[Sat Jun 02 20:15:06 GMT+00:00 2001]

You came to a small area suitable for camping as you look about the rain soaked ground trying to find the best spot for the night. The rain at this point has begun to slow some from what appears to be dripping through the canopy. You have currently stopped and have begun to rest.

Zakren sits down against a tree and holds his holy symbol tightly in his hands as he begins to speak softly from under his hood.

Mordineon stops and drops his gear as he kneels down upon his backpack and prepares to pray to his god.

Hawk goes out and looks for some dry wood to build a fire

Druid tries to find a dry spot so that she may study and pray.

Elina continues to mutter as she drifts of into deep sleep, turning around on her back against the rock as she dreams of all the terrible things that had happened.

Russeth has already begun to rest, his cloak separating him from the mud that has become the ground as much as it can. He has decided to leave the first watch to the cleric or mages who might have decided to pray or study.

Hawk not finding any dry wood about goes back to the group and tries to find the driest place possible to rest

Druid continues her studies, occasionally glancing over the camp, glad that many are resting well.

Feragan makes his way over to Russeth. "Who has those rings? I can study them for a while and identify them in the morning."

Druid perks her slender elven ears up at the mention of identifying.

Russeth blinks as Feragan steps in the wet soaked, ground next to him, sending some of it in his direction. "Humph. Well I have one, you want to take care of it... now?" He looks surprised as he climbs to his feet again, slowly taking off of his finger the ring, the one possessing the bird carvings.

[Feragan]: "Well I can start with one any way. Who has the other one for when I’m done?"

Zakren is praying...

Druid stands up and walks over to Feragan.

Russeth nods at Feragan silently. He glares over at Zakren praying and smiles. "The priest has the ring. Better not disturb him right now." He hands him the ring.

[Feragan]: "Hmm, so are you going to give it to me or just stand there holding it? Ahh ok now." Takes the ring and walks over to a near by tree and sits down.

[Druid]: "If you are willing to share your spell, Feragan, I might be able to assist you in the identifying.

[Feragan]: 'Assist, Heh I don't need any assistance you just wish to pry into the works of the spell, aren't, you now lass?" Laughing as he begins to polish the ring with his robe.

Russeth glares over at Feragan as he walks away, he decides its best to stay up, as everyone is quite busy identifying or praying. He slowly makes his way behind Zakren, hiding in the shadows of nocturne wildlife.

Hawk " zzzzzZZZZZZZ! "

Russeth slips off into the shadows of the night while the others are hard at work and prayer. The calls of the wild can be heard all about you in the deep woods.

Druid returns the laugh. "Of course." Druid grins at Feragan. "Consider it if you will. I would gladly trade one of mine. Get back to me if you wish to take me up on my offer". Druid gives Feragan one last smile.

Russeth glares on all sides of the camp, his senses all alert he slowly acknowledges with the campsite.

[Elina]: Having rested enough, Elina woke from her reverie, stretching her stiff muscles from sleeping while leaning against the rock. Noticing that everyone seems to be still wake, Elina said "Hmm, didn't you get any rest at all?"

Russeth shrugs at Elina, knowing she can see him under the same spectrum. "I didn't judge it necessary. Just now."

Druid smiles as she finishes her studies. "Not when there are spells to be learned, my friend."

Hawk "ZZZZZZ! Snort, snort! ZZZZ!"

Mordineon gets up and take a stretch and walks over to a small area under a bush as lies down to get some rest.

Zakren rises from his seat and stretches..."Alright...who needs some healing?"

Elina nods at Russeth and said, "I failed to mention that I learned to be a Jeweler from my mentor Glinamore when I was younger. I am sure that my skills will come in handy."

Russeth almost falls backwards as Zakren rises before him, he has been watching him almost immobile and wasn't quite sure when he would move. He looks around the camp wondering who will be speaking first.

Elina smiles at Druid at the mention of spells to be learned and asks "Druid dear, haven't we finish our studies already? Is there anymore from where those spells come from?"

Feragan looks up towards Zakren. "Ahh your done hey toss me that ring so I can try to figure out what it is."

Zakren shrugs and begins to chant while holding his holy symbol. A blue light surrounds his hands and then his whole body as he touches his forehead softly.

Russeth nods back at the lady and then turns his head to face Feragan, "Are ye done with mine, wizard?"

[Druid]: "Perhaps you have, but I still needed a few more moments." Grinning at Elina.

Zakren glances at Feragan and nods as he fishes a plain gold ring out of his pouch. He then walks over to the mage and hands out the hand holding the ring to him.

[Feragan]: "No I’m not done this is a long process only the gods know what the creators put on it." Grumbling about something under his breath.

[Elina]: "Ah. I did not notice there is another mage within our mist." Staring intently at Feragan as he receives the ring from Zakren.

[Feragan]: 'Ahh thank you sir now let me take a look at this." Begins eyeing up the plain gold band.

Druid smiles at Elina. "He's a tough one, Elina." She laughs.

Russeth glares over at Zakren and smiles. "Hey Zakren. Did ye hear the lady? She has got some interesting skills to share there." He looks directly at Zakren's backpack.

Russeth glares at Feragan with surprise. "What do you mean? How long will you have to wait to know the results of your first spell?"

[Elina]: "Hmmm, tough or selfish?" Elina giggles and continues "Well it will not hurt to share and trade a spell or two Feragan"

Zakren turns around to Russeth..."What are you talking about?"

Feragan looks up to the others. "I can take second watch since I’ll be up anyway best if we all get some wounds healed and rest."

Druid whispers to Elina. "Perhaps we should use our womanly skills." She giggles quietly.

Zakren shrugs and looks around the group an asks again..."Does anyone need healing?"

Russeth rolls his eyes at Zakren. "Take a wild guess. Priest."

[Feragan]: "Hmm maybe half a days work on them not sure really they are all different and these are my first two attempts at it."

[Elina]: "I have the skills of a Jeweler Zakren. I can appraise gems if there are any."

Russeth notices no one else has spoken up and sighs deeply. "If no one else requires healing then I will have to accept your offer. But do not use all your healing on me, we need to keep it."

Zakren takes out one of the gems found in the beds and hands it to Elina.

Elina accepts the gem with both hands and intently goes to work, examining the gem.

Russeth nods at Zakren. "Testing her skills before?" He grins in direction of Zakren.

Zakren walks over to Russeth..."Doesn't matter aren't the all the same?"

Russeth raises an eyebrow, remaining in the shadows. "How would you know, priest?"

Zakren takes a few more gems from his pack..."Ahh hell...they aren't."

Zakren moves back to Elina and hands her the rest of the gems before heading back to the Ranger.

Russeth nods at Zakren as he steps out of the darkness, he stops in front of Zakren whom had been walking in his direction and smiles widely.

Elina lifts the gem and said "I am not sure but this one seems to worth around 10gp." and tosses it to Zakren.

You sit up watching the mages work as Mordineon and Hawk are fast asleep.

[Russeth]: "M'lady. How about you pool the gems and tell us of a total value of the gems?"

[Zakren]: As he walks towards him, he holds his holy symbol and chants. As he finishes his hand glows blue and he touches Russeth arm, thus engulfing the ranger with blue light.

Zakren glances down at the gem she threw..."Hmm. no more throwing." He bends down and picks it up.

Elina picks up another gem and proceeds to examine the gem.

Russeth closes his eyes as the flash messes, with his infrared spectrum he opens them again in the darkness. He moves a hand over his earlier wounds to feel them a little bit fixed and continue smiling. "Thank you, Zakren." He puts a hand on his shoulder, "Once again I will have to pay ye back."

Zakren walks back to Elina..."Appraise them all at once so we'll know how much to ask for them at Velarsburg."

Druid sighs and walks over to Gremags body. She stands there for a long time.

