as  we enter the   Trees.

<<<<<<<  from river thread

  it  took a good part of the night, but the wagons   were closing in on the trees.  There  were sounds  of horns from the trees   Ivy stood  Up so he could be plainly seen

  Kree   Jogged  ahead of the wagons, he pulled his  whistle from inside his leather  Tunic  and   gave  two long   breaths.. He  held up a Hand  for the wagons to stop.

 Then, like shades or weights,   forms began to appear  from the   treeline..  some walked  forward purposefully.. others   had  bows up and drawn..

  Kree said,Relax... we are friends.... do not think for a Moment, of those  Archers  cannot  real you...

 Elandra just sat there she put her hands together and began to pray to Amot as the archers targeted the wagons.

 Am Elf with  Green leathers of  a Trace wood  Warden Approaches.

 who is the Leader here... The elf  asked.

  I am..Kree Quickshadow , from the  BlackTimber  Crimson  Arrows...

 The warden looked  aroudn  and  puts   an arm up..the archers lower thier weapons. You were dead.. CArn said  a group of Arrow s went in secarch of one of our own Units  in the desert?... there was Much death... City of   Mok still smokes...

 Kree   frowned,..The City of Mok smokes , ebcause they anger me, and treated people unfairly..we  found the missing  Arrows.. all were  dead..excepot  for two..one  died  while we went deeper into the CAves, odd creatures there. small fur covered   people and Tall skilly black skinned  humanoids... they worshiped  some evil god or demon i do not know..another..a Mageling.. she is in Razorhawk village , Her  mind  is shattered..our  sages  , druids  and clerics  are working with her...WI am comign for CArn, and perhaps his unit... they have betrayed the Arrows, we cannot allow  them to continue ..

 CArn is  on his way to  Tracehome..he will be there  before  we get there..

 ..Good.. send word that a caravan is coming, make no mention of my people..

 The Warden nodded,.It will be done.. Folow  us, I wills end two wardens to let the  town know , merchants come.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:53, Mon 03 Feb 2020.

 Elandra will just sit there in her praying position but she will stop talking while the others talk. She will show no hostility at all.

  The wagons entered the forest, the wardens  went up into the trees  and Vanished,  with hardly a  Rustle.

 The  Warden Captain walked along side Kree.    Ivy scanned the   trees  looking to see if he could spot  Wardens.. sometimes he did  and waved  at them with a Grin..then the warden   would slip deeper into the leaves.

 ..how long will you stay?

 ..Long enough to Kill  CArn and whatever   people follow him... then, perhaps rest up a bit, before going  to  Ironmound.. I promised to present myself before the Emperor, ebcause of  dispute  over   Merchant's Landing... Tou  is worried, and rightfully so.. that they will lose  alot of trade... Ironmound can  now  send things  down river   to the Plains  Elves, and here to Tracewood.... and even to the Sea.... anything we  wish to  take to Iron mound  can come through here.. or   be sailed  down the Storm river, though, it is  dangerous. we'll have to sue  the  Wild Elves   ferry's  across the Tou, to avoid   any  harsh interactions  with Tou... But? They  thought themselevs too  lordly..now they will pay.

 The warden chuckles,we  deal  with Trok  and Vall  alot... I am glad  we need  not   deal with  Tou....The Plains elves, they come here, but they seem to have  little  to offer?

 ..you need to send  trade caravans to the plains elves..they have , a passage  from this  river  to , outside of Tou..all underground.. River boats to navigate   the underground  river..  refreshing Cold  water.. and   fish that olny live  in the underground lakes and  rivers... They have   Dwarves and gnomes that aid them..fine  weapons of  steel and stone.. jewelry , fine  clothing... they have  much to offer... they also raise ponies... small horses.... they breed   them in the plains..fast and small, perfect   for   mounted archers.

"You actually believed he was dead? Next time, unless the person claiming so has a corpse to show for it, you're probably best off not believing any such tales you hear."

They really didn't think that through.

 Elandra did not know of anything they where talking about she just minded her own business and waited until she was spoken too to say anything, she was new to this land and didn't want to cause trouble already.

Krwyn walks along his part of the caravan, listening in on Kree and the Warden Captain while pondering what the near future has to bring for all of them.

  there   were  runners approaching  the caravan, with Kree and the  Warden Captain , just off to the right  side of the lead  horses.

   the pair  were both  young  Elves , a MAle  and a Female...Captain?... the   messangers  arrived , they say we have a caravan  and some guests? her eyes  Flicked to Kree who had his hood up , she could see his  nod  and smile of 'hello'.

 Are there any of  our Arrows  in the Village?

 The   Young male joined  in the walking as the CAptain did  not Halt  the   caravan.all are out , Except CArn's unit.. he came to  report a failure  in finding   the  Hargen agents in Iron Mound..The Elders...are not Happy...

 Kree said  quietly,The Arrows  are not happy.... Go tell the wardens to make sure , none of CArn's people leave the Village....

 the young female looks  surprisedand  who are you. to make orders , thus?,

 The Warden CAptain smiled,This is   CAptain Quickshadow  of  the Crimson Arrows...and these  around us, are his  unit... The  young  Male Looked at the Captain  of the Wardens....go..prepare   a welcome feast... but do not say...

 Kree shook his head,..no..say who you are welcoming...and make sure none of his people elave the  village.. maim  them if you have to..put  two wardens   on watch of each of them.. Let us see how  CArn reacts...

 The female tried to be proper, but she seemed  frightened of the Arrow Captain...may we know  what  this   entails?

  there was  a curt Nod,Treason to the Empire...and..more of import.. treason to fellow  Arrows, that lead to thier death.

 She  nodded with wide  eyes, Boith runners took off..

 The WArden captain laughed,..this should bve interesting...

 Drums  and flutes were playign, Kree smiled  as he heard the  sound of the ';welcome home' music.

  Kree    Climbed on top the  second  wagons as it Moved...

  Ivy, Myself  and Lutien, along  with Diana  and  Lucy  will  lead the wagons in.. CArn knows us.....

 Niphre, make your  way  aroudn nthe   Village  square..look  for  any who claim to be Carn's Unti..

 Elandra?  You are not part of my Unitl.. so stay witht eh wagons. If...you wish to  Join my  unit.. I wish you to move about  the village as well .

 Orlin and Stardancer ... come in as part of the caravan,,,Krwyn? stay  with me as well.. they will suspect that i would recruit more elves.

 when we  enter, I will make  my way to the Sages, to give them the numbers  for out Totem in Razorhawk Village.. they will send a  bird  back to them.. It is then  the elders..or at elast one Elder  will formally greet me... at that point I will announce that CArn and his Unit  are to be captured or Killed... with  thier ehads brought  forth to make certain...when that announcement   is made...

 Warden?  what help may we expoect from you?

 Our job is to protect Trace Wood and her people... we will  try to make certain none of CArns  people escape, so that  Justice  might be done, and Trace Wood is safe  from traitors..

 That is more then i can ask....  form up....

 Krey scramble s down  , Ivy , still limping  a bit Joins him in the front.

 Elandra nodded to Kree and said," Yes of course I will stay with the wagons, and I am very interested in joining your unit. After the wagons are taken care of I will move around the village good Sir. May Peace be with you." Elandra will satay with the wagons until they are secured and then gether her stuff and look around the village but keep an eye on Kree and the others.

Krwyn joins Kree, walking just one pace behind him and somewhat to the right, to prevent themselves for hindering each other swordarm.

"Should we remove our symbols for the Red Arrows?" she made note of her armband.

 Kree shake shakes his head  at Stardancer  question,No? first,  anyone who sees them , it will put you in a higher status... if CArn's people notcie, they will be confused, because  thgey know you are Not Trace Wood Arrows..and think you are Not Mine..they will be confsued, but...if we have to take Action, it wil protect you from Retribution..

 He  titled his head, Reached into his    tunics  to pull out the small Purse. inside  where  Crimson arrows of many shapes  and  ornamentation..


Tossing a Tiny  silver arrow  with a  ruby  arrows head , hair clip to  Elandra,wear that for now...In case it comes to a fight. after  we  clean this up, you may choose  to sign the charter  and  Pick an arrow more to your liking...

 Elandra caught the beautiful hair clip, she put it in her hair and then said," Thank you Kree Sir, sure after all of this , we will discuss it Kree Sir, I will check out the village unless you have something I can do to help? May Peace be with you."

In reply to Elandra Jalvian (msg # 16):

  Orlin recently awakened gets out of his wagon bleary eyed and squints at the new commercial, “Hello little one.  Unfortunately this unit rarely finds peace, but often brings it.”

 Elandra smiles and bows her head to Orlin, and then she says," Pleasure to meet you I am Elandra Jalvian I am a Cleric of Amot, with me along you will all find Peace Amot bring Peace to all."

In reply to enter (msg # 11):

Diana took her place to the right.  As she rode, she was ever watchful, alert.  Her hand never far from either her bow or her blade.

She was hoping that Carn and his ilk would go down with violence.  Die like the curs they were.

In reply to enter (msg # 11):

Lucy took her place to the front and to the left.

She would sniff the air from time to time, reading what the breeze was telling her and what scents were in the air.

Like the others she was ready for trouble.  Her hand never far from her blade, and her claws ready to come out when needed.

Luthien always hoped for a peaceful resolution. He knew it was practically impossible, but he still hoped for one.

No matter. The Knight would do what must be done.

  The wagons   near the   Village and the wardens and  guards   wave them off to a small field to set up..after the  Slaver Raid  on Razorhawk Village, , all caravans  are kept from the   Village  and must  sell thier goods   from there, but, the people are welcome to  stay and rest at the Village.

 Kree  takes  Just a Brief look around  , Niphre  slips into the darkness.. Orlin, Stardancer and Elandra make thier   way from the wagons.

  Kree , Ivy,Luthien, lucy and Diana, 'known' Arrows   walk straight into  Village, the Music stops  as  people realize who has  entered... the Music  Picks up  again, the welcome home  song  for Arrows.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pob2zC954E8

 One of the Sages   from the totem came running over to   Kree who reacheinto  his tunic, he  made a few more   'tick marks' and handed to the  sage who ran to the   Carrier birds...

 The 3rd Elder  Came  and  waved  to the Music to play  as  Kree , Ivy ,Luthien, Diana and  Lucy were  Handed  a Tankard  of ale.Welcome! What brings you here?.. you seem to be short a few members?

 Kree  smiled  and Greeted the Elder  with a Warriors Handshake,I would  be lying , if i did not admit, that we lost some people durning and after  or  trip to Mok...

 The Elder smiled,The rumors were True!.. It was your  people at Mok!

 Kree  took a  deep drink of the ale and Held it to the crowd   who cheered.The Beast of the River  is dead!... burned to  the water line in its own  berth!, and most of its  crew with it... and? wh have  3 ships  who Sail the LAther River, Allied to  The Black Timber...The Plains Elves of the Grotto, and Trace wood!...no longer  will we fear the river, or pay the taxes to Tou!!  louder cheers

 CArn  came running down the  path from 'The Circle of Inns"..Quickshadow!

 CARN!.... Come share a  Ale  and the Song!   welcome your  Brothers and Sisters of the Arrow!

 Though it was missed  on  the crowd, the glint in Kree's eyes , froze  Carn.. Ivy   Pulled up  Along laughing,..I know You  are Shocked my.....Brother Arrow.. But Go.... Sing with my Cousin!

 Carn had little choice  But to Join ,  Kree has a wench hand him an Ale  and  the Song Started   Up once more.. kree's  iron-like  grip of his right  arm around Carn's waist as he held his  Ale  up high, " old familar faces , every one you meet, following the ways of the Land.."

 the Crowd   called out, Ladies and Kids   dancing  "Calling me to come home  again!"

   the trees   echoed with the Fellowship.. CArn  was sweating. They got to the part....when you  play with fire  , sometimes you get burned, it happens when you take a chance or two... but time is never wasted , when you lived   and lived...and in time... IN ALL COMES BACK TO YOU....

 he stepped  away and drew  his  sword... CArn's eyes  got  wide.., from the   area   around them, CArn's 6 Arrows,appeared.

 There was a Dwarf (Egle) with a Battle axe and a  Half-Elf  woman (Moa) with her  sword  drawn..they stood  By Ivy.

 A Gnome (Mill) was  behind  Diana, with a   hand cross bow aimed at her  back

 an Orc (Style) stood  behind Lucy  with    a pair of  ugly looking swords

 A Human(Frek) with a Bow   stood  a bit  away from Luthien, his  bow drawn  while a woman with he r hamds    moving (Cala)  eyed  Luthien.

 The Elder, Versa, a  Female   HumanWhat is the Meaning of this...

 CArn was sweating even more now.. he went to  reach for his  weapon but  Kree stepped in closer...

 what seems to have been  years, when were at a meeting with Reedrick...CArn was there.. some other Captains.... There was a Mystery of what happened to , two units of  Arrows  from The  Trace Wood..... over the course of our trials, and a talk with allied Vampires...

there was gasps and hissing..

 It seems   CArn sent   those Arrows  to the Demon's  Mouth , beyond  Mok.. we went to find them...and  find them we did... 2 were alive..one died as we   tried to end the  Creatures there...Tall Thin , Jet balck skin, glowing red eyes..and shorter, fur covered  humanoids with   great  fangs..they ate humaniods….  we    broke   a Demon's  Idol and the  pit of sacrifcie...  we let escape, those small  furcovered creatures , that  were enslaved, and sent the  to the  East, around the Mountains. we killed   scores of others..in the crater Village...We  returned to Mok, with one  Arrow  saved, though her mind was broken.. she recovers  in Razorhawk Village.... we burned   Mok's High Merchant Quarter and Burned the Beast of the River... there is now, as you know..Merchant's Landing  at the Black Timber, for  our people   to Trade with out the interferance of the Human's in Tou....

 ..but.. the reason we are here now.. is to  Kill CArn  for Treason..and any of  his Unit, that knowingly  aided the Death of  other   Arrows...

