Private Into The Dark

R'alle gave the cook a nasty look as the Nord threatened them. He released his claws under the table and carved a small man without looking. He then crossed out the stick figure with a large X. He smiled as Simus came and chewed the man out. The cook apologized weakly.

R'alle giggled. Simus offered the 2 to come to a larger table. R'alle shook his head "Maybe after dark." R'alle looked down at his wolf leg. The cook had chopped it in half leaving him mostly fat. He chewed on the fat as he listened to Edwin speak.

"Indeed. Nothing like fresh venison cooked over an open fire. Best part of being on the road." "R'alle you have a wound! You should have told me." R'alle nodded. "Sorry friend with all this fooda khajiit tends to forgot about personal injuries." Edwin quickly healed it as R'alle ate. "Thanks friend" "You are quite the warrior my friend! Tell me, did you really kill all those wolves by yourself?" R'alle nodded again finishing his meal. He wiped his lips and spoke. "I only killed 2 the 3rd ran (Chuckling)The first fell because well I landed on it from about 6 feet. The 2nd was to greedy and rushed me. I simply let him run into my claw." He released his claws and reached out his arm. He made a quick ripping motion. R'alle stood from his seat.

"I kinda want to explore but I'm afraid the Stormcloaks will falsely accuse me of something. What do you want to do?" R'alle looked at the dagger Edwin spun. It amazed him. He wondered what would happen if he slipped. He rubbed his neck not wanting to think about it.

Edwin smiled at the Khajiits modesty, "Ah but you see R'alle, you caught them by surprise which takes more skill and expertise than simply charging forward like any of these musclebound brutes would do." He grinned at the Khajiit boy and then had an idea. Ra'lle did not have a weapon, and he would need one if they were going to be fighting more vampires. "Ra'lle, do you just use your claws? Or would you like a dagger to sink into your enemies as well? I have plenty to spare," Edwin spun the dagger he was holding to offer the hilt to the khajiit boy. He winked, "The finest steel in all Skyrim, forged by Eourlum Grey-mane himself. Never mind how I got it."

When R'alle asked him what he was going to do Edwin shrugged, "Oh I don't know, just wait until the others are done with their meal I guess and see what happens then."

Simus nodded to Edwin and R'alle, seeing that they would rather be left alone.

"Fair enough. The offer still stands if you change your mind. Let me or Friga know if you guys have any more problems okay?"

He then left and headed back over to his men, dying to dig into his meal. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he started eating. Brushes with death and high stress tended to do that he supposed. He looked over to Arillious with amusement, as he was looking rather drunk.

"How you feeling there buddy?" He asked, chuckling. "Ralof? How bout you get him a glass of water eh?"

"Yes sir." Ralof said, laughing.

As he got up and left, Simus turned to Friga. "So, Sergeant Shatter-Axe, what information have you gleaned from our prisoner here?"

"Well sir." Friga said, slightly drunk herself. "I've determined that this prisoner fights like a man, but drinks like a boy! Don't worry though, we'll make a Nord of him yet!" She half-shouted over the noise of the mess tent.

"Hahaha, good to hear!" Simus said. "Then we can send him back to General Tullius with orders to challange him to a drinking contest!"

"And after that milk-drinker falls over, Ulfric enteres to cart him off and end the war! All thanks to Arillious!" Stefan chimed in.

"Hear hear!" Simus said, raising his mug. "Here's to this war. May it end soon so we can take the fight to the Aldmeri Dominon. We'll march side by side with the Legion and THEN we'll show those faitless dogs who this land belongs to!"

"Hear hear!" All of the Stormcloaks said, clanking their mugs with Simus' and dowing whatever mead was in them. Simus' was almost full but he downed it in a few chugs. He let the last few drops drip into his mouth before putting it down.

"Looks like my mug's empty!" He yelled. "Someone go fill it up! That's an order!"