You sit up well into the night as the time goes by peacefully.

Zakren shrugs his thanks off..."That's what I do..."

Russeth nods at Zakren. "After she has appraised the gems. We will have to seek a merchant who will offer us at least her appraisal."

She finishes with the gems and informs you of their worth being around this if she is correct Gems 1-10gps / 3-25gps / 4-50gps / 3-100gps / 1-500 GPS.

[Druid]: "Well done Elina. It seems that we will be eating well soon enough."

Zakren looks over to Mordineon..."Hey cleric of Selune...do you have cures left?"

Russeth calculates the total value. "Well hmm. That’s an awful lot of wealth we were carrying!" He smiles as he sits back against a nearby tree and watches the rain pour.

Light snoring can be heard coming from Mordineon’s make shift bed in the mud.

Zakren gathers the gems from Elina and puts them all back in his pouch.

Hawk mumbling " pull my finger. SNORT! ZZZZZ!!!! "

Zakren shakes his head at the sleeping priest.

Russeth watches Zakren speak to his own self and continues smiling. "Get some sleep priest, and hope that tomorrow will be a warmer day."

Druid takes one final look at Gremag before going back to her dry spot and settling down.

Zakren turns to the Ranger..."Wait...I'll cast my last healing spell...Mordineon can take care of wounds while in battle." He moves over to the ranger and does the same process as earlier.

Howls of wolves can be heard from with in the darkness as you sit about camp.

Zakren yawns after his last prayer..."Good night."

[Elina]: Deciding that she has already rested enough, Elina kept awake and listens to he sounds of the forest.

Zakren goes to sit under a tree to sleep.

Russeth nods at Zakren as he feels a very small tingle on his arm. He draws one of his blades and twirls it in the darkness a few times before heading back into the shadows glaring silently at the surroundings and watching mostly everyone go to sleep.

Feragan works for a little while later as he stops looking off into the woods, before laying back and slipping into a nice comfortable spot to sleep.

Elina smiles at Russeth and slowly approach the ranger, making sure that she does not wake the others, and sat down besides him.

[Russeth]: After some time he blinks repeatedly and shakes his head to keep himself asleep but at some point he can't take it anymore. He notices the lady besides him and smiles, "Alright m'lady. The camp is all yours I've got to get some rest." With that he finds himself the same spot and drifts off to sleep, with little noise.

Elina nods at Russeth's comment and replies "Rest then noble ranger, you may leave it to me."

Elina sat near Russeth quietly and observes her surroundings, using her elven eyes to spot any disturbance, which may arise.

[Elina]: As dawn rises, Elina gave Russeth a quick shake and said "Its already dawn, do wake up." and proceeds to wake the rest.

Zakren stands, yawns and stretches as the morning comes up..."When will we find the road?"

Mordineon awake to the new day as he stands stretching from his damp nap.

Feragan soon rolls over and sit up scratching his head as he looks about half-awake.

Elina replies Zakren with a melody in her voice and said "Soon I hope. Its such a fine morning"

You all wake to a sunny day or what you believe to be sunny for the rays of the light that pierce through the canopy to the forest floor below. The rains have stopped as you hear the sounds of chirping birds, and the calls of life about you in the vast forest. Except for the faint growls coming from your surrounding area bushes.

Druid stretches along the ground, picking up stray bits of leaves and grasses on her clothes. Ignorant of this, she rises and happily greets the party.

Zakren tries to wipe the wet grass and the water off his ass and grumbles..."Ya it's swell..."

Druid 's keen elven sense of hearing pick up the sound and she looks to see if Russeth and Elina have heard it as well.

Hawk stands, stretches, belches " Blaaagghh! " and breaks wind " FFFEEEEERRRRTTT! " Then goes into a profuse crotch scratching

[Elina]: "The rain seems to have stopped. A good sign and day for our journey ahead." Elina smiles and gave Druid a hug. "Morning dear."

Druid returns the hug mechanically still straining her ears to hear the growling.

Elina senses Druid stiffen as she hugs her and asked, "What’s wrong?"

Russeth wakes up from his trance at Elina's shake and reluctantly opens his left eye. "Oh hmm. Right." He smiles as he quickly notices the sun has finally set on the sky. "Good. The sun." He nods at Druid, reaching for his swords.

Zakren leans back against his tree and draws his sword and examines it over. He then gets his whetstone from his pouch and sharpens his blade.

Druid returns the nod, happy in the fact that she was not just hearing things. Whispering quietly to Elina what she had heard.

Preparing to move on and listening to the bushes something dives from the bushes upon Hawk biting into his chest and before you can respond four others charge from the brush around you attacking the party from all sides.

Zakren yawns and calls over to Feragan..."So what's the magic in our rings?"

[Elina]: Upon Druid's mentioning of the growl, Elina strains her elven hearing to catch the disturbance.

Druid lets out a reflexive shriek and quickly prepares her spells.

Zakren holds his hands in the air and begins to chant to his goddess.

As the wolves attack a fifth animal comes from the bushes but attacks the wolves themselves instead of you. Battling through the mayhem you see that the helping animal in none other then Catchy the dog.

Russeth rolls forward into the ground, whatever soaked it might be, using his sword handles to push himself up he looks for the nearest creature, hoping they are all the same.

The beast rips into Hawk's chest as it stands on its hind legs upon him. Another leaps forward towards Zakren as he steps away letting the beast go by.

Russeth notices the familiar dog and looks quite happy as he goes into melee with the wolves. "My dog! He is back!" Some new energy takes form in him self.

[Zakren]: As he holds on to his holy symbol, his right hand his held out before him. As he finishes, a flame appears in his hand..."Take this." He throws the flame towards a wolf.

Zakren flame burns the back of the wolf as it yelps and runs about through the area.

Hawk tries to kick the damn wolf over his head so that he may draw his sword

Hawk kicks at the beast hitting it in the gut as it jumps down off on him.

Hawk having gotten the foul wolf off of him draws his sword " Now you damn mutt prepare to receive the gift

Isreal seems to have tried to slip off into the bushes once again as he tries to strike a wolf missing it cleanly.

Elina mutters a few words and a glowing white light flies from her fingers towards the wolf, which is now in flames.

Elina's light strikes the beasts clean in the side as it falls to the ground and gets back up.

Mordineon stands ready for the first to fall.

The creature seems to be attacking something in the bushes as you see it run off into the thickets dragging Gremags body. Another wolf lunges forward, biting into Russeth’s right arm.

Russeth in no time he notices the wolf, which is being attacked by his dog and joins with it, swinging down once upon the charging animal. He sends the second blade stylishly at the wolf, which was pinning Hawk as it jumps.

Zakren takes a quick glance at the wolf dragging away Gremag..."Well that takes care of that..."

Russeth attacks dropping one and striking another but it continues to fight on.

Feragan chants and sends fourth a beam of white light striking one of the beasts in the side.

Catchy barks and growls as he bites down into one of the wolf’s legs. As another wolf attacks upon Zakren missing him as it runs into the bushes.

Druid looks around for a group of wolves, pulling out some finely ground sand and hurling it at them.

Zakren smiles with glee as another flame appears in his right hand.

Druid mutters a word to herself, and the powder flashes once.

Two wolves are done as one takes off with Gremag leaving two more attacking the group.

Russeth hits true with both of the blades, his right arm weakened by the wolf's assault, the attack is not as powerful as with his left arm. He retracts the blades near his shoulders he swings again at the wolf that hasn't yet fell hoping to finish it off. He trusts his friends in taking the last one down.

[Russeth]: His first swing misses the target wide while the second still a bit weak is true. The blade sinks down in the fur of the wolf and delivers a lethal blow.

Russeth strikes one of the beasts as it cries out and runs off into the brush. While the remaining wolf fleas, with the other one.

Zakren throws his flame at the retreating wolf.

