<strong>Eshalu - speaking to Aeryn, examining her surroundings</strong><br/><br/>Eshalu took a moment better to observe Aeryn's crossbow. It seemed unnatural to have a bow bent into that shape, the bolt released not by the strength and skill of the archer, but by some sort of unknown tool hidden in the crossbow's butt. But she did approve of Aeryn's tactics.<br/><br/>"Then you are not unlike us," Eshalu told her human companion, "if you fight at a distance and with any advantage the ground gives you - then you are like any initiate to the Way. I am a Warder of the Track  - we who are born with the auspice of golden hair when the five Guide Stars are high in the Celestial Stream - we drive the enemy into ambushes of Warders of the Bow, who shoot at a distance and from the tops of canopies, or strikes by the Warders of the Blade, who can conceal themselves in trees with the ease of dryads. But we do not fight<em>wars</em>as you call them. We will sacrifice to the Mother and defend our territory and the sanctity of our Caerns, but never spill blood for the joy of spilling it."<br/><br/>There was so much that she wanted to explain, but she was frustrated that she often struggled to find the appropriate human words. Aeryn's compliment on her ability to speak the human tongue was some consolation, but Eshalu knew she had much to learn. Courtship being especially important. Aeryn's deft, affectionate touch was confusing and indulgently tempting - especially when it came deliciously close to her sensitive, pointed ears. If she wanted to couple, she needed only to ask - but nothing was straightforward amongst humans. Especially when it came to courtship.<br/><br/><strong>Reliyian</strong><br/><br/>With a swift, measured side-glance, Eshalu caught a glimpse of the elven enchantress.<em>She who has Forsaken</em>. For the People, elves who had settled away from the embrace of the Forest Mother had forsaken a central part of their being, severing their links to the tapestry of life and existence. At least that was what the druids said and what Eshalu had always believed. In truth, now that she was amongst humans, she was forced to think again. Though Reliyian's speech and dress were strange to Eshalu, she was pleased to see a fellow member of the People, albeit one whose ways were deeply different. She had even thought of greeting her with<em>may the Mother bear you on your journey and Huntress guide you by night</em>- the customary introduction amongst her People. Caution and, perhaps, some remnant of youthful timidity had put paid to that plan.<br/><br/><strong>Dealing with the urchin</strong><br/><br/>It was the unkempt human boy's seemingly indignant response, with its disjointed mix of resentful and conciliatory tones, that briefly tore Eshalu's mind from Aeryn's commentary on her crossbow and her own observations on elven culture. Though she could not fully understand the boy's words, she sensed something unusual in his body language. The change in the pitch of his voice and the movement of his arms. The fidgeting. Something seemed slightly amiss, but the same was true of the entire island. Eshalu had not felt the presence of any friendly spirits. It was like the place itself was profoundly suspicious.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll ID   Viewer ID   Time Rolled   Roll Summary<br/>43798   MdG   2013-01-31 01:33:14   At 2013-01-31 01:33:14, Eshalu (uid: 41210) rolls: 4d6 Result: 16 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=43798)<br/>[Made a roll, with a net result of <strong>+3 </strong>(6, 6, 1, 3 and +2 Empathy skill)].  </div></div>