Chapter Three

Fearing the punishment the two children get loose from Bitey's grip and run in front of the wagon. Bitey trying to calm the situation runs after them. Stopping short, he looks to his left, and looks to his right, they had run in two different directions. Now what was he going to do? How could he punish these two children? Sighing heavily he calls for them promising not to punish them, hoping they will come back.

Los sitting at the top of the wagon stirs when he hears the children crying and then the commotion below. He only wanted a bath, change of clothing, and some food, he desperately wanted some food. Speaking of food, maybe they would eat some rations now, they had not eaten since before the wolf battle, and he was feeling a little hungry. He laughs to himself, a little hungry? Well he was really hungry, and he wanted food.

Inside the wagon, Alouen had not told anyone about the pain she had had, but she still wanted to know where it had come from, and why it was so powerful. What power in this world could make the earth cry out in so much pain? She did not know, but she did not want to meet such a power on her own. Still these people wanted to go to a city of inventions. What if they needed help, what if she went to the mountain town and needed help? So many questions, but she never forgot how she ended up with this band of motley characters, she had been kidnapped. Not matter how you slice it, she had been taken to Killjoy's hideout at knife point. Still, they had appreciated her help with the wolves, but would they still be as appreciative if she had not taken care of of the wolves as she had?

They had already been travelling almost a day and had not eaten since the night before. With stomachs grumbling, and bodies aching for a stretch, it seemed as good a time as any to pull over for a moment. They were fair distance from the city of Camea, and Gundaga had now shown his face so it would be safe for now. Without the tree surrounding them now, at least they would not be surprised by any sneaking creatures.

Meanwhile in the Siss Swamps:

The large shadows began to move through the swamps. Filed into a line, it was a death march. The only left of their kind after what had happened, they only searched for a safe place to rest. Not a single eye beheld their majestic beauty, but beauty if where it stopped. All the strength, and power they had did not save them, nor would anyone be able to help them. The earth only gave birth to them five every ten years, and now their numbers and been dwindled to only a few hundred. The death march moved through the swamps causing snakes and alligators to run under water. The world had suffered a great loss, and now it was up to the few hundred that were left to find those of prophecy to save them, if their saviors even lived in this age of man.

Meanwhile in Meangate: [Ed. Note: This gets a little blue. Don't try this at home, kids.]

Lady Monroth sat on the dais awaiting her visitor. Sipping her tea she looked out over the dais to the kingdom below. The most fortified castle in all the world and she was inside its walls. Smiling she put her cup down on its saucer and crossed her legs. Her thoughts going to her husband, wondering how he was doing now that so many days has passed. She only hoped the plan had been carried through.

Suddenly her courier ran through the double doors and announced that her guest had arrived. Standing and turning she watched as a tall man walked in. His eyes were dark and seemed to swallow the light. He stood tall and was easily taller then her husband and underneath his velvet coat she could tell that he was very well built. She ran her hand down to her chest and almost felt herself aroused. He was quite the looker and would she made a point in her mind to bed this gorgeous young fellow.

"Hello Lady Monroth, I greet thee and thank thee for the invitation." The tall man said.

Smiling Lady Monroth responded. "Speak nothing of of it, my dear Lord Gundaga, was it?"

"Yes, Lord Gundaga, I'm pleased that the lady remembers such a lowly person like me."

"Come now, you are quite pleasant and do not speak so, I always remembers those Iov-, I mean like. You are quite charming."

The courier left the two behind and shut the doors. They both turned to make sure they were alone and Lady Monroth sat down.

"Tell me the plan was successful."

"My Lady, your husband's caravan was attacked indeed, and he is dead. That much I can assure you. Not a soul was left alive, and that caravan will not reach Camea."

He stopped after saying this and remembered how he had lost in Camea to those thieves. Still he knew better, and his eyes and ears would be on the lookout. He was sure they would head to the port city, and sure his people would find them.

Sighing, Lady Monroth looked down at her gown. "He always told me dreamed of a unified Elandia, but I always told him he was deluding himself. He never listened. He always cared for those commoners, I always said he should just forget them. They do not know our ways, nor will they ever be able to, so why help them. If they are happy killing, thieving and fighting amongst themselves, then I say get rid of the whole lot."

Gundaga smiled hearing this. He moved closer to her. Lady Monroth smiled looking at him and started to run a finger down her neck.

"My Lady you never cease to amaze me. How about we both celebrate the new age of man that comes." [...] [Ed. Note: Ok, that's enough. This is a family site. Fade to black.]

Slyde brought his horse in front of the cart and hoped that Taran would take notice and stop. "I think we should make camp now, it has been a long day, and we all could use some rest." Slyde announces as he brings his horse to the side of the road and ties its reins to a the cart nearby. Hope there is some grain or oats in the cart... I gotta feed my horse, and give it some water. Wonder why I am not hungry, well I'll just munch on some meat so that others don't get concerned.

"Sure," Taran said. He patted Alouen's shoulder once more and then took the reins back up. He pulled Turbo over to the side of the Road and then jumped down. Taran unhooked Turbo and said, "There you are!! Go get yourself something to eat..." Turbo WARKed happily and took off toward the stream.

Walking to the cart, Slyde searches through the back for the pots and pans that were salvaged from his caravan. Finding on[e] that isn't too useful in cooking, due to it being to shallow and small Slyde places it aside. Next he steps over the limp body of Mort makes his way around Viva and Kobie to the many bags in the cart. Opening on up he finds a black fine powder. Gunpowder, can't feed the horse that. Trying again and again, Slyde finally finds a sack full of grain. Taking the pot, he dips it in and pulls out almost a full pot. Carefully tying up the bag so it doesn't spill, Slyde exits the cart and heads over to his horse. Taking off the saddle and its saddle bags and placing then on the ground nearby. Checking to make sure that the horse can reach the food. Slyde begins to wonder how they are going to make a fire with no nearby firewood. "Does anybody have any idea what we could burn for a fire tonight, its obvious that we have no wood. And using grass would be not a good plan either seeing how it would die out fast?"

Looking at the maps that he has, Slyde also notices that there is a stream nearby or is it a creek. Well it matters not, at least they can get fresh water and not have to drain there canteens. "Also there is a some fresh water nearby according to the map. Maybe we could dunk Mort there and see if that wakes him up. And we can all get fresh water without having to drain from our canteens."

Looking around seeing that no one else has taken initiative, Slyde is about to complain when suddenly he falls into a trance like state.

Taran was grinning at Turbo. "Huh," he said intellegently, "Oh sure, the canteens... I'll go, I spose..." As he turned, he was just in time to see Slyde fall. "Oh great... Millie, Alouen, Someone! Slyde just went all funky!!! He passed out just like Serena!" He turned around looking for someone to come help, half expecting to see the group start dropping like flies. "Somebody help me out!!"

Glaring around fast, Slyde sees only the heat of battle around him. The fires of war rage all around amongst the sound of death and battle. It seems as though all he approach back away, in fear. Yet another is also doing the same, but approaching him steadily. Sensing that this one is after only him, Slyde nears this man and draws his blade. But the blade is not the sword that he normally carries. Its a sword made of the finest metals. Gems are all embedded into the hilt of the blade and it hums with an unknown magic within it. It seems to move with grace and flow as if it held no true weight. As the other man nears it, the magic in it flares up and an almost blinding light appears but is dimmed by the mans own sword, it too hums, but a deep and almost forbidding sound. Not the calm and tranquil pitch of Slyde's blade. His seems to be wrought in a metal that is as black as the night. Stones that are on Slyde's appear on his blade as well, but they seem darkened, twisted into the evil that embroiders the sword. The warriors around Slyde and this dark man part and it seems as the battle has slowed. Keeping his guard up Slyde examines this man. He is in black armor, its seems to have an unknown reflection of fire, as if it was tempered on the brimstone and in the hell fires of the lower planes. He wears no helmet and his white hair lies dampened with the heat and sweat of battle. It flows easily over his blood splattered plate. He brings his blade up suddenly and slashes down another man, who appears to be wearing the same armor colorations and insignia. Drawing near he points his blade straight at Slyde. "You! Slyde, Son of my sworn advisary. I'll make sure you fall just as your father did, with this blade!"

Slyde falls to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Just beside his horse and the cart, he makes no other movement. It is uncertain whether he is unconcious or if he still is in his dreamlike state. Or if he is even alive.

Kobie was about to say something when suddenly she noticed Slyde falling. She quickly tries to hold him, but he hits the ground before she was able to reach him.

She quickly goes to the ground and holds his head up. The look on his face is one that she recognize from descriptions given to her by Viva when she was in a trance. Slapping Slyde's face with all her strength a few times, she yells in his ears, "WAKE UP!!! WAKE UP!!!" Ignoring how the others were looking at her.

Inside the cart, Bitey pulls a bit of food from his pack. {Here boys, here boys. Good food. Delicious and-- AHA!} He dives on Rusty, the child immediately attempting to writhe out of his uncle's grasp. {Come out, Rudy... come out lad.} He looks at Mort's former place of rest, and seeing it empty, frowns. {Well, I guess that clever Rudy has gotten away this time, } he says, listening to the child snickering from his hiding place in one of the bags. He quietly puts his hand on the tie of the bag and then pulls it tight in one quick motion. {Now I'll just take this bag of garbage outside and burn it!} exclaims Bitey, pleased with the terrified yelp the bag makes. {Hey, Rudy, Rudy bag, Rudy!} cries the bag. With Rusty under one arm and Rudy bagged, Bitey passes by the motionless Serena, awkwardly grabbing his livery, and exits the cart.

