Quincy
"No need for apologies, it's alright. My name is Richard. I live here in the Greenheard woods, mosty keeping bandits and corrupt officials from harming the common folk. This is Trapper." *He gestures to the wolf, who walked up to Aylissa and started sniffing her hand.* "Other than that I just mind my own buissness, helping those who need it." *He accepted her handshake with a firm handshake of his own, a slight smile on his face, it was plesent to find people who didn't try to kill you at first glance.* "So your from Thyseer huh? I met a fellow from Thyseer about a week ago. Helped me save Trapper's life."

*He scratched his friend behind his ears again, and it was clear Trapper liked it alot. Richard's thoughts shifted over to the day where he defended an innocent traveler from bandits, but Trapper had nearly been killed by a magical attack and Richard had picked up a wound that was still healing now, and his left shoulder had some noticable tention. Thankfuly Arnvald had arrived quickly enough to get Trapper some help. He also recalled the day he had first met Trapper, the day his village was burned... His demeanor dimmed as the memories returned.*
Melissa
The druid seemed intrigued to hear his name, as most of the people in Thyseer were typically Eladrin themselves and she rarely had the chance to interact with anyone besides her mother and a few individuals outside of that. As such, when Richard introduced himself she began to test the name on her lips, narrowing her eyes somewhat while doing so.
"Richard... Ri... Chard. What a delightful name!"
She said, seeming quite pleased with herself as he explained what his business in the Greenheart Woods consisted of. His work was noble, and something she could easily relate to with her own brand of justice inflicted upon the wicked and vile people of the world. Giving a nod after the handshake, she was very much happy to see the now introduced 'Trapper' begin to sniff at her hand as she beamed at the well-mannered wolf.
"Who's a good boy~! You are! You got some sharp fangs there too, a real tough one!"
Aylissa said with glee, unable to contain her own excitement at meeting such a nice beast. Though most interestingly, were the remarks that Richard had met someone from Thyseer before her.



"Really? I suppose that answers my own question on how common Eladrin are outside of Thyseer... Would you mind-"

She cut herself off as she noticed his expression shift into melancholy. He seemed lost in thought, the kind of thoughts that were sour and filled with grief, she knew that look all too well. Despite her wishes to hear what happened, Aylissa knew it wasn't quite the right thing to ask right about now. He might need to get his mind off of things before he was willing to disclose that information, let alone to a stranger.
"Er, actually, was there anything on the deer you were looking to grab? I got what I needed... But I don't want it to go to waste either.."
She murmured somewhat, offering a share in the trophy she had acquired as a means to try to help Richard focus on something else. Just a moment ago he looked a bit happy, what with the smile on his face after the handshake. She wanted to help, truly. But she could only help if he allowed her to do so.
"I insist, it's not like I can eat the whole thing by myself anyway... Heh."


She said with a bit of a chuckle, returning back to the fallen deer and taking a look at the antlers upon its head for a moment. She could try to put those to use somehow, perhaps as parts to a staff she could carve up from sturdy wood taken from around here? Aylissa needed to take heed though not to take more than what she required. Nature needed time to recover, even with having plenty to offer to others.
"Let's see... We still have some hide left, maybe not the best parts but a good amount. A few cuts of meat, the antlers of course if you want them. Or if you want the whole skull that's fine too, I know you humans sometimes mount them on your walls as hunter's trophies. You could also grab some stuff for Trapper there if you wanted? I bet he'd love a bone or two!"
Aylissa prompted, withdrawing her bag from her back to store what she had already gotten within it alongside her other belongings.
Quincy
*He thought for a few moments, and with a sigh said,* "It's alright. It's your kill, although I'm sure Trapper would love a bone. As to the meat I have enough provisions, so if you don't need all of it I'm sure there are some folk in Girian who would greatly appreciate it, same with the hide." *He thought for a bit for anyone who could use the meat, and his thoughts drifted to an old friend.* "Actually, if you have extra you don't need, the chapel of the Goddess Alynthi in Girian would gladly accept donations, they run a soup kitchen that I regularly donate to." 

