NationStates Jolt Archive

Tal Khand sat in a darkened corner of 'The Weary Traveller'. He had not been back since the Vorena trouble had taken his friend and partner, Ormil Gore. The memories of that day still haunting him.

He had been on the road for months, stopping at many an inn, leaving his request. He knew there were people out there, not all savoury, who would welcome the challenge and the reward.

The door of the inn opened and in walked a young woman. She made straight for the table that Tal was sitting at. She flashed him a smile, and took a seat.

"Do you think anyone will show up?" She looked around the inn, watching the other customers.

"They'd be a fool not to." He picked up his tankard and took a swig. "There's a lot of money to be made."

Again the door burst open, to a huge roar of laughter, the entire bar fell silent as a large hunched male stepped through the door, he was in fits of laughter, though the inhabitants of the Inn could not see past him.

The large stooped man, moved to the side to allow a smaller man and woman walk into the Inn, both wearing a smile.

The smaller of the two men had short dark hair, a small beard on his chin. he wore a studded leather tunic and around his waist hung a long swork and a dagger.

The other man, was huge, possibly standing at over 7 foot. He did not appear as confidant as his smaller friends, and wore simple clothes. On his back was strapped a lerge two handed sword. to all that watched they were sure he could hold that blade in one hand.

The smallest of the three was the woman. Red hair tumbled over her shoulders and to the small of her back. her pretty face was lit up with a smile. She wor a waiste coat of leather over a silken shirt, around her waist hung a sword and in her hands she held a book which she was reading out aloud to her friends between fits of laughter.

The three moved over to the bar ordered drinks.

As the three new arrivals ordered their drinks at the bar, Tal took the opportunity to look them over. He smiled as noticed their array of weapons and the pure brute strength of the larger man.

These are just the types, I'm looking for, he thought, a smile playing on his lips.

His female companion spun on her seat to get a glimpse of the loud bunch that had entered. She raised her eyes to heaven and said a silent prayer to Kementari. Looking back at Tal, she saw the look on this face.

"You have got to be joking?" She indicated the group behind her.

Once again the door swung open to admit two men into the inn. The first man was tall, yound and slender with long silver hair. On closer inspection it was obvious he was an elf. He wore a bow and quiver slung over his back and had a moderately large sword hanging from his belt. His cloak covered the rest of him but no doubt he possessed more weapons.

His companion was a middle aged human with long goaty hanging off his chin. He was dressed in a teal robe with blue linings. The man carried a long wooden staff with a ruby wedged between three claw like arms of the staff.

The two men looked around the room, spotted an empty table and made their way to sit down.

"well listen to this entrance" the young red headed woman called.
".....It has been a long ride, I hope no one finds out about the vast amount of money i am concealing...." she read, the group then burst into laughter again.

"Thats hilarious Rhiannon" the large man barked. "he never knew that we were just around the corner." The smaller man threw some coins on the bar and ordered some more drinks, before turning around and surveying the inn.

The woman named Rhiannon flicked through the pages of the book. "Some of this stuff is disgusting, this guy is a perv." she giggles as she quietly reads a paragraph.

Jadira turned as the door opened and the two men entered. A smile came over her face, as she spun to look at Tal. "Now, they are more what we are looking for." Shooting another look at the arrivals. "Not brash, not loud."

Tal smiled. "And an Elf." He looked over to where they had sat. "They may just be ordinary travellers. They don't look like fortune hunters."

Jadira laughed. "Not everyone makes such a fuss about their talents." She cast a disapproving look at the red haired woman. "Some of us like to keep them quiet."

The smaller man looked across to the table which Tal sat at, he raised his tankard to him and then approached the table.

"Sorry sir, but i don't suppose you could help me. My friends and i are looking for someone, we were to meet here." he turned and smiled at Jadira.

Behind him the the larger male and Rhiannon where laughng over the book that they still firmly held onto. Occasionally the large man would lift the book out of the eye line of Rhiannon and she would drag the book down to her level.

The two men ordered drinks from the maid and began their scan of the room. The elf focussed his view upon the man and woman sitting at the table on the other side of the room.

"That's them over there", stated the elf.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

The elf got up and made his way towards Tal and Jadira.

"I am Daveon and my companion seated over there is Macros. We have come in response to your challenge."

Tal looked at the man who had approached. "If you tell me why you are here I may be able to help point you in the right direction." He took another sip from his tankard.

As he finished drinking he saw the Elf approach. "Greetings Daveon." He looked over at the man still seated at the table and nodded in his direction. "We are waiting for others to join us, then I will explain all."

Jadira sat quietly, her eyes darting between the man and the elf.

"Well Daveon, gives it all away. I think you were the right person to come to talk to anyway... something about a lot of money" he smiled then turned to his comrades at the bar.

"Garem, Rhiannon, put that diary away and come over here!" the red headed woman and the large man approached the table.

A slight smile played at the side of Tal's mouth. "I am the person you're looking for." He looked across at Jadira, who was scowling. "But a man cannot be to careful who he shares his business with." He gestured to the remaining chairs around the table. "Please join us."

Jadira watched the approach of the other members of the group.

The group sat down, the smaller man began to speak.

"My name is Bevan" he said "This is Garem. though he may look like a giant, i can assure you that he is not. Its just that his family are good country folk and his poor old mother over fed him as a child." Bevan chuckled to himself.

"They don't make very big chairs in this place." Garem grunted trying to pearch on a chair around the table.

"And this is Rhiannon" Bevan said "Fast of hand and fair of face" he quipped.

Rhiannon shook her head in shame "That was bad once and remains so."
Bevan turned with a smile on his face "Go on admit it, you like me describing you like that."

Tal sat in silence as the group were introduced. "It's a pleasure. I'm Tal Khand," He indicated his companion. "And that's Jadira." He smiled at her. "She refuses to tell me anything about herself, so anything you want to know, you'll have to ask her."

He run his eye over the group. "I have been many things in my time. Soldier, bounty hunter, you name it, I've probably done it." He smiled to the group. "Any of you not good at taking orders, can leave right now. I don't want trouble and I don't want arguments."

Bevan grinned his charismatic smile "We have no problem with orders, especially when there is money involved."

Garem nodded "Orders are fine with me, I was a soldier once, but they decided to let me go."

"Thats because you were taller than the rest of your unit, including your leader. How was he supposed to look important when you dwarfed him, even with all that plummage on his helmet." Beven laughed.

"There was so much red he looked ginger, just like her." he continued.

"Hey, i'm not ginger" Rhiannon interupted "I'm Strawberry Blonde."

A short Hooded figure carrying a spear and with a heavy Voreni crossbow its back, entered the tavern which went slient for a moment before it went back to normal even if the talking was more nervious. The figure went over to the bar and ordered a bottle of strong wine.

Tal laughed. "There's a lot of money invloved." He stopped suddenly as the door opened again and he watched silently as the hooded figure walked over to the bar.

Bevan looked over his shoulder at the new figure the turned back smiling. "I think he's trying to say something in that get up."

