The forest was dark, almost to the point where it felt like there was supernatural forces at work that were actively keeping any light from the confines of the large network of tall and thick forest tree that made up the Blackwood. The trees surrounding the very mis-matached group of humans, elves and misc races alike were now creaking slightly, one by one. This was not because of the wind or any animal, this was Halen Claymore, jumping from tree to tree darting around the highest branches at a speed that would seem almost implausible, especially in the dark. But 50 years of stalking forest prey, had allowed the hunter to travel around tree tops as if it were his own home garden. Halen was on a very low key hunting trip, he wanted to stock up on some meat, so he thought he might hunt a boar or something and see if it would fetch a price at any surrounding settlements, but he was now deep in the heart of the Blackwood, one of the few places where his knowledge of the inhabiting animals was severely limited.

But none of that mattered now, after at least 20 minuites of treehopping through endless yards of thick forest he began to see a light, he also heard voices,it wasn't the exit, but a campfire, that of someone who was making a very quick stop as they journeyed though this maze of trees. The area surrounding the light had less trees then everywhere else, as if it was once home to a community of people. It had a few remains of huts and houses so it was probably a small village. As Halen silently leaped closer, managing to perch on a branch that was overlooking this ex-village space, he then saw people to match the voices, they weren't quite arguing but the tone was far from friendly. His half elven vision was just good enough to make out who the figures on the ground were.

A Human man, heavily armed, seemed to be ranting about eating meat and or fruit and was closest to the campfire. There was also a centaur, which shocked Halen, as he heard that they only really ever traveled in armies. And there were two women, one human, one an elf, but her energy felt strange, she could have been mixed but she definitely wasn't a standard elf. There was also a Demonfolk, which Halen hadn't seen since he left his own province, it was somewhat comforting to see these races again. But Halen was still cautious, they didn't seem like they were hostile, but the Hunter did not survive to 79 without being careful. He silently drew his long bow and began to speak.

[i][color=8dc73f]It's very strange, you all look like capable fighter and warriors, but you talk and move as if you want to be ambushed. I'm not a category 3 predator such as a black lion or a wood-griffon, but if I was, I'd be enjoying a very easy lunch about now.[/color][/i]

Halen strung an arrow to his longbow and his voice became more assertive as he addressed the entire group. He was still blanketed in shadows at least 20 feet above them all.

[color=8dc73f][i]Now, apart from desperately trying to be eaten, what are the bunch of you doing here? I would have wagered bandits, but even bandits aren't this easy to sneak up on.[/i][/color]