Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 16:25:12 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2016 21:47:05 GMT -8
The sudden explosion of motion would have Catriona pace back a couple of crouched steps, and lower her weapon to clear her complete vision before her as the fire-kissed vines scattered like leaves on a strong gust - and the creature to emerge drew her eyes wide. What in the world was that thing?!
It went into a high leap, and her bow snapped up with a new focus. Both arrows were still nocked closely together and she let them loose as it reached the pinnacle of the jump - hoping to at least land one in the underside as it made the rush across. Her aim was well but prey in motion always allowed for room to error. She just hoped that her stance almost directly before the cave opening would give her the shot she needed. That is... unless it landed on her or made her the prime target.
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The Budas
Established
Roleplay posts: 17 
Physical Description: Ukufa's servants, werehyenas that can transform at will. They possess 3 forms. Human, hyena, and beast, the latter possessing incredible strength and speed.
Registered: Oct 8, 2015 18:55:29 GMT -8
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Post by The Budas on May 2, 2016 22:46:11 GMT -8
As the creature made its flying leap into the air, its sharp senses and cunning intellect would cause it to zero in on Sidarin as soon as his arrow missed. Upon landing, it would immediately charge him with explosive force.
Catriona's patience paid off somewhat. Her normal arrow struck its lower leg, but the arrow splintered against its tough leathery skin and thick bones, doing minimal damage. Her silver arrow grazed its side, but the cut could be seen steaming, as though its flesh didn't appreciate silver. But this still wouldn't slow it down.
The party's saving grace was Spectre. The oversized wolf managed to grab its leg and cause it to trip. Undeterred, the creature would seamlessly transition from a two-legged stance to a four-legged stance and use its supernatural strength to drag the wolf along like a rag doll, relying on its thick skin and stone-like bones to weather the blow. By buying Sidarin an extra second, Spectre had saved his life. However, in two seconds it would still be within killing range of Sidarin.
A direct hit from a silver arrow could still cripple it, if between the three challengers they could work together to get a bead on it.
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Sidarin Ves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 151
Age: 26
Physical Description: A bit on the short side at 5'9 Sidarin is a lean man. He possesses the wirey muscle of one who gets their exercise through travel and through fighting. He has a pointed jaw, mid set check bones, and fierce brown eyes. He is clean shaven though it is best not to remind him. His brown hair is kept long perhaps to make up for the lack of a beard.
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Clothes and Equipment: Leather armor, heavy cloak, long sword, long bow, quiver of arrows, hunting knife, knapsack with standard traveling fair.
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Registered: Apr 5, 2016 17:20:43 GMT -8
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Post by Sidarin Ves on May 3, 2016 8:05:12 GMT -8
Specter held onto the heel in it's mouth as it was dragged along. He worried at for a moment then struck upon a plan. The creature was acting like he wasn't there so the wolf took a second to gather his footing. Then when the heel he had in his mouth was planted on the ground and the opposite was raised, the wolf threw itself to the side with all it's not inconsiderable weight. Well this is happening Sid is making a snap decision. Take the time to line up the shot properly or go for the sword. He takes a deep breath draws his bead and waits for the perfect moment. When there is little to no chance that the creature could dodge he fire his silver arrow. Of course the problem with that is he is in the same boat. If the arrow somehow misses or if it doesn't stagger the whatever, he was as good as dead.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 16:25:12 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2016 15:58:08 GMT -8
To her relief, she wasn't the target. To her horror, Sidarin was. Her arrows hadn't landed home but had made subtle marks. This thing... it wasn't normal, and this went beyond the grotesque hyena shape. She had to move fast, darting around the side to get a better view of the creature's side and flank. She could only move so fast and meet the creature's own paces in movement so far, but she just needed to get a better shot. Her hands were swift in drawing three plain arrows and nocking only one for now. A single foot stomped hard to plant to the ground, rooting her in place. She took just the brief moment longer to steady her aim near perfect - breath halted to keep her hand steady.
