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]

Talia had returned to her barracks room long enough to stock up her belongings before meeting up at the forest's edge. She had secured her pair of scimitars, identical to Kevas', and her wrist worn cross bow and bolts. Tucked safely into the doe skinned boots she is wearing are several daggers that she is more than trained in the use of.

She found various gear that would work to protect her body, including a hardened leather underbust and bracers for both her wrists and shins. She was lucky enough to find pieces that seemed to work well enough with her weapons.

What Talia lacks for in size, she makes up for in speed, and she was trained to take advantage of it by Valdemars' weaponsmaster, Jarvis. She is good at hand to hand as well, although she prefers not to let anyone close enough to need it.

She eyes the trail ahead of her, shifting from foot to foot as she waits for the rest of the forest going volunteers to arrive.

((OOC: As said in the chatroom, but repeated for anyone not around: If it comes to Talia turn and I'm not

[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.

[sacredbrand]

Since she felt there was nothing more she need say that Talia and Jack hadn't just done, Nel continued down the makeshift trail and allowed for no distractions. Always, always, her hands stayed close to the grips of her daggers.

[keep_hallways]

The path into the forest is wide at the mouth, but it quickly grows narrower. There are a few mental presences in the area, but nothing more significant than animals. After all, something had to make these trails.

For some time, all is quiet, but then... what was that? From behind the party, there is a rustling in the bushes.

Or was it just the wind?

Either way, it's gone now.

[before_wisdom]

Asma follows behind Nel and keeps quiet, making sure to mind her space and to be wary of her surroundings. Even if she's used to being in a forest environment, something like that is no excuse to let her guard down. Due to this, Asma edges her hand closer to one of the blades strapped to her hip once she hears that rustling.

However, it only lasts a moment, so there's no need to spring to attack. Not yet, anyhow.

For now, she's just going to stay on guard and keep walking.

[doctoral_bird]

Malkus listens intently to the pirates directions, going through the motions of ripping strips of bandage from a roll and quickly tying it to a branch, trying rush a bit to not hold up the group very much. To his surprise, one of them seems to pick up on his stress. Aw jeez, Malkus, are you really making it that obvious that you're a bit scared? Even more surprising, she hands him a blade.

He eyes her and the weapon for a moment, obviously taken off guard by this act of kindness. He didn't even know her name and yet she trusts him with a blade? He bows very slightly, carefully taking the instrument in his free hand.

"Th-Thank you ma'am," he nods. "I'll make certain to use it if I really must."

The item also serves as a handy cutting instrument for the cloth! Malkus jumps a bit when he hears that rustling, but due to being in the company of others, tries to contain his overreactions. Still, he clutches his new TOOL OF COMBAT tightly in his gloved fist. Aw yeah, Malkus. Ready for battle.

[kptn_sparrow]

Jack kept guard to the rear, actually taking his job seriously, even if it might not appear to be so with how he walks and drifts from side to side. It is an excellent way to evaluate one's surroundings though.

He keeps a weather eye out and starts a bit at the rustling behind him, and turns to look. Likely just an animal.

Resuming walking behind the girls and Malkus he can not help the grin at the bird-man-thing as it grips it's new blade. Jack was hoping though that it would not come down to the bird-man fighting. That would be a sad state of affairs it would.