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From the forest side of the ford erupts a squad of soldiers, mounted on horseback. Bearing the livery of Fort Lizard, their brandished spears have routed the gators nearest them, some of whom sprout newly-acquired arrows. They are shortly followed by archers and a much-improved arrow-shooting fox.
The caravan on the mud-flat side has routed their attackers as well. The archers send the gators a few souvenirs of the encounter, while others -- like Celeste and Angilak in particular -- chase them a ways to make the memory more lasting and personal.
When the proverbial dust has settled, the soldiers and merchants have lost not a single member, whil a half-dozen gator bodies redden the ford.
Faliol can see his companions emerge from their places of cover, and the caravan crew see more familiar faces, including the cat beast, Shado, and Sergeant Doom. To Faliol's intense relief, Bergen sends him a welcoming wave.

[EDITED on Tue June 1, 2004 @3:55 PM (PDT)]

"Dat was lucky, and da fox made it back in one piece"

Lekchock hangs near True Eyes, not sure where he fits in and obviously still a little put out by the lack of trees.

Faliol looks confused, "What are you guys doing here?!? Pardon my lack of manners. Good to see you, Lekchock."

Faliol is soaking wet, liberally sprinkled with mud, and rather bedraggled.

Nuyok will exchange greetings with those from the Fort, and exchange introductions with them to Lekchock. At some later point, Nuyok will tell the Sgt "Our journey has been difficult, and your assistance is appreciated, we have lost some since our time with you before...", mentioning Handle and Rath.

"To tell the truth'" says the ever somber Sgt. Doom, "I'm surprised to see any of you alive again. After what Red here told me you were up against..." He sighs a heavy sigh. "Still, sorry to hear about them. I hope you made thaose Yaraza folk pay for their murders dearly?"

He turns to Lekchock, "I hope you haven't made a grave mistake coming with this lot. More valiant fighters and closer friends are hard to find, but trouble follows them wherever they go. Probably wind up being skinned by Mundabans or becoming galley slaves for Sea Raiders. If they're not eaten by Chimeras. Much more likely around here..." He scans the lake and the trees, as if expecting something big and nasty to come trundling up with a knife and fork.

"The Yaraza paid alright," Nuyok glances at his healing hand then glances around, "just like these treacherous gators. Thanks again for the assistance. We should be moving on, how far to reach the fort?"

"Hm. Two days taking it at an easy pace. That is, if we can survive the journey. Likely be killed..."

"No one likes a wet fox," Cas says dragging herself up out of the river. "And I'll be damned if I ever go through that again!"

Cas snickers, "Well, that plan works perfectly until Faliol and Whats-His-Name interrupted the scene. Good think you guys brought the whole freaking Tallon army with you or I'd have had both your tails for putting a nice stain on a perfectly well designed plan. Are you well Faliol? Also, dear cat, I recall meeting you but your name I have seemed to have forgotten."

Faliol is dripping water when Cas drags herself out of the river.

His ears fly up in surprise. "Cas! What....nevermind. It can wait. Glad to see you." He helps her up the bank, if needed.

"You remember Shado, from Ft. Lizard?"

As the sounds of the battle finally diminish, Celeste walks back to the crossing area, mud-spattered and stained with 'gator blood. She stands, scowling at the dead 'gator bodies for a long moment before she finally looks up. Her visage brightens considerably when she sees Faliol.

Faliol waves at Bergen, .oO(Whew, that's a relief. Now I get charged with just plain old horse theft, without the manslaughter charge. Probably only get twenty years in the mines instead of life.)

Eyes downcast, "I brought....er, I don't know his name. Your horse is over there...(points) Glad to see you up and about. Sorry..."

Bergen isn't given a chance to respond as the red blur known as Faliol streaks over to Celeste, "You made it, too?" He goes to grab her then sees the blood...

"Are you injured? Where is Ricco?" Faliol desperately looks around for the pudgy raccoon.

Vagrant leaves his cover once the danger is over. He wanders over to Faliol after the others have greeted and spoke to him.

"Nice to see you are alright, Foliol." Uncomfortably, he gives the fox a quick pat on the shoulder. "How is...?"

