Goblin Town -- Logs

"Soon" turns out to be in half an hour, since Arvid doesn't like having to set up camp in the dark -- especially with Fraser being... Fraser. They want to hunt while it's still light out and get the fractious werewolf back to camp before he changes. Cinnamon huffs quietly in relief, sitting and panting on a damp log for a few minutes once they've stopped -- she'll get up and help set up camp in just a bit, she promises herself. Thorn too helps to set up the camp once they stop. That wasn't a bad hike at all; the overnight slog in NG training was worse. Of course, this was rainy and damp, and not pleasant at all. But they're getting closer to their destination, though he does hope the rogues will approach them ere long.

Cinnamon is too tired from trudging all day through mud to put up with much in the way of shenanigans from Fraser, tonight. She just wraps an arm around his wet-furred neck and closes the other hand around his muzzle, grumbling, "You behave yourself today, guy... 'cause I'm pooped!" Fraser does growl a little and tense up, but he doesn't cut up much Dickens. His hackles are up, however, as if he's unhappy about something. They'd brought in two elk this evening, neither of which had a heart or liver when it was brought into camp. Cinnamon snorts amusedly, grumbling right back, "You had plenty to eat already, dude!"

The two-man watches are set up, with Shane offering to take one of the deepest night watches so the Havvarger can take the ones at dusk and dawn -- apparently he feels their senses of scent will do the best then. Thorn is also more than happy to take a watch. With the number of people in their party, each watch shouldn't be at all onerous. Even Marcus is going to take a watch -- the last one, with Arvid, between two and six a.m. That means they'll be coming in just at breakfast time to eat and take a quick nap before the camp is broken down and they start on the hike for the day.

It looks like it's going to be another wet camp, that night. In fact, if not for Cinnamon it's doubtful they'd have any fire at all. The little dragon is happy to use her fire to light the campfire -- not only because she's cold and wet, but also because she really does like feeling useful. When there's a small, relieved cheer as the laid wood and kindling catches, she beams shyly at them all, and feels much warmer inside. Food is cooked easily for everyone and people seem to be ready to get some sleep by the time dinner is over. In fact, Cinnamon is sitting by the fire later that night, sleepily wondering (as she nearly wolfs down her food) if she can dry her socks by breathing fire near rather than on them. She finally decides that while dry, warm socks sound like heaven right now... she's pretty sure her current aim isn't that good, and she really doesn't want to burn down her tent -- or Fraser! -- by accident.

Fraser is fractious and irritable that night, pacing and growling, but he doesn't try to bite and he doesn't try to get away. Fortunately he does eventually settle. Reluctantly. Cinnamon sighs in relief at that, cuddling up to the warm, somewhat damp-furred wolf and mumbling a peaceful good night to him... then smiling sleepily as she softly adds, "B'lieve it or not, Frazey, it's nice t' cuddle with you. Sleep well!" She knows, after all, that the man does not recall what the wolf does... and warm cuddles really are nice!

The night goes quietly all around. Thorn is given the early watch, since he's got human eyes, plus Erin. Nothing approaches the camp in the early evening and he's relieved by Shane and Bjarke, who send him off to get some rest while they move out to do their patrol. With the cloudiness of the rain and the forest canopy, it's almost pitch black. Thorn is rapidly fast asleep. Not from any military training -- just that it was an exhausting hike. He made sure to bring some redcurrants for Erin, to thank her for helping keep watch.

Fraser stirs as the sun comes up, yawning and stretching -- and then he sits up very suddenly. Cinnamon grumbles sleepily again as her pillow abruptly drops a few inches from the former wolf's flank, to the ground. She sits up slowly, feeling around for her glasses as she growls, "What've you got against relaxation, dude?"

Fraser rumbles, "I love relaxation, but something smells wrong." He grabs the pants he brought with him this time and pulls them on. He's not being careful about not startling Cinnamon this time, though, because Something Is Not Right. She gets a couple flashes of bare skin, but they're brief because he's ducking out of the tent quickly. Fortunately she hasn't yet gotten her glasses on. She blinks sleepily as she does so... then sighs and decides if something's wrong, poor Fraser really needs backup. She wriggles out of her sleeping bag and pulls on her boots, then shoulders into her waterproof jacket and follows the hyper-alert werewolf. Covering a yawn, she calls quietly, "Wha' izzit then?"

Fraser is standing at the fire, fastening up his pants as he speaks with Arvid, Jaeger, and Shane. The other Havvarger are gathering as well. Rafe scratches on Thorn's tent to get his attention. Thorn jolts a bit with the scratching, "Mmmph... m'wake..." He starts to pull himself out of his sleeping bag, throwing some clothes on. This doesn't sound good....

Cinnamon wanders over to the fire and leans tiredly against Shane without thinking about it, so she can listen in as to whatever it is that's wrong. Shane puts an arm around her without even thinking about it, and she mmms contentedly, then glances around idly, wondering where Marcus is. Wasn't he on the last watch with Arvid? The captain's standing right there, too... huh. Marcus must be off getting breakfast, then... or already asleep -- the lucky stiff! Arvid is speaking quietly, "...check-in and when I came in for breakfast, I expected to see him, but he's not here. Have none of you seen him?"

Shane hmms, "Is it possible he's just... not visible? I mean, we've all noticed that both Jaeger and Marcus are spooky-good at disappearing." He glances at the elder elf; Jaeger is frowning. Cinnamon grins tiredly at that, remembering both Jaeger and Marcus simply... appearing out of the fog yesterday. She idly licks her lips, remembering how oddly nice Marcus had smelled... and wondering if Alfred's started the coffee cooking yet. There's only the residual scent/taste of Marcus... as of someone who'd been there in the last few hours.

Jaeger speaks with care, "It's vaguely possible that he's simply not come in yet, but it's not like my son to miss a meal. We both are quite fond of our creature comforts." Cinnamon grins at that comment! The elder elf looks around the edge of the clearing, obviously unsettled. Fraser tips his head up, nostrils flaring -- even in human form, this close to the moon, he's the best tracker.

Thorn frowns. Marcus is missing? This is... not good. He saw how both Jaeger and Marcus just ghosted through the forest. He's not sure consequently that Marcus is going to be easy to track. The healer wonders what set Marcus off this time -- though... nobody seems to be perturbed or put off in the same way as when Marcus went off, emotionally, aboard the ship. Fraser is growling down in his throat, and he swears under his breath. It's close to Irish, but not... quite, "If that little b... boy has just wandered off thoughtlessly without telling anyone, I'll be irritated..."

Arvid says sternly, "Don't just assume he's being a jackass, Fraser. We know we've been being watched... and he may have woods sense in how to be unseen and such, but I don't think he's got woods sense in how not to get snatched by guerillas."

Cinnamon mumbles tiredly, "S'why I stick close t'camp... 'm a better wall than a sneak." There's no rancor in her voice; she's simply stating facts as she knows them. She sighs softly, looking around as she straightens, "Okay, I'm not a tracker, so... I'ma go help Alfred with breakfast -- that way th' trackers can keep trackin', right?"

Fraser is still getting his clothes on as he snarls, "Problem is the goddessdamned rain!" The other sea wolves agree: having the rain washing away surface scent can make it hard to track -- especially sidhe and other beings that are good at disappearing.

Cinnamon blinks, "Oh." She frowns thoughtfully... to her, the air actually tastes more, um... more scented, more... flavorful? She tilts her head curiously, licking the raindrops off her lips as she experimentally turns around slowly in a full circle. Is she really getting more taste from the rain? Or is she just imagining it?

Shane watches for a moment as Cinnamon seems to be... licking the rain. This is a new thing. Arvid is watching as well. Fraser arches a brow, "Ehh... you well, lass?"

Cinnamon murmurs absently, "It... kinda... tastes like Marcus this way?" She continues her slow step-taste... stepstepstep-taste... as she tries to orient in on the missing elf. He may be kind of a jerkface, after all... but losing him would hurt Jaeger. Plus... well, he is kinda easy on the eyes, when he's not busy being a jerkface?

Thorn blinks as he finishes fastening his jacket, watching Cinnamon. "Okay," he says quietly, "let's figure out who goes with Cinnamon and who stays at the camp?" Cinnamon sighs in internal relief at the healer's response -- thank goodness Thorny's so practical! She'd been just thinking to herself how incredibly stupid her comment sounded... but if he believes in her, then by gosh she's going to do her best!

Shane is strapping on his sword -- the one that's his EveryDay Carry on Coblyn -- or rather, the two that are his EDCs on Coblyn. Fraser and Arvid are both also getting their weapons ready. Jaeger speaks quietly, "Thorn, can you bring your medkit? If he's gotten injured, I want you there."

Thorn nods to Jaeger, "Of course!" He goes to his tent, swiftly bringing his medkit after giving it a quick check to make sure it has what he needs. The rest of the Havvarger will stay at the camp, in case Marcus comes back while Cinnamon, Thorn, and the others are searching for him. Most of the weapons being taken are steel, though Jaeger's own are silver. Some of what Shane carries is titanium just because he's used to having to be near steel-averse species.

