• Gennadi moves the tent flap aside and calls in "We have company." Then gestures for Sebastian to enter."
• Sebastian: Sebastian steps through into the tent. He takes a brief look around, "Seems a bit snug in here for the two of you." He gives a respectful nod to Breanna.
• Gennadi steps in, "Three, at the moment. We have another guest as well."
• Sebastian: Sebastian does a double take.
• Sebastian: "Well, this is certainly a surprise."
• Gennadi: "Geera, this is Lady Isadora's chief of security."
• Gennadi: Geera is a recent arrival to the camp... very much in the same vein as Breanna and myself."
• Holmes: "I've seen him around the camp," says the young girl, who bows slightly to Sebastian.
• Sebastian: Sebastian kneels down in front of the child and gives her a slight, but real smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you, little one." He reaches into his pocket and pulls forth a piece of paper. "Do you like flowers?"
• Gennadi , meanwhile, exchanges significant "take the girl for a walk, pllllleeeease" glances with Breanna.
• Holmes: The girl seems to take to Sebastian's manor, and takes the flower. Looking at it for a moment, however, she drops it suddenly. "That's a marrol flower! It means death!"
• Holmes: She looks back at Sebastian embarrased.
• Gennadi: "some things don't mean the same things if you're from another country, Geera."
• Gennadi: "Breanna told me there's a land where they think it's disgusting to eat CHEESE."
• Sebastian: Sebastian looks embarrassed right back... "Well, it was supposed to be a rose, a token of beauty, but I guess I'm just not very good with this stuff." Sebastian gives a self-depreciating shrug. "If I figure out how to fold a proper rose, would you like one then?" He asks with a kind, apolgetic smile.
• Holmes: She shrugs non-committally, and tries to get near Breann.
• Sebastian: Sebastian sighs a bit sadly, "Sorry to have upset you, little one. Perhaps our next meeting will be a happier one."
• Breanna crouches and flips the girl's hair out of the way, smiling politely at Sebastian. "The new traders have some things from other places... would you like to go see them?"
• Holmes: Geera nods, but doesn't look enthused. Her body language says she just wants to leave
• Sebastian: Sebastian looks at Geera with a serious look in his eyes, "Truly, child, I am sorry. We all have enough nightmares without others adding to them."
• Gennadi watches the two leave, a quiet expression on his face. He turns back to *Sebastian. "I haven't had a chance to ask yet, but I'm fair certain that she lost her parent at Sherezak -- there's not much she finds joy in at the moment."
• Gennadi: "Please, sit."

Sebastian: Sebastian moves slowly to a nearby chair and has a seat.

• Gennadi sits as well. "What I help you with, councilor?"
• Sebastian: "I have not forgotten your desire to enter the White Wood... Have your plans changed in that regard?"
• Gennadi: "not in the least. I've been assembling what resource i can, but I hope to leave soon."
• Sebastian: Sebastian nods in understanding. "Well, I have not forgotten my own promise to provide what aid I can. What do you still lack?"
• Gennadi shrugs. "Supplies, mostly. Camping gear. We've little enough of that." He grimaces. "Wings. A phalanx of wizards to cloak our progress... that sort of thing."
• Sebastian: Sebastian arches an eyebrow. "You said your sister is in there somewhere? I guess I can understand how that might drive a man to such lengths, but what of your partner? What is her stake in this?"
• Gennadi shrugs, opens his mouth to explain... realizes there isn't an obvious answer. "Ahh... we're partners."
• Gennadi: "She knew my sister also..." he continues, though less convincingly than a life and death mission might seem to require.
• Sebastian: Sebastian nods. It's not really clear what the nod indicates, maybe he's just being courteous. "I see. Well, I can help you with the gear, the colony has plenty of spares. I may also be able to find someone to go with you, but I can't make any guarantees about that."
• Gennadi raises an eyebrow. "I can't imagine actually wanting to go into the woods without some sort of personal stake... do you others whose families ahve been taken by that witch?"