As Vagrant approached, Faliol smiled (no teeth) until Vagrant asked about Jareek...

Smile fading instantly to be replaced with averted eyes and a frown.

"About Pops...when we left Ft. Lizard, I was told that it doesn't look good. Good to see you, Vagrant."

At Faliol's approach, Celeste breaks into a smile, "Injured? No, this is just....um....temporary. It is good you have returned. Ricco is about somewhere I believe. I lost track of him during the rout."

"I was worried that the Yaraza had finished you all off and we would not arrive in time..." With a gesture to the soldiers, "I brought some help! Now we can kick those book lover's in their collective ass! Get some payback for Handle and Konnur's brother."

Faliol rubs his paws together in earnest, "#$%@ Yaraza! Now they will know what being hunted feels like..."

[EDITED on Sun May 30, 2004 @6:40 AM (CDT)]

"The Yaraza...." Celeste looks to the others before speaking, "...well, they won't be bothering anyone anymore."

Faliol cocks his head to one side as he ponders Celeste's answers, "You sound very certain, so I assume you mean a permanent fix to our Yaraza problem? Well, I am impressed and a little angry, to be honest. Impressed 'cause I didn't think we could whip them and angry cause going after them before help arrived was risky in the extreme. But I can't remain very angry when the joy at seeing you all alive is so powerful!"

.oO(To Hell with the blood...) Faliol grabs Celeste and lets out a yip of pure joy...

Putting the sticky barbarian back on her feet, Faliol turns to both groups, "Everyone! Listen up! Allow me to make proper introductions!"

"That tactically gifted fellow is Lineman Hastik, born of the Snake Canyon Hill Tribe, but fostered by Father Jeo. You know Sgt. Doom, our ever cheery leader... You met Shado during the Riven attacks? The fellow with Betsy in his hands is Stretch.... Uh, Stretch, I dropped your bow in the river, sorry... Thanks for keeping Betsy for me. Over yonder on the painted horse is (insert name). The guy cleaning gator blood out of his eyes is (insert name) (and so on, blah, blah, blah)"

"Assorted gator slayers, allow me to introduce my friends...Miss Beka Hamilton, leader of the Hamilton-Kent Caravan, Mr. Bergen, leader of the Bergen Caravan. Mr. Kent, merchant of Tallon, Mr. Nuyok, Adept and war leader, that pretty lady in back is Miss Umbra, the beautifully deadly Celeste, the ever hungry and thirsty Riccoco, Bergen scout Dashel, the mysterious Vagrant, the talented vixen is Cas, loyal Konnur, the fleet of foot Lekhock, the studious Brother Cadbury, big fellow with the axe is Angilak, and last but not least, Mr. Wickersticks. Whew, I need a drink!"

[EDITED on Sun May 30, 2004 @6:24 AM (CDT)]

[EDITED on Sun May 30, 2004 @6:26 AM (CDT)]

He has been avoiding this last part. Like humans, beasts avoid pain whenever possible. But the time had come...

Faliol moves towards a silent 'coon and plops down on one end of a log. He stares at his feet. His ears droop and his once vibrant tail is lifeless.

"I know I let you down, Ricco. I took off when you guys needed me the most. I left you to face the Yaraza and everything else this jungle could throw at you. I want you to know how very, very sorry I am. I guess it is true what others say about foxes...you can't trust us. No one in their right mind should rely on me..."

[EDITED on Sun May 30, 2004 @6:39 AM (CDT)]

After Faliol has made the round of introductions, but before he goes off to flagellate himself before Ricco, "Little Brother, to set your mind at ease, this particular lot of Yaraza will not be bothering anyone, and we did not go in search of them...it is a long story.

"Oh...sorry for assuming you went after them. When I left, the debate about going after the bastards was still raging. I thought the more revenge-minded among you had swayed the others."

Smiling at Faliol's remarks, "The Yaraza hastened their own doom when the chose to attack us again....they got what they asked for... and then some...."

Faliol smiles, "My only regret .oO(besides going to jail when we get back) is that I missed out on turning some Yaraza into Dashel look-alikes."

Clearly, false bravado. Faliol has lots of regrets...