It loosed, with aim for the shoulder of a foreleg - aiming to drive the arrowhead between the limb and the torso it was attached to, with intent to wedge it in the joint, which would likely hinder the limb and cause a good deal of pain if it tried to move the leg. The other two arrows were fired consecutively with more speed than accuracy this time - looking to drive either into the body to weaken it, despite the apparent tough hide. She had to try. |
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Post by Land Tillers' State on May 4, 2016 7:33:55 GMT -8
Once again Spectre had come through. Its excellent timing caused the massive creature to stumble, buying Sidarin yet another second.
The creature hissed and snarled and quickly found its footing, once again crawling towards Sidarin, its bulbous eyes full of hatred. Its leg was now significantly damaged by Spectre's powerful jaws, but the creature would not surrender its life easily. Staring Sidarin in the face, it raised one of its ghastly paws...
...and caught the silver arrow.
However, the arrow had made a cut in its palm which started smoking. It quickly released the arrow head and once against swiped and gnashed towards Sidarin. That's when Catriona's arrow struck. Its first strike was true. The arrow it its hind leg with a thud. It embedded into its flesh, and the creature suddenly turned to glared at Catriona. The monster would seem almost unhindered by pain, instead becoming angrier and angrier.
It swiped the second arrow out of the air.
But the third arrow struck its forearm as it tried to intercept it. Now both its legs were hindered along with one of its arms. They could still move, but not as quickly as before.
The creature was still incredibly angry, but its movements were becoming more hesitant as it started to accumulate damage. It would be another second before it decide to turn its attention towards Spectre with its one perfectly functional limb. A single powerful swipe would be enough to severe the wolf's neck muscles...
(You almost got it!)
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Sidarin Ves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 151
Age: 26
Physical Description: A bit on the short side at 5'9 Sidarin is a lean man. He possesses the wirey muscle of one who gets their exercise through travel and through fighting. He has a pointed jaw, mid set check bones, and fierce brown eyes. He is clean shaven though it is best not to remind him. His brown hair is kept long perhaps to make up for the lack of a beard.
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Clothes and Equipment: Leather armor, heavy cloak, long sword, long bow, quiver of arrows, hunting knife, knapsack with standard traveling fair.
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Registered: Apr 5, 2016 17:20:43 GMT -8
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Post by Sidarin Ves on May 4, 2016 13:54:56 GMT -8
Sid had one silver arrow left and was cursing himself for not bringing more. Instead of trying draw and fire before the creature gets to him he dodges to the side. Dropping his bow he pulls the silver arrow into his left hand as he makes a dash for his sword. Scooping it up he would whirl and lash with the sword. Not sure how fast the creature was he'd rather be safe and look like a fool, than sorry and look like a corpse. Seeing Sidarin break off Specter gives one last tear of the leg before bounding to the side himself. Careful to keep in a vaguely triangle formation. This would mean that going after one would require the creature to turn it's back to the others.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 16:25:12 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2016 18:37:22 GMT -8
The damn thing refused to go down, despite the fact it was taking damage... and even snatched one in mid flight. This thing was baffling. She couldn't wait around to admire it for even a second as Sidarin and Specter were already moving about in a circle to trade places - leaving the creature with means to attack. It was turning on the wolf and she drew another three arrows. She nocked one and made a quick draw and fire aimed for the head. If she couldn't embed the arrowhead into the face or neck of the creature, at least she could distract it - whether that be by a near miss or the object bouncing off it's head.
She dropped to the back knee with foreleg out, a kneeling stance, and drew another arrow. She took her time with this and kept the bowstring taut - prepared to make a precise shot. All she needed was the opening, or the creature to lunge right at her if it decided to. If it dared to lunge, chances were she would have a clear shot at lodging the arrow right down it's throat. Now it was a matter of moments and the beast's decisions.
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The Budas
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Physical Description: Ukufa's servants, werehyenas that can transform at will. They possess 3 forms. Human, hyena, and beast, the latter possessing incredible strength and speed.
Registered: Oct 8, 2015 18:55:29 GMT -8
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Post by The Budas on May 4, 2016 19:21:36 GMT -8
Finally the creature's luck ran out.