• Sebastian: "Yes."
• Gennadi blinks.
• Gennadi: "Who, if I may ask?"
• Sebastian: "You may, but it is not my secret to give."
• Gennadi pauses, but finally nods. "Fair enough."
• Sebastian: "I trust you will not cause a disturbance while I do what I can to help you?"
• Gennadi doesn't seem much appeased by this, but isn't willing to pursue it. "Of course not. It's not my way to cause a disturbance."
• Sebastian: "Very well, I should proceed with my preperations. I'm sure that you are anxious to find your sister."
• Gennadi: "Don't let me keep you. I"m actually on my way to ask around about the girl."

• Holmes: Okhfels catches up with Elahra talking to an old man wrapped in a single linnen sheet, sitting on a rock. He speaks to her, "Yes, I do fear that whatever is in the lake threatens us more than just..."
• Holmes: He notes Okhfels walking up. Elahra turns to see him coming up.
• Okhfels isn't out of breath in the least. He nods to the old man. "Elahra, I'm sorry..."
• Okhfels: "I don't want to make you mad."
• Holmes: "Uh, wha..oh, no. No, not at all, it was my brother who made me mad," she relates. "He's so the end of the horse as it walks away."
• Okhfels takes a moment to digest that.
• Okhfels: "I... I, um..."
• Okhfels: "I mean, you..."
• Okhfels looks frustrated.
• Holmes: Elahra looks at Okhfels trying to understand his consternation.
• Holmes: The old man tilts his head slightly with the same look of wonder.
• Okhfels: "I don't know how you folks do this. I need to do it right."
• Okhfels: "Man and woman... courting... I mean..."
• Holmes: She keeps frowning for a bit, and then it dawns on her. She turns to dismiss the old man, but he's quicker than she is on the uptake, and is already leaving his rock.
• Holmes: She turns back, smiling.
• Holmes: "So, how we do this?" she says. "First we go somewhere private to talk. But we're there already, I think, no?"
• Okhfels: "I knew it, I'm doing it wrong."
• Holmes: She frowns slightly, "No, not at all. Believe me, some of the men of my tribe aren't half as nice as you've been."
• Holmes: She looks back towards where the Rhiani tents are.
• Okhfels: "I am not real good with words, Elahra... I don't know how to say it right... Will you... I want to prove I can be a good man for you."
• Holmes: She steps forward. "I think you proved that today. Amongst the Rhiani, words are often unneccessary to prove worth. Usually, in fact."
• Okhfels tentatively puts out a hand, near her cheek. "I want to... woo you."
• Holmes: Elahra, seemingly expecting something else, changes her attitude in mid stream. She straightens up, losing a little softness, but gaining a lot of poise, and says, "Okhfels of the Mountains, I accept your invitation. Will you take me around the pool?"
• Holmes: She gestures to a small pool not far off, and offers her arm for him to take.
• Okhfels takes it, tentatively, but gently; he knows how to touch women, though not how to be formal.
• Okhfels walks very slowly.
• Holmes: Elahra seems to like his manner, and follows him at the same pace.
• Okhfels: "I want... need to do things right now. Before, I would have just... bedded you... but..."
• Okhfels: "I don't want... to be that way now."
• Holmes: She gets that same furled brow, looking at him and trying to decipher him. "Well, slow is just fine," she says.
• Holmes: She smiles again.
• Okhfels tries to relax and just enjoy the walk, but it's clear he's very nervous.
• Okhfels spends most of his time just looking at Elahra (and looking ahead well enough not to fall on his face) but his mercenary instincts kick in after a while, and he looks back to see if anyone is watching him.
• Holmes: His instincts true, he notes a figure at the other end of the pool, getting water in a bucket. At first it looks like a small old woman, but then it stands, and he sees that it is the goblin.
• Holmes: It finishes drawing it's water, and stands up.
• Okhfels only regards him for a moment before returning his attention to the business at hand.
