---

---

Perking a brow at the words Kyra had to wonder if this person was on the up and up and everything was calm or if they were just a distraction for something else. Ash seemed rather calm, so that put Kyra's nerves a little bit at ease but one never knew, especially in such a territory. People could be trained to keep their scents covered and make everything appear to be as calm as a cool breeze. She was one of them and she had known others that were far better at it than she was.

As Lob dropped down she had to chuckle to herself. Oh well, if all hell hadn't broken loose from the half-orc just saying hi it should be okay. Lowering her bow she stepped forward so that she could be easily seen and gave a bit of a nod towards the new comer.

"Yes, that's Lob, I'm Kyra and this is Ash," Kyra said in an even tone as Ash came padding up beside her. Though her bow was lowered, she kept the arrow knocked into place. She would give the benefit of the doubt but she wasn't about to just drop her guard completely. Granted, even when at home she never did. That was when things tended to take a turn for the worse.

"And your name would be? Or better yet, what brings you to this hostile territory?" the Ranger asked point blank, she wasn't exactly one known for beating around the bush when it came to these matters. Even though she was being rather frank with her questions, her tone was calm and not hostile in any form or fashion. If this person was indeed alright and not about to be the beginning of an onslaught on them, best not to turn it into such a situation.

Cyneburg

Location: The forest by the Road North of Salarn
Interacting with: Lob, Ash and Kyra

Cyneburg had been expecting some form of ambush, but not a giant man falling down directly behind her and the labeling her as a bear. Which was something that had been true before an hour ago, but it was still a rather jarring thing to be called. How he knew she had been a bear was what bothered her a bit more than the fact that he knew in the first place. Perhaps he had been observing the bear, wanting to turn her into a stew before she transformed and she didn't notice. Cyneburg would have to remember to be a bit more careful about that in the future.

She turned around to get a better look at the man behind her. A half-orc? Cyneburg quirked an eyebrow. She didn't see many of her kind very often, but from the way he held his body language, he was more like a beast than a person. He was dirty and clad (barely) in the kinds of garb she expected from either wandering nomads or secluded hermits would. A barbarian? She turned around when she heard Kyra step out into the open.

"I'm Cyneburg (roughly pronounced KUU-neh-boorg as far as I could figure out). I have to say, your puppy is beautiful. He's a gray dire wolf, right? It's pretty lucky to have one that'll trust you. As for why I'm here, I'm a wanderer. I wandered here. It doesn't really concern me what squabbles are going on in the area. It's not really my place to be concerned about that. However, it has been a couple moons since I've been able to share a cooked meal with people, and I was serious about my offer." The druid gave an award winning smile that Kyra wouldn't be able to see behind the veil in the fading light. Cyneburg didn't fail to notice that Kyra was carrying a knocked bow, and if it came to it that the archer was one of those paranoid types, she would have to be able to react pretty quickly.

Ears on the bushes or not, Keystone had food that would likely burn while they waited for Ash to chase down his rabbit/intruder. The searing smoke, birthed of carbonized flesh and yams, would definitely carry farther then a properly cooked chub of forcemeat. It was very nearly done anyway, ambient heat would see it through just perfectly.

He quickly set the pans of hot food on the rocks around the fire and waited a few seconds for the light sizzle to quiet. Intently, the Pugilist focused his attention to the direction in which Kyra, Lob, and Ash headed.

Keystone risked a glance over to the group comprised of Persephone, Sundos, Sona, and Cremwise, and spoke aloud, "Cremmy, you'd be wise to climb into my double-hammock under the wagon 'till we sort this, right?" He locked eyes with Persephone for a half-second and nodded. Returned his attentions to the woods, he flexed his hands until he heard the individual phalanges pop in sequence, and assumed a balanced fighter's stance. Without weapons or visible armor, his physicality and fierceness of gaze marked him as the last person the average stray Orc may want to engage.

Sundos had his shield and mace ready for battle if should come to it. He made sure he stood between the unknown forest to the north and Sona, Seph and Cremwise.

He paced back and forth, he was nervous and excited at the same time. He has fought before, but in the past there were always paladins nearby. Now there would not be any. He trusted the other warriors with him, but still he felt alone.

”It might be silly if all this was just a rabbit, but better prepared and silly then looking smooth and dead.”