"I volunteer for this great honor sir." Ralof said, bringing Arillious his water. "May Sovngarde take me if I don't return."

"Good luck soldier." Simus said, clasping Ralof's shoulder. "Come back alive."

"I always do Simus. I always do." Ralof said, grinning as he left to get his commander another drink.

Deluge stared off across the camp, his hands clasped together; using his mask, Nahkriin, as leverage. His hood was still down and the expression on his face blank as usual. His face was actually cold in it's beauty; the markings tracing from behind his ears to sides of his cheekbones. The pale blue somewhat reflected off of his gray mirror like eyes. You could never really make out which direction he was looking in. "I'd love to have a go at that, Edwin. I'm sure his skill is remarkable." His head turned slightly though, towards the mess tent. A Khajiit had just dragged a wolf in to it, accompanied by Deluge's kin by race, Edwin.

Deluge's mind wandered to the days and night spent at the college trying to evolve his master alteration skill into something ungodly. Tolfdir warned him that magicka wasn't meant to be unraveled in such ways, that it did something not to just the mind, but the soul and the eyes. Deluge planned to bend and manipulate alteration into conjuration, thus opening a small rift connected to Azura's personal plain of Oblivion. Azura was somewhat delighted with his schemes and power all pursued with such grace. She had just the thing for someone with his prowess. "The Star."

Deluge broke out of his trance, remembering that he was safe. He was around people who could save him from himself. "Or at least die trying." the twisted side of his mind muttered. He turned his head away from the mess tent and locked them on Alice. She was magnificent through his marble eyes. "I bet most see her as a prize." he thought to himself.

Alice waved someone over, a ranger he had noticed with the group before. "So.." He caught her attention. "You beseeched, Azura. Where are my standings? Haved I failed as her champion?" As he spoke his allegiance with the Deadric Prince subsided around him like an angelic haze. You could almost make out a thick halo overhead.

Arillious had been having a grand old time drinking with Simus' men. They laughed and joked at his terrible drinking but Arillious never took this sort of thing to heart.

Simus came over after coming from the kitchens, clearly seeing that he was a 'little' buzzed, he ordered Ralof to get him a glass of water.

They then all began to enter in this one giant and hilarious joke. Simus called Arillious a prisoner, he flinched at the sound, but soon found that he was only playing around.

They joked on how he would drink like a Nord, and then beat Tullius to a drinking contest and end the war that way. That got him thinking.

What was the difference? Here I am, a soldier in the Imperial Legion, drinking and laughing and eating with all of these Nords, all Stormcloak rebels fighting for their homeland. All of them filled with loyalty, all willing to fight to make sure that no one comes in and changes their culture or their traditions and beliefs. Who wouldn't rebel? If some outside force were to come into Cyrodil, I would fight to defend my homeland just the same.

He had always been a pawn; a take orders, don't ask questions, and finish your mission before dinner kind of person. He never really thought the meaning of his orders through. But this, this moment of stress-free calm, seemed to finally give him this revelation.

Simus jokes, but Arillious is sure that he wished it would be as easy as that.

We are two enemies, yet we both know that the real threat is the Altmer, so what the hell is everyone waiting for?

The sound of Nord laughter and drunken banter seeped through his soundless thinking, and he again joined in on the obnoxious behavior.

Alice wasn't sure how to respond to Deluge's question. It was, she felt, rather out of the blue and she didn't have enough context to answer it. This was still the first time she had met this guy and one thing gods were not good at, be they Aedra or Daedra, was being specific in prophesies. He was obviously a devout follower of Azura and may even be a seer himself, so Alice figured there was no harm in telling him what she knew. She pushed a plate of hot and delicous smelling bread and salmon toward him and then began.

"I'm afraid I can't answer that Deluge, but yes. I did beseech Azura. In my dream, Akatosh told me she could help in our search for my sister. I wasn't sure how much I could trust a daedric prince with such precious information, but Akatosh assured me that Azura only wants to help me. I pay homage to both deities you see. Considering the source of my...gifts is unclear, I'm not sure if it comes from Aedra or Daedra. Both of them have helped me at different times, so I guess they share the burden."