• Holmes: Elahra says,"It's a beautiful spot here. The water is better for drinking here than from the lake."
• Holmes: She's obviously noting the marring of the beauty of the spot by the presence of the goblin.
• Okhfels bends down. He cups his hands, gathering the water in his hands. Then he notices how dirty they are. He scrubs them off best he can, and then gathers up some more water in his hands, stands, and offers it to her. His face is very serious as he watches her reaction.
• Holmes: She grins, and drinks some. Wiping her chin, she says, "You're better at this than you know. That's part of the waterfinder bonding ritual."
• Holmes: She raises her eyebrows, "If Suteh were still here, he'd say we're now married."
• Holmes: She smiles broadly, just short of laughing.,
• Okhfels smiles broadly, and shrugs. "He's not here."
• Okhfels: "I am just doing what feels right."
• Holmes: "Well, you have good feelings," she says, and leans in to kiss him.
• Okhfels gathers her up in a passionate embrace.
• Holmes: Unnoticed the goblin, tarrying a little overlong, leaves the couple with it's bucket of water in hand.

• Holmes: Okhfels heads back to the colony coming from the pool directly back towards it without going back through the Rhiani camp. He breaks into a small copse of trees and notes two women there meditating.
• Holmes: Serama looks up from her position on the ground, and sees the huge man looming before her.
• Okhfels: "I'm sorry. I'll go."
• Okhfels tries to leave quietly and not intrude.
• Serama watches the man leave the clearing, and then exchanges glances with Elle
• Serama: As one they rise, and follow him through the trees

• Holmes: Okhfels notes the women following him as he arrrives at the colony. Isadora is herself just returning as well.
• Holmes: She sees him coming.
• Okhfels strides purposefully towards Isadora.
• Isadora: "Okhfels." Isadora smiles. "Done celebrating?"
• Okhfels: "Um... yes. Isadora, I have an important thing to say.... alone."
• Okhfels glances back at the two women following him.
• Isadora hesitates for a second, then nods. "My tent isn't far. Who are those two?" She glances at the women, also.
• Okhfels: "I do not know them."
• Serama calmly regards the two as they speak, staying beneath the trees
• Isadora: "I hesitate to ask why they're following you, then. Come on." She leads him to her tent.
• Okhfels: Once inside, Okhfels gets right to business. He takes her hand in his, gently but insistently. In total seriousness, he says, "I am wooing Elahra."
• Okhfels: "I know it may be hard for you, but she must not know how you feel about me. It would be bad."

• Holmes: Serama feels the amulet tugging on her chest. As the woman and man leave, it seems to tug in their direction on it's chain. Even Elle notes this.
• Serama gulps and raises her hand to the amulet
• Holmes: Serama feels a tad lightheaded, as it does.
• Serama: As it tug becomes more insistent, she begins to step in the direction it pulls
• Serama: Elle keep pace next to her, a concerned look on her face
• Holmes: In her mind, a picture forms. The woman in black is there, looking at her haughtily. As if challenging her to do something.
• Holmes: Moment's later, the pair find themselves outside a tent.
• Holmes: The amulet points inside the tent.
• Serama tries to push the amulet down as she moves towards the entrance of the tent

• Holmes: Inside Okhfels and Isadora hear something outside of the tent.
• Okhfels turns. He knows that being overheard in this conversation would be very bad.
• Isadora is momentarily speechless, starting to work up something sharp to say, when she hears the noise. "Who's that" she barks.
• Serama: A clear voice from outside the tent says "Excuse me...but..."
• Serama: The entrance flap starts to move as the woman from the trees starts to enter
• Okhfels 's face darkens.
• Serama enters, and then looks at the two, a look of confusion on her face. Her hand rests on her collarbone, straining to hold something
• Isadora: "...But?" Isadora looks at Serama sharply.
• Okhfels crosses his arms over his chest in annoyance.