[EDITED on Mon May 31, 2004 @6:58 AM (CDT)]

Eventually, Riccoco made a sodden way back to the reunited caravan, along with the host of Lizard Troops. His fur is well-saoked, but his leather vest and (diaper) are clean. It seems the plucky 'Coon must have taken a bit of a trip into the ford water himself.

Finding Faliol he grips him in a warm embrace, "Ah, Faliol!" he exclaims, "Ol' Riccoco be knowin' you be makin' it to the Lizard. Whatever the Master Nuyok be thinkin' this 'Coon be havin' the way o' trackin' the Fox-kit!"

As the exuberant reunion settles down, Ricco greets the familiar faces from Fort Lizard, "Shado it is! Ol' Riccico be spottin' Shado from a ways out. Well met, and happily so!"

"Doom hisself! Ol' Riccoco be bein' happy to be seein' you here. A fine thing to be showing up when you be. A hard march this 'Coon be thinkin'...."

Faliol scoots over to the 'coon, "I recognize those chunky thighs and that little fish tickler anywhere! It is good to see you alive and well, my friend! Heard you guys kicked Yaraza backside all over this jungle!"

"March? Mako couldn't let Bandit perish by waiting for foot soldiers to slog down here. He sent the calvary to save you!"

[EDITED on Tue June 1, 2004 @6:46 PM (CDT)]

OOC: I know you wouldn't know, but Ricco never found his beloved trident. He lost it when the dang Yaraza knocked him off the cliff while Jareek was being poisoned. He's wearing a finely crafted saber, now (Yaraza booty).

OOC: sorry about that!

Ricco breaks into that familiar knowing grin. "They be givin' their lickin', an' takin' their stickin'." He hefts a bow meaningfully. "It be no Betsy, but a fine arrow-chucker no-hows."

"That salteen Hooman! Mako be one o' the good 'uns!" The 'Coon slowly breaks into a slow, real smile and embraces his young friend once more. "It be good to havin' you near again. Angilak be talkin' with too big o' the words after a nip a Berry Ale."

Konnur didn't worry Faliol, but Angilak frightened him in a primordial fashion. Beasts could tell when a dangerous predator loomed nearby. Faliol's hair stood on end anytime he was near Angilak.

"So....how is Angilak? Could you do me a favor, Ricco? I can tell where I stand with Celeste, Cas, Miss Beka, Umbra, Bergen, Vagrant and of course, yourself. But the others are hard to read..."

Faliol looks around, searching for the bear and letting his eyes fall on the cryptic Nuyok.

Ricco listens intently, following Faliol's gaze to the Bear and the Adept. he frowns, scratching idly at his furry underchin with one leather-padded paw. "The Bear be an easy read, Fox-kit. He be motivated by the sound a dollars. The coin be his Mistress an' he be in heat for it all-times. Merchant Sangiyok be the King behin' the Mistress an' so, Angilak be doin' his bidding. Iffin' things go well, we be bein' rich Beasts. Iffin' we be losin' this cargo a Nipgin... Angilak be takin' Ol' Riccoco's frienly' 'ead!"

"Master Nuyok..." Ricco scrunches up his grizzled features and shrugs. "He be 'avin' 'is own story, most-like. He not be all the Master's cracked up to be, neither. A bit o' the greed be creepin' on Master Nuyok. He be closer to one o' us than mos' be thinkin'." Ricco winks and offers a knowing grin.

Has Ricco told you exactly what his cargo is? I can't remember if we discussed Nipgin?

...you made a roll and told me that Faliol doesn't recognize what Nipgin REALLY is.

He just thinks it is a type of liquor. He is completely unaware that it is a really bad narcotic.

OOC: When we return to Tallon, we shall see, yessss, we shall see...

OOC: Gollum or Yoda.....MMMMmmmm....puzzled we are....MMMMmmmmmm

...getting nervous. When Adepts plot, fox kits become shawls...

Hmmm, can't see a use for a hot shawl in these jungle lands, but nice fox fur lined scabbard might be nice

...the finest scabbard in this most savage of earths.