He looks at the collapsed knight and the assembled group. 'Humans...' he shrugs. 'Totally lacking in fortitude.' He looks over the camp site. {Yes, we'll stoke up a great big bonfire and burn this bag of garbage,} he says slyly. {That no garbage, that Rudy,} says Rusty, eyeing the now squirming bag. Bitey makes his way towards the sounds of water he hears nearby. {You know, Rusty, I've never had a talking garbage bag before,} Bitey continues, {and I will be very sad when we burn this one.} Rusty watches the bag, saying matter-of-factly, {It Rudy, not bag.} Talking over the sound of the water, Bitey approaches the creek. He drops Rusty and takes the now sniffling bag in both hands. {Time to take out the trash!} and he throws open the bag, dumping the shrieking contents unceremoniously into the water. The wide-eyed and now soaked child stares at his uncle. Bitey grabs Rusty's tunic and pulls it off. {Bath time, lad... or would you rather go in the bag?} Bitey waves the now empty bag for effect and Rusty voluntarily dunks himself.

The man continues to point his sword at Slyde but does begin to look around him. "Look around yourself, Son of Azeus. Your troops are falling like flies, you can't hope to defeat me, can you?..." The man turns around and looks at the battle amongst him. Slyde wants to strike this man, but something is telling him that it is a trap. Heeding this warning, Slyde holds his ground. The man lets out a small chuckle which turns into a bellow of meniacal laughter. "You're are like your father, Slyde. Full of honor and also a fool!" With that the man in black armor twirls around his cape confusing Slyde as to where the real danger was. Slyde see's the glint of polished metal and immediatley blocks the stab to his gut. Throwing his opponents sword back Slyde takes a few steps to retreat and get better footing. The man pauses for a moment and takes notice of Slyde's stance. "Ahh, I've seen that one before. That's the stance that dealt me this." The man said as he gestured to his left cheek, where a large gash that has healed up slowly resides. "Allow me to show you how I repayed your father!" He rushes forward but the vision goes blurry and Slyde hears a faint wake up being said to him by a female voice. It fades back into view but Slyde is now watching the battle, as a spectator. Watching he sees sparks fly as the power of light and dark clash. Slyde even is impressed by the way that he fights, it is a form he has never seen, yet a minute ago he knew it like the back of his hand. Hearing the wake up again and feeling a warm tingle on his cheeks, Slyde sees the battle fade out once again. And then there was light, a bright blinding light and blue sky. "Malarax..."

Gazing around blankly Slyde say the blurry image of a little boy or was it a little boy?, a big woodgrain mass near his face, and a fourlegged beast of burden. Shaking his head clear of the trancelike dream he was in, Slyde sees clearly and looks into Kobie's eyes. "Thanks kid, I owe you one." Leaning up on his elbow and making sure that he had no wounds or anything else, Slyde draws his sword only to find his plain steel long sword. Getting up, Slyde brushes the dust from his body, "I have no idea what just happened to me... All I know is that one minute I was up, next I was down."

Slyde paces back to the cart and leans against it to catch his breath. I know exactly what happened, it just seemed so unreal. And those soldiers, they looked as they had the same armor as those ones from the temple... How could this be? Is Azeus my father? I know I've heard that name before, but not as my father. I heard from before when I woke up for the second time. Wait.... What do I mean second time? Argh! This is driving me insane! Slyde face goes into one of frustration. I'll just go dunk my head in that stream and think this all through logically, yes logically. I just need to clear my head.

Slyde walks forward a bit and looks around. "I'm alright, lets just go get some water? Okay everyone?"

Taran waved his hand in front of Slyde's eyes, "Are you OK?? You just zoned out, in mid-sentence, and fell off your horse... You looked like you were out for good..."

"I'm fine don't worry about it, but [I] don't remember being on my horse. Well that doesn't matter, lets just get this camp set up. Oh and grab Mort, time to give him a wake up call." Slyde says as he heads to the back of the cart.

"Riiiight," Taran says. He decides to keep an eye on this knight dude. "Oh yeah, Water... Water, water." He jumps up into the cart to look for the canteens. "Where did we put those canteens?" When he finds them he looks up to where Mort was. "Hey, did someone move Mort?" He asks.

Kobie lets out a small sigh of relief. Now that he's awaken from his trance, she knows that he would be fine. Unless he falls into another one. Oo she adds silently.

Smiling, she hops back onto the cart and takes her seat besides Viva. Gently brushing his hair, she sighs again, but this time in content, and decides to enjoy the ride.

"I really wish these kinds of things don't happen a lot..." she mutters, unknowingly echoing Viva's first thought when she did that...

Bitey absent-mindedly tore off pieces of bread and threw them into the water as the twins bobbed up and down. Boys and fish alike came up and gobbled the floating food. Hm, fish... thought Bitey. {There used to be an old soldier who told of a trick to catching fish...} he says aloud, as much to himself as to the children. {Twine tied on one end to driftwood and on the other to his foot. Bait it and you can hook a fish for a meal.} Bitey takes off his armor and begins tending to it, checking it meticulously and making sure it is polished to perfection. { Of course, as I remember it, he hooked something big and it pulled him into the drink.} He looks up from his work. {Maybe we should let one of the humans try it.}

Serena stirred a bit. Her stomach rumbled. Slowly, she sat up.

Stretching her arms, she yawned slightly and stood up. Kobie and Viva seemed to be staring at her.

"Make a sketch, it'll last longer." she snapped as she headed out of the cart. Passing near the front, she noticed Taran who was occupied with searching for something.

"Hey Taran. I take it we're making camp."

She took a good look around the "camp" that was being made. Noticing only Slyde, who also appeard pre-occupied, a puzzled look came across her face.

"Uhm... Where is everyone?"

When she recieved no response, she grabbed Taran's shoulder and spun him around to face her.

"What the Tarnak are you doing??!?!"

Taran spun around. He appeared to be facing an extremely irate Serena. His mind clicked, best tactic: friendly overboard... "Oh hello, Just looking for the canteens. You enjoy your nap? Oh, ummmm... Bitey took his little kids down to the river, I don't know where Alouen and Millie got off to." He smiled intgratiatingly. "Come on, you wanna come with us to the river?"

"Canteens? Is that all? I think I saw a few over here."

She begins to rummage around in the cart. Finding nothing immediately within [her] grasp, she grabs Taran's waterskin from much earlier in the day.

"Well we still have this. Might as well fill it up."

She placed her arm around Taran's shoulders and smiled.

"So Bitey and the kids are at the river huh? I could use a bath myself really. Wouldn't hurt you to take one as well yah knuckle head." she said as she playfully fussed Taran's hair. She giggled to herself.

The two walked towards the river. Serena watched as the two imp children bobbed up and down in the river. Bitey was close at the shore and seemed lost in contemplation. Handing the waterskin over to Taran, she patted his shoulder and walked over next to Bitey.

Having finished with his armor, Bitey exercised briefly while keeping an eye on his nephews. {All right, that's enough lads.} He retrieved Rudy's soaked clothing from the shore line where the child had tossed them. Wringing them out, he saw Serena approaching. 'Ah, a sign of life.' He looked at the sinking sun and shook his head.

Taran started to wander up-stream to find a nice place to get some water. But then he thought of something he should ask Serena. He turned around to see her talking to Bitey.

Serena: "Sir Bitey, I understand the need for you to watch over your nephews to ensure their safety. I too am in need of a bath and ask, if you would please, watch over my garments. Being the gentleman that you are I do not feel ashamed to have you present."

She smiled at him and slowly took her gloves off. Taking care, she laid them out on the ground and took off her boots. Taking a quick glance around she checked to see if anyone else was around other than the five of them. Serena didn't see anyone else so she slowly removed the remainder of her clothing. Taking one step in, she carefully entered the river and began to bathe herself from head to toe. The river water was cool and soothing against her soft skin. She sighed contently as she continued her cleansing ritual.

Taran's eyes bugged out. Serena was undressing? In front of him?? Now this was going to get interesting... His jaw dropped. "Uhhhh... Right, I'll, ummm... Watch the clothes..." he said. Although it was obvious he was more interested in watching somthing else... If his brain hadn't been overloaded already, he might have been upset that she always kept her back towards him. As it was, he didn't even notice.

What a nice end to a horrible day... Well tomorrow is another day and hopefully will be more rewarding. She thought to herself. A gentle smile came across her face as she continued her bath. Strangely enough, she kept her back towards Bitey and Taran.

Bitey looked at Serena in confusion, then at her discarded clothing, then back to her. He frowned. Well, I'm certainly not some mercenary's maid... She seemed to be more at ease than he had seen her, though. Bitey shrugged... Humans are strange. "Very well miss." Bitey gathered up Serena's clothing with the lads' garments. The children sat at the shore line, watching the bathing woman with curoius expressions. {Hey lads, I think this might fit one of you,} he says, waving Serena's armor to get the boys' attention. Then, in a business-like tone, {The lady wishes for us to watch over her clothing. We'll take shifts. Come along now.} Bitey nods to the lads and they make their way back towards the cart.

Since the cart was being put up for the night, and [Alouen] wasn't in the mood to talk, and neither was Mille, it was time to get a much needed job done. Carefully sensing again, [she] hop[s] off the cart, and pull[s] Mille along with [her].

Sitting in the shade of the cart, [Alouen] lean[s] against the wagon and hold[s] the weeping Mille in [her] arms. "Dear...what's wrong? What happened?" Petting her hair, [she] listen[s] as [Mille] repeats to [her] [the] conversation with Taran. Shocked, [Alouen] hold[s] her close. "I'm so sorry. I said too much. But, something is wrong with Planet." [she] trail[s] off, and try sensing again. "There was so much pain. Like Planet was being ripped open from the inside out, or something. Oh Mille, I'm sorry."

Holding her, Mille drifts into sleep, and [Alouen] decide[s] that [she] should too. Listening to some of the going's on, [she] figure[s] they have everything well in hand, and there is nothing a blind woman could do anyway. So, [she] go[es] to sleep.

Los climbed down from the top of the cart once he was sure most of the people had left. Stealthily[,] he snuck inside it and began pillfering about what the people had left behind.

Taking [a number of items from the cart], [h]e puts them in his bag and puts the bag and heads down towards the stream. Taking careful note of where everybody is (And going away from them). When he is sure Bitey is heading back to the carriage he hides his bag near the edge of the water.