"He looks like trouble" Rhiannon quietly whispered "how long do you reckon it'll be before he starts a fight?"

Nearby someone spoke nerviously he stared. "Nobody crazy enough to mess with Serlina the Hunter. Lets just hope the Tavern will still be standing."

Serlina the hunter, nobody know where Serlina came from or really anything other than what had Serlina did. Serlina first made her appearance four years ago when she hunted down and wiped out a whole Sand Goblin tribe in the Voreni desert. After a few months silence, Serlina apeared in the news again when Serlina took to hunting down and wiping out bandits all over Daegor with extreme vengence which she had been doing ever since. Nobody knew why Serlina had shown up but several people belonging to a local bandit group started to try to get out quickly as they could. Serlina spoke. "Don't worry I am not here for you. I heard there was something offering a challange."

Tal stood up from his chair. "Then I'm the one you are looking for." He looked over at the landlord. "Drinks here!"

He looked back at Serlina. "Will you join us?"

Bevan lowered his eyes "she better not be here for us either" he whispered.

Serlina nodded and headed over to Tal, as she got closer it could be seen that nothing could be seen under the hood which allowed only a dark shadowly look of her face and gave nothing away. Reaching a chair she sat down.

Tal waited for the landlord to place the drinks on the table before he spoke.

"Thank you for coming." He looked at the people gathered around in front of him. "What I am about to tell you could make you very wealthy, but you could also be about to pay the ultimate price." He waited for a reaction.

Serlina spoke. "It doesn't matter if it makes me very wealthy, the challange would be enough and I am not one to die easly."

Tal became suddenly serious. "You would face death for the challenge alone?" He looked at the faces of the others. "Do the rest of you feel the same or is it the money that tempts you?" He laughed. "I know why I'm in this."

Garem leaned against the table, causing it to creak loudly under the strain. "I like to fight, thats why i'm here." he looked very serious.

"Don't talk utter rubbish" Rhiannon interupted "you want the money not the death part."

Serlina nodded. "Of course I would, I need a real challange. Bandits with their sorcerors and Goblins get dull after awhile."

"You brag far to much" Bevan said across the lip of his tankard.

"A good adventurer has no need to brag" Bevan made sure not to look into the shade that made up the hooded figures face, in fact he kept looking at the current party sat around the table.

Serina spoke coldly. "I do not brag."

Jadira looked at Serlina. "Facing death for the challenge is not all it's cracked up to be." She stared into the blackness of the hood. "If you are going to risk your life, at least give it purpose." She picked up a tankard from the table.

Bevan did not reply to Serina, he shuffled his chair nervously, he was well aware of her legend and didn't particularly want to become an extra notch on her kills tally.

Rhiannon pulled the diary back out of her pocket. "If this thing earns us more money than the owner of this Diary then i'm more than willing to go almost anywhere. I can't say i'll laugh in the face of death, but i'll be paid to do so."

Garem chuckled "Little one, i don't think you have your priorities in the right order."

Serlina spoke. "I have my reasons."

Daveon sat down and began to study the others seated around the table, silently examining their characters.

Macros noticed the gathering over at the table and decided to make his way over. He pulled up a seat next to Daveon without saying a word.

Tal watched as Macros joined the party, he waited for him to sit. "And what are your reasons for joining this group Daevon? Why did you two answer my call?" He sat waiting for a reply.

Daveon and Macros looked at eachother then looked at Tal . Daveon spoke first.

"This is the first time I have left my homeland of Khadrim. I answered you challenge because I want experience in the lands beyond my own."

Macros began with his reason.

"Basiclly I'm here for practice. I have spent many years studying as a mage and I would like to use my abilities in the field. Have no doubt I am profficient at my arts, I just want try some new things...."

Macros sat back in his chair awaiting the response of Tal.

Tal laughed. "I seem to have acquired a noble bunch." He looked at Jadira. "I said you worried too much."

Jadira scowled. "We shall see."

"Geez" complained Bevan "A psycho and a Mage, this is going to be a fun journey."

He turned to see Rhiannon staring over her book "What?"

"Bevan, its an Elf look" she said not even silencing her voice.

"I can see its a flipping Elf, what about it." Bevan replied.

"I've never seen an Elf before" she nervously smiled at the Elf sat at the table.

"Well now you have, get over it and get back to reading that Diary."

Daveon took notice of Rhiannon's curiosity but decided not to act on it at the moment. He turned to Tal.

"Are you expecting any more travelers?"

Macros remained seated back in his chair, not partaking in the conversations but taking in everything he saw and heard around him.

Tal looked around the table. "No, I think everyone who's coming is here." He gestured to the landlord. "I've asked for a more private place to discuss our business. So, if you'll follow me." He turned to Jadira. "You stay out here. And keep your eyes open."

Jadira smiled, not too sweetly. "Don't I always."

Tal rose from the seat and headed to a room at the back of the inn.

Daveon and Macros arose and immediately followed Tal without question. They both agreed that secrecy was important when regaurding this task.

Bevan, garem and Rhiannon followed, it was still possible to hear Rhiannon whispering to them about the elf in the party.

The room was very simply furnished with a table and a couple of benches. A fire was roaring off to one side, and a few stools were sprinkled about. There was a small, dusty window opposite the fireplace, and another door leading outside, which was bolted.

Tal sat himself on a bench and waited for the others to make themselves comfortable. As the door was closed, Tal caught a glimpse of Jadira heading out of the main door.

Once everyone had taken a seat, Tal began. "About a year ago, I was approached by an old friend, to carry out a job in Muzgash. I won't bore you with the details, but it lead to a very interesting discovery." He stopped for a minute.

"On one of the dead, was found a small golden disk, nothing special at first glance, but upon closer inspection it turn out to be part of a fabled horde supposedly lost hundreds of years ago." He looked at the people gathered in front of them. "The treasury of King Gildor of Raeven was said to be beyond belief. Following the battle of Raeven, the attackers are reputed to have taken it all, but they were killed during their return to their homeland, and the treasure was lost."

He watched everyone's reaction. "Some even believed that it didn't exist and the whole thing was just a tale. But this," he threw the coin on the table. "is the first real proof of its existance."

Daveon and Macros returned looks of indifference as they were not concerned with the gold. Then Macros spoke.

"So we're treasure hunting. There must be more to it. Otherwise you could easily have went off and found the thing for yourself. What makes this treasure hunt so special?"

"I have to agree with the Mage" Bevan said.

"I'll come with you for the Treasure, but i thought this was going to be dangerous."

"Have the days gone when wealth was all a man..." He looked at Rhiannon. "...and a woman were after." He smiled. "You're right, it's not your average treasure hunt. The story goes that Raeven was one of the oldest countries in Daegor, its history stretches back to the very beginnigs of time." He glanced at his companions. "It is said that King Gildor was the protector of a very powerful object. It was stolen with the rest of his treasure."

Garem smirked "now thats what i like to hear." he still hadn't sat down and was starting to look uncomfortable stooping so he didn't hit his head against the ceiling.

Daveon spoke up.

"So do we know where this treasure is or if there is some beast or the sort gaurding it.? And what does this object do?"