• Serama speaks, but doesn't seem to be addressing the others in the tent. "I...don't understand. Please, just tell me!"
• Holmes: The image of the woman fades - she seems to be laughing.
• Holmes: And then she is gone
• Serama: "No!"
• Serama focuses on the others. She looks confused.
• Isadora: "Now would be a good time for an explanation."
• Serama blinks, than takes a step back. "I'm sorry. I don't think I have one to give."
• Sebastian: Sebastian comes approaches lost in thought. As he reaches the tent he calls out, "Excuse me, my Lady, but I wanted to speak with you regarding-- Oh, I'm sorry, I see that you are busy." He takes a look around the crowded tent, "Quite busy, it seems. Is now a bad time?"
• Okhfels shoots a look at Isadora that says, "Clearly, this woman is crazy."
• Isadora: "For you, Sebastian, this could be no worse than any other time." She waves to *Serama. "This young woman was just about to introduce herself."
• Isadora is privately seething at Okhfels, so she welcomes the distractions.
• Sebastian: Sebastian takes in the scene, "Ah, Serema and Elle, I didn't realize that you knew Lady Isadora and Okhfels... What a surprise..." He doesn't really sound very surprised.
• Serama turns as Sebastian enters, and raises an eyebrow. "I didn't expect to see you." She turns back. "And I apologize for my intrustion. My name is Serama, please accept my apologies."
• Sebastian: Sebastian gives Okhfels a, "Is this your doing?" look.
• Okhfels checks to see how Isadora is taking the apology. He misses the look from Sebastian.
• Isadora: "Just to get this straight," Isadora says to *Serama, "are you after him?" She nods at Okhfels.
• Serama shakes her head. "No."
• Isadora smiles with false brightness. "That makes two of us. And you say you don't know why you came here?"
• Okhfels suddenly gets the idea that he's missed something, and his brow knots as he looks at Isadora.
• Isadora looks at Okhfels, then quickly looks back at Serama, as if catching herself.
• Serama is starting to find her balance. "No. But now that I am, I am starting to feel that there is a reason.
• Serama: Elle brushes past Sebastian and places a hand on Serama's shoulder. "Serama..." She checks herself, picking up some of the mood in the tent.
• Isadora: "Most things have reasons." Isadora begins to recover her own equilibrium, and frowns a bit. "Who were you talking to right before you said 'no'?"
• Serama: "I can't tell you. Not someone in here."
• Isadora: "Is there anything you can tell us, or should I just have Sebastian investigate you later?"
• Holmes: The tent flap still open, Pallos comes in as he passes by, "Did I miss a call for a meeting, Ladyship?"
• Serama: "I suppose not. Again, I'm sorry for the intrusion. Good night." She exits, but stands outside the tent, thinking.
• Isadora throws up her hands at Pallos' greeting. "Yes, and so did I. Everyone, help yourself to some wine. I know I will."
• Sebastian: "Ah, Serama."
• Holmes: As *Serama passes Pallos, he turns to watch her. "Hello," he says in friendly fashion.
• Sebastian: "Do you think I might be able to meet with you and Elle later on?"
• Serama arches an eyebrow at the fellow and nods.
• Serama lets out a breath. "Yes, I'm sure that would be fine." She points to a fire. "We shall be there"
• Holmes: "I've seen you about the camp," continues Pallos. "You're staying with the Rhiani, I note. But you're not Rhiani yourself. Nor the same race as your Amazon friend."
• Holmes: It's a question and a statement.
• Okhfels waits for things to settle down, knowing that he was first in line.
• Isadora: As Serama leaves, Isadora helps herself to the aforementioned wine and sprawls in her customary chair. "What did you need?" she asks Sebastian with exaggerated casualness... still avoiding the Okhfels issue.
• Serama turns to face Pallos. "No. I'm not."
• Serama: She is annoyed with the situation, and her frosty counternance indicates that she doesn't need to be dealing with this kind of thing.
