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Location: Road North of Salarn, Midday of Day Three

Interacting With: New Arrivals, & Company

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The sudden and smug "AHA!" face plastered across Keystone's visage took an abrupt downturn at the return of Sana and her new, greenskinned entourage. This was not exactly how he envisioned his day going when he woke and saw to his morning constitutionals, not at all: Outnumbered and partially surrounded, their employer caked in road mud and bits of wagon strewn about, the last quarter hour dotted with threats of violence.

It seemed that quite a few of his forays into contract work ended up like this. Maybe not this, specifically, but it wasn't the first time he'd been caught in a compromising situation by a group of armed people when he thought he had the upper hand. It was his estimation that if the large, brutish-looking Orcs wanted to begin with the ritualistic squishing of their shared collection of craniums, they likely would have started in their attempt. It would be a hard fight, no doubt, one they might not be able to win with their lesser numbers and lack of experience fighting alongside one another. So, before this became an issue of steel and blood, Keystone was willing to entertain the possibility of conversation. It's not like ending in violence wasn't still a viable option, anyway.

So, discussion. Keystone asserted his most diplomatic nature he opened negotiations, thusly:

"Well, buggerall's this s'posed to be about then, eh? Bacon's sake, Sana! You shoulda sent word back. I ain't got goose enough to go 'round for us and y'new friends, there. Who're you lot then, and what the bloody, wankchoking 'ell else is squatting unseemly arsepudding on my afternoons?"

Cyneburg

Location: An Ambush
Interacting with: Bears still can't talk, but if they could, this one would be talking to Brezcar

Based on his body language and smug AHA, Keystone probably found something really interesting in the contents of the wagon. It might have even been something ironic and relevant to the situation. However, any plans to announce what the contents of the crates happened to be were cut short by the arrival of many, many orcs from all sides. They didn't have their weapons out, and based on the words of the one who claimed to be their leader, all they wanted to do right now was talk.

The fact that they came in such large numbers and used Sana as a bargaining chip would indicate that their purpose here was not so chivalrous as something as a peace talk, but then again, given that several of the people that were traveling (especially the ones in "leadership" positions) seemed to be of the suspicious, "kill first, ask questions later, maybe" sort, a clear show of force was not at all unwarranted. Although she trusted none of the orcs to try attacking soon, she remained a bear both to avoid spooking anyone into a hasty move and to keep in a state where she would be able to fight if the need arose. If she had to guess what the topic of the conversation would be, it would probably involve the undead that one orc brought up before he kindly received an arrow through the cranium.

The bear considered what she might have done had she been in a form more suited to diplomacy. Try to act as an advisor? No, they don't trust her enough. Now that she thought about it, she really wouldn't be able to do much more than she could now. Oh well, at least it's easier to hide one's emotions as a bear than it was as a humanoid. Well hide one's emotions from people. Other bears could read her like an open book. Metaphorically speaking. Bears can't read.

"I wouldn't have taken you for someone to get lost in the woods..." Thomas quipped, as he took each stride in tandem. If the skies were clear tonight, maybe he'd have a chance to meditate beneath the moonlight. After dusk has set and the evening brings forth the twilight. Then perhaps just before the witching hour begins, he could get in two spells as the cosmos attune his body. It would also set his form back to sun, and then perhaps Satilla would be less concerned over his well being. Not that Thomas didn't mind the attention but, Moon phase did make him seem more sickly. Star phase was something else entirely and not suited for adventuring parties, sort of an antisocial stage really. "Um what I mean is you seem very capable, er I mean at home with the plants..." Thank the gods for that charisma boost to moon form eh?

And now another bit of excitement came before them in the form of a throng of orcs. Not a thong of orcs, that would just be weird, but a group of them. All ugly green and surprisingly capable of grasping the concept of talk first, maim later. Although relying on Ntaj seems like a good idea, the half-orc seemed friendly enough to be a delegate most likely not to get their faces eaten off. Maybe these bunch of orcs were just a troupe of jolly green-wearing men who lived in the woods. Although they did not wear tights, they did look rather like quite manly men who knew how to a pick a fight.

Location:The Road
Interacting with: Crixus, Cremwise, themselves.

It was the last thing Calanon expected, but the most pleasant surprise. Even through all of this chasing and traveling, there were blessings in this dark world. A Raven had seen fit to swoop in and perch upon his shoulder! Calanon blinked, the bird's feather brushing against his cheek, and anyone looking could see a truly heartfelt, lopsided smile bloom upon the young Elf's face. "Hello little friend." he said to the Raven, his voice soft and soothing.

