Sebastian looks over at his sister and then back at Magdar. The dwarf nods, before walking outside. He straightens, before turning to the room at large.

"Well, our course of action is clear, then. We have to reach the keep before they close the gates."

"What about the other townsfolk?" Linan asks.

"If we come across a group, we'll bring them with us, but that's not a priority." His eyebrows meet. "There might be an entire company between here and there. We can't afford to be spotted, and if we are, we can't afford to engage."

"Coast is clear!" Magdar calls, despite having walked back to the door.

Cassandra walks over to her twin and hugs him. He whispers something in her ear, and she whispers back. The druid then looks over at Rhaeyla, Caw, Surina, Magdar and Vaal. "We... we appreciate all you've done, but truly, if you do not wish to stay, then you must go now. We have reached Greenrest; your job is complete."

Surina shakes her head. "Maybe it is, but it isn't safe, here. I would bring shame to my clan if I left you now."

Magdar reaches to his belt and takes out his axe. "And if you don't mind my saying, but there's going to be a lot of fighting tonight, inside a castle or not. That's a speciality of mine."

Cuth stands up, testing how much weight he can put on his injured leg. It seems stable. "Will we be able to keep up with you?" he says, looking at his children.

"I can carry them." Surina offers. She looks down at them with a smile - somewhat reptilian, but comforting nonetheless.

"And I'll stick with mom and pop." Magdar adds.

Eyes turn to Rhaeyla, Vaal, and Caw.

Your pieces said, and your determination renewed, you set out into the night, keeping to shadows and alleyways. There is a collective flinch every once in a while, when Magdar stumbles into a barrel, or when Vaal stubs his toe on an uneven flagstone, but you draw no attention.

Linan is leading the way, Cuth, Magdar and Cassandra on her heels. She is about to turn a corner when Magdar's hand shoots out and grabs her.

"Careful." he mutters.

He points out onto the street, where two taller figures and one shorter one are emerging from a house ahead. It could be a family but for the gleaming scimitars, one held by each of the taller two. The third has a curiously humped back, and it is carrying some sort of bag or sack with it. They pass a burning oil lamp, and their faces are illuminated for a brief moment.



A human man and an elven woman, both garbed in leather armour. Behind them is a kobold... or, as Vaal would call them, an Urd. Winged Kobold.

They do not seem to be aware of your presence but they are in your way.

HP 10/10 | Status: None

---

With children now a part of her charge, Rhaeyla became ever more vigilant, her resolve to protect her friends deepened after seeing them through their first fight. They'd survived the last encounter with minor injuries and she didn't want to risk any more than that. Moving under cover of the night would have assuaged her worries, if it weren't for the fact that a possible assailant could just as easily slink in the darkness as they did. Rhaeyla's vision wasn't impeded at night, but they were a fairly big group and she didn't know how effectively she could protect them all.

At Magdar's quiet warning, Rhaeyla instinctively pushed forward and took the lead from Linan. Ordinarily, she wouldn't have been so quick to resort to violence, but these individuals were armed and that alone was enough to set her on edge. Her thoughts flickered briefly to the lives she had taken today, the weight of the deed still hanging on her shoulders, and then to the group behind her. No, she mustn't hesitate at times like this. To protect them, she would have to do what's necessary.

Rhaeyla quickly glanced back at Cassandra and Sebastian in an attempt to convey her intentions. Then, with big but quiet strides, she lunged with her staff, targeting the human in leather armor. There was a telltale crunching that made her wince, reflexively and out of sympathy, but that also told her she had hit her mark.

She jumped back and away from the warm, yellow light of their lamp, and made sure her hood was still secured over her hair. The last thing she wanted was for the sheen of her hair to give away her position. She raised her staff defensively, ready for retaliation.

HP12/12 + 3 | Status: None

---

Magdar, unwilling to leave his charges, instead fit a bolt to his crossbow and took aim. The elf seems to hear this, and she steps out of the way just in time, the missile flying off into the darkness. Magdar utters a curse and resets the cord.