As soon as it turned on the wolf, the wolf had let go, causing the creature to suddenly lunge towards Catriona, its crippled legs still shockingly competent. But, alas, this is what Catriona wanted. It would have no trouble deflecting one arrow. The arrow would stick into its forearm and it would keep running. However, it would stumble over its own injured leg, giving Catriona the second she needed to notch a second arrow and let this one fly.
Catriona's Acacia blood served her well that day, for the arrow managed to find its way right into the creature's eye socket and into its brain. The creature tripped over itself and its lifeless body slid to within inches of Catriona, where it twitched for several seconds before finally giving up the ghost.
Then a strange thing happened. Slowly the creature's form seemed to deflate, as though it were filled with water and was leaking. Its skin became smoother and its stature shrunk down.
It had reverted back into a person, a dark skinned foreigner wearing a simple pelt.
***
To add even more to the strangeness, suddenly there was a strange, feminine whisper around them. "Burn the cave... burn the cave..."
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Sidarin Ves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 151
Age: 26
Physical Description: A bit on the short side at 5'9 Sidarin is a lean man. He possesses the wirey muscle of one who gets their exercise through travel and through fighting. He has a pointed jaw, mid set check bones, and fierce brown eyes. He is clean shaven though it is best not to remind him. His brown hair is kept long perhaps to make up for the lack of a beard.
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Clothes and Equipment: Leather armor, heavy cloak, long sword, long bow, quiver of arrows, hunting knife, knapsack with standard traveling fair.
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Registered: Apr 5, 2016 17:20:43 GMT -8
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Post by Sidarin Ves on May 4, 2016 19:55:55 GMT -8
"Good shooting Cat... And what the hell is that? Well that isn't creepy now is it. WHO ARE YOU? SHOW YOURSELF!"
Sid whirled around in time to see Cat plug the creature one last time with an arrow. Just as he was gathering his wits the creatures began to speak. What the hell was going on? Where was that voice coming from and... His eyes flick to the corpse and he watches with horrified fascination as it turns to a man. He stiffens and looks at Cat concerned. She had never killed a person before and now it appears she had. How would she react? Would she be okay he takes a tentative step towards her not sure what to expect. While that is happening Specter begins to sniff around, trying to find the source of the mysterious voice.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 16:25:12 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2016 20:06:24 GMT -8
She took a step back as the beast collapsed at her feet... that had been a very close call. But her aim had been steady and truth - nothing less. She exhales heavily, not aware she had held the breath, and watched in fear and uncertainty as the shape shifted... and to her horror, it was indeed a man at her feet. Her stomach twisted into a sickening knot at the sight, at seeing where her arrows had impaled this man...
Her knees felt weak and she tried to step back, only to misplace her step and drop into sitting on the ground with wide eyes still latched on the fallen man. She didn't even care that her bow and arrows were left in the grass beside her, hands coming up with one in the other as she tried to deal with this... "... that... was human... but he was an animal... I just..." she mutters, managing to tear her gaze from the lifeless body and lift it to Sidarin, as if he could help her somehow.
The ominous whisper in the air, almost an itch in her ears, was only making her feel worse - she swore her skin was crawling. This wasn't good on her psyche at the moment.
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Post by Land Tillers' State on May 4, 2016 20:17:44 GMT -8
The wolf wouldn't have much luck. The source was technically hovering over them. The voice wouldn't be found unless it wanted to be found.
"There is evil... in the cave... it's safe... but not for long... burn them! Save us!" The strange voice would implore.
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Sidarin Ves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 151
Age: 26
Physical Description: A bit on the short side at 5'9 Sidarin is a lean man. He possesses the wirey muscle of one who gets their exercise through travel and through fighting. He has a pointed jaw, mid set check bones, and fierce brown eyes. He is clean shaven though it is best not to remind him. His brown hair is kept long perhaps to make up for the lack of a beard.
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Clothes and Equipment: Leather armor, heavy cloak, long sword, long bow, quiver of arrows, hunting knife, knapsack with standard traveling fair.