Cinnamon continues her slow lick-tasting of the moisture in the air. Once she realizes it's definitely not the rain itself, she pulls her hood a bit higher, so the rain stays off her face -- which also makes it easier to move smoothly, since her glasses are no longer getting dripped on. The taste-smell of Marcus is drawing her out into the forest past the camp and deeper into the undergrowth. Cinnamon finds it easier to taste Marcus once she's in the underbrush... maybe due to his brushing against some of the plants, and causing that moisture to lift into the air? She doesn't know for sure -- she just knows that this way seems to be the right way to go, in order to get a fresher, umm... taste/smell? -of Marcus.

Fraser stalks close by Cinnamon on her left, Shane on her right. Both are moving carefully and in a low, ready stance. Fraser has his shield strapped over his back, as does Arvid -- both Havvarger are ready for true battle. There's the scent of animals... trees... and Cinnamon begins to pick up the scent/taste of two other people. Elves -- definitely not human... and not people she knows. Cinnamon pauses, sharing that information with the people accompanying her... then worriedly keeps going. It's slightly easier to taste-track three distinctive elf-tastes, which means her walk is not quite as uncertain and halting as when she started. She does add, in an attempt to reassure Jaeger, that she doesn't taste/scent any blood, though. Cinnamon blinks as something else registers: wow, she is flanked by two really awesome guys! She grins shyly to herself, feeling both well-warded and well-cared-for... this is really nice!

They get to a point where they hit a broad stream; Cinnamon pauses, frowning as she looks both ways. Did the scent-track appear to slowly curve one way or the other towards the stream, or did it continue in a straight line to the water? It continues straight to the water -- straight into the water. That's when things get problematic. The stream is broad; perhaps twenty feet. It's going to take some careful searching along both banks up and down to figure out which one the elves came out on, and if they went up- or down-stream. If they're woods-savvy, they probably deliberately went through the stream, too, in order to throw off any trackers. Cinnamon sighs thoughtfully, passing that information on to the others... then checks with the two werewolves. Can they track in human form, on each side of the stream as they go up and down the banks? If not, can she carry their gear as they try it in wolf form?

Cinnamon pauses for a moment, then quietly adds, "Wait, please." She thinks carefully: she's not gotten any, er, smell-taste of struggle or adrenaline. That means Marcus either is going willingly with the rogues, which she frankly doubts -- Marcus may be clueless on some things, but he's not dumb! Heading off alone with rogues would be incredibly dumb. Alternatively, it means Marcus is unconscious and being carried... because none of the more woods-savvy folks with her have remarked on a drag trail leading them on.

So, while Marcus is not exactly large... he is a definite weight for one guy to carry a long distance through the mountainous woods. Okay... and everyone knows the old 'crossing a stream some distance from the actual path' trick, in order to throw off visual trackers... and with the rain, there'll be no scent tracking. So... might the rogues possibly have done this crossing here... precisely because a) their captive is starting to feel heavy, and will likely be waking up soon, with the ensuing thrashing and struggling which that would entail, and b) whomever is following will of course feel they have to take the time to check both sides of the stream for the 'real' crossing point?

Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully as she glances around, taking a moment to blink and allow her nictitating membranes to cross her eyes. Slowly and carefully she considers the ground before her, and on the far bank, for possible remaining heat signature footsteps, or even maybe the UV-alerting results of less rain on the underbrush due to a warm body brushing against them. As she does so, she quietly calls over her shoulder, "How long has Marcus been missing for, please? Was it just within the last hour? Or has it been several hours now?"

Cinnamon figures, if it has been no more than an hour or so, she'll have the best luck with heat detection in following the rogues' trail. However, if it's been more than that, then unless Marcus is awake and aware enough to do something smart like... oh, leave some clothing shreds as a trail, or... oh! Even if he's unconscious, might he have drooled accidentally on the ground? That, like blood and other body fluids, is almost brilliant in UV light! The little dragon lets her gaze slowly sweep back and forth on both banks, checking carefully for any possible clues.

Unfortunately, Marcus has been gone for at least two hours... so she likely won't be able to catch any heat trace. Indeed, the side of the river nearest them seems pristine to her supernatural vision, and so the two Havvarger and Shane take a moment to carefully ford the little stream, stepping from rock to rock, until they can start using scent and sight as best they can, with the rain, to attempt tracking on the far bank. As they're doing so, and as Cinnamon is also visually examining the far bank, she eventually notices something that might be some sort of body fluid, shining (to her UV vision) on some foliage over there, at about two hundred yards north. Cinnamon blinks a bit worriedly, reflexively hurrying forward through the stream without regard for what that will do to her clothing. Her voice is low, "Guys! There's some blood here -- look!" Thorn frowns. Blood... either Marcus is wounded, or he managed to wound one of the rogues -- eh, the healer has to admit, it's more likely Marcus is wounded. Still, that's not good.

The spot where the Havvarger chose to ford is about four feet at its deepest. Fortunately, they and Shane found mostly above-water rocks to use in order to cross -- which is also likely how the rogues got Marcus across the stream as well. Cinnamon is absently glad that she didn't have to get her feet wet in such cold weather. More importantly, she's both relieved at spotting blood, since it nearly glows in her UV vision... and feeling bad for poor, worried Jaeger... and even a bit worried for Marcus himself too. Although... actually, it appears Jaeger is starting to be less simply worried and more quite angry.

Cinnamon continues her careful, systematic tracking, searching for the next visual flash of blood even as she's simultaneously breathing in the wet, rain-laden air over her tongue. Her complete focus is on following the trail, right now -- she's concentrating enough, in fact, that it hasn't yet registered that the blood might not be Marcus's -- instead she's softly but excitedly murmuring to her companions, "Oh, there's more, down there -- hurry! Let's see if... yeah! Ok, I can see even more going that way... c'mon!" To the little dragon's senses, the trail of blood drops is almost glow-in-the-dark vivid, despite the growing dawn light. Admittedly, it's hard to tell if the blood is Marcus's, since any sidhe's blood still smells simply like a sidhe, even to Cinnamon's refined senses. Still, the trail is getting increasingly easier to follow now, since the splashes of blood are both easily seen and scented, where the blood is brushed across the occasional bit of foliage. Now that the tracking group is back under at least partial cover, it appears that's enough to have kept the blood from being completely washed away by the rain.

Despite knowing Cinnamon is basically bullet-proof, the Havvarger, Shane, and Jaeger have formed a shield to the sides and behind both she and Thorn -- the two non-martial humans are the 'squishies' in this situation! Considering Cinnamon is heavily distracted with tracking, she really can't be expected to be looking for ambush... and frankly, the wise person always keeps the healer protected!

Cinnamon is hustling along the (to her) shining trail as fast as she accurately can -- she wants to get Marcus safely back as soon as possible! In fact, it's a bit of a shock when a hand grabs her roughly by the shoulder and yanks her backward, and Fraser hisses, "Stop!"

Cinnamon yelps startledly, nearly falling into Fraser -- then scrambles to right herself, glancing around wide-eyed as she pants a bit, then indignantly asks, "Wh-what was that for?!" A heartbeat later she's pulled herself together, of course -- at which point she glances around herself -- did she miss someone waving at them, or something? Did the scent change? In fact, there's not someone waving at them... so much as three someones -- pointing arrows at them from high vantage points just out of scent-range!

Cinnamon blinks again as she notices, staring up at the three archers for a moment... then waving and calling in French, "Hello! Can you understand me?" Then she pauses, reflecting... and without looking behind herself -- so as to not give away any of the folks with her, who might be hiding by now -- she murmurs apologetically, "Jaeger, I'm sorry... should you be talking to them instead of me?" She hastily considers their options while she waits for a response from either before or behind her: Fraser's obviously been spotted, since he had to stop her -- but he heals fast and he has a shield. Shane may or may not have been spotted... but he's not as protected as either she or Fraser, so... may need to step in front of him quickly if the archers shoot! Jaeger, as it turns out, is not hiding -- instead he steps forward on Cinnamon's right. She can see clearly why he would make a formidable enemy -- his anger is practically glowing around him!

Several more of the rogues appear, once they realize the tracking party has stopped. The three archers still have their bows trained on the group, while a good dozen more elves seem to melt out of the woods. Two of them have the considerably battered-looking Marcus held between them. Cinnamon gasps in relief, "Marcus! Oh, thank goodness -- are you-" She cuts off, shaking her head sharply, "Wait -- not relevant." She looks around carefully as she waits for Jaeger to negotiate with the elves -- she wants to make sure she's spotted all of this attacking group of rogues! She hopes Arvid is keeping Thorn safely out of the line of fire, too -- and ensuring nothing slips up behind them.

Next to Cinnamon, but on her other side, Fraser is probably the exact opposite of hidden. Instead, he's standing as tall as it is possible for him to stand -- which is, all things considered, rather tall! He looks damned imposing. Shane, however, has vanished -- he and Arvid are hustling Thorn into hiding. Thus, well behind the paused group of hunters, Thorn eventually looks around and murmurs softly, "Erin, let me see out of your eyes, please?" The little familiar bird takes wing, flitting to a tree which allows Thorn to overlook the scene.