  Ivy  winked Moa  who titled her head at him, His Blade was in his  hand.. the Dwarf's hands  flexed on the half of  the  Axe he held.

 The  Elder   said,you have proof?

 he handed his  mug to a frightened woman who then ran off with it..reaching into his tunic,You will find parachments in there... one..signed  by a waif  of a girl, from the begger's guild in Mok..she  aided  Arrows in  getting   camels to  reach the  Demon's Horns... the  same  waif..guided us there on a safer path.... there is another set of parchments, from a one  armed Drow, who lived on the  Great Sand's  edge... papers left for us  , who would follow, one pointedly said. CArn told them  to travel there...and the Vamps we  deal with, told of  Hargen slavers coming  up river   after sailing to the Sea, and  moving   towards Ironmound, catching Hunters, famers and  ambushing  lone   ships  from the shore...Aided..by a Human Arrow, who always returned to Ironmound, right after such an attack..... whores  talk, Good  Elder Versa...Ivy  found out  more then i have in one night..

 Ivy smiled ,and Krell said i would not amount to anything...

 What...do you want to do....The Elder asked.

 Carn's unit must be tested to see where thier loyality  lies...if they are False... then they must die...

 the Crowd  gasped...

 and Carn?

 ..he is already dead.... I did mention there was a One armed  drow  that aided us?.. we also Aided him...he ..knows  alot..of Poisons...

 Kree holds up his blade hand.  the ring on that finger  glinted   with something Black.

 Carn's eye s grew   wide   as he grabbed his wasts were   Kree's hand   and grasped him..
 Black ooze and red blood  mixed, he looked at Kree.

 there is a scorpion in the sands... its poison is a terrible thing... it burns your  insides..  and the Only cure  is   some odd mushroom that  grew  near the Drow's  Ravine..

 Having Only one arm, the fellow need to balance the odds in case  enemies  found him..... Kree held up one such Mushroom in a small pouch from his  belt.who wants to tell teh truth, and thus , claim this  Mushroom?

 Carn's peoiple  looked at each other..Ivy was grinning... the two other  Elders   were in a hurry to join the  third at the square.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Mon 03 Feb 2020.

Luthien, heavily armored as always, stood with his tools close at hand. However, perhaps the light shines brightest where the darkness seeks to hide, and his presence may prove even more intolerable than those more prone to darker deeds.

Stardancer walked beside Orlin upon entering the center.  Pretending to watch and look at the wares there, her gaze very surrepticious (ooc: hell can't spell, lol).  She could see each of the arrows that were taken a bead on.   She continued a bit and moved fairly close to the human with a bow (near Luthien), she had no weapons drawn or readied but looked to just be calmly shopping.

 Elandra walked around and then the accusations came, Kree told her this was going to happen, she just prayed for Peace to all, whether it was peace of mind, peace of soul, or to rest in peace. Elandra saw a mage looking female moving her hands, she will make her way behind her with staff in her left hand, while in her right hand under her robes was her hand x-bow, just in case.

   Orlin nodded to the two ladies with him to caution their positions.  As long as they werent considered part of Kree's team yet they could invoke surprise.  Playing the part of the observer he stayed back with both hands on the old ones staff.

As far as Krwyn can see, he has no opposing member of Carn's party, so he takes a position close to Egle, ready to intervene immediately as he plans to attack Ivy.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:20, Sun 02 Feb 2020.

  The Party   slowed but never stopped, some of the Music   was a little less loud,  and  folks   watched    either  eager for a fight, or they  thought it was an event of some kind.

  Carnlooked at his   Unit...

  Elge, the Dwarf, frowned, and  Puts is Axe back over his shoulder,  crossing his thick arms over his chest.

 Moa, the half  elf female  smiled at Ivy and  sheathed her weapons..Ivy smiled back, but did not sheath his.


 The Gnome looked at Diana and stepped  back , also sheathing his weapons...

 The Orc   near  Lucy , backed  down as well...

 The   female  spell caster b who started  at Luthien, The  Holy Warrior had  seen  the patterns  of her garb before. She was a Tou Mage Guild member.. He  sent at hand  Full ( 3) of Glowing Darts  at him..

 The Arche3r   Near Her, sent   and Arrow ..at luthien.. The arrow ..JUST...missed.. the  glowing  Darts   Hit  ( 5 pits  of  Damage)..

 CArn  was droppign to his knees,  as the other  two  elders stood  next to the  other as he explained what was happening.

Luthien could trust to his armor to deal with arrows...but that didn't work as well with spells. He hopped into action against the mage first, and drew his weapon. He knew he'd have to take down the mage quickly. And his allies would probably see to the archer before he had to.

Those marks.

"You are badly outnumbered, and there is little hope of survival or escape. You'd best surrender before my friends decide you don't deserve the opportunity."

  The Mage's eyes  were wild, her  teeth in a Grimace..You  travel with them, even after they  have Slapped Tou and the Humans in the face..At least  we... have  struck Back!

 he hands move again.

 The Archer  drew his Bow  again, aiming at Luthien

…

 Carn's  eyes  were wide..bulging, his   skin was reddening.. He feebly  reache dout  to  Kree  for  the Mushroom...

 Kree looked  down at him, a got  2 yards away...Think what your fellow arrows  felt, when they were being torn aprat  my the cannible people?... or how they felt  when they were laid on the  Alter  to be ground into bloody paste as an offering.... I do not know what gods you  follow Carn...you may or may not see your  dead comrades of The Arrow..but you will not see  us much longer..

 Elandra will let her hand x-bow hang from her belt as she grabs her staff with both hands. She will then move up behind the mage and go for a knock out blow to knock the mage out but not try to kill her.

Stardancer would make a solid hind hoof kick.  At her height it was easy enough to break a leg or back..or even a skull.  In any case no more arrows would come from her.

Luthien could only sigh, and then he swung hard at the mage, with his usual strength and precision. The irony is that if he struck a lethal blow, it's probably more merciful than what'll happen if the Captain gets hold of him.

Nonetheless, he wants to know why these two in particular have chosen to attack anyway.

"Struck back to what end? You ambushed the most heavily armored person in the group with all of his allies around. As strategies go, that one is...inadequate."

 Elandra saw Luthien swing towards the Mage, so this made it so much easier, Elandra would swing her staff and hit the Mage in the back of the head. The mage never knew what hit her as she dropped to the ground out cold Elandra hoped. She would then turn towards the archer and take a defensive position and see what the Archer will do now being all alone and outnumbered.

Large forceful hoof hit the bowman (Frek) in his shoulder.  effectively breaking his arm and if he lived would leave a massive and dark bruise.  Being a large creature, and with superior strength, as well as not truly noticed by the bowman she hit him in a sweet spot   The Bowman went flying  as well.  Over a table of baked goods and into the dirt.  The man slid doing a perfect scorpion before finally stopping.


(ooc: for lol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl23TcdlDqM )

 the next moves that happened  where  Stardancer  Kicking the  archer who flew  a good   10 yards , landing  in a crumple d  pile  by  the stone   wall that held up the totem of the trace wood  arrows

  The Mageling  Fell even as  Luthien's Blade    sliced her   open..

   Teh grand Elder shouted.. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS

 the elder that greeted them said,you lied to an Elder!.. You said you lost people!

 Kree walked  past the gasping Carn,  he threw the mushroom as  far as he could, into the trees.

  I did not lie...As  a Captain, I  admitted , with some shame, that i have lose people, either through death... cowardice, or   moving on....I However.. found a few  folks along the way... some, my scale is balanced..  i found what i have lost, and  no untruth  passed my lips

 what of  Carn? what should  we  do with  him and His people...

 Carn is dead.. or will be..in about an hour..less if he was drinking too much wine..the fermantation speeds the poison along...and? there  is no real cure...

 then you did lie?

 , Nay  Vizzt  said , the  only  cure  for the poison  was one of thsoe mushrooms...to eat it casues you  to  passout  and die as your   throat closes  and  you   die to lack of breathing...he siad it is more human , then to burn from the inside...but CArn needs to pay..and understand he is paying, for the deaths  of Good  Arrows   who thought they were on a Mission for a goodly cause.

 CArn was   starting to wail now..  his skin was red..his eyes bugled even further.

 The arrows who put thier weapons  away... sue them to start a  new unit.. the two that chose  to attack.. Kill them now.. theya re of no use to th Arrows.

 The   High Elder  raised his  arms,..so shall it be done...  Bring forth the celebration..!

 Village guards  took the three   and moved them off  towards the   path to  the graveyards...

 I would not bury them with  Honest Trace wood  folk...

 The  2nd Elder   moved off as she said,your  point is made.. we  will leave them outside the tree line for the beasts..

 when she went to see to that.. the  music started  again.. and  Kree waved all his poeple  forward to sit at the table with the elders  to eat and drink

 Elandra watched as they took them away, Elandra bowed in prayer and said," May you now find Peace." Elandra approached the table she nodded to Kree, and she said," Thank you for letting me join you at this table, and join the wagons Quickshadow. If I can be of any assistance to you or your group I would love to join the Arrows officially."

     as the sat at the table, Kree opened  the pouch that had the   dozens of  ruby  arrows.in some form or another.

  You may keep the one yhou have. or pick one, more to yor liking..according to the 'Laws  of  Companies'...you company was  be  visable, or it is assumed  you are not a true member...people end up in the arena like that.

 The High Elder   drank some wine.. the   song played a few more  time in the back round. before moving to more  energetic  dance music.what do you do now.

 we travel to Ironmound, we will see what offerings  Reedrick has  for us..., but  before that, I must present myself to the Emperor, as Tou has  lodged  a complaint about Merchant's  Landing...there could be a war over this... or  the Emperor will merely laugh...eiether  way.. I will present myself as  I promised, my Unit  may follow   or  stay at the   Walk-the-Plank.

 The  Elders nodded,as  in  years past.. we will join with  the Balck Timber , if there should be war...

 indeed, soemthign you will hear the answer to, one way or the toher... Trok should  betalked to as well... they will gain as much from Mercahnts landing as   anyone esle.. sicne   caravans  going through The Trace. will stop there   as well. no matter  what direction they are going.

"What did they hope to gain by attacking 2 on an entire unit?"

The lack of strategy bothers him...was something ELSE going on?

...Just in case, he opens his senses.

 For Luthien, other then , the Dying  Carn..no one is totally Black,  all around  him are  greys .

 With people, thinking no more about  the swift  'fight' then they  did about  cleaning  horse droppings  from the  street.

 As the rest of the Arrows  sat  down, Food  was brought over to them and the Elders , while music played and people danced.

 Mao sat next to  Ivy  and talked to him a bit,  after  a few bites of  foodf, Moa and  Ivy left  for the inns.

Stardancer went to check on the archer who had been dragged off, a few arrows scattered about and unbroken.  she picked up 3 and examined their fletchings.  Then used them to replace ones she had recently lost.  It was then Kree waved for them so she moved closer to the main table, but did not sit.  It was obvious it would be difficult for her.  She did give a bit of a kneel before the elders seated at the table "Wisdom and Joy, Honored Elders" she spoke gently and then rose.  She stood quietly but one hind foot seemed to have a will of it's own as it tapped the ground lightly in time to the tune that was being played.

 Elandra smiled and looked through the pile of the ruby arrows, she looked through them and she didn't see any she liked more then the hair clip she already had, she would say to Kree," Thank you I will keep this one I do like it." She turned and nodded to the Elders and said," Pleasure meeting you may Peace be with you ."

    Orlin walks up "That was a beautiful kick Stardancer, Remind me not to agrivate you.  I'd like to keep my feet firmly on the ground."

"I rather thought that if I drew a weapon, I'd be perceived as a threat.  Instead just as a potential customer.  Most forget that for a horse it is the hind legs that are ...more dangerous" she replied in accepting the flattery.  She smiled brightly "He did fly well didn't he?"

Krwyn nudges Egle: "Wise man" he said and flashes him his ruby arrow, before he joins Kree and his friends.

  CArns  people were  Approached  by   Wardens and Sages.. they were taken to the  'Temple row' where 5  small buildings and several shrines  were set up, for the  people to  be  tested, as far as thier loyalty to Trace Wood and  the Crimson Arrows.

 All except  for Moa  who was  being 'questioned ' by  Ivy in the  Inn.

 well? Quickshadow, how long  will your people being staying? I know  the  Village would love to hear some stories of the desert..and the  Fall of  'the Beast of the River';

 we will leave tomorrow  night..that gives my people  tonight and  all day tomorrow to mingle with our Trace Wood , brothers and Sisters ..As  for stories...

 The  Head Elder  raises His  hand  as he stands,who wishes to  hear the Stories of the great sands... and the Fall of  'The Beast of  the River"

 People cheered and started to band   the thick wooden tables in the village square with  wooden and  pewter  mugs.

   Kree  shook his head  and   walked over to the   bards, and  ask them to play  'backround music..... I am not a Singer?.. we have seen, My singing killed  Carn!

 people laughed..

 ..My skill, as it were, is to tell Tales... they will be truth..and not  spiced for your pleasure, though.. the outcomes may leave you  smiling....

 A Elfmaid ran over  with a tall, cold pewter stein will wine in for  Kree, she stood  there and stared...

 people laughed  and then she kissed him and ran away, causing the people to laugh  and hoot.

 More kisses like that? I will not need  wine to get drunk!

 the elf maid hid her  face as people settled down to  hear the Story, Kree walked back and  forth, describing   thier entry into Mok..and continued on..

...........

 As the story went on, Some of the locals   gathered  aroudn the Arrows  to  ask them what part they had   in the story, and  how they came to be in Kree's Unit.

     Story telling was part of the Mage job description, and  Orlin wove a tale for those who asked supporting Kree's story, yet providing different details from the lone eagle rider that helped with the encampment then flew off into the night to the shape shifter who scouted ahead and the Catwoman who flowed through the shadows to strike as a mass of blades and claws.

