Flicker resisted the urge to roll their eyes at Aura's overly flirty way of speaking to Cascade. It seemed she'd taken quite a liking to their new acquaintance, which the water genasi either didn't notice or was purposively ignoring. Probably a good call, either way. From what Flicker was gathering from the way she spoke, Cascade seemed like the kind of person who wore her heart on her sleeve, very unlike the other genasi woman in their group. Very much unlike everyone in their group, now that Flicker thought of it. They weren't the most emotionally open crew. The fire genasi could only hope Cascade wouldn't be put off by their more close-to-the-chest nature.

Still, Rala's suspicion seemed to soften slightly, agreeing to take this job if Jormund was. Flicker gave a small nod. "Well then, I guess that's sorted," they said. They then looked at the water genasi again. "You mentioned divine magic. You're religious then, like Jormund here?"

Cascade looks somewhat nervously as Rala dismissively answers no to her offer of her Oath Reciting. The nervousness disappears when Rala snickers and states that Jormund is a fool. But when she said that he wasn't going to go alone, Cascade gives a wide smile and a happy gasp to Rala, before saying her thanks to the older human woman, "Mahalo Nui, Auntie Rala!"

She then turns to look to Flicker when they ask their question. At first, Cascade looks perplexed before her eyes look up to the ceiling as she thinks over the question.

She soon answers as though she was just realizing a truth, "Huh...I guess I am!"

She continues talking to Flicker cheerfully as she explains her reasoning, "I mean, I do offer my prayers and follow the tenets of Deep Sashelas. Plus, it's probably common for Deities to come visit and ask new clerics and paladins to become clerics and paladins!"

Aura listened to her party members nodding when Rala stated they weren't doing to be letting Jormund go alone. "True, if he already agreed to help than there is no way in the nine hells I am letting him go without us." She took her eyes off of Cascade to scan Jormund briefly before her attention went back on Cascade. She couldn't help but let out a snicker as the water Genasi called Rala Auntie. She was sure it was a cultural thing but it was still amusing to Aura.

Aura however decided to steer the conversation away from religion, a topic that made her oddly uncomfy. "Anyway, how far is this village of yours?" She questioned Cascade. "And what's your plan when we get there?" The second part was directed toward Jormund who seemed to think he could talk to the raiders rather than fighting them. Anyone who called themselves Raiders, or were called Raiders by the public, generally were not easy people to talk to. They preferred to "talk" with blades and fires rather than actually using words. Aura knew that even she would have a hard time reasoning with a group like that.

Cascade answers Aura, "Oh, Zephyr shouldn't be too far away. It only took me a couple of days of walking mauka to get here. Just gotta walk a few days makai to return to Zephyr,"

When Aura asked about a plan, Cascade looks perplexed again. She could only answer, "Ummm..." at first as she seemed to be thinking it over. It's clear that she either didn't have a plan, or had one and forgot it.

She finally answers, "I find you guys, and we come up with a plan in Zephyr? We don't really know Raiders' raiding strategies,"

"Don't call me 'Auntie'. Rala will do" She added with a huff.
It troubled her that there would be no reward. How would she feed herself? How would she fuel her insatiable thirst for ale? These questions seemed to drown out the conversation as she sat by idly with her arms crossed, opting to scowl at cascade like a panther eyeing up its next meal.

The girl looked strong, and Rala doubted she was lying about being a paladin. What troubled her was the girl's naivety. It wasn't out of the question that Cascade was greatly underestimating the problem at hand and Rala couldn't shake the thought that this was more trouble than it was worth.

"I say the best plan is to cut them down before they cause any more problems," Rala said as she revealed one of the daggers that gave her the title she proudly bore.
"For Jormunds family, a pair of handcuffs will do the trick. I am more than capable of incapacitating an enemy without killing them" She added, trying to rationalize her initial bloodthirsty reply.

The large earth Genasi frowned at Rala calling him a fool for thinking he could reason with members of his own clan. It is true that raiders were typically unable to be reasoned with. However with Jørmund having some repute in the northlands, more with his own village, he expected there was a chance he could deter those he might know. Then again it could be Haraldr, and of it was possibility of negotiations would be pointless. Especially if Jørmund was there.

