A Quest

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Terragon peers over Ashnel's shoulder at a map in the early morning light, (greys and pinks, surrounding a warm, already yellow, sun), frowning as she tries to follow the planned route with her gaze.*
D'you know why we're crossing right below the waterfall? *Ashnel asks impressively at length. Terragon remains silent and waits for him to explain with a thoughtful nod.* Vermin. It's the end of the summer and they'll be coming back inland from the coast to escape the worst of the weather.
Are you sure this can't wait 'til the Spring? The caves'll still be there, won't they.
*Ashnel begins to reply to the other's question, but cuts off abruptly as he hears somebeast coming down the path towards them...*

[Oakrose & Crew]

*Oakrose and Clearstream come up the path. Oakrose is clad in a homespun cloak with a green habit underneath, while Clearstream is wearing a navy cloak over her usual blue skirt and blue blouse.* Wot are we gonna do on this quest? Soilrose is stayin' 'ome with my liddle runt of a sister, so we won't be bothered by her. So... are we gonna fight vermin, help creatures an' innocent travvelers... or wot? *Clearstream asks. She feels a stirring in her suspciously large pack. Clearbrook pops out.* I notta runt! I wanna come too, choppa tails offa vermints! *She scowls, trying to look scary. Clearstream pulls a face of mock surprise, then turns speedily runs back to the cottage to return Clearbrook.* We can wait for her. She won't be long, she runs fast and the cottage isn't far. *Says Oakrose. She stares at the ground, digging a hole with her heel, filling it, digging it, filling it.*

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Ashnel stares at Terragon, who keeps her eyes fixedly on the ground.* Who else did you tell? *He hisses from the corner of his mouth.*
Only Danniar; and only b'cause she asked. And keep your voice down.
*Ashnel doesn't seem to mind, however, and smiles when Oakrose says Clearstream will hurry.* Off to some caves, East of here, *He tells her, uncharacteristically kind and informative.* There's shrines, cave paintings and the like. Terri and I were hoping to visit Talis, a friend of ours, too. I don't know if you'll find it all that exciting, *He murmurs, before quickly adding, for the sake of politeness:* But of course, you're welcome to come.

[Baraka]

*Baraka is walking up the path behind Oakrose and Clearstream. He waves brightly at everyone.* Caves it is then!... That is, if I can come too... *The squirrel absentmindedly begins unbuttoning and re-buttoning the satchel looped around his shoulder.*

[Tinsy Stormsight]

*Regen comes strolling by. He stops, noting the others gathered around, and asks in a somewhat weary voice, *What's going on?
*Clearly, the squirrel was drinking last night - he's got an expression on his face that screams "headache."*
*Goin' somewhere?

[Oakrose & Crew]

Ashnel, she didn't tell me, we were just walking... and I guessed... and kind of knew... ok, so I knew. But we were walking along, and I said to Clearstream, 'Oh, about 60 feet ahead, Terragon and Ashnel are planning a quest.' So, we came. Is that okay? *Oakrose explains.*

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Terragon laughs, quietening down as she notes Ashnel and Regen's expressions.* Brilliant... *She mutters softly.* I s'ppose you could tell what Ash' just said, too? *Ashnel gives a short-lived smile grudgingly.* You can come, *He tells Baraka, for the sake of saying something.* We're just waiting for Clearstream now. You've met Clearstream?

[Oakrose & Crew]

*Clearstream jogs up the path, waving to Baraka and Regen.* 'Ello mates! Alright, let's go whenever, the runt is locked in a closet for a while as punishment! *Clearstream and Oakrose chuckle at the thought.*

[Baraka]

*Baraka starts jogging along behind Clearstream.* Runt? *He asks, obviously at a loss.*

[Tinsy Stormsight]

*Uhh...righ'. *Regen winces slightly as his brain attempts to process this information, then looks up at the sky.*
*Guess I'll come 'long..
Can't 'urt anymore 'n it already does, right?
*He waves vaguely to Clearstream, trying to remember the otter's name, and nods to Baraka. *Hey.

[Terragon Scrufftail]

Problem solved? *Ashnel asks Clearstream with a grin as Terragon greets Baraka.* Shouldn't we be making tracks now? *He suggests loudly a few seconds later.* Who knows; we might have warm weather today and I don't suppose anybeast wants to still be walking at midday?

[Baraka]

*Baraka snaps his fingers.* My thoughts exactly, at least they are now that you mention it. Onward to... Caves! *He starts down the path, leaving clouds of dust billowing behind him.*

[Oakrose & Crew]

*Clearstream grins.* Yup, she's gonna be stuck in the closet fer ten minutes ta learn 'er lesson. I call Clearbrook a runt all the time. *Clearstream answers Baraka and Ashnel's questions, only to find that Baraka was racing ahead.*

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Ashnel smirks.* O' course. Come on. *He gestures the path and Baraka's retreating back.* We wouldn't want to lose Baraka.
*Terragon stifles a laugh and tries to give Ashnel a disapproving look.* He's being rude about you, Baraka! *She calls after the alchemist and follows him at a jog. Ashnel gives the others a mock-guilty expression and gestures the path again.* Coming? *He asks, taking a few nonchalant steps forwards.*

[Oakrose & Crew]

Yes, and thank you, sir. *Oakrose nods, then smiles polietly. After brushing her tail on Ashnel's outstretched paw, she walks down the path, her golden tailring glinting in the morning sun.*
*Clearstream grins.* Well, she's always flirty, but that was bold! She's got a bit of a crush on you, in case you haven't noticed. Guess I'll go on an catch up with 'er. *Clearstream jogs towards Oakrose, trying to cover up a laugh with little coughs.*