The journey must go on, and the wagons and walkers trudge on. The morning's stretch of road is the easiest between here and Fort Lizard, and you made good time. As the day draws on, the way becomes more difficult. Eventually, the jungle canopy closes in so heavily that it might as well be night. The forest is dark and thick, filled with vernal pools and numerous rivulets. Often people start or jump as something plops or slithers into the ever-present waters. Jungle insects (not the biting flies that you know will come as you approach the Fort), raise their voices in a cacophony making whispered conversation difficult. There have apparently been enough rains to soak the lands that had been high and dry on your way in, so landmarks are difficult to distinguish. Only the fact that the road still exists assures you that you are going in the right direction.

There are some specific incidents along the way. Most of them are directed at particular characters, but anyone who figures they might be nearby or just find the scene interesting should feel free to include themselves.

The parties pack up and prepare to begin the second half of the day's trek. Merchant Bergen approaches the Beka and says, "Look, it's going to be a long haul back to Tallon, and I don't want an 'us and them' attitude here. What say we inventory our provisions and take turns treating each other. As an icebreaker, (funny word that), I hope you'll all let us treat you to dinner tonight. Umbra is a damn fine cook and makes great trail stew that pleases the palette without too overpowering an aroma. It won?t draw the creatures in like arena audiences to chestnuts."

"Sharing sounds like a good idea. but I'd like to do my own cooking. Maybe the two of us cna work along sidde each other?"

Bergen laughs. "I don't see any problem with that. As long as you let us supply the victuals. You can treat us to your specialty tomorrow night. Umbra works well with others, but I hope you don't mind not being chief cook and bottlewasher tonight."

At a moment alone with Handle, Nuyok will quietly say "I presume you will carefully observe their cooking techniques for anything out of the ordinary?"

[EDITED on Fri January 9, 2004 @12:38 PM (EST)]

answering Nuyok in similar low tones,

"That's thae plan, I just don't trust anyone making my food for me, I know too many simple things you can drop into it without being noticed in the meal later that can make it easy to slit a throat."

"And I'll be keeeping my own 'eye' out..."

During the meal preparation and again prior to eating, Nuyok will detect poison on the food, and do so throughout the journey with this new group.

Faliol and Dashel have taken turns as lead scout. The porcupine appears to be quite competent. He is very cautious and frequently calls for stops while he investigates some noise or other. To Faliol he says, "Oi'm finkin' that every now an 'en, one of us should double-back-like. It helps to have eyes pointin' in bofe directions now, dunnit? You folk got more'n one scout?"*

---

OOC: *For those of you aware of the show and character, I am basing his speech patterns on the Will Scarlett character from the Robin Hood series that was re-broadcast on Showtime in the 80's

Nodding to Dashel after wiping the sweat from his forehead, Faliol states, "Good idea. (pointing at Ricco) He helped me guide all the way down here. He is a merchant by trade, but shows some talent in scouting. He would be a good person to trail behind to make sure we aren't overtaken by something nasty."

"Oi'll trust your judgment on 'at 'en. He OK by himself, or does he need a buddy-like? Also, you got a noisemaker? I use this." He pruduces from his equipment a small curved horn. "We use it for signals.
"One blow means danger, come help.
"Two blows means wait.
"Three means run away.
"Is 'at alright wif you, 'en?"

.oO(That horn shames my little kiddie noisemaker!)

Accepting the horn (temporarily) from Dashel, Faliol whistles before replying, "Nice horn! I got this dinky kid's noisemaker to perform the same task. Before I forget, Ricco is good on his own. He is brave enough to fight when needed and smart enough to know when scooting is the only real option. How about the person on point holds your horn, using your system and the person trailing uses my noisemaker with the same system? Two different sounds will let the caravan know which direction the danger approaches..."

" 'at's good finkin' 'at is. Awright 'en. Point takes the horn; tail takes the noisemaker. Same signals?"
He very carefully scratches his neck. "Jus' be sure 'oever's got lead don' get hisself killed an' lose my horn. 'At's a birfday present, 'at is."

Faliol smiles, "I will take good care of it, Dashel."