"We don't know where this treasure is," he smiled. "But I do. And that's the way it's going to stay, for the time being anyway." He turned his attention to Daveon. "What's guarding it? I've heard rumours, but nothing substantiated. I guess we'll find out if and when we get there." A bleakness touched his features. "And let's just say, we wouldn't want the wrong person to get to it before we do."

"I see. Sounds fair enough to me. You can count on my sword and bow."

Daveon sat back satisfied with Tal's answer.

Serlina's hooded cloak hid her features from veiw as was normal for her so it was impossable to tell her reaction but she spoke in her usual calm voice. "Intresting."

Tal turned to Serlina. "So, are you coming along, or doesn't it challenge you enough?" He flashed a smile in her direction.

She spoke simply. "I will come."

"Good. Then we leave in the morning." He made to get up then changed his mind. "Any other questions?"

"I don't think so" Bevan said as he looked around the room. "I think we all want to go and get some money." He gave a smile.

"I have a question" Garem interrupted. "I hope theirs going to be more suitable buildings for the tall people amongst us. Its alright for you Five footers down there, but i've been stood here with a crick in my neck for ages."

Rhiannon looked up from the Diary "Garem, the chances of entering another building is possibly quiet small. You know how these things go, we walk across the country for a while and then find a temple. Within that temple is the Gold."

"Good, temples have high ceilings don't they?" Garem tried to assure himself.

“I think your Mum should have stopped feeding you after your third growth spurt” Bevan remarked.

Daveon and Macros arose. Macros faced Tal.

"Well if that's everything then I'm going to get myself a room and food."

Daveon added.

"Likewise."

They both stared at Tal awaiting a response.

Tal laughed at Garem. "I'm afraid Rhiannon is right. You'd best make the most of this inn. It will be your last for a while."

He turned as Daveon and Macros stood, "I've made those arrangements. The food should be here shortly."

Garem forced himself in at the table, pushing Rhiannon and Bevan forcably asside.

"Great, I better get ready then." he said.

"In that case we'll hang around."

They both reclaimed their previous seats, making themselves comfortable whilst awaiting the food. Daveon began to study Serlina with a keen perception. Macros laid his staff along his knees, withdrawing the ruby from his staff and placing it within his robe.

The door opened and the landlord poked his head round. "Tal, shall I bring in the food?"

Tal nodded and the landlord backed out. Minutes later, the door reopened and two women entered carrying plates of food. Tal flashed a quick smile at the younger of the two.

As the others began eating, Tal stood. "I have a few details to check before we go." He walked towards the door. "Enjoy."

"I bet You do!" Bevan called. "I would to if i had the chance!" Garem tried to laugh, but just sprayed the half chewed chicken and bread across the table.

Daveon and Macros began eating from their plates. Macros seemed solely concerned with his food whilst Daveon turned his attention to Rhiannon paying close attention to her actions.

Rhiannon looked up from her book, her eys met with Daveon's. Quickly she ducked behind the book again and after a few short seconds started to peer over the rim of the Diary.

Realising that Daveon was still watching, she ducked behind the book again.

Garem was reaching past her for some more food. "Why have you gone red?" he asked "Food gone down the wrong way?"

Serlina had alrightly eaten before she had arrived at the Inn, she sat in the corner, calmy and studied the others from under her hood, not that they could see her face under it but she wanted to gauge their reactions.

Daveon noticed Rhiannon's reaction and decided not to cause her further discomfort. He switched his attention to Garem.

Macros spat his meat back onto his plate.

"Yuck! Undercooked."

He pulled out his ruby, fitted to his staff and pointed it towards his meal. The ruby began to glow with a dim red light which spread around his plate. After a minute of this he replaced the ruby into his robe and began to eat again. The meat as well done as possible before it became charcoal.

"That's better."

Daveon didn't even look up.

"The food isn't undercooked. Must you always spoil a good meal?"

"geez thats a neat little thing you have there" Garem said to Macros as he spotted the ruby.

"How do you get one of them. Do they cost a lot?" Garem remained leaning over the table, awaiting an answer, his mouth beaming and his eyes wide with excitement.

Macros turned towards Garem.

"Oh this? It's just my mage ruby. I use it to store some of my specific power. You see it's a big strain on the human body to contain a lot of magical energy. So I store my power in an asortment of gems. You can't really buy them.... unless you find a mage willing to sell one. You can have a look at it if you like. They're not very dangerous in the hands of anyone without mage talent or training."

Macros withdraws his ruby and passes it to Garem.

"Wow" garem gratefully takes the ruby and sits down, he rolls it around his hand.

"So What else can this do-hickey actually do?" Garem lifted it to his eye and peered into the stone.

Beside him Bevan was watching the large man gentley holding the ruby.

Tal walked through the inn and over to the stables. As he near, he saw Jadira leaning against the wall, her eyes closed as if asleep. He approached her, as he drew level she opened her eyes.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

Jadira turned and met his eyes. "Never better." She flicked her eyes in the direction of the inn. "What do you think? Can we trust them?"

Tal looked serious. "We don't have a lot of choice. We can't do it on our own, and they've proved they're not in it for the money."

Jadira scowled. "Not all of them."

"That gem is my elementalist container. Basiclly it contains the energy patterns and spells that use fire, wind, water and earth. And a few other naturally occuring things like lightning, light and shadow. I Like to categorize my gems into different branches of magic. I don't need the gems to perform these spells but they make it a lot easier, faster and less taxing on myself."

Daveon carefully watches Bevan.

Garem just sat wide eyed "I didn't understand a word of that, but it sounds good." he paused for a while.

"You're a Mage, do you want to sell it to me?" he smiled very childishly. It was obviously a poor attempt to try to get Macros to hand him the ruby.

Macros grinned.

"I don't think so. You wouldn't be able to use it unless you have some mage talent anyway."

"I just like it" Garem returned the smile.

Bevan had now spotted Daveon watching him "Can I help you? I'm afraid i won't go as red as Rhiannon, or dissapear behind a book."

"Shut up" came a weak voice from behind the diary.

Serlina simply observed quietly the others geting a feel for how they acted.

Bevan turned to face Serlina. "And what do you do apart from slaughter Goblins. What can you offer us. I'm sure non of us want a Psycho with us when we get into a bit of trouble." he sighed.

"I've met to many like you. Your kind are common in these parts, trying to find a heroic way to die, just to make you feel that you have made a difference to a past event. Well let me tell you Miss, what ever happened, happened!" Bevan lent forward.

"You couldn't change it then and you can't change it now, get over it, before it consumes you... OK!"

Serlina spoke calmly. "You done. You know nothing and shouldn't act like you do."

"No, I'm not done." Bevan took a deep breath and continued the onslaught.

"You sit here all brooding and quiet, well i don't know who you are, except you kill people. Well i don't want to be an extra number on your tally chart." bevan paused then suddenly realised he wanted to say something else.

"I'm not a kid and i know what i'm talking about and if you'd only open your eyes you'd see. Or does the shade from that hood stop you from seeing the world clearly?"