Crixus (for it was the Raven's name, little did he know) gave out a harsh caw, and at first Calanon believed he had done something wrong. But it had been aimed at Cremwise, and Calanon nodded, as if the Raven had just reminded him to focus. "Right." he said, glaring back at the merchant that was still on his knees, being questioned. His next words were uttered in perhaps the most threatening way had ever spoken in this company. "You heard the bird. Talk."

Suddenly, his pointed ears twitched, and he turned to see Sana walk out of the woods, her voice following her. That's not all that is following her, he realized. He saw multiple burly forms materialize into his keen vision before stepping out of the tree line and revealing themselves to be Orcs. He had his sword and shield already out, but Sana was in danger now. Quickly his eyes scanned around. Where is Gretchin? Midnight blue Elven eyes fell upon a lithe form in a tree, and though he didn't have a good look, he felt confident it was her. The Elf let out a breath he had not realized he had been holding in. He had lost too many friends over the years.

Calanon knew he couldn't do much at the moment. He had empathy with woodland creatures, not Orcs. He clicked his tongue several times, and Brogach trotted over to him, the Elk giving a small bray of a noise. Calanon shook his head, but looked right to the bird, then left to Brogach. "You two stay close. It'll be ok." he promised them, then walked closer to the Wagon, standing just behind Keystone and Kyra, at least allowing himself to be a show of force, if nothing else, with his gleaming blade and shield. "Brogach, keep an eye on Cremwise." he said. The Elk stood close to his master, but turned, his great Elk head regarding the cowering man.

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Sana perked a brow towards Keystone and smirked a bit. "Well, if you had given me an RSVP card to fill out I would have sent it ahead of us so you could have prepared enough but sadly you didn't, so lay the fault on yourself," she said as Kyra came over to Sana and grabbed her by the arm, spinning her around.

"Mind telling me what the hell is going on? You go to scout and you come back with a small army of orcs and a knife at your throat." It was obvious that Kyra was a bit miffed but her eyes were off Cremwise for the moment and the man scrambled to his feet. Slowly stepping over to Brezcar, rather putting himself in the line of them than the silver headed ranger.

"I see you found me, where have you been? I have been out on the road for days," Cremwise said as he tried to brush the mud off his clothing but it was stuck in the deep woven fabrics, completely ruin and it was obvious by the look on his face that he was not happy about that. Sana shook her head a bit as she witnessed his unapproval of Krya's and the rest of the groups actions.

"You had another mile to come before out meeting spot. It wasn't until we ran across Sana that I felt it would be best to come a little closer to the human's border." Brezcar was blunt in his voice and the way people were talking to each other it was obvious that Kyra was a bit confused. They were supposed to be in hostile territory, war broken out but the Orcs were not trying to attack them and Cremwise seemed to know them. Even Sana wasn't in her usual bows drawn and skull fucking people with her arrows.

"Would someone kindly explain to me what is going on." Kyra finally said speaking up.

"Forgive me, yes. Cremwise is one of mine. Hired to bring supplies for the war against the village. We cannot exactly count on sending our own kind through the borders without them being slaughtered. You know, it is bad enough your kind comes to raid out city and camps without provocation but to send undead along to do your dirty work. That is without honor," Brezcar stated as he crossed his arms over his chest. Kyra looked at him as if he had lost his mind the way her brows furrowed and her head cocked back suddenly.

"They aren't using undead...." Kyra finally piped in. The attacks on the village had been orcs and undead. The village was petrified, they had only one mage in the entire city and he didn't seem to be one that was in those particular arts. He was having too much fun drinking and dancing. He was too happy to be a necro, wasn't he?

"That's what I explained but I wasn't exactly sure since I moved through the town quickly to catch up with you. Convinced him to at least come and speak with you and the others.

"They are too! So many undead, graves dug up. The undead walk the streets of the city. I was lucky to get out of there alive," Cremwise said and Kyra let out a sharp breath. So that was why they thought that.

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Location: Road North of Salarn, Midday of Day Three

Interacting With: New Arrivals, Company, and a Growing Sense of Instability

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Keystone didn't seem to give as much concern to the situation as a classically sane person might, instead preferring to continue what promised to be strained negotiations by initially ignoring the clear and present threat. He cocked his head to the side as Sana addressed him, and responded accordingly. "Oi!" he shouted rather abruptly, "You ain't gotta spell out the naughty bits, I'm a full growed man, that I am. ...R-S-V-P... Fonging 'ell is a Risvip, anyways? Sounds like something a bloke gets thumped over."