Will Wickersticks seems to have little difficulty in the jungle. In fact, he inadvertently startles the bejeebers out of some party members. It seems that when he is not moving, he blends in with the scenery almost as if he were invisible. When he makes someone jump, he apologizes politely. Unfortunately, he seems to have this effect on Leckchock, even when he does not surprise. Eventually, he manages to corner the forest man (or at least get within comfortable speaking range). "Pardon me. I realize my appearance may be startling to one unused to the ways of the City Folk. I assure you, I am no thing of evil will." His voice is calming and gentle.

Nuyok will nonchalantly engage in conversation with Will at some point, "So, how is it that you are a part of this merry band?"

Will turns his inscrutible face towards you. His voice is level and gentle as always.
"That's something I'd rpefer to go into little detail with at this moment. Let's just say my Grandmaster is long deceased. I have lived a very long time and have learned that it is far easier to move on every now and then rather than watch those around me... well, you know."

"Ah, I very much understand."

"I doubt you can, really," he replies, "but the sentiment is appreciated."

Riccoco, Angilak approaches you and asks, "I know he has been our eyes and ears, but I have seen neither whisker nor tail of Faliol since our pleasant noon repast. He is not so literal minded as to think I would act as the base beasts of the Wilds and devour that which the Prometheans have blessed with apprehension and higher awareness?"

Riccoco looks up from his private thoughts as Angilak's shadow and deep voice flow over him. His eyes are wide, though they lessen to reasonable size when the 'coon recognizes his new business mate.

He takes a quick breath and offers the Ursine a knowing grin, "O Red be a young Fox Kit, Angilak... he be good enough as a scout or in a fight. There be times though.. when the fellow don' be havin' a lick o' the sense. He musta misheard ya, then." Ricco winks. "Know what Ol' Riccoco be goin' on abou'?"

"I think I follow the drift of your discourse, O masked merchant, but I have found that so many of the unpleasantries of life can be avoided and blood be preserved were the Anglish language to be used as the precision tool it is so properly resembles." He sighs a deep heavy sigh. "I suppose I shall have to find the fox and convince him that I am not a sentivore. The last time a misunderstanding such as this happened I was forced into a fight not of my choosing. It is one of the reasons (one of several actually) I have cultivated a diction and erudition unmatched among my ursine peers."
He gazes about for signs of the red-tailed scout. "If you see him about, tell him I seek him, would you?"

Ricco nods, squinting up at Angilak. "O' Riccoco will be takin' care o' it. Don' be havin' a bit or worry."

.oO(Best talkin' bear, eh? Be bein' a long list o' those...)

Nuyok and Handle, you hear an exclamation of dismay and distress from Brother Cadbury. He appears to have been speaking with Jareek. He approaches you with an anguished face. "Is it true?" he asks plaintively.

I noticeably jump.

"Huh? Wernt me.!"

Nuyok glances at Handle, and responds "Well...that depends...," trailing off.

"Depends? Depends on what! Either they are slain or not! Tell me, I implore!" He is clearly anguished.

"Do you mean the sanctuary occupants? What do you know of them, friends? ....we found a male and female at the jungle-side sanctuary, who appeared to be the occupants, and they were slain by unknown assailants...though the female passed only when we arrived, saying one last word, something like "yaraza"...," Nuyok finishes quietly.

He sits down heavily upon a fallen log.
"That was Abbot Derano and Sister Berta. I... knew them, had met them on several occasions. They would never do anything to warrant being murdered. Derano wouldn't even refuse aid to a gator. I knoew nothing of the attack until Jareek mentioned it. Was it brigands?"

"It is not clear who the attackers were, there was no rhyme or reason to the method of searching, some things were searched while others were not. Your loss is terrible, but we have not even an explanation for you now. Did you visit them recently?"

"I frequently carried messages for the Abbot from the Bishop. Sister Berta always insisted I eat something while I was there. She was called "Sister" Berta, though she wasn't really ordained. She was his wife. Oh Lawgiver, who could have done such a thing? They had nothing, save the symbol of the faith upon the wall. It was made of silver, was that what they wanted?"
He glances back down the trail.
"It's too late to go back now. Doubtless they have been found and reported. Were there no clues to go by? Surely no Adalan could do such a thing. No one with a heart."