"Anyway, at twilight the next day, yesterday to be specific, I communed with Azura and asked for her guidance. She was expecting me. I suppose Akatosh couldn't help me properly, so he must have asked Azura to do it. When I spoke with her, she didn't say anything about you or your status as her champion. All she said was to heed the dreams of the Great Dragon because I would meet the man in them and he would need my help. If I did so, his mind would become calm and focused, and he would find acceptance. He would also find something that could help me save Cilla. As you can imagine, I had a lot of questons, but Azura didn't say much more than that and ended our meeting soon after. I'm guessing the man she was referring to is you Deluge, but I'm not sure what you might be looking for that could help us. Do you have any ideas?"

R'alle nodded taking the blade gently. He spun it and dropped the blade. R'alle stood and picked the blade up. It was heavier than he was use too. He looked at Edwin and frowned. He shook his head and spoke "I'm sorry my friend. It's too.....Unnatural for me. I feel I can do better with my claws." He handed Edwin's blade back too him. And walked out of the camp.

It was necessary for him to get some room every once and awhile. As a khajiit he tends to get jumpy and drawned to violence. R'alle grew aggressive in small places, his inner animal was released. He walked through the forest and took deep breathes. The Day quickly turned to night as he wandered around the camp perimeter.

He spat on the ground as a loud crunched snapped behind him. He rolled and released his claws as he stood facing the attacker. The man was tall and thin. He carried a long sword. He had full heavy imperial armor with red streaks around his shoulders. The man held up a fist signaling something. R'alle heard sighs and more leaves crunching all around him. R'alle crouched lower realizing he was surrounded. The men all had studded imperial armor with bows and arrows aimed at R'alle. He stood and looked the man with heavy armor in the eye. The man cleared his throat.

"I am Legate Quentin Cipius You are obligated to tell me what you're doing around here." R'alle spoke quickly without hesitating "I was hunting until you scared my prey away." The man dismissed the answer and asked another question. "What do you know about Stormcloak activity around here?" R'alle nodded and pointed the opposite way of the camp. "You are heading the wrong way. I've seen Stormcloaks at the stream over there. I fell sorry for you because it's a pretty far walk. atleast 3 days." All of the men sighed and frowned. The legate turned around and started walking where R'alle pointed.

R'alle walked back to the camp and sat next to Simus. He sat there thinking what would've happened if he told the imperials the truth. He shook his head dismissing the thought. Across the table sat a woman. He looked at her puzzled. "Excuse me. But my name is R'alle I am the.......Scout of the group you could say." He outstretched his hand for a shake as the wind blow. He shivered at the cold.

Zatharka had finally found the group. Stormcloaks, Zatharka thought tilting his head to the side as if that would make the picture rational. He looked over the group most were soldiers, a mage type, a Khajiit child were the ones he could see. Zatharka smiled he hadn't seen any khajiit children in a while. Then Zatharka smelled the food, and his stomach rumbled.

Wonder if these ones know charity, Zatharka thought. Well they accepted the young Khajiit so there was less of a chance of hostilities. Zatharka decided to creep closer, and mentally trying find a proper way to introduce himslef to the group. As he crept closer he relized his mistake, placing a padded foot down he heard a crack of a twig. Zatharka froze and hoped he was still undetected.

*Click* R'alle pulled his hands back and stood in his seat. He used his khajiit eyes to scan the forest. He rotated his head around. It might look weird to others but he was doing this to scan the area for noises. His ears faced all around him at the end of scan. He only heard slight chirping and inhale. He excused him self and took to the forest.