Well, since you're offering

"Take your head over one cart of liquor? Surely not... Besides, I would have to kill him if he chopped my favorite 'coon's noggin off. And when he killed me, Celeste and Jareek would attack him. With a handful of arrows and one dinky sword jutting out of him, he would be slowing down. Then Cas would jump him and that would bring Miss Beka, which would bring Vagrant, Lekchock, and maybe, that uppity Adept into the fray. And if by some miracle he kills all of us, the women in each town he entered would forever after shriek in fury and do their utmost to make his life a living hell. For he would have robbed females everywhere of the pleasure of viewing the finest tail in all creation. All that grief for one load of gin?"

Faliol snorts.

Ricco offers a slight shrug, "Mister Angilak will be takin' Merchant Sangiyok's due. The best bet we havin' for a Healthy 'Coon to be gettin' the nipgin into Talon with the Brewmaster's Guild none the wiser an' sold for a profit. Otherwise, whatever be comin' of it... It won' be bein' good."

OOC: I'm assuming this has become a hushed discussion, BTW. I'm keeping vis open as it might be nifty if someone actually overheard...

Faliol is clearly confused.

"If Boss Bear is this big a jerk, why do any business with him? Let us deliver this load of booze and then cut your ties to him. Risking death for one cart of gin is stupid, if you forgive my bluntness. You cannot be making enough money on this deal for the risk you are taking..."

.oO(Do they have other objects of value hidden in those jugs? Why kill someone for booze?)

Ricco clamps his jaw shut and waves off further comment. "Ol' Riccoco needs to be gettin' the cargo ready. We can be talkin' abou' this 'nother time."

Picking up that this conversation is over, Faliol lets the matter drop. But first, he must smooth ruffled fur.
"I have faith in you, Ricco. You coons are crafty...you will find a way to make it work."

"Stretch...?" Ricco ask quizzacaly. Then he sees the other Fox with Betsy isn't Jareek. He glances at his muddy feet and sighs dejectedly. "The Ol' Fox be a tough 'en, Faliol. He be pullin' through, now."

"He is old and wasn't in good shape before... I shouldn't have given that signal to attack that Arkis."

Ricco shakes his head emphatically, a bit of water flying from the pointed parts around both jowls. "No sense to be thinkin' an' talkin' that-a-way. Arkis be takin' the long sleep no matter a signal o' yours or no." He claps the Fox-kit on the bicep, "No sense worryin' a fox thought more. Done is done is done."

Faliol smiles (no teeth) grimly, but doesn't look very convinced.

Konnur come walking up to Faliol, his eyes slightly wary. "That was good timing there with that cavalry charge. Maybe saved a few necks, maybe not. Doesn't wash away the stain of thievery and cowardice in my book." In response to the inevitable protests, he says, "Don't all line up to jump on me! I stuck around when things were their worst. Besides, for some riven-fool reason, Mister Bergen doesn't want to make an issue of it. I just wanted Mr. Fox here to know that though some folks seem ready to forgive, not all of us are gonna forget."
He stalks off. "Just watch your backs, is all I'm saying. 'Cause he won't."

Shortly after he has left, Umbra approaches. Her expression is much more gentle. "I suspect from your expressions that Konnur has been... unecessarily harsh," she says. "Don't let his words enrage you. He has had bad experience with false friends and betrayal in the past. I suspected he might have embellished upon our employer's message. The fact is that Mr. Bergen understands why you took the horse. Had you not returned in the fashion and time you did, he might have been less forgiving. As it is, you did something in a crisis that worked out well. The timely appearance of the soldiers saved us from what would certainly have been a battle we would rather have avoided." She lays her ebon hand gently alongside Faliol's muzzle. "There is no stain on your honor, Faliol, scion of Jareek."

Ricco nods and claps his good feind on the back. "Don' be feelin' bad. You be doin' what Faliol be needin' done. The Yaraza be threat from the past an' all be well. The tale o' the battle be a wicked one, but they be payin' for the loss o' Handle an' the others. You be givin' your sire a chance. No one else could."

"Two days to go," Cas says and looks at the state of things. "Must I do everything around here? Plan and execute the attack, prepare the cart, care for the animals... and everyone else is sitting around and gabbing." She smiles.