Thorn blinks a few times so as to recover from the vertigo and unsettling double-vision he gets from Erin's view coming to him. Through the familiar's eyes, he takes stock of the situation... hmm. If worst comes to worst, he can shield Marcus if/when Cinnamon lets loose with her fire-breath... but she's only likely to do that if everything else fails. No, right now he needs to be prepared for any healing that might come up -- and to spot any skullduggery or backstabbing that might happen. Hence, Erin's help.

One of the rogues calls back in reply to Cinnamon's query, "Oui, I understand you, girl."

Jaeger speaks very good French, as he responds in sharply clipped tones, "The language, perhaps. But I do not think you understand her, since she has honor." Cinnamon glances up at Jaeger a bit worriedly -- is he so angry that he can't negotiate well right now? She frowns, but goes back to checking with her heat vision for any hidden elves. In this cold weather, warm bodies stand out nice and clearly! She needs to know how many hostile elves they're facing -- since currently there's only herself, Thorn, Arvid, Fraser, Shane, and Jaeger here to recover Marcus. There are at least two dozen rogues that Cinnamon can see in the half-hidden encampment -- she and her friends are extremely outnumbered at this point! As far as she's concerned, there's far too many rogues here to mount a frontal assault just now -- not with only two Havvarger along, and Marcus in hostile hands!

There's some muttering amongst the rogues at that statement -- but then Jaeger takes a breath and speaks again, his voice almost conciliatory, "That was harsh of me. I am not at my best when I have been awakened early." Cinnamon can feel the atmosphere around her relaxing at Jaeger's much warmer and smoother tones -- and she realizes that yes, truthfully -- he was in fact too angry. After all, his son looks quite the worse for wear. She nods once to herself, then also carefully studies Marcus -- is he still unconscious, or somewhat woozy, or alert and awake? Can she tell who it was that was leaving blood on the trail? She's kind of hoping it's not Marcus, but rather one of the other elves, in fact!

Marcus looks conscious, but out of it. He also looks considerably bloody and bruised! It's likely that he's never had so serious a beating in his life -- not even in arms practice! However, he also doesn't look like he was the sole source of blood on the trail -- one of the elves holding him is also looking considerably slashed up! Looks like Marcus did indeed put up a bit of a fight -- good! Cinnamon is relieved to see that not all the blood came from the younger elf. She sighs softly in quiet relief; she's absolutely confident in Thorn's ability to heal Marcus back up again, after all! However, she's a bit worried for a different reason now: they really need to get Marcus back as soon as possible! She doesn't want the poor boy even worse harmed than he is now. She glances sideways at Jaeger, wondering if he realizes just how many rogues there are... well, his next words should let her know, actually.

Jaeger looks around at the camp, eyes flickering here and there, and his hand (on the side nearest to Cinnamon) flashes fingers subtly: five fingers, three times. Fifteen rogues, that he can tell. Further, there's her, him, Shane, and two of the most powerful of the Havvarger here. The rogues may think they've got an advantage, but they certainly don't realize they're up against two fearsomely dangerous werewolves and a dragon -- along with an extremely ancient and canny gealsidhe and an iron-resistant half-beansidhe, in the bargain! The elder elf speaks slowly, so as to receive more information and more time to learn: "This camp looks temporary. What are you doing so deep in the forest?"

The rogues eventually admit that this is indeed merely a hunting camp -- they are stalking the terrible howling beast which has invaded their territory! At that, Cinnamon puzzledly asks, "Why did you grab our... companion, then -- if you were hunting some howling beast?" Simultaneously she subtly flashes her fingers back in reply to Jaeger, updating the actual number of rogues -- there's really 24 of them, rather than simply 15, currently present! A heartbeat later, she blinks as something hits her: Marcus doesn't understand French! So he can't deny or refute anything she says...

Cinnamon takes a deep breath, then tries to subtly indicate to Jaeger that he should wait -- and then she takes one step forward, continuing in French, "He's just a child... still in training. If you wanted a hostage, he's the wrong person to take, from our group." She straightens a bit, trying her best to look dignified and respectable (despite the hiking clothing and feeling a bit early-morning-frowsy), as she adds, "The truly hostage-worthy person is myself -- I am Cinnamon, one of the thirteen global councilors." She adds somewhat unhappily, "That poor child... he's the offspring of a dear friend, and the child came along only because I promised he'd be returned safely home from this little... adventure." She holds out her hands as she adds, "I offer myself in exchange for him, so that I may keep my promise to his parents. I, after all, am worth a great deal of ransom." Jaeger does a very good job of not looking shocked at this pronouncement, since it is, after all, largely true: Marcus is indeed the child of a dear friend of Cinnamon's, and she truly is a global councilor. Admittedly, so is Marcus, but the rogues have no way of knowing that!

Hidden back in the underbrush, Thorn doesn't speak French at all, so he's rather in the dark... but he pays as much attention (from Erin's vantage) as he can. He can see there's some muttering and growling amongst the elves at Cinnamon's words... and that Fraser is taking that opportunity to start fading back a little. The Scots werewolf thinks this situation looks very much like it's going to get dangerous -- and he wants to be ready if it does. Despite being an armed hunting party (and apparently quite full of themselves!), these elves really don't know what they're up against... which becomes painfully clear when the leader grins maliciously, "He was an idiot, and easy to take once he wandered away from your camp. He also doesn't speak anything but these stupid Germanic tongues." The rogues laugh at the description of English and German as stupid languages, except for the bloodied elf helping to hold Marcus -- he growls a little as he gives the woozy young elf an unfriendly shake.

Cinnamon nods gravely, "Then let us exchange myself for him, so that the poor boy can be bandaged up while we negotiate for what you desire, oui?" She takes one step forward, waiting for a decision from the rogues... and mentally marks precisely where the three archers are -- they're who she needs to flame first, so they can't harm her friends! She's quite relieved, in fact, that there are only three of them.

The rogues' leader looks Cinnamon over with a sneer, "What's stopping us from taking all of you for ransom? You're only a handful!" It's clear the rogues are not just full of themselves, but also possibly even itching for a fight. The leader snaps, "And you brought some kind of howling monster into our territory! We should just kill you all, for that outrage!"

Back with Thorn, Shane has drawn his swords, while Arvid unshoulders his shield as he quietly tells the healer, "Be ready for serious wounds. These are sidhe-type elves, so they are probably armed with only silver, flint, obsidian -- that sort of thing -- but we have steel and cold iron. Also, Fraser is... not quite himself -- and he is a fearsome warrior even at his calmest, ja?" Thorn winces at Arvid's advice even as he nods soberly. He doesn't like the sound of the rogues' laughter; he has a feeling that negotiations are going to very soon become... incendiary.

Cinnamon has a small, calm smile on her face as she replies evenly, "You could possibly kill us all, true... but then you would have many injured and dead -- and no valuable hostages. Further, when the news came out -- as it indubitably would -- that you'd basely murdered a global councilor... in her attempt at negotiating with you... you would have the entire supernatural world hunting you down." She pauses to let them consider that for a few seconds... then adds almost cheerfully, "Or... you could make this courteous hostage exchange with us, and then negotiate for your benefit. Your choice, t'sais?" Jaeger continues to give Cinnamon the lead here -- he's instead watching carefully how the rogues handle Marcus, his wounded son. That, after all, will help him decide just how furious he will be, later -- but in this particular moment his warrior- and diplomat's-mind is still busily analyzing on that level.

There's a little bit more back-and-forth and bluster, and it becomes obvious that the leader wants the group to be quite aware that he is unhappy -- and that he and his people are unafraid of righteous violence! However, eventually Marcus is pretty much shoved at Jaeger, and then the same two captors snatched up Cinnamon, dragging her swiftly back toward the mass of rogue elves. She finds herself roughly manhandled (or is it elf-handled?), with a sharp and gleaming blade laid across her throat so that her companions can clearly see. Cinnamon doesn't resist, instead cutting her eyes sideways to ensure she can still see the archers... then glancing towards Jaeger. She gives a small (and hopefully reassuring) smile to him as the rogues argue and shout about what their demands are... then subtly brings up one hand to see if she can check the blade's edge. She wants to be sure it won't hurt her, after all, before Jaeger unleashes the (only barely metaphoric) dogs of war!

Jaeger is watching Cinnamon closely; he obviously trusts Thorn to do whatever is necessary. By this point Fraser has faded completely back into the woods with Shane and Arvid. All three are now armed and ready to fight, though they're still standing close to the healer. Thorn, were he a cat, would have his ears folded back against his head at the rogues' treatment of Cinnamon! Still, she's probably as safe as if she were still with her friends... so instead Thorn focuses on getting Marcus healed, using some of his healing magic to do so. The younger elf might have to be up and (literally) running in short order, after all! Erin closes their mental connection, knowing Thorn will need his concentration to take care of his patient. As it turns out, Marcus is pretty badly beaten up. He's got some truly livid bruises, and even a few bloody cuts. He's not near death, but he's very woozy -- it's clear he's concussed.

Thorn thanks Erin even as he's grimacing at what the rogues have done to Marcus. The healer is reasonably certain the young elf didn't do anything to deserve quite so vicious a beating as this! Thorn isn't sure he can get Marcus quickly healed up right now... not without it being very obvious that he's a magical healer. The worried human keeps that possibility in mind, though, for in case of dire emergency. When the fur starts to fly (so to speak...), Thorn will have to heal Marcus immediately! -- as well as be ready to throw a shield around Jaeger, who might very well be the first target of the rogues.