Now, so much as Keystone adored banter, (and he truly did, as the occasion called for it) his usual sarcastic dialogue was cut off by the ongoing part of the conversation that didn't directly involve him. At least, until more than one person got the word "undead" out of their mouths, a horrible confirmation of what the Orc that attacked them had said the previous day. It was enough to stop him in his vocal revelry and focus his attention outward, in a manner even he didn't fully understand at that moment.

"Nope. No no no no. No bloody, fonging, nuh-cobyanking-uh. Ain't happenin'. Not again. Better not be, leastaways, eh?" His voice took on more of a roaring quality as he continued, shaking his fist at the sky. "This a big sodding joke for you lot, innit? 'UGE bloody laugh ya get, playin' "Pin The Tail on the Keystone" then, don'tcha?" He stopped ranting at the sky, instead giving it a mildly confused look, as if he'd made some sort of mistake. Turning his attention to the ground beneath him, he continued his bluster. "Every fonging time I get stuck in a new place, bloody Powers-That-Be see fit to throw dead things my way, like I was some arseflappin' gravedigger. Digger ain't got the worry on about their corpses like I does, though, and you lot keep doin' it on purpose!"

Keystone laughed with mild hysteria, exclaiming, "I hate every bloody one of y... Hold up a tic." Keystone's demeanor shifted. The slightly more intelligent, or at least suspicious, side of him flashed to the forefront. He hopped down from the wagon and took two involuntary steps toward Cremwise before stopping himself. "You, lit'l man. What's all this about "Dead walkin' the streets", and whatnot? You an' me left town, same bloody time, and I didn't see corpse bloody one millin' about in Salarn. I'd have noticed. Gets me all violent an' twichy, you little sod."

Another conclusion was reached in the moment, one he most assuredly vocalized, so long as he had the floor. "That why your bumchum Femnal pointed out us what just got into town that day? Is it? All some bloody scam to profit offa folks killin' one another, innit?" Keystone didn't care at this time what was going on around him, unless it suddenly involved immediate personal threats. "I swear by everything applewood smoked and meaty, I'm gonna force that sodder Femnal to make sweet boingy to your nostrils, Cremmy my lad, 'til your face splits. It'll be right messy and powerful ungentlemanly, but it'll be worth it to watch you choke on Gnome-splattage."

"Tell you somethin' else, too. Your goods got to your contact. Our contract is ended."

Satilla Valen

“I was attacked, by a beast… I threw it off my trail by throwing it all my dried meat which was all my food…” Satilla explained to Thomas.” It was then that I got lost while running away from it. Besides I’m not a survival expert, I just know how and where to find herbs.” The witch explained.

Well the situation with the orcs was strange… this wagon was carrying supplies for the orcs. This made so much sense in a way. Cremwise was profiting of the situation! 'Damn...!' Was Satilla’s initial thought that she would get some safety with this group turned to be wrong. What was going to happen now? She had no idea… She feared a fight would break out and frankly they didn’t really hold too great odds in their favor considering the numbers difference.

“If a fight breaks out… I will help you to the nearest three. Hide behind it until it ends…” Satilla whispered to Thomas. She was at least going to try to help him if the need arose. She wasn’t useful in a fight much anyways.” Let’s just home it doesn’t come to it…”

Ntja was quiet as the others spoke. He had no idea what was going on, only that whatever was happening, Cremwise was on the orc's side and that meant whatever was in the wagons were for the orcs. Ntaj was able to piece it together with simple logic: Cremwise had weapons and armor to sell, and the orcs needed weapons and armor for their war. It didn't matter how dangerous it was, because in the end Cremwise was never really in any danger, as the orcs were on his side. Whatever he needed the likes of Kyra and Keystone for was likely for cover; if Cremwise came from the lands the orcs were at war with, it wouldn't be that much of a stretch that the guards or whatever local lord happens to be there would confiscate and possibly punish Cremwise for selling to the orcs. What Cremwise's motivation for this could be anything, though money was the most likely reason. Greed was a source of evil after all.