"Well? What's everyone waiting for? Yaraza assassins or Gator reinforcements? The road is clear and I'd like to get behind some walls before my hairs go grey. We have two days to catch up as we move and there is no sense wasting any daylight."

"It is nice to see you back Faliol, however, Cas is right. I'd like to get moving. Before we are something elses lunch!"

"Hello, Miss Beka! Don't worry, not many things can tackle two caravans and a whole contingent of Ft. Lizard calvary..."

Faliol looks down at his hind paws as Konnur's words tear into him. It is not until Miss Umbra touches his muzzle that Faliol looks into her eyes.

Softly, "Thank you, Miss Umbra. You are very kind. But Konnur is right on one point. I am a thief."

Faliol stalks over to Konnur and taps him on the shoulder.

"I am a thief. But I am not a coward. A demonstration of that fact is in order." Faliol takes off his sword, knife, and bow. He hands them to Ricco and Celeste.

"Too many have died on this trip, so I won't fight you with a weapon. Where I come from, you don't call a fellow a coward unless you want your teeth shoved down your gullet. So, World's Biggest Chin, apologize quickly or get the hell beat out of you!"

[EDITED on Tue June 1, 2004 @7:21 PM (CDT)]

"Actually," Cas says and turns to stand beside Faliol. "I think you owe both of us an apology Konnur. You have been nothing but a small pathetic little shit this entire trip. First you question my sanity and the safety it would bring. Yet, you are thankless that I risked my life when I went to stare down the gators and trick them. You are nothing but a ungrateful little crybaby and I'm tired of putting up with your childish tantrums."

Konnur looks at both of the foxes. "You want to do this? You really want to? 'Cause I don't want to hear any crap about bullying or whining after I kick your teeth in. This ends it, either way." He turns to Cas. "I don't hit crazy people; they're just crazy. You're cracked like an eggshell. I know, you know it, everybody knows it. Yeah, you got guts, Cas. More than I can say for some. But you talk about sticking up for the group. Who went out and got themselves spider-bit when we needed every hand? What the hell did either of you do in the final battle?"
He starts dropping his weapons. "If either of you wanna dance, we'll do it. but don't think I'm fooled by that 'I'm disarmed' bit. I've fought enough beasts in my time to know what your claws and fangs can do. I'll keep my knife. I won't draw it unless you draw my blood.
"However this ends, remember you started it."

"Yeah Konnur," Cas says with a smile. "I'm crazy alright. I'm crazy about telling stories oh yeah and I forget things. Which is a blessing because in a month, I'll have forgotten all about that snivling little man named Konnur. But I'm honorable and respectful which is more I can say for you. Had it been you deathly wounded with poison I'm willing to bet Faliol would have taken you to Fort Lizard for help. But you, you would have petitioned that we let them die in battle so that you would have had a better chance alive. Never mind the fact that BOTH the crazy vixen and the master thief fox saved your life. We will stand in the face of the greatest fears to save those around us. Yes, I got bitten by a spider in a time of need. It was a mistake and I'm sorry for putting your life at risk. Keep your knife at your side or toss it aside. It makes no difference because I do not plan on fighting the likes of you. I prefer Gators, armies of Yaraza, and Carnobrocs. I'm sorry Konnur, but I don't fight children."

.oO( Hmmm, Konnur the Coward. It has a nice ring to it. )

Beka looks back and forth between Konnur, Cas and Faliol. She shakes her head and walks away toward her wagon muttering, "Guess I'll get this ready myself. I don't get it, we're not dead. What are we fighting about? I haven't got a clue."

Another bow in his leathery-padded paws, Ricco looks on with trepidation. He hopes against hope Faliol gives the Pinky a good lickin', but Konnur fought well against the Yaraza. While the Hooman's mood be a right kick in the haunch.... Still, the Fox-kit was sure thinkin' with the heart an' not what little thought he be havin' left...

"Little Fox, when did you ever save my life? All right. Challenge and then turn tail. That seems pretty much your style. That's one down." He turns at Faliol. "Do you still want to fight? Or do you just want to taunt and insult as well? I won't back down, but this is a pretty damn stupid place for a scrap."