Back where the two groups are confronting each other, Jaeger waits for the rogues' shouting and argumentation to die down a bit -- and then the ancient elf says clearly, "You have your hostage and you've stated your demands. I suggest that you now take a moment to think, long and hard, about what exactly it is you're doing here." The elder elf's sharp-eyed gaze is on Cinnamon, watching her closely to see if she's all right. The leader of the elves jeers at Jaeger's thoughtful comment, using a term which Cinnamon can't quite translate. It may well be so archaic that it isn't used anymore... or it might be Basque rather than French, perhaps? Whatever it is, Jaeger simply sighs, "You are better than that."

The blade at Cinnamon's throat is indeed very sharp, but as far as she can tell it's also just plain silver. While it's no surprise that the rogues don't have access to titanium, it would appear they have also disdained weaponry of either obsidian or flint. The little dragon glances around -- again without moving her head at all -- and verifies none of the rogues are currently really watching her. They're all assuming (not unreasonably) that a dagger at the throat will keep her still and quiet! She is quiet, true, but she's not still... instead she lightly runs one finger along the blade's edge, past where it lays against her neck. Fantastic -- not a hint of pain or reaction -- not even when she presses gently against the sharp tip! She flashes a bright, sudden grin at Jaeger, subtly giving him a thumbs-up -- she's in no danger whatsoever! She doesn't move at all past that, though. It seems only fair to give the rogues a chance to redeem themselves... or, if they insist, to hang themselves on their own greed!

At Cinnamon's reassurance, Jaeger's attitude changes in a flash! He snaps, "Further, you fools, you have made a truly egregious mistake -- for your arrogance, you shall receive nothing for ransom!" The rogues pause in shock at Jaeger's sudden change of attitude -- and then, with indignant shouts at his ferocious denial of them, they begin to surge forward in attack. The archers raise and draw their bows, aiming at Jaeger, while the leader, still holding Cinnamon, growls and jerks his hand to slash the dagger violently across her throat. After all, hostages are for leverage! -- and leverage means nothing if you don't use it. Further, the rogue knows his razor-sharp blade will part skin like butter.

Cinnamon looks faintly amused at how tamely she's being 'dispatched' -- she would have thought the rogues might have tried more drastic threats of harm to her, at Jaeger's words, maybe? Still, who is she to argue with success? Cinnamon casually ignores the dagger being drawn across her throat -- and the first indicator of the sheer enormity of the mistake the hunting band of rogues has made occurs when they see the completely unexpected, huge dragon -- right in their midst! -- roaring out a huge gout of devastating flame first at their unsuspecting archers -- and then through their own ranks! Simultaneously, the three warriors (which the shocked and disoriented hunting band of rogues either missed or forgot) come blurring at speed out of the forest: hell, in the form of two howling werewolves, and a nearly-silent beansidhe.

Thorn does have a non-Hippocratic moment where he hopes that at least one of the rogues is going to live to fully comprehend the enormity of how much they Screwed Up... but first things first. With Cinnamon dispatching the archers, the healer quickly applies his healing magic to Marcus, to get the young man up to trim as quickly as possible. This is, after all, now a combat zone! Marcus stirs and groans as Thorn's healing clears up the concussion and the worst of the injuries. The elf will be able to move enough not to be an impediment when they have to leave, so Thorn murmurs urgently to his patient, "Get ready to run with us! The negotiations didn't turn out like they expected," -- as if the roaring, flaming dragon didn't give sufficient indicia of that!

The fire easily wipes out the archers; the shock and terror of an angry, attacking dragon scatter what's left of the rogues -- except that they're instead left facing ravening werewolves, a silently ferocious beansidhe, and a truly enraged ancient gealsidhe father! Cinnamon is both careful and thorough as she stomps her way through the rogue band. She doesn't want to harm her own people, but if a rogue even raises a weapon towards them, she fully intends to blast that weapon to kingdom come -- she is completely through with being gentle and reasonable with these angry, irrational jerkfaces! She swiftly clears the area around herself, but for the four warriors circling about her clawed feet. She's never actually seen the Havvarger in action much -- now she gets to see why they have such fearsome reputations. Consequently Cinnamon shifts tactics to roaring and flaming terrifyingly overhead, and assisting her companions on the ground. Should two or three rogues attempt to concentrate on one warrior, for example, Cinnamon is happy to smack one or two of the rogues violently aside! After a few seconds though, her tactics shift slightly again... in that she keeps an eye on Fraser so he doesn't end up tearing wolfishly through all the remaining rogues!

Fraser is indeed terrifying to behold, cackling maniacally as he lethally races through his opponents -- rather like a particularly bloody, messy buzzsaw of doom! Arvid moves with a efficiency and power that speaks of someone for whom being a warrior is a sacred duty; someone who has truly been doing this for centuries. A short distance away, Shane isn't being an aggressor, but is rather running interference; making sure any rogues attempting to move toward Thorn and Marcus are instead redirected back toward the Havvarger and Jaeger. If the rogues insist on engaging with Shane, however, they don't tend to get back up! At one point Cinnamon actually sees the beansidhe punch one of the rogues in the face -- and the attacker stumbles loosely backwards, collapsing bonelessly in an almost surreal manner -- almost like the sort of dramatic punch-and-fall one sees in movies! It's even more curious when it registers that someone of Shane's size surely shouldn't carry that much power in his fists?

Cinnamon nods once to herself -- looks like everyone's doing fine! Still, she keeps a careful eye out over her friends, and continues occasionally flattening rogues and destroying their weapons... until one or the other runs out. She does end up having to stop Fraser from tearing through all of the rebels, since Jaeger (like Thorn) knows you never want all of the enemy dead... especially when you need a message delivered. Consequently he ends up with two prisoners at combat's end: the one Shane punched, and the leader who tried slitting Cinnamon's throat.

It takes the shining dragon and Arvid together to calm Fraser down -- to the point that Cinnamon simply picks Fraser up, holding him in the air so he can't reach anyone. The cursed wolfman snarls and snaps, struggling within her grasp as Arvid speaks calmingly to him -- it's a good bet the pervasive smell of blood is not helping! Cinnamon keeps him immobilized as Arvid soothes Fraser's rage, and as she does so she glances over to verify that everyone else is fine... looks like it! Excellent. Shane is moving around, checking the bodies of the rogues and going through pockets in his search for maps and such. Cinnamon nods to herself, then beams reassuringly (or so she believes!) at Thorn and Marcus, "We're fine! Give us just a moment, okay?"

Marcus' eyes widen at the large dragon's many very large and gleaming teeth! He knows she's smiling... but it's still rather disconcerting! Thorn is simply relieved the fighting is over; he thanks Cinnamon, since he's used to her teeth despite it still being somewhat unsettling. Cinnamon turns back to Fraser, gently shaking him once as she rumbles, "Frazey, c'mon now, please? Listen to us... we're all okay now!" She glances at Arvid, adding, "Would it help if I shifted back to... umm... then again, maybe not -- I'm not perfect at, er, shifting yet..." She's far too embarrassed to admit that if she shifted into a nude human form, her reaction would likely not help Fraser calm down at all! So instead she tries a gentle tongue-flicker on Fraser's head... maybe that'll help him calm? Not that he was actually ever a pup being licked by his dam, but... she wonders amusedly if werewolves have racial memories maybe?

The lapping does seem to help a little, oddly enough. Also, by now Fraser can see the injuries to their party are actually fairly small. Jaeger has a semi-superficial cut, while Shane looks only a bit bruised. Arvid does have a gash on his bicep that looks like it will need tending to, but Fraser himself is untouched due to his moving with such wolfish speed throughout the entire battle! Cinnamon rumbles soothingly, "The-eere we go, Frazey... feeling better now?" She smiles at Arvid, "I think I got him now, Captain. Wanna go have Thorny check you over? You might want a bit of help with that cut on your arm, maybe?" She glances over at Jaeger as she curiously adds, "How're those two you've got, Jaeger? Can we talk to them? We still don't know why they're, um... rogue-ing, after all?"

Jaeger looks at the two prisoners -- one conscious, one not. Still, both of them will survive. Thorn attends to everyone's wounds, bandaging and poulticing as necessary in order to ensure the injured will heal properly. However, only after his own people have been tended to, will the healer try triaging the injured rogues. Jaeger sighs and replies to Cinnamon, "I think we should take them back with us." He looks around the shattered enemy camp as he adds, "I want to be away from here, in case others have yet to return."

Cinnamon nods gravely, "I agree. Would it be helpful to just load me up and have us fly partway down the mountain, to speed up our departure?" She glances over at Marcus, and looks pleased. They got the young elf back safe and sound! He even looks relatively pretty again, after Thorny's expert ministrations... though hopefully the younger elf won't also be accordingly snooty for a bit... maybe? Cinnamon grins quietly to herself, and looks back at Jaeger for his decision.

Jaeger nods, "Yes, that seems wisest. The faster we're back to our camp, the faster we can get warm food and water into everyone." He studies the still-growling Fraser as he wryly adds, "And perhaps meat. My memory of the berserkers was that raw meat was good for them... and as I recall, it is good for you too, after you have changed."