*He eventually cleared his mind from the painful memories. No point on dwelling on the past, he had been over this for three years, he could deal with it for a few weeks more. As for Arnvald, he didn't think he was Eladrin, in fact he specifically said he wasn't.* "The fellow I met wasn't Eladrin, but he was from Thyseer." *He hadn't told him much, but it seemed like all folk who would leave Thyseer were skilled rangers. An interesting part of Thyseer.* "So what's Thyseer like? From those I've spoken to it seems like a lot of woods."
Melissa
It appeared that the ranger wasn't interested in having any of the spoils of her trophy, which was *Slightly* Upsetting her. Aylissa hoped to share a bit, but almost as soon as she heard this he followed up with providing the leftover meat to a place called 'Girian'. A village perhaps, which would be a good place to stop by and potentially get some information on Alynthi. She got to work on dressing once again, listening as Richard mentioned a soup kitchen that he regularly donated his funds to.
"Then that will be where I deliver the rest of the meat. They can put it to far better use than I can."
She said, giving a slight smile to Richard as she finished up her work and began to cover and place it within her bag. Now that she was all done, she stood up just as soon as the ranger began to speak about the man he had met and helped save Trapper's life. Along with the topic of the wolf, Aylissa offered him a bone to chew on, quite the thick and strong bone indeed.
"Thyseer... It's quite the peculiar place."
The druid initially stated, walking over to a patch of flowers and crouching over them, preparing something as she continued to speak.


"The world breathes, and within Thyseer you can feel it in your bones. The Fae magic is potent there, as a result the very forests hum in tune with the winds... Beasts unlike any other roam freely and are revered and respected within our lands. The magic that suffuses Thyseer is as wild and unpredictable as nature itself... And not even I could tell you what could occur at any given day out there. But it's beauty... It's unforgettable."

She said, as she demonstrated a small amount of what one might find within Thyseer. With a wave of her hand and a dim green light forming in her palm, the flowers would take the appearance of ones most commonly found in Thyseer, a bit of her druidic power being used to perform this act. This transformation was only temporary however, as once she released the energy it returned to its natural state.
"To others... Aye, it's just one grand forest. But for us, it's home."
Aylissa stood up afterward, turning back to Richard before dusting her hands off some.


"So, this Girian town, could you lead me to it please? I'm not quite familiar with the area, been simply wandering about these past few days."
The Druid requested, starting to roll back and forth on her feet with patience. Standing on her tiptoes, then setting her feet back to stand only on her heels. She hoped that the small demonstration offered to Richard would be enough to convince him of the wonders that her homeland held, as she always enjoyed giving others a glimpse of why she found it so wonderful. That being said, she was also eager to see the wonders of Alynthi, and who better to guide her than a well-traveled man who frequently patrolled its woods?
"We shouldn't be bothered as well on our way over, at least by any beast in the woods. Should help speed things along at the very least, unless we come across a group of bandits or the sort."
Aylissa informed, smiling all the while in anticipation.
Quincy
*He watched the magic with a combination of interest and suspicion. It was clear she meant no harm to him or anyone, but at the same time he himself was an illusionist, so it could be a trick. Even so, he couldn't think of any motive for such a trick so he took the magic at face value.* "Fae magic huh? To be honest not that common outside of Thyseer. Nature is wild yes, but for the most part you can at least see predictable patterns. Nonetheless it sounds stunning."

*He looked down at Trapper, who was furiously munching down on the bone. He chuckled and said,* "So you want to go to Girian, yeah I can take you there. Beasts usually aren't a problem in this part of the woods anyway. Deeper in you have to be careful, but we should be fine. As for bandits, the best way unfortunately is through the territory of the Laughing Coffins. And after the beating I gave them a few weeks ago I don't think they'll be glad to see me." *He was half talking to Aylissa and half thinking out loud.* "We definitely aren't going through the Dread Moors, so our choice is going up past the old oak bridge and crossing at Derrick's ford." *He looked up at the sky to estimate the time.* "If we leave now we might make it before nightfall. Unless you want to pick a fight with particularly bloodthirsty bandits."
Melissa
Aylissa listened as Richard responded to the display of magic she demonstrated, beaming slightly when he mentioned that it sounded like it was a very stunning place. Given that was her homeland, she was proud of it and was happy to hear such. She wasn't aware of any suspicion he may have had for her, but she harbored no ill will towards him. Why would she, when he has been nothing but friendly the entire time they've been conversing? Her gaze eventually fell upon Trapper going right to town on the bone she provided for him, also happy to see that he was enjoying the gift she provided for him. All she wanted in her life was to use her gifts for others' benefit, never for personal glory or fame. Any opportunity to do so was quickly seized by the Druid, much like the meeting with Richard.
"Laughing Coffins?"
The elf questioned, though from the sounds of things it must have been the name of a bandit gang that roamed the woods around here. Bandits didn't concern her, especially not in *Her* Element. With enough time, she might even discern their location by conversing with the woods themselves.