Lob

"Yes, that's Lob, I'm Kyra and this is Ash. And your name would be? Or better yet, what brings you to this hostile territory?"

"I'm Cyneburg (roughly pronounced KUU-neh-boorg as far as I could figure out). I have to say, your puppy is beautiful. He's a gray dire wolf, right? It's pretty lucky to have one that'll trust you. As for why I'm here, I'm a wanderer. I wandered here. It doesn't really concern me what squabbles are going on in the area. It's not really my place to be concerned about that. However, it has been a couple moons since I've been able to share a cooked meal with people, and I was serious about my offer."

Lob watched the two, trusting the alpha's lead more than any other here. He trusted her more than his nose or eyes right now, and that said a lot! She had one look but anther smell, one of them were off and he did not know which. Witch? Was she a shaman as well? He sniffed at her once more, trying to pick apart all of the smells that made her...her.

"Coo-coo-na-Cunny? Cooonaaa-boarg?....No. You, bear. Bear, good.
Bear, bear. Bear, not bears. Food now?"

Lob nodded and smiled to the alpha archer. Hoping his vouch for her would be enough for them to get back to the dinner. Then again, this is Lob so its hard to tell which part of him he is thinking with, if at all.

Cyneburg

Location: The forest by the Road North of Salarn
Interacting with: Lob, Ash and Kyra

Cyneburg stood still as Lob took another niff of her. It was something she was used to from many animals, often curious dogs that had never been around a druid before became confused at the lack of people smell on her. She giggled at Lob's decision that she would be Bear. With every line he seemed to distinguish himself further from most people she met. Clearly he wasn't of the civilized sort. Perhaps this Kyra was a lone beast-master, and she considered Lob to be one of her pets? It was possible that if she could tame a dire wolf, perhaps she could do the same with a wildman. But whatever their relation, he was vouching for her, so that was good at least. Now it was just to see how the elven woman would react.

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Kyra nodded slightly. "I see, well hello Cyneburg. Seems you wandered into an interesting area. Long as you mean us no harm, we mean you none," she said in a flat voice as she unknocked her arrow and dropped it back into its quiver. Even though she had lowered her guard she knew she wasn't defenseless at the time. She had Ash and now Lob with her, with those two anyone was anything but defenseless.

She heard the harp and cocked a brow as she glanced back towards the direction of the camp and shook her head. Bards.... what was it with Bards that always made them feel like playing a ditty just for ambiance. She had to admit that the woman was skilled but still; was it really the right time for a song? Well, long as it wasn't some sleep spell that would render them asleep right before they were kidnapped and put into cages by a hoard of undead and then chosen for sacrifice by some Necromancer on a stone slap needing to be saved by a barbarian loosing his temper - she figured they would be alright for now.

"And that would be Sona, a little chipper but doesn't seem like a bad girl," Krya said as she motioned back in the direction she had come from; where the music was coming from as it lofted through the woods.

"Lob, if she is a bear, perhaps she would want some honey?" Kyra chuckled as she motioned for Cyneburg to follow her before turning and making her way back towards the camp site. Ash sneezing slightly before he bounded off after Kyra. It didn't take but a few minutes to get to the camp, it wasn't terribly far; just enough to give them a bit of cover from the road without having to worry.

"All clear, good to see the food is safe," Kyra quipped. "This is Cyneburg, Cyneburg this is the rest of the group."

Location: Road North of Salarn, one day out

Interacting With: The New Girl, Kyra & Sona

More annoyed than alarmed by the turn of events, Keystone pushed his hood off of his head and returned his attention to the object of his guardly attentions, "the food".

Their little campfire had a guest for the evening, it seemed. Such a thing would generally be counterproductive to the concept of keeping a secure camp. On the other hand, knowing an unfamiliar someone was about in the woods (possibly just outside the reach of the firelight) wasn't very good for security or morale. The price for reclaiming the relative security they enjoyed earlier was a meal. Taken at face value, it appeared the best choice. Besides, Keystone had issues with turning someone away from the supper table, not when they had food to spare. He blamed his mother for that tiny habitual altruism.

With a utilitarian lack of emotion, Keystone dropped a sausage and two smallish yams onto a plate of noodles and set it down beside him as part of the group made their introductions to the newcomer. He mixed a pinch or three of raw flour with a small amount of flower oil and mashed them into a tan paste, before vigorously mixing it into the sausage grease still in the pan. Keystone looked at the mixture, regarding it for just a moment before adding a touch of ale from his provisions to thin the budding sauce.