Cinnamon wrinkles her long reptilian nose in a wry grin, "Well... not raw, if that's okay? But I can wait to change, if necessary, so I can stay in this form and eat it raw, I guess?" She gently sets Fraser down, watching him carefully to make sure he's okay now, as she adds to Jaeger, "Never tried it that way before, but I'm willing to experiment!" To the werewolf she croons gently, "E-eeasy now... can you talk to me, please, Frazey, instead of just growling?"

The Scots cursed-wolf finally takes a deep breath, then growls, "I'm rational enough to not just kill those two wee bastards, lass." He gives them a very significant side-eye, however!

Jaeger nods thoughtfully at Cinnamon's comments, "Perhaps I should say... fresh meat?"

Cinnamon looks pleased, "Awesome! Good for you, Frazey!" Then she glances at Jaeger and laughs, "Well, as long as it's non-sapient, I guess I'm good with it?" As she does so, Thorn concludes his efforts to ensure everyone is at least on the path to healing -- either bandaged and poulticed or, as in Marcus's case, suffering no further effects of earlier damage. Cinnamon thinks for a moment, then shifts back to French to add hopefully to Jaeger, "Also, ahh... perhaps we do not have to inform your son of what precisely my, um... persuasions were to the rogues?" More wryly she adds, "I really don't want him to be all angry and shouty at me again... please?"

Jaeger's smile is wry as he answers in the same language, "I won't breathe a word of it. He was concussed, though... so I doubt he'll remember much." The elder of Elm shakes his head, face going grim as he shifts to English, "I am even more determined to find the main encampment now. And with the rest of the Havvarger with us. This may be a hard battle."

Cinnamon tilts her big, triangular head puzzledly, "A... battle? But... don't we want to try talking to them first?" She pauses, the slightly thinner skin around her eyes and wide mouth darkening with embarrassment as she adds, "Ahh... or am I, um... just being naive?" She frowns as she glances around... then bursts out with, "This is such a waste, though! Why?! Why are they doing this?!"

Jaeger rubs his face with both hands, unwittingly grinding a little blood into his skin, "I hope there is no battle, but I believe in being prepared for the worst. Let's get back to the camp."

Cinnamon pads over to lie down sphynx-style next to Jaeger and Thorn, so the injured can be laid over her back. She's grumbling as she does so, "I mean, there were, what, just over twenty of them here? That's got to be a significant number of their tribe, if they're truly migrants wandering the mountains like Captain Arvid said they claimed... and further, quite possibly all their healthy young hunters and warriors! So... wouldn't talking just make more sense, in that scenario?"

Thorn sighs, "It would... and maybe now they'll be more inclined to talk, if all the hotheads are incapacitated."

Shane helps load the injured aboard Cinnamon, and just shakes his head, "People get ridiculous, acushla, but I hope they'll be willing to talk instead of forcing our hand." He sounds subdued.

Cinnamon rumbles unhappily, "I hope you're right, Thorny," then adds absently to Shane, "Me too, asthore." She sighs, glancing around to make sure everyone's close by -- of her friends, at least; she non-consciously carefully doesn't look too closely at the dead -- then adds, "Hop on, everyone, and I'll beat feet down the mountain to camp." Shane smiles quietly at the nickname, patting Cinnamon's shoulder and then stroking her gleaming hide before swinging aboard. Cinnamon waits until everyone is on and has a good hold on either her backpack harness or each other, then pads quickly along, weaving her way through the forest back to their encampment. As she goes, she curiously murmurs to Fraser, "So you really can't, um... sort of taste the scent in the air, then, Frazey?" She flickers her tongue once or twice to double-check... yeah, it really does have a sort of flavor-smell kind of effect!

Fraser tips his head and breathes in, nostrils flaring... then shakes his head, "Not with all this rain, lass."

Cinnamon huhs thoughtfully to herself... then curls her head around to smile at Fraser, "Well, then I'm glad I could help some!" She isn't quite sure what it is she's doing, admittedly... but she's quite sure by now that she was actually somehow tracking Marcus. She'll have to experiment more with it later! For now, though, she calls ahead cheerfully to the Havvarger at the camp, so they know everything is okay as she arrives... and lays down comfortably by the fire for her passengers to disembark. To Alfred she rumbles hopefully, "I don't suppose, umm... that you have anything cooked yet?" She also asks Shane, "Also, um, could you maybe... like, hold up a blanket or something for me to shift, too... please?"

Fraser smiles and, after dismounting, moves up to the dragon's head. He rubs his fingertips around the scale ridges at Cinnamon's eyes, "Reptiles have different sensory organs than wolves, lass. You probably picked up something I couldn't. It's a blessing we have you."

Cinnamon blinks a bit startledly, then half closes her slitted eyes and leans into the rubbing, "Ooo, that feels... re-eeally nice, Frazey!" A moment later she blinks again, her skin darkening a bit with embarrassment, "Er... sorry! Sorry, didn't mean to, uh, to... shove at you..." She grins shyly as she adds, "You really think I'm a, um... like... a blessing?"

Fraser looks surprised, "Of course you are!" He seems truly puzzled that Cinnamon doesn't know that.

Cinnamon's beaming, fanged smile is wider than usual on her triangular reptilian head, and she impulsively gives Fraser an affectionate tongue-flicker before she rumbles, "Thank you, Frazey -- that's really nice of you!" Alfred does indeed have something cooked; that 'something' is most of a deer. Shane is already getting out a blanket, as well -- he knows this drill! Cinnamon looks around as Shane approaches with a blanket, happily rumbling, "Oh, good -- time to change and eat!" A quick glance over her shoulder to make sure everyone has dismounted... and then she pads off with Shane, her voice trailing behind her, "Hey, Shaney, do you know anything about Liam sort of tasting smells? Or... hm, maybe I should be checking on what snakes do...?" Moments later there's a gleeful, "Yay! First try -- Josie'll be proud of me!" -- followed less than a heartbeat later by, "Oh my gosh I'm starving! Can we eat now?!"

Shane chuckles quietly at Cinnamon's glee at the quick change; he's seen her do the back and forth changes a few times now, actually! He puts an arm around her shoulders to walk with her back to the camp, replying, "You and Fraser should eat. A lot."

Cinnamon beams up at Shane, "Okay! I just wish we had two deer again, like the other night!" She giggles, then grins ruefully at Fraser as they return to the fireside, heading for where Alfred has cooked meat awaiting. To the Scots werewolf she says, "So you get stuck with the huge tummy rumblies too, I take it? You've got my sympathies, if so!" She accepts the plate of food Alfred hands her, giving him a very sincere, one-armed hug in thanks -- then sits right down by the fire and starts swiftly and neatly devouring her meal! Between bites she grins at Thorn, "Thanks for taking care of everyone, Thorny! Is Marcus feeling better too now?"

Thorn smiles. "You're welcome! I think he is. He was concussed, but he should be better physically soon." His smile falters a bit, "The emotional and mental damage, though... well, he's been through quite a bit." Marcus is indeed looking better than when they first saw him, but there's still blood on his pale skin, and he's clearly still rather shaken. The physical damage may be largely gone, but the mental damage is going to take longer.

Cinnamon nods gravely as she glances in Marcus' direction, her voice low, "I can imagine... poor guy. Well, his dad will know what to do for... him..." She pauses, thinking a moment... then brightens, "Oh! Thorny, Alfred? Would some bread and honey help him, maybe? Do you think?"

Thorn says, "I don't see why not. It can't hurt!"

Cinnamon beams, "Awesome! Do we have any? Alfred, can you give it to him, maybe, if we do?" She finds herself a bit reluctant still to approach Marcus, curiously enough. Yes, he's apologized to her -- but that was before this little set-to with the rogues. Cinnamon doesn't want to find out the hard way either that he blames her for this physical issue as well... or that he's now frightened or repulsed by her because of her flaming so many people.

Alfred considers, "There's honey, yes, but no fresh bread. It goes bad very quickly. There is hardtack, though... and some crackers?"

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully to Alfred, "Well, which is made of the same kind of flour as regular bread would be? I think it was the wheat, or something like that, which was the good part?"

Alfred nods, "That's true." He rummages in the supplies and comes out with some hardtack and the honey, both of which he hands over to Cinnamon with a smile.

Cinnamon smiles as she shakes her head and hands it back, "I better not. Better you or Thorny give it to him, okay?" Alfred arches a brow, then takes the hardtack and honey to Thorn -- but he doesn't push. Cinnamon continues to eat with singleminded enthusiasm, glancing around curiously only to see how Fraser is doing. Is there enough food for him too? Thorn nods to Alfred, taking the honey and hardtack and heading for Marcus's bedroll to check and see if the elf is awake.

Marcus isn't asleep, but he does have his eyes closed. He opens them when Thorn comes over, and smiles a little wryly, "Ah, bread and honey... or something similar. Thank you." He sits up and shakes his head with a sigh.

Thorn nods, smiling quietly, "Hopefully it will help. How are you feeling?"

Marcus glances around, seeing that he and Thorn are relatively alone. He keeps his voice low, "I feel a bit like... eh..." He makes a motion in the air, like he's trying to think of the words, "Ich habe einen Affen aus mir gemacht..."