Hawk " COWARDLY MUTTS!

[Elina]: "Those wolves took Gremags corpse! Should we try to chase it?" Exclaiming with sadness in her voice.

Russeth pulls his blades back again, drawing a piece of cloth from below his armor chest piece he cleans both the blades of blood and sheathes them. He narrows his eyes as the wolves run off into the wilderness and shakes his head at Elina. "Gremag was already helpless, you know that."

Mordineon looks off into the underbrush. "Well if we are going after Gremag we better go soon before they get to far away and tear the body up."

Elina stared at Russeth with tears in her eyes. Giving him a hurt look, "But shouldn't we at least try to get it back?"

Druid turns sadly towards the direction the wolf ran of with Gremag. "Russeth...can you follow its tracks?"

[Zakren]: "I told you we should've just buried him..."

Zakren glances at his flame and snuffs it out..."Well what now?"

Mordineon does some last rights on the path in which Gremag was taking since no one wishes to pursue the beasts.

[Druid]: "We could easily follow, I would think. It was dragging a heavy dwarf through relatively moist ground".

Elina continues to stare at Russeth with watery eyes, silently pleading him to do something.

Zakren glances at Russeth..."Well? You're the one who can track it... Do we or not?"

Mordineon shrugs and makes his way back over to his belongings and begins to gather them up to travel.

Russeth looks the ladies in the eyes. He shakes his head yet with a bit of sadness himself. "I don't wanna make that choice. We’re already quite lost in here. And you would want to follow wolves back to their pack?"

[Elina]: Seeing that it’s of no use trying to persuade Russeth to track the wolf, Elina gathers her pack. A slow tear flows down her delicate face as she tries in vain to stop herself from crying.

Zakren scratches his hairless chin..."How about we get his body and just bury it there and then. We aren't really in a hurry but I don’t wanna carry it"

Isreal looks around. "Well he will be wolf dung by tomorrow better to feast upon him then one of us."

Druid walks over hurriedly to Elina, hoping to comfort her. But, as she begins to speak of Gremag, she herself begins the endless tears.

Russeth sighs deeply as he packs up his own gear. He throws his backpack over his shoulders and just glares at Zakren; his glare saying nothing really he remains silent.

Druid turns around to Isreal, stares at his for a moment, then punches him square in the jaw, quickly recoiling her hand in pain.

Elina hugs Druid as they share their grief over the grumpy dwarf.

Zakren shakes his head..."None of us would want to finish that way...death is one thing but not being food."

Isreal’s head twists to the left as she lands her blow. "Hey what are you doing that for?"

Mordineon looks on with a laugh from Druids actions. "Well Zakren he is already dead and in a better place his body is just being used in the chains of life."

[Druid]: "I heard you the first time...and I suppose you are right".

Zakren snorts at Mordineon and looks at him directly..."I'll remember that." He grins slightly.

Russeth nods silently as he notices people are slowly getting it. He heads to the far end of their campsite and looks up at the sky with deep sigh; he stands there motionless for a while.

[Elina]: After a few moments of grief, Elina tries to control her voice and said "Let us all sing a song in memory of the dwarf." and started singing about the dwarf's deeds and how his life tragically ended.

[Mordineon]: "You did remove his goods right?"

Russeth finishes his staring at the sky and then spins around, glaring at Elina silently.

Zakren shakes his head..."Ladies would've never let us do that..."

Druid once again tries to join Elina in singing, and again she falters, not because she can't sing this time, but because of her immense grief.

Mordineon stands there waiting on the others. "You know we are burning day light here, the more time we send here at night the more we seem to be found."

Elina sings, making up honorable deeds, which she imagines the dwarf would have done, as she got no idea what the dwarf had done in the past.

Russeth seems to care little for all that is going on at the moment he pets his hunting dog on the head as he looks down. "Well. We should move out of here soon. I would not really appreciate to see the same thing happen to someone else. Someone that is alive."

Elina ends her song and nods at Russeth and says, "whose dog is that? I did not notice him with us until the wolves attacked."

Hawk looks over at Russeth " Lets get to town as quick as we can. We need rest and provisions. I need to buy a new ass and halberd anyway. "

Zakren shakes his head..."You'll just lose it again..."

Russeth raises his head as Elina finishes her song and smiles. "This is Catchy. My hunting dog It has been my friend until recently it disappeared, but now it's back." His mind looks elsewhere as he speaks. "It was given to me back in Scarsdale when I left. By whom I call my father, Espiegle Galadonel."

Russeth nods at Hawk as he reaches into a sack, taking some dry rations out he sets foot into the wilderness to what he believes to be the South. "Alrighty then."

Russeth chews on the meat and bread as he walks into the forest, paying less attention to his surroundings than usual.

Elina nods at Russeth and approaches the dog. "Hello Catchy, I am Elina. Nice work you did there." As she speaks, she rises her hand slowly to pat the dog.

Zakren follows silently.

Druid takes up the rear quietly, too distracted to eat her regular meal.

Hawk follows Russeth off into the woods. He is cold tired and in need of a warm bed and a lot of ALE.

With the battle over and the return of Catchy, you lick your wounds and gather up to continue towards the Halfaxe Trail. Moving through the woods you travel a good bit of time with only minor encounters of small woodland creatures that scurry away from the sounds of your movements. Enjoying the peace after this morning's encounter with the wolves you see the sun is in the late sky as it now hangs late in the sky. The time as come to look for the next available spot to camp in hoping you will hit the trail soon, making the travels all the easier then the constant bushwhacking through the brush and undergrowth.

Zakren hacks away a branch..."Well this is subtle..."

Mordineon laughs at Zakren’s words as he sits down next to a tree; "Well this looks good, not like it gets any better."

Finally finding a spot to bed down for the night as you sit back enjoying the forest for what it is worth, as the sun has begun to set in the skies letting the darkness take over the area once more.

Druid walks over to Elina, needing another loan of her strength.

Hawk looks around to see if the day’s sun has dried out any wood for a fire

Elina follows, nibbling upon her ration of dried fruit, looking at the brush and undergrowth to see if she can find any herbs that she can use.

[Zakren]: "he glances at Feragan..."So Feragan...what's our rings' magic?

Looking around you, don't see Feragan anywhere in eyesight.

Zakren yells..."Russeth! The mage is gone!" Getting up and moving back towards the trail.

Mordineon stands and looks around after hearing Zakren’s words. "Hmm, I don't recall seeing him back with the wolves or at least after the attack."

Elina smiles at Druid as she approaches. She finished up her ration, realizing that there are no herbs around which is worth her trouble, Elina says "Druid dear, come sit next to me and study."

Zakren makes his way back up the trail you made looking about for the mage.

Druid manages a smile, and sits down next to Elina. She methodically pulls out her spellbook and opens to a random page, studying without care.

Elina took her spell book from her pack and starts to study, committing the words of magic to her memory.

Some time passes as Zakren returns with blade in hand.

[Zakren]: "We have to head back the way we came..."

Mordineon looks up to Zakren. "What do you mean head back the way we came? What did you find?

Druid nods stoically.

Zakren turns to Mordineon..."Nothing but we're missing someone...and he was still alive when we lost him...

Hawk " Why the hell would we want to do that? Who did we loose?"

[Mordineon]: "Hmm, what makes you think we lost him what if he lost us." Standing back up wiping the dirt of his behind.

[Zakren]: "Either the wolves got him or..." He clenches his jaw..."he ran with the rings."

Druid grins knowingly.

[Mordineon]: "Ran!" Laughing, "Where is he going to run to out here alone?"

Zakren shrugs..."Any way you see it...he's dead..."

Hawk Looks over at Zakren with a sour face " Look, I'm out of food and when I run out of Ale there will be real hell to pay. Let’s just head to town, he's probably there any way. Then we kill him. "

[Druid]: "Couldn't the dog, Catchy is it, sniff him out?"