But there was something else going on. Ntaj couldn't quite understand it. Something about the undead? Whatever it was, it made Keystone go ballistic. He started shouting incoherently (To Ntaj's anyways, raising his voice and presumably cursing up a storm. Ntaj couldn't help but smirk at his anger, because while Ntaj had no idea what the brawler was saying, he could understand his fury. He knew that in a way, Keystone has been wronged because he has been deceived. Cremwise had made a promise full of lies with Keystone and he was furious. Ntaj knew this much. What exactly made Keystone so furious Ntaj didn't know, but his outburst did put Ntaj on edge. He felt that maybe this would make a few of the orcs want to draw their weapons, assuming they weren't as confused at Keystone's word as Ntaj was.

"Who attack orcs? Why old man make secret, he sell to orcs? Teeb meem dab tsi? Peb yuav pab tau."

Cyneburg

Location: An Ambush
Interacting with: Bears still can't talk

There were a lot of things here that didn't really add up. Okay, even though "a lot" was just established in the last sentence, it was only really one big thing that didn't really add up in this situation, and it was Cremwise. Nothing he did seemed to make sense. If he was going to transport the wagon's goods to the orcs, why did he need to hire guards in the first place? Well maybe to protect from the supposed undead and keep up appearances for the humans.

But then why did he seem relieved when more and more outsiders showed up to travel with a larger group for safety reasons? She'd think that he'd have a pretty big heaping of suspicion and concern about all the strangers. They weren't necessarily bound to do what you told them like hired help was. And a wrong move would be likely to expose the whole charade early. Really he was lucky that nobody here was just a thief out to rob him blind.

If the orcs already knew who he was and that he was an inside man, why did a whole bunch of orcs attack the group last morning? They (the orcs) certainly weren't an inexperienced bunch. Seems more like a group that you would send to eliminate a known threat. Maybe they were trying to kill everyone and become the new guards for the caravan? If that was the case, she might have a few choice words for Cremwise after Keystone got through with him. But if they were going to pull a stunt like that, why wait until morning when everyone was awake rather than ambushing during the night? Sure there was a watch the entire night, but the readiness of the group would probably be much lower than it was during the actual battle.

And lastly, why was Cremwise lying like a desperate merchant trying to salvage enough money to feed him family? He wasn't just lying to Kyra and Keystone, but to the orcs as well. Blatant, flagrant falsehoods thrown out... to what purpose? It just didn't add up. Argh, so many questions; no way to vocalize them. Even if she didn't have bear-mouth, Cyne doubted her ability to get a word in given the conversational imbroglio that was currently going on. She'd just have to remember to ask them later, if she ever got the chance.

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The orcs had emerged from all directions, though oddly enough hadn’t spotted her. Or if they did, they sure weren’t making it obvious. She was good at hiding, but she would’ve thought they had an advantage, this being their territory and all. A thought ran quickly through her head, one of a rogue she knew of from her days back home. The rogue would leave notes for the sorry saps she had raided, and they never even knew she was there, until she was gone of course. The thought was a brief one, and as quickly as it left her, she sunk her figure back into the shrubbery that surrounded her. She would stay put for now. It didn’t seem as if the merry band of beasts were there to pick a fight, and so she wouldn’t be in any rush to pick one either.

Everything seemed to unfold right in front of her and not in a nice neat pile mind you. More like an explosion of mess and drama. She wasn’t quite sure what to believe. Stories of undead were the type of thing to spook her once upon a time. Now she found herself more intrigued than anything else. She hadn’t actually seen an undead before, let alone fought one. The notion made her giddy inside, until she realized that she may not be properly equipped to deal with a horde of corpses. She had recalled a bundle of arrows for sale, tipped in a lovely essence, said to bring death to those who have already died. At the time, she didn’t quite appreciate the riddle, what she would’ve given to turn back daylight.

Regardless, she had made her bed and now was stuck in it, and for better or worse, with the members of this ‘guard’. Her suspicions fell on only one man; Cremwise. Keystone was right to go off on him. She couldn’t quite call herself a member of the group just yet. All she did was help put a fire out. But there was so much deception, so much manipulation to get a group like this to help ‘guard’ a wagon full of goods. So much just didn’t add up, and it made them all look like fools, herself included. She wasn’t quite comfortable with that idea, and it was one that wouldn’t leave her lightly.

Before returning to the matter at hand, her gaze fell upon Crixus. That daft bird…. Upon Calanon’s words, he hopped from the elf’s shoulders to atop the elk’s head, his beady eyes spying through the darkened green and brush spread throughout the horizon. Lerraina had rolled her eyes a bit before returning her attention to the largest of the green skins. She would’ve assumed him to be their leader, or at least a representative of one, as he was the only one who spoke.