Thorn thinks for a moment, then shakes his head, "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't speak German. I, ah, probably should change that at some point."

Marcus chuckles and sighs, nibbling a bit on the hardtack and honey, "I think the English idiom is uhm..." The younger of the two elves thinks a moment, "It's not a direct translation, but: 'I made a bit of an ass of myself.' I should have stayed closer in to the camp."

Thorn ahs! "Well, what's done is done," he says with some sympathy. "And we've now learned that the rebels are... somewhat more aggressive than we'd expected. Right now what you need to do is rest and get better. We'll have to see what tomorrow brings."

Marcus nods and rubs his forehead, "I could have sworn I was fairly close in, though." He shakes his head a bit, "This is why Father thinks I need to be on this trip, I think." Perhaps it's that he's just too tired to keep up his haughty front. Or maybe he's just starting to trust Thorn... as he continues, "This has to stop. If they do this to humans..."

Thorn nods and says quietly, "Don't worry for now. We have guards up." More lightly, he adds, "-and I promised Erin some more mealworms for her help too! Get some rest, and if you need anything, call out. Especially if you start to feel any headaches or wooziness start to come on."

Marcus nods, "If I feel concussed, in other words." He finishes the last bits of food, then smiles wryly, "Thank you for the honey," and settles back into his bedroll.

Thorn nods, "You're very welcome!" He stands and takes his leave, returning to the campfire.

Shane isn't quite hovering... mostly because he keeps moving toward the outer perimeter of the camp. Back by the fireside, Fraser is tearing through his food -- he seems to be getting quite enough! His is cooked quite rare; almost not cooked at all, in fact. Cinnamon grins at Fraser, relaxing as she sees Alfred truly does have enough for them both. When Thorn returns, she waits until he's reseated himself before she leans towards him and murmurs a bit anxiously, "You didn't tell him it was my idea, did you, Thorny?"

Thorn shakes his head, "No, I hadn't. Though he didn't ask whose idea it was, and I thought not enlightening him of that would be better for the time being. Do you think I should have?"

Cinnamon looks alarmed, "No! Er, I mean please don't tell him?" She blushes, looking down at her plate as she adds, "I, um... I really, really don't like it when people yell at me... so staying under his radar seems just smart to me, you know?" She hastily changes the subject a moment later, her cheeks still flushed, "Uh, so! So, umm... can we try talking to the two, er... prisoners yet, or what?"

Thorn nods gently, "I understand. I don't think he's going to make that same mistake again, but I don't blame you for being cautious." Cinnamon smiles a bit shakily at Thorn, relieved that he's not pushing her to be all assertive or something. Her parents used to snap at her for not standing up for herself... but she suspects they never realized that the people she really wanted to stand up to -- and knew she couldn't -- were them.

Jaeger approaches and crouches down by the healer and the dragon, speaking quietly, "Is my son recovering well? I didn't want to disturb him. And you, Cinnamon? Are you getting the food you need? Food -- meat, especially -- seems to work on you the way that honey does on us...?"

Cinnamon blinks at Jaeger's sudden appearance next to her, then grins cheerfully, "Oh, I'm good, thanks! Almost finished my plate, in fact. Fraser's eating well too, I think... and Thorny took some honey and brea- er, hardtack, I think? -- to Marcus."

Thorn nods to Jaeger, "Yes, hardtack. He's doing better -- physically, at least. Still rather shaken up." Cinnamon continues eating as she quietly listens.

Jaeger nods and rubs his face with both hands; he's taken the time to wash both face and hands, and to change clothes, so he doesn't look like he's been in a battle any more. "We need to speak to the rogues we brought back with us. I want them to give us information on the main encampment. Shane will be serving as polygraph, but I want both of you with us, too."

Thorn nods, "Of course, I'll be glad to be there." He tacitly leaves unsaid that he hopes he's not being asked to be there because of any questioning techniques -- he doesn't feel the need to say it.

Cinnamon nods hopefully, "I would like to be there, please, yes?" She hesitates, then adds a bit worriedly, "Are you, um... okay, Jaeger? Do you need some food and... coffee or tea or something?"

Jaeger's voice is tired, "I've eaten. I had some coffee and even some brandy to fortify myself. I do not look forward to this. I doubt they wish to tell us where their fellows are."

Cinnamon says a little hesitantly, "Is it... that bad an idea then, to, umm... release one to go tell them that we'd like to talk to them peacefully?" She tilts her head thoughtfully, "Or... do we have someone sneaky enough to follow that person, so we know where they are?"

Jaeger thinks, "Actually... I was going to ask. You were able to track Marcus when the wolves lost him. Could you track one of them if we let him go?"

Cinnamon thinks about that for a moment... then gives Jaeger a worried smile, "...mmmaybe? Um... as long as it doesn't take days to get there, or anything... and it'd help if I can get close enough to him to get a good, er, sniff-taste?" She hesitates, then adds, "Although, umm... is it okay if, er, if y-you don't ask me to do it alone? I don't want to, like... blunder into a trap or something while I'm all focused on following, you know?"

Jaeger looks almost scandalized, "Cinnamon, we would never leave you alone with them. You would be safe because you are very strong, but we are not scoundrels and it would be impolite and unworthy of us! But we can get you close enough to get his scent... and if we let them go and tell them to take the message, we can let you follow them."

Cinnamon blushes slightly, her voice flustered, "Oh, no! I -- I d-didn't mean to, er, t-to... impugn your, ahh -- not at all!" She hastily adds, "B-but sure! Um, happy to try?"

Jaeger nods and stands, starts to offer his hand and then seems to remember something, "Finish eating first. You should be at your best."

Cinnamon nods silently, a bit wide-eyed as she watches Jaeger rise. Only once he's walked away does she mutter in exasperation to herself, "Oh, that was smooth... insult the nice ancient elf why don't you, dummy!" She goes back to eating... perhaps just a little faster than before! She also thinks furiously fast as she eats, reviewing all the negotiation techniques Baird gave her. Hmm... he stuck mostly to the truth, and he didn't use torture -- she prefers that, definitely! Let's see, what else did he say... ah! Got to figure out a way to make the guy think talking to her is better than the alternative. Okay...

After several moments of thought, Cinnamon brightens -- she's got something! Now to see if Jaeger thinks it's a good idea or not. The little dragon nearly polishes her plate clean, drinks down all of her water bottle, then sighs in relief and contentment, "Ah! Much better... I needed that!" She grins cheerfully at Thorn -- Shane's still guarding -- and says, "Ready to find Jaeger and try talking to the two rogues, Thorny?"

Thorn lets out a breath, then nods to Cinnamon. "I think so," he says. "Hopefully they're willing to talk and at least air their grievances." [Coherently,] he thinks to himself.

Cinnamon grins as she hops to her feet, setting her utensils neatly to one side in a stack with everyone else's, "We'll see! I think I may have an idea, based on Baird's training, that might help -- I want to run it by Jaeger. Let's go find him!"

Jaeger is sitting with his son. Marcus is looking less pale and less tired -- Thorn's healing helped, and the honey helped even more. He's talking quietly with the elder of Elm; both men look up as the healer and the dragon approach. Cinnamon doesn't approach too close, since this might be a private conversation. Instead she waves, her voice polite, "Hi, Jaeger! Do you have a moment to talk to us, or should we wait for you to be done here?" She isn't quite sure she wants to be near Marcus yet, either... not because she's afraid of him, but rather because she's not yet sure if she forgives him! A moment later, though, she scolds herself mentally: even if she hasn't yet, she can stand near him to talk to Jaeger, darnit! Fraser told her how to do that, after all -- it should be easy. She's still, however, quietly pleased with herself for remembering that honey helped. Even if she doesn't like Marcus right now, being all banged up is not something she wishes on folks!

Jaeger glances up and motions Cinnamon and Thorn over, "Yes, please. Marcus was telling me that the rogues seemed spooked by our appearance in their range."

Cinnamon nods as she walks over and sits down, facing Jaeger, "Considering Fraser's howling, I can't blame them for that." She grins hopefully as she adds, "So, um... I was thinking about our questioning them. I mean, I can't condone torture, but... Jaeger, remember you told me Baird would be good to learn from? So... one of the things he said was to tell the truth as much as you could, and to set things up so you were the lesser threat! So I've been thinking. We've got two of the rogues still left alive, right? So, what if we questioned them separately, and convinced them that the other was convinced that they were actually our ally -- and that's why everyone else was dead. Then add that if they cooperate with us, we're happy to protect them. But if they won't... we're happy to let them go try to explain why only they survived. Heck, we're even happy to help them tell their people that they're not working with us!" She grins slightly as her head tilts inquiringly, "Does that sound at all feasible?"

Jaeger smiles quietly and says, "Ah. Yes. The prisoner's dilemma. That is a very good tactic."

Cinnamon beams in relief that Jaeger likes her plan, "Awesome! In that case, Thorny and I are ready when you are to go talk to them!" She pauses a moment, considering... then rises, "Actually, I think I'll go see if the Havvarger can separate them now. That'll give you a few more moments with your son, if you'd like?" She doesn't mention it aloud, but she's also wondering if her ability to detect metals will enable her to 'feel' either Marcus's silver necklace or his titanium daggers secreted someplace on the rogue leader. Though it's a good bet the daggers, at least, have been found and confiscated by the Havvarger... unless the leader has hidden pockets or something. Cinnamon grins as she admits to herself, while walking away: she's actually a bit curious to see the daggers, too! She knows lots of folks hide weapons upon their person, but short of Baird she's not gotten to see what those weapons are like.