[ooc: Edited for continuation.]

Serlina spoke calmly. "Then stop acting like a child, I have my reasons for what I do and don't assume you know what they are or what modivates them. You know nothing."

Tal walked back in through the door in time to witness this exchange. He was not happy.

"Before we go any further, let me just get one thing straight." He looked at everyone present. "This journey is going to be dangerous enough without you lot causing trouble. If you can't get on, then you can get out."

Bevan glanced at Tal and then Serlina, before sitting back in his seat "No i'm fine. I'll just trust the other guys." he said keeping his eyes on the hooded figure.

Serlina spoke calmly as was usual for her. "Trouble is in the eye of the beholder, but you need not worry about any from me."

"Serlina, you just kill our kind, that s why i don't trust you" Bevan replied "Surely you can understand that."

Garem passed the ruby back to Macros. "look Bevan" he said "Let it go, sometimes its good to have a psycho on your side."

Tal looked at Serlina and Bevan. "Yes, and from where I'm standing I'm seeing one hell of a lot of trouble." He took a seat by the table and helped himself to some food.

"We're leaving at first light, tomorrow. Make sure you all get your beauty sleep." He picked up his tankard and washed down his food.

"Indeed." Selina rose to her feet and holding her spear silently walked to her room.

"Well i think its best that we all go get some sleep. It'll be the last decent night we get for ages." Bevan remarked getting up from his chair.

Garem and Rhiannon, nodded in agreement and left the room after him.

Macros retrieves his ruby and places it within his robe.

"Sleep sounds like a good idea. I'm off."

Macros got up and left the room. Daveon also arose and followed him.

Tal watched as the room emptied. He allowed himself a moment to reflect on the people that had accepted the task. He couldn't stop the concern that raced through his head. Already several of the were at each other's throats.

He slowly made his way to his bed.

The following morning, Tal came out of the inn to see Jadira checking her horse. "Don't you ever sleep?"

Jadira flashed him a smile. "You know me. I survive on the excitement alone."

Tal walked over to his own horse and started preparing for the off. They waited for the others to join them.

Rhiannon walked blurry eyed into the stable, she made a bee-line to a horse, which she patted gently when she got close to it.

"Garems not going to like this" she softly said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"He doesn't like horses. They're too small for him" she smiled at Tal.

Then began to prepare her horse.

Next in was Bevan, he was busy eating some form of sandwich, he said nothing as he saddled his steed.

Daveon and Macros made their way down to the stable. Macros seemed revived and happy to be up whilst Daveon remained indifferent. Daveon approached his horse and whispered a few elven words into it's ear. He then began to saddle up. Macros a little less efficiently also began to saddle up.

Garem strolled into the Stable "Horses!" he exclaimed, like he was expecting to find something else.

"I'm going to look daft on any of these horses.", Rhiannon giggled softly,

"What? Why are you laughing?" demanded Garem.

"I warned them you'd complain."

"Well you're alright, a pony would do you, I need a reasonable sized horse or i look like a complete idiot." Garem continued his rant.

"Well Garem, the horse is the same one you came in on, and i don't think it has grown over night." Bevan interupted.

Garem groaned, "No one dare laugh" a tone of anger in his voice.

"I promise no one will laugh" Bevan re-assured the giant.

Serlina went to the far part of the stable and came back a few minutes later riding something that came as a surpise to those who saw it, it was a Voreni Battlesteed, a horse that could have only been gotten from a Voreni noble, Voreni Battlesteeds were unusally intellegent and were bred and trained for combat, it was also known that they would only obey their masters. However it was extremly rare to see one in the hands of someone outside the Noblity of Voreni to have one. The steed was Pitch black with firely red eyes.

Garem saw the steed, "now thats a horse i could learn to like." he said.

Bevan muttered and carried on saddling his mount.

Daveon sat motionless studying Serlina's horse whilst Macros still stuggled to attach the sadle to his horse. Finally Daveon voiced his curiosity.

"How did you come buy that horse? To my knowledge it is uncommon for all but nobles of your land to have one."

Tal looked round as Serlina rode out, and was instantly aware of Bevan's reaction. He had been in groups like this before, and he knew tensions were bound to arise. But the atmosphere between Serlina and Bevan worried him.

As he turned back to his horse, he caught the look on Jadira's face. He wasn't the only one who felt uneasy. He finished checking his gear and mounted. He waited for the others to ready themselves for the off.

Garem struggled onto his horse, he was right he did look stupid on it, but if he wanted to keep up with the rest of the party, ten he had to put up with looking daft.

In almost embarassing unity Rhiannon and Bevan both swung themselves onto their horses.

"Well, whenever you are ready." Bevan said as he looked down from his mount.

Macros finally completed his task.

"There we go. It might take me a while but at least I get it done."

He jumped up onto his horse and prepared to depart. Daveon also gracefully mounted his horse and began to trot out of the stable.

Tal lead the group out of the inn's courtyard onto the dusty road. Fortunately the weather had been good in this area, so he knew the going would be good. He was riding along side Jadira, who was unusually distant.

He turned them off the main road, and onto a lightly used track that would take them into the wilds.

Daveon and Macros followed behind Tal and Jadira.

They had been on the road for an hour, the surrounding scenery had slowly changed from a flat rolling green to a uphill ride.

Tal was still riding at the head of the group, with Jadira slightly behind. He turned to her as they rode. "How far do you think we'll get before nightfall?"

Jadira looked ahead at the land before them. "At this pace, we'll make it to the edge of Greenhorn Forest, that would be a good place to stop and make camp." She looked at him. "You still want to go through there?"

Tal laughed. "It'll save us, at least, four days. But if you're afraid?"

Jadira glared at him. She didn't need to answer.

Daveon's elvish ear picked up the conversation ahead.

"Is there something we should know about this forest?"

Daveon sat motionless studying Serlina's horse whilst Macros still stuggled to attach the sadle to his horse. Finally Daveon voiced his curiosity.

"How did you come buy that horse? To my knowledge it is uncommon for all but nobles of your land to have one."

She spoke simply. "It was a gift."

Daveon's elvish ear picked up the conversation ahead.

"Is there something we should know about this forest?"

Tal sighed. He'd forgotten that they were in the company of an elf. He slowed his horse until he drew level with Daevon. He spoke loud enough for them all to hear.

"Greenhorn is a large and old forest, as you can imagine it became the home of many creatures over the years, not all of them friendly." He smiled. "Also, there is alot of swamps in there, many a traveller have entered and failed to return."

OOC:Wrong nation. :oops:

Serlina "It still much safer than the Shadowi forest in Vorena. One should just be on ones gaurd."

Tal looked at Serlina. "I have seen the Shadowi Forest, and it is truly a dangerous place." He looked at the others. "There is a simple path through Greenhorn. If we stick to it, we should, at least, miss all the swamps. I can't guarantee that we won't meet anything else." He looked at his companion, who was riding up ahead. "Jadira is going to guide us through."

Daveon didn't seem too concerned.

"I doubt anything could pose a major threat to a group like ours."

