Percival startles out of his thoughts when Kora approaches him. "Yes. Is there something that you would like to say?" He inquires, not really sure if he wants to hear what Kora is about to say.

"I do. I want you to know that while I... clearly, I am angry... at much of what has happened... but, I... I know two things for certain. First, that you are not responsible for Isuzu's death. That act belongs to the Ashbound, simple and true. And second, that I would have you protecting my back any damned time."

She pauses, taking a breath. "Of the rest, I am not so sure. Were we back at Faderock, I'd have expected Sarge to light into anyone that broke ranks, but here, he... well, I don't know what he did, or why. I am so angry I could... but, I do not know what I am angry at."

She stands there, uncertain. "May I sit with you? I would listen if you care to talk. Maybe it would help me."

Percival breathes a sigh of relief. "I was expecting someone to light into me at this point. When I rode off towards the attack and you called after me, I knew then and there that I had made a mistake, even before it turned out to be a trap. I figured that it would either be the LT, Sarge, or you. And when Sarge let me off easy, I had figured that you were going to let me have it. I was dreading that, to be honest. Thank you for being merciful."

 He motions for her to sit next to him. "I'm thankful for what you and the Sarge have said, telling me not to blame myself for Isuzu's death, that I did what any Aundairian would have done in that situation, that you would still have me watching your back, but I still tell myself that I should have been smarter. When we were training, Sarge always told us to never break ranks. That we were a unit and if that unit broke, we were dead. And when we were recruits with Master Silas, he told us that our minds should be as sharp as our swords. To be able to recognize a trap in a moment and not bite on it. Now he was talking about dueling, but the same applies with larger skirmishes. I failed to do either of those things and acted out of sheer impulse." 

Percival allows there to be some quiet for a moment, thinking about the best words to use next. "I've been mentally replaying what happened earlier. Again and again. I'm sure that all of you have, it's only natural.  I've been thinking about before I rushed off, if there was something that I could have spotted if I had looked harder that would have told me if it was a trap. I've been wondering if there was something different we could have done during the fight. Not to somehow gain some miraculous victory, just to keep her from getting boxed off like she did at the end. And I have come up with absolutely nothing." Percival throws his hands up in the air. "Well, that's what things have been like on my end. Was I able to help you at all?" 

Kora sits a moment.

"I'll be honest, I didn't see it as a trap either. But I needed to hear from the LT before charging in. That's why I called after you. That was your mistake, I'll not sweeten it for you. But you shouldn't beat yourself up about missing a clue, or feeling too much, or being taken in by the bastards. A perfect trap is still a trap, and we beat it not by..." she thinks a moment to Kash's wisdom he shared with LT. "Not by catching it out, but by preparing for every situation to be a trap, and every trap to be perfect. That sounds impossible, but I think that's what the unit is for. That's why we rely on each other, and on LT." She stops, and tosses a small stick at the fire.

"Now, Sarge may have been giving us space to mourn. I'd expect him to blister a few of us when he gets back." Then she remembers what they'll be bringing back, in the best case scenario, and her face sobers up.

She doesn't give any comment to Perci's questions about the tactics—her tactics ("Spread out!")—during the fight that left Isuzu alone and exposed to attack.

Kash, feeling like he's done all he can will move back to the fire and relax while we wait for the others to return.

((OOG Only read your group's threads and spoilers, please. :) Also, great RP. Everyone has Inspiration if you don't already have it.))

GW2: Sarge, Sylrie, John:

 GW1: Kash, Perci, Kora, LT:

Sylrie Caldamus

Sylrie nodded, after all what Johnathan said made sense. Just as much as it is the wolf's instinct to hunt the deer, so it was 'mans' instinct to build cities and to protect themselves from the natures of all other things. Johnathan was wise on this matter, but curiosity had taken hold now, "So we are dealing with a group who is going against their own instinct as people. Is it some sort of religious belief that has been taught them? I am just trying to understand our enemies better and while I know you wont' have all the answers, you seem to have some insight into their world"

Edit: We can say this question was posed along the travel if we'd like :)

Perception: 6

Spoiler for DM

Perception: 3

Percival holds up a finger, indicating that Kora might have to wait a moment before she responds.

Kora's Perception check: 15 

[Kash Perception: 10]

The minotaur stops fiddling with Buttons and stands upright, his ears trying to figure out what is amiss.  He quickly scans the area and sees the lieutenant off to one side and Percival and Kora standing near each other, one with their finger up to quiet the chatty one.

(Investigation: 6)

John keeps an eye out for anything suspicious. He also proceeds to ritual cast Detect Magic, not wanting an ambush. If this is another ambush, then we best not get caught unprepared.

GW2: Sarge, Sylrie, John:

 GW1: Kash, Perci, Kora, LT: 

Quote from ArgentTheWise >>

Kash extends his right hand and launches a fire bolt at the rats

[Fire Bolt: 13 Damage: 1 fire damage]

If that doesn't work he'll raise his left hand for next turn.....

*sigh* screw you dice roller!

 

Kora at the forest camp:

10

20