You sit back shaking your head as Feragan comes walking out of the trail.

[Feragan]:'Ahh camping again are we?" Walking in and looking for a place to sit.

Zakren turns to Hawk..."And what if the wolves got him? And if he did run on purpose...I ain't leaving him steal from us."

Zakren sheaths his sword..."Where have you been?"

Hawk " ahh hmmm"

Russeth glares down at his dog and then back to Druid and smiles. "He could. However it is unnecessary.

[Feragan]: Looks at Zakren’s concern. "What I was doing my business back in the bushes why did you come back and look? I saw you sneaking about the trail."

Druid puts on her quizzical look. "What do you mean unnecessary?"

Hawk " He LIIIIKKKKEEESSS you " and winks at Feragan

Zakren shakes his head..."Mind telling us first? People keep running off...would be nice to know if you're still around."

Feragan shrugs and walks over looking for a place to rest. "Here I tried but I’m not sure what they are. Maybe the ladies can study the spell and try themselves."

Russeth shakes his head as he looks over to Zakren. "Anyway, now that this is settled we should set our camp. The ground is dry I guess we can sleep in tents again tonight."

[Feragan]: "Well its not something you tell everyone about you know." Tossing his head towards the ladies.

Zakren shakes his head..."No need for Me." he settles down against a tree and begins to pray.

Druid perks up once again at the mention of a new spell, all other thoughts fleeing from her.

Druid stands up, grabbing Elina with her and rushes over happily to Feragan.

Zakren stops for a second..."Don't have to be specific...just say you'll be right back..."

Russeth nods at Feragan, "I'll be honest with you. I thought you left with our rings there for a moment, I am sorry I didn't trust you." He bows his head hoping he can be forgiven.

Zakren takes hold of his holy symbol and starts to pray again.

[Feragan]: "hey don't crowd me now just take it easy I’ll show you the spell and you can look it over." Pulls out his book and thumbs through a few pages.

Hawk finds a dry place to sleep and curls up in the fetal position to go to sleep

Elina follows Druid and looks into the spell book.

Russeth nods, as Feragan seems fine with it. "Druid you have studied the spell already haven't ye?" He glares at the lady showing a bit of interest.

[Feragan]: "Heh run off steal rings." Laughing. "In case you forgot IM just a lonely wizard and would not be wise to run alone out here."

Zakren shakes his head again..."I've known all of you what 2 weeks...sorry but I don't really trust any of you completely." He grins.

Russeth smiles at Feragan, looking relaxed he looses his sheathes and lies them on the ground before him. "Greed can make people foolish."

[Druid]: "I just want to learn a new spell...lay off."

Elina can't seem to comprehend the spell as it flees from her grasps. Uttering a cry of disappointment, she returns to her spellbook, trying to commit the words of magic to memory.

Russeth rises his head rapidly and becomes serious. "I don't mean you are greedy here. You know."

Zakren stretches from his seat..."Alright...time to pray." He holds his holy symbol tightly and begins to pray Again.

Russeth digs out his folded tent with the four pitons and the hammer and smiles, pushing his backpack aside he makes room for his small tent and sets it up quickly, having done it a-many times before.

[Zakren]: Ya, ya, ya...just don't get hit...

Russeth runs his right sleeve over his forehead. "I hope we meet with the Halfaxe Trail anytime soon. I'm eager to get to the Velarsburg."

Mordineon looks up. "I just want out of the woods anywhere is fine." As he lies back and falls off into a deep sleep against the tree.

Hawk "zzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! "

Russeth takes as usual the first watch of the night, blending with the shadows as soon as they begin to show. "Sleep well while you can. My friends." He whispers to himself as he disappears.

You sit up well into the night watching Mordineon and hawk sleep.

Zakren yawns and stands..."Who needs healing before I got to sleep?"

[Druid]: "Perhaps Russeth's dog could use some..." Druid curls up next to Elina and drifts off.

Russeth remains in the darkness, glaring the cleric; his reopened wounds are exposed, and don’t pay much attention to them as Zakren offers his help again.

Feragan falls asleep on the other side of the tree from Mordineon.

[Elina]: Committing the spells to magic, Elina close her spell book with a satisfied smile and replace her book into her pack and said "If you could spare a heal on me Zakren, I would much appreciate it"

Zakren nods to the lady mage and walks up to her before starting his chant.

Catchy sleeps in the middle of the camp with his nose snuggled well up into his butt.

[Zakren]: After a few moments, his hands begin to glow blue. He then touches Elina and the light covers her body for an instant.

Zakren moves over to Hawk and looks to see if he was wounded. He quickly covers his face as he approaches.

Elina smiles politely at Zakren and whispers a word of thanks into his right ear and huddles close to Druid, falling into reverie.

Zakren changes Hawk's bandages and applies some herbs.

Hawk snoring profusely lets one go " FFFEEEERRRRTTTTT!"

Russeth glares at Zakren moving around from person to person and he sighs, drawing one of his blades out he runs his hand on it.

Zakren chants another prayer to his goddess and his hands glows blue. He winces from the smell..."Ahh geez." He looks away as he touches hawk's arm and the light engulfs him for a second.

Druid sits up with a jolt, uncharacteristically jumpy tonight.

Zakren gets up and quickly moves away.

Druid turns to regard Hawk, smiling at this strange but enjoyable companion.

Druid says a little prayer for Hawk before going back to sleep.

Zakren looks around and says softly..."Got one more...any takers?"

Elina continues in her reverie. Druid's sudden action did not disturb her rest, as she was tired out with her studies.

Zakren moves over to Russeth..."Let me take a look at your wounds."

Russeth glares up at Zakren from his crouching position and sighs, seeing how he desperately wants to help he rises up. "Whatever. Cleric."

Zakren unbinds his wounds and adds fresh ones while adding some herbs.

Russeth cracks his knuckles and then nods at Zakren as thanks; he then takes his position back, moving his eyes from one side of the camp to the other. He waits for everyone to go to sleep before he is totally alert.

Zakren stands back up..."Need some more healing?"

With the recent rash of rains the bugs are out in full force as you smack them left and right upon yourself, knowing full well the sleeping others are just large pieces of bait.

Zakren shakes his head..."Why do I bother asking?" Settling down against a tree and goes to sleep.

Hawk mumbling " damn bugs FFFEEEERRRTTTT! Take that"

Druid twitches slightly at the feel of the slimy bugs. She cries out "Primarch", but quickly falls down, closing her eyes, hoping that no one heard her scream.

[Elina]: Upon feeling the bugs which bit her, Elina wakes, removing the critter gently and places it back on the ground and says "There you go little one. Go find your meal some where else."

Zakren glances down at his legs... Kicking Russeth off his legs..."The hell are you doing?"

[Elina]: Making sure that there are no longer any critters on her, Elina returns to her reverie, reviewing what she had done right and wrong, learning from her mistakes.

Druid squirms as the slimy insects crawl over her. She jumps up with a start, crying out "Primarch". She quickly realizes this and drops down; closing her eyes, hoping that no one has heard her.

[Zakren]: "The hell you punching me for? You're the one on my legs!"

Zakren shoos him off..."Go to the ladies if you feel lonely..." He shudders and leans back against his tree.

Russeth jumps to his feet, Druid has already cried out he shakes his head and draws his blade. "Everyone to arms!" He shouts clearly through the campsite.

Zakren grunts as he gets up and draws his sword..."What now?"

Elina jumps from her rest upon hearing Russeth's voice and exclaimed, "What’s wrong?"

Druid tries to lie as still as possible, feigning sleep.

Mordineon jumps up sitting forward "What is it what?" Getting up to his feet.

Feregan jumps from a sleep and gets up as quickly as his frail legs will lift him.