Macros wasn't worried either.

"I'm sure many of us can stop a few forest animals. I know I can."

A smile spread over Tal's face. "Then let us hope that all we meet are a few forest animals." An anxious glint touched his eyes. "I know there are some things in there that I would rather not come face to face with."

Macros still didn't seem concerned.

"There are humans that are less appealing than what you'll find in the forest."

Rhiannon spoke up she had been sitting silently on her horse for a little while, just listening. "I don't think you guys fully understand this place" she softly said.

"i've been in here and i've been in the Shadowi forest, but I'd rather be going back into the Shadowi forest than this place." she looked down at the reign of her horse.

"I only managed to get out of here alive because i learnt to run fast. there's things in there that would make your skin crawl and your blood boil. And that my friends is not an old womans tale, but a fact. Something i've seen with my own eyes."

Macros patted his staff.

"I can conjur up some things that will leave you without any skin to crawl."

Daveon spoke up.

"Stop bragging and just be on your gaurd."

"What can you conjure?" Garem asked leaning close to Macros, watching closely to see if the Mage will pull off some party trick.

As Garem asked his question to Macros, Tal turned around in interest. "Yes, show us some magic. It has been a long time since I was this close to a mage." He laughed. "A friendly one, at least."

Macros jumped at the chance to show off his power.

"Hmmm. How about this."

Macros fitted the ruby into his staff and pointed the head at the ground. The ruby began to pulse a soft red slowly growing brighter. Suddenly flames flowed out of the staff and into a ball of flame. Eventually the flow stopped and a flaming ball hovered above the ground. Within seconds it began to grow until it took the shape of a large demon looking beast. It stood 8 feet tall on two legs that sprouted out of a puddle of flame. The beast stood perfectly still burning away.

"This is a fire golem. If this doesn't scare the skin of something it will burn it off. It obeys my commands and can release waves of fire and fireballs. I can make one of these out of most elements. I better put him away before he burns down the forest."

The staff began to glow once again and the fire golem was sucked back into the ruby.

"I don't think a forest animal can threaten that."

"That's very impressive." Tal laughed. "I'll try to remember not to upset you in a hurry."

Jadira up ahead, had stopped once she realised the other were no longer following. She turned her horse, and rode back the way she came, until she was level with Tal.

He looked up at her approach. "What did you think, Jad?"

Jadira returned his look. "I think we won't get to the edge of the forest by nightfall if we keep stopping. Which means tomorrow, we could lose several hours as we try to make our way through Greenhorn in the dark."

"Well we'll just have to pick up the pace then." Bevan said.

"Come on then if its such a big deal to you" he said, wheeling his horse around and speeding it up.

"If you stop chatting we'll make the forest on time!"

Anger flashed across Jadira's face as she watched Beven ride off. She turned and looked at Tal. "I told you they'd be trouble." She said lowly. "I have a strong desire to lead him straight into a swamp."

Tal laughed. "You know Kementari does not like such behaviour."

Jadira's eyes twinked. "She's make an exception in their case." She turned her horse and rode off.

Serlina was silent, as she looked briefly at Rhiannon. The Shadowi forest was dangerious much more so than she thought, Rhiannon must not have ran into any of the more dangerious residents most likely some sort of divine being smiling down and protecting her. Serlina looked forward into the Greenhorn and followed the others into the forest.

Daveon unslung his bow and rested it across his saddle as he followed the others. Macros seemed pleased at his display of power and contently rode along.

Jadira continued to lead the group along the dusty path. She hoped that they would have little cause to stop before they made camp on the edge of the forest. Far off into the distance the tops of the trees indicated Greehorn. The path began to dip slightly, leading them into the valley.

Tal was riding alongside Macros, as he had been since his display. "So, Macros, how long have you been a practicing mage?"

"Oh..... about 70 years now. I'm one of the younger mages compared to some of the arch mages who have been practicing for over 200 years. You see once you pass a certain amount of tests and do certain tasks the option to have life prolonging spells cast on you becomes availalbe. Technically I am 87 years old."

"Seventy years? And only now you are venturing out into the world?" Tal looked puzzled. "I think I'll have to be very lucky to reach that kind of age." He laughed. "How long have you been travelling with Daevon?"

"No this isn't the first time I've been out in the world. I'll admit a lot of my time has been spent in Khadrim studying or certain quests within our borders but I have been around.

I met Daveon when I was visiting his home of Fernwood Forest. He was curious about the outisde world and I said I would accompany him outside of khadrim once I got some spare time. Two years later I returned to Fernwood to inquire wether Daveon was still interested. We have been travelling around Daegor for around 11 months."

Macros looked at Tal.

"So what's your story?"

"My apologies, I fear that I mistook what Daevon said at the inn, for you." He looked off into the distance for a moment before answering.

"What's my story?" He laughed. "As a young man I decided to do my duty. But it was too restrictive and I guess I'm not too good at taking orders." He flashed a cheeky grin. "Then I tried tracking, bounty hunting, and finally decided to try my hand at the fortune hunting. And I've found it most lucrative and it has it's excitement."

He nodded towards Jadira. "We've been travelling together for the last six months."

"I see. You must live a very exciting lifestyle. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had pursued a life as a soldier instead of a mage......"

"Sometimes, it's too exciting, and not always in a good way." His mind caught on the memory of his former travelling partner. "It does mean you get to meet some new and interesting people."

He turned towards Macros. "Soldering has it's moments, unfortunately a lot of them are bad. You'll do more good as a mage, and possibly live longer."

Garem grunted behind them. "Soldiering is a waist of time" he complained.

"They said i was too big!" he continued.

"You are too big" Rhiannon interupted, "No one builds armour in your size" she said.

"Or Horses" he quickly added, looking down at the small horse, struggling with his weight. "When can we stop, i really need a call of nature."

Tal looked across at Garem, and slowed his horse. "I guess a short break won't hurt." He shouted to Jadira up ahead, and signalled their stop. He could see her shaking her head in frustration.

Tal dismounted from his horse, pleased to be out of the saddle. "Make it quick, we can't afford to lose much time."

For a large man Garem gracefully ran across to a bunch of growing trees.

He kept looking over his shoulder at the rest of the party before deciding to walk deeper into the trees.

Garem was only gone for a short while before he returned. "Geez, i had real trouble going in there." he seemed slightly flustered.

"I could have sworn i was being watched." he said

"Why would anyone want to watch you?" Rhiannon enquired.

"To see if i'm big all over" he grinned back.

Suddenly the trees behind him burst to life as a number of Goblins sprang from the treeline hurling arrows and spears.

Daveon had his bow up immediately and let fly two arrows toward the attacking goblins whilst power surged around Macros. He blasted an invisible force toward the arrows causing them to fall to the ground.

Garem quickly whipped the two handed sword from his back bringing a cleaving blow down on an unfortunate Goblin.

Bevan drew both his sword and knife and steadied himself for the creatures attack.

A little distance from Bevan stood Rhiannon, she drew her blade and swung it at an approaching goblin, the creature squeeled as it dropped to its side. A second Goblin hurtled at Rhiannon, knocking the Red head over her sword spilled from her grasp.

