Sterling looked over at the duct-tape silenced Ral and smiled with a wicked grin, "Hey, guys, that was mean!" Calling over to Dan and Thothalas. "Hold still, Ral, allow me to remove that tape for you, old buddy!" Before the Monk could react, the Drow quickly grabbed the tape at one end of Ral's mouth and ripped it off. As the Monk grabbed his mouth in pain, the Swordsman mentioned in mocking pain, "Oooooooo! That had to hurt! But fear not, you'll live! Oh; by the by, I've been wondering, what does Kage-chan and Kage-Domo mean? I don't mind if you call me that, but I at least would like to know what you are calling me?"
Walking over to Ashleyien and Thothalas, the Drow put a hand on their shoulders saying, "It's good to have you back with us, Thoth. I was kind of worried about you for a while there. I was beginning to think that Belle's concoction had finished you off."
"And Ashleyien, thanks for your concern, I really appreciate it! While the swamp is pretty dark, your eyes should be able adjust to the low amount of light in due time. I really don't think torches will do us any good, and it could make us an inviting target for whatever creeps or crawls in there.
"Personally, I'm not planning to move around the swamp at night. If we do build a fire, it'll probably be something along the lines of a temporary campfire." Smiling at Cadbury and giving him a little wink. "As for the origins of the duct tape; you may want to talk to a certain bunny about that, God only knows what Cadbury has stored in that backpack by now."
Addressing the group as a whole as they moved out, Sterling's tone became more grave, "On a serious note, we have more to worry about than just the Regulators. While I am concerned about our not-so-friendly adversaries, I'm even more concerned about that swamp.
"Let's not lose sight of it's dangers as well. That place can probably separate us and kill us just as quickly as any sword can. For the time being, I suggest we stick together until we can get a feel for the place.
"Also, use the walking sticks Zak gave us to test any ground that you may think is unsafe. I don't want any of us to step into a sinkhole, quicksand or worse--the gaping jaws of some creature that waits for small animals to fall into its lair or walk into its mouth.
"And above all, if you do get separated from the rest of the group, don't panic! We'll find you! I have no intention of leaving anybody behind," Smiling a little. "Unless they actually want to take up permanent residence here. Does anybody have any questions?"
((A Point To Ponder))
((NEXT))