Keystone topped the plate of food with a liberal helping of pan gravy and absently held it out at his side. "Said you were hungry. Here you go." The massive pugilist narrowed his eyes against the gloom, trying to take in details of their guest. Still staring at the veiled lady, he addressed the other for which he was cooking. "Sona, supper's ready. No sausages for the Elf."

He cleared his throat and motioned with the plate once more, "Any more of you out in the woods we ought know 'bout?"

Cyneburg

Location: The campsite
Interacting with: The Medieval X-Men

Cyneburg stepped into the fire light of the camp and surveyed the faces she was greeted with. Individually she could see them being part of a party with Ash, LOb and Kyra, but altogether? It was an odd mix at the least. A burly man about Kyra's age, a human male a couple years younger than her and a lady elf. She acted young, but for all she knew, this Sona could be well over a century old. It was hard to tell with elves.

"Quite the merry band you have here." Cyneburg commented, reaching out for the plate with a sincere Thank You for the scarred cook. His glaring wasn't unwarranted, but it still wasn't pleasant. Judging by his physique and appearance he was probably some kind of warrior. Definitely not the kind of guy you'd want to get on the wrong side of.

"As far as I know, it's just me, but I've been traveling through the forest alone for awhile," she responded to Keystone's question. Then Sona came up and offered her hand. Cyneburg stared at it for a couple seconds before remembering that shaking hands was a thing people did. She took the hand and shook it firmly twice.

"Nice to meet you too, Alto." The druid stood around for a bit before finding and open spot on the ground to sit. It would be rude to start eating before everyone was served, so for now she would wait for the group to be served and become somewhat accustomed to her presence.

---

---

Kyra watched the group and it seemed like things were going smoothly. Even though they had a new comer, which could make thing uneasy, it wasn't. Granted this group had not been together long, so perhaps it was just the fact that none of them had really settled in as a team yet. Oh well that would come. Better to have a new comer join along now than after there were definitive lines drawn in the sand.

"I take it from what you have said that you don't have a particular destination in mind with your travels. If it is alright with the rest of the group, I would not mind you accompanying us on our journey if you so wish," Kyra pipped in as she took a seat next to the fire.

"Yes, we could use another. I do not mind," Cremwise added as he made himself a plate of supper and climbed back into the wagon. "The more protection of my cargo the better in the lands I say." He smiled at the newest addition before diving into the food.

"What do the rest of you think?" Kyra asked as Ash padded over to her and laid down next to his alpha, resting his head down in her lap as he let out a long yawn. It was obvious that Ash had no problem with the idea.

Location: Road North of Salarn, Camp

Interacting With: The Medieval X-Men, Cyneburg

He was asked, though it seemed the decision was already made concerning the presence of the newcomer. Both the merchant, Cremwise, and the person filling the role of Guard Captain, Kyra, had given a their affirmation. Besides, it was made apparent that the silver in his pocket was for his capacity for violence, not his opinions. For this reason, he said nothing.

Instead, he began cleaning and putting his pans away. He had prepared an adequate meal for those that responded positively to the idea; the arrival of another person meant that someone would have to do without. Not that it was a burden on his part, Keystone had much in the way of provisioning and made it a point to resupply as often as possible. It just meant that, tonight, the gruff Pugilist would be dining on fare more suited to overland travelers. To deny a guest would have been frightfully unethical. Not that he gave a rat's hindquarters about ethics, mind you, but his mother would have slapped him with a wooden spoon if she had witnessed her only boy having a hot meal while a guest did not.

Keystone carefully put his pans away and started chewing on a bit of hardtack. Washing a bite down with ale, he addressed the party.

"Right then, glad we're all chummy. Whenever you lot're ready to turn in, I'm on watch. Who's got next?"

Lob

Lob was excited to the idea of it all More members of the pack. And now food! Lob took of his not-a-hat and used it as a plate for his serving with the extra sausages Bard did not want. Good trade.

As Bear found a place, Lob sat beside her and put one of his two extra sausages on her plate. He picked and plucked at the yams with his clawed hands to shove them into his maw with all the grace of a beast. A few handfuls and his plate was empty as he slid the shield over to ash to lick clean.