Russeth feels like kicking Zakren on the chest as he rises. "I am not sure. Thirteen humanoids they know we are here." He scans the surroundings under his infrared spectrum, looking for the aforementioned humanoids.

Catchy sits up looking about around the camp with his ears pointed high.

Hawk draws his sword and jumps up " FFFFEEEERRRRTTTTT"

Zakren holds on to his holy symbol and whispers..."This is just great."

Elina stands from her spot and move towards the center of the group, reaching for her pack in the process, mentally prepares a spell.

Russeth taps on his hip with his left arm on the handle of the sword. "Heels" The dog quickly understands the command as he runs to Russeth's heels.

Elina tries to spot the humanoids, which Russeth spoke about with her keen sight.

Shadows shift back and fourth in the dark between the trees as you peer off into the woods looking for something, as Russeth explains what he saw.

[Zakren]: "Get in a circle."

Zakren moves next to Elina and stands fast next to her.

Druid realizing that her shout is not the cause of the commotion, quickly gets up and looks around

Russeth nods at Zakren as he begins to do as he proposed. "Who goes there? Come out now if you wish not to be harmed."

Zakren picks up a rock and throws it at Hawk.

Hawk moves to get into a circle with the group " FFFEEEERRRRTTTT. Damn it Russ you shouldn't scare me like that it makes me fart "

[Elina]: "Come to me Druid." Elina says in a hurry. "Its safer here."

You sit back peering through the bushes as Zakren’s rock lands near Hawk a hurling hissing noise can be heard as Isreal is struck down by a spear.

Russeth waits patiently, both his blades handed out before him, for an acknowledgement -- or a charge.

Zakren hums to himself..."Oook...we need another tactic..."

Isreal rolls around on the ground. "AHH! It hurts! " Grabbing at the end of it.

[Zakren]: "Mordineon! Heal him!"

Druid rushes over to Elina.

Hawk " FFFEEERRRTTT!!!... What the hell was that! "

Russeth looks through the wilderness as they are being attacked. "Damnit. We mustn't stay in the middle. Everyone rush together!" He points with his sword to what he still believes to be the South.

Mordineon nods and rushes to his side as you peer off looking for you attackers.

Zakren stands by Mordineon as they attack.

Feragan looks back "I don't see anything do you" Looking to the others.

Elina stands ready to follow Russeth, silently nods in acknowledgement.

Druid clutches her holy symbol close. She tries to make out at least of the outline, and chants a quick spell.

Hawk " Russ! What the hell is out there? "

You see nothing in the darkness before you but the swift moving shadows of the night.

Russeth doesn't answer to Hawk as he charges into the night in front of him, to the South. He holds the blades in front of him, prepared to strike if he encounters an opponent. "We must get a light source!"

Zakren runs after Russeth.

Elina follows Russeth as close as possible, readying her spell as she ran.

Hawk yells out into the darkness " Come forward you cowardly evil fiends, so that Hawk may deliver to you THE GIFT!

Zakren yells back..."Hawk stay with Mordineon and Isreal...Run if you're outnumbered!"

Russeth hopes that everyone follows. "NO! Everyone follows for the Gods' sake!"

Zakren yells while he runs..."Isreal can't!"

Druid waits patiently but hopefully as her spell reaches out into the night.

Running moving again through the brush for a several hours you notice, it starts to spread out some making traveling easier through the bushes and undergrowth. Before you some yards away is a long clearing breaking through the trees running across your man made path. With no sign of anything following you, you can slow to catch a breath.

Hawk " By the bristling beard of Odin. Who was that? "

Zakren takes a head count of everyone.

[Elina]: Stopping to catch her breath, Elina tries to see if everyone is with her.

Mordineon and Isreal bring up the back with Druid not far away.

Druid catches up soon.

[Druid]: "If you wish to go back, I have outlined some in a light source

Feragan stands up in front with Russeth and the others.

[Zakren]: "Alright...everyone's here..."

[Elina]: "Seems like we have reached the trail. Keep an eye out for whatever that attacked Isreal please." Elina manages to grasp as she realizes that everyone is together.

Russeth takes a deep breath as he begins to slow down; it is quickly back to the usual rhythm. "Everyone is here. And the forest seems a little clearer. There is no need to head back; we want to get out. We will set camp again, maybe that'll teach some of us not to shout for no reasons in the middle of the night."

Zakren turns to Isreal..."Did you keep the spear?"

Isreal gives him a plain stare. "No I didn't keep it, what does that mean I was almost killed."

Druid tries to hide her blushing.

[Elina]: "I think we should move on. Will not want whatever that attack us to have another chance." Elina says with a meaningful tone.

Russeth glares at Druid then back to Zakren. "You. Don’t ever think I come close to someone for no reason. And don't kick me again if I ever happen to trip on you at night."

[Isreal]: 'again then I had to run." Shakes his head as he makes his way to the clearing.

[Druid]: "I..."

[Zakren]: "It could've told us who attacked us..." and turns to Russeth..."Ohh ya I'm sure you would love it if I fell on your legs..."

Druid lowers her head and walks a couple yards away from the group.

Russeth shrugs at Elina. "It will not have a second chance. You will be prepared this time. I hope." It is only then, he notices he forgot his tent behind, however he does not mention it to anyone.

Zakren rolls his eyes.

[Elina]: "Its ok Druid dear. Everyone makes mistakes once in a while." Elina says with a smile.

Hawk looks over at Russeth " So are you going back for your tent? "

Zakren turns back to Isreal..."Did Mordineon take care of your wound?"

Mordineon looks around. "Ok we are all safe now let’s get on the trail and go home."

Druid nods to Elina.

Elina shakes her head at Russeth in disagreement and replies "How well prepared can you be with enemies which could throw a spear at you and yet we can't see them even with our better eye sight?"

Isreal turns to Zakren yes he did thank you, had he not we may not have made it back or at least not i."

Russeth shakes his head at Elina in the same way she did. "I was able to see them before I had to call everyone to arms. It is just a matter of being on our guards more than them."

Zakren pats Isreal on his back..."We're all glad you made it."

Zakren raises an eyebrow..."What were they"

[Elina]: "Well it should be dawn soon anyway. I still think we should keep moving." Elina replies wisely.

Making your way up to the clearing you see it is in fact the Halfaxe trail running through the forest in both directions from your left and right as far as you can see, or at least another main trail if not the Halfaxe.

[Druid]: "If it was more bandits, we surely haven't cleared the trail".

[Zakren]: "Could be nice to know if they were some of the bandits..."

Elina nods at Russeth and gives him a smile, realizing that he has finally agrees with her.

Hawk looking over at Russeth " Is that the way to Velarsburg? "

You spend the rest of the day marching down the trail as the sun rises with no signs of life other then the calls of the wild from beyond the trees as the sun begins to set upon the land. Looking along the trail you come across a small patch of land off to the right of the trail that appears to be used by travelers for pulling off to rest along the trail for signs of old wagon and cart tracks Imprint upon the ground.

Russeth turns his head and looks over his shoulder. "Yes it's the way to Velarsburg. Oh and Zakren. We already faced ten of these bandits at a time. They fell Isreal twice, almost killed Feragan. I'm not sure I want to fight some yet. If we haven't cleared the trail, we might come at a later date and fix this." He nods confidently as he begins walking in the eastward direction.

Druid takes up the rear; her spirits heightened now that they have found the trail.

Hawk " What about these cart tracks? "

Zakren turns to Feragan. "While we're talking about you...what is the magic in the rings?"

Isreal goes down the trail dragging feet as he ponders the thought of being a hero someday.

Elina assumes her position at the center of the group and travels on, feeling significantly better with the sight of the trail ahead of her.

Russeth smiles at Zakren. "We are all eager to know the results. However Feragan told you he couldn't quite get it." He looks over at Druid and smiles wider. "You can cast his spell now no?"