"I think you misunderstand my intention Rala. If there are members of my village there there is a possibility of convincing them to go else where more easily. In the case that none are part of this raid dealing with them becomes simpler though not easy. If they are worth their salt we won't know when they strike until they are in Zephyr. They may have a small diversion to draw out defenders. Or possibly wait until the warriors of the village leave on other pretenses. Either way when they strike it will be sudden and quick." Jørmund paused long enough to go to the bar and grab a flagon of the whiskey that was in the camp. He came back with a few pewter cups and pour each of the present party a good amount of the amber colored liquid.

"So as we are now going to aide another village I suggest we drink and enjoy the night as tomorrow we travel." The Genasi cleric puts the flagon to his lips and takes three big gulps, some spilling from around his face. He sets the flagon on the table and bellows for food to be brought to the table.

Cascade blinked at Rala's words and she answers her request, confirming Aura's thought that calling Rala Auntie is a cultural thing, "Huh? But everyone in Zephyr is going to call you 'Auntie'..."

When Jormund said to enjoy tonight and they'll be traveling tomorrow, she accepted her cup and raised it saying "Mahalo Nui Loa! Cheers!" She takes a good swig, but she doesn't quite down it like Jormund did.

She then realizes "Ah, that's right! I better get started!"

She brings out a book and an ink pen with ink. She asks the party, "Is there anything all of you would like or need that I can carve from wood? Oh! What are your hobbies? Maybe I can make something for that," As she flips through the pages to get to a blank page, they would see detailed drawings for ships and other items. One of note seems to be a board with fins.

She finally reaches a blank page and readies her pen.

Flicker was surprised when Cascade name-dropped an elven god as her deity of worship, albeit one that had played little role in their religious education growing up. A small, forest-dwelling village of wood elves had less reason to offer prayers to an ocean god like Deep Sashelas than the other Seldarine, but there were still efforts made to make sure the youth were at least somewhat familiar with all of the pantheon. Flicker squinted slightly at Cascade, wondering if, like them, she too had elven heritage.

They didn't get the opportunity to pursue this line of inquiry, however, as the conversation moved on to their plans to aid Zephyr. Flicker shot Jormund a look when the earth genasi began chugging down copious amounts of drink, with the suggestion that they enjoy the festivities for the night. "How much have you had to drink?" they said. "Considering we're traveling tomorrow, you might want to consider slowing down a little." They were attempting to sound concerned and sensible, but their tone made their words come across as more judgemental.

When Cascade asked what everyone would like for her to carve for them, Flicker glanced over at her and shook their head slightly. "Err, nothing for me, thanks," they said. "Me and wood don't exactly... mix." They gestured to the fiery glow of their hair and eyes.

Cascade blinked rapidly in surprise at Flicker when he refused her offer, "You sure? I mean, there's gotta be something I can make for you. It is part of the payment for your guys' help..." Her question sounded sad as she looked at Flicker with puppy eyes.

One could see the gears turn in her mind, as she mumbles, "I wonder if there's a way to make wood fire proof...?"

Aura stared at the group as they spoke. Partially because she didn't understand half of what the water Genasi was saying and partially because she was amused by the fact that, as usual, they had no plan, and as usual the group seemed to not even consider using Hawk as a good scouting option. Though she kept her mouth shut, as she normally did, until she felt it was a good time to bring it up. Which likely wouldn't be until they actually needed it.

When Cascade asked if there was anything the group would like carved out of wood Aura blinked. She honestly couldn't think of anything in the moment. "How about you surprise me with it, love." She winked at the woman and stood up. "Anyway I am going to retrieve some food as well as something to drink. Would anyone like me to get them anything?" She offered as she stood, Hawk rebalancing on her should with the movement. The offer was mostly to those who hadn't gotten anything for themselves yet but anyone at the table was welcome to ask for something.

The earth genasi looks at the flagon then back to Flicker and shrugs. "Maybe two glasses. Oh and what ever was left in here after pouring you all some." He lifts the flagon and drinks the remaining contents and sets it down on the table. The loaf of bread that finally arrived was in the smiths hands almost as soon as it was set on the table. Tearing a large chuck of the loaf off, he reached for another morsel of food to eat with the bread. "Besides I've drank more than that and had to hammer out parts of a new helm the next day. You should relax a little Flicker, your stiffer than a piece of pig iron." Jørmund said between bites all while pushing the glass of alcohol to his firey companion.