• Sebastian: Sebastian takes a quick glance at Isadora, then one at Okhfels, then back to Isadora. Sensing that Isadora is glad for an interruption, "Well, it is a somewhat sensitive matter, and I believe it may require your immediate attention, my Lady." He glances significantly at Okhfels.
• Okhfels: "Oh... ahm... well, I've said what I need to say... so..."
• Holmes: Pallos and Serama step away from the tent a bit to be able to discuss better.
• Okhfels slips out of the tent.
• Isadora hesitates again, seeming to want Okhfels to go and stay at the same time. "I can respond to Okhfels later. The nature of his news to me does not necessitate much response on my part," she settles on saying.
• Sebastian: Sebastian raises his eyebrows in a look that is somehow half-questioning and half-knowing. "Is it something you wish my advice on, my Lady?"
• Isadora: "Nothing important," she snaps, settling back into her chair with a vaguely sulky air.
• Sebastian: "Might I pour you some more wine?"
• Isadora: "Please do." Her expression clears a little. "Sorry about all the fuss--you know how this place is. What did you want?"
• Sebastian: Sebastian smiles, it almost seems genuine. "It can wait a few minutes. It just seemed that you needed some time to think." Sebastian takes a slim flask from his pocket and pours some of its contents into Isadora's glass.
• Isadora: "What's that?" she asks about the glass, then shakes her shoulders in a violent shrug. "Nothing to think about. Our broad-shouldered mercenary thinks that I care he's courting some Rhiani bint."
• Sebastian: Sebastian smiles again, this time it appears even more genuine. "Laura brought it with her from Sel-kai, it's a very crisp and relaxing liquer. Though I wouldn't suggest drinking it too quickly."
• Isadora: "Are you saying I can't hold my drink?" Isadora smiles, but only takes a small drink to start. "Thank her for me. How is she settling in, anyway?"
• Sebastian: This time the smile is real, Sebastian's eyes get a slightly distant look. "As well as can be expected. It has been very good to have a chance to catch up with her. We've known one another for a very long time."
• Isadora wonders, briefly, what sort of woman would follow Sebastian out here. That kind of attachment must be nice... "Good," is all she says, sincerely.
• Sebastian: Sebastian's smile slips, he may have revealed more than is safe. "Yes, well... I hate to bring this up when it is clear that you have other things on your mind... But, I have some unfortunate news."
• Isadora: "Oh, please." She takes another drink. "I'd be worried if more than a few hours passed without unfortunate news. What is it now?"
• Sebastian: "Our ever-effecient Quartermaster... It seems that he's been, ah, 'appropriating' from the local Rhianni. Without their knowledge or permission."
• Isadora: "Hell. Stealing is like lying to them, right?" She frowns. "We can't afford to lose him."
• Sebastian: "That was my analysis, yes. Unfortunately, I believe he is counting on your protection if he is ever caught..."
• Isadora shrugs. "And I'd give it--he's one of my people, isn't he? But I don't want it to come to that, although..." she trails off. If they had to leave the lake because of trouble with the Rhiani, that would put off the Salast question.
• Sebastian_: "I'm not precisely sure what course of action to suggest, my Lady. But perhaps speaking to him about it would be a good start..."
• Isadora: "Oh, I'll talk to him. We'll come to an understanding."
• Sebastian_: "If you there is anything I can do to help? In this or in other matters, I am ever your servant..." Sebastian smiles...
• Isadora: Again, Isadora hesitates--she wants to tell him to keep an eye on Okhfels. Pride stops her, this time. She says, "Nothing you aren't already doing. As always, Sebastian, you are my left hand."
• Sebastian_: Sebastian bows. "I leave you to your thoughts, my Lady. I hope you will take some time to relax. Enjoy your drink."
• Isadora: "Until later," she says, feeling a little lonely as he goes.

• Serama: "Now, is there something else that I can help you with?"
• Holmes: Pallos prods, "So, where are you from?"
• Holmes: The sun is getting low in the sky now.