Man maketh his Monsters. For love may bring him children, but conflict breeds hatred. And from this more conflict, as such the vicious cycle is complete. The rift tearing wider and wider across the generations until their are taught to view each other as monsters. Take the wolf per say, a noble ancestor of the loyal dog, and recount how many tales portray the wolf in a negative light in a historically agrarian society. For it was a barnyard pest to livestock, was the wolf branded a devil to those farmers who have forgotten nature could not be tamed so easily as their crop. And of humans raiding orcs, orcs raiding humans, as they say of the snake and man: nemo me impune lacessit. So they have threaded upon their lands, and now they plan to bite our heels.

"Oh... Well um, I'm glad to have found y-you then." Thomas sputtered, a slight blush in afterthought graced his pallor cheeks, that certainly came out a tad wrong, but it was too late to take it back. Perhaps saying something after would rectify the meaning, but then what? She was certainly a nice girl and a nice person, but what would Kristian have thought? Too old perhaps? But she looked young enough, or perhaps it was that Thomas looked younger than he was. "No, if we are going to quarrel here, you'll need every capable fighter, I still have a few spells left in me..."

And so the intrigue unfolded, mercants, missions, moles, monsters, madmen and now magic. So evidently this group was hired to escort goods unwittingly to these orcs who have procured this shifty merchant causing the resident chef to start babbling like a loon. Well that was all appropriate and all, it wasn't everyday you see a loon cooking a duck. Anyways, the most interesting part of the conversation so far was the mention of undead. Now it was hardly any reason to trust an orc speaking for a merchant who just crossed them, never mind which questions arose just from the reveal of this betrayal since it left already one person buggered off enough, yet if the undead were truly attacking (and not adventuring parties, of which Thomas was keen on not mentioning his involvement lest these orcs be the very same orcs that nearly killed his old party, they all looked very similar to the boy, all ugly green burly men).

"If it really is the walking dead, we should look for a reason why they are attacking... If speaking with the dead fails to yield a cause, then maybe we can trace the magic to a necromancer who controls them. But even then a necromancer would have to be within a certain range to prevent the minions from falling apart if puppeted... Unless they are autonomously-risen undead and thus have the ability to receive and execute orders at which the necromancer could be anywhere... f it is a necromancer and not some sort of greater undead creature like... " Suggested Thomas who seemed to be half-talking to the orcs, half to the party, and half to himself as he reasoned out a discourse on method as if this was a classroom, yes he burned with fever, but his passion for knowledge was probably burning brighter before them.

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Sana gave Keystone a sideways glance as her brow rose sharply. Shaking her head she rested her hand on her hip as it jutted out. "Ay, I just might thump you if you keep that up," she said as she looked away. Keystone was... entertaining? Yeah, that was it. Entertaining. Well maybe not. Kyra just let out a short breath and turned her attention back to the newly revealed folk that were standing there like they could easily make a lunch out of the group and then have their goose for dessert. The ranger was about to say something when Keystone broke out into his little tirade. Giving Sana an elbow to the ribs she motioned towards him with a look as if to say you speak Keystone, would you please get him under control!

Sighing Sana nodded and stepped over to man, poking him in the shoulder. "Keystone, deep breaths. Okay, your contract is over but now we have bigger problems and unless you really want to be dealing with more undead might want to find out what is going on. You know, before we are over taken by skelly's and all you can do is keep crushing skulls. Which, don't get me wrong can be very useful but there are more bones buried that could rise than you have hands. So, let's just take a fucking breath, deal with this, maybe skin the merchant here, have lunch, then we can plan the rest of our day."

Kyra went wide eyed for a moment before looking over at Njat. "Simple, because he is a greedy little bugger who figured he could play both sides and make a nice shiny coin from it," she said as she stepped closer to the man but was stopped by the orcs who stepped in front of him. Her eyes narrowing as her hand nearly went to her bow but she felt the tug of her shirt from the back only to spin around and see Ash pulling her some. Sighing she looked back over at the one that was speaking for the group. At least his breath wasn't as horrible as his looks, but not by much.

"Well I would like to know for one what is really going on here because from what I saw in the city, they don't have the backing to control undead. In fact the rumors running the streets is that you all attacked their village first. So what was it? Who really fired the first shot." Krya crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot a bit as she stood there. Others were pipping in and she could get what they were trying to get at but something still didn't make sense. Each village was days worth of travel between the other. Necro's rarely worked in pairs, so to be able to control undead from even a central location would take a lot of power, especially if he was going to be having ranks of undead fighting "against" each other.