He knew he heard something not once in his life have his ears fooled him.He searched for about 5 minutes and he heard it again. It sounded as if someone were nervous or out of breath. He looked to his right and saw the figure. He spoke "What is it you seek?" He stepped closer and saw it was a khajiit. R'alle was happy to see one of his kind but on the other hand he was on the defensive. He released his claws and stood ready for a fight.

Deluge listened on as Alice spoke the only answers she could give him about Azura. "I'm afraid I can't answer that Deluge, but yes. I did beseech Azura. In my dream, Akatosh told me she could help in our search for my sister. I wasn't sure how much I could trust a daedric prince with such precious information, but Akatosh assured me that Azura only wants to help me. I pay homage to both deities you see. Considering the source of my...gifts is unclear, I'm not sure if it comes from Aedra or Daedra. Both of them have helped me at different times, so I guess they share the burden." Deluge looked around as she spoke, an unsatisfied look crawling across his face. She continued.

"Anyway, at twilight the next day, yesterday to be specific, I communed with Azura and asked for her guidance. She was expecting me. I suppose Akatosh couldn't help me properly, so he must have asked Azura to do it. When I spoke with her, she didn't say anything about you or your status as her champion. All she said was to heed the dreams of the Great Dragon because I would meet the man in them and he would need my help. If I did so, his mind would become calm and focused, and he would find acceptance. He would also find something that could help me save Cilla. As you can imagine, I had a lot of questons, but Azura didn't say much more than that and ended our meeting soon after. I'm guessing the man she was referring to is you Deluge, but I'm not sure what you might be looking for that could help us. Do you have any ideas?"

Deluge froze for a second, there was only 3 things he was looking for. Azura's Star, his roots and power. "I'm sure that what it is I seek, couldn't possibly help you in this quest. I seek Azura's Star." He looked in her eyes wanting to pour out every formula that he had calculated in his magical studies. "Did you know that there was once a man who made himself Immortal inside of Azura's Star??" His face grew serious then, sinister. "He was a foolish elf, true power isn't something that traps you and leaves you to be bested. I can not, and will not be bested!!" he shouted now pounding his fist on the table.

He turned towards, Alice. "There are so many secrets to be unlocked and so much power to be gained. Immortality even, though I don't think , I, myself is a man worthy of such." He ate from the plate she had kindly pushed in front of him. The aroma was enough to die for, but this longing for divinity soaked up his appetite leaving nothing, but that sick hunger for power.

He stood and reached for Alice's hand. "Join me?"

R'alle said:

*Click* R'alle pulled his hands back and stood in his seat. He used his khajiit eyes to scan the forest. He rotated his head around. It might look weird to others but he was doing this to scan the area for noises. His ears faced all around him at the end of scan. He only heard slight chirping and inhale. He excused him self and took to the forest.

He knew he heard something not once in his life have his ears fooled him.He searched for about 5 minutes and he heard it again. It sounded as if someone were nervous or out of breath. He looked to his right and saw the figure. He spoke "What is it you seek?" He stepped closer and saw it was a khajiit. R'alle was happy to see one of his kind but on the other hand he was on the defensive. He released his claws and stood ready for a fight.

Click to expand...

(OOC: In case you guys missed my descripton, This is a lage, well patrolled, fortified camp with a large, noisy mess tent that we're all in right now. This isn't a place you can just wander into or stroll out of without running into someone and being asked where you're going. Considering the group is essentially in a small tavern, it would be hard to hear a twig from inside, even for a Khajiit.)

(OOC: Meh it makes R'alle look even more talented as a child. IMO)

It was funny in such a large camp only the child seem to spot him. Zatharka smiled as the predictable patrols, he moved deeper into the shadows and spoke to the young one hidden in the dark.

"What does this one seek? Shelter, food, and maybe a student? In the end this one finds the act of seeking more important than the seeked."

Zatharka looked at the young Khajiit. He was a strong one, Zatharka thought. Zatharka was more than a wandering monk. He was a teacher first, healer second, and in times of great need a warrior. Zatharka smiled, and sat down. Five, four, three, two, one. A patrol walked around the corner.

