She shakes her head. "we have no need of weapons in the grove, please, come with me, your music is powerful, but it will not save you from the beast if you journey down that path."
A... a... and your g... g... gggggggrove? Will thhhhh th that a... also lll... l.. lead us ... ... h... hhhhome?
"It can, yes. As can the cave, but I promise the interlude in the grove is far more pleasant."
[color=blue]You need to play it straight with us M'lady. The "interlude" does us no good if it lasts a hundred years or even a single year. We can afford a day or two. And how can you say that you have no need for arms? When this wild beast is always on the hunt? What is the nature of this creature?
I need you to be more forthcoming. In fact, what is your nature? Are you of the fay?
I suppose we had best set to making our own weapons. Find some trees with long straight limbs that I can make spears from. Fire harden the points.
You girls. Start building a camp fire while I scout for trees.
"More than I have said I am forbidden to tell, how long you tarry in our garden is for you to decide."
[color=blue]Many young ladies have told me something like that, with the result being my having to face an angry father or husband who wanted to bury an axe in my skull.
"I assure you I am not married."
Carlos smiles and slips Chi-chi a little hug.
[color=blue]You miss my point, sweet darling. I have also faced fathers who tried to force me to stay and wed their "deflowered" daughter. But never have I ever been the first ro plow the field. Not my style.
If we go to your sanctuary, how long will it take us to get home? Time as we mortals reckon it.
"There are no wedding bells in my future, I can assure you. As to time." She shrugs "I don't really understand how you reckon it, so I know not how to answer your question. You might tarry in the garden for as long as you wish, but when you emerge will remain unchanged."
[color=blue]That might work. (turns to talk to the others) [color=blue]What do you guys think?
As you contemplate your exit strategy Epona finds a kitten rubbing against her leg. It looks up at her and says "milk?"
[color=brown]"I for one don't want to spend any more time than we must," Epona says. [color=brown]"I won't be so vain as to believe the covenant will fall without my manning the walls..."
[color=gray]"That's okay, you've got plenty to be vain about," Lucia quips with a playful smile.
Epona responds with a mock scowl, then continues. [color=brown]"But I'm also worried that this might be part of something bigger."
[color=gray]"I for one wouldn't mind spending a few nights here," Lucia says. [color=gray]"If Vibria had to care for herself for a while, that would teach her not to take people for granted."
Epona looks down in surprise at the talking kitten, then bends down to pick it up by the scruff of the neck. [color=brown]"Sorry, kitty, I don't have any milk," she says softly as she cuddles the kitten on top of her bosom. Then it occurs to her (with her mighty 0 Faerie Lore) that, with Faeries, you always find what you need where and when you need it, so she looks around for some milk for the kitty.
You don't find any milk, but as you are looking about you hear a sounds, somewhere between a roar and a yawn, emanating from the cavern.
Hmmmm...
Did the "beast" appear feline in any way?
It did have some feline qualities, along with canine, ursine, and oddly equine.
Carlos toys with the idea of trying to charm Catdogbearhorse with Animal Handling. But he decides against it and follows Charro to her sanctuary.
As you near the sanctuary again you hear the beast approaching, and "Charro" urges you to hurry in.
Epona brings up the rear (making sure that Lucia makes it to sanctuary) and draws her knife. She doubts she'll be very effective, but if the creature does try to attack the group, she'll make a good accounting of herself and hopefully it will seek less painful prey elsewhere. Although this would be a lot easier with a bow and some arrows, she thinks as she takes a quick, hopeful-but-not-expectant glance around.
Her Initiative with the dagger (just in case) is 0 + Lack of Encumbrance 2 + die roll of 5 = 7.
Not stopping to engage the creature this time the group makes it through to the sanctuary, the sunlight seems a bit brighter here, and nymphs frolic through the meadow. Somewhere in the transition you lost track of Charro for a moment and she has either become two women or gone through a more subtle transformation and been joined by a near twin. Her clothes have been completely lost in either case, and the wild red hair and expansive bust remain- one has eyes of hazel, the other of emerald.
Hazel turns and grins at the group "Catch me before I catch you." she challenges before taking off across the meadow. Meanwhile Emerald lies back on the ground, lounging in the sunlight, and smiles invitingly.
[color=blue]Ah Dios mio...
I have a feeling we should have faced the beast instead...