jasmin cries out, "Siara!" before she shoves both of her swords forward to stab into the zombies in front of her. One of the zombies manages to dodge out of the way, but Scalebiter makes a home in another zombie's chest.

[JadedDM]: Liam's turn.

[JadedDM]: Liam puts an arrow through one of the zombie's heads, knocking it down to the ground.

[JadedDM]: Zombies' turn.

[JadedDM]: The zombies fight even more ferociously now that there is blood on the ground.  The ones fighting Siara now team up on Cardel, but strangely are unable to touch him, despite the fact most of his skin is exposed.  Only one gets in a good scratch.  The two on Jasmin continue to bite at her.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [1] = (1)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [12] = (12)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [2,3] = (5)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin tries to cut off the zombie's head, but Radiant Star goes flying from her hand as she loses her grip. Scalebiter still manages to make a home in the other zombie's throat. It seems to gurgle for a second before dropping to the ground.

[JadedDM]: Liam's turn.

[JadedDM]: Liam fires another arrow, re-killing the last zombie on Jasmin.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 5?)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin moves in to help Cardel with the five zombies attacking him.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] => [3] = (3)

[Siara]: Siara's still body continues to bleed, her skin becoming paler.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [1] = (1)

[Siara]: (damn...)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin quickly moves to pick up Radiant Star, then she tries to stab Scalebiter into one of the zombies, but then Scalebiter goes flying. "Damnit!"

[Jasmin]: (holy hell.)

[JadedDM]: Cardel's turn.

[JadedDM]: With a heft of his axe, Cardel decapitates another zombie.

[JadedDM]: Kricket's turn.

[JadedDM]: Now that the zombies have thinned out, Kricket hurries over to Siara, fumbling with his pack.  He kneels down beside her, gently takes her head in his hand, and pours a blue liquid down her throat.

[JadedDM]: Liam's turn.

[JadedDM]: Liam fires another arrow, this one does not kill, however.

[JadedDM]: Zombies' turn.

[JadedDM]: There are two remaining.  One leaps at Jasmin, but trips and clatters to the ground.  The other claws at Cardel, but some invisible force keeps it at bay.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [7] = (7)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [3,3] = (6)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes the time to shove Radiant Star into the back of the zombie's neck that just leapt at her before she picks up Scalebiter.

[JadedDM]: Cardel's turn.

[JadedDM]: Cardel separates his zombie's top from its bottom with a swing of his axe.

[JadedDM]: Liam's turn.

[JadedDM]: Nocking another arrow, Liam finishes off the final zombie.  It falls to the ground and moves no further.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin lets out a sigh of frustration before she runs over to Siara's side. "Is she okay?"

[Siara]: Siara moans, barely able to shift her body.  It seems that even breathing is painful.  "I-"  A painful breath of air escapes her.  "Sure."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin frowns deeply as she slowly tries to help Siara up. "Come on, let’s get you away from these bodies," she says.

[JadedDM]: Cardel hefts his axe back over his shoulder.  "Guess we saw, after all."

[Jasmin]: "I...I never do that badly. Not against zombies."

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Sloppy," he says.  "Cardel.  Carry her."  He stands, and moves aside for his son.

[JadedDM]: Cardel straps his axe to his back and then lifts Siara up easily, as if she were a child.

[Siara]: Siara grinds her teeth together, whether out of pain or embarrassment, it is unclear.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "This way."  He heads a little further north, away from the bodies.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes up the rear quietly, her head bent down as if in shame.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "This will do.  We'll discuss things once we're inside."

[Jasmin]: "Inside?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket begins a spell.  Suddenly, he is engulfed in a strange, opaque hemisphere the size of a small room.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin's eyes widen a bit. "Ohhhh."

[JadedDM]: Waiting a moment, Cardel steps into the sphere as if it was not there, and vanishes within.  Liam follows.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin follows after the two.

[Siara]: Once they are inside the sphere, Siara growls softly to Cardel, "Put me down."

[JadedDM]: Inside the sphere, it is room temperature with no wind and decent lighting.  The interior of the sphere is perfectly clear, so they can see outside easily.  Cardel sets Siara down on the ground gently.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes a moment to glance around before she finds a corner to sit in. Whatever high spirits she was in seems to have disappeared.

[Siara]: Siara looks greatly displeased, although slightly relieved to be away from the zombies.

[JadedDM]: Kricket sighs and sits down.  "How could that have gone better?"

[Jasmin]: "She probably should have stayed behind me and cast spells."

[Siara]: "Or the three of you could have helped sooner."  Siara's voice was like chilled venom.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "I assume you don't have much experience with undead, my dear?" he asks Siara.

[Siara]: Siara sighed and looked away.  "Only once before."