"You there young cat what are you doing out here?"

"Umm...I'll consider it. I need some time." Alice said in response to Deluge's request to join him on some mad quest for power. This was all becoming very strange and she was getting uncomfortable. She needed to consult the rest of the group, or at least her father. She got up and headed over to his table.

It took a couple of seconds for Friga to recognize the Kahjiit boy holdig his hand out, but quicky recognized him from earlier today. She accepted his hand in a firm but gentile grip.

"So R'alle's your name?" Friga asked. "That's right, I remember you from earlier today. You're with that adventuring group the Captain's with. Guess I just didn't notice before. Sorry about the rough treatment and all, but between the Legion, the Forsworn, the Jarl's men, bandits, dragons, dangerous wildlife, dangerous monsters and now vampires, we can't be too careful. I hope you understand. Let me make it up to you. How do you like your steak?"

The boy then jumped up and practically ran out of the mess tent in. His ears picked up, so he must have heard a sound no one else could. She did know that Kahjiit had better hearing than men did.

"Guess it'll have to wait." She muttered.

"What was all that about?" Simus asked.

"I don't know sir." Friga said. "Must have heard something we didn't."

"Guess so." Simus said. "We should probably follow him. I don't want him wandering around at night."

"Don't Kahjiit see better in the dark than we do sir?" Friga asked. "Plus, the boy looks like he can take care of himself. He did bring back a grown wolf."

"That he did." Simus said. "Even so, It's never a good idea to be out in The Reach at night. You wanna come?"

"Sure. Why not?" Friga said, moving to the enterance to get her sword, shield, ax and helmet from a weapons rack. Alice saw them moving out and headed over to them.

"What's going on?" Alice asked.

"Your Kahjiit friend heard something outside. We're goingn to make sure he doesn't get eaten. You look like you could use some fresh air Alice. You want to come?"

"Okay." Alice said. She than moved up to Simus and whispered in his ear. "I just had a relatively troubling convesation with Deluge. Can we talk about it when we get back?"

"Sure." Simus said. "Do you feel okay talking to the group about it? If it's something dangerous, you probably should."

"I guess so." Alice said. "I'm just not sure what happened is all. I'm not sure how they'll take it."

"Don't worry aobout that." Simus said, smiling at his daughter. "Whatever you guys talked about, we'll help you through it. C'mon. Let's go for a walk."

"Okay." Alice said, smiling back at her dad.

The three Stormcloaks walked out of the mess tent and into the larger camp, completely dark thanks to the new moon and cloudy skies. R'alle was just outside the gate talking to an old Khajiit monk. Two of the guards intercepted them, swords drawn and lanterns aloft.

"You there young cat what are you doing out here?" One of them said.

"It's all right soldier. He's with me." Simus calmly said. "You two can stand down."

"As you wish sir." The guard said, saluting his Captain. "This old one, is he with you too?"

"No, but he doesn't look Legion. I'll handle this. Get back to your post and notify me if anyone else shows up. Also, keep those lanterns lit. It's dark tonight." He said, dismissing the guards.

"Yes sir." The guard said. "We'll keep you informed."

He and hsi companion then turned the other way and headed back to their post. Simus turned toward the newcomer, Alice and Friga behind him. He exteneded a friendly hand to the old Kahjiit and smiled.

"I trust you're not planning any trouble: what brings you to a Stormcloak camp friend?"

As R'alle wandered off to explore Edwin's eyes drifted back over to Alice and the unpleasant mage. He watched their exchange from affar, and managed to discern quite a bit of information from reading their lips. He was not an expert at the skill, but was able to piece together they were talking about Azura, and then there was something about Azura's Star and then the mage seemed to make some kind of move on Alice, standing up and extending his hand.