[Feragan]: "I told you before I don't know I couldn't tell. The ladies were to study and learn but they both failed."

Russeth glares at Feragan. "Zakren will hold the rings until we can identify them."

Elina nods and says, "It’s sad but true."

Zakren sighs and nods to Russeth.

Feragan shrugs and hands the two rings to Zakren. "Here ya go."

Zakren puts the rings away in a pouch.

You continue down the trail well into the night again as you begin to get tired from the march.

Russeth extends his right hand fingers before him, finding it strange not having a ring on this hand. He stops at the resting area and looks around at the others.

[Russeth]: "What say you our new acquisition cooks us a nice little meal of bear meat?" He smiles at Elina happily.

[Elina]: "Mind if I have a look at the rings later? I could appraise them to see if they are of any value." Elina asks Zakren politely, with a slight bow.

Zakren glances at Elina..."They are magical...I doubt you could tell it's magical value...no?"

Elina nods with a smile at Russeth and says "Well I will gladly cook for a change. Well I could at least tell their value without their magic Zakren." Saying in a matter of fact tone.

You break for camp to study, pray, and eat before going off to sleep in the woods. Now knowing you are not far from civilization, and the soft feeling of a bed, you are able to rest with a smile for once hoping it will at least last until morning.

Russeth takes out the whole sack him and Isreal had packed up and throws it on the ground in the little pullover area for the wagons. "We should build a fire. I'm looking forward to an exquisite breakfast."

Mordineon doesn't wait for the food and is fast a sleep.

Hawk "zzzzzzzzzZ"

Zakren scratches his head..."What would that do? I don't understand why you want to bother doing it?"

Elina takes the pack and opens them, seasoning the meat with a bit of ginger as she waits for the fire.

Russeth quickly goes to work as he gathers the now finally dry wood, piling it up in an appropriate area he builds the fire

Zakren looks around for a tree as he asks..."Anyone need healing before I pray again?"

Elina places the meat and ginger into the pot, slowly mixing it with a bit of wine and some water over the fire.

Zakren moves to him and begins to chant to the open sky. His hands quickly glow, a bluish light. As it does, he touches the Rangers arm and the light connivers his body.

Elina continues to stir the ingredients in the pot as it begins to cook. After sometime, she says "Its ready. Come and get your share."

Hawk "ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!"

Zakren sits down near a tree and begins to mumble under his breath as he holds on tightly to his holy symbol.

Russeth feels the same small tickle on his arm and he watches over his wounds again. "My dear. You are slow with your healing. I've had these same wounds for three days. And you've been healing them constantly." He shrugs to himself as he walks over to the cook and tastes her meat. "Ah. Succulent meat." He shoves big bites into his mouth and smiles. "Alright now I guess long watch will not be necessary so I will be heading to sleep right ahead." He smiles and rolls over not too far from the fire, drifting off to a slumber quickly.

You eat then sleep quietly through the night as you wake to an overcast sky as the crossing clouds cut down the rays of light from the sky above. With the night over you set your sights on Velarsburg and a good bed and hot meal. You figure maybe a day and a half or so travel until town. As you will soon be entering the plains of Harrowdale once again making movement across the plains all the easier. When a caravan can be seen coming up from behind you.

Elina takes her share of meat stew and takes small nibbles at the meat. Upon having her fills Elina approaches Russeth and changes the bandages, applying herbs and a new dressing on him.

As it moves closer to you, you can see it is under guard by men in black armor, there may be 15 wagons or more as they move up.

Russeth takes the rest of the meat and stores it in his backpack before moving out. After being taken care of by the lady and Zakren, he feels ready for anything.

Hawk wakes and goes through his morning routine of gaseous sounds and scratching. Grabs his wine skins and finishes off the LAST of his ale " AH! Ale, the breakfast of champions! "

The caravan moves up as you step, aside letting it pass the guards to not speak to you but you can see they keep a trained eye upon you.

Marticus walks by looking at the traveler’s on the side of the road

Behind one of the wagons there is a mule being pulled along.

Zakren blinks.

Russeth glares as the caravan passes, sensing nothing really bad about it he bows his heads at the guards as a manner of greetings.

Elina politely curtseys at the guards and approaches the obvious leader of the caravan and says "Fair journey I trust, noble guard?"

Hawk looks very carefully at the mule

[Druid]: "Hey Hawk...look at that".

[Marticus]: "hello fellow traveler’s"

Russeth whistles as the caravan goes out of sight. The dog that was still lying besides the old fire site hops on its feet and runs up to Russeth at an incredible speed, leaping and sliding in the grass at his feet.

Druid eyes over the fellow.

The guard looks at the lass with no expression and continues on down the road.

[Elina]: "What brings you on this road fair Knight?" Elina asks politely.

Marticus pets his dog reassuringly

Hawk yells out at the caravan " HALT! NOW!"

Russeth shakes his head at Elina as she approaches the caravan and then leans over to Hawk. "Shut up you moron."

[Marticus]: "ignore them"

The caravan moves on ignoring the words of Hawk as some of the wagon riders look back.

Marticus continues on with the caravan

Hawk BY ODINS BRISLING BEARD.... I SAID HALT! YOU HAVE MY ASS! "

Druid yells to the caravan. "Where are you headed?"

Russeth notices the dog aside Marticus and smiles. Catchy, the hunting dog, approaches Marticus' own and sniffs at many different places.

One of the guards pulls his horse about and approaches Hawk as he follows the caravan.

[Guard]:"What be your grip their, laddy?"

Russeth finally sees why Hawk is screaming and understands what he means. He steps besides him, trusting he can identify his own mule.

Marticus watches the meeting between war and hunting dog curiously

Hawk starts to move quickly towards the caravan with his hand on the pommel of his sword " I would like a look at that ass it may be mine that was stolen from me "

The caravan does not stop as the guard speaks with Hawk.

Elina tries to use her charms at the guard and says "Fair sire, my friend here has lost his mule in the forest and we are wondering if the mule behind your caravan might be his."

[Guard]: "That ass there was taken back down the trail over a week ago, so you must be mistaken sir, I suggest you get, on your way."

Russeth taps on his left hip again with his opened hand, "Heels." The dog quickly runs and follows Russeth as he walks behind Hawk.

Marticus restrains his own dog from following the other and makes sure he continues on with his master

Hawk looks at the guard sternly " that is about how long my ass has been missing why don't you let me have a look? "

[Elina]: "Would it be too much a trouble for my friend to take a look at the mule? We can accompany your caravan back to the nearest town as an offer of goodwill if he can look at the mule please." Elina says with a smile.

[Guard]: "Look all you want it’s still our property unless you wish to buy it?"

Hawk Fine then bring it here. "

[Guard]: "Fine that will be 20 gold coins there so why don't you show me them first." Looking down from atop his horse.

Russeth glares at the trader and takes a deep breath. "All right we're buying it, sir. Bring it over here. Oh and may I ask where ye heading?"

Hawk " You want me to pay before I have a look?"

Guard Looking up to the flirting lass. "You'd make a fine addition to the brothel the way you sling those words lass."

Hawk " Stay your money Russeth... I smell foul things afoot "

[Guard]: "What’s the matter an ass is an ass you want it or not 20 gold!" As he begins to get flustered upon his beast.

Elina makes as if she is about to speak but quickly shuts her mouth and moves behind Russeth.

Druid takes her quarterstaff and tries to smack the guard across the head. "Care to rephrase that?"

Russeth glares over at Zakren and nods, "Give me twenty gold pieces Zakren."

Hawk "I would like to look at it first"

Russeth glares at Hawk furiously and hands the man the twenty gold pieces, walking up to him. "Now let me have my mule please."