Nuyok gestures for Vagrant, and asks "Is there any other information about the attack we could convey to Cadbury that might help solve it?"

"I think we just have to concentrate on Berta's last word. We figure out what that means and we have a lead. One question thought. These brigands. Are they known to kill in a specific way?"

I realized that although several people examined the wounds, I did not describe them in anything other than the most perfunctory manner. Here is more detail.

By comparing notes, you agree that they were killed by bladed weapons. The priest by some sort of slash, the wife by some sort of multiple piercing attack. Both likely died from loss of blood, as the wounds themselves were not specifically mortal.
The priest had a slash across his torso, and one across the neck/shoulder cradle. He likely died fairly quickly. The wife had deep but narrow wounds. Two on the abdomen/back, and one in the forearm. The weapon was wide and not long. Possibly a small axe. She, of course, lingered.

Of the nature of the brigands themselves, at this point it is all conjecture.

OOC: Is anyone going to put Brother Cadbury's mind at ease?

Celeste, there is something odd about the one who calls himself Arkis. He has already said he comes from the Shattered Isles, but several turns of phrase have made you curious. In particular, when a large snake dropped out of a tree in front of him, he whipped out a sword (very very quickly) and slew it before it hit the ground. Just before it all happened, he suddenly looked up and said "Gods of the Deep!"

Nuyok, this clinched it. You were suspicous before. Now you are positive that Arkis is an adept. To what degree, nor why he does not proclaim it openly, you cannot tell.

I have posted this privately, so that the others will not be certain unless you mention it.

OOC: I knew there was something funny about that guy.

Nuyok will observe how Arkis interacts with the rest of the other group, but not particularly engage him in conversation (though won't particularly avoid him either).

Presumably there is no evident lumina?

From the way he interacts with the others, he seems to be a recent addition to the group. This is also true of Brother Cadbury and the porcupine*. The others make little quips from time to time, but Neither of them is ever included.
And yes, he bears no obvious lumina. He does have a spirit cloak, with which he could easily conceal such a possession, though.

OOC: Brother Cadbury and the Porcupines would make a great rock band name...

How common is Stone Worship compared to Gods Worship in the Shattered Isles? Is 'Gods of the Deep' unique to Red Tide? I figured that phrase has to be used by more than just Red Tide, so my question is : does this peg him strictly as a Raider of Red Tide (and I didn't recognize him? Impossible!!) or is it possible he is from another part of the Shattered Isles?

The mythology of the Stone folk is at least marginally acknowledged by barbarian tribes. They just make little use of it, since it provides them with no tangible benefits and does not support their way of life. "Gods of the Deep" is a phrase used by at least the Red Tide and Kislan*. Arkis does not bear facial markings, and he is older than you.

*Kamlak does not use the phrase, though.

Who's Kamlak? Never heard of him.

The footnote was intended to be OOC.

OOC: Yes, I know, but I couldn't resist....

Upon hearing that phrase shouted, Celeste whips around in surprise to see where it came from, her hand moving quickly to the hilt of the falchion. She stops just before she draws the great weapon, suddenly suspicious. She watches with narrowed eyes as Arkis deftly slices the snake in two. .oO('Seeking your way in this world' are you Then again, maybe you already know your way. The Gods of the Deep won't help you in this land, my 'friend.') Looking at the now still carcass of the snake, Celeste turns to Handle, "That's quite a large amount of fresh meat, is it edible?"

Sliding up next to Celeste at some point, Nuyok will ask "Anything I should know about Arkis?"

Turning to face Nuyok, Celeste replies , "He's very good with a sword."

"You are pretty cagey for a barbarian pirate," Nuyok smirks. "Care to elaborate?"

OOC: See above elaboration.oO(This mind wizard always looks like that cat that ate the cheese.....)


[EDITED on Mon January 12, 2004 @8:19 AM (PST)]

OOC: My 'elaboration' disappeared!

