Once everything was in order Xarithe bids the others farewell. Noting the monks name, for later use as he turns to Albali "Well then, shall we depart?" he asks of her. Once they begin making their way into the woods, Sira slithering along behind then, the druid pauses for only a moment "If our aim is to surprise these cultists, then I must let you in on a little secret." he stares pulling a serpent rod from his pouch as he recites a few incantations, looks to the snake and then the witch instructing it in druidic. "You see I am a druid, as such, I can take on the form of a great many wild beasts....Once I do however I will no longer be able to speak to you.....your bird however may serve as a medium for the form I have in mind." he informs her as Xarithe focuses for a moment. His body suddenly shrinking, as his clothes armor and pack all cover with feathers. Arms sprouting into powerful wings, his feet into clawed talons, face into a raptors beak. In a matter of seconds the man known as Xarithe is replaced by a capable looking eagle. His sharp eyes look to the Raven "Let her know the snake has been instructed to follow and defend her. That I shall keep watch from above as she moves through the forest." he speaks to the Raven, though to Albali it would hardly be known that he was even communicating.<br/><br/>His great dark wings beat and the druid takes flight, gaining altitude as he flies through the forest. Eventually coming to rest on a branch some distance above and to the side Albali, as they come within range of the cultists. He decidedly staying quite as he simply waits, listens and looks to the witch from time to time ensuring that she was safe. (Cheetahs....that's rather unusual.....I wonder....) Xarithe cannot help but think to himself as his avian eyes peer into the distance, seeing glimpses of his allies approach, the cultists that the raven had informed them of before they had left. (I wonder how long we should wait....) he ponders looking to Albali down below, Xarithe ready to swoop into combat at a moments notice from his elevated position.<br/><br/><br/>[[Casting barkskin and resist digestion on himself with extend magic rod causing them to both last 80 minutes. Instructing Sira to follow and guard Albali, then wild shaping into an eagle and proceeding from there.]]