    He spoke of the white Knight and his ability to hold his ground with the blinding power of his conviction,the lithe assassin who's wisdom and speed supported the group quietly, the great centaur who joined with her powerful bow just when she was needed the most.

    Orlin went into detail on those who had moved on and spoke of the fluid nature of the group that always seemed to have just the right warriors in it.  "Even as we speak, the sisters Kree prays to have brought us Elandra, and the benevolence of her goddess to help.  She sits and learns as you do of the people who will be her friends and comrades.

    He released the old one to tell parts that he missed and the ancient being, amused with the attention the ancient cat told of gliding on the wind and pouncing on unsuspecting prey.  He revealed that while chaos was not always good, it was always present when change was needed, and whispered how the conflict of the gods was necessary to create a fluid balance, changing enough to correct it's self, static enough to not to fall into ruin.

Luthien scours the world around him for darkness, finds none.

"Perhaps I will never know why. What a waste of life."

But hey, party. So, Luthien turns his attention to all the party people.

  The people  listen to the tales,  Tales they would not know of, save  for travelers  and Hints..Like the bright  bunring   the  saw   inside, and outside Mok... and   merchants  who traveled  to  river   speaking of  what they saw.

 But hearing the   stories of  those who fought there was exciting.

  Kree moved   aroung the town  after the stories   were   told,  BArds  sang of   heroes of the past..and of the war with Hargen

Stardancer heard Luthien talk as if to himself "What is it you wonder good Knight?" she asked him, hoping she did not cause him an embarrassment for asking.  He seemed a bit more aloof than the others.  Truth, she rarely had time to talk with him at all.

"They attacked the most heavily armored person on the team, while he's surrounded by allies, and they were badly outnumbered. The odds of them actually taking me down before they died were nil. And then, why me specifically? It was a suicide mission. What could've driven then that was so worth dying for?"

"They were swayed by falsehoods perhaps" she responded.  "Perhaps being so armored they thought you would be the hardest to take down,  so they would concentrate on you .  Either way you have a providence of having companions they will be at your side as you would be theirs" she gave a soft smile "Ones with big feet atleast"

Krwyn enjoys the merry atmosphere that envelops the whole village. The confrontation with Carn and his companions had been a smooth affair: he had expected there would have been more trouble.
He joins Luthien en Stardancer to feast the whole eveneing.

 Elandra will talk up with the townsfolk, Arrows and the Elders, she will tell of Amot and of Peace to all. She will drink a little if they have any fruit wine she will drink that. Elandra also asked if anyone needed any healing or could use any of her skills.

   Ivy returns   with the  woman, who is then taken away by the Sages  and wardens to question. Ivy looks  very relaxed.  I sit  down at the table   as   people  are singing   and  dancing.

  well my friends... My  determined, if not addled   Couisn  is going  to take us to Ironmond, where   we  will then  head to the palace  to  present him to the Emperor , to face...whatever  charges... the fools  from Tou  have  laid  upon him.... Ironmond is a grat place, but a fear the  time at the Palace  will not be  , to our liking

  Niphre  Informs   Kree should would like  to stay in The Trace Wood  and help with the   rebuilding of thier  Crimson Arrows..  Kree nods  with a smile , and told her to enjoy the time here.

 With the night deepening, Kree   would  call out to his people,..Enjoy the night, the  food  and the people!... we leave  at Highsun tomorrow!

  sitting back down at the tbale, Kree  says  to the   Elders,..I want a message  sent to  General AxeHAmmer  with my Rune placed on the Wax.... i want it to  inform him, we are coming to the City  and  I will present myself at the  Palace to answer any  complaints  from Tou.... I also demand  at least three  members of  the Tou  Council to appear, or thier  complaints  are meaningless....Also inform him, I am not above trail by combat, with  weapons, not spells....to address these complaints...


 The Sage  that sat  was writing things   down ,  he   rolled the scroll and put it  in a light leather   case.. sealed  it  with  wax, and   kree man his  mark with the  Sages  Stylus.

 Elandra was smiling and enjoyed her time with the village folk. She would talk anyone's ear off on Amot and what peace truly means. She will watch her alcohol intake and smile and enjoy the evening. She will look at men she was after all a virgin and wasn't ready to loose her virginity yet at least no one caught her eye yet well except maybe Kree.

Lucy found herself enjoying being "kitty lady" for the kids.  Truth be told, she found playing with the kids relaxing.  To watch their innocence while the world around them was consumed with chaos, was something special to her.

She ate, laughed and played the night away. By the time she went to bed, it was nearly 2 am.

She laid her head down on the pillow with a smile on her face.  She could honestly say, she was, at that moment, at peace with the world.

She awoke just before sunrise.

She had had a boy come and get her around 5 am.  She had slept a deep sleep, and, although, she was still sleepy, she quickly began to wake up and get ready to ride out.

  As the party  reaches   the   deep night,  Kree  makes his  way through the   Team and  tells them they leave at  highsun... they  will depart from teh trace  wood  its  furthest  western point and head  directly to the City

 Elandra will walk up to Kree, " Is there a place I could rest and pray for our journey tomorrow, and you brought Peace tonight." Elandra was trying to loosen up a little but she was not used to parties like this, the priests didn't party like this for sure.

    Kree looks around,..this  is an elven  Forest... and  an Elven Village  , with in this  forest... you may check  at one of the inns?... there are a  pair  of temples, as well as  some shrines to  various gods... It is not  hard to  find a  warm hearth  , food  and  safety in  The Trace Wood, or the Black Timber. as look as you are a friend of the people.

 As  for Peace?  we killed  a  traitor  and a pair of his  followers... the trade off  was not  good, as  two units  of good Arrows  died  , on a false   mission,. by a false leader... we will have to kill more dark ones, to try and balance the scales.

 Elandra smiles and says," Thank you Mr. Quickshadow, I will visit one of the Temples to see if I can help out for a place to rest, I am very happy that Amot has brought me here. Yes I understand more is owed, but sometimes Peace can be very bloody, but there must be balance that is so true Mr. Quickshadow. Well I will look to rest for the evening again it has been a pleasure to meet you and to join your valiant and brave group." She she puts her hands together and nods deeply to him, and says," Good night and may your sleep be peaceful."

 Elandra will nod and say goodnight to everyone and head to the closest temple.

Stardancer looked about.  She found a large stable that looked warm and inviting.  There was one horse in one stall.  a mare who looked to be pregnant.  introducing herself she asked to use a large clean area with hay.  She kept the young mare company and gave her an apple and atleast pleasant company.  She learned that the pregnant mare was due soon and was in the stall to help keep her safe and if need be have humans help.  Star would bed down to sleep but let the mare know if she needed help in the night to whinny.  She was still some time until due.

 Elandra walked into the nearest Temple, she said a prayer as she entered and then walked up to the nearest Priest and she would say," Hello I am Elandra Jalvian Priestess of Amot, i was wondering if you had a place I could rest, if you need any help or assistance I would gladly help out."

A Priest  of  Tra smiled  at her. we have no needs at the Moment... we have  problems  where there are raids..or  Hunters  run into Forest Runners.. but it is  quiet right now... There is a  small  room to the back of the temple, where the door is open.. it is  empty, we  provide  for   wandering servants of thier gods.. You may use  that, Until you leave..

.............

 two younger boys , one Human, one half  elven  were setting  up  hay in the feed boxes, they were almost finished  for the night  and wanted to hurry yto get some   free food!

 Elandra smiled at the Priest, she bowed and said," Thank you very much that is so kind and may Amot smile upon you and your Temple, may Peace be with you." Elandra then headed for the back room, she got out of her robes and armor. She cleaned up some, said her prayers and then laid down for the night.

(( Next Day))

 Morning came.. more or less  announced  by creatures of the forest  with chrippings , calls  and a  roar  here or there.

  some people  were  about    cleaning up after the party. Nudging those who fell asleep in the  square  and   urging them to  get home, or get to work, depending on who they were.

 Kree passed on food  from the Inn and went to the  Village   square to get something from the Vendors  there. Sitting down with some eggs bread and  the dark drink from the   south Cuffe..he  added honey and milk to it.

 Elandra awoke to the peaceful sounds of the morning, she got out of bed, cleaned up some and then got her armor on first then put on her priestess robes. She kneeled said her morning prayers to Amot. She cleaned up the room to make sure it was good for their next guest and left the room. She said hello and good morning to anyone in the temple and thanked the Priests very much for allowing to use their room. She did say if she came back here she would offer her help again if they needed it. She left the Temple saying " May Peace be with you all."

 Elandra went out into the Village square and got some food and drink from a few Venders, she then saw Kree sitting and eating. She took a seat near him and said," Good morning Kree, I hope your sleep was restful and peaceful, it is such a beautiful morning Amot smiles on us this fine morning. Again good Sir thank you for allowing me to join the Arrows I have been looking for a path, and Amot has chosen this path for me and I will be at your service Sir."

  Kree    stood when she approached the table, then sat  again  when she sat..Ivy  was  making his way over to the  tables  but he  kept getting  intercepted  by  women and serving maids who  wanted to chat with him.

 dipping a bit of  bread into  the egg and   eating it..  Kree nodded.Tracewood   is the Brothers  and sisters to  my own Black Timber, if you read the histories,  out  two  homes as well as the Highpeak dwarves, fought a very short lived   Civil war against the  Emperor  because  we would no give up Ironwood  trees, or the massive Black Walnut trees... our  druids  and sages  manage what will be harvested  and what will not be.

 The Ironwood  elves  , whored out thier trees and now suffer for that... they are  regrowing some... using Druid  magics  and such... butt hey  let the lure of gold, almost kill thier homeland... the war was short..the humans ... the Iron wood  Elves  and the  Dwarves of Ironmound, agaist us... we  could have burned  Tou to the Ground..perhaps had i been alive at that time..I would have!... Tork surrendered to   the tracewoods.. as they had no real hate for thier  neighbors ...The Emperor  gave in, they have to settle for what    Iron wood we will allow them to harvest,  and , over the  decades  there have been  100's of foresters  who have been slain, because they  tried to sneak into the forests   to  cut  down a tree or two.

..so?..when we    reach   Ironmound?  you may not see as  warm a greeting as we get in the trees.

 taking a  sip of the   Cuffe, he added a bit more  honey, the sipped again...we are not the bright and Shiny heroes  you  hear  the bards  sing about... be are as savage  as our enemies...but... on;y  ..TO..our  enemies.. we  behead  most   foes, so they cannot
 come back as undead.... we sake   slavers  to  dead  trees and stumps, on the highways to server  as a reminder to any who think slaving is a good way to earn coin...

 he  looks at his plate  for a moment  as if  piecing the words together then continues,we have... I have..done darker things   to  slavers then most  might imagine.. I have no  concern, what i did was right.... we have had slaver footsoldiers, beg for thier lives  as they cried out  'i had no choice..they would kill my family".... well?  they did have a chocie... they chose thier family over the lives of others... after all ? what is a stranger's  life to you...right?...but that choice cost them thier lives.. as painfully as  any slave owner or slave master...they could have struck in the night, killing fellow slavers..maybe  even  the group leader?..or? they could have run off, and made the slavers have to chase them, thus saving others  , inadvertently..but they did  not... they took children from thier parents, killed  those who resisted and should   women into  pleasure  camps..all because they were   'following orders" .

 he pointed a forkful of  egg at her and said,when the time comes to be  harsh, and evil to evil folk.. yu have to  decide  if  you can do that....if yu cannot.. you have to get out of the  way...because i am not changing  how  we punish slavers.

 Elandra listened to Kree and his story of the civil war, she knew very little of the history of this area and it was good to learn because knowledge was powerful after all. When Kree talked about killing the enemy she had no problem with that, she knew to keep the peace she would have to get her hands dirty and Amot approved of fighting for the Peace and what you believe in.

 Elandra ate her meal and Kree then went on to discuss and explain himself when it came to slavers and all slavers no matter if they where 'forced' or not to follow orders. When it came to slavers Elandra's face seem to get a little dark, there was nothing that upset her or even her Goddess more than taking the Peace from someone else and forcing them to do their bidding , destroying their inner Peace.  Her eyes got cold on her beautiful face and she replied matter of factly," Kree Sir whatever you do, or we do to Slavers will not be harsh enough, to me they are not beings that should be alive, to steal the inner Peace of others and force them to do your bidding is one of the worse evils I can imagine, to keep the Peace good Kree I will do whatever it requires of me, and even a Peace lover like me will get her hands dirty to protect that Peace for others and our troop. Just because I am a Priestess does not mean I do not kill, I only kill when it has been earned, and they have disrupted the Peace which holds us together. I am with you Kree and if you fight slavers no punishment is to harsh in my eyes. Sometimes the best Peace for someone is to rest in pieces." She gives kree a nod and a smile.

 After that her eyes turn warm and forgiving again as she ate her breakfast, she took a moment to say a prayer to Amot to help her keep the Peace, and bring Peace to others.

Stardancer had a rather restful night.  The haybale and her blanket were very comfortable.  The Pregnant mare in the other stall nickered a soft morning to her, to which she nickered back.  She gathered her things  and rechecked her gear and placed on her armor.  In between tasks she spoke to the mare and talked about what to call her young one even.  Stardancer began brushing her hair and tail, as well as fetlocks removing the bits of hay and straw.  During the night the re were young boys who fed them, though she thinks they only saw her rump and thought her a horse, had brought her water and feed.  Finally taking account of her weapons and final packing of her gear she brought her water (though she used a hand to clean her face off with a bit of the water) and feed to the mare.  In daylight breaking she could see the mare was a graceful beauty a dark grey with some dappling black along her rump, around her fetlock area were the same dapplings.  A mane and tail of dark silver.  If she had been a centaur many males would have vied for her attention.  after a bit more neighing and whinnying  Star was soon to leave, she promised that if she returned she would come see her, excited to meet her little one.

Soon the large for of Stardancer joined those in the village center.  "A good morning to you all.  Tis a beautiful day, is it not?"

