<b>The air felt heavy. It was the closest way Pegawen could describe the sensation she felt as they traveled closer to their destination. Heavy, and dry, as though even water sought to escape the oppressive weight of it. She glanced over at Allassiel and saw that, despite her apparent ease as she spoke with Thorgan, her eyes were often drawn towards their destination. It's just wory about being ambushed, she thought, nothing more. Yet she couldn't shake the feeling. <br/>
<br/>
As they paused at a small waterhole to refill their waterskins and let the horses graze, Timberlane expressed concern. Something, he pointed out, didn't feel right, and he wanted to know more about the orcs. Allassiel and Pegawen shared a glance, before Pegawen started speaking.</b><br/><br/>“<b>It's not common, but not either unheard of that some orcs are trained in the use of certain potions and poisons. They would be employed to create the poisoned weapons and arrows the orcs use. Some even having training as healing, from what I have learned. I'm not sure what they do is magicks,” she paused to think, “but what they do is terrifying. It is a good thing there are not more of them, for they would be unstoppable.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>It's true,” Allassiel agreed. “You remember, orcs are clever. Do not think them to be dumb or slow. I've not seen one of their poisoners myself, but I've seen what is left when they're done.” She rubbed her arms, frowning. “If such one is here, we will need to have extra care.”</b><br/><br/><b>Looking around at where they'd paused, Allassiel noticed animal tracks to and from the hole. “We should find a place to camp near here, hunt before we continue.” She motioned for Thorgan to join her. “You can show us what best to hunt, that will last on our travels. Then we can rest before we continue.” Despite the smile on her face for him, she gazed ahead at the mountains.</b>