Briskly walking, Bitey arrives back at the makeshift camp, trailed by two undergarment-clad children. Bitey carefully arranged the three sets of clothing next to the wagon. He carefully explained to the boys, {That lady, Serena, believes that her clothing will be stolen. I'm going to put you two in charge of making sure nothing happens to it. Understand?} Both children chirp in the affirmative. He begins to busy himself seeing that a proper camp is made... the moment he turns from the children, one slips into Serena's clothing and awkwardly dances around while the other claps. {I "Sena"!}

Bitey finds Sir Slyde. "Ah, I see you are up... It would seem that your wounded friend has made his exit. Is this cause for alarm? Do you trust him, or should we pursue?"

Los takes off his clothing, keeping his weapons near him. Los walks into the stream. Once he reaches about deep enough he drops to his knees and lets himself fall forward into the water. He stays this way[,] [c]leaning the crud off his clothing and himself under the water.

Serena continued to bathe. She was completely relaxed. After a bit, she stood with her back still to Taran. She began to squeeze the excess water from her hair carefully until it was as dry as she could get it. Turning around, she saw Taran standing on the bank with his eyes bugged out of his head.

"Easy killer, it's not like you haven't seen me before. But you know, it isn't polite to stare at a lady."

"Uhhhhhh..." Taran said intelligently. His brain had definitely blown a fuse somewhere.

She grinned mischievously and began to slowly climb out of the bank. She briefly looked around for her garments before noticing that they and Bitey and the children were missing.

"Must have gone back to camp." She said.

"Hey Taran, you might want to head upstream a little ways to get some clean water. We don't want to drink where the kids and I have bathed."

She gives the lad a good smack on the back sending him towards the river. Quickly, she grabbed his shirt back and stopped him from falling in. [Ed. Note: Serena is now thinking of Taran as 'lad'. Mwahaha.]

"Waaahh..." Taran's brain snapped back to reality as he plummeted towards the river. Guess I'm going for the bath now...

"Sorry, a little too hard there."

"Uhhh... Yeah. Say I think Bitey's kids to your clothes back to camp..." Taran said, desperately concentrating on her face.

Slowly, she began to head back to camp. On her way, she took the time to cover her more private areas as she passed Slyde and Bitey.

Taran shook his head. [W]hew[!] I guess I better get the water... he thought. He headed up stream a bit to look for a nice place to fill up the canteens. After doing so, and dunking his head several times to clear up the blushing, he heads back to camp.

"Pardon me gentlemen." She excused herself as she briskly walked past and into the cart. When Serena popped her head in, Rusty was still wearing her main garment prancing around saying something in imp.

{I Sena!! I PITTY!!!}

Chuckling a bit, she grabbed the leather curiass and removed it from him.

"Thanks for keeping it warm." She smiled and began to dress herself. Once fully dressed, she returned to where the men were standing.

The lads were displeased when Serena ruined their fun. {"SENA!"} they yelled as she walked away from them. "GRRR". They began to follow her. One grabbed a handful of dirt and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing and then spitting mud in her direction. He stopped chasing her and opened his mouth wide, letting dirt and drool fall on the ground. "Agh!" he said, {Dirt taste BAD!} The other watched happily as his brother continued to spit and gag.

"So, who's going to make a fire and who's going to cook?"

As Serena approached, Bitey said, "Firewood would be a good idea." He looked at Serena expectantly, thinking I can't see any harm she can do gathering firewood. He continues, "Then we should probably post watches. I will take the first...", thinking again, "next should be Taran, then Sir Slyde, then Mille. I think that should cover it." Thinking about getting some time to himself, he goes to the cart and puts together a makeshift bedroll for the boys. He grabbed the empty bag again and went over to the twins, who were busy trying to feed each other mud. He scooped them up in the bag and made his way down to the river again.

The sun had set and the few remnants of light were sliding behind the moutain tops. The wagon had stopped and the riders were bustling around. Some bathing, some talking, but as night drew closer it was evident that they needed to start a fire.

Blaize looked out of the wagon for the first time since they had stopped. He had been asleep in the back and taken the chance to gather his thoughts. Gundaga was after them and was probably not far behind. He knew that once night fell a fire would be needed but it would have to be a low fire inside a pit so that it would not be seen on the horizon line.

Jumping out of the wagon his sword slapped hard on the side of his leg. Looking around he called out.

"Ho! I suggest we get come firewood and get it now. It's already late as it is, but a fire is necessary. Secondly, we need someone to dig a small ditch. The fire must be set low so as not to be seen on the horizon line. Third, someone needs to start cutting some of the meat from inside up right now."

Blaize had to take control of this now. The prophecy was too important to let go of right now, and inside his pocket he could feel the magical warmth of the parchment.

"I volunteer myself to get firewood, I need two more strong hands to come with." Blaize looks around. "Where's Los? I need someone to tell him to set up a perimeter watch around the camp, he's pretty damn stealthy and is perfect for this. And don't forget someone needs to dig the ditch." Blaize awaited two strong hands to come with him.

The last of the light was fading fast and but he figured it would only take them a half hour to gather up what they needed. Now where was the blonde woman? Blaize thought. He needed her to find out where the closest place to pick up wood was. "Has anyone seen Alouen? I need to speak to her now!"

After a splash and a good deal of yelling, the boys run back into camp, laughing excitedly. They shake themselves dry and climb into the cart.

After having sufficiently slept for a good many hours, [Alouen] was awakened from [her] slumber next to the cart by Blaize's voice calling out orders. Giving Mille a shake, [she] stood up, and waited for her to rise as well.

Pulling [her] walking stick from it's place at [her] side, [she] start[ed] tapping [her] way towards the voices. Particulary Blaize.

"What do you need?" Giving a sigh, [she] think[s], It's good to be needed. "Well, where are you man? Don't expect me to find you." Pausing for a moment, [she] sense[s], and start getting a general picture of the lay of the land. Water here. Lack of trees. Good enough. Coming back to [her]self, "I don't want to fall in the drink here. Or at all for that matter."

Blaize turns around and watches Alouen come out of the wagon. She had been inside all this time, and he'd missed her. He must have been more tired then he thought.

"Over here Alouen, keep walking straight about another 30 feet. "

Blaize watched as the woman walked his way. He was amazed at how mobile this blind woman was. With or without Millie it always amazed him.

"Alouen," he said while she was still walking over. "I need you to open yourself up to the earth again, but this time get a feel for the land. I need to know if going back the way we came is the only place we can pick up wood or is there another place closer where we can pick up some wood. You would know better then I since you can feel the life of the earth."

Blaize waited for her to open herself up and reply.

Serena: "Blaize, I'll help you gather some wood. I should be doing more around here anyways."

Serena walked up to Blaize's side and, after putting her arm around him, stood beside him eyeing up [...] Slyde as if waiting for [...][him] to join them as well.

Before Alouen could respond to Blaize he hears Serena volunteer to join him. As he turns he can feel her soft hands around his sides. He tensed up not used to the touch of a woman so freely. He began to breathe heavily and did not know how to respond to this. He could not very well tell the woman to let go of him, that would be rude, but he also did not want her hanging on to him the whole time.

Still, she was quite beautful. As he stood there with her arounds around him he waited for one more person to volunteer.

Making sure no one saw him, Bitey pulled off his hat and began wringing it out. He quickly popped it back on his head and stood shivering and miserable by the river. He could just make out some sort of discussion among the others and then he saw Taran coming from upstream. He shook himself off and grinned sheepishly at the boy.

"Ah, lad, it seems that the humans are discussing the matter of firewood... er, the other humans, I mean." He quickly continues, "Is everything humans do open to debate?"

Taran smoothed his hair down as he thought for a moment. "In my experience humans do things one of two ways. Either a leader takes charge and people follow, or people discuss everything as a group and come up with a plan of action. In the absence of anyone claiming absolute command, they'll probably discuss away, and decide on the best solution."

Bitey: "Yes, but I'm sure the best solution would not be to bicker until more wolves come and eat them." He shrugs, still dripping, and continues into the camp.

Blaize: "Slyde, will you come with us. I think Bitey should gather up his companions and bring them close to the wagon. Nightfall is here and I don't want people wandering too far off from here. Also, could someone bring in Taran as well." Blaize looked around and could not find Los or Mort. "Does anyone know where Mort and Los are? I need them to set up a perimeter around the camp and make sure no vicious monsters come near us." Blaize siged as he saw no sign of them. "Los! Mort! Where are you??" Blaize shouts out at the top of his lungs.

Bitey: Sounds like someone is cranky. "Let's get back to camp before that vagabond friend of yours wakes the entire continent." He appraises Taran once again.

"Good Idea, I wonder what he wants..." Taran notices Bitey looking at him. "Something wrong?"

"Lad, I have something I would like to discuss with you. It also concerns Guardian Mille. Let us go back to this camp and retrieve her. Then we can talk." He makes his way towards the camp.

"Uhhh... OK..." Taran wonders what it could be that would concern him, Bitey, and Millie? Hmmm... Millie? He couldn't think of anything important involving Millie... Alouen, yes. But not Millie... So in the absence of anything important to say he followed Bitey back to camp.

Los and Mort also heard the shoutings of Blaize wondering where they were.

Finally making [her] way to [Blaize], with Mille at [her] side, [she] listen[s] to his request for a more detailed lay of the land than [she] just did. Bigger range, more time. "That I can do. If you will wait just a moment." Mille and [Alouen] had done this many countless times before, so Mille knew what to do. Reaching over she firmly took [Alouen] in a hug from the side, and held [her] far arm. Not a tight grip, but enough that [she] wouldn't fall over. "All set Alouen," Mille says. Then looking at Blaize, "It's so she doesn't fall over. The farther she senses, the more she loses sense of her body. I can't really explain it."

By this time, [Alouen] [is] opening [her]self to Planet. I need to find the nearest form of wood for a fire...