Celeste looks at the smirking Adept, "Shattered Isles folk don't often leave the Isles and when they do, it is usually because they have become outcast." She pauses before continuing, "It has happened before. I do not know this man. He does not bear the ritual scars Red Tide, but that means nothing. It could be he simply was deemed unworthy to crew a Red Tide ship, or was banished from the islands for some reason or another. He could belong to another tribe, this I have no way of knowing. His invocation of the 'Gods' is not unique in that many sea tribes use it. Why he is here and just happens to join up with a group that also has a sea tribe member, I think, is more than co-incidence. As I said, we don't often leave the Isles."

"He is very good with a sword, and for that he bears watching. I choose to keep my distance until I know more about him and whether or not he is truthful in what he says. You should keep an eye on him as well."

"I am already keeping an eye on him, he is an adept," Nuyok says simply.

Celestes eyes narrow as she searches Nuyoks face for a smirk or any sign that may indicate he is teasing. Seeing none, she realizes that he is serious, "...is he...like you? Or does he have 'other'...talents.".oO(The Gods of the Deep have truly cursed me.)

"I am not sure of the extent of his abilities, but plan to continue to observe him to find out. He is clearly personally enhanced, similar to myself, given the speed at which he slew the snake. He may have other things of interest to him as well, within his spirit cloak."

"Spirit cloak? Like Rath had?" Celeste looks at Nuyok, "Is there anything else about this man that I should know?"

Nuyok just shakes his head negatively.

"All right, I just don't want any surprises where that one is concerned. You will tell me if you learn anything else, won't you?"

"Certainly."

"My thanks. Now I shall be about guarding until such time as I am relieved for dinner." With that, Celeste moves over to stand near the wagons and observe the camp and the waters surface.

Cas, while driving the oxen and babbling on about current inanities, one of the two brothers, Konnur or Drummel turns to you and says, "You talk crazy, vixen. And you never stop. Do you like attracting enemies or are you riven in the head?" He touches his helmet. "Yeah, riven in the head?" echoes Drummel or Konnur.

Note: "Riven in the head" is just a way of saying crazy or nuts. It doesn't necessarily mean literally riven.

Cas looks taken back by Konnur or Drummel's comment, "To be honest," Cas says hesitantly, "I am, as you say, Riven in the Head. I do not know why, but I forget things quickly. I am also a storyteller and you must understand how difficult it is to be a storyteller when you forget things. So, as you put it, my babbling is a matter of keeping my friends that I have lost and the stories that I tell, in my mind."

Cas frowns showing some of the hurt visually on her facial expression, "And even then, it is not enough."

The brothers look at each other and then glance around at your companions for confirmation. Jareek gives a slow, sad nod of his head. Seeing no objectionable looks from the caravan (yours), the elder brother Konnur signals for a halt.
"I mean no disrespect to you all," he begins, "But is this wise? I once travelled with man who ran a travelling show. It was a sideshow of riven. He claimed they were no danger, and they seemed tame enough. He claimed it was the only way they could make a living. But one tried to ravish a girl and the country folk were forced to take... action. You may think she is no danger, but reavings are sneaky things. She may get it into her head to cut your throats one morning, or she may go ranting about and bring a chimera down upon us. How can you trust that she won't?"
"Yes, how?" echoes Drummel. They do not look hostile, but show stolid concern.

Cas quickly shows that while she may be forgetful and talkative but she is hardly slow, "Well if trust is an issue I advise you take turns sleeping and watch each others back. I have travelled with more and less then you see here and I have yet to go crazed and kill people from voices. There are 8 others here who can attest to how trust worthy I am. Some of them might even tell you about how far I went out of my way to save them."

Cas pulls up her shirt and shows the scar on her chest. "This wound here nearly killed me when I tried to rescue Master Nuyok. I took no wounds when I risked my life trying to save my friend over there," Cas motions to Vagrant "when I watched Sister Celeste and Lekchock fall. I was not able to save Rath because I did not know he was in danger until he was already gone."

Cas stops shaking and gets sly, "I seek the services of a Master when we reach Tallon to fix my problem. I expect this will not be cheap. So if you truly wish me to stop the ramblings of a 'Riven-in-the-Head' I will be willing to wager for 5 Eagles that I can keep the 'ramblings' to a halt until we reach Tallon. I wish to note that ramblings shall not include Camp fire stories at night or conversations with a friendly individual while I drive."