He stands there, ready to throw down or pick up and walk.

Man, I'm glad Konnur's not a PC.

Celeste says as she steps between the foxes and the human. Picking up Konnur's weapons, she hands them back to him, "I think Merchant Bergen needs your services." Turning to Cas and Faliol, "Beka needs help with the wagon...." she says as she hands Faliol his weapons. She turns her back on Konnur and walks away toward the wagon.

He was mad before, but seeing that pink @#$& pick on Cas has infuriated him...

He jinks around Celeste, goes into an acrobatic roll designed to knock Konnur's legs out from under him and roll to a stand next to the idiot. HTH level in OCV.

"GGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!"

Acrobatics, 12-
3d6: 5 Wed June 2, 2004 @8:09 AM (CDT)

To hit,
3d6: 13 Wed June 2, 2004 @8:09 AM (CDT)

OOC: How do you feel about using sleight of hand in combat, Keith?

To draw attention away from Faliol and hopefully get other people to side with us...

Oratory:
3d6: 6 Wed June 2, 2004 @10:25 AM (EDT)

Persuasion 8-:
3d6: 12 Wed June 2, 2004 @10:31 AM (EDT)

Seduction* 11-:
3d6: 13 Wed June 2, 2004 @10:32 AM (EDT)

You know... to seduce Celeste to my side or something like that. :whistle:

OOC: At least I beat my oratory by 6 and upped my post count.

Konnur's legs fly out beneath him and he goes tumbling into the water. (Remember, nobody has left the ford area. Fortunately the water here is only an inch or so deep, mostly rain runoff).
"Are you insane!?!" he shakes of the water, rising to his feet. He makes to grab at Faliol, but the fox easily avoids his hands. "I knew you couldn't be trusted!"

Cas begins her speech. Since you made your Oratory by such a goodly amount I'm allowing it to be heard. However, it will take more than one exchange of attacks to finish.

Celeste shakes her head slowly as Konnur spits out a mouthful of muddy water....muddy gator blood infused water....muddy gator-blood-infused, mosquito-larvae-infested, fish-poop laden water....muddy gator-blood-infused, mosquito-larvae-infested, fish-poop laden, gods-know-whatelse is in there water....

I should have asked this: What is Faliol's next action? Is he going to fight till someone drops? Any strategy? I didn't want to just run the fight out till I was sure.

OOC: Faliol will attack until Konnur sincerely apologizes or until one of them goes unconscious. If Faliol loses, he will get his stun/end back and start the whole process over again. Probably when they next camp...

Again Faliol swings, this time Konnur is ready and ducks below his clenched paw. Again Konnur attempts to get his sinewy arms around Faliol, but the fox is too swift.

Faliol's next punch connects, but if Konnur felt anything, he makes no reaction. Konnur gives up trying to grapple the wiry fox and swings a punch at him. Faliol's vest deflects the force of the blow.

Faliol lands a punch square in Konnur's face. Again the big man shrugs it off. Konnurs next blow is deflected by Faliol's forearm. The fox barely acknowledges it.

Konnur duplicates the next move, blocking Faliol's blow on his own arm. Konnur's fist then cracks against Faliol's jaw. The fox snarls; he barely felt it.

Suddenly a shout rings out: "Keep peace, upon your lives: He dies that strikes again!"*

While folk have been absorbed in the fight or listnening to Cas, the soldiers have drawn bows and are aiming at the combatants. Lt. Hastik holds his arm in a ready position. "You idiots! These are the Wilds! I will not brook division. Keep your hatreds and divisions to yourselves until we are out of peril." His face is clearly serious and angry. "Stand you both down!"

OOC: I've never seen such a string of wimpy damage rolls. Featherweights, both o' ya!

Contest time: Where does this line come from? To defray the inevitable Google search, I need context as well. Who says it to whom and over what?
The prize: +3 on a roll of your choice.

As Faliol finally realizes that many, many arrows are aimed in his direction, he puts his paws down...

But something truly wicked inside, begging to be set free, grabs his vocal cords...

"Peaches hits harder than that..."