Marticus walks over to the travelers and bows "Hello, I am Marticus, who may you be". I would not mess with these men...they are trained mercenaries and guards"

Russeth turns his head and smiles at the man, clad in armor I suppose. "Excuse me, sir, will be right back with ye."

Druid swings her stick at the man as he leans back from the swing. Letting her pass by freely as he kicks her in the chest below the arm.

Russeth narrows his eyes at Druid furiously. "Excuse them sir, now I have paid, give me the mule and we will leave ye alone."

Marticus shakes his head sadly

Elina curtsey at Marticus and says, "Hello, I am Elianalias Silveiara. You may call me Elina. Are these men with you?"

Guard Stepping back moving his mount about as he looks on. "Forget it no sale." As he rides back to the caravan.

[Marticus]: "no, they are with the caravan, I am just a traveler such as yourself"

Russeth retracts his hand with the money and shrugs. "Whatever. You’re loosing something here." He hands Zakren the gold pieces back and then looks back at the caravan.

You see him ride up and start talking with some other guards and before long you them looking back taking turns peering upon you all as if debating when to strike or be struck.

Hawk draws his sword as the guard turns " For the fates have smiled upon thee this day you are about to receive THE GIFT! ' and swings on the guard

Marticus watches as his dog growls at Hawk and stand in his way

Elina nods at Marticus and whispers into his ears, making sure that no one else hears her and says "We suspect these so call guards are bandits whom we had been after for quite a while. Will you be kind enough to help us if things turns sour?"

Russeth places a hand on both of his hilts. "No Hawk." He seems to be very reluctant he keeps his swords sheathed and steps back once.

Druid joins Hawk in his battle cry, eager for this battle.

[Marticus]: "they are not bandits, and no I will not try to help you kill lawful citizens"

Druid turns to regard Marticus. "Not bandits, you say?"

Mordineon shakes his head at the others, watching them yelling, back to the strangers.

[Marticus]: "no, they are caravan guards"

Russeth walks away, noticing how Marticus is very confident of their goodness. "I'm not helping Hawk there. He actually left his ass alone, no wonder it got picked up. If it did." He moves his hands away from his hilt and looks unsure whether to stay there or what.

Elina nods and replies "I am glad to hear that these people aren't bandits. But the guard just now wanted to sell me to a brothel."

Hawk " Bullshit! Then why was that guard such an asshole? "

Marticus sighs. "They are guards, have you no experience with trained mercenaries?"

Time passes as the caravan moves out of sight. While the lone stranger and his dog speak with you.

Zakren stands up from his tree and looks at all of them on the road..."What's going on?"

[Druid]: "They deserved a good thrashing. Especially for what they said to Elina."

Russeth glares at Zakren and shakes his head. "Attempts at foolishness. Lucky for us they were faster. Hawk control, your self. You lost your ass three days ago."

[Elina]: "I am afraid not sire Knight, I have spent most of my live in seclusion, in my research of magic." Elina replies, blushing.

Marticus calls over his dog

[Zakren]: "It has been a lot longer since he lost it Russeth..."

You move out and continue your way down the Halfaxe Trail. You travel for better part of the day when up ahead of you, the trees begin to grow sparse as the end of the covered trail is nearing.

[Marticus]: "knight? I am not honorable to have that title"

Russeth presents his hand to the stranger, who seems to have honor. "My name is Russeth Ranger of the House of Belintar Sharnraven. I fear I failed to grasp your name, sir?"

Marticus follows the traveler’s

[Elina]: "My mistake then Marticus." Elina bows apologetically.

[Marticus]: "Gallant, Gallant Marticus"

Moving on and with a short time later you find yourself entering the plains of Harrowdale once more. As you follow along the path of wagons and travelers that cut through the landscape before you. Today has been quite peaceful as you cross over the waving sea of golden grass watching the flocks of wild birds dart up and down through out the plains searching for food when up ahead of you some hundred yards or so is the fork in the trail. Left heading towards Velarsburg while continuing onward leads to Harrowdale.

Marticus shrugs "sometimes it is nice to be thought better than you really are" Grinning.

[Russeth]: "Well Hawk I was gonna buy the mule, they were gonna outnumber us so much. They would've put you to shreds." He shakes his head, continuing to walk along the trail.

Zakren smiles..."We'll be there soon."

The caravan appears to have gone south to Harrowdale taking the ass with it.

Hawk " Russ that man was a liar and I'll bet a bandit. What better way to raid a caravan? "

Russeth rises both his arms and stretches them behind his back, then crossing them behind his neck he smiles. "Aye we will be. And for us awaits more venturing in the forests of the Dales." A bit of excitement is seen on his face. "So, Sir Gallant, what has brought you on the Halfaxe Trail?"

Turning down the left trail once more to visit the small sleepy village of loggers and hunters for some well-needed rest and possible information for your next adventure. You proceed what feels like several more hours as the sun begins to set beyond the forest and mountains. Giving way to the moon and stars of the night skies.

Druid walks over to the young human. "Greetings to you. My dearest apologizes, for my previous behavior. I am usually not so gruff."

Russeth shrugs at Hawk. "It is just a question of logic. He was not a liar. He found your stupid ass. He told ya."

Marticus chuckles "Gallant is a title. Greetings I am Gallant Marticus, and you are?" Looking at Druid.

Russeth smiles at the moon and stars that spring up in the sky. "Hey Zakren. Reminds me I forgot to tell you your future last time we camped outside Velarsburg." He widens his eyes for a second and smiles.

Hawk " Russ that ass wasn't stupid. This is a matter of Honor> "

Marticus sighs, "all you have is a hot head"

Zakren shrugs..."Bah...it doesn't matter...it'll come soon enough."

[Druid]: "Well...Druid Just Druid.

Russeth shakes his head at Hawk. "Honor? You're just ASSUMING they were bandits. You saw their numbers. Had they been bandits they would have gladly took care of our belongings."

Druid smiles at Marticus.

Elina replies with a smile "Not all of us are hot headed like you think Marticus."

Russeth smiles at Zakren patting him on the back. "And I'll make sure it's good."

Hawk " Time will tell. "

Mordineon laughs and shakes his head as he lays back to go to sleep. 'I'm traveling with nuts.

[Marticus]: "I was talking to him" *motions to hawk*

You camp down for the night lying back in the blowing grass as a gentle breeze blows in across the land bringing with it the signs of winter. The stars and moon are hidden behind a blanket of clouds that slowly glides across the skies towards the south. The plains themselves are almost as dark as the forest with no lights shinning upon the blades of grass.

Russeth finds time to set his camp in between chat with the party. He sets up the tent again and sighs deeply. "Everyone's ready to go in forest again?" He laughs sharply from within the tent.

Hawk stares at the newcomer " Humph"

[Druid]: "Care to stay with us for the night, Marticus?"

[Marticus]: "sure" Setting his tent and strokes his dog softly by the fire.

[Elina]: "I don't really appreciates that joke Russeth." Elina replies as she once again remembers the poor dwarf whom had given his life within the forest.

Russeth listens to their conversations and smiles from within. "Welcome aboard, Mart. Mind if I could ye Mart?"

Marticus chuckles, "works for me"

Russeth shrugs, again unseen from the tent. "Emotions." He whispers as he rolls over to get in a better resting position.

[Marticus]: "where are you all headed?"

Druid regards Russeth, but ignores his comment.

Zakren chants and a blue light appears around his hand. He then touches his heart and blue light engulfs him for a second.

Elina settles down besides Druid, making it clear to ignore Russeth on his last comments, and drifts off once again into reverie.

[Zakren]: Well I told ya to ask me...

[Druid]: "Well...I'm not sure that we can reveal that just yet." Druid smiles at Marticus, reassuring him that he will be told in due time.

[Marticus]: "hmmm, a healer? I have some skill in that area"

Druid looks to Elina, then to herself, and shakes her head, ridding herself of the bad memory.