"You and I both lady. Our village was attacked by undead, yes we attacked back. That happens when many of your people are slaughtered suddenly. We have used no undead in this fight. If undead are attacking the village to the south, that is nothing of us," Brezcar explained.

"The village says the same. Word of this little war has traveled far. I was sent here to see if the goblins were aiding you," Kyra stated flatly. At least she could find out, hopefully, now if her adopted family had anything to worry about in this war.

"No, we have seen no goblins and I would prefer not to," Brezcar added before looking around. "We need to move, come sunset the raids begin and we need to make it back to our home before that happens. If you are willing, you may join us for the night and perhaps we can discuss this more. I would like this war to end. If what you say is true, it seems the Humans and Orcs have a mutual enemy."

Satilla Valen

“No… any more spells and you may not recover properly… your condition will get much worse than it is now!” She replied back to Thomas with rather quiet, but stern voice. She was concerned about him, he seemed rather ready to act and get himself into even worse state.” Unless situation is REALLY bad, you stay put.”

“Thomas… not now…” She softly whispered and looked around to see the reactions of the others to the sorcerer’s speech about what could be done about the undead. Frankly what they really needed was indeed the cause of the undead and to deal with said cause. Probably a necromancer…

The way the talks continued though surprised the witch. They were offered to stay at the orc village for the night. That was both great and dangerous from what she had heard. In theory a safe haven for the night would be great, but then there was also the fact he mentioned they may be attacked by undead. Which if they had village walls and more fighters would be manageable. The problem was if the orcs turned on them while they were at the village. That was pretty much a death sentence at best.

“We could use the safety in numbers for the night if undeads are really on the prowl…” The witch said, throwing a look around to the others of the group. They had an injured man with them, not to mention they were far away from the human settlements that if they stumbled onto an undead group at this point they could very well be outnumbered and swarmed.

Location:The Road
Interacting with: His friends

Calanon narrowed his gaze, looking very much the part of a young hero with his gleaming sword and shield. He didn't speak at first, however. He was not the leader of this group, and Kyra seemed quite capable of handling the situation at hand, and she did. But he couldn't keep his thoughts from drifting into untrusting territory. He had fought the Orcs for most of his life. He was no bigot or racist, but it was odd to call them allies to say the least.

"You honor us with this offer." Calanon said, speaking up. He sheathed his sword, and gave a bow. He seemed visually uneasy to those who cared to examine him, but he made his best to look the part of an agreeable party. He was certain that if anything were to happen with the Orcs, he and Brogach could take care of themselves. He was certain Gretchin would be safe as well. For once, he agreed with her untrusting nature, and he knew she would be out of danger as much as possible. Their little Raven friend would stay near Brogach hopefully. He would protect them all with his life, as well as his new companions.

He let out a sigh, and gripped his left arm idly. It was a strange gesture, gripping the arm covered by a long sleeve. He knew that it would tell him if dark magic was being weaved anywhere close. He would use his failing as a comrade to be an advantage to his new ones. He would protect them.

This entire situation was one confusing statement after another. Aside from having a hard time keeping up because of all the common being thrown around, from what he could pick up the orcs were accusing them of bringing zombies to their village. Or something about zombies and how the orcs were attacked by it. Kyra seemed to know more about what was going on, but only slightly. All and all, everything was confusing. The lead orc offered to take everyone back to their village to rest, and Ntaj was somewhat concerned. This wasn’t Dark Star, and even in Dark Star it wasn’t unusual for orcish rivals to “invite” their enemies home into a trap. Hospitality was a somewhat foreign concept to Ntaj: if he and a rival were suppose to have a peaceful meeting, they’d go to neutral ground, not one of their home turfs.

However some of the others started to put their weapons away. Ntaj did the same, taking out his Animal Totem cane. He still left his shield strapped to his arm for protection, but now he seemed less like he was going to start a fight (Though still fully capable of fighting if need be). "Fine if we not fight. Undead is bigger threat." He looked over to Thomas and Satilla. Thomas had said a bunch of stuff that Ntaj heard, but he said it a bit too fast for Ntaj to fully understand. He was saying stuff about the undead, but Ntaj wasn't sure if he was telling everyone or just mumbling to himself. Ntaj shot a glare at Cremwise, who Ntaj now distrusted. Before Ntaj would have been willing to defend this seemingly defenseless old man against Kyra and the others, but seeing his true colors Ntaj considered him nothing more than a common con man. A beating would be too merciful for the old coot.