Alouen opens herself up more then before and feels a sudden rush of mana energy flow through her. [She] gasp[s] as if taken by surprise but [...] quickly adapt[s]. Everytime [she] open[s] up the first rush is always surprising. Using [her] strength, [she] start[ed] to probe in a radius around the camp. [She] can sense the forest [she] left behind, and quickly rule[s] out backtracking. [She] start[s] to push [her]self further.

[Alouen] can feel the animals of the earth, and plants, and fields of grass. [She] can feel the elements in the earth having spent decades forming rocks. [Her] sense suddenly brush[es] against something, a dense power that seems to be [...] trees. Not a forest really, but more then enough to pick firewood from.

Just as [she] start[ed] to pull [her]self back from the energy source [she] suddenly [felt] an intrusion. A darkness begins to cover [her] senses and [she] [became] lost, not able to find [her] way back to [her] body. The earth screams as if afraid of what it has touched. Millie grabs on to [her] tightly as [her] body begins to convulse in her arms. [She] quickly tr[ied] to find [her] way back to [her] body, unable to feel the earth. There is a laughter that [she] can hear, but [can] not see from whence it came.

[Alouen] feel[s] the darkness closing in on [her] and for a moment [she] find [her] body and rush[es] back faster then [she] normally would, not caring what the consequences are.

WHOOSH!!!

[Her] extra sensory spirit flies back into [her] body and [she] fall[s] limp in Millie's arms. [Her] eyes open only to find [her]self on the ground. Blaize, Millie, and Serena surround [her]. Millie cries out in fear wondering if [she] [is] okay. [She] remember[s] everything, and debate[s] whether [she] should tell [her] comrades what [she] felt in the earth. [She] suddenly realize[d] they are asking [her] if [she] [was] okay. [...]

Blaize's face comes into view and he asks about [her] well being and whether or not [she] found trees. [She] last remember[s] that about a hundred yards to the west there are some trees.

"Alouen? Are you okay? Did you find what we are looking for?" Blaize asks, his booming voice carrying over all the others.

Millie glares at him wondering how he could think of firewood when Alouen was obviously not feeling well. Still, in about half an hour, they would only have the light of the moon, and then where would they be?

"Ok Alouen, you still need to rest. Another spell like that and who knows what will happen. Look, why don't you rest here by the cart. The rest of us will gather wood and prepare the meal so you and Mille can sit back and regain your strength, ok?"

Serena seemed more like her usual self but was still showing concern for Alouen. She gently aided Mille in bringing Alouen back to her feet.

The noise of everyone yelling can be heard by Bitey and Taran who are walking back from the river, as well as Los and Mort.

Hearing the new noises, Bitey quickens his pace. Seeing the group huddled around the stricken woman, Bitey rushes up into the middle of them. "Get back," he scolds, sternly. "Back, all of you. Not you Mille." He stoops over Alouen, careful not to drip on her. "Are you all right, Prophetess? What have you seen?"

With Bitey running into the middle of the entire group, he pushes past Blaize and Serena who was attempting to help Millie carry Alouen over. Serena looks at Bitey offended at how rude this supposed knight was for not even saying excuse me, let alone assuming that she was not enough to help Alouen.

Blaize could see that Serena was ready to give the knight a piece of her mind when he placed his hands on her shoulders. The Knight Bitey had cleared everyone except Millie away and was asking Alouen what she had seen.

Serena heard the word "prophetess" again and sighed. She did not know what he was thinking, but she was a blasted geomancer, not a prophetess, but Blaize's hands on her shoulders kept her quiet, at least for now.

Putting one head on his forehead, Bitey looks at the assembled onlookers, doing a double-take at Serena's disgusted expression. He sighs, then clears his throat. "You humans obviously do not know very much about prophets. Prophets have visions. It is part of the job description. They see good things and bad things. Things of the future and the past. And the present. It is hard to know these things. Especially the bad things. It is taxing." He sighs again. "I am sorry. Perhaps you meant well. But I do not shake you when you are doing your jobs, yelling and bickering. Please do not jostle The Prophetess."

Blaize released Serena and turned to see Taran running up behind Bitey.

"Boy where have you been? I need you to keep an eye out for Los and Mort we need them now. Bitey, keep the boys nearby, it's night and I don't want to have to send a search party out."

Blaize looks around him. Millie and Bitey are attending Alouen, Taran will look for the other two missing comrades. "Well Serena, that leaves you and I for wood, unless Slyde wants to come." Blaize looks over to where Slyde was and gives a holler. "How bout it? Wanna help us bring in some wood for a fire?"

Suddenly a thought occured to him. "Bitey when you get a chance, I have something for your boys to do. Have them dig a small hole, enought to light a fire in, we need to keep the fire out of sight from the horizon, and it will give them something that boys love to do, dig holes." Blaize laughed and turned back to Slyde, awaiting his reply as to whether he will join himself and Serena in picking up wood.

As Blaize speaks, Bitey checks the cart. The snores from inside tell him everything he needs to know. "I believe that the lads have overdone it some. I will dig this hole. It will give me a chance to talk to Taran and Mille, if they would agree to give company." Bitey looks around the camp. Now, how exactly does one dig a hole?

Taran looked at Bitey quizically. "Your kidding, right??" He pauses for a second. "Digging involves moving dirt from one location to another, thereby leaving an indentation in the ground commonly called a hole. Shovels are usually employed to make it easier, but anything will do." He turned toward Blaize. "Hey, were there any shovels in the cart?" As he's talking he heads over to the cart and climbs in. Once inside he starts looking for a shovel. He wondered about Bitey... What was so important that he wanted to talk to them about? A[n]d did he really not know how to dig a hole? Nah... No grown-up could be *that* dumb. Must have just been a misunderstanding... His first language *was* Imp, after all...

Slyde aimlessly leaned against the cart lost in deep thought. He couldn't understand why he was 'forced' into those visions. They had him confused. Snapping out of his trance like state he realized that it was now night. 'How long was I like that... I hope I can still be of service.' Slyde stands up and stretches. "Is there anything that I can help out?"

Blaize looked at Slyde again, it was if Slyde was away this whole time. "Hey Slyde, I asked if you wanted to help Serena and I with the firewood. Alouen knows where the wood is, and as soon as she tells us we are off to pick some up, wanna help?

Viva groggily awoke to the yelling of many other people. ohoohoho... My head... he thought as his eyes finally opened.

The first sight he saw was Kobie, leaning against him and sleeping soundly. Well, she sure guarded me well...

Getting up, he gently put Kobie's head onto the large blanket. "I'll be back, love." He whispered into her ears before hopping down from the cart and looking around. "So... what's up?" he mutters.

Blaize: From the corner of his eye he noticed Viva and Kobie watching what was going on. "Hey guys, how about jumping inside the wagon and bringing that huge slab of meat from inside so we can cook some of that up."

Viva shrugged and got back into the cart. Rummaging through the different sacks and chests, he looks for the foodstuff that Blaize mentioned.

"Uhng..." a voice said.

Viva looked back and noticed that Kobie was waking up. "Did I wake you?"

"Ugng." she muttered, rubbing her eyes.

"Don't worry. I'm just looking for something to eat. I'll wake you when we can."

"Blub..." she continued to mutter, closing her eyes.

Shrugging, he goes back to looking for the meat that was mentioned.

Finding the meat that was mentioned, Viva struggles to get it out of its hiding place, but is failing miserably because of other stuff above it.

hinking a moment, he decides to wake Kobie to help him.

Moving beside her, he blows into the semi-conscious Kobie's ears, knowing that she is ticklish there.

Giggling, Kobie tries to swat the person blowing into her ears, but instead, her hands were caught and then kissed upon.

"Wake up, sleepy-head..." Viva whispered.

Kobie gently rubbed her eyes and stared at Viva. Yawning, she stretched her arms and legs, then got up, saying "What?"

"I need some help lifting stuff." Viva said, pointing towards the pile of things he completely messed up.

"Ok." she half muttered before getting up and helping him and taking the meat out of the cart.

Once he is done [Los] [r]eturns to the carriage carrying his Ninja garb to dry.

Gasping for breath, [Alouen] nearly retch[ed]. That was the first time [she] had ever been truly blind. Not only could [she] see nothing, but [she] couldn't feel either. [She] was still panicky from losing touch with [her] body. Everyone seemed to be yelling around me. [She] wished they would be quiet. [She] couldn't think.

"Wood...what happened...see?" All the sentences and questions were mixed up in [her] head. "The wood is west...about 100 yards." The laughter rang in [her] head. "NO! What is it? Darkness..." Shaking, [she] felt people holding [her]. Keeping [her] back. Darkness and laughter. "Get back!" [Alouen] scream[ed] out. The voices were so loud. "Let me back in!" [She] start[ed] frantically pulling [her]self to [her] feet. "Evil shadow. Darkness. Must protect..." Frantically, [she] tr[ied] to scurry to [her] feet, and tr[ied] to make a mad dash for what [she] had sensed. The wooded area to the west.

Blaize heard where the wood was and just as he was about to get Slyde's reply he saw Alouen dash out. Lunging forward he ran after Alouen. Grabbing her he held her tightly.

"Alouen? Alouen!!?? Get a hold of yourself. What did you see? Stop!" He struggled with her and tried to keep her steady.

The rest of the wagon watched on and Millie ran forward to stop Alouen as well.

"Millie, Bitey! Get over here and keep her still. We are going to get some wood and be right back. She needs rest and as soon as she stops her rants find out what she saw. Serena, Slyde, c'mon let's get some wood, it's not far off. Everyone, keep camp until we return.

With that, Blaize and Serena leave Alouen with Bitey and Millie. Before he disappears, he turns again. ["]We will be fine, so keep Alouen in camp.["]

Slyde snaps to attention and agrees right away with Blaize. "Of course I would love to help. I just haven't been myself lately. I'll gladly help in this task." Slyde immediately steps up beside Blaize and notices that a lot has happened since he 'blinked out'. "What the devil has happened here. Aluoen is running wild, The little Imp children are actually being peaceful for once, and Taran is not following Serena around like a lost puppy." Slyde begins to go into deep thought at this turn of events. Am I in another dimension, or is this yet another of the cruel tricks of my mind?