Quickly the Goblin was on her, it drew back its knife.

Macros spun around as the goblin drew back it's knife. He pointed his arm toward the gobling, then flung it back in a long arcing motion. The golbin was launched off Rhiannon and landed with a bone crunching thud far off in the forest somewhere. Daveon jumped off his horse, withdrawing his sword and slashing the throat of a nearby goblin.

Rhiannon smiled at Macros, rolled over and picked up her sword, before climbing back to her feet.

Serlina quickly dismounted and begin with out making a noise to effertlessly slaughter the the goblins before her in what looked to be elegent but deadly dance of death with her spear, using her spear in a spear based Martal combat style used only in Vorena. Meanwhile any goblin going after her steed was killed by it, geting kicked, bit and stomped.

Macros deflected a few more arrows and spears whilst he looked for the remaining goblins. Daveon had switched back to his bow for lack of goblins in his immediate area.

Tal had been caught by surprise as the goblins emerged from the trees. As the first one raached him, his sword just cleared its sheath, and he swung cutting it down, before turning ready for the next.

Jadira, who was further up the road, turned suddenly at the noise of the attacked. Kicking her horse, she raced back to the others. As she neared, she threw the knife she had already pulled into her hand, and caught a goblin in the neck. As she continued to ride, around the edge of the group, she slashed her sword, sending the goblins back to their maker.

"It's time to end this."

Macros muttered a few words and cast a few sigils in the air in front of him. Within seconds he began to glow a dim light that eventually completely engulfed him. The light went out in one stunning flash to reveal a large demon covered in spines and scales. He stood to his full height and roared as loud as he could. He thought this was bound to scare off the goblins.

The roar of the demon instantly grabbed the attention of Rhiannon, Garem and Bevan. Each squealled in horror and fled from the battle.

Daveon stood next to the demon without as much as noticing it. He still scanned the area for goblins but could find none.

Bevan poked his head up from behind the rock he was hiding behind.

"Guys, there is a demon with you!" his voice quivvered.

"Stand very still.... he might not see you...."

Daveon looked at Bevan.

"You have nothing to fear. It is just Macros covered in the image of a demon."

Daveon swung the end of hiw bow through the image of the demon. Then he lowered the swing and hit something solid.

"Oww! Watch where you swing that thing." Macros cried out.

"you could have given me a heart attack!" Bevan said as he started to get up from behind the rock.

Assured that the goblins were gone Macros dispersed the disguising spell and returned to his normal appearence.

"Sorry guys. I just thought I should get rid of the goblins before anyone was hurt. Next time I'll give some warning." :oops:

"You do that!" Bevan barked. "I was busy killing goblins and then the next thing i know is that their is a huge demon stood with us." he paused for a while.

"I could really do with going to the toilet now."

Macros jumped onto his horse in embarassment and sat there quietly. Daveon counted the arrows left in his quiver and placed his bow into a holster on his saddle.

Serlina inpassively cleaned her spear on the tunic of one of the goblins piled around her and her steed then remounted. She had not shown any reaction to the appearnent demon when it had shown up out of no where. She sat on her steed and with the dead Goblins around her she seemed to be Lady death herself.

Tal laughed, and remounted his horse. "No harm done, Bevan. And it cleared the goblins." He nodded slightly in Macro's direction. "Thanks. Let's hope that some of the other things we could meet are as easily persuaded to leave."

Jadira turned to the others. "We've wasted enough time." She looked at Garem. "Be careful in future. We don't want a battle every time you get a call of nature." She rode off, taking up her lead position. Unknown to everyone, she was smiling.

Serlina waited for the others to get moving, she would take the rear as she had been doing since the trip started.

Tal let the other's ride on, until he had drawn level with Serlina. He turned his head to look at her as the rode along. "That was some impressive fighting back there."

Serlina spoke simply. "I had good teachers and I learned well."

Tal laughed. "You're not one for much talking, are you?"

Serlina replied. "Not really."

Tal nodded his head in Jadira's direction. "I thought she was hard to talk to, but you make her seem talkative." He looked back at Serlina. "Are you afraid that by talking you may seem less..." He searched for the word. "...intimidating?"

Serlina replied. "What is fear? I just don't talk much when it is not needed. I tend to make people nervious when I do anyway."

Tal smiled. "Well, I'm not easily unnerved myself. And I'm always interested in learning about the people I'm travelling with." He smiled. "Saves all the surprises later on in the journey."

Serlina spoke. "Surpises in live is what makes it intresting, one would not want live to the same day in and day out."

Tal became serious. "There are certain surprises that have occurred in my life that I wish I had received a warning about." He looked ahead at the road. "There are certain people I have had the misfortune to travel with that, if I had known about them in advance, I would not have even spoken to." He turned back to Serlina. "Let's just say, that over the years I've grown tired of surprises."

Serlina spoke. "Then that is sad because the world needs its surpises and Mysteries."

Tal smiled. "Is that why you have made yourself one?"

Serlina spoke almost teasingly which was shocking coming from her and a person of her reption and how she normally acted. "Prehaps, prehaps not. You will have to discover for your self, won't you."

"That sounds like a challenge." Tal laughed. "And I've never knowingly turned one down yet."

"Good then."

Tal went silent for a moment, thinking. "So, you were trained? In Vorena, I guess." He looked over at her. "Who by?"

Serlina spoke. "By Spear Grandmaster Terixi." Grand Master Terixi was the greatest master of the spear in Vorena where spear fighting had been taken to whole new levels not seen anywhere else in the world. But he rarely took pupils.

Tal nodded his head, impressed. "I have heard of Spear Grandmaster Terixi. You were very honoured to be taught by one such as he." He smiled at a memory. "When I was younger, I used to hope to be as good with the spear as he. Over the years, I realised it wasn't possible."

"He was a good master. I learned much from him."

Tal smiled at her. "I can tell you were a good pupil. Perhaps you could teach me a few of the easier moves during our journey. Give me back a little of my dream."

Serlina spoke. "Prehaps I can indeed."

"Then I shall look forward to our lessons, and hope that I am as good a pupil as you." He smiled. "Now, tell me about this fine creature you are riding. I have seen them before, but never in action, as today."

She patted the Steed. "This is a Voreni Battlesteed, extremely intellegent, battle trained and totally loyal to their masters."What she didn't say was that they were owned only by the Voreni Noblity. It was extremly rare to see one with someone outside the nobliity, rarer still to see one outside Vorena without a Voreni noble on it and nobody was crazy enough to steal one, because if the horse didn't kill them, the Voreni would.

Tal patted his own horse. "This a Nahar. Not of the same pedigree as your own, but equally as loyal." The images of adventures they had share. Nahar had carried him out of more than one life threatening encounter. "I have never seen a Voreni Battlesteed outside of Noble families in Vorena. You must have done someone a huge favour to be presented with one."

Serlina padded her steed. "It is rare to see a black a black battle with red eyes, they are usually shades of white or if they are black they have blue eyes. Keren is a special battlesteed."

