<strong>Eshalu - a little on edge</strong><br/><br/>"<em>Quiet!</em>" Eshalu murmured. "<em>Pretend nothing is happening.</em>" In her weakened state, she knew that they would be vulnerable, especially to a surprise attack. She did not feel threatened - yet. She had taken comfort from the spirit in the river. It was a sign that the land itself would not see them come to harm. But her injuries had made her cautious.<br/><br/>Very slowly, Eshalu slipped her crescent shortsword from its leather sheath. Morning light gleamed off silvery starmetal. Each movement was subtle - almost imperceptible to all but the most attentive of observers. Dimly, in the back of her mind, she was aware of the soothing, hypnotic sensation of Reliyian's hands massaging her calf. The twinge of pain each time the sorceress put pressure on her battered hamstring no longer caused her to grit her teeth. Only a novice allowed pain to rule her mind. A ranger mastered it.<br/><br/>"<em>There is something. I feel it watching us, but I am unsure if it means us harm. We should wait, but know that your sorcery may soon be called upon.</em>" Her shortsword was fully drawn now, her eyes and ears focused on each sound, each movement. She sought to cut through the burbling of the stream and the cry of a distant bird of prey. There was definitely something - or someone - out there. Only time would tell if her blade would have to run red again.