   Kree stood     when Stardancer arrived, then sat when it was apparent , she ...um..wasn't going to sit.

 ..It is always a good  morning in the friendly forests.. I figure  the    trip to Ironmound  will take a Bit over   2  days...we are going    through the   plains between Trok and Tou... I should suspect we will be  greeted  by riders  from either  city..or even Iron mound  scouts...Trok should have no problems  with us, as they are allied to The Trace Wood... Tou folks  may be actively looking for us..and  one cannot  count them as friends  just now...Ironmound  troopers  will, perhaps  escort us to the City, since they will  be moving along their patrol routes...

 ..when we  reach the  city.. we  report to 'Thee Walk the Plank".. see what Reedrick has heard, and  what missions  might be  available....it will give you all a place to stay as well, Then I must go and present myself  to the Emperor  as i promised... you all may either  come along, or enjoy to the city, until the  outcome of that meeting    is known.

 A smiling Ivy  whacks  Kree on the back,..ytou know  , I'm going, Cousin. Free Elven Gold   wine at the Palace...mayhaps i'll meet that  server  gilr there agian.. she was  quite nice...

 ..That's what you  say  about the Ladies   on Pleasure street?

   Ivy  takes  some  Eats  and  cooked meat   as he grins at the server  girl...Theya re very nice...Just because thei earn coin, being ncie?  Doesn't change that fact!

 Elandra smiled as the large beautiful Centaur arrived, she would reply," Yes it is a very Peaceful morning is it not Stardancer, I trust you rested well?"

 After Kree spoke and Ivy interjected in, Elandra giggled and said," I would love to see the Palace I have never been to anywhere so grand before, I have only traveled to villages and towns spreading the word of Amot, and helping others. Yes Sir Ivy woman are usually very nice when they are getting paid to be very nice, it usually works that way I have been told, as you can tell I do not know of matters like that, I am just a humble priestess." She giggles some more and smiles at everyone.

   Kree watched the others   eating.Well..when we are  done, we  shall  gathering  what   supplies  we  need and Head  out to start our  Journey... we will push  hard, and try to shave that 'half day' off of our travels.

She had danced through the night at the party, the music taking her mind away from all to dance among the stars. It was a common habit of hers, to lose herself in the music. The rest of the night had been a blur and she was sure she had wound up in someone’s bed that night but it wasn’t a mark of shame for her. There were no bounds on experiencing pleasure. Instead, she got up and stretched, cleaned herself up and dressed for the day. With bells around her ankles announcing her approach, Tyri headed into the village square. Her hair was surprisingly worn down for the time being, her belly calling out for food taking precedence. Ordering some bread and a dark drink to help with any hangover that she might have, Tyri looked around, noting where the others are. On a hunch, she headed over with a smile on her lips and a sway in her hips. “Good morrow. I trust you all slept well?”

  Kree looked up from his  meal. His  eyes   took her in  for a Moment  , the   went back to his  meal,Well Met..  Have a seat with us..perhaps  share  some food. If you do not mind me saying, you seem  to be ..'not of the trace wood'...

 he Sips  some of the Cuffe and signals   for  a refill, Both   The  Trace  and  The Black Timber welocme those  who need  Homes.. have you been a Slave at some point?

"A slave? No, Sir. Was given to a nomadic gypsy troupe as a babe. A mix of wanderlust and curiosity has pulled me from their safe grasp." She paused, taking a sip from her own cup before sitting with the group. "Unless you are referring to being a slave to one's desires...then I would ask who hasn't?" With a soft chuckle, Tyri took a bite from her bread, always one to keep her breakfasts fairly light. "I have been very welcomed here but fear that I shan't be staying. I have a mother who doesn't wish to be found to find."

  well, Depending on where you are going... you might want to join a company? It can keep you out  of the Arena, or  off a slave ship.  We start our Trek to Ironmound
 in an hour or so... You  could   come with us  shoudl you feel comfortable.

 ..if you do not  mind Blood... We tend  , not to leave  any  Slavers standing, should we  come across them.. Ivy sips his Cuffe  and  takes another  Bite  of thin cut boar.

"That sounds like a grand idea. I am comfortable wherever I go...though I can't say the same for all those I have traveled with?" A smirk came to her lips as she glanced to the other two women. "So do you two tend to have a following of the fairer sex? Must be flattering."

 Elandra ate her morning meal and had a smile on her face, and then a new woman appeared, Elandra saw her a little bit last night but she was well to adventurous with drink and companionship for Elandra's tastes. Elandra smiled at her and nodded when she said good morrow, then she said she traveled with a nomadic gypsy troupe. That explained a lot of things in Elandra's eyes.

 Elandra continued to eat as Tyri talked and she was very interesting to say the least. When she mentioned that Kree and Ivy traveled with the fairer sex Elandra choked a little on her food and replied," Oh my dear no,I am a Priestess of Amot, Elandra Jalvian at your service, I just joined the company myself last night. I see you tell everyone you are coming with the bells and the umm shall I say rather skimpy outfit me lady. My Peace be with you this fine morning."

"Well met Priestess Elandra Jalvian," Tyri smiled, her remark about her skimpy clothing not bothering her in the least. Everyone was entitled to their own thoughts and she wasn't going to try and sway the priestess's mind. She was more than her clothing...or lack thereof. "I am Tyri of the Shadowhand Gyspies." Her icy blue gaze darted back to Kree and then Ivyain, appraising their forms though not speaking on her thoughts. "As to blood my good Sir...I was taught well how to defend myself though strength is not my strong suit. It bothers me not. In fact, it can be quite the adrenaline boost if you ask me."

  while they eat and chat.. Kree   dabbs   his bread into his egg , takes  a bit, as he reaches inside his tunic..opening  a   small thick 'purse', he   opens it. pointing to  the selection of  tiny arrows  .. some have  ruby arrow heads.. some  are arrow shaped  rubies.

  one of the hard...fast  rules  in these lands, if you belong to a company..you must wear you mark so it can be seen... hiding it..or not wearing  it, is  deemed, that you denied your company, and  thus?  Lost all protection.  Pick one..if you wish to be an arrow..I will add your name to the charter

Elandra smiled at Tyri and said," Pleasure to meet you Tyri, your a Gypsy that makes sense. You said you are looking for your Mother who does not want to be found? If there is anyway I can assist please let me know." Elandra couldn't keep her eyes off of Tyri, she was beautiful and very good looking. The clothes actually looked really good on her but Elandra would never wear anything like that, but it did look real good on Tyri.

She leaned forward to look at the small arrows, the movement incidentally revealing more of her flank than intended. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the Ruby shaped arrows. "I wonder if I can attach this to my belly ring..." She gingerly picked up the gem and looked it over seeing if it were possible.

   One of the Elders  approached them, the Younger, 3rd Elder. Captain?... I have  received  word from the wardens, that there have been attacks  between the  towns of Trok and Tou... watch your  travels, and please  aid  any caravans you may come across..

 ..of  course, Elder, Thank you for the   information

 Ivy  chuckles,..good  excuse to puts   some Tou scum in  the ground...

 ..Indeed.... should they   make the  wrong moves..

 Elandra smiles at Tyri, she was interesting and she couldn't wait to know her better, but she was a little too flamboyant for Elandra but Amot brings Peace to all who wish it. When there is talk of attacks Elandra will bow her head say something in what they assume is Amot speech and say," Now if they disturb the Peace they will be dealt with. Yes of course we will help all travelers in need, we just have to make sure they are travelers and not bad guys that is all."

Seeing that it was possible, Tyri sat down and reached into a pouch that hung upon her belt. After a few seconds of searching, she pulled out a little piece of silvered metal that was shaped like a crescent moon with a thin chain that hung down from one of the little silver balls on the ends. Fiddling with it for a moment, she managed to connect the little arrow gem to the end. With a grin, she stood up, switching out the jewelry. The arrow landed roughly an inch below her navel. "Ah lovely," she said to herself and did a little hip shimmy to watch the piece move. Satisfied, she sat back down, clearly pleased.

  Kree watched  and Looked at Ivy..Ivy grinned.

  maybe  we  could Orlin to wear one like that? It would  confuse  and frighten our  enemies.

   Kree asked  for  some Fresh laoves  of  bread to tsake  with them, and a server  grils ran off to  an Inn.

 Elandra looked at Tyri after she put the new jewelry on, Elandra has never seen belly button jewelry it was very new to her and Tyri was like no one she has ever met before. "Yes it is very lovely." She caught herself actually staring at the beautiful half Elf, then she would look away her face turning bright red.  At the mention of someone else wearing that Elandra giggled having seen Orlin yesterday. There was something about Tyri that really had Elandra intrigued and she would have to get to know this gypsy better.

"Some of the men in the troupe have it done. It does hurt though," she chuckled, not one to lie to others. "I could also teach him to shimmy. You just have to remember that it's all in your knees." She finished her drink and bread before sitting back in her seat. Reaching up, she began to braid her hair into two before wrapping each one into a bun and pinning it in place. With everything secure, she donned her leather headband.

  Kree sees  the servers  comign  with the   loaves of bread, yeah wrapped in a bar towel.

  well.. with that kind of back round, Ivy can take you to Pleasure street in Ironmound, we have some contacts  there..

 Ivy Opens his  pack to take one of the loaves  of  bread, wrapping it in the towel first.Between the Horns  and The Blades, she might  find better  employment..

 ..Everyone, Grab a loaf for  bread...Niphre is staying in The Trace..she  said she will seek us out later , she will stray and help  fill the ranks of Arrows here.

With a smile, Tyri took a loaf of bread and placed it in her own pack that sat beside her. "Pleasure Street? It sounds like a fun jaunt. And when you say employment...I hope you are referring to my dancing and not something more. I don't use my body in that fashion. Pleasure is pleasure...not business and I prefer not to mix the two. I bed those that I choose to...not because they paid me." Looking back to the two, she gave another appraising look before looking to the priestess. "You know...I could teach you how to shimmy as well." There was mischief in her eyes, her tone light and jovial.

 Elandra also took a loaf of bread, she rolled it up in a cloth and placed it in her pack. She listened to Tyri talk about she was only a dancer she didn't sell her body for money, that made Elandra smile and have great respect for her and it showed in her eyes.

 Then Tyri looked at her and said she could teach her too shimmy, Elandra giggled and said, " Oh you think you can teach me to move and dance like that, I actually would love to try to learn Tyri." Elandra had a wonderful, genuine smile on her face.

Krwyn walks up to Kree and Ivy and meets the new Arrow. He greets her, let his eyes wander a bit surprised over her toned body: "How do you survive a fight?" he asks her, genuinly curious, "I can see you avoiding incoming attacks bellydancing, but do you bring the attacks on them like a monk, empty handed?"

Tyri smiled warmly at Krwyn. "Strength is not my strong suit. I prefer to stick to shadows or use my sling. I suppose I utilize my speed and finesse a little more." Pausing a bit, she mulled the thought over. "Of course I'm always open to learning such a style."

  One of the elf Maids   came  running  down from the   Circle of shops  above the  square, she  handed   Kree  a  bottle of wine, the golden fluid  in  side  reflecting the    sun light  that poked through the massive   trees.

 He  was  about to  refuse the Gift, when the  elfmaid pointed to  an Old dwarven fellow by the  inn's  doors who was  wiping his hands in his apron.. The Dwarf pointed to  Kree and then waved .

 Kree   saluted the  Dwarf by Touching the  top of the bottle to his   forehead and smiling. The Elf main looked  up at gim  smile.. Ivy  furrowed his  Borw  at Kree  and Nodded his  head to the Elf maid.

  Shifting to the elf  maid's  smiling face, Kree  leaned in and gave her  a  soft lingering    Kiss,..Thank you , for bringing this... The elfmaid's eyes i opened   wide, then closed..she  stood there with a  smile   and her  eyes  closed.. then she Giggled  and  ran   Back towards the   Inn where the Dwarf   raised his  hand with a grin.

 ..Cousin?... You spend too long in the trees... There is a goodly bet,  she had a  coin or two on that kiss.

 Kree smiled as he tucked the Elven Gold into his pack...alsa, my  Cousin, you know i am but a simople  elf, and know, not the ways of intrigue..

 The Silver  eyed  Slf  Put his arm around  Kree's shoulder  as they began to walk towards the  south entrance to the  Village...tell that to  the bodies you have left  scattered behind us..


 Kree waved  the  group foreward..it was time to go.

“Oh are we giving out free kisses now…or is that one you fancy?” Tyri smirked, shouldering her pack and standing up as she glanced back to where the young maiden ran off to. “Or maybe you are just very popular with the fair maids.” A chuckle escaped her lips, recalling the prior night with the kiss there as well. “If you are curious and wish to learn, I am sure I could teach you a thing or two.” After several steps, Tyri began to skip along, listening to the bells ring out joyously.

 Kree   smiles,..I vy is more  the  Maid's favorites., I fear to say, the  Maids  you look to me..do not see me, But th CAptain of the  Crimson Arrows. Or, perhaps, when  we mean folks from the towns, they remember  me as  my years of the Captain of the Palace Guard.

 ..what my  Cousin is tryign to say,  I am more  free with my  Time then he... His focus  is the  Unti.. Mine..is...well..I  do not think i have a focus!

 they enter the   darken 'halls of the TraceWood.  though it is  near , mid-of -day, the massive trees  block most of the sun.

  For  those  who know not, The Elven Forests.. as we walk, there  may be as  few as two..as many as Ten , Wardens in the trees  watching us..some, to help portect us, Some to make certain we  do not harm the  Forest.

“Such a pity…you are quite nice on the eyes,” Tyri grinned, curious on the reaction he would have. In truth, both weren’t bad but personalities were completely the opposite. She supposed that with enough time passing and her getting to know not only these two but the others as well, that her opinion would probably shift. “If I may say…of course that is how they are going to see you…as Ivyain has pointed out…your focus in the unit. If you want someone to see you as…you…then you have to be a little…vulnerable…a feat that is extremely challenging to achieve.” With a chuckle, Tyri did a little twirl before looking up at the trees after Kree mentioned the wardens.