[Jasmin]: "She fought them when we went after the Nightmaster. That was his first defense. She did some spell that shot fire from her finger tips, and then Gaheris took care of the rest."

[JadedDM]: Kricket nods.  "Ah, flame.  A useful tool against the undead.  Ice, however...not so much.  Most are immune to the coldest of spells."

[Siara]: "I didn't have any fire prepared."  Her eyes slide back to Kricket's.  "My bad."

[JadedDM]: Kricket then looks to Jasmin.  "You dropped your weapons a number of times."

[Jasmin]: "I know. I usually don't do that. I don't know what was wrong," she says, glancing at the ground.

[Siara]: Siara's voice seemed barely restrained, her gold eyes hardening.  "She never drops her weapon."

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "It's best to keep a cool head in battle.  Sometimes, going for a dropped weapon can get you killed.  It means lowering your defense.  Instead, draw another weapon if you have one.  And you should always have one."

[Jasmin]: "I'm quick enough to grab my dropped weapon, if I do it. I can still keep some defense while doing it as you saw."

[Siara]: Siara says nothing.

[JadedDM]: Kricket gets back up.  "Healing potions are expensive.  We only have so many."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin gives a little nod of understanding.

[Siara]: Siara takes a few breaths, her expression softening just slightly.  "I understand.  Thank you."

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "This little setback will delay us.  We may have to stop at Nikola first."

[Jasmin]: "Nikola?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "A small village in the Dayru Desert ."

[Jasmin]: "Oh." Jasmin moves to lie down, curling up a bit as she does so.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "You mean that village full of deserters, thieves, beggars, and refugees?" he asks with a hint of disgust.

[Jasmin]: "Don't like the place, Liam?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "We've been there before.  It's dangerous, but not to slayers like us.  Besides, we are a little famous there after slaying Sandbat."

[Jasmin]: "Where aren't you famous?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Where indeed?  Anyway, perhaps we can call on some favors there.  I only have one healing potion left.  I believe Cardel has one, too."

[JadedDM]: Cardel nods, sitting down on the ground.

[Jasmin]: "We have to make it there first," Jasmin say softly.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Which is why Siara should stay off the front-line of any battles for now."

[Siara]: Siara weakly waves her hand.  "No objections there."

[Jasmin]: "I'll stay near her to make sure she stays safe."

[Siara]: Siara looks to Jasmin quickly, unable to hide her surprise.  "Thanks, Jasmin."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin smiles faintly to Siara. "You're welcome."

[JadedDM]: Cardel:  "I can't believe they couldn't handle a few zombies...what use will they be against pyrolisks?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin shoots a glare Cardel's way. "We aren't all great like you, Cardel."

[JadedDM]: Cardel:  "I'm just saying...that was a test, right?  Looks like they failed it pretty badly."

[Jasmin]: "So are you going to kick us out and leave me on my own then?"

[Siara]: "And what do you suggest, Cardel?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "I remember your first battle quite well, Cardel."

[JadedDM]: Cardel flushes suddenly.  "This wasn't their first battle!"

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Maybe so.  But I remain convinced this was a fluke.  The Shadow Bats would have been wiped out long ago otherwise."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin smirks a bit at Kricket's words. "Everyone has off days."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "I hope things go better in the ruins then.  Otherwise, we could all wind up making it our tomb."

[Jasmin]: "I like how the three of you wanted me in your group so badly, and when I mess up you lose all confidence in me," Jasmin says in a bit of annoyance as she turns over so her back is to them.

[Siara]: Siara still doesn't look too pleased.  A tint of pink still colors her cheeks, marking her as still humiliated.  Her jaw is tight.  "It will be different next time."

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "We wanted you for your skills."  He shakes his head.  "Understand, I'm willing to take this as an 'off-day' as you called it.  But if your performance in the next fight is this poor, I will not risk my sons and my own lives to rescue you again."

[Jasmin]: "You rescued Siara, not me," Jasmin says.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "How long would you have lasted yourself without our aid?" he asks Jasmin.

[Siara]: Siara will not look at either of them.

[Jasmin]: "How am I supposed to know?"

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "You do look pretty beat up, Jasmin."

[JadedDM]: Cardel:  "This is why we shouldn't let girls into the group."

[Jasmin]: "They were...just lucky," she says, as if trying to convince herself of that. "I'm better than this," she says softly and more to herself.

[Siara]: The color in Siara's eyes flares up.  "Don't second guess yourself, Jasmin.  You're better then they've given you credit for."  She tries to sit up, but gasps and lies back down.  "If we had fought like a team, it would have ended up different."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "You are capable of better.  You have to be," he says, almost saying that last part to himself.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin sits up slightly, looking to Liam. "What do you mean I have to be?"