Flicker pulled a face when Jormund offered them the glass. They didn't drink, and never had in all the time that the earth genasi had known them. Given they barely felt in control of their emotions when sober, they didn't think it wise to add alcohol to the mix. They pointedly pushed the glass away and stood up.

They glanced over at Cascade. "I'll... try and think of something you can make for me," Flicker said after a moment. "For now though, I am also going to get something to eat. I'm starving." They then walked to go get some food, not even waiting for Aura. Those who had travelled with the fire genasi long enough would noticed that the glow around their hair had brightened and was slowly shifting towards a bright red, signifying restrained anger and frustration.

Rala stayed rather quiet when she was told her quest would not only keep her from gold and toss her into unknown danger, but her only reward was to stay at a village that calls her 'auntie'. It was bittersweet, knowing she couldn't stay there long. She tried to shake the thought away by swigging back the remains of the jug of beer while the others mingled. By the time her head whipped back down, her head was starting to spin.
"I'd take another drink if you're offering," Rala said with a blissful grin as she reclined into a nearby seat.

"get one for the new girl too, maybe if she's drinking she'll stop trying to give us her wood," She said with a short chuckle at her only joke. Though her words were still harsh, she was no longer cautious and defensive, but instead playfully teasing.
"If you're intent though," Rala said as she removed the straps on her scabbard before laying it on the table. It was a simple design, a wooden piece that had been covered in leather. The Leather had been battered by weather and blows alike, and the wood has long since warped. It was an ancient piece of equipment that had seen the wear of time.
"I've been meaning to buy a new scabbard, this one might as well be for a different sword" She woozily added.

The evening continues on in a relatively enjoyable fashion. Food is eaten, drink is drunk, and good times are had by all. As evening turns to night you all head on over to the quieter areas of the campsite to find some beds and get some rest. While Plasm retires straight away, the rest of you gather about a campfire near the edge of the campsite. A quartet of highwayman archers - a pair of human twins named Archer and Bowman, a half-elf called Marcus, and a minotaur known simply as Bull - join you soon after. You and the highwaymen trade stories and sing songs around the fire for a time. Just as you're all starting to think about heading off to bed though, you stop and turn towards a highwayman in a nearby watchtower calling out into the forest he was surveying. "Oi! Who's out there?!"

A reply to the watcher's words came in the form of flaming crossbolts flying out of the trees. Three strike the watcher sending him tumbling off the tower and down to the ground below. The rest strike the tower itself or the wagons behind the tower, setting them ablaze to varying degrees of severity. A few seconds later, another volley of crossbolts sails towards the campfire, forcing you to take cover behind the wagons.

"There's an alarm bell on the top of the watchtower!" Marcus called out. "If someone can get up there and ring it, the whole camp will come running!"

"Hey look!" Archer called out. "Paxton's still moving." Sure enough, anyone who could see the watcher would also be able to see him writhing in pain.

"He's still alive!" Bowman exclaimed. "But that might not be the case for long unless a healer can get to hi-"

"HEADS DOWN!" Bull shouted as another volley of crossbolts flew from the forest. "If you have a bow, start shooting into the trees! If you don't have a bow, head for the tower! We'll cover you!"

Flicker did eventually return to the group with their food, though they remained quiet and sullen for the rest of the evening. The addition of strangers coming to join their group didn't improve their mood, either, and pointedly avoiding eye contact with both them and Jormund. They were in the process of getting up and making some halfhearted attempt to excuse themselves when the arrows started raining down around them, setting various parts of the environment ablaze, and even sending a guard from the top of the watchtower hurtling down to the ground. Miraculously, he seemed to survive the fall, but needed medical attention immediately.