  Ivy pounds  Kree's Back  pack..Kree  gives him a  firendly push off... as they both  laughed.

  ..My cousin rarely appears   that  way, Good  Tyri... for he  is  Edhel-o gurth

 Kree  rolled his eyes.. and Nodded.

 ..that is  Elven for  'Elf of Death'..Slaver  whisper  it  in the night... he begins to laugh

 ..It is useful, when you are confronted  by some bravos with blades, and they see  the little red Arrows and My Name...

 Ivy wink,..he likes it..so do I? while they are lookign at him,  i can put a few well palced shafts into  them.

“Mmm it almost sounds like you just like it because of the…fair maids that it brings to your bed?” She smirked. Her tone was light and playful, clearly not one to judge another for their actions. That was not her place…but she was going to tease him about it. “Elf of death or not…still nice on the eyes.” As they walked, she continued to partially dance to the ‘music’ of the forest.

  as they walked  Kree   waved  a Hand towards the woman,see?.. I told you i didn't have to get drunk to ....

 Ivy shook his head  , ..Cousin!..I said,..THEY...  would have to  be drunk to think you  were pleasant looking..

 Kree    Looked  at the tress  and  chuckled.

She chuckled at the interaction. They were an interesting pair, she mused. In a way, the interaction reminded her of her own family and a part of her missed it…but she had to know. “And why would you say that they have to be drunk to find him attractive?” she smiled.

 Elandra just smiled at Tyri, and said," Oh yes Tyri I would love for you too teach me and just maybe I could umm maybe dress like you one time and try and dance, if you think they would enjoy my dancing like that." Elandra blushed she had been naked around others, but being semi-dressed and dancing umm seductively in front of others was something completely different and Elandra really wanted to try and learn that.

 She followed the conversation and she giggled a few times, and when Ivy said they would ahve to be drunk and Tyri replied Elandra also replied," Yes I absolutely agree with Tyri, I am not drunk and I find Kree quite attractive." Elandra gives him a smile and also smiles nicely at Tyri.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Sat 14 Mar 2020.

With one fluid movement, Tyri turned to face the priestess, a smile on her face. “I would be honored to teach you how to move like me and to dress you up! Though now I am curious…are you trying to entice one of them?” she motioned over to Kree and Ivyain with her chin. “Which one takes your fancy?” Those pale blue eyes glimmered with mischief, her smile widening just a bit.

 Elandra smiled when Tyri said she would love to teach her to dance and dress, when she said if Elandra was trying to entice one of them. Elandra looked at Tyri as her face began to turn red, and when she asked which one she fancied her face turned bright red and she let out a eekk. She then said," Ummm no Tyri I just wanted to learn to dance like that, when.... ummm when I want to entice someone... umm yeah." Elandra was very flustered, for one she was right she wanted to entice someone, but Tyri didn't know it was all three of them she wanted to entice, this was the first time Elandra ever felt this way about a woman but there was just something about Tyri that got her very intrigued. She smiled at Tyri and let out a giggle as she thought about the beautiful half elf.

“Mmmmhmm…” she gave her a sly look. “Is it the one with a silver tongue and eyes? Or is he too…wild for you?” The girl’s innocence was rather charming and she couldn’t help but tease her just to see her blush. “I’ll show you the basics of a hip shimmy when we take a break in traveling. Maybe they can tell you if they liked watching. It isn’t as easy as one would think.” Tyri began to skip along once again. “Oh! Some of it requires a certain amount of flexibility…” In all honesty, she could easily go on and on about her dancing and such since she has done it since she was very young but she also had to remember that not everyone would start out where she is.

 Elandra blushed again," Well he is not too wild for me." Elandra is starting to learn as she giggles and then replies," Well that would be great, I would love that Tyri, oh I bet it is not you are truly amazing Tyri."  Elandra said all of that with a smile as she couldn't help herself looking at her, she was so open, and the way she danced, wow. Elandra just kept smiling, and replied, " Oh I bet you have to be very flexible I will need help with that Tyri."

 Elandra thought she was bad, she is actually trying to flirt with a female, badly but she was trying this upset her she had to check her faith to see if this was allowed, she sure hoped it was, she never bothered to look it up, but now there is a reason. She would say a prayer to Amot and kept smiling, " Yes when we stop for a bit you can show me everything."

 The Group moved  down the paths,  Kree and  Ivy in the Middle of the  Group for the Most part, as they were in the safety of the Trees...talkign over  some things   they would need to do in the city..Orlin. Stardancer, where to the  Back.  Lucly and Diana to the front'' Krwynn close to  the  cousins.

 in between  the  elves and the  ladies out from where  Tyri and Elandra

 Like a Ghost, a warden stepped from the Trees a ahead  and  jogged  down to Kree,Captain?... scout report Tou riders going   from Tou to Tork... they appear to be looking for  someone, as  a Caravan that his headed this way was stopped and questions asked... we will know  more when the  Caravan reaches   the trees.

  How Long before they  reach the Trees...


 ..By end of  day... Later  if they stop  for   Late meal.

 ..good.. that means we  should  reach them  about the   time they reach the  trees...Thank you... let us know  if you see any more   Tou Riders...

 Ivy  asked,..how many Tou  riders...

 24 horseman.. armored..but not knights...

 The   fellow   stepped into the trees  and was gone...

 A full squadron....

 A foolish Squadron... they  are   stepping into   lands   shared by Tork and  the  Tracewood, as  well as   Ironmound.. it is true  they have thier reach as well..but not to be stopping caravans.. we might have to  carry the names of   Dead Horsemen into the palace, if they are looking  for us..

“I will show you the basic moves. You have to start out with that before moving on to the more advanced things.” She chuckled before looking back back to where they were going. She softly hummed but it all stopped when the warden made his appearance. She listened quietly. “So preparing for battle then?” she said out loud, thinking that this was going to be interesting only in the sense that she could see what skills everyone possessed. Plus, the idea of learning unarmed combat piqued her interest.

 Elandra smiled and replied, " That would be great thank you Tyri, I will do my best, but my hips might be too thick to do some of the moves you do, and thank you Tyri."

 The Warden showed up and told the group of Tou riders, and then when Tyri said preparing for battle then, Elandra bowed her head said a prayer to Amot and then replied," Yes it looks that way, I will say many prayers for us, and may Peace be with us." Elandra got her staff, made sure her hand crossbow was ready and loaded and checked her twin daggers. She doesnt have alot of combat spells she is more healing and support but she was going to be ready, and she was very excited about Tyri teaching her to dance.

 The  day moved on , as did the arrows. Wardens would   pop  up on a Treebranch   and  waved to then, sending hand signals to  Kree, who would return them..

  There was  a Deep Bellow , of a  roar, deep in the forest.

 ..Forest Runner.. the one with the  small arms...

 Kree nodded,..Aye, but   Miles away.. The Wardens will chase it away or bring it  down before  they let it   threaten the trade road.

 he  said aloud  for those who were new,After my home was   attacked  , under the Guise of  a caravan..  The Trace Wood  and Black Timber  built    trade Roads.. they look open  and  clear, and well cared for...no places  for Ambush.... unless you are a druid or  a Warden...Wardens  are to Druids, what  Holy warriors  our to  Clerics... at any rate.. should a caravan  prove false.. or harbor  some false  folk  with in?  they  will be attacked
 from the trees ,a dn the   Forest will gain more wagons and horse. as well as equipment... the bodies  will be  taken deep into the forest to feed the creatures  and the trees.. save for Slavers  , who will be  staked to dead  trees or stumps, outside  forest.. as  a warning.

    "Sounds like a party."  Orlin said walking up.  He had started the night celebrating like others, but had gotten in a conversation with some herbalists.  A late night at the Druids fire learning about the properties of local plants and showing them his healing herbal soap had left him shy a bar but if he came through this way he would probably be able to buy replacements rather than having to make them himself.

    "Indeed, this life suits you little one."  His staff intoned out loud.  "Aren't you glad I brought you out this way?"

   Orlin glowered at the staff, "Watch your tongue old one, lest I bind you from speaking again.  You had no idea how this would turn out, indeed you could have gotten me killed and yourself bound forever."

   The staff chuckles, "Indeed, but apparently the sisters Kree follows have a plan for us.  I have sensed their hands directly involved in his fate and purpose and he seems to unwittingly serve the both of them as diligently as any cleric.  I wager the night they claim him from limbo will be a long one so he might as well get some practice now so as not to disappoint."

     another  warden  swung   down from the trees, and dropped lightly, ahead of the  Arrows.. Once more  the  warden ran straight to  Kree, as she made her  report,

  ..Captain?  there is still and hour or so of Daylight beyond the trees... the caravan has stopped  , Two miles away? they would have easily  made the tree line before the sun rested.

 ..did you  send out  a greeting party?

 ..No...Captain Quickshadow. My captain said,  if you were  leaving the trees this night, we would not  need tos end   a greeting party, but watch your interactions?... if you  stay in the treeline for the night,  then it will not matter, since the caravan will not only reach the tree, but have a healty  start to their  Journey to the  Town.

  There was a tilt of his head and  a sigh.well? that is good  for as  far as it goes? But, the merchants should be expecting  a greeting, or at least guides...so..Go tell your  captain we will leave the trees this night  and  approach the   Caravan to share thier fires...if..they prove false, or..those Tou riders show up. he looked at her    straight in the eye,..I expect aid from my brothers  and sister of the trace Wood.

 she nodded her  head rapidlyaye..and you shall have it.. I go to Tell my captain...  the   young elfmaid    rant to a  tree a few yards  down from them, Climbing up a tree, that..either had   well hidden hand holds, or, she was just good at it!

 waving his  Company forward,one of three things  will happen between now and the sun's wakening. We will ahve either , enjoyed  the good company of  merchants and traded  stories..... we will find they are thievs and such, and have to cull some....or..we wil find they are Bait  sent by the Tou Riders..and  we will have to kill them... Though Tou is an allie  with Ironmound, as  are we and the Trace wood... there  is always Tension between Tou and Elevn  strogholds... except for the  Rump lickers of  Ironwood.


 Ivy  smiled,..there was one  elfmaid  from Ironwood..she was nice...very nice...

 aye... she was that...and what good did it do her?

 she marks good   one , dancing at the   way stations on the trade road.. beats  have   an arrow  in you back ...

 ..if  i Recall she had  an Arrow  in her, pleanty...

 Ivy laughs  and Points at  Kree,..now see? Many a folk think Kree has no sense of humor.. I wonder if she  would remember my name?

 ..I would, if i was her?...most folks  remember those who did not pay them!

 Ivy shakes his head and Grins,..you should have been  the Court Jester, instead of the Captain of the guard!

 Kree's eyes  grew a bit dark......it would seem..i served the same purpose then. Making people laugh, while parading  about  in  costume

Tyri listened to everything as she walked/skipped/danced, humming softly to a song that was unknown to the others. At Ivy’s last statement about Kree, she stopped and looked to the two. “The way you made it seem Kree…was that you enjoyed your job. Do you not?” she asked softly, curiosity clear in those icy orbs of hers.

 Elandra smiled as the Kree and Ivy talked, of nice elves, getting paid  as well. Elandra thought they where both very good looking, but she also thought Tyri was amazing as well. " Nothing is wrong with making people laugh, and well lets hope it is a uneventful evening except for stories and fun, May Peace be with us."

  My cousin Jests.... Ivy laughed.

  ..I enjoy my 'job'...now. nothing is moresatisfing , then  setting people free... even if they have nothing left?....they are free to join our Village as Members of the Balck Timber..or...  both hands went up  as we  waved the black bow...Tracewood... some have families   or business and they go back..only to find they have been replaced.. or all is destroyed, so they come back..some?  Become arrows..hunting the   plains  , swamps and river banks for slavers and Pirates.. and all manner of enemies

 ..not all though..some, becomes one with thier masters, and serve willingly, even as we attack, they die, just like any other slaver...there is a fine  story, of how
 Kree garnered  the NAme  of Edhel-o gurth...

 Ivy.... he shook his head, then said to the Ladies ..after some....noterity .. i was given a Commison  in the  Palace as the  Captain of the guard.... you know what that  entails?..it means you walk around  in  the Green and Gold of  Ironmound.. wwith  a sword  and some other  'honored heroes '  who serve dunbder me...most of them were nothing more then some Ironmound   noble whose  father
  had  enough  gold  or plats to  pledge to the City's defesne....I got to escort...'ladies'.. he spit the word,..who were not  any better then some fisher's  wife in a Patch house town..but..her husband had  coin so she got to  come to th twice weekly, parties..now and then i was  forced  to dance  with such women.. and now and then i was forced  to show my  sword skills against some   noble or his  son... Though i was never allowed to Win... i made sure i never   lost.. and... i made sure  each and every contest  ended with a  nick on  the fellow's cheek, that looked  like the Rune for my name..

 ..all that came to an end when three Elven Ladies were brought into the palace to  be punished  as  non-charter whores.... I had my people... a nod  to Ivy..and a Grin form Ivy...

  who knew that reason these women were here to be punished, was because  they refused the  advances  of a certain Mage in Ironmound... I ...refused  to  carry out the Punishment which  would  be   a brand on thier chests ... None of my men dared   take up the  branding Iron.. two  'nobles  tried  but they left the palaces  short   one hand... The MAge sent  his  man at arms to over see the Punishment.. he was also a fellow   who fought me to a 'draw' when  the challenges were made  to liven up parties....

 Ivy Grinned,..the  fellow  was almost a foot taller  then Kree... as soon as he drew  his  blade to  Kill the Elfmaid.. Kree had slashed off his   right hand, as  cut his mark into the man's  forehead.....then..well..sort of cut the man's head off....