Thorn goes with Cinnamon, curious as to how the rogues are going to react to being separated. They find that the Havvarger have indeed divested the rogues of everything they were carrying, and Marcus' daggers have been retrieved. Arvid and Alfred are moving to take away the unconscious rogue, which is making the other, conscious rogue nervous. He's actually wearing Marcus' necklace -- the Havvarger didn't know, or even think, to ask for it.

Cinnamon patters up to the Havvarger, "Hi, guys! Can you put the unconscious guy someplace far enough away from this guy that he can't hear any conversation we're having with the other, please?" She tilts her head, noticing some new weapons tucked into Arvid's belt, and curiously adds, "Oh, are those from the rogues? Can I see the titanium handled ones, please? I think those are actually Marcus's?" She adds in French to the conscious rogue leader, "Would you give me that necklace you're wearing, please? That belongs to the young man you captured." She grins as she realizes Arvid's hands are currently full, and adds, "Sorry! Or I could just tug the sheathed blades out from your belt, if you'd rather?"

Arvid looks down and chuckles, "I think you should do that."

The rogue reaches to his throat and scowls, "It is spoils." He is being perhaps a little purposely obtuse. If it's spoils to him, it's spoils to them as well. It's a very nice necklace, after all.

Cinnamon grins shyly at Arvid, "Thanks!" and suits her actions to her words. After that she waves as the two Havvarger haul off the unconscious rogue, then turns to the rogue leader and smiles, "Actually, it is theft... which should relieve you, since if we all considered the necklace your spoils, then everything you currently have would be our spoils... including your life." She holds out her free hand, "So... the necklace, s'il vous pla�t?" Thorn discerns that they're talking about Marcus's necklace, and watches the rogue leader's movements closely. He wants to see if he can read the man's body language the same way he can 'read' a patient. He also wants to make sure that the leader isn't going to do something incredibly stupid.

The leader continues scowling, but he does unclasp the necklace. and hands it grudgingly over to Cinnamon -- who smiles and pleasantly thanks the man, curiously examining the necklace before she tucks it into a pocket. The necklace is a beautiful piece of work. Each link is cunningly made to look like an elm leaf, and the clasp has a small plate depending from it with a monogram of some sort. The daggers too are absolutely beautiful -- well-sheathed, with hilts inscribed with some kind of runic script. The sheaths also have some kind of designs on them -- though if they're protective inscriptions, they obviously aren't against theft! It's easy to see how they could be concealed, considering how slender they are. There are three: one is obviously an ankle blade, while another looks like it has a clip of some sort that could perhaps go on a waist band. The last one looks like it had some kind of straps that were cut loose from it.

The rogue watches the Havvarger move away, then turns to watch the little dragon and the healer. To Thorn's eye, the elf does seem to be considering whether the small, dumpy woman and the healer might be easy to overpower. But just about that time Shane and Jaeger come over -- meaning that now there's two new folks present, both of whom look like warriors. Thorn narrows his eyes a bit as he notices the leader taking their measure. Fortunately the guy takes a bit too long! Hmm, Thorn will have to keep an eye on this one -- he seems foolish enough to try something. Besides, didn't he see what had (not) happened when he tried to slash Cinnamon's throat? Meanwhile, Cinnamon pulls one of the daggers, curious as to how one bonds obsidian to titanium. She's guessing these are really expensive and beautifully made blades, despite her complete lack of knowledge regarding metallurgy for weaponry. She finds the obsidian blades are set into the hilts with the glass disappearing into the metal. There's some sort of metallic strapping holding it all together, too. It's not fused, so much as the metal has, in a way, been wrapped around the glass.

The little dragon brightens at sight of Shane and Jaeger approaching, "Hi, guys! Jaeger, I have some things for you!" She tidily sheathes the dagger before pulling out the necklace to hands to him, then offers him the daggers too. She sounds impressed, "They're all really lovely work!" -- then curiously adds, "I could make out the T in the monogram -- I figured that was for Tadaaki, right? -- but what's the other letter, please?" She beams at Shane as she adds, "Have you seen how pretty these daggers are? They're really nifty worksmanship! Though the straps were cut on the ankle dagger's sheathe, unfortunately." Then she hesitates, glancing between the two men as she apologetically adds, "Wait, I'm sorry -- should I not talk about hidden daggers?"

Jaeger takes the necklace and daggers, "Ah. We'll get the sheaths repaired. They're heirlooms and belonged to his mother." He chuckles quietly, adding, "It's a U. The German word for Elm is Ulme. In German, Tadaaki Ulmetrot."

"Oh!" Cinnamon beams, intrigued, "How lovely!" A moment later she adds, "What hap-" and then abruptly cuts off as it hits her -- maybe don't ask Jaeger right now about a possibly violently deceased woman that he loved... not when he's just almost lost his son as well! So instead she hastily switches verbal tacks, "Uh... right! So, shall we try talking with this guy now?" She blinks as another thought abruptly occurs to her, "Wait... what does Tadaaki translate as, then? I was told it was a really common elven name?"

Jaeger smiles again, "It means Sun... or Light. Strangely, it's the same in Japanese, but I don't know when the crossover happened."

Cinnamon goes still, blinking as she pushes up her glasses and stares up at the much taller elf, "He... he doesn't want to be called such a beautiful name?! Wow... does he even realize how lucky he is to have a beautiful name?!" Then she sighs, glancing away, "Wait... none of my business." She gets a wry smile, remembering being taunted with her name's meaning of 'bitter,' 'disobedient,' and 'rebellious'... then firmly puts that thought aside. She's Cinnamon now -- she doesn't ever have to answer to the boring, plain, unhappy little name of 'Mary' ever again! Instead she goes to sit near the rogue leader, adding over her shoulder, "Jaeger, do you want to talk to him? I'm going to translate for Shane and Thorn, okay?"

Jaeger chuckles, "It's very old-fashioned. Marcus is not old-fashioned... or at least he does not think he is." He walks over and crouches in front of the rogue, looking the other elf immediately in the eyes, "You, my friend, are in trouble." Cinnamon nods and immediately starts translating for her two companions who don't speak French, her voice low so she doesn't interrupt any of their observations. Shane does detect truth-telling, and Thorn is a superlative healer, after all! The healer in question stifles a snort at Jaeger's translated comment, thinking: ['In trouble' is probably a good assessment!] Jaeger's expression is serious and almost sympathetic as he glances up at Cinnamon, "Do you want to tell him, or shall I?"

Cinnamon realizes Jaeger's started implementing the tactic they'd discussed... so she lets her smile get slightly pitying, "Feel free, m'sieu. He may take the bad news better from a man, after all."

Jaeger shakes his head, looking almost regretful, "I'll tell him." He had suggested to Cinnamon that she forewarn Shane and not actually translate all of this, since the elder elf doesn't want to give the half-beansidhe a horrible headache. "You are about to become... not precisely who you think you are." Over the next few minutes Jaeger starts in on a classic Prisoner's Dilemma, telling the captive that the unconscious man they've taken away is going to be told that his leader has turned on the rogues... which means it won't take long to get a lot of information out of him after that.

Simultaneously, Cinnamon reaches to lightly touch Shane's shoulder, getting the beansidhe to look at her as she murmurs, "Possible headache incoming, Shaney!" The half-beansidhe nods and murmurs thanks for the warning, then actually moves to where the rogue can't see him, so he can put his hands over his ears until it's signaled to him to listen again. After that Cinnamon continues translating for Thorn, and Jaeger talks to the man for a few minutes, explaining just what they're going to be telling his companion. Then he looks up at Cinnamon, arching a brow. Does she want to speak with the rogue?

Cinnamon tilts her head inquiringly at the rogue, "So, we have some questions we'd like to ask you... and in return, we're happy to both make sure you're kept safe... and hopefully once we know why your people have gone rogue, we can do something to help you all stop needing to do so." She smiles pleasantly, "That, in fact, is the first and most important question: why are you and your people running rogue like this... and, to our knowledge, doing so for over a quarter century!" She translates like usual, but tacks on a quiet, "Can you watch now, Shane, please?" at the end.

Shane takes his hands off his ears and steps around so he can see the man and listen closely. Even if he doesn't know the language, he's explained that he's pretty sure he can pick up the resonance of truth in the words. As he does so, the rogue looks nervously from gealsidhe to dragon to human to what he is assuming is a full beansidhe... and asks what's to keep them from just killing him. Thorn blinks. He seriously wonders just how life-or-death this fellow thinks his cause is. Cinnamon's reply is oddly gentle, considering she's a freaking dragon, "We don't actually want to kill anyone, m'sieu. As I said previously, I am a global councilor. My job is to help maintain peace -- not to foment blood and death and war. Please, what I said was true: we very much wish to understand why your people rebel -- and in a fashion which invites exposure of and potential attack upon all supernaturals."

