define('WP_CACHE', true); {"id":355,"date":"2014-05-19T03:00:46","date_gmt":"2014-05-19T11:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crossed-paths.com\/logs\/?p=355"},"modified":"2014-02-01T19:23:27","modified_gmt":"2014-02-02T03:23:27","slug":"chapter-68-on-the-road-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crossed-paths.com\/logs\/archives\/355","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 68: On The Road Again"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chapter 68: On The Road Again<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

In Which\u00c2\u00a0Azrun Isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t Who Soquan Thinks He Is.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Yazeth: The trail rolls by at a decent clip, perhaps not as quickly as the pair had been traveling but they managed to cover a goodly amount of ground. Evenings now saw Jozra adding some stretches to what she did in the morning and as a result she’s stronger now than when the pair left Kodan for the second time.<\/p>\n

Spring was well on its way to full swing with only a few chilly nights and rain barely worth mentioning. Trees everywhere are covered in buds or in new leaves and thin, bright green shoots poke out of the ground nearly before the mustelids eyes as they crest a hill in the trail and look down into a shallow valley.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan had been caring for his friend’s health as they traveled, sometimes growing impatient with her stubbornness and having to physically stop her for rest. Even if she was getting much better now, he still watched her like a hawk for any signs of exhaustion or over-exertion. As they reach the crest of the hill, Soquan stops at her side and rests a paw lightly on her shoulder. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you see?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret flicks her tail from side to side for a moment, the feather has finally found its place tied to the end of said tail after being moved around for several days. She settles her pack straps back for a moment, flexing her shoulders as she analyzes the valley for Soquan. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It looks like there’s a town down there, Soq. I’m not sure how big it is, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s still pretty forested, but I can see some rooftops and smoke through the trees.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan runs this new information through his mind, nodding slowly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alright. Do you want to stop somewhere near here for the night then Joz? Or would you rather press for the town?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Eyeing the sky and then the trail the ferret decides pressing on would mean getting into town at about dawn the next day. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Looks a little too far to make it today. I think we can make that little clearing up ahead before nightfall, though. That’s puts us almost a mile closer to town.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan beams at her and sets off down the dirt path. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What’re you waiting for then? Let’s get a move on.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra chuckles and resettles her pack straps back on her shoulders, setting off after Soquan.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He slows his pace a bit for her to catch up, and walks along with her happily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Nice and warm today, doncha think Joz?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret nods as she takes in the scenery, catching flashes of color now and again as early wildflowers begin to bloom. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Much better than the other day. I won’t complain at all if the weather stays like this for a few more weeks. Or months.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan shudders. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ugg, that rain was horrible, I hope we don’t get anything like that anytime soon.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra slugs Soquan lightly on the arm. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh c’mon now, it wasn’t that<\/i> bad. Barely anything compared to getting snowed in that one time.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He frowns at her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I was worried about you, I didn’t want you to get worse again.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: She chuckles softly, batting at a passing branch. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153With you around, I didn’t so much as shiver, Soq.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He beams at her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That’s good, but even so, I still worry.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra smiles a little and speaks softly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know, Soq. I know.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d A few puffy white clouds float across the sky and the trail continues to swoop gradually down into the valley.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: The two continue in silence for a while, Soquan enjoying the sounds of spring as they walk. Finally, he asks quietly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are we almost there?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret peers ahead trying to see around the trees as dusk approaches. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think so. It was harder to see from on the hill but it looked like the trail went right through it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He nods absently, adjusting his pack straps a bit. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alright. Just say when we need to head off course.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: She squints a little, still trying to see further up ahead. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think that’s it around the bend.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d A few moments later, the pair are standing in a small grassy clearing. Off to one side a ring of stones and scorched earth indicate they weren’t the first ones to use this place as a campsite. While it’s a little too open for the Scorpion’s taste, there doesn’t seem to be anyone around for miles.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He scans the area quickly for suspicious sounds. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153So what do you think of the place, Joz?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret shrugs. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It’s a nice campsite just not very… secure. I think it’ll do, though. So long as we sleep lightly. Just in case.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Right then. Shall I start preparing dinner then while you get the firewood?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra dumps her pack on the ground near the fire-ring with a flourish. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sounds like a plan.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She sets off into the nearby trees with the intention of gathering downed branches and finding it harder than it had been at previous campsites. The nearby wood had likely already been burned by previous campers.