Perhaps they might have rejoined their fellows sooner but packing Jiao-Jie's belongings had caused a brief delay. The four had waited while the bags and packs were strapped to a pack horse and a rolled up blanket was lain across, together with something that looked suspiciously like a picnic basket. Another horse had been led out and it whickered when it recognized its mistress. The woman shushed him with an apple, cut in four by a knife that rather suddenly appeared in the ravenhaired beauty's hands. Greeting the others with a warm smile, Jiao-Jie seemed glad to find them in good health.<br/><br/>At Li's question, she turned her head and examined the few others awaiting the opening of the gates. As far as she could tell, the guards were alert and proper and she felt a surge of pride for the city's noble defenders, now more aware of the dangers lurking in the darkness than ever before. Yet, they had less reason than she to be suspicious and so she subjected those around her to a fresh scrutiny. She looked for merchants without merchandise, or hastily dressed appearances. She scanned the surroundings for movement where none should be.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>(Result: 5, 7, = 2 + 3 wood + 1 perc = 6 (?))<br/>(edited post to add in dice roll))</em></span>