Linan; Ally | Healthy
Cuth; Ally | Healthy
Tarya; Ally | Healthy
Arthus; Ally | Healthy

---

No actions taken.

Vaal was unsure of what had actually lead him to stay with the group. He certainly felt very little for human children. But perhaps he sympathized with the idea that these two would soon lose it all if nothing happened? Well... it wouldn't matter anyways, a band of ruffians would do little against a much larger band of ruffians. Still... he found his own feelings mixed. The kobold's vision is not impared at night, and in fact it's at the greatest. However, the random pools of light played hell with his eyes and he'd occasionally stumble over the random bit of rubble and uneven paving stone.

Eventually, they came to a group of foes. The Kobold held little insight on how to get by, and he had little care if they snuck away or attacked. And it seemed that decision was made for him. He began the preparations for a spell of frost. His target had began the process of evasive action after taking the arrow. But the wound seemed to slow him down, and allowed the Kobold to easily compensate and land his attack true. The ray of frost streaked through the air, and sent the foe toppling into an endless slumber of death.

After witnessing the effect of his own attack. The kobold retreated back a few paces to find cover.

The man lets out a hiss of pain and steps back, a spot of red foam appearing at the corner of his mouth. He makes to shout, but before he can, he is silenced with a bolt of frost. The elven woman turns to face Rhaeyla with a snarl, the darkness doing little to hide the girl from her sight. She spins her blade in her hand and falls into a stance.

She is no longer surprised by your presence.


HP 5/9 | Status: None

---

Seeing the elven woman distracted, Cassandra takes the opportunity to slam the butt of her staff against the ground. Again, the ruby at its head is set aflame, and again, it darts in the direction of its target - this one the elven woman. But the elf sees the flame, and she raises her scimitar, the cantrip breaking against her steel.

Cassandra flinches, and she backs away slightly.





The kobold takes several steps back, and from its bag pulls a rock, hefty in size. It crouches, and its wings rise up, ready to take flight.

The Urd is no longer surprised by your presence.


HP 14/14 +3 | Status: None

---

Surina, a child in each arm, backs away into the shadows.

No action taken.


HP 11/11 +3 | Status: None

---

Sebastian charges forward, shield in front of him, ready to block, and he swings at the elf. With inhuman grace, she dances away, as he misses by a hair.

HP 10/10 | Status: None

---

With a deft display of his abilities, Vaal had finished off the man she had left bloodied. Cassandra and Sebastian attempted to attack the elven woman, but it was Caw that had succeeded. Unfortunately so, Rhaeyla thought with a frown. It was her that instigated the attack, and so it was her that had forced her gentle friend to take yet another life.

Under the cover of darkness, it was easier not to think of the rising death toll they left in their wake. Again she had to remind herself it was a necessary evil; there were little ones among them and she would see to it that they remained unharmed. And what's more, she was duty-bound to see the twins to safety in the keep. Everything they have done had been unavoidable.

No rationalizing lessened the weight that gripped at her heart, though.

There was only the winged urd left, and Rhaeyla knew what must be done. With a quick twist of her staff, she was on the offensive again. She stepped forward and raised her staff over her head just as the winged kobold reached for something in its bag, moving swiftly to leave him no time to take flight. Her arms swung down forcefully--it was a surefire hit to its head--but at the last second, she moved just a fraction to the right.

It was as though something had tugged at her. What could have been a skull-cracking strike turned into a warning blow to its shoulder.

"We just need to pass," Rhaeyla said, suddenly tired. She lowered her staff. "Leave now and we won't chase after you. Please."

Without a word, the winged kobold turned and fled.

Rhaeyla turned to the others, a conflicting mix of emotions in her expressive eyes: relief, panic, confusion. Was it right to let it flee? Should they have questioned it about the goings-on in the city?

