Adding A Third

JP with Jaxx, Winteroak and Cindy

Stran looked at Islana and the plants. "Can't say I have." He looked at the redhead intrigued. " What do you use that for? Is that what you are researching in the area?"

"It's used for pain and bruising. It's some of what we're researching." Islana kept reminding herself the lie was necessary.

It wasn't a good sign that he hadn't seen the plant. They'd run out eventually, Islana decided that they would need to conserve what was left.

Stran went back to his meat. " You know, maybe you need to think of a better lie. Especially with the walking arsenal over there..." He said laughing. " But I won't push. We all have secrets."

Islana glanced at Hunter, the woman never said she was a particularly good liar. Rather than lies, Islana had a tendency to not respond to things she didn't want to answer or leave out information rather than what she had been doing with Stran.

The meat finished cooking, she helped Hunter eat, if he needed it. Made enough tea for him. Then the young woman ate a little food and said, she needed to do something.

There was little way to hide the falcon so, Islana had an idea. "I need to call my falcon in."

Falconry wasn't that uncommon and if she said it like it wasn't unusual there would be no reason to link it to anything else.

Then the huntress went outside and was about to figure out a legitimate call but saw Kaithak sitting on a branch of a nearby tree looking at her.

Islana held out her right arm, snapped her fingers, while silently telling the bird to come, and Kaithak landed on her forearm. She fed it a few pieces of meat before it flew back to the tree and landed on a branch.

Hunter finished his food then looked at Islana, "Thank you." He then looked at the old man and said, "Are we near any tribes or clans?"

Once she was done with Kaithak and had checked on River, the young woman returned to the two men and sat down.

Hearing the question Hunter asked, she was quiet as they waited on a response.

"No tribes in the mountains. Just clans. And yes we are near the lands of one of the smaller clans. Not sure what they're called but they answer to the Aghul." He replied eating some of his goat and partitioning the rest for rations.

He looked at Hunter and Islana. "I will be moving tomorrow further into the mountains. Trying to cross into the great oasis in the desert. What are your plans?"

Plans? Keep running from the crazy man that was after them and save Hunter. Of course, Islana didn't respond that way but it was the first thing that crossed her mind.

"What direction is that?"

The man already knew that they were running so the fact that they didn't know shouldn't have come as a surprise.

Hunter replied, "Well we need to find the Sad Caped mushrooms first, before we can finish our research mission."

"West." came Starn's reply. "Past the mountains of Fang lies the Desert of Skulls." he said. "At the heart of it stands the Great Oasis. A paradise of sorts I'm told." he didn't reply to Hunter as he honestely didn't know where they could find the mushrooms.

Islana responded to Hunter, "I already asked him, he doesn't know where to find the mushrooms."

Thinking for a moment, the man was headed in the same direction they were. A third person might be a benefit and considering what they were dealing with already probably wouldn't slow the pair down much.

Islana asked Starn, "I assume you're thinking we should all go together? I think we," indicating meaning Hunter and herself,"need a moment to talk it over."

The man nodded and went back to his duties.

Once Starn was out of earshot and keeping her voice low, Islana spoke to Hunter.

"I normally wouldn't do this but we need the help. Starn can help in looking for the mushroom and help me hunt. I can't keep riding River, anyway, it's wearing him down. So, Stran and I will walk and you can ride River." There was a desperation in her voice. "I'll always take care of you as long as you need but I really need the extra help."

For Islana to admit that took a lot.

Hunter nodded and replied, "Do what you must." he was being compliant since his options were limited now.

Islana nodded a thanks, then spoke to Starn.

"Alright, we'll go together. We need to leave tomorrow morning a little before first light though."