Cas, now quite proud of herself desides to end it with a final blow, "I would rather get this resolved though because I trust those we travel with but it is quite clear you don't trust me."

.oO( Shows how much he knows about riven. )

"Trust you? I don't even know you, you crazy fox." Nevertheless, he seems impressed by the scar that that Ash made. "I just want to make sure you don't pull down something on us by prattling on about nothing. If the rest of your party feels you won't go berserk and do something dangerous, that's their risk. I'm going to keep an eye on you. And as for your "wager", it sounds more like extortion to me. Just keep down the noise unless you have something to say. If you have to repeat your life's story, whisper it for the Lawgiver's sake."
"Yeah, whisper it," repeats his brother.

OOC: My character doesn't hear this conversation or he would respond with, "You aren't a chicken, you got nothing to worry about...and when they kept on pushing, he would push back with something less than diplomatic. Come on you Hamilton Caravaners! Take up for Cas! She may be a little odd, but she is one of us!

Nuyok approaches the scene after the signal to halt. "Is there a problem here? Cas has been no danger to anyone but our enemies. Keep an eye on whoever you would like. I will do the same."

"You do not have to travel with us! Cas is the best driver I've ever had! She knows her way around animals, the cart and is better in a fight than most guards I've had in the past. Our caravan mad it through things that would curl your robes on the way here and I won't let you go around spreading rumors about us! If you don't want to travel near her DON'T! I plan on sticking close because that's one of the safest places there is in the wilds!"

OOC: Sorry that came so late, sickness, HC issues, and RL invaded my consciousness...

Cas smiles and feels very warm at the response from Beka.

The big guard actually looks a little taken aback by the savage support. "No need to get all bunchy about it. It was a friendly warning, that's all."
"Yeah, just a warning," says You-Know-Who.
"Splitting up now would be bad for all. I been travelling this road for five years, and I seen plenty of my share. Just looking out for the group." He avoids looking Cas in the eye.

Vagrant, though your new spirit cloak is patched (It was damaged in the fight at Thorne's), it retains its enhancement and affords protection far more comfortable than your layers of leather. (it is my assumption that you have replaced one for the other, if this is not so, let me know)

You notice the occasional odd look from the new folk. They are quite obviously curious as to why someone would cover themselves so thoroughly in this climate, but they seem reluctant to ask. Finally, the chromatic woman approaches you. In a silky voice that somehow cuts though the continual buzz with a melodic effortlessness, she says, "Vagrant. Your secrets are yours to keep. Patha and Chthon know there are enough of those in our party alone. But you are a distraction. And those can be fatal. Why do you cover yourself so? If you wish to keep it hidden, at least tell a convincing lie, so that this whispering can end. " Though she does not smile, her voice sounds kind.

Nuyok stands nearby with his arms crossed, a smirk on his face, and awaiting Vagrant's response.

Vagrant appears stunned by the bluntness of the question. Out of the corner of his eye he sees Nuyok's smirk and he turns his head in such a way that if you could see his eyes under the cloak he likely just rolled his eyes at the adept. He stares at the lady for just a few seconds and says, "I am very very ugly."

Umbra stares frankly yet not unkindly at Vagrant. Her face is difficult to read, since it seems to swallow what little light gets to the forest floor. Nevertheless, her teeth show when she gives a small warm smile. "Ugliness, like beauty, is in the psyche, not the morphia. I accept your answer as given. But know that you may reveal your face to me when you are ready." Her hand lightly reaches out and runs down the side of Vagrant's hood. "No judgements."
Then she turns and walks slowly away, leaving the hooded man to ponder her meaning.

.oO( Well looks like Vagrant has got himself a girlfriend. )

Vagrant's head snaps over at Nuyok to see if he was still paying attention. Regardless he then looks back at the girl and watches her leave.

From behind, she has an attractive silhouette.
She resumes her post, which seems to consist of slowly making her way up one side of the caravan and back down the other. She does not broach the subject again.

Nuyok's smirk turned to a leer, then he heads away.