"HMPH!!! Prophetess my ass," Serena muttered under her breath as she and Blaize set off in search of wood.

"Just because some nature witch comes waltzing out of a forest and is blind doesn't make her a prophet of any kind. The only person, THE ONLY person Bitey has not had a use for is me. AND FOR WHAT!?!?! WHAT ON TARNAK DID I DO TO HIM?!?! Useless little babysitting short fairly lovin['] goody two shoes FREAK!!! The only reason he's even interested in her is because she's a mama's girl just like him."

She shot a glare at Blaize who seemed stunned by her ranting.

"Men......"

Serena quickened her pace to put herself in front of Blaize.

"At least Taran won't grow up to be such a pig...."

Struggling to run, [Alouen's] senses start returning to normal. [She] wasn't sensing, so it couldn't get [her], right? [She] was safe now. Right, someone was saying that. Mille was. Bless her soul.

Drawing breath from laboured lungs, [Alouen] thank[s] her, and assure her [she]'d be alright. Standing without Mille's aid, [she] use[d] [her] stick to sweep around in front of [her]. [Alouen's] sense of direction was thrown off from [her] sudden struggle. [She] couldn't remember what way camp was. Oh well, easy enough to fix.

"Mille, can you point me towards camp please?"

Doing so, [she] start to slowly tap forward. Wouldn't do to fall in the water. Although [she] could use a bath. Maybe the river was shallow.

"Mille, has the hole been dug yet? I heard we needed a hole dug up." Receiving the negatory on that, I decide to prove helpful.

"Is there anyone about 15 feet in front of me? No? Good."

With that, [Alouen] raise[d] [her] hand, and tr[ied] to create a hole in the ground.

With hands raised in the air, [Alouen] start[ed] to feel the wind around [her] gather into swirls around [her] body. A small chant, as if talking to the earth, the ground shakes a little, and out of no where, a small indention begins to form on the ground. At first it looks as if something heavy had lef t it's mark, but soon it starts to take form.

The wind whistles around Alouen and the indention become wider and deeper, until suddenly Alouen drops her arms and there is a hole in the ground suitable for placing a fire inside.

The hole is next to the wagon, and everyone nearby can see it.

Los returns to the camp slowly looking VERY different to the point you may not even recognize him. Not only has he ditched a layer of filth that could be a decade old but he is also wearing clothing he found in the cart. Some of his 'armour' is still visible underneath and the shirt has been torn in some places (So he has easy access to the weapons but nobody else will know that)His hair is no longer matted but now stands, short enough so as to not look too outragous. His skin is pale,and he carries the washed garb along with a bag.

He blinks twice at what's going on and then calmly walks to the cart.

Blaize, Serena, and Slyde left the camp in search of wood, Serena muttering all the while. Bitey shook his head, sadly. As Taran bustled about, producing his broken shovel, Bitey said, "She does not understand, lad. To her it is quite obvious that she is right, that she is the ultimate power here. She is displeased to learn that her charms will not be sufficient to always have her way. What say you, lad? She trusts you more than most." Bitey smirks, Not much, though. He watches Alouen's return with interest, still wondering what her vision told her. Before he can say anything, however, he sees Los approaching the camp. He squints, suspiciously, trying to make out the features of the approaching figure.

"Mudman?"

Blaize turns and walks before he could see what Alouen had done with the hole. Still he did feel the sudden rush of wind, and then it suddenly stopped. He did not know what to think of it, nor did he care. There was very little light left if any and all was dark around them. The moon was already shining in the sky but at least the wood was not far from them.

"She said about 100 yards this way, so it won't be too far of a walk." He hoped Alouen was right, she had every right to put them in danger, but then again, her survival with the group depended on them as well.

With Serena and Slyde walking behind him, he could still here her rumbling about how Bitey was this and Bitey was that. Bitey had obviously pissed her off, but at least she had held her tongue...this time.

Slyde was quiet, still wondering what his episode was about. Blaize did not care, he knew that everyone had a past and a secret and some wish to share and some don't. He also knew that long travels tend to bring up memories since that mostly all you have time to do anyways.

"It's okay Slyde, after a good night's rest and you'll be fine. It happens to all of us from time to time. Heck I zone out too, but it's just because I need rest."

Slyde thought about Blaize's words and took them into consideration. "You may be right there. I should rest on it. Heh, you don't say very much, but when you do its always the right thing. That's a good trait to have."

Still walking they find the wood that Alouen had mentioned. "Keep an eye out boys, Alouen said something may be out here, so let's just grab what we need and leave."

Blaize starts to pick up some of the dry wood and quickly holds it to his chest. "Just pick up the good size wood pieces, and we can start back.

Blaize watched as Slyde left the group already walking back to the camp.

"Serena c'mon let's go, just bring what you have in your hands."

Blaize stood up and started to walk back to the camp slowly, making sure that Serena was close behind.

Both Blaize and Serena start to walk off with wood in their hands. More then enough to keep them through the night, but better safe then sorry.

From the shadows a pair of eyes watched as the two gathered wood. Breathing heavily as they looked upon Serena. Never had such a nymph of the woods come this way. The eyes never wavered from Serena, until he heard the man's voice, Blaize, call for her to follow him.

He watched until they could no longer be seen in the darkness, and then they disappeared.

Slyde begins to rummage around and grab all the firewood that he could carry. Finding his arms carrying a good sized amount that would last surely a majority of the night, Slyde began off to camp.

Suitably impressed, [Alouen] let[s] [her] hand fall. Moving the stray strands of hair from [her] eyes [she] address[es] the air.

"If that's all that needs be done, I believe it's time I took a bath...in...the stream." Just saying [she] was going into water made [her] heart skip a beat. It isn't the ocean. [she] told [her]self. Get over it.

With that [she] curtly turn[s], grasp[s] Mille's arm, and ha[s] [the girl] lead [her] v e r y carefully to the stream. When [Alouen] get[s] to its banks, [she] check[s] to see how fast it's running, and how deep it is.

After having Mille check the water, [Alouen] managed to discover, much to [her] chagrin, that it was a little bit fast moving, and nearing 6 feet in depth in places. Maybe more, because she didn't actually get in to check.

Sighing nervously, [Alouen] sit[s] down at the edge of the river, and remove[s] [her] shoes and socks. Dangling [her] feet in the water, [she] prepare[s] [her]self to get in for the much needed bath.

By this time, Mille has already checked for peeping Tom's, chased a night creature off with her stick, removed her garments, and is patiently [a]waiting [Alouen] in the water.

[Alouen] swivel[s] [her] head around, and blankly look[s] [i]n all directions. A bath wa[s] truly necessary. Not life threatening, but [she] didn't want to be known as the stinky member of the group. [Ed. Note: No danger there.] Besides, [she] never was used to being less than clean. Made [her] back itch.

Carefully removing [her] home-made dress, [she] lay it out on the bank, a little back from the stream, so it didn't get wet if [she] had to make a hasty departure. Removing the ribbon from [her] long braid, [she] lay it in it's entire length out on [her] dress, and shake[s] [her] hair free. Needless to say, that was a lot of hair. Removing the rest of [her] garments, [she] stand[s] up, and stretch. Mille would of let [her] know if anyone was watching. If she saw them.

It felt good to just stretch. Doing some minimal exercises, mostly moving [her] arms a little, [she] loosened [her]self up. A thought occured to [her], [she] hope[d] Mille would actually be able to see if any of the group came around, because if she couldn't, [Alouen] [had] just gave quite a show. Blushing fiercely, [she] quickly step into the water with a splash. [Her] heart jumped, and [she] teetered on panicking, but Mille had [her] firmly, so [she] just set about to calm [her] own breathing. Nothing to worry about.

Dropping his load by the hole that was made Slyde went to his horse and grabbed the Flint and Tinder. Coming back to the gap in the earth, Slyde grabbed some brush and a couple of the sticks and began to the form the begins of the camp fire. Striking the flint and tinder repeatedly till the brush caught, Slyde hopped out and began to lower the wood in slowly till it was going steady. I should get going on my work now. Heading back to the horse Slyde looked through his bag till he found the armor polish. Grabbing that, he passes Bitey. "I'm just going to wash up, don't worry I'll be back soon." Drawing nearer to the Imp, "Keep an eye the Viva and Kobie for me please. I'll be back soon." Slyde whispers.

Heading towards the stream, Slyde saw the evidence that others were already there so Slyde headed further upstream upon realizing that it was womens clothing, Wouldn't want to appear as a peeping tom. Plus, I wouldn't want anyone to intrude on my privacy.

Reaching a small area by the stream with a couple of pines situated around it, Slyde strips down to just his bandana and pants. He then begins to wipe off all the blood and dirt off his armor his wet shirt. Letting the armor dry, Slyde pulls out his sword and cleans the blade and hilt. Its cold gleam showing the reflection of all the battles it had seen before now. Slyde sighed and took off his footwear, socks and pants. Walking into the water Slyde began to wash tirelessly till he was sure all dirt was gone from his body and hair as well as his wounds were well cleansed. Coming out of the stream Slyde dried off with his shirt and then put his pants and socks back on. Sitting down against near the stream Slyde brought his breast plate to his lap and began the tedious task of polishing. Seeing the gleam in the metal, Slyde grabs his gauntlets and continues the task again. Looking over to his belt, Slyde grabs his small bag of money and pulls out a whetstone. Bringing his sword to his lap, Slyde begins to bring the whetstone across the blade on one side and then on the next. After about a good ten minutes Slyde stops and gets up. falling into a attack stance Slyde begins to practice with his blade. The swings flowing smoothly and in total control of its master. Slow, fast, high, low. The blade moves in a steel gray blur around the topless warrior.

Feeling his workout adequate after an hour or so. Slyde grabs the polish and finishes up his sword. Seeing the gleam in its surface, Slyde dresses and prepares to head back to camp. Carrying his armor and weapon in hand.