The rogue looks suspicious; from his words, he seems to think the council can't be trusted. His reasoning is... jumbled -- something about the council trying to smother the supernaturals, to the point that they will die out because they can't live in the natural and proper ways. Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully as she considers this... hmm. The last time she heard something like this, it was due to a charismatic leader apparently seeking more power. So she checks, "Who told you that? That's not true, actually. Have you even been to a council meeting?"

Thorn bites his tongue. "Natural and proper ways" -- like how the rogues have been acting? He thinks the last couple of council meetings would be remarkably enlightening to the rogues.... Shane murmurs something about the guy telling the truth... sort of? He's frowning a little. The rogue snorts at Cinnamon's question, replying that of course he hasn't! Why would they be allowed into council meetings? The council doesn't want people knowing what's going on! Jaeger looks puzzled at that.

Cinnamon sits down on the ground so she can look the guy directly in the eyes, then says slowly and clearly, "Someone has lied to you, then. You would be as welcome at any council meeting as I -- and I'm one of the councilors!" She sighs, pushing her glasses up before she adds with a wry smile, "So it seems to me the smartest thing to do would be for you to take us to your people, so we can talk to whomever it is that is lying to you. Hopefully all that is necessary is to set them straight and invite them to the next council meeting, which will be in Iceland this next time... but if they are deliberately deceiving you all for their personal gain, then... we shall have words with them!" Her voice is, for the ordinarily friendly little dragon, startlingly -- and ominously -- coldly implacable on those last words.

Shane rubs his temples as he murmurs, "Those are always the weirdest things -- things people believe, that are actually lies..." The rogue is looking belligerent; he insists (though he seems to stumble a little as he does so) that they won't fool him so easily! He glances towards where his friend was taken, clearly remembering that his captors told him they'd be convincing the other prisoner that the rogue leader would betray his men.

Cinnamon glances up worriedly at the beansidhe, "Are you okay, Shaney?" She thinks a moment, then adds, "Are... you saying that he is being lied to? Or that this is a falsehood he's chosen to believe?"

Shane sighs, "What he's been told is a lie, but he believes it's true -- it's a lie that the council is hiding things. But he's been told it's the truth."

Cinnamon nods, reassured, "So... there's someone we have to confront, out there. Okay." She turns back to the rogue leader, giving a Gallic shrug as she asks, "Very well then... what would convince you that we speak truth regarding the council?"

The rogue considers, then says slowly, "I would... I would have to see it for myself. But I cannot go to Iceland. Every way there now is all iron."

Shane snorts, and Cinnamon grins cheerfully, "Not necessarily! But... I think we have the beginnings of a deal here, oui? You take us to your people, and we will meet the person who tells you lies -- they may not know they speak untruths, after all... and then you and they will go to Iceland, if we can find you a way which is not all iron." She beams at the rogue elf, "Are we agreed?"

Thorn keeps silent, since he bloody well knows there's a way to Iceland which is no 'all iron' -- and if this fellow has any sense, he would realize that to be the case, as well! Jaeger gently says, "And how did I get here if that is so?" Cinnamon thinks to herself, but does not say, [With that German accent? Clearly from Germany!] She grins quietly and waits for the rogue to reply.

The rogue glances, with a hint of panic, between Cinnamon and Jaeger. This is confusing to him. The way you keep people believing lies is to keep them from being exposed to truth. And now.... Cinnamon tilts her head and smiles inquiringly at the rogue, giving him all the time he needs. The rogue says just exactly what Cinnamon expected, and Jaeger rolls his eyes -- then points at Shane, "And him?" Yes, he's not lying; he's counting on the rogue assuming Shane is full beansidhe.

Cinnamon smiles and raises an eyebrow, "All this dissembling you're doing, on the existence of a non-iron means of transportation! Am I to take it that you're actually afra- er... nervous about taking such a vehicle -- and that's the real reason you've not agreed to this very simple deal?" She's not above tweaking the guy's pride on this, in order to get him to agree.

The pride tweaking works and he scoffs, "I am not afraid! But it is easy to pretend to common people. You would not fool him so easily!" Jaeger and Shane both roll their eyes.

Cinnamon laughs! "Unfortunately for him, we are not pretending. So, you agree to lead us to this man, and then to accompany him to Iceland for the next council meeting?"

The rogue snaps, "We would not allow him to be taken prisoner. Of course we would send an honor guard!"

Cinnamon nods, "Excellent -- we will start packing so as to leave as quickly as possible." She pauses, then adds curiously, "So this, ahh... deceptive person is... your king? Your relative, shaman, something else?"

The rogue looks offended, "He tells the truth! He is our elder. We do not need kings -- kings are no better than councils."

Cinnamon's voice is dry, "He may believe he speaks truth... but he is wrong about the council. But enough of this. You will take us to him now." She claps her hands together and stands up, smiling ruefully as she adds, "How numerous are your people, anyway? I would think after losing twenty or so warriors, you'd have at least started wondering if your elder's advice to hate everyone else is that wise."

Thorn rubs his forehead. He suspects this person being an 'elder' rather than a 'king' is a distinction without difference, in this case. Jaeger sighs, "I think we will rest tonight, and give your comrade time to heal a bit, before we go to your encampment. We are not barbarians." [And], the canny elf elder thinks, [we need time to think and plan.]

Cinnamon nods to Jaeger even as she calculates mentally: traditionally it takes ten people to support one guy in the field. Twenty or so were killed here, which means another 200 folks at home... which is a large tribe already. She murmurs to her friends, "I'm starting to wonder if one of the reasons this guy is so loathe to lead us back to his people is because he knows they're pretty much out of warriors and hunters... after this debacle!"

Thorn murmurs, "No kidding... or that they were foolish and sent in everyone they could -- even some of the support personnel."

Cinnamon nods to Thorn, "Either way... they're likely to be hurting for warriors for some time. Trying to travel nomadically through mountains is stinky already. Trying to do so with even 100 folks? What a logistical nightmare that'd be!" She grins as she adds, "But we have an excellent reason to stay here tonight -- this'll be the last full moon night this month for poor Fraser!"

Jaeger nods and smiles wryly, speaking in English as well, "I didn't want to say that part aloud, but yes: we want Fraser a little more rational."

Cinnamon nods to Jaeger -- she quite agrees! She grins as she adds, "Though our, ahh... unruly guest here may be a bit better behaved after a night of seeing and hearing Fraser!" Glancing over her shoulder, she adds, "Speaking of which... I'm going to go check on him. Maybe he can hunt us a deer or two today!"

Thorn nods, "I'll go check on our other 'guest' and make sure he doesn't have a concussion or suchlike."

Cinnamon beams, "Good idea!"

Fraser snorts when he's told he's part of the reason they're waiting. It makes him laugh, and his eyes twinkle, "What's wrong? Afraid I won't be able to keep myself in check?" It's obvious he's teasing a little bit.

Cinnamon blinks up at Fraser, then wistfully replies, "Well, um... I was actually kind of hoping for a deer for dinner tonight? I mean... just if you felt like it, of course...?" She admits a bit sheepishly, "I... don't actually know how to hunt, and blundering around here as a dragon didn't sound that smart to me, honestly!"

Fraser laughs! "I'll be bringing in enough game for a couple of days -- or at least that's the plan, lass. Also... well, I'd planned on being at least a little scary for these two, so Arvid's going with me to keep me in check."

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh, awesome! I'll thank Captain Arvid too, then!" She cheerfully hugs Fraser, thanks him again for going hunting -- more food sounds lovely to her right now, actually! -- and then patters off to go see where she can be helpful in camp. It wouldn't occur to her to act as though everyone is here to serve her, nor would she consider that correct behavior -- she has a rudimentary concept of noblesse oblige, even if she's never encountered the phrase. She'd just laugh, in fact, if she were told that her behavior is making it hard for the rogues to believe she's truly a global councilor!

As Cinnamon patters through the encampment, she can hear Marcus talking with Jaeger. Their voices sound somewhat tense. As the little dragon gets closer, she hears Marcus trying to insist that he be the one to go, because it's his duty as a councilor -- and he feels he may have been not living up to his obligations. Jaeger actually seems to be trying to get Marcus to hang back a little; he's clearly worried about his son's well-being, since the younger man has been captured once already.

As she helps Alfred out with cooking, Cinnamon wonders puzzledly where it is Marcus wishes to go, considering the entire encampment was intending to follow the rogue leader back to his tribe's current encampment. Surely Marcus doesn't think hunting is part of his consular obligations? She smiles a bit ruefully to herself -- either way, she thinks Marcus really needs to learn his own body's needs better! He overdid it on the ship and got both badly sunburned and badly blistered... and now he's trying to do it again? Silly boy. Alfred grins at her, "I think the argument is actually not so much about going, as about who will be in front. Jaeger wants Marcus to hang back -- be behind the front lines, so to speak. I think Jaeger expects there to be fighting."

Cinnamon blinks up at Alfred, then blushes! "Oh dear... was my face that transparent to my thoughts? Sorry, Alfred." She's faintly amused again, however, at the thought that Marcus is even able to make these arguments... due to her actions! He's got no idea, of course... she suspects he just expects to be cared for people bringing him honey and his weapons as needed.

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Last modified: 2019-Jun-12 19:53:32

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