OOC: I don't recall it being 'high and dry' on the way in...I recall it being 'wet and wetter' slogging through mud and slop with squeeters the size of hamsters! More Rain....this is some nasty forshadowing folks

From Fort Lizard:
Day One: Biting Flies, regular jungle

Day Two: Middle of day was baked mud flats with a distant view of Black Lack. By evening it was boggy.

That Night: Possums got beached (The water was low due to lack of rain) This is why it looks different now. The water level is back up to 'normal)

Day Three: Progressivley less boggy as you ascended a broad rise. Flies diminish. Last half of the day was a gentle downward grade to the city.

Faliol, as evening approaches, you are on tail duty. You have been trailing behind the party by a couple of hundred yards and keeping an eye out for anything that might be following and looking for a snack. This is mostly done off-trail so that you remain unseen. So far, it has been blessedly quiet. The greatest difficulty is keeping your tail out of the many mud pits and quagmires in the area.
Eventually, you judge it time to rejoin the party. They will need to make camp soon and it might be good to cach up before they actually stop. Dashell may have found a campsite off-trail and then you would have to track them down. As you leave the cover of a great fallen log, something catches your sharp eye. There at the base of the fallen tree, in the mud, is a clear fresh footprint. Anything older than a few hours to a day would have filled with water by now. There are no other prints around it and it does not match a beast print. It is a moccasined human footprint. It could belong to one of the caravan party, but it seems unlikely they would have been this far off the road. Also, try as you might, you cannot find another print anywhere around. As far as you know, only Leckchock could move with as little disturbance, and this is definitely not his print.

Ask any questions in this sub-thread, but if you report your findings to the others, be sure to indicate in your post that you have returned slightly before sundown.

Faliol studies the print extremely carefully, looking for distinquishing marks. He takes out two pieces of string and cuts one the exact length and one the exact width before replacing them in his pocket.

Then he whirls the noisemaker twice - signalling a halt and hopefully alerting everyone that something is amiss.

OOC: I will post the sound to the party at large and include you on the visibility. Come in as you feel appropriate. I'm not moving it to a new thread yet, since I don't want to break up the rhythm that has been established.

You're doing fine!

A little before sundown, Faliol's noisemaker can be heard from the trailing position behind the caravan. It makes two distinct noises - the signal to wait.

He spends extra time looking for more prints, hoping to find something to help solve the mystery. Slowly, he makes his way to the caravan and reports to Beka.

Quietly, so only people nearby can hear "At the base of a fallen tree, pretty far off the road, I found ONE fresh moccasined human footprint. I think it is new, since anything older than a few hours would likely have filled with water. Only person in our caravan that moves that good is Lekchock - and it is NOT his footprint. I suggest everyone stay very alert..." Faliol looks at Nuyok, with a question in his eyes...

Though Faliol is successfully discreet, there is natural curiosity at the delay, and those not in earshot are looking expectantly for an explanation.

Starting at the right rear, he moves clockwise, whispering essentially the same message as before. Then he comes up to Angilak - and freezes.

.oO(How does one whisper to a giant predator when one doesn't want to get within arms' reach of said giant predator? Relax, he can't gobble you here! Not with so many eyes!)

He only hesitates for a second, then approaches Angilak, "I think we got visitors, Angilak. Be on your guard for a signal from Nuyok or whoever that other caravan master put in charge of their guards."

A low rumble issues from the depths of the great bear. "Understood. When this is over though, you and I must have an understanding..."
He hefts his axe.

.oO(I don't like threats, especially badly disguised ones...)

Faliol pulls his sword and lays his ears back, "What is to understand? You told me you eat anything but gator. You told me that fox tastes too tough, meaning you have eaten it in the past. You showed me your teeth. Beast as big as you, as high up on the food chain, ought to expect a reaction from baring your teeth to another beast. These humans aren't wired like we are, they have different things that set them off. Different body language. I get mixed up when talking to them. But I understand YOU perfectly well. Now you state we need to have an 'understanding' while you wave that axe? Tell me, is my posture combined with my drawing this sword telling our great ursine communicator what I am thinking?"

