((see to OOC thread for an explanation for the posting order break.))<br/><br/>The party accompanying Mordankell have tarried in camp for the majority of the day, deciding it was best to be fully rested before entering a dangerous unknown valley. As such, little is done for the day.<br/><br/>Mordankell speaks with each member he can, learning of their skills in combat in order to know what to expect should they be ambushed. He also reveals the fact that his condition is worsening, and instructs the party members to avoid being alone with him, as a precaution. Shortly after, he finds himself unavoidably alone with Sorra. She has seemed off all day and he is worried. His is right to worry, as it turns out that the spirit of a former lover is inhabiting her. After a long talk with the spirit, Mordankell is able to negotiate Sorra's release, arrange for the spirit himself to watch Mordankell and swiftly take control should it become clear Mordankell may be losing control.<br/><br/>This solved, he slips into a much needed slumber in the woods and wakes refreshed. Upon returning to camp, he prepares a roast bird for food for the others. Many hours pass idly, with the party all doing as they desire. Mordankell waits for their attention to be off of him, then slips off into the trees. The following is a transcript of what transpires when Sweetie notices his departure, followed by a summary for easier reading.<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>Mordankell wraps his cloak around himself firmly to keep the chill off. His eyes move around the camp, noting the comings and goings of his friends. When he is sure no one is looking, he stands and moves to the edge of the small clearing, waits, and then hurriedly disappears into the trees.<br/><br/>Sweetie opens her eyes slowly and sits up, looking around. She blinks in surprise, seeing Kell just in time to watch him dash into the trees. Not missing a beat, she scurries to her feet and runs after him carefully, silently<br/><br/>Mordankell swiftly and silently climbs higher up the mountain slope, occasionally stopping to gaze around, keeping his bearings.<br/><br/>Sweetie follows from a good distance, not in sight, using her wind affinity to track him<br/><br/>Mordankell pauses, leaning against a tree to consult the map he pulls from his pack.<br/><br/>Sweetie hangs back, climbing a tree and watching him from above<br/><br/>Mordankell turns back, looking down the hill in the direction he'd climbed, thinking he'd heard a noise. Shrugging after a moment, he puts the map away and continues his careful climb.<br/><br/>Sweetie jumps from tree to tree, trying her best to keep quiet. On the last jump, she barely makes it, sliding against a branch and gripping it with her hands, which grow scratched and bloody from the bark. She hangs limply for a moment before quickly heaving herself onto the branch and sitting silently, hoping he didn't see her.<br/><br/>Mordankell makes no move that he noticed, but his eyes go steely. continuing his climb, he moves slowly, obviously, until suddenly disappearing behind a tree. <br/><br/>Sweetie frowns in disappointment, closing her eyes. A gentle breeze blows by and she smiles, jumping to another tree and gaining sight of him yet again<br/><br/>Mordankell 's cloak is only just visible, flapping in the breeze a bit, he seems to have come to a stop again.<br/>Sweetie jumps to yet another tree, watching curiously<br/><br/>Mordankell remains still, cloak flapping a bit.<br/><br/>Sweetie leans down, watching him<br/><br/>Mordankell seems to be bending over something, hunched, hidden under the cloak.<br/>Sweetie frowns, jumping from the tree and approaching him slowly.<br/><br/>Mordankell still hasn't moved, hunched over under the cloak.<br/><br/>Sweetie walks towards him cautiously. "Kell?" She asks softly<br/><br/>Mordankell suddenly steps from behind a bush, having shed the cloak and hidden from sight, leaving the cloak as bait. Having failed to recognize the figure he'd noticed following, he silently wraps an iron hard arm around your arms, pinning you to him. you feel the point of a blade at your throat. "Do not move, if you wish to live. answer me fully, naive... Why do you stalk me?"<br/><br/>Sweetie blinks in surprise, standing perfectly still. "Why did you leave?"<br/><br/>Mordankell pulls the blade away suddenly and turns you to face him. With an exasperated growl, he glares at you, "sweetie.... you really shouldn't have followed."<br/><br/>Sweetie rolls her eyes and glares at Kell. "And you really shouldn't of tried leaving.. again!"<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: My dear... I'm not leaving. I'm scouting out the trail. I would have returned before my absence was noted.