Taran scratches his head. "Well, that was convenient... Guess I don't need this." He leans on the shovel for a moment then takes it back to the wagon. Then he goes back to Bitey. "It looks like Millie went off with Alouen. What did you want to discuss anyway?"

In the confusion of comings and goings, Bitey sits down again and watches the humans. 'Like ants.' Mille and Alouen rush off, then Slyde comes back, then he leaves again saying something about watching the children. With alarm Bitey realizes that he doesn't know where Slyde's children are. He almost says something, but decides it would be futile. "Humans don't listen very carefully, do they?" he says, half to himself, and half to Taran.

Taran sat down near Bitey. "I like to think of it as an individual thing, as aposed to a species-wide trait. Some humans listen well. We do tend to value our own ideas more than plans of others at times, but I'd hardly describe all humans as such..."

Bitey nods reassuringly... "It's all right, lad. I'll not hold it against you."

Taran smirks at that. "Ohh, how generous..."

"Los, would you excuse us for a moment?" Bitey leans close to Taran. "Lad, if you have listened, you know that spectacular and strange events have been set in motion." He stops, then begins again. "Lad, I said before that Destiny is alive. It flows and changes. As do we." He pauses, watching to see if his words have any effect. "Let me put it simply. There are those of us who would ride the wave, and more. I have no way to put it delicately. But this enemy you humans speak of... this dark mage. He will seek to observe and master Destiny. He will seek to change Destiny to his ends. Time slips away now, but soon that will change." Bitey raises his fist in salute, "I will be ready." He draws a sword and twirls it. "Lad, when the time comes, I would have some surprises in store. Do you know how to use a blade?" He looks at Taran and nods curtly. "You will."

Taran looked at Bitey apprehensively. Dark Mages were one thing, they were human (or other similar species). But a Master of Destiny?? That was getting deep fast. "A blade?" he replied, "I'm a pretty good knife-fighter. Why? Are you offering to teach me?" Taran thought about that. That could definatly prove useful, knight-trained... And Bitey thought he was a crime-fighter... This could help his cover...

"In a way, lad, yes. Well-trained and well-armed. Many will underestimate a boy, but even the mightiest hero was a child once. Besides, it would do you good to have some consistency and focus in your life. And I..." Bitey trails off, then shrugs . He grins for Taran. "It probably won't seem so much fun in the morning..."

"Probably won't but hey... I could use some more weapons training. What kind of blade can you teach me? Are we talking Short swords, broadswords, knives, what??" Taran looked enthused. He could learn from a knight, The best swordsman he had seen in quite a while. Well Blaize was pretty good, too. Taran wondered idly how far he could trust the teamates Fate had thrown him together with. Most of them seemed trustworthy. He smiled. Altough Alouen and Serena'[s] relationship was confusing the heck out of him, the party seemed to be more or less getting along. Well enough to keep going anyway...

Bitey grins. "Absolutely." He strides back to camp central, circling Los curiously and looking him over. He begins to work out a camp perimeter to follow. Might be better to sit on the cart.

Serena grabbed a few more pieces of wood. The night air was cool and relaxing...

*Sigh* "Sorry for spouting Blaize, it's just that it would be nice to get SOME respect from Bitey once in a while...." She finished filling her arms as much as her bruised shoulder could manage comfortably. [...] "Ok. I'm coming." She followed Blaize back to camp taking up the rear. Upon arrival of camp, she placed the wood in her arms near the firepit but far away from the pit to avoid catching fire. Standing up, she shot a half hearted glare at Bitey. You may not be human, but you're still a pig... She thought in her mind.

Bitey watched Blaize and Serena return to camp.

"Bitey, think this will last the night? I'll help with the first watch since I've had a nap already."

[Bitey] was startled by the woman's voice. "Hm... no. Why?" He watched her, almost sensing the hate in the air.

The eyes in the shadows watched as the two carrying wood left from sight. In the distance he saw only a faint glow of light, easily missed if not careful. It was obvious they did not want to be found, because they had apprently sunken the fire. Still, no one had seen him, and no one would.

Slowly walking from behind the bushes, they eyes that watched approached the fire. There were only a few people, not far could be heard the sounds of someone in the stream. Probably bathing. How many were there? What were they here for? The eyes searched for Serena and locked in on her. Now that was something to look at.

Careful not to be seen, the watchful eyes kept to the shadows and was soon only feet away from the group, overhearing everything they were saying.

Serena turned her attention away from Bitey. She didn't want to get into an arguement with him, especially with Alouen nearby.

'She may have some kind of power, but that will only get you so far. A lot of good it does a blind old crow... She thought to herself bitterly. Her face seemed green with jealousy.

She stretched as best she could, first with her arms straight up, then behind her back. Slowly, she seemed to warm up for something. She stood up and cleared her throught.

"Eh hem..."

"La laiaya la laaa. Ayialeeyaaa." She was singing!!!! She hummed and sung a few bars and notes as she warmed her voice up.

After a few brief moments, she began to sing a melody. It was soft and sweet. She danced gracefully in time to the tune and circled the fire. While she was singing, she did make a concious effort to keep her voice down as she sang.

"Oh where oh where, has my lover gone? He's been gone for so very long. Oh where oh where could he ever be? I am lost, so lost, Without him here by me.

I long to hold him near me so When he's with me, time, it slows. I will never give up, I have seen his light I will search for him, through the darkest night...."

Kobie looked at Serena and thought Nice song... I think I'll remember that and sing it to Viva once in a while.

Viva, on the other hand, didn't really care and just continued doing his job.

She continues on with her melody and dance. At a certain point, it almost seems as if she's dancing with someone else, but there's no one else there. At the end of her song, she gently wraps her arms around herself and sighs. She turns around to see the many eyes staring at her.

Bitey wasn't interested in Serena's actions, but her state of mind was another matter. He finally sighed, having been to court enough to have a few of the basics down, and began to dance in slow circles around her. He knew he was probably doing it wrong, but who would notice? They were humans after all, and none of them had ever been to an Imp Queen's Ball.

"WHAT!?!?! Can't a girl entertain herself for a bit?"

Kobie giggled a bit and asked Viva "Where do we put this.?"

Viva tried to shrug with the meat, and said, "I dunno. Anyone?"

Seeing the two children dragging the meat behind them, Serena giggled a bit.

"That's good you two. Thank you for your help." She smiled at them. They were young, and innocent, just like Taran.

Taran applauds her singing. Then he stands up and walks over to her. With an elegent bow he asks "May I have the honor, of the next dance?"

Her face flushed a bit. No one had been that polite to her in a while.

"Why how could I refuse such a gentleman!" She smiled and took his hands. She began to sing again, this time with a little more lively number. Together, her and Taran began to twirl around a bit. Stopping briefly, she looked over at Kobie and Viva.

"Come on you two!! Have a little fun!! Bitey!! YOU TOO!!" She laughed and her and Taran regained their speed. Around and around they twirled by the fire as she sang a lively country dance. Shortly thereafter, they both tripped and fell to the ground. Serena rolled onto her back and laughed.

"Hahahahaha!! Heeheee hee!! I haven't had this much fun in a long time!!! Thanks Taran!!" She sat up and smiled at him and ruffled his hair. She stood back up and helped Taran up himself.

Los was glad when the witch [had] provided a diversion. He made quick time up onto the cart and laid out the garb to dry. As the people below sang and danced he tended to his weapons, cleaning the Tanto, keeping the blades sharp but balanced. If the dancers below were to look the way he sharpens the knives almost screams at them to shut up. Inside its taking a lot of restraint not to silence them any way he can.

Los had seen his share of festivals. through the time he had wandered he had stumbled into many. They were like a flash of color and sound to him, a stupid blur as the people who danced died before him... Los snapped back to attention and wondered where that though[t] had come from. Los checked the flowstone around his neck. [I]t was still flowing from the witches spell and looked very beautiful. It shimmered green as the firelight shone through it. Los could almost see the person it had come from now... her green hair floating up as if she were drowning... Los snapped too again an[d] sheathed his tanto. These visions were driving him slowly insane... but they were all pointing somewhere... north.

Blaize listened idly to Serena's singing as he attended to the fire, how she can be so irate one moment and perfectly at ease the next I'll never understand. He stopped to watch everyone dance for a moment then took a quick head count. Everyone was there except Alouen, Millie, Slyde, and Mort. He was beginning to get slightly worried about Mort, He gets around alright for a dead man then he thought for a second about slyde, he said he can't remember his past, and then he zones out for a while, I wonder if the there's any connection to it, I'll have to talk to him about that later. He walks over to Los and says, "We'll need a perimeter for tonight, you're obviously the best choice for that job. I'll go too, but we need to set it up as soon as we eat."

Somebody was saying something [to Los] but the water in his ears meant he didn[']t get most of it... something about scouting a perimeter.

Leaving his garb and bag on the cart he jumps down on the side opposite to the fore and lets his eyes adjust. There wasn't many places he could hide around here, it was grassland. This made the place very dangerous for him.

Los walks around the carriage stealthily. Purposefully avoiding looking at the fire. [W]hen he gets close enough to get Blaize's attention he stops.

"We should scout before we eat... We should have scouted before we made the fire."

Los's voice shows no sign of emotion as he begins to crouch a little[,][...] reducing his height considerably.

"Yeah, you're right, Los. I should have realized that sooner, but I didn't. Oh well." He walks with Los to the eastern edge of the camp, "ok, we'll circle the camp, you go right adn I'll go left, go as deep into the forest as you think you need, and if you find anything bad run, get back to camp to warn the others. we'll have a better chance of survival if we all fight whatever it is than if one of us does it alone, right? [H]opefully we'll meet each other on the other side." Blaize pulls the hood of his cloak up to cover his head, crouches like Los does and heads to his left, hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Tripping over his own feet, Bitey barely regains his footing just before diving head first into the dirt. Needs work. He realizes that no one was paying the slightest bit of attention and feels a little better. While the women and children seem to be occupied with cooking, Blaize and Los both adopt curious stances and make their way out of the camp. He goes back to establishing a camp perimeter, thinking through the lines of sight from the camp and best vantage points for viewing. After dashing around the camp for a few minutes, he is satisfied that he has all the waypoints he needs. Nice and efficient.