"If old man come, we use wagon. Thomas is sick." While there were some who could give Thomas a lift, Ntaj wanted to use Cremwise's wagon to ensure he didn't try to pull a fast one on them and leave. If he was keeping it a secret that he was working with the orcs, who knows what else he's hiding too. He might be a bad liar, but he doesn't need to lie about what the party doesn't know. At this point Honey also got out of Ntaj's bag, hungry for food. He had just gotten into Ntaj's rations and ate what was left of his meat and dried fruits, so now Ntaj was going to need to get resupplied.

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Location: Road North of Salarn, Midday of Day Three

Interacting With: A Situation of Epic Confusion

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A lot was happening all at once. For some reason unknown, the part of the overlapping thoughts being tossed around that Keystone latched onto was the last bit, offered up by one of his more recent Half-Orc companions. He had expressed desire to use Cremwise's wagon. The suggestion halted the burly Pugilist's train of thought for a moment, causing a slow turn of the head in his direction. Keystone's eyebrow began a noteworthy ascent into the upper reaches of his forehead, or at least just the one of them, as a look of pure, unadulterated incredulity washed over him. His face began to turn a color best described as "reddish-annoyance" and a vein became prominent.

With all that was going on in their corner of the forest that day, Keystone had no idea why this frustrated him so. While not trivial, it certainly wasn't the most important issue of the hour. Still, the vexation did not come from the potential of triviality more than the state of the wagon suggested for their use. He risked a glance back to what was left of it.

It was, admittedly, in fine condition for a vehicle that had been landed upon by a bear that fell from a clear, blue sky, and without horse, the animal in question having ripped the tack from its moorings, freeing the front end from such restrictive concepts as "walls" or "footrests". The fact that it still had functional wheels was a minor miracle, let alone that somehow the contents of Keystone's pack inside were largely unmolested.

"Tells ya what there, Ntaj... You do wha'ever pups your bloody tent with that wagon, eh? All yours, squire."

Lucky for him, it was the exact mental change of pace he needed to get back into Business Mode. He began to assess the situation with a different, more objective outlook. So this was an undead thing. Again. That he just happened to wander into. AGAIN. This was just his lot in life, probably at the behest of entities far more powerful than himself. There's no getting out of it, so the best option for his survival was to address it directly, and hope that these new people would do the same. Sana's shoulder poke and mildly eloquent speech about the bigger picture wasn't entirely off base, and it didbring his train of thought back to their former employer. What to do, what to do?

"Thought you'd remember, Miss Sana. Breakin' skulls is what I do. But you're right. Cremmy 'ere's a bloody problem. You s'pose he's just a opportune chiseler, what's makin' profits offa common folk's fear an' blood? Or is he a bigger part of the problem? Either way, I'm all for lunchtime and sodding off. Talk business durin'."

Cyneburg

Location: An Ambush friendly gathering of the races
Interacting with: Whoever bothers to listen.

The bear that was Cyneburg stretched its back a bit before stepping forward, transforming back into the Half-Orc form more commonly associated with being a person. She wasn't wielding her walking stick/axe in any sort of threatening manner, simply firmly grasping it towards its center. She didn't know how much the orcs knew about the group, and her by extension, but hey if they were going to be hanging around for the time being, it would be best to break the news of her shapeshifty nature early, right? Assuming mass chaos didn't break out, she'd go on to talk for the first time in several hours.

"If this issue with the undead is indeed true, as it seems to be, it could have ramifications far beyond the two settlements in the area. Regardless of Mr. Cremwise's intentions and his place in the larger picture, I think it would be best to restrain him and keep him around where we can see him. I recommend gagging and restricting his arm movements with something like a set of handcuffs. There's been some odd things surrounding him that don't match up with how things were going the past couple of days. I think there might be magic involved. If'n he's a mage of some sort, stopping him from being able to speak or make arcane gestures or what not would be a good idea." Cyne covered her mouth and yawned. "Whatever you guys decide to do with him, decide quick, I'm hungrier than locust swarm during harvest season."

---

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Brezcar took a look over towards the man who said they honored them with the offer. "No honor intended. Simple numbers. I'd rather you lot be a meat shield than my people," he admitted without haste. Kyra's brow rose significantly at the things words. Not so much the sentiment but that he actually vocalized it. It was pretty much what she was thinking, just in reverse. At least they were on the same page. Turning and seeing the condition that Thomas was in she sighed and whistled to get Sana's attention.