[JadedDM]: Liam shakes his head.  "Enough.  Get some rest.  We'll need our strength tomorrow when we enter the desert."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks ready to say something, but she ends up lying back down to get some sleep.

[JadedDM]: After plenty of rest and no further dangers bothering them, morning comes.  It is Chrysote 19th, Seaday at 10 bells.  The weather is clear and sunny as Kricket dispels his protective sphere and the party breaks camp.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin rolls her shoulder a bit to get the stiffness out. She remains oddly quiet.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Ah, well.  Everyone get a good rest?"

[Jasmin]: "Good enough," Jasmin says absently as she looks around the area.

[Siara]: "Mmm."  Siara still appears weak, but she manages to sit up, grimacing a bit at the movement.

[JadedDM]: Cardel:  "Do I need to carry them the rest of the way?" he asks sarcastically.

[Jasmin]: "Kricket, can I kill your son...please?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket ignores her request.  "How are you feeling, Siara, my dear?"

[Siara]: A weak chuckle.  "I think my body hurts less than my pride."  Her smile falters.  "I'll be fine."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin crosses her arms with an almost hateful expression on her face. She mutters something about "being the same" and then falls silent.

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "Let's be off then.  Liam, you guard the flank.  I'll take the lead."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin follows after Kricket, but she keeps close to Siara like she said she would do last night.

[JadedDM]: The party travels on until late afternoon, when the hills of the highlands begin to give way to white sand.  The sun's rays above, while usually burning to begin with, seem to be intensified as they enter the Dayru Desert .

[Jasmin]: Jasmin squints her eyes as they enter into the Desert. "How far is it to this village?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket pauses, to gain his bearings.  "It's been a few years...it's north of here, hidden beyond a cave.  It's sheltered in a small valley."

[Siara]: Siara can feel the sun's rays through the tears in her clothes.  She allows her hair to fall about her face, to protect it a little from the light.

[Jasmin]: "Will we make it there before nightfall?"

[JadedDM]: Kricket:  "If we continue at this pace, yes.  I believe so."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin nods and continues on making sure to keep close to Siara. "This isn't going the way it is supposed to," she says to Siara.

[Siara]: "I know."  Siara speaks softly, hoping only Jasmin can hear her.  "I'm sorry."

[Jasmin]: "What are you sorry for? If I was with the Shadow Bats, I would be equally miserable."

[Siara]: Siara nods as they walk, swallowing once before she speaks.  "Perhaps.  But if I had stayed with the Shadow Bats....maybe it would be different for you."  There seems to be a bit more guilt in her voice than she is letting show.  "I don't think I've been the best friend to you, Jasmin."

[Jasmin]: "I don't understand," Jasmin says, looking to Siara. "How have you not been the best friend to me?"

[Siara]: Siara peers back at the other woman for a moment, seriously contemplating her answer.  "I could have been more honest with you."

[Jasmin]: "Honest?"

[Siara]: "I didn't tell you that, I've wanted to join the Tainted Hands for some time, myself."  She drags her eyes away.  "I may have you to thank for getting me in at all."

[Jasmin]: "...If you wanted to be with the Tainted Hands, why did you join the Shadow Bats then?"

[Siara]: A shrug.  "They were my fall-back."  Siara bites her lip.  "I told you, I needed work."

[Jasmin]: "How can you need work when you get paid at the Blue Lantern?"

[Siara]: Siara smiles at that.  "I prefer an expensive life-style.  I never made enough to my liking."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin shakes her head. "In the end, you still betrayed them like I did."

[Siara]: Siara opens her mouth to say more, and then thinks better of it.  "Yes.  Yes, I did."

[Jasmin]: "I guess there isn't much to do about it now. Did you try to join the Tainted Hands first?"

[Siara]: "I- I had made mention of my interest to Kricket at one point.  He made it sound....unlikely."

[Jasmin]: "Yet here you are," Jasmin points out as she glances to Kricket.

[Siara]: Siara nods, gesturing lightly to her battered body.  "Yet, here I am."

[Jasmin]: "They wanted you here for a reason, Siara. They want me for my skill, so they have to want you for something too. They wouldn't have let you in otherwise."

[Siara]: "I suppose you're right."  She smiles weakly.  "You're a good friend, Jasmin.  I just hope we don't kill each other later."

[Jasmin]: "Why would we do that?" Jasmin laughs slightly, as if that is highly unlikely.

[Siara]: Siara laughs too, full-bodied, so that it hurts a little.  "Yes, yes.  Why, indeed."

[JadedDM]: (Okay, let's call it a night here.  I'm wiped and this is a good stopping point.)

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