Red Squadron: Surprise! Onyx Strongarm I refrain from shooting either one of them with the arrow I have aimed at them. Surprising people is funny and all, but there are times when it is not a good idea, and this was one of them. I for one am on edge because this trip is going too well and I didn't trust the word of the mercenaries we just met. It is getting so I have a hair trigger so I would suggest we have no more friendly surprises. Jeath I would like to apologize sincerely to the group for the recent antics of Darrin and myself. I would like to, but I can't. Lighten up. This trip so far has been to on edge. Nothing has happened, nothing is probably going to happen, and even if it did I'm sure the talents we have assembled could handle it without disturbing the ever sleeping Thad Forinth. Personally, I'm for continuing as scout and riding ahead and/or behind occasionally to scope out the trail and make sure nothing surprises us. Darrin said there are more clearings like this one ahead, and it wouldn't hurt to scout them out ahead of our arrival. I promise no more 'mock attacks'. _____ / \ * O O * * * \ o / \___/ Onyx during the "attack" Foldis "You stupid pair of (there's kiddies out there who might read this). Its lucky our twitchy fingered comrades - indicates briefly towards magical types - didn't have nasty surprises prepared to go off, it could have been pretty messy. Now can we get a move on and get as far away from here as we can by tonight as I would still rather not stop." With this she starts her wagon moving on down the trail - those close by will hear comments about a certain pair, you only get one guess who, "being old enough to know better" and "acting with all the common sense of a whole tribe of Orcs". Any attempts from Darrin and Jeath to talk to her, unless directly related to the job in hand, will be met with stony silence until we camp for the night. (A girls got to show the weaker sex know what she thinks about their actions). Christeel Christeel will ready for battle as the two crazy men approach and when their identity becomes apparent he will relax a bit. He grins as the two approach, "I take it you found nothing since you two had time to hide in the woods. How far is it to the village, let's push on I'm for catching up with the other caravan as soon as possible" "I have scouting abilities, so I'll take the point or the rear I have no preference. Jeath has said that he will take the point so that would leave me with the rear guard." "Let's make that village as soon as possible" | (#)==|===Christeel=====> | The Village of Milsoninaville Dusk begins to darken the sky, but you top a rise and see a small village ahead of you. You are weary and tired, but it makes no sense to camp now with the village in sight. You spur your horses onward and enter a town bustling with activity. A celebration of sorts is taking place in the town's center square. A platform is raised up in the middle of the square and several booths line all around it. Many torches are already lit against the darkness that begins to settle in. On the platform you see two flutists and a dark haired, dusky tanned woman. The woman dances slow and mysteriously to the music played by her companions and is covered from head to toe with many different colored veils. On her hands are long, laced black gloves that go to her elbows. As you approach, still on your horses, you see her ease off one of the gloves and toss it into the crowd. The crowd roars with delight. The only area of her body that is bare is her belly, and lodged in her belly button is beautiful ruby that gleams when it catches the flicker of light from a torch. To the side in the booths that you can make out, you can see a dwarf lifting a great weight in one hand and taking a gulp of ale out of a mug he holds in his other hand. In the next booth over is a older woman who is presently holding someone's palm and telling them their future. In the distance, you can hear someone proclaiming that they can heal any ailment.