She seemed to be somewhat disconcerted by the gesture and quickly left the table. Edwin narrowed his eyes, this mage reminded him of some of the power hungry college types he had encountered in his time in Winterhold. Many mages fell to the lure of power, some did not even realize they were doing so. Edwin felt this man was one of those. He exuded an air of confidence and power, and his mannerism implied a desperate need to prove himself to others.

Edwin stood up and made his way over to the man, who still stood with his hand extended. With a cautious glance he looked the strange mage up and down before giving him a piercing gaze, "What were you telling that girl? Your dreams to dominate Tamriel and beyond? Asking her to join you as your 'queen'? Quite a farcical image, I must say." He gave the man a smirk and leaned up against the table, waiting for his response. While Edwin seemed relaxed his entire body was actually tensed, ready to spring into action. It was a technique he had mastered through years off spontaneous bar fights, mostly over women. If the mage tried any nasty spells now he would get a swift uppercut to the chin before he could complete the spell.

Zatharka bowed to the man who obviously was in charge. His long whiskers swayed back and forth from the movements. Zatharka looked this man over. Strong and intellegent, Zatharka observed. Wonderful.

"This one was wandering the forest. Smelled your camp and came to investigate. This one is a simple monk. No trouble, nope no trouble from this one. Have you any injured or sick? This one would like to earn one's place."

Zatharka grapsed the offered hand. It was firm and manly, Zatharka mused. Very Nordic. They stood there for a few second both squeezing with all thier might. Zatharka broke it off with his laughter. The officer was suprised by the old monk's strength, and Zatharka only laughed harder.

"We'll see about that." Simus said to Jeroo-Shei easily noticeable smirk on his face. Jeroo-Shei replied with a small sigh, "If you say so..." Jeroo-Shei heavily doubted that the divines would want to save him when he was the least deserving person on the planet for their assistance.

They all finally entered the camp, it was a decent camp being judged by his eyes. Jeroo-Shei could see the many advantages that Ulfric would have in the Reach with this camp. Most of the group and stormcloaks sat down by the fire or at a table as Simus offered food and drink. However, being the aloof person Jeroo-Shei was, he secluded himself from the others and walked over to his right towards one of the many tents, he climbed over some stacked barrels and crates and leaned on one of the Tent's wooden shafts holding it on the ground with his back against it, squeezing his tail against it as well. He was hidden behind said barrels and crates. He just leaned there with his arms crossed, relaxed.

A Stormcloak Soldier with no helmet passed by the side of the tent in front of Jeroo (not the one hes leaning on). The man looked as if he was in his middle ages, with his facial dirt, wrinkles and scars, completely bald head and long, knotted, blondeish-brown goatee. One other noticeable feature was that he had a mole right below his left eye. Jeroo-Shei tilted his head slighty as the man was walking, watching him closely. The soldier stopped walking as soon as he made it to Jeroo, who the soldier didn't expect to see there. The soldier put his hands on his hips and squinted his eyes at Jeroo angrily.

"What do you want?" Jeroo-Shei said rudely after about two seconds of the two of them staring at each other. The man finally spat out some words with his unique voice that was similar to the stereotypical "Nord Guard in Skyrim" voice, in an angry manner as well, "Why in Oblivion are you standing here all by yourself? You too good for Nordic cookin', dumb Lizard?!"

Jeroo-Shei growled ferociously, this little annoying man was disturbing his meditation. "Get out of my sight" Jeroo-Shei said in a firm, intimidating tone of voice. The soldier chuckled stupidly, he was obviously drunk. Then he said, "Why don't you make me?!" then shoved Jeroo into the cloth of the tent. Jeroo-Shei staggered back up and regained his balance, while the soldier stood there with his fists squared up looking to start a brawl. Last mistake. Within a flash, Jeroo was in the man's face, practically smashing and crushing his Adam's Apple into pieces with his immense Ancient Vampiric strength. As he was gasping for air, Jeroo-Shei leaned his head in and sunk his fangs into the back on his neck, drinking the soldier's mead-filled blood. Seconds later, the soldier then closed his eyes as Jeroo-Shei whispered, "Go to sleep..." into his ear. Jeroo then released his throat and his unconscious body collapsed to the dirt below him.