Magdar glares after the fleeing kobold, but there isn't any point in trying to pursue it when it takes off into the air. Time goes on without trouble, and you move forward, further into the centre of town. You've almost made it. The keep looms above you, and you can see movement atop of the walls as guards shoot arrows and drop stones. There is just one last corner... and Caw, being the quickest, is the first to turn it...

What he sees stops him in his tracks.

Between your group and the gates to the keep, a larger group has formed. Nine kobolds, and four other figures - three of medium height, and one of shorter stature. Four of the kobolds are winged, and one of them is gesticulating wildly, speaking frantically in Yipyak. The tallest of the group says something in the same draconic tongue, and three of the Urds take flight, headed in the same direction - away from the keep, to the outskirts of the city. Each carries a similar bag, full to bursting. The (presumed) man then barks an order, and the remaining kobolds begin to spread out, eyes gleaming in the dark, the remaining winged kobold flying up to a small ledge and perching there like a miniature gargoyle. For a moment, Caw is sure that the closest one has seen him, but then its eyes glide away to the next shadow.

There are five kobolds, a winged kobold (slightly injured), and four unknown foes. They don't know you're there, but they're on their guard. You do not need to fight them, but you do need to get past them. @Eleven@Vertigo@Tangletail, please roll initiative.

Human Foe A carries a shortbow; the rest all have scimitars.

The shortest figure looked from side to side, their blade flickering like the torchlight it reflected. They motioned with a hand to their two companions. Each began to move with their blades forward in a ready stance, eyes searching the darkness. They split, moving in different directions just as the kobolds had.

The man held position, an arrow fit to the string.

Vaal stood straight and watched the kobold flee when the battle was overwith. He took the time to take in his features, then allowed his gaze to dip down to the fallen humans. His eyes flicked overthem, searching for details. And then finally he moved on without much of a thought. There was too little time to search them properly. But he did try to remember their dress. Every little detail comes in handy. Know your enemy after all.

He did see Caw in what appeared to be a moral dilema. Thinking on it, the kobold found it increasingly odd that something so young could kill in one moment, and then care in the next. Even more so about how a creature... without lips, and or a tail could display easily read emotions. Vaal decided it might be best to repay one favor with another later. The little ebony bird creature had tried to console him, he shall do the same when there is time.

And speaking of time. He made note of the group ahead. And the most clear plan. To try and sneak around everything. This... was going to be a rough one. But his eyes flickered about for a much safer passage. He was a kobold himself, and knew the extents of their own vision. And figured it'd be best to sneak around the edge or far outside.

"Stay low... stay out of the light... follow me..." The kobold drawled in his quietest of whispers. With that, he krept through giving the kobolds a wide birdth and keeping to the shadows.

The kobolds search the darkness with their eyes, and see nothing.

---

Taking something in its hand, the Urd takes flight, landing on another ledge slightly closer to where Vaal has decided to hide. There is no indication that they have seen him, however.

---

HP 5/9 | Status: None

---

Cassandra heeds Vaal's words, and sticks close.

---

HP 12/12+3 | Status: None

---

Magdar begins to follow, but his foot gets caught on something, and a dull, low thud echoes through the air. He is tense for a moment, and heads swivel in that direction, but they don't know where you are, yet...

HP 10/10 | Status: None

---

The moment she'd spotted the group ahead -- more winged kobolds among them -- Rhaeyla knew immediately that she had made a mistake. The one she had allowed to flee would know they were traveling with children, would have seen how some of them fought, would want to avenge its slain comrades. If it were to alert the others... There were countless scenarios that played in her head, but she knew better than to dwell on things that have or could happen. If she wanted to correct her mistake, she must focus on the next right thing she can do. How can she best keep the others and herself safe?

Caw, Vaal, and Cassandra were the first to push forward, sticking to the shadows, their movements deft and silent. Rhaeyla followed their cue, creeping after Magdar. They moved together in an almost synchronized manner, at least until Magdar stumbles forward one step, his foot catching on something. Her heart all but galloped out of her chest at the low noise he made, and her hand instinctively reached for the staff affixed to her back. It hadn't been too loud to have alerted everyone, but it was still a sound that echoed through the otherwise silent night.