• Holmes: It dips into the trees of the White Woods, and strange shadows start to cover this side of the lake.
• Serama: Elle steps up to Serama's side, effectively flanking Pallos.
• Serama: "My origin is my own concern and no-one else's. I'm sure you have more important things to be doing than asking me useless questions."
• Okhfels walks by, looking thoughtful. He doesn't stay long enough to hear anything.
• Holmes: Pallos looks hurt a tad, but more concerned. "I meant no offense."
• Holmes: "You have an...interesting appearance," he says with a smile.
• Serama sighs "I'm sorry, but my past is...complicated, and of no interest others."
• Serama: "I thank you for the compliment."
• Serama is trying to be nice, but is also trying to figure out what her mother was trying to tell her.
• Holmes: "No, I'm sorry to pry," he says. "It's just that I've traveled this part of the world pretty far and wide, and I've never seen your like. In some ways, you look like a Vajaair."
• Holmes: "But I'm talking about your appearance again. Sorry."
• Serama: In the suns dying light, she really looks at Pallos's face for the first time. She sees that he is in earnest, and not speaking out of a mean spirit.
• Serama: Elle speaks. "Have no worry. It has been an...interesting...evening for us both."
• Serama looks surprised for an instant, and then recovers her composure. "No, I am not Vajaairi. I am a child of...many lands, in many ways."
• Holmes: "No, I didn't really think so. Just similar," he replies.
• Holmes: "Something troubles you. I know I don't know you, but, is there anything I can do to help?"
• Serama shoots Elle an amused glace, then looks back to Pallos. "I don't know. First, though, I am Serama, and this is my companion, Elle."
• Serama: "I apologize for not introducing us earlier"
• Holmes: "My fault as well," he replies. "I am Pallos - trailblazer for this colony."
• Holmes: He bows to her informally, but meaningfully.
• Serama: She bows as well, politely.
• Serama: Elle: Are you the only trailblazer, or are there many?
• Holmes: "Well, I work with another named Narbin, and we have a Vajaari who works for us as well," he says. "And there's Nurek now."
• Holmes: He points and waves to a tightly muscled man wearing just a skirt of white. His skin is a bit darker than Serama's, and he has no hair.
• Serama: Elle: "And what are your duties, as a trailblazer? Do you merely scout, or do you also do battle?"
• Holmes: "I do battle only if I have to," he says trying to sound as if he's been in battle. "Well, I would do battle only if I had to, that is."
• Holmes: "But, otherwise, I take people back and forth on the rather treacherous road to Kaitaine from here."
• Serama: Elle blinks. "Oh". Serama smiles. "That is a noble task. If we need guidance, I shall be sure to seek you out."
• Holmes: "We take people back and forth," says Pallos as a way of welcoming the other man to the group. "Right, Nurek?"
• Holmes: Nurek bows very solemnly to the women.
• Serama: They both bow back, and Serama makes introductions.
• Holmes: Nurek shows no emotionat all in the exchange.
• Sebastian_: Sebastian leaves Isadora's tent and heads towards the fire.
• Holmes: Nurek and Pallos see him coming. "Good evening, sir," says Pallos.
• Sebastian_: "Ah, Pallos, Nurek, and of course the lovely Elle and Serama."
• Serama gives Sebastian a nod. Elle stands impassively, becoming more serious.
• Serama: To the trailblazers, Serama says "Please excuse us, we have things of import to discuss"
• Holmes: Pallos seems momentarily taken aback, but quickly regains his composure, "I'll be over at the fire over there helping with the cooking, he says and heads off.
• Serama: Elle looks at Pallos "Take care, trailblazer." And watches as he walks off, before looking back at Sebastians
• Holmes: As they watch he and Nurek go, Sebastian notes Speckler at the fire, cooking up one of his specialties, Kaitaine rack of lamb.
• Sebastian_: Sebastian studies the two women carefully. "Do you still plan to enter the White Wood?"