"Bear, Lob, Alpha, Ash, Bard, Shaman, Big, Sneak." The barbarian made the rounds of introductions as best he could.

Satilla Valen

Satilla wandered through the unfamiliar area in vague hope of finding a clue towards her destination. She wanted to reach Salarn for she heard there was a war going on here. She wanted to help them in their struggle with the orcs, so she planned to propose her skills as healer to those in need, but her plan went wrong... pretty much right away. She stumbled upon wild beasts, had to run away and then got lost after losing her map. It was a pure miracle she didn't encounter any orcs till now. She stopped for a moment, looking confused at her sudden realization. She was actually lucky for once!” Huh... figured it would feel much grander than this.” Satilla mumbled as she made her way onward without any real indication for direction besides the sun.

The darkness was slowly creeping across the horizon as the sun was vanishing into the distance. She sensed the stirring of the winds and while wasn't the most adept at survival in the wilderness she knew full well rain was going to be upon her for she had seen it so much times before.” At least I will get to dance in the rain...*sigh*” She giggled quietly as she walked, trying to find the one good thing in her situation. Suddenly she halted in place... the wind was blowing in her direction and she picked something... a scent! It smelled like someone was preparing food! Was it orcs? Satilla didn't know the answer to that, but with the wind blowing in her direction her own scent wasn't going to alert anyone from up front... so she might be able to sneak close enough to see what the orcs were up to. Yes, that sounded like a plan!

Slowly and carefully she made her way towards the origin of the smell as she eventually began to see the shimmer of campfire in the distance among the trees... She could hear talking when she got a lil bit closer.'Okey... I guess it's not orcs? Then who?' She wondered and slowly sneaked her way forward, hoping the wind won't change directions and give her away.'Bandits?' She asked herself, trying to decide if she should test her luck and approach the camp. She had to decide soon though, because her almost while hair and her white clothes were going to give her away pretty soon even if the wind didn't change directions.

It wasn't his idea of a smart move. Given the chance Malkai's would rather test his luck in the city rather than rough it in the wilds. But he knew that being in Salarn was just going to be trouble. At best people wouldn't trust him. But more than likely they'll lynch him for some perceived slight, like stealing bread or something. Which is something he'd do, so all the more reason not to bring more trouble to himself.

But on the downside, Malkus only had a rudimentary knowledge of survival. He had a book which helps him identify plants, but frankly they all looked the same to him. Animals were pretty good at hiding too, so the chances for him to bag a rabbit or bird seemed unlikely. Fortunately he did have two days worth of trail rations on him, even if they did taste like leather. And Malkus was no stranger to hunger anyways. Still, if he could get his own food, that's save him supplies.

The half orc was just making his way through the forest when he heard voices. Immediately he got low tide the grow and practically vanished into the shadows. He looked around anyways narrowed the voiced to a single location. Sneaking forward he detected a large group set up at a campsite. There were some orcs, but the group smelled predominantly human. He disliked groups and planned to leave. But that's when he saw her.

Her golden hair reflected the sun's rays like a water's surface. Her eyes were as blue as the sky and as deep as an ocean. Her skin was light yet fair, the color of innocence. Her smile was like a beautiful painting and her laughter made Malkus woes disappear. ”Who is this girl?” Malkus wondered. ”How can I talk to her?” He wanted so badly to know this girl. She seemed to be quite friendly and spoke to some of the others in the group. Were she alone Malkus would just walk up to her and speak, but with so many people around he hesitated to approach.

Instead Malkus left, but stayed close enough to hear. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to catch the girl alone. Then he could meet her. So Malkus crawled underneath a bush where no one would find him and just laid there. His feet were tired anyways: he could use a short rest. Making himself comfortable Malkus stayed under the bush, biding his time. Listening for that voice and wondering who she is.

As he laid in wait, Malkus took out his flute and began to play softly, emulating birds. Or so he hopes. He played no specific song, simply letting his fingers make the tune. His soft melody calmed him, allowing him to forget for just a moment that he was on the run, fighting for survival.

