The Goblin Cave

Alex shifted uncomfortably as he tried to relax and let his body heal. If needed, I can climb a bit. I can also check any traps once they are found. I have a hard time finding them in the first place, though. Alex must be exhausted, as his vocabulary was absent any words over two syllables. He instinctively shuffled over near Raven, sensing the lad was keeping watch.

You all get a short rest and the sun is low when you get back to it.

Tatiana finishes drying her hair and wiping the rest of the mud off her face. She applies another Light spell on her signet ring to act as a rudimentary hooded lantern when it is palmed in her hand. "You appear to see well in the dark," she says to Decklan. "Will you scout ahead as before? Perhaps Trakomak can accompany you."

"Figured I would."

Alex slowly climbs to his feet, checking his bow, his rapier, his various assorted daggers, and his fantabulous—but slightly mud-bespattered—cloak. Looking at Trakomak with askance, he says I will follow you Decklan, just in case.

Trakomak used to follow orders. Will do as you command. I think I can get up to the bridge

Raven crawls slowly to his feet, ready to go, although not looking as enthusiastic as he might have earlier. "That side passage may lead up to it, or maybe not. Worth a look I think."

With so many people leading the way, Raven will stay in the light provided by Tatiana.

Before the party has a chance to disperse, Alex grabs a stick off the ground and proceeds to draw a crude map on the wet ground. So our plan is to ford the stream (blue) before the bridge (green object) and head down the western path? I presume that we are dispensing with stealth and Lady Tatiana will be casting light. So would this be our marching order? Alex scratches some more marks on the floor.

Tatiana rolls her eyes as Alex describes color within the crude stick drawing carved into the mud. In order to stave off the inevitable question from the audience, she flicks her fingers dismissively into the air twice, magically applying the spoken hues to the areas Alex has indicated.

"It seems appropriate," she answers with a nod at the order presented.

"Even without intentional stealth, let me go ahead. If I spring anything -- a trap, an ambush, whatever -- it will hopefully give you a second or two to prepare," Decklan states.

You would think it was a suggestion, but nothing in the man's tone suggests Decklan was asking.

Down the western? You mean up, don't you? Trakomak asks Alex as he want to be sure he understand everything right.
Scarred one talks just like my captain. He sends one or two scouts ahead of everyone. sounds like Trakomak has respect for his ex-captain.

Raven nods as the others discuss things, "A few ahead sounds good. Does not sound like we are looking for tracks, but if you need it, let me know. Otherwise I'll stay close to Tatiana and Ammos." Raven was more than happy at this point to let the more martial members, especially the muscled new arrival.

Respecting Decklans intention Trakomak stay behind and let him move in alone

Facing Trakomak, the new addition, Alex speaks in his most courtly and overly polite tone of voice. As stealth is no longer a desiderata, pretty please project your puissant presence posthaste, posting point, and preceding our party presently passing yon passageway?

Man, common please! Trakomak looks at Alex and it is obvious he understand nothing.

Alex sighs deeply and mutters to himself "meeting my mentally monumental mellifluousness most moronically makes me morbidly morose; wordplay in this group 'tis like strewing pearls before swine. Resuming a normal talking volume, Alex replies "My dear sir, you are the strongest and healthiest of us. Would you please go first?"

While the others at the fore investigate the passage, Tatiana attempts to pay attention to their surroundings by training her eyes and ears towards the bridge.