"Well, if you took care of them yourself then I don't see them being an issue with both of us working together yeah?"

The Druid said with a smile, flexing her arm slightly to make a bit of a showing of her own strength, even if it was just a minor act. After this, she got her belongings together and got herself ready to travel alongside the ranger. No matter what the journey may bring, she was confident they could tackle whatever challenges the forest posed for them. Though she was curious to know more about this place... She could probably ask about it once they got on the move and into the woods, away from what the source of Richard's previous distress.
"And of course I can't forget the tough guy himself, Trapper! If those bandits show up, we'll be fine!"
She had a 'glass-half full' kind of outlook, something that she hoped would rub off on the ranger and help lighten the mood between them while they began their journey. This would be the best opportunity to learn more about him in general.

However, should the questioning turn towards her she would most likely try to dodge them. This 
Was a habit she tended to have, avoiding providing too much information on herself as to avoid getting too accustomed to others and lowering her guard with them. She really would have to work on that at some point, or else she may not make any real trustworthy friendships with others. Something that is sorely needed in the world in order to accomplish tasks greater than oneself. Even Aylissa knew that she couldn't do everything on her own, but she refused to admit that she may need help from time to time. Stubbornness, one might call it. 
"So if you know the path more, I'll let you lead the way! It'll help me get some time to get used to my surroundings, see the paths and all. If I'm to be in Alynthi for a long period of time... I better get used to it right?"
The girl said, allowing him to walk ahead if he so chose while she started to hum quietly to herself. If he tried to listen in, he might hear this melodic tune... And even notice a few things happening as a result, such as the wind seeming to blow in sync with her hums... And the trees around them glowing slightly in the leaves.
James
*He stood up looking at a path, one that lead past the remains of the old wooden palisade that used to surround the burnt out village.* "This way. We better hurry. We can take the bandit route, but we don't want to be anywhere near the Dread Moors after dark, and the trail takes us right by them. We should be fine as long as the bandits don't bother us." *He started off towards the trail. Trapper stayed behind for a bit, burying the bone, before following behind, stoping occasionally to investigate things he found interesting.*

*As Richard walked along the trail he kept his head on a swivel, and as he walked his steps weren't merely muffled, but completely silent. He did this illusion out if habit, but it was helpful nonetheless, if a bit unsettling for those who noticed it. He noticed her humming, but payed no mind to it as he was always on the lookout for danger.* "I do hope the bandits choose to not bother anyone today. The last group of bandits I ran into had a mage for a leader, so best not to let them spot us in the first place."
Melissa
It seemed that Richard wanted to hurry up and get things moving, and in her eyes he was overly worried about the bandits. What was interesting however was staying near the Dread Moors after dark, and from the name alone it could potentially be a source of dark magics... Or home for foul individuals indeed. 
"You seem quite concerned to come across bandits! Have you no faith in your own skills, ser?"
Aylissa seemed to tease him over that fact, walking up a bit faster to be side by side. By that point she began to notice the fact that the only pair of footsteps she could hear were her own, which was quite peculiar. Perhaps a form of magic from the ranger? She wasn't even aware he had access to magic, which was quite the pleasant surprise to say the least. 
"I'm a druid, these woods listen to me. And should those bandits come across us, they will find the very ground turning against them. We needn't fight them either, my talents can be put to use in securing a safe way past, if we come across them."
She hoped that this would aid him with having some confidence in the two, as to her it really seemed like he was concerned.


"Though I'm also curious about your own talents. Your footsteps are inaudible, what sort of magic are you using?"

