Forest

Zirean laughed as he said that. She couldn't help it. Since her enhancement on her senses she could hear him from a mile away. "I'd like a challenge, bet a Ranger could be quieter than you." She laughed again. Thrilled with the idea.

He looked up with a grin. "You sure you want to do that lassie?" he asked her with a playful glint in his eyes.

"I don't think I could show you around very well... I left when I was very young. Havn;t seen the place in years. If anything, I should be looking for a guide."

When the challenge was issued, Ash'Neek couldn't help but be amussed, "What are the stakes?" she asked, innocently.

"Sure, I'm sure." She started taking her bow and arrow off. ~Mithous,can you hold my weapons. I'm challenging him to try to be like a ranger. This is going to be fun.~
he came over and she put her weapons in there proper places. Including her cloak which would get caught on branches and make noise. Lastly she removed her sword but kept her two short daggers, strapped to her belt. Ash asked about the stakes "I don't know haven't decided..."

"Very well far be it from me to refuse a lady" he emphasized lady and then got up and walked over. Laoshi just shook her head ~careful young pup~ she sighed and got comfortable to watch. He took off his jacket and set down his samurai type swords near Laoshi and held up his hands as if to show all he had was his large hunting knife. He walked back over and waited. He raised an eyebrow at Ash. "A three way challenge? Sounds fun" he rested his hands on his belt and waited.

Zirean was ready, she was excited for a challenge. Since she'd been cooped up the last few days. Her memories started kicking in 'Don't ever let an enemy catch you and Remember to never leave a trace as you run. It'll be hard but you can do it.' One of her Master's had taught her. She'd already failed the first one the other day. It seemed like the enemies were getting stronger and smarter.

---------Outside-------->

Mika slowed as she entered the forest and Beauty snorted excitedly "shush" she whispered and quietly hopped off. She snuck almost undetectably towards the origin of the campfire smoke. She recognized the two new members of Cahoon but who was the asian looking young man and this other young woman. She waited hidden by the trees.

Lux trotted away makeing sure no one noticed her and walked to mika nudging her leg a bit to let her know that she was sthere

Mika looked down and stroked the small fox but kept watching the newcomers.

Lux looked up at Mika ~not going to join them? hmm not sure if you can even understand a word i say...~ she said with a questioning tone

Mika looked down and cocked her head but couldn't understand, she looked back at the people.

Zirean asked "ready?" to them and waited for there response. Trying to remember what her masters had taughter 'Remember listen to your instincts they will guide you in the right path if you just listen and use them.' More flash backs came to her 'Always use shortcuts, but only if you know the area well. Don't be foolish and loose your way into a forest you're not familar with.' She didn't know the forest that well but with her sences enhanced she hoped that they would help her.

Lux then decided to be a bit push and started tugging on Mika's pant leg with all her might

Laohu shrugged "Ready when you ladies are" he smirked.

Mika looked down and shook her head. Then she heard they were getting ready to do something. She sighed softly and led Beauty into the clearing. She stopped and waited to see what they would do.

Laohu noticed a new young woman immediately and nodded in acknowledgment. "Hello" he said in a handsome voice.

Sefiroso looked over at Mika and gave her a big grin "Hi Mika glad you could make it! hungry? i have left over food and all." he said with a laugh

But before she could start the men in the group were staring at someone in the woods. She looked alittle closer and saw Mika. She stood next to Safiroso. "Hi, Mika. How's you're baby?" she asked and looked at the two men staring at her. She shook her head.

Mika smiled at their welcome "Hello" she nodded and then smiled at Zirean and Sefiroso. "Jason's fine, Saron is watching him. Extra food?" she chuckled "Expecting me were you?" she looked back at the two new comers. "Welcome to Vanahoon" she said softly "I am Mika, leader of the Cahoonian division of Vanahoon."

Sefiroso laughed "No wasn't expecting you per say but i always expect someone when im cooking fire seems to attract people well that and bandits attract people as well it seems..." he says with another laugh

Laohu listened and then caught the mention of a baby. He smiled and offered to shake her hand. "I am Da LaoHu, and that beautiful snow leopard is my spirit animal Laoshi. We are looking for a town near here" he nodded "And congratulations on the new baby ma'am. You and your husband must be very proud."

"that they do" Mika chuckled with Sefiroso. She nodded and shook Laohu's hand. "A pleasure, yes Vanahoon is the only village around here." She paused and her smile faded slightly "Thank you and yes I am sure he would be" she said quietly "He died 9 months ago" she trailed off. She looked down at the ground and then over at the other new young lady that had been quiet.

Zirean watched and she smiled as Laohu took to her so kindly. She frowned when he mentioned the word husband. She didn't know if Mika had a husband or not. She'd forgotten to ask. Though Saron took a liking to her but wasn't sure if they were together or not. then she heard that Mika's husband died. and she felt bad for her. Would she get married again? or not. She hoped Mika would.

Sefiroso frowned "i forgot...the two villages merged didn't they?" he looked up at the sky again "oh that's right that cub i gave you isn't causeing any trouble is it?"

Ash didn't answer to the callenge, she was too buisy listinging to what Arwan had to say.
With a bird's-eye-view, he could see everything that was happening in the forest.
She smiled when Mika came in from the thick. She couldn't remember many people from her home town, Cahoon, but she recognised the village elder. So, Mika had a baby... wow.
"Hello Mika, remember me?" she asked playfully. She had grown a lot since she was twelve, but her wide, metalic teal eyes were still the same.