Faliol looks around, miffed at the interuption but not miffed enough to become a pin cushion.

OOC: Do it, Konnur! You know you wanna! Hit dat fox!

Konnnur drops his fists and backs away. "Finally someone talks some sense around here." He then registers Faliol's comment. "If you're still set on this, we'll finish it at the Fort." He picks up his belongings and splashes away.

OOC: Google search will give all that info too

OOC: Yeah, but at least it requires a little bit of work.

At the sound of the lieutenant's command to cease fighting, Nuyok looks positively displeased, as this spoiled the only entertainment out in the wilds for days.

OOC: Only Entertainment? Haven't we been entertained enough for one lifetime? Geeze! Someone is worse off than Cas at remembering things that transpire.

OOC: Fighting for one's life does not constitute entertainment for Nuyok

Without googling, I can say I have no idea who says it but I think Patrick Stewart would sound cool saying it.

Without giving anything away, Patrick Stewart is too old for the character in question, but would be great in the title role. (Though he might still be too vital.)
Robert Stephens says it very well in the recording I have.

Ricco will stand nearby, shouting out harrasments to Konnur and cheers for Faliol (and some worthless advice).

"Watch for his left, Fox-kit!"

"Put him down, Faliol!"

"You be eatin' mud, Pinky!"

You know... That sort of helpful antagonism and worthless cajoling.

Faliol grabs his stuff, mumbling angrily.

.oO(I thought that Lineman was a nice human but he seemed awfully damn eager to have me filled with arrows...)

Accepting Betsy from Ricco, the non-plussed vulpine grumbles to his buddy, "I could have taken him! He hits like a sissy and is too slow!"

He shakes one paw, wincing.

"Nearly broke this paw on that big jerk's giant chin. He must be part spinedog."

"You know what we foxes say Faliol," Cas says with a look of disdain at the soldiers. "You can lead a human to water, but you can't make them drink."

With that Cas runs back to the cart. "Sorry Beka, I planned on getting things ready but I needed to get that out of my system. I need to learn one of these days that not all humans are as reasonable as you are. But trust me when I say you can expect nothing more from me about Konnur. Fools like him are the ones that end up tricked in fairy tales."

As Cas runs off to Beka, Faliol quickly adds, "Cassandra, thanks for standing up to him with me."

Then he turns to Ricco, "You let her use herself as bait for gators? Tell me I heard that all wrong! While you are at it, what happened to your fish tickler?"

Ricco shrugs helplessly, "You be knowin' how Cas be, Faliol. Once one o' her fool ideas be creepin' in, there be no way to knockin' it out again!" he mock slaps himself. "Ol' Riccoco be havin' enou' o' the Vixen's muzzle ringers... 'Sides Red, she's a slippery one, those Gators didn' have a chance with Vagrant an' this 'Coon droppin' wood on them."

Answering the first (and less important question) Ricco moves onto the next.

His shoulders droop suddenly and he scratches at his muzzle, below the whisker extensions, "After the mess with Arkis, Ol' Riccoco be takin' a bit o' advance scoutin' ahead o' the caravan. He be findin' a bit o' tracks up-on-high an' be followin' 'em out. A bit later, on a ledge, Ol' Riccoco be findin' trace o' the Yaraza bastages! Jus' then... One be jumpin' out, throwin' those prickly stars. This 'Coon be seein' that trick an' knocked 'em aside."

Ricco brandishes his arms as if he's holding his trident and knocking aside the incoming throwing stars. "Then, the bastages drops down to take care o' Ol' Riccoco up close an' personal-like." Ricco brandishes his make-believe trident and goes through some practice strokes and jabs. "After we be tradin' a few blows, more missin' than landin'... Ol' Riccoco be bein' pushed back an' slipped off the ledge! When he be wakin' up, the triden' be no-wheres in 'coon sight."

Faliol's ears perk up as the tale unfolds, periodically interrupting with the occasional "And?" plus a few liberally spaced, "What next?"

He whistles and exclaims, "You fought them...all alone and lived to tell the tale! My friend, I am MOST impressed! You are not the same simple merchant that left Tallon so many nights back... You did real good, Ricco. I am proud of you."