Kobie looked at Viva at the invitation to play. She knew that he didn't like to socalize too much, and feared that this would agitate him. Instead, all she saw was a sort of calm amusement in his eyes.

Viva looked across the meat and into Kobie's eyes. He understood what she is asking. Turning back to Serena, his mouth twitches twice, before turning back to Kobie and nodding slightly.

Kobie smiled and hummed along with Serena's singing, while Viva looked around for someplace to put the meat down.

"I can't hold this all night!" Viva mused out loud while looking around.

"OK, ok. Hang on."

Serena walked over to Viva and helped him place the meat near the fire. Grabbing a nearby stick that appeared large enough to hold a good chunk, she reached for her knife. A surprised look came across her face as she began to non-chalantly grope and feel around her self looking for something.

"SON OF A CLARNATH!!!! Has anybody seen my knife? I seem to have dropped it...."

She looks up at the other members of the group. Her eyes focus on Taran for a bit.

"Could you toss me one of our stashed knives so I can at least get this cooking?"[...]

Taran sauntered over to her. Keeping his back to the majority of the party he quickly pulled out one of the hunting knives he got off the blacksmith. "There you are... Need anything else?"

After spending some tense moments in the water, Alouen had finally relaxed some. She and Mille washed one another, and spent some time working on their hair. More so time on Alouens 5 feet of it.

The sounds of singing and laughter can be heard from the camp. Well, at least Alouen could hear it. Alouen smiled. It was good to hear such a tense group loosen up. Maybe it was time that she stopped being so emotional, and asserted herself more. Of course, that would most likely make Serena even worse to be around. Frowning, she suddenly got a chill from the water, and decided it was time to get out.

Both Mille and Alouen climb out of the water, Mille giving Alouen a hand to help her out. The slight breeze was chilly against their skin, but they were used to it. Mille moved to her pack, and brought out two separate brushes.

"Hey Alouen, what do you think about them?"

They moved to a outcrop of some rocks, and sat down on the cold surface. Both with brushes in hand, they comb each others hair.

"What do I think about them?" Alouen replied. "Well, they seem like nice enough people. Well, actually, most of them are really strange."

The water ran from their bodies, and dripped off the edge of the rock, and made it's way back into the stream. Being nude was something they used to do when travelling alone. They could sit around in the forests, and just be themselves. It was true freedom. But, with a group of strangers just over the way, Alouen and Mille were still antsy. Especially because they were bandits. That made Alouen shiver. She couldn't forget that most of them were bandits.

"Bitey seems a nice fellow. He fawns over me a little much."

"Alouen, why do you let him think you are a prophetess? You can't really see the future, can you."

"No, Mille, I can't. I can only see the spirits, and the Essence of Planet. But, he's from a different culture, so, to him, maybe I am Prophetess. It would break his heart to tell him I wasn't."

Their hair finally brushed dry, they stand up and make their way to their discarded clothes. Mille tsks over the sad state Alouen's dress was in. It had picked up a fair bit of grime from the last few days.

"Here Alouen, take my spare clothes, I'll get your dress washed up for you, so you can have it ready when we get to the next town. I'll stay here and wash our clothes out some."

Mille takes out a spare set of shirt, pants, and undergarments from her pack, and helps Alouen get into them. Mille herself stays in the nude.

"I'm just going to hop back in the stream and wash all our clothes Alouen. You can find your way back to camp?"

"Yes Mille dear, and thank you for lending me your clothes."

Mille takes up their dirty garments, and gets into the stream with them. She has her hair tied up to keep it from getting wet again.

Meanwhile, Alouen takes up her stick, and starts back towards the sounds of camp, tapping along.

Walking towards camp, [Alouen] ran [her] free hand through [her] hair. It felt strange being loosed, instead of tighly tied. Maybe that was like [her]. [She] should be looser, more...personable. [She] really wanted everyone to like [her], even if they did seem to be unsavoury. Serena needed a friend, a real friend.

Alouen returns to camp and Bitey watches, waiting for Mille's appearance. He approaches her. "Ah, Prophetess, you have changed your clothing. This will no doubt be much better for traveling, but you still stand out." He shakes off his momentary concern. "But where is Guardian Mille? I still need to speak to her..."

Uncaring branches reached out and raked across Kamis' face as he limped slowly through the forest. He paid them little attention. Even if he had wanted to, he doubted he had the strength left to lift his arm to brush them aside. Instead he took the scratches with little complaint and trudged onward.

His breath came slow and labored; each intake of air bringing a stab of pain across his chest. The cold night air felt like daggers in his throat, but what other choice did he have? Perhaps, in a few hours time, breathing would cease to be a problem. His left leg, covered in its own blood, dragged limply behind him. A trail of matted grass and fresh blood snaked along at his back, alerting any lurking predators to his presence. In this weakened state, the warrior held little confidence in his ability to hold them at bay. Though if they try, he thought in his fevered mind, they'll find me a much livelier meal than a silly doe. His armor was becoming increasingly heavy despite the fact that he had been trained since birth to bear its burden. His black metal boot proved a most unwelcome weight upon his unwounded foot; he had long past relieved the left of its covering in favor of a lighter leather boot. He had at one time constructed a crude crutch out of a sapling, but his massive size soon overpowered his rough workmanship and the device had snapped down the middle. His black and red cape billowed in the slight breeze; sometimes catching on a passing tree branch and leaving a piece of itself behind.

Kamis could not afford to stop and lament over such a trivial matter. In all honesty he did not expect to live to see the dawn. Perhaps it would be better if he just lay down and accept his fate. A soft patch of moss beckoned to him invitingly, but Kamis shook his head violently. What thoughts are these? I have been through worse than this...and survived! The wound is not even that grievous. The blood loss is merely making me feverish. I must persevere. Suddenly, in the distance, a tiny voice could be heard rising above the din of crickets. It carried across the wind to rest in Kamis' ear.

His head shot up and he craned his neck in order to discover which direction the sound was traveling from. Finding that the singing and laughter came from straight in front of him, a slight smile passed across Kamis' cracked lips. At least someone is finding joy this night. Chance that I may have the opportunity to join them.

Minutes later, and what seemed like hours to the wounded fighter, Kamis came upon a campfire. There were figures standing in various spots around it, but Kamis' mind was close to gone. When he moved his eyes to scan the area, white dots flashed across his vision and he was momentarily blinded. Imagined demons filled his head, gibbering of madness and death. It was all he could do to drag himself pitifully towards the flame and finally collapse in a heap, his arm outstretched in an attempt to grab the light that danced in front of him.

Kamis faintly remembered hearing a voice close by, but whatever words it spoke were lost to him. He opened his mouth to speak, but only a garbled muttering came forth.[...]

Just as Los is about to prepare for a scout of the camp area, and just as Blaize sets off as well, a shadow comes up unannounced, unheard, and unseen. Walking slowly, as if in pain, but also as if scared that something or someone would find him, he stumbles into the camp and the light dances across his figure.

What stands before [them] is a man, clad in armor, but whose hair had become matted and tattered. A deep wound on his legs dripped blood between the creases of his armor and his sweat matted his hair to his face. Almost as if stumbling the entire camp was caught off guard. With all the singing, dancing, and talking, it was only natural that no one saw this mysterious person enter the campsite.

Reaching an arm out as if asking for help the mysterious figure fell to the ground a few feet away from the fire. Moaning on the ground the figure lay until someone helped him up.

Tapping [her] way towards the camp, [Alouen] follow[s] the voices. "Hey, everyone, I was just thinking..." A thump echoes in [her] head, the sound of something heavy falling. It was the sound of when [she] used to blindly walk into things back home. Like the time [she] hit the book shelf, and had the whole thing collapse on [her]. Instinctively [she] stop[ped]. "What was that?"

Taran looks up from where he's helpiing Serena. "Oh my ..." He rushes over to the guy who had just collapsed "Hey dude, are you OK?" A silly question, he was bleeding, wasn't he... [...] He looked to see who was closest. "Bitey, you got any bandages? This guy looks really hurt..."

Startled by his sudden 'appearance', [Alouen] step[ped] back, and [brought] [her] stick into a more defensive position before realizing who it was.

"Oh, Bitey, it was just you. Mille is still in the stream washing our clothes. What brings you this way? Did you just make that unfortunate banging noise?"

[She] drop[ped] [her] stick down, and begin walking towards camp again, hoping Bitey follows.

"You scared me banging around like that."

Bitey looks at Alouen. "Is she... ah, well, I will wait then." He taps his foot. "Oh, no, it was that armored man over there." [H]e turns to Taran. "Well Lad, I think there was a medical box in the cart... one moment." Bitey heads for the cart, intent on finding bandages for Taran.

Armored man? What in Tarnak...what..Serena was always saying that. Great, now I'm picking up her language, [Alouen] thought absently. It was moments like this [she] cursed being blind.

"Wait, Bitey. An armored man just fell into our camp?"

Maybe someone knew him, because no one seemed to be panicking that a man just dropped into our camp. [Her] heart jumped a beat. Maybe it was KillJoy. Maybe he had found his way to us.

Taran looked at the guy, he didn't seem to be getting up... Bitey went off to get the medical kit though. He ought to be able to help this guy.

Reaching out, [Alouen] scramble[d] forward. "KillJoy? Is that you? Who is it?"

Taran looked over at Alouen the down at the armoured man. "Whoever this is it sure ain't Killjoy. But he's seriously injured. Where is Bitey with the first aid stuff??"

Bitey runs into the wagon looking for the first aid kit. After tossing a few bags of grain to the site he finds the box undisturbed at the bottom and picks it up for the fallen mystery man.