 ..I had  10 mean who were my guard, by the  time they were with me for a week,, they were troopers... those who could not take the training, either  died  or quit....
 they formed a ring around the three ladies  while i waled arpound that  ring with my hands in the air... and  asked 'who esle  wants to  brand  women , for refusing  the advances of a lech?

  Troops  came  running   from all directions..The Emperor  was  smiling  as his  concert  whispered to him...a Noble yelled something like ' you cannot   fight  all these men! You and your   guard will die for the sake of these Elven bitches!  and Kree just keeps walking around the ring  as alot of    bravos pulled thier blades, not that the troops  were  there...

 ..and  i answered.... If i would not defend  them, why would i defend you?....

the  Noble looked confused as some 60  troopers of the 100  , all filled the ballroom Floor   , putting thier backs to  Kree's guard and faced the   nobles, and
 dandy's who looked on... I was up in the Balcony with my bow..damn nice  show  from there..

The Elf maids  were given 10 gold coins each,..and were escorted   to  The Black Timber... Kree resigned his commission    and  70 troopers left the Palace  to become  Mercs or   join the  Tracewood  or  Black Timber.. a hand full went to the  Fur man's  chain to  settle down

 .My Father was...less then happy ..with the outcome.. so,  I went   and Joined out  friend Reedrick in Ironmound  as a Crimson  Arrow,...

  another   Warden popped out of the  trees and Waved  Kree forward, and   the  elf  sprinted  down the  road, hardly a sound or footfall left in the  bark and pebble  covered  road.

“Seems like it is not a simple life that you long for,” Tyri said softly after the story was completed. Her own life had been rather simple. They traveled and pulled in coin whenever it was needed but for the most part, they were content hanging on the outskirts of towns or cities, just enjoying each other’s company along with those who desired to see what they were all about. Protecting each other was a top priority and they would help others along the way if it was needed…but other than that, she didn’t have to worry about any pomp and circumstance. Ultimately, that sense of freedom was always prevalent. She watched as Kree ran off. "Seems you both make quite the bard," she chuckled and continued on with a sway in her hips.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:48, Sun 22 Mar 2020.

 Elandra listened to the story and she was amazed,  Elandra lived a very simple life for sure, sleep, study, worship, eat, and help others. Elandra has been very sheltered, she was raised in the Temple by a High Priestess of Amot her Mother. When Kree took off Elandra caught herself staring at his behind as he headed off. When Kyri said they both would make a good Bard, Elandra smiled and said," Yes I agree Tyri they both tell a very good story." Elandra smiled, and whispered to Tyri," Also they look damn good saying it as well don't they." Elandra giggled and tried to sway her hips like Tyri.

  Kree stood at the  woods  edge.. two wardens beside him as the rest of the Arrows caught up...

  they are ..roughly  a Mile away.. setting up camp?... they could have been in the portection of the trees in..what?.. half a candle?

 The Warden  shakes her head,could then be a Trap?... if they knew you reached the trace wood... it would not be hard for  someone , who has left the  trees , mention it to them in passing.. and those  riders  have not  come back from Tork.... I would  doubt they  would go  down the shore line , back to the City...

well.. we will see... have your people  ready.  If they are False, they may not attack on sight, but may seek to lure us in.... if they are.....frightened, but  enter  the wood  in the dark.. we should be fine, unless the riders come back.. if  they are false, after the    battle?  send wardens to claim wagons goods  and weapons, leaving nothing on the bodies   that can be of use to the people  of the Trace.

 what of You?

 we will collect some  coin, to be sure. But   your  poeple  can use   equipment and  goods  as anyone else does...as well as Horse,  if the riders   decide they must die.

Krwyn sttod near Kree, Ivy and the wardens and listens to their discussion about the possibility of a trap. "Has none of your wardens a bird as a familiar? Areal reconnaisance could learn us more about possible traps, as the Old One is too obvious, or another familiar that we could send to spy?" he offers as an advice.

“Mmm they sure do,” she broke into a grin and threw a wink at Elandra as they moved along. It seemed the priestess was lightening up which only made her grin widen. Maybe there was a wild streak in this one that was stunted given her upbringing…regardless, it wasn’t her place to question another’s faith. “I suppose that would make things a little handy though I would think they would have done that already?” she responded to Krwyn.

  The Wardens  turned to Krwyn,we do not have Razorhawks , such as  The Timber  does...

 Kree  watched the   camp and spoke  softly almost like thinking out loud...it  would not do  Ivy and Myself  any god, My Razor hawk Died.. Ivy's broke from him to rejoin the flock.. you only get one chance... though I hear  the wardens  seem to have more  follow them... Ivy and I are tainted by  are  years in the City,

 Tainted, maybe. By  no one seems to car  when we have to  do a task  inside the walls  where others  seems too  worried  to  do..aye?

 Aye.... Come... let us  be on our  way... go slowly.. Orlin and  Stardancer are not going to be folks   they have seen before.

 ..Luck to you and Yours  , Captain. I will have  a company of wardens ready to aid you...,Until you  leave the camp spot.

 ..if the folks  are just riders.. try to save the horse for the Tracewood.... If there be Knights on the horse... Kill the horses, and  pluck of the knights at your liesure..

  they shook arms,..Sisters  smile, Friend Warden...

 ..Sisters   smile  , Friend Arrow

 the   group  move dout into the  grasses, heading for the camp. a Few  wardens..if your  eyes  were  quick.. stepped from the trees, only to vanish in the tall grasses.

 Elandra smiled at Tyri, Elandra never felt so free, she was not talking or acting like a Priestess should, If Amot did not like her actions she would send word would she not. Elandra replied to Tyri," Yes and also Tyri you are absolutely gorgeous, lets hope this is a calm and peaceful night."

 Elandra got ready for anything as they headed for the camp, she hoped they where friendly but if it was a trap she would be ready. She smiled at Tyri and couldn't get enough of looking at her amazing body.

Krwyn moved some distance from Kree and Ivy deep into the high graas, almost without any disturbances at all. He takes a position at the flank, his bow ready for use.

“Thank you,” she smiled at the priestess. “I, too, hope that it is a peaceful night so that way we can dance and just be merry.” Chuckling, Tyri continued along the way, a bounce in her step. Of course it appeared as though she wasn't paying attention when in truth, she was very alert.

 the group neared   wagons  and a Gruff voice called out,..now..Ye be   them Trace Hugging elf's   te can come on it.. if not, let us   know so's we  kin  kil ya quick like, and go back to  our  food.

 Kree   Keeps  walking as he  calls back, You are Half  right, Son-of-stone...  we are elves and some other folk, and  we are friend to the tracewood..but no native to her we saw the camp, and thought it would  save us a few hours  travel to the   city , in the morrow, If  we started off   from here..

 ..what's yer name then , Elf!

 ..do not do it...

 ..Kree....Quickshadow.. and My company of Crimson Arrows...

 gods be damned.. can't you lie..just one time?

 Ye  can't be   him.. 'cause  you'd  be   10 foot tall , an' have   blazing  eye o' fire!

 ..now you jest!....  for  everyone is  10 foot tall to a Dwarf!

 there is alot of laughter  from the behind the  wagons,..Right then.. Com eon in.. we'll kill ya later if yer  false.. but at elast you'll have a full belly..

  ..could not  say?.. I am Myron Green Leaf  , or something... always tossing yhour name around, like a bloody flail!

 ..It is my name, is it not...whether  it means   fear to some, or  respect to others, is not  foe me to say..

 ..I swear..if they have  Bean soup.. i may just kill them for that...

 Elandra smiled at Tyri, and said," Yes maybe when we get to a town you can help me find some dancing clothes all I have are my vestments and armor." Elandra had never seen a beautiful women be so open and revealing before, it was opening Elandra's eyes very much.

 Elandra smiled at the Dwarf and asked," Peace be with you, do you have anyone sick or hurt I am Elandra Jalvian Priestess of Amot, and I would gladly help them out." Elandra smiled as she lowered her head and uttered a short prayer to Amot.

“Oh yes...we will find something that shows off that figure that you hide,” she smiled and skips along. “Why does he need to lie?” Tyri asked, running her finger across his shoulder blades as she past, the bells ringing out with each step. She paused and gave the dwarf a deep curtsey. "Thank you for your hospitality Master Dwarf."

  Ivy Just  shake his head,see? this is why i can live in the streets  and some  people cannot!.. You  don not prancer  around  shouting your name.. why not just open a stall in the market place..  One stab of  a Silver piece.. 3  for a gold!

   Kree offered his hand to the Dwarf,..I be  Borlin Orcrender...I am in charge of the  guards  fer this  miserly bastard   Coll Varn?  he runs  beers  and wines  as well as   clothing and such goods... has a  decent  market in Trok and the tracewood.... then Tou batsards    came up to  us , not long ago, tryin' ta get us  to   stop over their way?.. well... they kin go hump thier horses!... they ain't never bothered with us  afore?.. why now..?

 ..because, Friend   Borlin. The Black Timber   has  opened   a new   village, soon to be a town.. called  Merchant's Landing..its  on the Lather   River  near  The Black Timber. The Arrows  have a  small  fleet of ships... 3..maybe  4 now... they sail theb Lather  from The Timber     and stop at the Plains Elf  Grotto..and the    tracewood  landing, and go to Val  and to the sea..opeing up a  whol new   world for our goods..

 The Dwarf looked interested,what 'bout them Mok bastards?

 we..... he motioned to his Unit,set fire  to the Merchant Lords  quarter... we also destroyed the  Beast of The River..burned it to the water line in its own berth..

 ... ye  can't be truthin' there..and  that's me sayin'!

 ..Tou  is trying to stop The Landing from being   built..it  already has  some decent walls.. and archers  from the timber  watch over her.....our ships   have  made a few trips  already... merchants   are comign through the Timber  now, and  our goods   are going  down  River there, rather then the Storm.. Tou..once   'told' us  what we could sell them, and what we could buy from them..now?..they get nothing from us..nor  will we need to by from them.... The Next step is to build  a  trade road  along  our side of the Lather  river... wagons and ships   with goods and people?,,, we are about to change the   the way the world turns

 ..That?..would  mean Trok... and alot of the Merchants in Ironmound could  send stuff   to the tracewood.. and  continue on to the river  to sell  to the coast and  The Timber!

 Aye... many  a poor  folk are going to be rich, and many rich people are going to go poor..

 ..well..I'll tell you this... when we  get to Tracehome?.. I'm taking a  ride  tot he Lather River  , I want to see   that Mok is hurt!

 ..Mok?  will  do one of two things... the good  way, is  there are no more merchant Lords... and the regular   Merchants  make  a trade deal with our side of the river..... The Bad   way, The merchant lords   return to power  with thsose who still lived.... if that happens..  we will have to go back and start another fire.

 The cooks     handed out  a stew or  a barely soup to the Arrows  and  some  hard bread but  cold ale  from  the magicked  kegs   they had  for 'the caravan's use'

“Thank you,” Tyri smiled at the cook, taking the stew, bread and ale and finding a spot to sit. She took the bread and dipped it into the stew, taking small bites. She watched and listened to what was transpiring, icy blue eyes taking in those of the camp. A smile came to her lips once she tasted the ale. “That is good…”

 Elandra smiled and replied to Tyri," Oh my I do not have a figure like yours, I don't think any type of clothes could make me as umm desirable as you are Tyri."  Elandra was not lying she did not think any clothing could make her look desirable like Tyri, Elandra never really looked at her body like that, she was almost always covered, maybe it would be good to show off her body, it was not against her religion to do so or to engage in matters of the flesh. Elandra smiled at Tyri and thought she was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen.


 Elandra smiled at the dwarf, and she also took a bowl of stew, some bread and ale, then took a seat next to Tyri of course. " Thank you very much may Peace be with you." she said to the cook.

When Kree, Ivy and the others enter the camp and meet the dwarf, Krwyn continues his move. Invisible for the men in the camp, he circles the camp in an outward spiral pattern to look for deceit or for danger from the riders that were seen before. His bow is ready, his senses stretched.
IFn he notices nothing out of order when he has circled the camp at least three times, he returns to the camp and joins his friends. If, at the other hand, he finds something amiss, he raises the alarm for outside threats or warns the warden and the remaing companions in the woods in case of looming betrayal.

 Thus far, the camp seems  safe. The Guards ( who are  behinds ..there are three and they  are parked in  a  rough circle, with horses  tied  between the  them to rest and water)

  Kree  Settles  down  near one of the many fires, , taking  a bowel of barley soup and bread.....my thanks, we had  eaten at Tracehome..but  tried to push through the night, we saw your  came fire and hoped  for   a safe spot  this eve...

 ..dunna know  why? Yer the  bleedin' death elf hisself  and ye got all these folk with you.. though the  mix of them two females.. one,  hardly wearin' a thin'  and the other  would  die in the sands  with all them clothes she's wearin'..Then you got that halfhorse  lady  and that big  fellow.. a cat lady and  I supposing   a ranger lady?..and this hear  shiny fellow
 who looks like them  bard tale  fellows 

 Kree nods  as he dips the bread in the soup and eats,still, less folks we need to  kill before bed is always welcome rest.  the two laugh  as Krwyn enters the camp.

“I’m an entertainer,” Tyri grinned, proud of her body and her clothing…or lack thereof. “So Ivy…Kree…which one of you is better at unarmed combat?” She gave them both an innocent look though her eyes showed a lot of excitement in the prospects of learning how to protect herself should an enemy get too close. "Unless of course there is someone else here at camp who can help a girl out."

  Kree shook his head,.. can't say i ever killed someone without  a weapon..so I'd have to  say i do not qualify.

 Ivy shook his headd as well as he studied the  soup   and shrugged as he  ate,..bow or Blade for me... maybe  if a  was a huamn i might try , just hands..but..blade to blade  of some  sort  for me...

 Elandra smiled at Tyri and said," No I have only used weapons in combat I do not fight unarmed, I am sorry Tyri." Elandra wish she did it would be great to train in combat with Tyri.

"Anyone else?" she called out to those nearby. "<Anyone else know how to fight unarmed?"