.oO(Pity. I liked him.)

A diminutive trident flies in and lodges in a patch of solid ground between the two Beasts. A yell is heard, "You be holdin', now!" Ricco comes trundling up, paunchy legs pumping and fetid water sprays off of his fur as he runs.

Assuming the two hold, the plucky 'coon points one clawed finger at each of them in turn. "Ol Riccoco don' be knowin' the problem, 'xactly, but it don' be needin' the two o' you goin' at it in the middle o' the Jungle!"

"By the Toad's Hairy Goat, Faliol!" Ricco exclaims turning his back on Angilak for the moment, "What you be doin'? Drawin' stell on my driver? This don' be seemin' like no experienced scout to this 'Coon!"

Spinning about quickly enough to swish a dripping wet tail in the Fox-kit's face, Riccoco turns to Angilak. "You!" He shouts. "You be a driver an' guard 'ere. Nothin' more. For one o' those intellectuals you should be knowin' not to be pushin' other folks o' the caravan! Take yer wood-chopper there an' be headin' back to the cart! We'll be finishin' this out when we be gettin' ta camp."

He glares at both Beasts, waiting for them to move on their respective ways. He shakes his head and takes a deep breath. As he exhales, he mutters, "Damnable Beast folks. They be actin' like Savages! Not a bit o' the social-like skills between the two o' 'em."

Faliol's eyes track the little trident for only a moment, his true object of study being the giant annoying bear...

So intent is his stare down with Angilak that the wet 'coon tail stings him on the muzzle. He blinks a few times before grabbing his face, "Oww!"

He listens to Ricco, ashamed that this got so far out of hand.

Then with head hung low he resumes his clockwise warning, a little more subdued...

Angilak makes no movement for a short time. He stands as still as a statue, unknown thoughts travelling through his head. Finally he bows his head slightly to Faliol.
"Please accept my apologies. If you make allowances for differences in body language from beast to human, allow that they might differ between the vulpine and the ursine. Also, there is a misapprehension due to wordplay. "Tough" has two meanings. The first, under which you were laboring needlessly, refers to the quality of meat. The second, a tenacity of character. I was attempting to use one to mean the other, so to speak. Irony. I had assumed a fox could detect the subtlety, being as incisive as they are rumored to be. I shall endeavour to be more literal in my communications in future time."
He turns his head to Ricco. "Now for you. Is this how you interpreted your agreement with Sangiyok? Interesting. Now let me give you my own interpretation, and I shall do this in blunt language so there is no mistaking my meaning." His eyes take on a serious and somehow less-civilized look.
"I'm here as an agent of Sangiyok, mate. My loyalty is to him. My duty to this cargo. You call the shots, but if it comes to choosing, that wagon is worth more than your life. Your bargain, freely entered."
With that he shoulders his axe and if not interrupted, will resume leading the cart.

As Angilak explains the misunderstandings, Faliol listens carefully.

"Very well. I see that I misunderstood and that ursine body language is different from vulpine body language. I apologize for over-reacting."

When Angilak tells Ricco that his life is worth less than the cart, the fox kit's eyes narrow. Faliol looks as if he is going to say something nasty...

.oO(Keep your jaws shut, kit. Your temper has made enough problems for one lifetime...)

...and keeps quiet. He walks over to the little trident, pulls it out of the mud and hands it to Riccoco.

Ricco accepts his trident from Faliol, his eyes and focus on Angilak's retreating back. "Ol' Riccoco would be havin' a palaver at tonights camp. This be needin' some sortin' through, Faliol." He turns, giving the Fox-kit a quizzical look.

Faliol pats his buddy on the shoulder and disappears with a "I have been absent from my duties too long..."

Nuyok will take a slow tour around the caravan, looking outward with spirit sight for anything unusual.

PER, 13-
3d6: 4, 4, 5 (STUN: 13, BODY: 3) Mon January 12, 2004 @11:46 AM (EST)

The jungle is thick here, with many different texures and substances. You detect nothing unusual or particularly dangerous.

Nuyok will let Faliol know that he sees nothing, but the jungle is thick, so keep alert.

Faliol nods his understanding and resumes his duties