"What?" Sana asked as she turned a bit to glance towards her childhood friend.

"Where's Epona?" she asked as Ash padded around her legs and rubbed up against her, Kyra reaching down and petting her pup a few times; her fingers running through his fur lightly before she gave him a scratch behind the ears that caused his leg to thump against the ground a few times.

Sana tilted her head to the side and then glanced towards Thomas as Kyra motioned towards him. Nodding she gave a whistle of her own and Epona came trotting out of the woods. Stepping over to her mare she took the reins and climbed into the saddle. Pulling on the reins she turned her horse and trotted over towards Thomas and held her hand out to him. "Alright you, come on."

Glancing towards Njet, Kyra gave a bit of a shrug. "Whatever works. I say they can carry their own gear from this point. We did what we said we would do," she said as she laced her bow over her shoulder and dropped the arrow into its quiver. Stepping over to Cremwise, the Orcs keeping a close eye on her she reached into his robes and snatched his pouch. "And now we get paid," she said. The man tried to protest but Brezcar gave him a look that could mean nothing but shut the hell up.

Opening the pouch she smiled a bit before closing it and tossing it over to Keystone. "We can figure out who gets what later," she added before turning over towards Cyneburg as she shifted back and spoke finally. "I am for everyone of those," she chuckled but Brezcar was having none of that, at least not at first. He stood there scratching his chin for a moment and then grabbed Cremwise by the back of his collar and tossed him to the feet of Cyneburg.

"He is all yours. Our business with him is concluded," he said before snapping his fingers and the rest of the Orcs began to unload what remained of the wagon and carrying the boxes off into the woods. "This way if you all will," he added before turning. Kyra shrugged. It was at least movement at this point in her mind. Grabbing her bag from the back of the wagon before the Orcs could mistake it as their property she slung it over her back and began walking.

Location:The Road
Interacting with: His friends

Calanon stood there attentive, and as his new companions continued to discuss what it is that they should do next, he deflated his warrior stance for a bit. It seemed it was time to do the right thing. He looked to Brogach, the Elk still gazing about with the little bird on its back. The Elf smiled from the sight. "Brogach, you stick near me." Calanon said, and walked over to Cremwise.

"If anyone has a rope to tie him up with, we should get on that. But I can guard him regardless." he offered, already standing vigilantly over the man. Calanon longed for a time when he could sit beside the fire and play his ocarina, and something told him that might not be a fine idea in an orcish camp. He would not tire though. A quick meal would perk him back up once they made it to their destination.

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Conversations were brief, but satisfactory enough for Lerraina. She could sense no malicious intent from the orcs, and with the exception of their runaway chariot rider, everyone else seemed to make sense. Perhaps it wasn't the greatest idea to remove herself from the shadows of the trees, but she couldn't think of any reason to stay. Crixus had already joined the fray, which made her a bit uneasy, but at the very least, despite his small stature and flighty tendencies, he's always had her back, even if he was just a silly bird.

Without a peep or even crackle of the earth beneath her feet, she slowly crept her way back over to the group. Ideally, she would have made it to Calanon's side without anyone noticing. Of course, nothing could ever happen the way she anticipated. She did come close though, a few paces away from the mighty elk and its elven partner in crime. It was then that the bird turned and cawed in her direction. "Stupid bird" If only she had been skilled in animal empathy. She couldn't tell if the bird understood her words, or even comprehended the look of annoyance she gave him, but as any pet would, the bird lifted itself from the elk and flew the short distance to her shoulder.

She paid no mind to the reaction of any around her, her eyes seemed to be fixed on one man; Cremwise. The look was not intended to intimidate, however it shot daggers towards every major organ he possessed. He made her miss her meal, caused a panic, destroyed the wagon ... Not that she was using it, and just completely disrupted her day. For her, that was more than enough cause to hang him by his feet from a tree. A strange noise had erupted from her stomach which seemed to lessen her threatening facade. She was, after all, still human, a fact that made her sulk for a moment before tugging down her hood, enough for the man to notice the features of her faced scarred by her annoyance. Her pale blue eyes penetrated his.

"Do that again, and I will make you wish that you were never born." her words were directed towards Cremwise. It seemed that sometimes no matter how hard she tried, bits of herself shown through her disguises. She didn't care much for anything right now, besides a meal.