In reply to Tyri Shadowhand (msg # 138):

Luthien seems vaguely amused at the idea of unarmed combat. The Knight, after all, wears gleaming Plate Armor, easily the most heavily armored person in the group, or tied for that title.

"You may be on your own with that one."

   Boril watched  the   underdressed dancer,..Ye know Lass... ye might   fine a way to make good coin  inside the walls of the city?... but yer  not  dressed  quite well fer  walking about Laynak?.. them cat folks, could  cut ye  with here claws..

  there was  a bit of  a cough as  Kree  fished his bowl of  soup, by titling back  the  bowl and drinking from it., You have the  right of it, Friend  Dwarf. But... we are in the middle or  ironmound, Trok, The Tracewood, and Tou.... there  could be  bandits..maybe the odd  slaver..a stray undead or two..but if Cat folk are here.. some one isn;t  doing thier  job...

 Ivy   popped the last of his bread into his mouth...Unless  Tou is    really miffed  and thier  riders  'miss' some catfolk, so they can harrass  people going   back and forth  to  Ironmound  and trace Wood

 the dwarf  snorts, 'The Wood'  and 'The Timber' they keeps  thier  area's  clean..I do have me doubts about Tou..they seem focused on human  merchants, and only give  passing help to  Demi-folk like me..

Tyri smiled. “This is how I have always dressed when I have traveled…even among my troupe.” With a shrug, she finished eating. “I also tend to stay back in battle but I mean…thanks for worrying? I don’t like the confinement of armor.”

It's pitch dark already when Krwyn enters teh camp, returning from his scouting. He seeks Kree out and gives him his report: "I have scouted quite some terrain around the camp without finding anything unusual or dangerous. For now it's safe, but I will make another round in an hour or two." Then he joins his friends and enjoys a bite and a drink.

 Elandra ate and smiled, yes Tyri wore very little ad no armor in combat. Either she wasn't a combatant or she fought a much different style then Elandra learned. Elandra took her eyes off of Tyri for long enough to check out the camp and closely observe their new friends. Elandra will try and read their motives as they eat and talk. She does respond to Tyri," Yes we all have different styles of fighting, I have some armor but I have my gifts from Amot, Luthien is covered in metal, you Tyri fight differently. That is good it is better to be different we can surprise our enemies if we all fought the same we would be very predictable wouldn't we. May Amot bless us with Peace this evening."

"Well I suppose we shall all see once we do see battle," she smiled, setting her bowl off to the side. "Combat is kind of like a dance, being able to predict your partner's moves and adjusting accordingly." With a grin, she stood up and stretched.

 Elandra smiled and replied to Tyri," Yes we will that is for sure." After she set her bowl aside , when she compared combat to a dance Elandra agreed she was correct, she would say," Yes very true but a deadly dance, don't worry Amot has granted me healing abilities for all us." Elandra smiled and almost dropped her bowl when Tyri stood up and stretched in front of her, her body was amazing and Elandra sat there stunned for a second.

  Kree stood  and took his  bowl to the washer  woman, but surprised her  By helping her  wash  what bowls and Mugs she  had there.

  Boril  frowns,whatca  doin' ye pointed eared twig... Its  her Bleedin  job!

  Kree  just looked over his  shoudle r and   handed  the washed   items  for her to dry and  then grabbed more.

 Ivy  points  with his  spoon, shaking it a bit  at Kree,..now you see?..I sued to think he did that to get  some   maid ..or matron to find a warm spot for him to sleep.... but?.. he..really..does not mind helping out  folks  who have to do the 'lesser  things'.....so?..let  him go...

 The Dwarf  frowns,..he's gonna spoil folks , is what he's gonna do!

 Kree calls over  his  shoulder,....My people?  get some rest for tomorrow... Me , Ivy and Krwyn will take turns at watch, we  leave when the   sun peeks  over those  trees...

"What if I wanted to...entertain myself in another way?" she gave Kree and innocent look before picking up her bowl and will take Elandra's if she is done and hand them over to Kree.

  Kree looked at her then went back to the bowls,..then keep your sounds   low, or else everyone will want some...

 The washer  Woman's  eyes got big at the elf's retort.

Tyri couldn't help but laugh. "Oh darling...I take it one needs to be more blunt with you," she threw him a wink and danced off.

 Elandra watched and handed her empty bowl to Tyri, she smiled and giggled at her comment about entertaining herself in other ways. Elandra felt a warmth inside her but fought it back. Elandra was taken back a little with Kree's response, then Tyri said she had to be more blunt and Elandra knew exactly what she meant and Elandrs giggled as she got her stuff together and went to get some rest.

Tyri moved to a spot where she could dance in some moonlight. She didn’t need any music, dancing to that which resided deep within her. She would invite any to join her if they so wished but other than that, she continued on for a bit until it was time to turn in.

 Elandra folded her vestments and then went to lay down when she saw Tyri dancing, she watched her and wanted to get up and dance but that would mean taking off her armor and if they where jumped that could be bad. She laid there smiling at Tyri and watching her moves to see if she could do those another time when they get to a town she would try to dance. As she saw Tyri getting ready for sleep she would say," You dance incredible it was amazing, good night may Peace be with you."

  During the Night, the  slinet forms of Krwyn, Ivy  and Kree  would   take thier   turns moving   around the outside of the   wagon's  shelter..The Night  wind  was a bit   coller, the   wagons  Blocked   the   wind  a bit  as   canvas  was  dropped   down to the  ground , while  over  canvas   hung  over the     tha  tops of the   fire  areas, making the   wagons ' tent like'

 Ivy  took the first watch, then Krywn... Kree, as was his wont, took from deep night  until the sun crawled  out of the trees to the  west.

  riders in  groups   of   4  road   past a few times.. well out of bowshot  ranger, and  seemign in a hurry., not bothering to stop  for a rest  =or ask for  food.

She woke a few hours later, not one to need much sleep. After a big stretch, she got up, looking around to see who all was still awake.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

When Krwyn meets Kree and Ivy for breakfast and they share their observations, Krwyn wonders: "Are they trying to form a large group to attack us on our way today. It is strange to ride by without a stop for a drink, some food, a rest or sharing information."

 Elandra awoke and washed her face if they had water, and then got her vestments on and spent 5 minutes in prayer with Amot. Once she was done she packed up her gear and got ready to head out, she smiled at Tyri.

  The Merchant folk gathered the   gear, ties up the canvas  rolls on the wagons, and hitched up the   horses.

 Boril    Nodded to  Kree, offering him his arm...you folks.. watch yerselves ... gettin' ta the point  were  ye have to cast an odd  eye at them Tou folks.. ye stirred up a bee's nest, ye pointy ear... he smiled.

 ..you should have seen a few months ago, when we  refused to sell them  components  from these a Elves they stole?... But..They  treated us  as if we were beneath them, so we   didn't sell  to them.. taking it to the Black Timber instead.

 ..but yer  folk and the Sea Elves  dunna git along?

  Does not mean  i wish to aid  the Tou Wizard Guild...

  The  dwarf laughed,..Ye  pick your  enemies of the  top of the pile, don't ye...

 Ivy butted in...we have found.. that a  wizard hit in the throat or heart with an arrow..can't cast too many spells..

 ahhh..Lads.. ifin i were just a  100 or so years  younger, I'd join up with ye, just to see that!..now.. ye git yerself goin' an watch yer backs..

  Kree whistled an pointed ti the distance where the great walls of Ironmound  stood...and the group  moved off  as the Dwarf  waved and  clamored up into  the lead  wagon

Tyri came bounding up to where Kree was, the bells around her ankles jingling as she moved. Everything of hers was all packed up and ready to go. She had managed to find something to busy herself with after she had woken up hours ago and did her best to not irritate those who were keeping watch. “Thank you so much for your hospitality, Boril,” she smiled and bowed deeply. “May we cross paths again.”

  walking  through  the   harden  road   with    waist high  grasses on either   side.   Horse men had  made  paths  through  grasses .

 the  walls  were slowly getting  tall er as the  made thier  way.we will move  until sun down.. we  will take  a break a little  past highsun to eat... It would be nice to be within  the shadows  of the wall.If not inside.. if  we  get inside, we'll stay the night
 at  The Walk The Plank.

While the companions walk on, Krwyn grins at Tyri before he slips away in the high grass. He scout ahead to search for any kind of danger, but especially a trap that could have been set by the riders.

“Sounds like a plan,” Tyri smiled feeling rather upbeat. She gave Krwyn a smile as he slipped away into the grass. “So…I can’t help but feel a little…useless…how can I be more helpful?” She asked Kree.

 Elandra smiled at Boril and said," Thank you for your food, fire and talk, may Peace be with you." She will then follow the others heading on their journey. Elandra nods to Kree and says," That sounds good to me Kree, staying at a Inn would be nice and Tyri and I could look for a dancing outfit for me." Elandra will nod to Krywyn as he went into the tall grass. When Tyri said she felt useless Elandra smiled and thought no Tyri you where not useless you where amazing, Amot had brought Tyri and this amazing group to her and she will defend them, fight with them and enjoy their company.

  Ivy jogs  up to Kree,..so..Cousin?..you are going to  just walk over the palace  Bridge..knock on the door of the palace  and say 'i am here to turn myself in.."

 we are going to the  Plank, first..talk  to  Reedick , eat and wash up..get  some rest while i send a runner to the palace.... When and if the summon me.. I will go..any who want to come are welcome..

 ..neither one of us have  a Merchant's brain..right.... But this Emperor is the 'coin emperor'...and Tou is all about  Coin... if they beg and plead enough They might lock you up and support Tou with  burning  Merchant's landing to the ground..

 ..They can do that... but..Trace wood... the plains elves... and  the Highpeak dwarves  will side with us... Trok as well..unless  Ironmound puts them under thier heel.

  why would the  Highpeak dwarves side with us this time?

  Because  they , and the Furman's chain..won't have to risk the storm river and the pirates..., they will only  need to sail across the Storm  to the edge of the   Timber...pass through the timber  with trade goods... then  sail  Down the LAter   River to   the docks there, even to the sea?... there  will be  pirates and  slavers  there..but not as many as the Storm..and the  caravans  will be in  The Timber  , almost  the  whole
 way on land.... Tou will see  , much less, in  ships going up Tou River, and then having merchants   caravan   from there to   Ironmound

 So tou will whiter  and Die...and Trok?

 Trok will grow, now that they can send  things through  The trace wood.....some of the brave merchants  would   sail down the Oree  river  ans save time and coin... but the  pirates  still roam the  Storm... The pirate will come to the Lather  River, soon enough, but..there is a wealth of elven bow men who would  make  coin as ship's archers.

 and Tou will have to trade with everyone..including Elves, or they will  end up being  resort  town with thier lake and fish..

 That is how i see it... as you say.. there is no merchant living in my brain ... and? one must also think what would happen if  a war , of sorts broke out...Hargen would pour over the Highpeaks   like a kicked  ant hill

"It has been some time since I have been to the palace...I may visit whether you are summoned or not."

Because there's someone there he kinda wants to see. Someone he hasn't seen for a while now.

  Kree  chuckles  a  soft chuckle,..Aye  Luthien. Perhaps you can use your  familiarity  to keep me out of the   dungeon

 ..or the Arena   Ivy says offhandedly.

 ..i did not  do so  badly , the last time. You cheated, and you had  help...

 Putting a finer in the  air to forestall the argument,..The  mageling  cheated.., as  any of  Etta and Netta's  followers  would  do? I simply made sure  that i had  as many cards up my sleeve, as the spell flinger did.

Tyri just smiled when Ivy came running up and went quiet, letting the two talk. Moving away from the pair, Tyri continued on, changing between dancing while she walked to just walking, letting her mind drift along. She still felt pretty useless but no one seemed willing to give her any pointers so…she’d just roll with it and do what she normally did.

  After Ivy moved off, Kree  turned to Tyri,..i do not know what you  can do?.. are you  able to handle a weapon? Are you able to  hide and move... i will rule  out , that you are able  to stand  and fight  with a shield and Blade.

  Nodding his head to the walls of the city,..you may  have skills that will lend themselves  , well in 'The Mound'..  But  ware of the two two main thieves  Guilds.. the Golden Horn  and the Red  Blades,,they are rivals... Ivy and I belong to The Blades... they tend to  steal from merchants and  those who spread  coin , freely about... they also tend to aid  the Arrows  when we need them.

 ..The  Horn, steals from any one... 2 coppers from a beggar  grils, or a few silvers from a fisherman who just sold a River Serpent ... because of that. the  Ladies of pleasure and  the beggars guild   side with  the Blades..and thus?  side with the Arrows...if  any thihk  such allies  are poor  allies, they have never seen the information flow, or people who wake up dead...

 Elandra walked next to Tyri, Elandra knew how Tyri felt it took a long time of training and becoming close to Amot to gain the abilities she has know, but she is a Priestess not a warrior her skills and healing she has combat spells and has been trained in combat but that is not her expertise for sure.

 Elandra will smile at Tyri and wait for her to respond what her skills are and then she could feel more useful.

Tyri smirked, biting back the initial dirty comment that came to mind. “Stealth and ranged is more my forte. And trust me...I know what kind of information one can get when given the right...set of circumstances." She chuckled softly. She never sold her body for coin and only bedded those of her choice...but some of the information she gained from it was definitely interesting to say the least.

 they traveled  through  the day..the warm air  blowing   the grasses    around , like waves  of yellow and green.

 A small camp site  was next to the trade  road (such as it is).. Kree  Called out......we  will take   our afternoon meal here... rest for about an hour... if  we  continue   on  right after, we should round the walls  and get to the  entry lines  a bit  after   the sun goes  down..

With a soft chuckle, Tyri moved to sit though tucking her legs beneath her as she took out some of the bread from her pack. The warm breeze felt amazing on the bare parts of her skin that were exposed, a freeing feeling over taking her senses. With a smile, she shifted and laid back while pulling pieces of bread off to eat, looking up to the sky.

  as they sat and ate thier Bread from the trace wood and  shared  wine and water.,kree watched  the clouds.....it will rain hard this  night... it is best we get  into the  city , quickly.....Come.. Bread is  eaten as  easy  walking as sitting...