"Stand clear, everyone," said Bitey, authoritatively, brandishing the medical kit from the cart like some sort of badge. "Not to worry. It's just a strange man from out of the dark. I'll handle this" He makes his way over to the injured man and looks him over. Wound to the leg. Doesn't look too serious. He's probably come some way on that leg, though. Out loud, "He's not in any shape to harm anyone this night. I think someone should have some water ready for him, when he comes to..." Bitey quickly attends to the leg wound and applies his knowledge of healing to the fallen soldier.

Taran watches Bitey bandage the hurt dude. "So he's going to be alright? What happened to him?" He runs over to where he and Bitey had been sitting and grabbed his waterskin. "Here, will this do?"

[Alouen's] heart sank into my chest. "It's not?" [She] d[id]n't know why [she] got [her] hopes up. Why would [she] even want to get [her] hopes up? The man had kidnapped [her] at knife-point.

"If it isn't KillJoy, then who is it? What's wrong with him? Is there anything I can do?"

'Maybe Mille can do something. At least she can see, [she] thought bitterly.

Quickly standing upright, [she] dash[ed] towards the stream, hoping [she] do[es]n't over shoot, and go plunging in. Luckily, that thought makes [her] slow down, and [she] trot[s] to the stream. Mille calls to [Alouen] when she sees [her] coming up, and [...] quickly gets out of the stream with [their] clothes.

"Alouen, they aren't-"

Before [Mille] can react, [Alouen] skid[s] to a halt, raise[s] [her] hand, and summon[s] up a miniature whirlwind to take up the clothes and dry them instantaneously. They drop clean into the nude womans arms.

"Put your clothes on Mille, and quickly get back to camp. There is an injured man, and I need your eyes."

With that [she] leave[s] the sputtering Mille tossing her clothes on, and repacking her sack hastely. [Alouen] again make[s] [her] way back to camp to see what's happening.

Slyde nearing the encampment begins to hear sounds of loud talk and excitement. Fools, sure we have no fire showing where we are but, your voices are as good enough as the fire's light. Quickening his pace, Slyde hoped he could get to them before trouble could find them. Upon entering camp Slyde notices everyone is gathered around a central focus amidst the circle of his travel companions. Dropping his armor and sword, Slyde hurries over and sees the wounded man. "What's this? I leave for only an hour and we already have company? Come on, come on. Give the man some room." Noticing the massive amount of blood loss, Slyde figured he would be out for a while. Scanning the area, Slyde saw the medical kit in Bitey's hands. At least someone here has some knowledge of that. Slyde said as he noticed the bound leg of the man, blood soaking through the cloth slowly. "Taran, make yourself useful and grab that spare blanket I brought with me. Its in the cart near the entrance." Slyde instructs as he lefts the mans head. "Bitey give me a hand here. I want to keep him warm, so lets get him close to the fire, but not too close." Slyde kneels down and props the man's head on his knee. "Serena, do we have any sort of pillow or anything else soft that can support his head well. I don't really want to move him too much."

Taran nods, "right!" He then runs over to the cart and looks for the blanket. Apon finding it he grabs it and takes it back to Slyde. "Here you go..."

Bitey stands up as the group crowd around the injured soldier, everyone trying to do something to the poor man. "That's a good lad," he says to Taran, "you give and take orders well."

Taran blinked, he hadn't thought of it that way before... "Uh... Thank you! I guess..."

He looks at his handiwork, thinking it satisfactory. "I think he is suffering more from exhaustion and dehydration. In the long view, a little water when he wakes up and then perhaps more and some food when he is able." He smirks. "I would normally have a field medic, but..." glancing at the assembled group, "the medical kit makes up for the lack of an expert." I hope. Then, to Taran, "I did not have time to examine his wound thoroughly, but my impression was that it was the work of some beast..."

Taran smiles, "That's good. Dehydration and exaustion are easily cured..." Then his ears caught up with his mouth. "A beast?? Do you think it will come here and attack us??" He begins looking fervently around for any giant beasts.

A small imp tumbles from the blanket Taran carries, landing dazed on the hard earth. He stares at nothing and says in a dreamy voice, {Mine, all mine!}

When Taran saw this he chuckled and grinned. "Hey there. I wondered where you two had gotten off too. Where's your brother?"

"OH FOR THE LOVE OF.....!!!" Serena's voice tapered off suddenly before she finished what she was saying.

"Everyone's fussing over him but not helping him get more comfortable!!"

She immediatly plopped down next to the man and began to remove as much armor as possible. She grabbed the blanket from Taran and threw it over the man. Instinctively, she raised his head up and placed it gently on her lap as she began to loosen his cape from around his throught. Quietly, she began to sing. A lullaby. She was trying to sooth the man.

"Hush good sir, we'll take care of you. Rest now. We'll see you're safe." She whispered in his ear. Serena continued to hum and tried to clean off the man as best she could.

"Someone please get me some water and a clean cloth."

Viva and Kobie were still standing there holding a piece of meat. The man that appeared didn't shock them much, but they just shrugged it off as if it was water.

Viva glanced to a flat rock that seems to be able to hold the entire length of meat and said, "There."

Kobie managed to shrug and walked with Viva towards the rock and literally dropped the meat and went over to the river to wash her hands off.

Viva quickly ran towards her and dip his hands besides her. "We can pretty much ignore him." he said in a low voice intended for Kobie only.

Kobie nodded and wiped her hands. "We'll see." She said.

Bitey was lost in thought. Dimly aware of Taran's fearful question, he was also thinking about beasts.Animals are the first to sense when nature is disturbed... He makes his way towards the last place he saw Turbo. "Ah, lad, it is doubtful that any beast would wish to approach a camp with a fire, especially with so many humans," he says, somewhat unconvinced himself.

Taran glanced at the fire. "True, but the fire is alot less of a deterent then if we had built it at ground level. As it is they could probably sneak up close enough to strike, if they were fairly stealthy..."

Blaize saw the mysterious stranger stagger into the camp just before he left for his scouting mission. He took a few steps back into the camp, his sword halfway drawn, when the stranger fell to the ground. He continued to edge his way towards him sheathing his sword after he determined that there was no danger present, and watched as the stranger was taken care of. After Bitey and Taran's brief conversation about the possibility of beasts lurking about he (who was now standing just a few yards behind Bitey) said in a low voice, "That's why Los and I are scouting our perimeter." He then turned around to continue his mission.

Eyes half-closed, the child giggles. {Cake!} he says. Bitey detours around Taran and gently picks the child up, saying, "He's asleep lad." He goes to the cart and finds his bedroll, depositing the boy with his brother.

Bitey starts to go looking for Turbo again when he realizes that Alouen is gone, too. Concerned, he asks softly, "Where is the Prophetess?"

Taran looked around, "What!! Alouen's gone?? Oh great..." He runs over to where Turbo is grazing behind the cart. "Come on boy." He says to Turbo in a somewhat urgent voice. Turbo looks up at him and lets out a friendly "WARK!!". Then it notices Bitey, walks over to him, and butts his head to see if Bitey will give a carrot.

"Come on, Turbo!" Taran says as he climbs on Turbo's back, "we gotta go find Alouen." He lookes around for a second, before adding "And Millie!".

Crouched in a tree Mort watched the adventures, his curiosity the only thing stopping him from leaving the group entirely. Passing a hand up to his left cheek he ran a finger aloung his new scar, wondering his high-born looks ap[p]ear from this new woun[d]...

Stopping mid-thought as he wondered how he new that he was upper-class. More he my unknown history, he scorned to himself.

The only thing I know is my will to fight, and to kill. And yet I was defeated so easily, in a single stroke. Is the the reason that I must always be on the run? Am I merely a coward?!

He face clenches into a snarl as he watches Los travel[...] nearby, using all of his willpower to stop himself from leaping apon him and tearing him apart.

And now this ninja is travelling with the party. We'll perhaps on his little trip he will run into the creature that attacked this new character.

"If you[']r[e] so concerned about the night creatures, I will stay up tonight for guard duty. Anyone else that wishes to help me is welcomed, but I am already used to fighting on no sleep so it will not hinder me to lose a day's rest." Slyde says as he leaves the wounded man in Serena's lap. "I still think we should move him close to the fire. There I can watch over him during the night, he will be warm, and if the beasts come, I can defend him since he has no means of doing so himself. Or is that not to liking, Serena...?"

"FINE!! Move him! Just a second ago you didn't want to move him too much now you want to throw him next to the fire. All I did was make him a bit more comfortable so he could rest better. You can't rest if you're not comfortable. AND WHAT THE TARNAK KINDA GOOD DO YOU THINK IT'LL DO IF YOU GO GALAVANTING AROUND THE WILDERNESS AS FAR AS PROTECTING HIM!!!"

She closes her eyes and visibly calms herself down several notches.

"What I mean to say was perhaps it wouldn't be such a good idea for everyone to go running around in the dark. I agree we need a watch and I volunteered to help with t[h]e first watch. If all of you are away from the camp and something DOES get past you, there's no telling what would happen to us in the time it would take you to make it back here. In short, let's not act on the first idea that pops into our heads, SHALL we?"

Preoccupied with the missing Prophetess, Bitey shrugs off the choco-butt and watches with consternation as the whole operation collapses on itself. This is chaos! "One moment, Lad," he begins, loudly. "Serena and I will take first watch, as she requested. Sir Slyde gets... third watch, yes, third watch." He looks at Slyde. "Third Watch! And since there is so much concern about attack, we will double up on watches. I already have a partner, Taran, Mille, and Slyde will each pick a partner who is not already on watch. And I pity the night creature that crosses this bunch..." with a wry grin, because it would surely be bickered to death. "And everyone should eat what they can get off the meat the children have. Tomorrow we will establish a schedule for food preparation..." He looks at the group, then says more loudly, "to avoid repeating this mess. And we will have a decent bedtime hour for the children," he indicates the cart, then Kobie and Viva. "For your own good boys," he nods to them. "That's probably enough for now. To your posts, humans!" He heads for the last place he saw Alouen and motions to Taran. "Come on now, Lad. No time to dawdle." He warks at Turbo, "Carrot later," and plunges into the dark.

Taran rolled his eyes and sighed, "You're including me in the children aren't you..."