Ricco exclaims. "While the hamilton Caravan be bein' poisoned an' the horses be put down, Ol' Riccoco be fightin' a singel Yaraza. They still be good o' the blade, but didn't know the skills o' Beasts o' Raccoon Lake."

A niggling memory slips into his thoughts. "It wasnae a misstep! The Yaraza used the Adept powers ta rack this poor 'coon with pain. Jes like the Ash did Handle..." Riccoco trails off, realizing nothing was to be said in mixed company about the Master Adept of Fort Lizard.

"No, Celeste!" Cas says, "Not this time will I walk away. Maybe you can't see it. But we beasts can tell the difference in people's eyes. You, Beka, Nuyok, and the rest look at us with respect and as equals. But to this twit, me, Riccoco, Wickersticks, and probably even you are nothing more than an extra body to keep around to improve his odds of living. He probably wishes Jareek died because then he could have had the 'thief' Faliol improve the odds against the Yaraza. And I don't know what you could or could not hear, but those gators were have killed me. I knew I was dead when I went forward with the plan. I lied to you all about what I know of gators but I did it to save the hides of everyone. But how quickly he forgets who went up to be within inches of their jaws. So Celeste, I just want you to know, that I understand that you want to end this fighting and if I was in your position, I'd want the same. But this antics of his has gone on for far too long now."

Celeste listens as Cas pours out her feelings on the matter...."I understand Cas, this is about honor, yours and his. But Konnur is not your enemy. He is brash, arrogant,rude, even mean. Yes, he is all of those things, but he is also angry and hurt...he has lost a brother as have we... I will not interfere if you, Faliol and Konnur persist in this, This is not the time for a fight, but I will be here until you resolve this." Celeste stands nearby and waits.

.oO(there was a time I would have had his head for less than that....)

.oO( Celeste does realize that I'm not trying to start something physical with Konnur I hope. )

OOC: Celeste is not sure what Cas is planning.....

Me too. Especially because I'm enjoying this exchange even if Cas has a little bit of an over reaction going on.

Nuyok has a slightly amused look on his face, thinking this is developing much like the street fights of his youth, and finds himself a nice seat to watch the proceedings...and thinks to himself

.oO(I wonder if Faliol and Cas might recall Konnur lost his brother quite recently...)

Beka readies the wagon and will happily drive it herself to get away from the insanity that has taken hold of the rest of the party. I am actually leading the oxen down the road. I am leaving. I am not waiting. I am gone, out of here, history!
.oO(What in the name of the Demon Kings is going on here?)

Vagrant moves and helps Beka as best he can with the wagon. Watching her frustration with the fighting he simply says, "Sometimes folks just have to get things out physically. Most of the time it doesn't go beyond a few bumps and bruises...and sometimes it can force new found respect. Course, I haven't encountered talking animals in this situation but hopefully the tradition will hold."

OOC: So, would Nuyok tolerate endless attacks from Konnur simply cause he (konnur) lost somebody? Hell, maybe Handle wasn't a blood relation, but he was our characters' friend. Does that give our characters a blank check to be @ssholes whenever we desire? And everyone in the world would have to sit there and take abuse cause we lost Handle? If Jareek dies, does Faliol get to be a complete jerkwad till the end of his days? There is a time for forbearance and a time for smack downs. Konnur used up his alloted share of forbearance...

Nuyok is entitled to a differing opinion, of course.


[EDITED on Wed June 2, 2004 @8:23 PM (CDT)]

OOC: Cas just wants Konnur to STFU. ^_^ We all lost someone but working together we were able to stay alive as well as we did. But Konnur seems to be holding a particularly nasty grudge against, surprise surprise, Beasts, specifically foxes. So while we vary on what we want out of this Konnur bout but all the same it is good roleplaying opportunity.

I've been having some difficulty with Cas lately RP wise and this has been a good chance for me to get back into her mind which has, unfortunately been seens as more 'crazy' than it really is. Anyway, enough rambling for me. I'm now off work for the night.

What, pray tell, is STFU?????

OOC: Is internet jargon for Shut The F*** Up