Aleena, Dash and Konall are reunited!

Although the interlude threw the numbering off a bit, this's the twentieth roleplay or co write of the mission. Pretty impressive! We're near the end but not quite there yet as we'll have two solo roleplays after this one and then the three part Finale.

 
Aleena was lying beside Konall while he slept. She was still grateful that she'd decided to stay with his clan on their journey to Mountaincenter instead of rushing on ahead. Moving so many was difficult, but after having taken the water well the tribe was able to refill its water skins for the trek out of the desert. She thought she was even making good headway towards earning Kadlin's trust. The mage had changed for the better since their encounter in the caves.

Konall stirred. He squeezed Aleena and snuggled up to her from behind. "Hey," Aleena whispered. The barbarian grunted, but did not wake. "Hey! Hon, Dash is here."

Only a few moments passed, and then the sentries shouted excitedly - a traveller was approaching.

Konall, still groggy, was about to give the order to attack but thought better of it. "We have to see him, don't we?"

"Yes," Aleena smiled. "We do. C'mon, time to get up anyway."

"Have him brought in here!" shouted Konall, to whoever might be listening outside. He wrapped his arm around Aleena's waist. "Don't go yet. Let's cuddle a bit."

The elf blushed. She loved being held -- loved it more than just about anything -- especially as Konall was not the cuddling type. Her next words pained her. "We need to rise to greet our friend Dash. It is only proper to give him the respect he is due."

Konall snorted his disagreement. "He probably has something urgent to tell us. Just stay under the covers. We can get up and dressed and out the door after he's left."

"Wow, I do hope I'm not interrupting anything," Dash's voice came, dryly.

"Nah," said Konall. "We already finished."

Dash ignored the comment totally. "We've got a problem to the north. I could use a little backup, if you haven't lost your fight."

Aleena pulled free of Konall, climbing to her feet as her cysuit quickly flowed to cover her. She gave Dash an apologetic smile and a curtsy, to make up for their lack of manners. Dash's eyes stayed on her and her alone.

Konall sat up. "I'm always up for a fight. I assume whoever we're killing deserves it?"

"Dark beasts," Dash said. "Sassy Snake- my host for the last few days- assures me they're dangerous. I don't know how you two are handling it, but I'm not especially keen on fighting nightmare creatures without a little backup. Can I count on you?"

"Sure," said Konall. "Were they scaly with red claws?"

Aleena produced the Mzarduk blood-red diamond necklace that Konall had made for her.

Dash shrugged, looking it over. "We didn't exactly have a face to face chat. I've got three people who've set up temporary camp to the north. I'd kind of like to get back to them soon."

"I'll have the tribe ready to go in half an hour," Konall said.

"Great, we'll have tea and crumpets ready." Dash took a deep breath. "Want to come help me scout ahead, Aleena?"

"She's staying with the village," said Konall.

"Figured you'd be done with her for the morning," Dash said. "Besides, I was asking her."

"I think it would be to our greatest advantage if I took to the skies, alone." Aleena said. "They are a threat to both camps."

Konall frowned. "I guess that makes sense. Go on then. I'll meet up with you later. Now get out of here. I need to get some pants on."

"Great, I'd suggest comfortable walking boots," Dash said, turning to go.

Aleena patted Konall's hips through the cover. She turned and left with Dash, giving him a nod outside the tent as she sprouted wings and leapt into the sky, leaving both men, both whom she loved dearly, behind.

She didn't bother to look back on the campsite or the rolling foothills spread below her.

Meanwhile, Konall began putting on his pants. He had nothing to worry about, right? His girlfriend had left him to run off with some other guy. But that was just practical. It's not like she was running off on him, or would rather be with Dash than him. Konall needed her help to lead and to manage the village, but it was more important that she go off to... something important. Right? And it's not like she couldn't go 24 hours without cheating on him.

Some very nice and subtle conflict here. Anyway, there's only two more pieces to go. First Ozzie, and then Sir Fumblies. Then we'll be to the Finale!