<br/><br/>&lt;Sweetie&gt;: Then why did you leave alone?<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: Subtlety and undetected movements are easiest alone.<br/><br/>Sweetie sighs softly, rubbing her head. <br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: I'm sorry I worried you, my dear... <br/><br/>Sweetie shakes her head, taking a step back. "It's okay.. I shouldn't have worried so much about it anyways."<br/><br/>Mordankell pulls you into a hug, something he seems to do too often. He holds you there, taking comfort in the contact. "Nonsense... it is that very trait in you that makes you so endearing.<br/><br/>Sweetie can't help but smile, accepting and returning the hug<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: Since you managed to follow me so silently... you may as well accompany me. Are you ready to continue?<br/><br/>Sweetie nods. "Sure."<br/><br/>Mordankell picks up his cloak and fastens it around his shoulders again. "Very well... let us continue."<br/>Mordankell turns and leads the way, moving even farther up the mountain. As the climb becomes steeper, their progress slows.<br/><br/>Sweetie follows Kell easily, occasionally tripping but catching herself before she falls<br/><br/>Mordankell reaches a peak of sorts and climbs up onto a large boulder. From this vantage, he is able to see down into the valley that is their destination, as well as back toward camp.<br/><br/>Mordankell turns, offering a hand to help her up, then gazes out over the valley.<br/><br/>Sweetie takes his hand willingly, climbing up onto the boulder and following his gaze<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: hmm...<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: Looks safe enough... seems an average forest...<br/> <br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: But appearances can be deceiving...<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: for now, however... I'd say that...<br/> <br/>Mordankell points. <br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: Would be our best route. What do you say?<br/><br/>Sweetie nods, looking carefully<br/><br/>&lt;Sweetie&gt;: It looks like it<br/><br/>Mordankell nods. <br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: Well we'd best return to camp bef-<br/><br/>Mordankell 's words trail off, his eyes focusing on a distant point<br/><br/>Sweetie glances at Kell curiously, before following his gaze, silently wondering what he saw<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: Sweetie... <br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: I need you to do me a favor...<br/> <br/>Sweetie glances at Kell again<br/><br/>Mordankell never takes his eyes from the same point.<br/><br/>&lt;Sweetie&gt;: Before you say anything<br/><br/>&lt;Sweetie&gt;: If you want me to stay here, or leave, the answer is no<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: Sweetie, you must. Run back to camp as swiftly as your feet can carry you... Alert the others... arm them as quickly as you can and bring them here... We're in for a serious problem. And soon. I'll stay here and- <br/><br/>Mordankell finally looks at her, eyes full of fury and fear.<br/><br/>Sweetie blinks in surprise. <br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: Please, Sweetie! Go!<br/><br/>&lt;Sweetie&gt;: Kell.. what is going on?<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: RUN!!<br/><br/>Sweetie slowly stands, but doesn't leave. "Kell I'm not leaving you here alone!"<br/><br/>&lt;Mordankell&gt;: You must! I will be fine... briefly. Return as soon as you can!<br/><br/>Sweetie bites her lip, and forcing herself to turn against her will and dash through the forest towards the camp</div></blockquote><br/><br/>sweetie follows kell silently, but he hears her. Leaving his cloak as bait, he jumps out at her, thinking she is an enemy. When he realizes who has been following her,  he grudgingly allows her to accompany him after explaining that he only plans to scout out the route up the mountain and attempt to discover any possible threats. When they reach the top, the two stand looking out over the hidden valley and decide on a route. just as they are about to head back, Mordankell sees something that frightens him and he sends Sweetie running back to call the others for help, as he remains behind to face whatever threat he has detected.<br/><br/>((sweetie will now post her hurried return to camp, calling for aid, and then we will resume normal posting order. Any who do not respond within a reasonable time will be skipped. You may join back in at any time, but we will no longer wait weeks for each post.))