Cyneburg

Location: The campsite
Interacting with: The Medieval X-Men

Well Cyneburg didn't really have plans on joining the group. She just figured that in the morning she would leave the group be and go on her merry way. Maybe visit the human and orc settlements. See what's going on. Make sure they aren't trying to overexert their perceived control of Nature. Stuff like that. But since they extended the invitation, why not? They're going to the Orc settlement anyways. She can get Druid business done while they sort out the people issues. And no offense, but it would probably do them better to have someone who can speak Orcish here. Full-blooded Humans tended to avoid picking up the language, and while Lob probably did know it, he was the last person she'd want dealing with a precarious diplomatic situation like this is supposed to be.

The cook didn't seem to like her much. But he didn't seem like the type that enjoyed surprises. Surprises like more people showing up, judging by the elf's reaction to the flute playing. It made some vague attempt at trying to sound like bird calls, but each bird had distinct chirps and cries. To successfully copy one, you'd have to pick a specific kind and learn its song. Furthermore, it was Autumn and evening, any birds that sing would be flying up North or going to sleep about now. Whoever was playing the flute probably didn't spend a lot of time in the forest. Still, she prepared herself to shape change if this turned out to be cover for some kind of ambush. The cooked food was placed gently on the ground where it hopefully wouldn't get ruined before she could have a chance to eat it.

The whistling of Malkus's flute danced in harmony to the nature around him. That is to say, moving at it's own chaotic rhythm, carving out it's own niche in the wildlife. It did not flow like water so much as cut through the air like wind, ruffling leafs and feathers with each passing note. When it came across animals Malkus's music circled around them and pounced like a hungry wolf, or pawed at their ears like a playful fox. His music was not beautiful, it wasn't serene. It was furious and sharp, a predator in it's own element. But then it stopped.

“Hey! Whoever is playing that flute! Please come out!”

That voice was calling out to him. He hesitated for a moment. Should he run? Should he attack? He didn't know who this voice was... Only that it was female and alone. Dare he risk stepping out and exposing himself to a possible hostile? What if they already found him and were merely waiting to see if he'd comply? So many questions, but little time to answer. If Malkus didn't do something soon, who knows what would happen. Gulping, he slowly started to stand. The first thing that came out from the bush were his hands; one empty, the other holding his flute. Slowly the rest of his body followed, his back facing the once who shouted for him. "Before we do anything hasty, just let me say that I mean no harm-"

Malkus turned around and stopped the moment he laid eyes on her. Were the gods deceiving him? Were they pulling some cruel trick on him for his heresy? This couldn't be true. No, perhaps he had fell asleep as he played, before right now he was looking at the woman of his dreams. The same woman that he had spied on and immediately fell in love for. Those golden threads, the immersive eyes, their gentle skin, and the unique beauty. He had thought Velenna to be a the most beautiful elf he's ever seen. But seeing this girl so close, Malkus was nearly blinded by her appearance.

"Are you... An angel?"

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Season: Late Fall/Early Winter
Time Of Day: Early Evening
Weather: Air is chilly and clouds are now covering the moon, distant sounds of thunder can be heard
General Ambiance: Tense, confusing and stressful
Location: North of Salarn in the region of Gorlf. South west of the Orc Settlement of Yzewz
Setting: Gorlf Northern Territory

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Kyra perked a brow as Ash got up and started licking the plate Lob has placed near him. It wasn't the gesture that got her attention but the sound of the flute and the elf wandering off to check on it. What on earth is she up to? Kyra shook her head slightly, it wasn't good to run off in these woods or any other and not have back up but Kyra wasn't a baby sitter.

Standing up she laced her bow over her shoulder and climbed up a tree, finding a bit of a perch to take look out. In one direction had been flute playing and now in another she swore she spotted hair nearly as white as hers. Just peachy.

"Well isn't this just wonderful. Seems we've rung the dinner bell for the entire bloody forest," she said as she unlaced her bow and knocked an arrow into place.

"What's going on Kyra?" Cremwise asked as he looked up from his plate.

"Other than a floutist off over there to which our bard has run after and someone with silver hair over there, I hope nothing else," she quipped with a bit of a huff.

"We'd have attracted less attention if we had rung a bloody gong," she said as she drew the arrow back and took aim. Letting out a slow breath she let it loose, it wizing through the trees and embedding itself into the tree next to the white haired woman. Quickly knocking another one into place she took aim again.

"Come out or next time I'll aim for the crown of those pretty tendrils of yours," she called out as Ash started pacing about under the tree Kyra was perched in.