Jeroo-Shei chuckled slyly, but then realized that Simus would not be too happy about this if he found out Jeroo tried to kill one of his men. Jeroo became worried, but not too much. He then bent down on his knee and jerked the unconscious body's Fur Gauntlet right off and checked his wrist for a pulse. He didn't feel anything, but luck struck him after a good two seconds and he felt the vibrating beat of the Soldier's pulse against his thumb. Jeroo sighed out of relief and released the wrist back to the ground. An idea struck Jeroo-Shei as he was brainstorming how to make it look like an accident.

So he executed this idea and walked towards the center of the camp. He sneaked through the crowd and became one with their shadows as he took each footstep. As he was walking, he caught a glimpse of R'alle dragging a dead wolf to the plate. Impressive for a little cat to be responsible for the death of an adult hound, let alone one of that size. Jeroo finally reached a table with a full bottle of mead sitting on it. While still practically invisible, he picked it up by the top with his thumb and index finger and slipped away in a heartbeat back to the area where he had the conflict with the Soldier. Jeroo slipped the mead into the unconscious hand of the Stormcloak, giving him the appearance of passing out. Finally, Jeroo-Shei leaned over and lifted the Stormcloak's bald head towards him so he could see the back of the neck where he bit the poor, inebriated guy. He then wiped the blood leeking from the bite mark thoroughly with the cloth of his cloak until it was gone. "Job well done." Jeroo-Shei mumbled to himself.

After all that foolishness, Jeroo-Shei walked back over to where the group was to accompany them and socialize with them.

Five seconds had they known each other and Simus already liked the old monk. He had a good strong handshake that belied his age. Simus was an Imperial, but he shook hands like a Nord, in large part because he so often shook hands with Nords, so it was nice to see another outsider who could match his strength. He decided he was no thread and they had plenty of extra food. The men already had to deal with an entire group of strange adventurers, so what was one more?

"In that case good monk, welcome to the Reach Stormcloak Camp. Our little piece of Windhelm in western Skyrim. We were just in the middle of dinner if you'd like something to eat. Once we've taken care of you, I can show you to the healer's tent. Sigrid could always use a hand."

"This one thanks you for your kindness."

Zatharka bowed to the imperial officer, and Zatharka smiled. Such an odd man, Zatharka thought. Zatharka followed him to where the others where having dinner. Zatharka walked silently, even his steps were silent. His monk robes swishing was the only sign that he was infact real and not the product of the mind. He stroked his long whiskers and looked at the collected people. Zatharka turned to the Imperial, and said quietly.

"Oh how rude of this one. My name is Dro-Do' Zatharka."

Arillious remained in his seat when Simus and his soldiers got up to investigate what R'alle seemed to sense. The boy clearly could take care of himself, and if he knew he couldn't he would've just asked. He took a sip of his water and looked around. He noticed Edwin talking to that creepy newcomer. Their conversation didn't seem to be too friendly, and it probably wouldn't help if he got involved.

He looked around again, but Jeroo was out of sight. He tried imagining where he could possibly be, but then realized he didn't really care.

Next, Arillious realizes that he doesn't really care about anything right now, which could only mean one thing.

"I'm drunk." he said blandly, then took another sip of water.

R'alle stayed quiet as the men talked. He knew his place as a child. He cleared his throat and looked around. It seemed oddly dark out. He sniffed the air.......Nothing. He listened closely......Nothing. He strained himself to look far into the woods.......Nothing. R'alle shivered at the cold air. He didn't like the stillness and quiet. He looked upon Friga and Alice. "I like my steak rare." He smiled as he rubbed his rubbed his shoulders. He cursed himself for not finding a long sleeve tunic.