She didn't quite know off the top of her head, as her mother only briefly glossed over illusions as a topic in her study of magic. Aylissa wanted to learn this sort of incantation, as such a skill could prove a handy thing to pick up in the future if she could muffle her own footsteps. The area surrounding them seemed calm enough, only the sounds of nature saturating the air with the orchestra of birds, squirrels, and other woodland critters that inhabited these woods. Though, perhaps in anticipation of any potential threats that they may come across, the Druid opted to speak an incantation of her own under her breath. And with a tracing of a few fluid sigils, her clothes melded and shaped to the true form hidden beneath, a bit of her transmutation magic revealing that she had turned the armor she was truly wearing into the outfit she *Had* Been wearing. The carved and treated wood plate mixed with various elements of leaves, leather and hide being the layer of protection along with a facial obscuring wooden mask. Completing this new gear was a green cloak draped over her shoulders and back.
"If you're anticipating combat however, I will prepare accordingly."



Aylissa spoke, her voice slightly muffled by the mask. The armor would blend in nicely depending on where she hid, and almost made her seem like an entirely different person from the sudden shift in appearance.

"I know my fair share of magic, though I admit from what I've heard of the mages throughout the world their powers are far more focused and potent than mine."
She said, taking her bow from its place on her back and making sure the string was nice and taut, before putting it back in its proper holster. The druid had traveled enough to know that some form of protection was necessary when it came to traveling. This wood would serve well enough, but there were far better forms of protection she would have to keep her eyes out for if she managed to come across it. Some of the magical items from Thyseer would do the trick, depending on which she found.
Quincy
"It's not the bandits alone that worry me. Surely in a straight fight they wouldn't stand a chance. But they won't give us a straight fight. I am always vigilant, even in apparent safety like this, because they fight dirty. Pit traps, falling rocks, and sometimes just hiding in the bushes. I don't expect trouble yet, but one can never be to careful."

*A short while later he came to a junction. He took the well traveled route before responding to Aylissa's comment.* "It's a simple trick that my dad taught me. I've taught myself a bit more than just that. Helpful for those who want to keep a low profile. As for your own magic, you can talk to the trees right? If you could give us a warning if anyone or anything gets to close let me know." 

*They walked some more distance down the trail, and an odd question about Thyseer entered his mind.* "I don't mean to probe, but if Thyseer is so idyllic, why'd you leave? Surely you have no need to with such a wonderous land?"
Melissa
Aye, it was true that most bandits that *Knew* What they were doing would never fight fairly. Outnumbering, using traps, or being sneaky were the usual methods of achieving victory over any would-be heroes. And many people had fallen to their tricks before. That much she could understand why he'd be a bit more concerned about the bandits than she was, given their cowardly ways and aptitude for ambushes. She seemed to be lost in thought momentarily before he began to explain the magic that he was using, something that was passed down from his father. That mention alone brought up curiosity, as Aylissa never actually had a father figure in her life. She was raised only by her mother, in a relationship not too far from a master and an apprentice more than a mother and daughter.
"Not just talk to the trees, it's a bit more complicated than that for Druids."
She corrected, before a critical question was posed about her.


She froze up slightly, though the conflicted expression on her face wasn't quite visible due in part to the mask she wore. Aylissa knew the reason why she left, and it wasn't something she had any control over. But she wasn't about to indulge in her own history right now, not when she had her own apprehensions.

"It's not something I like to talk about.."
The girl simply responded, hoping that would be enough to satisfy his curiosity. Though given the tone in her voice, there was certainly more to the story than she let on. Perhaps in due time she might allow him a glimpse into her history, but for the time being she didn't see it being his business. Ironic, considering her own intrigue about Richard.
"Anyway, I'll try to keep you notified if something is amiss.."
She said, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes briefly to listen to the area surrounding her. There were a few interesting sounds, but nothing that would really warrant any danger towards them. Part of her deep down wanted to let the weight off of her shoulders and to tell Richard about her departure from her mother nearly twenty years ago. 


*Is she even worried about me?*
Aylissa questioned in her mind, before shaking her head and returning her focus to reality. Though she thought she may have heard something up ahead and dropped low to the ground to listen to the earth... It seemed to be nothing as well. They were safe, that much was certain. Getting back up and letting out a sigh, she spoke up to address any concerns.
"It's nothing, just a bear that's leaving with its cubs. They won't bother us."
The druid returned to form, following Richard as she fidget slightly with her leaf-hair and tucking it behind the mask so it didn't get in the way.
"Maybe when we get to town, if you insist on knowing why I left.."
She added, informing him that was the only point she would really disclose the information. Aylissa knew it may not have been the answer he wanted, but it was the only one she felt comfortable giving to him, even if she may not be willing to disclose it then.