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He shouts at her as he rummages through the food, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Anything in particular you’re in the mood for tonight?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret pauses in chopping at a branch in order to make it a more suitable piece of firewood to shout back at Soq, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Can you make some more of that stew we had the other night?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d For a moment she marvels at how her long-knife has seemed to have taken up a new career as a tool rather than a weapon before she resumes chopping up firewood.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan sounds back a response while taking the ingredients from their packs. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I’ll see what I can whip up. Bread too?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He starts preparing ingredients.<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra lugs the chopped branches back into camp. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Of course. What’s stew without bread?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Without further ado, she begins to build up the fire.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soon the fire is going strongly, and the stew making is at a simmer. Soquan reclines slightly in the soft grass, basking in the warmth of the fire as he closes his eyes slightly.<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret sits in the grass and watches the stars begin to appear. After another moment or two, she rolls backwards and starts her new evening routine; limbering up her muscles, improving her flexibility and reflexes, and finally stretching out the road stiffness.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan eyes snap open for a moment and he reaches out to the cooking pot and sirs the stew a bit, and adds a few more things. Once reclined again, he relaxes for a minute longer before looking towards her curiously. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey Joz… Who’s Azrun?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The name makes Jozra falter for a second and she loses the hold on one of her last stretching poses. Spitting grass out of her mouth, Jozra looks at Soquan in surprise. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Wha- what are you talking about?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He shrugs. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You said that name in your sleep a week ago. I was just wondering if it held any significance.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra stares at Soquan for a second or two, thinking of what to say. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He’s just someone I knew. I had a dream where he was in trouble.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He takes the stew off of the fire to let it cool. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sorry if the question was a bit personal. I was just curious. I would have understood if you told me it was none of my business.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret shrugs awkwardly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I didn’t know I’d said his name. I hadn’t really thought of him for a while.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d While the sadistic part of Jozra’s brain might’ve been ready to jump on her consciousness with the ‘Lies! Lies!’, simple logic won out. It was true, she hadn’t really thought about the fox for a while. He just showed up in her nightmares along with the other Scorpions that were there.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He spoons out some of the stew into a bowl and sets it aside with a roll he had been warming before repeating the process. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It’s alright Joz, everyone has a past.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra picks herself up off of the ground and makes her way over to where the food is being served. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah…\u00c2\u00a0 Thanks for dinner Soq.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She sets to eating but her good mood has been ruined by thoughts of said past.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Anytime.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Picking up on his companion’s mood, the hybrid falls silent for the time being, off in his own thoughts. After dinner is over and done with, Soquan nudges Jozra gently. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey, cheer up Joz. I’ll spar you a bit if you want.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret chuckles a little for Soquan’s sake but refuses his offer. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It’s getting pretty late, Soq. I was thinking it would be a good idea to get an early start tomorrow. We could be in town by lunchtime or so.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He nods, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alright then, why don’t you go settle down and I’ll clean up here.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He moves to gather their plates.<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra selects a soft place to bed down between the fire and the trees with a prime view of both directions of the trail. If trouble were to come slinking along that trail tonight the pair could simply disappear into the forest.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan finishes clearing up moments after she had settled down and brings their pack over towards the area Jozra had selected. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I take it you found a place then.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yep. It’s a little far from the fire but it’s safer than camping closer to the trail.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan nods and pulls out their blankets and hands one to her before settling down near the ferret. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Understandable.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra wraps herself up in the blanket and snuggles down in the grass, thinking still about Azrun.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Feeling oddly protective of his friend at the moment, he curls up behind her and drapes an arm gently over her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153G’night Joz. Sweet dreams.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret smiles faintly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Goodnight, Soq.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan closes his eyes and listens to the night and the ferret’s breathing. Slowly yet surely, his own breathing evens out into a rhythmic pattern and he falls asleep.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 68: On The Road Again In Which\u00c2\u00a0Azrun Isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t Who Soquan Thinks He Is. \u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d Yazeth: The trail rolls by at a decent clip, perhaps not as quickly as the pair had been traveling but they managed to cover a goodly amount of ground. Evenings now saw Jozra adding some stretches to what she did … <\/p>\n