 Elandra smiled at sat next to Tyri as they ate the bread they brought, Elandra drank water, wine was allowed by her faith but not this early in the day. When Tyri laid back Elandra had to fight herself from staring at the gorgeous half elf.

 Elandra also noticed the clouds and she got up and offered a hand to Tyri," Yes lets get to the city, the weather looks like it will get bad, and Tyri can help me find an outfit for tonight, I will say i will not look or dance as well as she does but I will try."

 Elandra gets her stuff together and will follow Kree as they head for the city.

“I love the rain,” she grinned before placing the thing of bread in her teeth, placing both hands upon and ground and arching up. Shifting her weight, she lifted up her right leg and flipped over onto her feet (it’s called a backbend kickover in gymnastics).  Taking the bread from her mouth and chewing the bite that remained, Tyri looked to the others. “Well...I suppose let’s be off...and yes, Elandra...we will find something to make you look ravishing.”

"Well...this armor isn't enchanted, and you wouldn't believe the work that goes into keeping it rust free. So I'm generally in favor of not getting rained on."

And therefore, he's quite willing to hustle!

   they walked, a a decent  pace. As fast as the slowest of them., the   'road' was well out of Bow shot  range from the massive  walls, as of  yet.

 Ivy whistled and pointed to the   south, , 4 riders   rode  hard towards them.. The  livery couldn't be seen yet, even by  Ivy and  Kree.. but the   ribbon atop the  lead   Rider's Helm would  mark him as a Tou horse trooper.

 ..So what do we do? Ivy Called out.

 ..Keep walking... there is only  four..if they prove to be aggrisve   we'll kill them.  If they lower lances..Kill the horses  first..Tou Horse troopers  are worthless  in the field.

 Elandra smiled at Tyri, and said," I don't mind rain, I have washed up before in a strong rain it is nice. Rain can also bring Peace." They left camp Tyri still eating her bread and Elandra blushed and replied to Tyri," Oh I think that will be hard, I do not have a body like yours Tyri, but it will be fun to look and to wear something umm lets just say untraditional is very new too me. It will be fun at least"


 They walked and they where getting close wqhen they saw riders coming. Elandra looked at the Tou riders, she nodded to Ivy and Kree and kept walking. She got her hand crossbow ready and she was ready to cast if she needed too. She looked at Tyri and said," Be ready for anything when they get close, just be at the ready and may Peace be with you."

"Kill the horses?" she nearly whispered, frowning at the thought. Weren't the horses just innocent creatures doing what they were made to do? The thought did not sit well with her but she also knew she couldn't stop anyone from doing that should it come to pass.

  Kree turned to her,children..wives, Old ones...sick one.. slavers kill them  without a thought...warriors  train thier horses  to kill.. the best way to  defeat  mounted troops, is to make them fight on thier own...I will not  treat the  animals, any different than any other  enemy ....

 Ivy nods   as he pulls and arrow  from his  quiver,Pike men do it all the time... use animals to kill folks?  Expect those animals to be killed, back...

  as the Draw near the leader  shouts....HOLD!..we would have words with you!

 Kree   draws and arrow and sands in the classic  archer's stance,Stop your Mounts, Brigands... or you will walk home...should we decide to let you live..

 the   leader..purposefully, rides up another 10 Yards closer..Ivy grins  at this.

 You  name us Brigands!... I should name you, such!.. We are  troopers  of Tou!

 ..Brigands... Tou troopers?..not much difference is there, to  forest folk,who are harrassed  by Tou..

The frown did not leave Tyri's face at the explanation but of course she wasn't going to try and sway anyone else. It was her own opinion but she would follow the rest. Watching the interaction, she looked each of the riders up and down, internally assessing them.

 Elandra looked at Tyri and said quietly to her," I would rather not kill the horses as well, I will go for the riders myself." Elandra had her crossbow aimed but her hands where glowing as well, she had the hand crossbow on a tether so if she drops it it will hang from her belt if she drops it to cast.

Krwyn has his longbow drawn, an arrow nocked, but he is not aiming yet at one of the riders. He moves somewhat to the side, circling the riders for a quarter.

  The   Leader    cantered up another yard or  two, two riders    moved out  to the left and right.  the other  rider   was  just  behind the  leader.. the other  three  unlimbered horsebows.

you would do  well, to watch your tongue.....or  my steed with stomp you into mush

..I will have you off your horse, and dead, Then  we will sell your horses as serpent bait, in  Ironmound's  Market place
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:40, Sat 11 Apr 2020.

    Ivy's bow was nocked   but pointed down, he had no worried that he  could  send a  shaft into a  horse, before  they   could even get  moving, from thier standstill.

 ..My Cousin is not a idle chatter?. Speak why you are here and Move off, before an accident befalls you.

 The  leder Looks   disdainful  at Ivy , Kree  nocked  and   arrow, held it on  the  string with  one hand, while  his right hand drew a hawk's head, hilted Blade  from its  sheath.

 One of the side   riders  laughed,..you think you can sue  Both those  weapons at once?

 I will use one, then  the other.. Tour  Leader  will not see the end of the display...and I doubt if you will either.

 The  Rider next to the leader looked at his   companions, he was the only one who looked worried.

 We seek kree.Q...

 ..you have  found him. Congratulations...your life is now being measured in minutes..Turn and ride..or stay and die

 ,,WE..were sent to collect you...and  bring you to Tou for banditry  nad attacks  upon Tou  troops..

 Kree's eyes stared at the  Captain...your leaders  have sent you to your Death.. Ironmound   holds many friends of  Mine.. The trace wood  100 times that many...and there are people who live  in hidey Holes who are allies of mine, that you would not  wish  to face, or hope to survive... I  will  Give You the count  of three...

 He says aloud to  the Arrows,..The Young one behind the leader... wound him if you must, save his  horse to take the other's heads  back..let their  Horses  be  a gift to  the plains animals when we cut them down.

 The  two riders on the  side  and  face expressions that changed from anger, to horror , as they thought of thier Horses being  killed and left for scavengers.

 ...You have until....3..... 1...........2.....

 Elandra had her hand crossbow held up but it was her left hand that was glowing with the power of the spell she was about to cast Guiding Bolt at the Leader. Elandra stood her ground and all she said was," May be Peace be with you all."

Krwyn readies his bow, aiming at one of two riders i at the back of the small toupe. Although he understands Kree, he is at a loss how that leader could be so stupid and stubborn under the eyes of at least 7 or 8 veterans as the Red Arrows, He sure has no clue what he is up to.

In reply to standoff (msg # 184):

Diana had her bow notched and ready.  Although, she, like some of the others, wondered how such a dimwit rose to power?  To ride right into the heart of Ironmond, and try and take someone like Kree?  Seriously?

Well, it was his death.

She chose her target, and then just waited for Kree's signal.

In reply to standoff (msg # 184):

Lucy chuckled listening to the conversation.  Did the idiots of Tou really think that Kree did what he did all by himself?  Did they not realize of know their enemy?  How stupid would you be to march right into the home territory of the man you are hunting and act like because you are from Tou that means something.

She notched her arrow.   Although, she would not be aiming at the horses.  She saw no reason to kill them.  They were just innocent animals.

Unlike the animals riding them.

She thought about putting her bow away, and just going in with claws and blades.  But put that thought away.  Now was not the time for claws and blades, it was the time for the bow.  She took aim at one of the riders.

  The Horse  Captain snarled.....THREE!!   He Horse  reared to attack kree with Hits   Hind Legs,    Kree  rolled forward  swinging his  sword, hard in a flat arc , nicks one rear leg, while  cutting the near leg in half.. The Horse  screams In pain and  surprise  and    Falls away from Kree, Pinning the  captain under  its   body as it thrashed about  In Pain.. Kree had  his  Bow  up and aimed at the feloow  who laughed  at him

 Ivy sent  a shaft into the  Captain ,  his  left shoudler  pinned to the groudn while this  steers  rocked over his  body..

 Elandra raised her glowing hand and fired a Guiding Bolt at the nearest rider to her, that was not the Captain. After she fires she will roll and come up with her crossbow ready to fire.

Krwyn lets his arrow fly, readying a second one as soon as the first is on its way. The first arrow is a flame arrow and it hits the right rider in the second row, engulfing him in flames. He waits with his second arrow: knowing hs companions, the need for another shot will be small.

 As the others d exploded into  action. Only the   younger Rider  was  left.. the Captain Horse  was still    screaming in pain as  he  crushed the   hips   and thighs  of the  leader.

   Kree Looked  at  the horse to the left that had  an Arrow  in hits   neck  from him.. the   rider  was   down on the  ground...  the other horse , fro  some reason was still alive, but the  rider   dead.

  Kree  silenced  the   wounded horse, it   two him  three  solid , two handed    chops to  Finish it off...

 ..I don't know  if the  Mages  guild sent you becaus e of my last trip there... or  if  the  City's leaders sent you because    of Merchant's landing... I ...really do not care.... I do..take offesne, to people who have tried to bully thier way through this realm, acting  as if they were  Ironmound's right hand.... If  i recall the   tales/..Tou  Fell hard before the Dwarves of High Peaks...Elevs of  The Black Timber and the Plains elves....

 ..your service to your   city is  done....at least, you will never make  this mistake  again.  once more trhe  blade  came down, less  effort  needed
 to take  the  Captains  head... Then, not  wanting others  to  do the grim  work, he removed the other  two heads..   shoved them in the saddle  bags of the  wounded Horse and lead it to the  young rider..

 ..you take these horses  and these ehads   back to who sent you.... Do not  stop until you have reached   your City... Tell them Kree Quickshdaow  showed mercy, in not  feeding all  4 of you to the Serpents.. Go..before  my mind gets the better of mer


 Meanwhile  Ivy    went through the  sadled  backs of the  Dead ho9rse and the    goods  on of the Tou Riders.

 Elandra got up and was going to try and heal the horses that where wounded, but Kree already took care of them, if there was anyone wounded that needed healing she would help them , or if any horse needed healing that was still alive. Elandra went to the dead horses lowered her head and said," May Amot give you Peace it was not your fault your riders where stupid." She says a few words from Amot's ancient texts and then gets up and says," I know taking out the horses is the easy way, but I could have possibly healed them, Kree next time please let me try before they go in Peace. I do not want to say anything out of line but it was not the horses fault good Kree."

   When Ive  Bundled the  three  dead men's weapons,  they began to move...Ioach..i have  found out that you do not  treat  animals  any better then you treat Humans,. We have  killed slaves  who have become trustees to thier Masters.. Animals that  foolw thier master's into battle, are no less enemies  then soldiers who charge at someone's orders.... To keep  a horse  alive when it is  part of the warrior, is to put my people at risk.. that?  I will not  do..nor  will i in the future.

 ..Come, these  fools  cost us  time...

 Elandra thought about what he said, and he was right they where trained by bad men unfortunately. Elandra smiled and said," Yes you are right I did not look at it that way, I am sorry. " Elandra was sad for the animals but it was probably for the best.

 Elandra got herself squared away and followed the others.

She didn't say a word, not one to argue with anyone and followed after. Animals could be retrained with work. She continued to dance along, humming softly to herself.

 the rest  of the  day was  spent , taking an angle of the  road to get them  closer to the   southwest    corner of the massive  walls.

 a few  hours  they were with in 100 yards  of the 80 + fee walls. Granite from the High Peaks,  large   river stones  from the bottom of the storm river, and  slabs of    granite from the tunnels the 'Mound' dwarves  farmed out  of under the   city and the River as they made the   underground   trade road for  Dwarves from the High peaks.

 Long lines of merchants and travelers could be  seen as the   headed   north west to the main Gates

 ..You will  find  folks here   like  us, as much as they hate us..make usre your    insigna is easy for all to see...

 Elandra walked with the others and when Kree spoke she made sure her hair clip was very easy to notice safely clipped in her hair.

Krwyn takes his insigna and puts it better on desplay on his leather armor, walking in step with kree and Ivy. "What do you expect at the gates? Some guard squads with back up to take us into custody," he asks Kree

  Kree  shakes his   head,//nay, Good  Krwyn.  We are a mercenary Company. Any discord  we have  with   anyone  , other then Ironmound Residents, is   marked off  as   'outside squabbles'... even if  we should  fight in the streets. As long as we wear our
 marks openly and do  not kill City Guard or  helpless citizens..there is no  repercussions .

 ..having said that? there are a great deal of people who  hate the Arrows that is the  life of a sell sword. Some companies   might  be liked better inside the walls some outside..but.. we do  have the  'right  folks' liking us , scatterted about this town

Tyri laughed and gave her hips a shimmy, the tiny little arrow glinting in the waning light as it danced along with her. “Hard to miss mine...” she stated to herself, still pleased with the trinket. With a grin, she walked along, moving up beside Ivy. “So, what happens when we go inside? Are we to report to anyone? Do we split up?”

  Ivy nods to Kree.....we  first  go to the Docks, and  'The walk the Plank' Inn..its our headquarters, and makes a fair share of money with out having to kill folks...Then..Kree is goign to presetn himself  at the  Court..those  who wish to go with himn  will... no matter the outcome, Reedrick  will sort through those  who have appealed  to  our  Company  for aid...

 Its  a Big city inside...Knowledge... drink...food  and lust..death  and more death...

  Kree pointes to the far line..its shorter  and has people standing in groups.

 Elandra couldn't keep her eyes of of Tyri's arrow symbol. Elandra followed the others and said," Okay that sounds good." She smiles at Tyri and says to her," Are you going with Kree or staying at the Inn or we could go shopping ?" Elandra smiled but she was nervous she really like Tyri, in ways she has never thought of with another woman but she was very curious and Tyri was so beautiful. She didnt realize it but she was staring.