Tal laughed. "I feel you are trying to avoid my question." He looked at her thoughtfully. "Is it modesty or mystery that holds back your answer?"

Serlina chuckled. "Prehaps both."

Tal was surprised to hear her laugh. "I guess that's another part of my challenge." He again looked ahead of him, to the road ahead. "I believe it is going to be quite a mountain to climb to discover the woman that is Serlina."

Serlina was still chuckling as she looked forward down the road.

Macros and Daveon rode quietly behind Tal and Serlina.

Finally Bevan, Garem and Rhiannon had caught up with the main party.

Bevan had seemed to get over his earlier fright but did not get to close to either Macros or Serlina. He did not invite the idea of being roasted by a mage or skewered by a spear.

Garem had manged somehow to find some food in his knapsack and had thrown all his cares away as he hungrily bit at the chicken leg in his hand.

Rhiannon was alot quieter, her normal boisterous nature seemd to have disappeared. Her head hung low and she was carefully massaging her fingers.

Daveon pulled his horse up next to Rhiannon. He quietly observed her before asking.

"Are you injured at all?"

Rhiannon looked up, her red hair tumbling around her face, a lone tear trickling down her cheek.

"I don't know" she whispered, her voice weakening.

"My fingers don't feel right."

Daveon observed Rhiannon's fingers but could see nothing wrong with them on the outside.

"Do you remember anything happening to them?"

"No" she whimpered.

"They are just tingling." the statement seemed quite absurd.

"I don't know whats wrong with them." her face was now flushed with fear.

Daveon took Rhiannon's fingers into his hand lightly feeling them. He then leaped out of his saddle and picked the leaves and stem of a nearby plant. He caught with his horse and returned to the saddle. He gave the leaves to Rhiannon.

"If they start to hurt. Crush the stem and pour the sap onto the leaves. Then wrap your hands in them. It should relieve any pain."

Rhiannon sniffed, it wasn't a particularly attractive sight, but she was past caring.

"thank you" she said holding firmly on to the leaves. "And what if they always feel like this?" she enquired.

"Then I suggest you seek the aid of Macros. He has talents that allow him to see what others can't."

Rhiannon nodded her head and then cantered her horse next to Macros'

She sat silently by the side of him, massaging the leaves into her fingers.

"Macros looked at Rhiannon. Can I be of service fair lady?"

Rhiannon softly spoke, "Macros" she fought back an emotional sigh, a track of tears still ran down her flushed cheek.

"Daveon, sent me... he said you could help."

Macros looked down at her fingers. Immediately his mage sense picked up traces of magical energy.

"You don't have any mage training do you?"

"No... why?" the tears seemed to stop. Rhianions eys seemed to calm and become more inquisitive.

Macros grinned.

"Because you certainly have the talent. It seems to be just emerging. That tingling feeling is the magical energy flowing through your fingers. There is no need to worry. If it does become uncomfortable then apply those leaves. But you are in no way harmed at all."

rhiannons face returned to life, her eyes dazzled as she beamed "magical ability... how come? How can I learn? Who can teach me? Do i have to go anywhere?" one hundred and one questions whizzed through her head, accompanied by the relief that she was not dying.

Macros laughed.

"You are naturally born with the talent it seems. My spell to toss that goblin off you must of helped awaken it. As for schooling. You can go to a school for magically talented, I'm sure there is something like that in many nations. Or you could find a mage willing to teach you as he travels. And to answer your next question. Yes I would be willing to teach you on this journey."

Rhiannon smiled. "It would be great if you could."

"No problem. For now I suggest that you rest your hands and let your body adapt to your newly emerged abilities."

Serlina spoke to Tal. "It seems you are not the only one who will be geting lessons."

Macros withdrew a dagger and whetstone. He then proceeded to sharpen the blade to a keen edge.

Rhiannon raced off on her horse, her happy go lucky character had appeared to returen. She pulled up next to Garem and sat smiling at him.

"What?" he barked. Rhiannon did not respond, just lifted her hand and extended her index figers and started to make small circles in the air.

"What are you doing?" Garem said again between bites of chicken.

"Magic" Rhiannon replied.

"What, you're not a magic user."

"I am now, ask Macros" Rhiannon grinned as she continued making the circles in the air with her fingers.

Garem looked at Macros and then back at Rhiannon "And that is what?" Garem motioned with his eyes to Rhiannons fingers.

"That my dear friend is a spell."

"On who?" Garems voice seemed a little nervous.

"On you... I'm going to give you indigestion."

"You can't do that... i'm your friend."

"Watch me!" Rhiannon interupted.

Garem quickly dropped the remains of the Chicken and made his horse gallop ahead of Rhiannon. "Leave me alone you freak, i don't want any spell cast on me!" he called out, but Rhiannon continued to follow him, waving her fingers in a mockery of spell casting.

Macros couldn't help but laugh at the havoc Rhiannon was already causing. He turned to Daveon as he muttered.

"She'll make an interesting mage"

Daveon also observed Rhiannon.

"Interesting indeed."

Rhiannon continued chasing Garem for a while before pulling her horse up. Still waving her finger in the air at the irrate Garem she noticed macros and Daveon watching.

She blushed and quickly gripped the horses reigns and turned to ride down the road, much to the relief of a very flustered Garem.

Macros and Daveon pulled their horse up next to Tal.

Daveon: "How long until we reach out destination?"

Serlina spoke to Tal. "It seems you are not the only one who will be geting lessons."

Tal smiled. "All journeys are a learning experience. I hope we all discover something new to take back with us."

He turned as Daveon and Macros pulled level with him. "Days, weeks, It's hard to say. We should make the edge of the forest shortly." He looked ahead. "You can see it from here. We go through the forest tomorrow, if all goes well, we should be back on flat land in three days."

Serlina spoke. "Yes this will be an intresting trip, more intresting I had thought."

"I see." replied Daveon.

They both dropped back a little. Macros went back to sharpening his knife whilst Daveon checked the fibre on his bow.

Tal rode on ahead, until he caught up with Jadira. She smiled as he drew level. Turning slightly in the saddle to look behind her, she shrugged. "I always thought you were a good judge of character. But I fail to see how this bunch are going to help?"

Tal laughed. "There are always hidden qualities in people, that do not always show itself until the time it is needed. If you took made an effort to get to know them, " he looked over hiis shoulder. "You'd find they were a very able group."

Jadira raised an eyebrow. "We shall see."

Bevan returned to the main party, his fear and dislike of Serlina had appeared to disappear as they neared the Forest.

He shouted over to Tal. "So how are we getting through that place then. I don't fancy being drowned in the mud or eaten by the creatures in there!"

Tal stopped his horse and turned it until he was facing the group. "There's a trail through it. If we stick to it, we should steer clear of all the swamps." He waved his arm, indicating everyone. "I'm sure there's nothing for us to worry about in there."

Jadira, hearing the conversation also slowed and turned. "Just make sure you don't go wandering off. If you leave the trail, you're on your own."

Macros looked at his horse.

"Now is not a time for you to spite me horse."

