Pigeon Puzzle | Forest Exploration

[keep_hallways]

There is little strange about the entrance to the forest today. There are no storms of pigeons, no legions of spiders; nothing but trees, twigs, and a few animal trails leading in. Save for the gathering of adventurers outside, it could seem like just another day in the Keep

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[thequeensown]

Talis nods in agreement as the need for organization is voiced as well as the need to not upset anything before them. That earns Nel a respectful look and she nods to Asma, looking to the woman.

"Far better to be organized than not .. If we encounter anything in there we'd do best to be in a position to protect one another."

She takes this moment to lower her shielding, and exhales slowly as her empathic channels open to their surroundings, unhindered for the first time since her arrival. She does not pry into those of her team, but they're open thoughts are there. Instead she opens herself to anything other than her team, making certain their patterns are familiar to her. It's about then that she becomes aware of Nel's own expansive reach, feelin the power the other woman wields.

It's different than her own empathy, but she can feel Nel's touch around her. She studies the woman for a beat before making a small sound of appreciation. This would certainly make it harder to be snuck up on.

She then looks at Jack, choosing to ignore his charming slip for the one being and nods. "I believe you will be safest as such, aye," she says softly. She looks then to he other two women, "Who's on point?"

[sacredbrand]

And likewise, Nel registered Talia's influence, hovering and testing. Far from irritated at what some might see as invasive, a hot spark of relief uncoiled a knot of tension between her shoulder blades. More eyes were always welcome.

The man dressed like a brigand didn't merit even a glance for his verbal jumbling. Not the time, nor the place.

She turned sharply to face the others en masse. "If no one objects, I'll take the frontguard."

[before_wisdom]

"Fine by me. I'll take the left flank."

And Asma moves to take her place; best to get everything in order now so they can get a move on. However, there's still something else that should probably be addressed.

"Aside from that, it would be best to know everyone's strengths. That way we can know who can be relied on for what purpose." As it is, Asma can take care of herself, but quite honestly she'd rather know whether or not she'll need to babysit anyone while on this trip.

[kptn_sparrow]

Jack goes into a proper fencing position and salutes Asma, "I've my sword, and my impeccable sense of balance."

Really now. For the swagger, drunken stagger or sea-legged sway... he's never fallen .

[doctoral_bird]

"U-Uh...Well..."

Malkus nervously glances at Asma, then down at his trusty medical bag, clutching the handle with both hands.

"I'm-...somewhat of a doctor- I mean-..."

He nods, what's the worst that can happen on this trip? Nothing that he can't handle with his doctoral abilities! Even though he's no good at diseases, Malkus should still be able to handle most injuries! Yeah! Confidence!

"I'm a doctor. As far as fighting goes...well...not so much-..."

Confidence lost.

[thequeensown]

"And I'll take right flank," she replies without a moments' pause. She had no qualms about taking a flank position, knowing she is capable of holding her own. She glances at Asma though, understanding her need for reassurance.

As Malkus explains his own abilities she silently curses, but then shakes her head. "We might need you .. do not be apologetic. All hands and eyes are welcome and appreciated."

Yeah, she felt that slip in confidence, buddy. She then gives her response to the group at large. "I don't wear anything I cannot use .. " Her tone is not boastful, simply matter of fact. "I have training with my crossbow and blades, well enough to keep my Queen alive, and hand-to-hand should it come to it." She exhales, but now is not the time to hold anything back.

"I have empathy and can turn it back as an attack if need be, channeling negative emotions and memories onto a target .. it's not pretty .. but it is effective." And she hoped it didn't come to it.

[sacredbrand]

"I am what you would call a battle-proficient runologist. In short, I use magic to attack and to heal."

Nel slid her daggers halfway out of their sheaths. "These are my preferred weapons."

The spy, feeling that to be a sufficient explanation, turns without further ado and begins the march. "Shall we?"

[keep_hallways]

A cool breeze rolls through the area. The forest, silent save for the rustling of leaves, awaits.

[before_wisdom]

That just leaves herself then.

"I'm skilled with edged weapons, and I'm very familiar with forest terrain." Aside from that, well, there's no point in holding this up any further. She gestures towards Nel.

"Lead on."

[kptn_sparrow]

Jack holds the sword in the guard position and keeps both eyes and ears out for any trouble. Creature or other wise.

So he guards the rear, watches the rear and keeps the poor bird-doctor-man in front of him.

"If the trails change, like it has been said they do, perhaps it would be best to mark ours? "

Really it was only an idle thought.

[doctoral_bird]

Malkus keeps pace with everyone, nervously looking over his shoulder at Jack. It's nothing personal, he just can't help but feel a bit tense surrounded by people with weapons when he's absolutely helpless, even if they're on his side. The best that Malkus can do right now is keep an eye out around him as they march through the forest.

...Alright, the doctor can't help but feel a bit neat when he pretends that these people are his guards and he's something like an important noble. Err- no time for games! Keep watch for anything that might resemble a cairn... Whatever a cairn might be.

[sacredbrand]

"Not a bad idea," aimed at the pirate's suggestion. "Though we don't know if more than the trail will change. It's worth looking into. Doctor, if you have surplus bandages...?"

Nel eyeballed him a tad sternly. "You could tie them around low-hanging branches in scraps."

[before_wisdom]

Hm, so the pirate has some sense. Colour Asma impressed.

Either way, they need to get moving, so she keeps quiet. There's no point in talking when all the main issues have been addressed, and she isn't going to distract herself with conversation. If they're going to explore, then Asma will explore with them and fight if it comes to that.

[doctoral_bird]

"Hm? Oh, yes, I could do that!"

Finally Malkus has some purpose in this little mission! And if it's one thing he has a lot of, it's bandages.

"Just say the word and I'll mark off the area."

There's a nervous but delighted grin under this mask at the potential to be helpful. He might not be dead weight after all.

The doctor peers inside of his bag, taking a quick inventory of all his pieces of cloth as well as his journal.

[kptn_sparrow]

Jack will take over showing the bird-man-thing how to properly mark a trail. Not that he didn't think the ... thing... could, but it really looked to be doubtful.

"Tie a bit to this branch here." He directs, "And then when we go down the trail, you tie a bit to another branch. The trick of the matter is to get them to stay within sight of one another. So we don't lose track of the mess."

He smiles reassuringly at the Doctor.

[thequeensown]

Their assembled team moves into their given positions, seemingly with more ease than Talia might have feared. It's a bit of a relief to know that all but one of them had combat experience and that there was a good number of weapons amongst their persons.

As they begin to walk she feels a surge of apprehension from Malkus and glances at him over her shoulder. It takes only a moment to discern what is bothering him and she halts her steps, drawing one of the blades from her boot. She waits for the other man to reach her and proffers the blade to him.

"No one likes to feel unprepared," she says softly, offering a half smile. "If it comes to it, defend yourself, but let us do the fighting, mm?" She brushes the softest hint of comfort and understanding across his thoughts before turning and continuing on. She keeps her thoughts spread wide, like a hunter setting a snare, waiting for the first hint of movement at the edge of her perception.