You sit back again talking for several hours as some of the others sleep.

Marticus yawns, "well I should get some rest, goodnight all. If you need me to take watch feel free to wake me up". Going into his tent followed by his dog and falls promptly asleep

Russeth rests silently within his tent, the dog lying at his feet.

Zakren sits in the middle of the grass and sleeps.

Russeth breathes rhythmically, breaking the silence that has now set upon the campsite. He has not taken the first watch considering he's been doing it often lately.

Hawk "zzzzzzzzzZ!"

Marticus sleeps soundly under his winter blanket with his dog curled up at his feet

Druid goes to bed in the golden blades of grass.

Isreal beds down not far from her as well.

Elina settles down besides Druid, making herself comfortable and goes into reverie again.

Russeth dreams again of a large shiny green gem, lying atop a great altar, a single sunbeam striking it, lightening up the room filled with gold pieces in green. He picks it up with a huge smile and rises it in glory as shadows and maniacal laughs burst from everywhere. He feels himself falling endlessly as he opens his eyes, his face covered with sweat he listens to the surroundings, wondering what time it is.

You are startled awake by the screams of Hawk as you turn to see a large black catlike creature attacking him. Everyone else seems as startled as you do.

Marticus jumps up and rushes over to hawk sword in hand

Hawk is ripped open by two lashing claws as it fails to bite him.

Elina awoke with fright, jumps to her feet and prepares mutters some strange words.

Hawk tries to kick the creature off of him

Marticus gives a sharp whistle to call for his dog

Russeth breathes rhythmically, yet heavily. He peers out and notices Hawk's scream to be similar to those he heard as he fell, it must've been what made it happen in his dream. He wipes his face and reaches for his swords. "What's that Hawk?" He jumps out of the tent, his dog following him.

Zakren runs to Hawk's side and begins to chant a spell...

Marticus watches as his dog trots over "Klaus, you are supposed to be more alert than that"

[Zakren]: In an instant Hawk is covered in blue...

Marticus points to the Jaguar "attack the beast"

The creature rushes into your mists clawing Marticus and Biting Russeth in the side.

Russeth notices the Jaguar, and opens his mouth in awe, seeing one of his favorite animals attacked he draws his swords back and lowers them to a stop.

Hawk gets up and draws his sword to attack the creature

Russeth sees himself attacked he just can't believe it, he draws his blade in frustration and swings madly. "And I thought they were nice."

Russeth misses twice, you wonder if it was missed on purpose. He prepares to rush in another direction.

Hawk attacks with his sword and hits the foul cat

Isreal defends the ladies as you fight the beast.

Marticus charges the cat slashing and hitting the flank of the cat

Elina finishes her spell, sending forth a bolt of white light from the tip of her delicate finger at the black catlike creature.

Zakren draws his sword and attacks.

Hawk slashes at the cat " THE GIFT! "

Isreal jumps to fend away the beast as he trips and smacks the ground right in front of the beast looking into its growing jaws.

The beast claws Isreal in the face and leaps towards Hawk biting him in the leg.

Elina took a pinch of sand from her spell pouch while she mutters the words "Sliuepk". The sand glows brightly as she loosens them from her fingers, completing the spell.

Marticus spins around slashing at the cat again, missing as he swings mildly.

Russeth’s slashes upon the beast sending it flying to the ground in a blood pool, as it does not get back up.

Russeth notices the Jaguar is threatening the lives of his friends, he continues battling with the creature, his swings are precise and aimed at the neck of the creature. One of them comes in contact with the neck; the second one strikes the paw as it attacks Isreal.

Zakren sheaths his sword..."Who needs healing the most?"

Hawk falls to the ground unconscious

Elina proceeds to bind Isreal's wounds, as he is the closest to her.

Zakren glances at Hawk..."Oook...that answer it."

Russeth looks down upon the jaguar, his look of anger dissipating he kneels down next to the cat. He puts his hands on top of his head. "I should've been on watch..." He breathes deeply. ". And kept this death from happening." He shakes his head as he rises back to full height.

Mordineon goes over and heals Isreal while trying to touch up his face before he begins his prayers.

Zakren moves over to Hawk and begins to bind his wounds.

Marticus walks over to hawk and lays his hands on him

Elina takes out her spellbook and began to study them intently.

Russeth looks still hurt quite a bit. His four days old wounds seem to have doubled, marks of claw on his side are apparent now.

Russeth glares at Mordineon. "I believe you can cure wounds a bit more Mordineon?"

Mordineon makes his way over to the sobbing ranger and begins to chant slightly to him as he moves his hands back and fourth over his wounds.

Zakren looks over Hawk..."Are you ok?"

Marticus walks over to the ranger and examines his wounds

Mordineon repeats this process twice before stopping. "Well I have none left."

Hawk "yeah, I'll make it Zakren thank you "

Russeth puts a hand on the second priest's shoulder as the spell takes effect. "Thank you Mordineon, I'll make sure to visit that temple you intend to build every time I pass by Velarsburg."

[Zakren]: "I still have a healing spell...who needs it?"

[Marticus]: "are you feeling ill?"

Russeth proceeds to move the corpse of the jaguar away from the camp in the darkness before he comes back, the dog had been following all the time, being as silent as ever.

Mordineon goes and lies back down to try and get some more rest.

[Zakren]: "Hey skin it...that should be worth something!"

Isreal looks up "aye let me skin it like it tried on my face."

Marticus shrugs and makes his way back to the camp wiping his sword off on the ground and sheaths it again.

After dealing with the beast and tending ones wounds you once again retire to the night again waiting for morning hopefully after getting some sleep.

Russeth comes back empty-handed, shaking his head at Zakren. "We have plenty of bear. Don’t skin that!"

Zakren scratches his head..."Everyone is in top shape? No need for my spell?"

Zakren rolls his eyes..."A skin like that could be worth something or could be made into a nice blanket."

Russeth nods at Zakren as he stands up next to him. "I'm taking over for the rest of the night, go get some more sleep."

Marticus covers the gash in his side with a hand "no, it is only a scratch". Taking off his armor and sets it beside him in the tent

Russeth shakes his head. "A blanket. You careless cleric. We’ve got plenty of gold now and you would not even BUY a blanket?"

Hawk finds a spot and sits up the rest of the night

Marticus stretches "ahh, that is the last time I sleep in my armor". Goes and lays down in the tent with his dog trotting behind

Zakren chants towards the night sky and his hand is surround by a blue light once again as he goes over to touch Russeth's arm. His body quickly glows blue for a moment..."Why not? It's a beautiful coat and it's dead...why waste it?"

Russeth sits in the middle of the camp cross-legged. He lays one of the swords on his lap. The dog slowly crawls next to him and goes to sleep.

Marticus looks at Klaus "this time stand guard, or at least sleep lightly". Lies down and falls asleep.

Russeth shakes his head, moving away from the cleric after he has used his spell. "This is just unbelievable."

Marticus hears his dog whine and curls up at his feet.

Zakren shakes his head as he heads of towards the jaguar’s corpse.

Russeth glares at him straight in the eyes. "Now will you just stop using your spells when I don't need them? We need to remain prepared."

Elina finishes her studies and closes her book with a satisfied smile and lies close to Druid, slowly falling into reverie.

Zakren yells..."Waste! FINE I won't heal you anymore..."

Russeth shrugs at Zakren. "Did I say anything about wasting?"

Zakren mumbles under his breath..."If he likes walking around with wounds that's just fine..."

[Russeth]: "I just said it would be brighter to keep them stored in case of another assault on the party." Shaking his head. "Geez what kind of an attitude does this party have?" Walks away back next to his dog he sits next to it and pats it on the head.

Hawk looks over at Russeth " Do you hear me complaining? "