Rhaeyla held her breath for what seemed like minutes, whole body tense and dread filling her stomach. She stayed rooted on the spot and waited, bracing for the worse. But nothing happened. Relieved, Magdar pressed forward until he reached Cassandra, and Rhaeyla followed suit, moving slightly clumsier after the scare.

Behind her, Sebastian led Surina and her charges across to the oppsite side, slinking through the shadows with nary a sound.

---

As the groups go their separate ways, Caw remains at his vigil. And only he sees what happens.

From the direction of the keep, a flash of pink streaks towards one of the kobolds. It crumples silently, and Caw watches as the squat hooded figure turns towards it, surprised. Another flash, hitting one of the kobolds square in the shoulders, causing it to stagger forward. Most eyes begin to turn away from the shadows of the square to these attacks.

Upon the wall stands a figure, too far away to make out any features. But she stands ready to defend Greenrest.

When the green-skinned kobold collapsed, the halfling was still for only a split second before ducking down behind a barrel, and the half-elf threw themselves across the market stall, attempting to get behind cover. The archer spun on his heels, his arrow skidding off into the night, unaware of where the attacker was hidden. The human woman, safely out of reach and not having seen the source of the commotion, called out. "What's happening?!"

The halfling began to gesticulate wildly for her to get down. She stared at them for a moment, before doing so.

---

Vaal heard the signs of panic, as he crept ever so closer towards the main street. He shifted towards the wall first, and then moved forward behind a barrel. He hunkered down. Then leaned to peer out with one amber eye. He carefully ran over his options. And... honestly did not like any of them. He began to contemplate if there was perhaps a better way into the damned keep. But most likely, if there was that would probably be in a similar circumstance. His eyes flitted over the wall, and felt elated. He spied a window. He was quite pleased. Hlal rarely ever smiled for him like so. But a quick peak immediately simmered a long burried bitterness over life. He was not certain if it was locked... but he was certain that he had nothing to pry the heavy frame open.

Hlal was laughing at him. 'Rrrrngh, Hlal shit in my eyes...' the little kobold mentally growled to himself. He could wait. He could simply do nothing and watch how everything carries out for other's with better options to work with. But, and against all sensible reason in the methodical kobold, he decided to try and make lemonaid.

The kobold took a quick moment to undo his Tabbard and flip it inside out to show the plain interior, and tie it off at his hips like a skirt. While dying a little inside, he went a bit further to dirty it with what he dared not to think of that he could find near him. Finally he peared out once more. He pointed to the kobold, muttering the syllabic rhyme of the spell. Then made a quick gesture that looked as if he was sweeping something along his hand. The effect was a quick and heavy dart of wind that whistled near the opposing kobold's head and down the alleyway. He hunkered back down and waited.

Kobold A, unnerved by the sudden attack, moves away from the main market.
Kobold B lies dead, their chest caved in from the magical attack.
Kobold C hears something, and they turn to face west; away from Vaal's group. They begin to move in that direction.
Kobold D hears a curse from its kin, and ventures down the wider alley. Just as they pass the barrel where Caw hides, the kenku strikes, his rapier all but skewering them (17). Caw pulls the body towards him in the shadows, one clawed hand covering the kobold's muzzle. Kobold D dies without a sound (Caw dealt a total of 10 damage).
The second bolt of pink strikes Kobold E, who had a few more seconds to react, but it is still a heavy blow. They are not long for this world.



The Urd sees one of its kin fall, and moves behind the wall. It now has half-cover.



The human and dwarf move up, though they still keep their distance from the main square. Cassandra looks between Vaal and Rhaeyla, hoping for some kind of reassurance.

HP 10/10 | Status: None

---

Rhaeyla moves up to join Cassandra and Vaal.



Sebastian, the Swifts and Surina move up further around the corner.