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Registered: Apr 5, 2016 17:20:43 GMT -8
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Post by Sidarin Ves on May 4, 2016 20:29:24 GMT -8
Side comes up and wraps an arm around Cat's shoulder. There was nothing to say in the situation he just tries to comfort her. The wolf gave up it's search for the creatures. Sensing Cat's distress Specter ambled over and rested his great head in her lap. Perhaps having something large and fuzzy to hold would help. The voices speak again and Sid snarls in frustration. He had a feeling he knew who was talking.
"Cat take Specter and go. I will handle this and catch up soon."
He'd wait for her to obey and then get to work. He'd drag the body into the cave and then begin cutting creepvine. Once he had a large pile he would douse them with the remaining oil and set it aflame. Leaving the cave and the body to burn. Soon he would catch up Cat and Specter. Making sure his clothing was free of blood. He would come next to the woman and bump his shoulder into his. He wouldn't let them stop moving, but he would whisper to her voice thick with sympathy.
"I can talk to you about it, if you'd like, when you are ready. I know it isn't easy."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 16:25:12 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2016 12:27:12 GMT -8
Specter did well in helping distract her from the fact, and at Sidarin's suggestion she got to her feet, taking only her bow and abandoning a normal sweep to reclaim her arrows. She wasn't about to go near the body. Instead she trailed after the wolf, not sure where they were wandering in the area but just staying close to the overgrown pup. His company did wonders.
When Sidarin appeared at her side and nudged her she jumped with a subtle gasp, still a bit rattled, but quickly calmed with it being her comrade. She keeps her eyes to the ground, still trying to sort through this. "... that thing was a man," is all she murmurs for the moment.
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Raynor of the Celadine
Committed
Roleplay posts: 64
Age: 45
Physical Description: 5'8"
Clothes and Equipment: Adorned in the shamanic furs of the head of the Celadine Clan, Raynor also wears light, magically enhanced metal armor plates on his body. His primary weapon is a one-handed war hammer, his secondary a small buckler shield.
Registered: Apr 27, 2015 19:10:23 GMT -8
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Post by Raynor of the Celadine on May 5, 2016 14:48:23 GMT -8
Eventually the pair would make it back towards the farmhouses. Upon seeing the look of exhaustion on their faces and blood dripping on Spectre's maw, Raynor nodded towards his mounted mages, who galloped off in the direction the hunters came from. They seemed like they didn't want to speak.
A few minutes later the mages returned, with a nod. "We found the body... and something else." Reaching into his pack, the mage pulled out several burnt looking books, and more charred bones. "That cave was full of dark magic ritual stuff. It's all been rendered useless by the fire. Not sure how you guys knew to burn it, but we're glad you did. Seems like the ugly bastard was planning something."
Raynor nodded. He pulled out a bag of precious stones and tossed it to Sidarin.
"Take care of yourselves. I still have work to do." He then turned to his own men. "Sire, please go to the closest patrol camp. Have them send more warriors to patrol the area, just in case. The rest of you stay here and watch over the farmland."
"Yes Elder." The rider rode off.
<Quest Complete>
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Sidarin Ves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 151
Age: 26
Physical Description: A bit on the short side at 5'9 Sidarin is a lean man. He possesses the wirey muscle of one who gets their exercise through travel and through fighting. He has a pointed jaw, mid set check bones, and fierce brown eyes. He is clean shaven though it is best not to remind him. His brown hair is kept long perhaps to make up for the lack of a beard.
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Clothes and Equipment: Leather armor, heavy cloak, long sword, long bow, quiver of arrows, hunting knife, knapsack with standard traveling fair.
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Registered: Apr 5, 2016 17:20:43 GMT -8
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Post by Sidarin Ves on May 5, 2016 15:26:34 GMT -8
Sid takes the gems and stows them. He knows better than to offer Cat her cut just yet. Once he is alone with his... partner? Companion? Friend? What even were they to eachother? Once he is alone with Cat he comes over to her and drags her over to a log urging her to sit down. He isn't quite sure what to say, so he just says what he was told the first time he took a life.