With the injured man and needing reinforcements against this onslaught, Flicker's goal was clear. "On it," they responded to the Highwayman - the first time the fire genasi had properly addressed them this entire evening - and before anyone could say anything, they went charging towards Paxton, doing their best to dodge the arrows along the way. Once they reached the wounded highwayman and were safely hidden behind the tower, they would inspect him. "Hey, do you think you can stand? I've got a medical kit on me. If I get can you inside the the tower, I can do my best to patch you up."

As they ducked and weaved their way around the flaming crossbolts flying towards them, the flames that danced upon the bolts seemed familiar to Flicker, yet they could not understand why.

As Flicker reached Paxton, they would see that the highwayman was very badly burned, one of his legs was bent in a way that suggested it was broken, and the three crossbolts that had struck him in various places would make any sort of movement near impossible. Now that the crossbolts were stationary and not on fire, Flicker would also see that the bolts were strangely enough made out of stone rather than the usual wood and metal. "Tower... Is burning..." Paxton replied weakly once Flicker was done talking. "Going inside... Bad idea..."

Rala ducked behind a house when she saw the arrows flying toward her. Peering out from the burning cottage she searched the forest line for her enemy. She could see movement, but the shadowy figures seemed to blend in with the woodlands, and the blazing fires made the air hazy enough to bend their shapes into disproportionate forms. As she continued to scan the streets for stragglers, she caught a glimpse of Flicker running full force towards the archers, arrows flying past him as he rushed to the aid of a fallen citizen.

Rala quickly followed suit, feeling her feet go before she realized. She wasn't about to let him die like the stranger, presumably, had. Flicker proved to be faster than she expected though, and as she saw another barrage of arrows coming her way, Rala ducked towards cover once more. Landing by another burning house, she felt a pang of heat from her backside. Turning, the rogue noticed her cape has caught ablaze.
"Flicker you fool, get out of there before you get hurt! This is no time to be the hero!" She called out as she patted the flame out with her boot.

After a pleasant conversation with some of the other individuals staying at the camp as well as some of the highway men Aura was more than annoyed when they were suddenly under attack from unknown forces. Aura ducked behind some cover as quickly as possible. "Damn it, just as we were having a good time." She considered briefly, entering her vessel and having Hawk fly it and subsequently her to the tower to ring the bell but thought better of it. Best to not risk not only her familiar but also her vessel. With an annoyed sigh Aura peeked from her cover for only the briefest of moments to fire a pot shot Eldritch Blast in the direction of the volley of arrows, hoping to connect with someone. How long would it take before the rest of the camp was alerted to the combat? She wasn't sure, but she didn't like being a sitting duck.

---

Eldritch Blast 120ft range, fired in the direction of the enemy. 22 regular roll, 7 disadvantage (rolled just in case of lack of sight on an enemy)
Damage: 3 force damage +2 thunder damage from genie stuff.

From the forest, a voice called out in what the genasi recognize to be the Ignan dialect of Primordial. "Don't let them ring the bell!". The voice commanded. "Bring down the tower and stop any who try to reach the top!"

In response to this, a trio of clean shaven male dwarves rushed from the trees, hefting stony mauls as they came. The leftmost dwarf is struck in the chest by Aura's Eldritch Blast, but manages to find the strength to continue advancing with the rest. The dwarf who was struck and one of his fellows take up position on either side of the tower and begin striking it with their mauls. The injured dwarf manages to knock away a small piece of the tower's support structure, but not enough to bring it down. The uninjured dwarf fares little better, being unable to deal any damage with his first swing.

Meanwhile, the third dwarf circled around the tower to fight with Flicker. However, Flicker was ready for the initial attack and managed to expertly avoid the maul's oncoming blow.

The whiskey had slowed Jørmund's ability to process what was going on around him. Before the cleric had time to react to the statement of someone needing aide, Flicker had taken off towards the tower where the injured person lay. Stumbling to his feet and grabbing his shield, the earth genasi made towards the tower as well, only to realizing that Rala had already left in pursuit of their companion.

The dash across the field was hazardous and the cleric was unable to avoid the barage of crossbow bolts. He pushed forward towars the overturned cart still several feet away from Flicker and the wounded civilian.

"Your not done yet get up and fight!" Jørmund shouted at the fallen civilian, his words charged with the divine powers his diety bestowed him. He raised his shield readying to push into the brawl that was forming around the fire genasi monk.