"Hey, i've been off the trail before, and i have no intention of doing it again" Bevan replied as he approached Tal and Jadira.

"You surprise me. Most people that leave the path are never seen again." She smiled. "Obviously someone was smiling down on you."

"We had to go off the path, we'd just robbed someone and he was intent on killing us. It seemed the like the best thing to do at the time...." Bevan stopped.

"And then we had a night full of running and screaming. I don't really want to do that again!"

Jadira raised an eyebrow. "You robbed someone in Greenhorn Forest?" She looked surprised. "It's strange to see people going through here. It's usually only the brave or the foolish who tempt their luck." A glint appeared in her eye. "Which one are you?"

"We didn't rob them in the forest... we ran into it to get away, which if you think about it, it was a bad idea." Bevan smiles, he obviously found his past actions amusing.

"So I guess i'm in the fool category."

"Really?" She looked at Tal in a kind of 'no surprise there' way. "Still, you were lucky to get out." She looked across at him. "Were your friends with you?"

Macros and Daveon caught up to listen in on the current discussion.

"Indeed they were," Bevan replied, "We go every where together, and together we make a ton of money." He looked around at the people around him.

"So you can understand that we weren't all that foolish, just saving a hell of alot of money from being re-distributed."

"You enjoy robbing people?" She sighed. "You make enemies for a few gold coins. My first impression of you was correct." She sensed Macros and Daveon riding close behind. "Let's hope my fears aren't."

"Not a few coins... i'm not a common thief, i prefer to say that i just distribute the wealth a little." Bevan paused.

"What fears?"

"That's not the impression you gave when you entered the inn." She ran her eyes over him distastefully. "You all looked nothing more than common thieves."

Tal looked across at her, a look in his eye that she had seen before. "Bevan, you must not take Jadira's remarks to heart. She's naturally suspicious of everyone." He threw her a smile.

"She can be suspicious all she wants, but if i wanted to steal from her, i already would have." Bevan boasted.

"You may think you are the top of the pile hen it comes to being a tournament winning sulker and kill-joy, but you know nothing about Purse cutting." Bevan smiled.

Jadira continued to look at Tal, trying to hide the anger burning in her eyes. She turned to Bevan. "You would have died trying." She kicked her horse and rode on ahead.

Tal looked at Bevan and shrugged, looking slightly bewildered.

"Is she always like this? She needs to loosen up." he stated matter of factly, no matter how Bevan's thoughts worked, he could not find a reason why he was to blame for her outburst.

"Seems like we're missing the party. What's going on?" asked Macros.

Bevan looked at Macros, "Stupid wench can't see that others live their lives differently to hers. And she also has "fears" about me, thats all we need. Soon she'll be complaining about all of us and saying we are not worthy to ride with her." Bevan fumed.

Serlina spoke. "Temper, temper you do not want to attract from the forest anything do you? Theres some nasty creatures that could be attracted if you keep up that display."

"hey, i'm just saying, i'm not mister Bad guy. I'm a good guy, i don't hurt people...well many people. And i help the poor." Bevan drew breath,

"That is what i call good."

"I see. How about you just keep away from the 'wench' then." Macros grinned.

Bevan returns the smile, his mood changing "You know, i never thought of that, why would i care what she thinks."

He quickly changed conversation "So now Rhiannon is a witch" he began "What are you going to be teaching her Macros?"

Serlina stared into the darkness of the forest. "We would do well not to lose the one leading us though the forest. Something is watching us."

"I'll start with the basics. Nothing that will cause you too much trouble. And we'll work our way up depending in how she progresses. It can still take a lot of discipline to master some of the techniques."

"Oh no need to worry about her, she's disciplined" Bevan said as he waved his arm in Rhiannons direction. Little did he know that she had taken up chasing Garem around the party again, waiving her fingers and pulling faces in a mockery of the magical arts.

"Maybe someone should tell Garem that she can't actually do any magic yet." laughed Macros.

"No, i think its best that he doesn't know" Bevan laughed.

Serlina spoke. "We better catch up with Jadira. It would not wise to linger here to long. We are being watched."

"by what? we haven't reached the forest yet, surely there can't be things waiting for us already." Bevan asked his voice quietened to a whisper.

Serlina spoke. "I do not know who or what is watching, but we are being watched."

"That doesn't sound good" Bevan replied gripping the hilt of his sword tightly and looking around for some sign of the being that was watching.

Tal looked around at Serlina's warning. He turned to the others of the group. "Perhaps we should keep together."

Serlina "Yes we should and we should be on our guard. What is watching will likely make its move if we become seperated or are off our guard."

Rhiannon and Garem closed in nearer to the group, both looking around them, making sure that nothing could sneak up on them.

Daveon kept one hand on hiw bow whilst Macros hightened his senses, alert for anything.

Jadira continued to lead them along the road, until the entrance to the forest was in front of them. She dismounted from her horse and waited for the other to catch up. She took hold of its reins, tied it to a low hanging branch and began to remove the saddle.

Once he caught up, Tal got off his horse and looked at Jadira. He decided it was best to leave her alone for a while. He turned as the others began to dismount. "Make yourself comfortable, we're here until morning."

Garem undid his saddle bags and pulled out a bed role. He lay it on the floor and sat down on it.

"Is some one keeping an eye out tonight then?" he asked.

Rhiannon and Bevan unsaddled their horses and placed the saddle onto the ground so it could act like a pillow.

Tal looked at Garem, and then allowed his eyes to wander around his surroundings. "I'll take first watch."

"Good" replied Garem as he rolled over. He fidgetted once or twice as he tried to find some comfort lying on the hard ground and then drifted off to sleep.

Tal walked over to a spot that gave him the best view of the area, slightly raised allowing him to look down into the make shift camp. He sat himself on a rock, and watched as the others began to settle themselves in.

Jadira walked up to him and sat beside him. She smiled, then sighed. "I'm sorry, Tal. I over reacted."

Tal looked at her. "It's not me that you should be apologising to." He nodded his head in Bevan's direction. "It's him."

Jadira followed his gaze to the camp, and nodded sadly. "Perhaps in the morning."

Tal laughed softly, before turning serious. "They are a good, strong and, I believe, trustworthy bunch."

"I hope so, Tal." She turned her face to his. "They need to be."

Macros unpacked his gear and went to sleep immediately, whilst Daveon rested with his bow in hand.

Serlina spoke to Tal. "Be careful." She then went over to a tree whispered a few words under her breath and went to sleep with her hands resting on her spear and her hood still over her head.

Daveon arose and walked towards Tal.

"I can hear something out there."

Jadira walked away and Tal turned as Serlina approached. "I will." He smiled as he watched her walk away and settle down under a tree.

As Daveon arrived, Tal should tell that he was troubled. "There is always something out there." He replied. "But not everything that walks in the night is dangerous." He indicated where Macros was lying. "I don't think the Goblins will be back, for a while at least. Your friend's little surprise will have assured that."

"I don't like the feeling of this place. This forest has an aura of malice. And if what I've heard about this forest is true, goblins are of little concern to us."