"It isn't easy to take a life and be grateful for that. If taking another person's life was easy for you, you wouldn't be human you'd be a monster. The person you killed today found it easy to take lives. They were a monster, you did what you had to do. Just remember that and eventually it gets better. You never get back to where you were. You lost something today, but you learn to live without it."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 16:25:12 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2016 19:24:27 GMT -8
She barely registered when he tugged her to a log and brought her to sit beside him. Her bow was over her shoulder once more and her eyes remained on her hands as they fidgeted and wrung together - she felt very much out of sorts. She managed to listen to him as he spoke, and his words helped to alleviate some of her mixed emotions. More so, it helped suppress the guilt and the bile trying to rise in her throat.
She was thankful for it. Without even thinking about it, she leaned closer to him to where her shoulder was pressed to his side gently. "... I... I understand. He was a monster. But... I just hope I don't have to do that again... or very often. I don't like it. It just doesn't feel right."
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Sidarin Ves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 151
Age: 26
Physical Description: A bit on the short side at 5'9 Sidarin is a lean man. He possesses the wirey muscle of one who gets their exercise through travel and through fighting. He has a pointed jaw, mid set check bones, and fierce brown eyes. He is clean shaven though it is best not to remind him. His brown hair is kept long perhaps to make up for the lack of a beard.
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Clothes and Equipment: Leather armor, heavy cloak, long sword, long bow, quiver of arrows, hunting knife, knapsack with standard traveling fair.
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Registered: Apr 5, 2016 17:20:43 GMT -8
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Post by Sidarin Ves on May 5, 2016 20:01:44 GMT -8
"That makes two of us."
Sid doesn't clarify if he means he wants her to never do that again, or he hopes he never has to do that again. For a time he just sits with her in silence. Specter makes himself known again resting his head in her lap. Eventually the sun begins to set and Sid gets to his feet. He has a spot not too far from here. It wasn't quite a house, but it was better than a campsite. He looks at Cat and hesitates, finally though he speaks.
"I am going to get moving. I have a spot maybe and hour away by horseback where I am going to spend the night. Are you you going to keep traveling with me? I mean I would get why you wouldn't want to after today. When I am not pissing you off, I am leading you into life or death situations. I wouldn't stick around me either. But, yeah it's getting late and I don't want to spend another night outside."
He scratches the back of his head and feels awkward. Part of him once her to go on her own way. Not because he didn't like her, hell she had been the one who killed the monster. That was the problem though she killed a man because of him. So far as he could tell he was nothing, but bad luck for her. Part of him thought she just might be better off on her own again. Another part kind of wanted her to keep traveling with him. He couldn't say why, just that he liked having her around.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 16:25:12 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2016 23:00:02 GMT -8
Catriona lifts her head as he rises to stand, and listens to his offer. She takes a few moments of her own to contemplate on her answer... though her feelings of unease made the choice pretty clear. The only problem was she was a tad embarrassed. Her hands come up in a loose fold, resting on her arms and stroking gently just a bit in a form of self comfort. Or possibly from a chill. It was anyone's guess, save for the fact it was still warm.
"... I'm... still a bit rattled. Would you understand if I wished to join you? I don't mind camping outside... but sometimes it's nice to have shelter. And... I rather not be on my own at this moment. Not after that," she murmurs, dropping her stare. She felt a bit of color warm her face as she felt the embarrassment for her weakness grow.
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Sidarin Ves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 151
Age: 26
Physical Description: A bit on the short side at 5'9 Sidarin is a lean man. He possesses the wirey muscle of one who gets their exercise through travel and through fighting. He has a pointed jaw, mid set check bones, and fierce brown eyes. He is clean shaven though it is best not to remind him. His brown hair is kept long perhaps to make up for the lack of a beard.
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Clothes and Equipment: Leather armor, heavy cloak, long sword, long bow, quiver of arrows, hunting knife, knapsack with standard traveling fair.
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Registered: Apr 5, 2016 17:20:43 GMT -8
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Post by Sidarin Ves on May 7, 2016 8:44:17 GMT -8
"I understand that."
Sid offers her a hand getting up. Once she is on her feet he would lead her back to their horses. Soon they are heading down the banks of the river out Creepvine territory and to clearer pastures.
<Exit to Snapdragon Cabin.>
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