"Dung," the girl curses under her breath as she watches her brother walk away with a sad shake of her head.  Then looks back to her team with a rueful chuckle.  "Guy definitely brings out the best in me."  An ironic smile pulls at one corner of her mouth.
            "K.  Let's get these boys out of here as fast as we can without bunging 'em up irreparably.  Rain, Levet, Avid?  Think you can handle two each?  Totter, overwatch."

The rangers take up positions as requested.

Robin approaches the horses with a smile.  "Heeeey, ladies."  Friendly voice, happy eyes, playful girl.  "What say we take a brisk walk away from all this unpleasantness?"  She chuckles warmly.  With her good arm, Robin pats and rubs the horses' necks and noses.
            Tying the reigns of the last horse safely around the pommel of its saddle, Robin whickers a little come-along and starts trotting Arden-ward.

The horses follow and the little caravan moves along. The chill wind blows at their backs as they ride away from the chasm and back into Arden. They are riding east and north, towards the sea; the breeze is coming out of the west. The sunlight that falls on them is wrong for the time of day they entered the clearing. It would take some observation to be sure, but it might also be wrong for the season.
            Trail sign on this trail is old.
            These things happen in Arden, now that the marked paths have been lost.

Robin tcchs her tongue worriedly as she notes the irregular timing.  It passes through her mind to wonder how long Arianrhod fairy-hilled them for, but there's nothing for it now.
            However, given that this sort of thing is happening, Robin doesn't want to get *too* far from the clearing.  She's got a date in three days, and Adonis doesn't strike her as the kind to wait patiently if she's late.
            Keeping her senses tuned to the worlds around her, Robin leads the caravan seaward only as far as she thinks she needs to in order to anchor them securely.  With her steps, she searches for somewhere defensible -- somewhere *extremely* defensible, possibly even a series of caves like those her brother is so fond of.  One with a lot of clear running water, and perhaps useful greens growing nearby.  She's got a lot of doctoring to do.

Robin would not previously have expected such things to work on the true earth, but of course they do now, and it's questionable if the 'true earth' designation was really correct after all.  As Robin begins to use her power to find a place of her desire she notices something subtlety but distinctly different in the feel of the shadows.  She does find what she was looking for, but she has to fight to get what she wanted.
            The rangers get to work on the tasks they know they need to accomplish.  In addition to setting up a defensible camp, they also are unloading the wounded and seeing to those who need treatment.
            It takes Robin more than a few minutes to figure out the change, but she does.  It's not that she can't do what she wants to do, but it's as if the path of least resistance has changed.  Robin has never experienced anything like this before.

A slow shivering intake of breath shudders through Robin and she stands up from where she was crouched in the mouth of the cave, her brow furrowed in thought, her green eyes darting out over the landscape without really seeing.
            The nature of Reality is changing on her.  Again.
            Robin gulps as she fights back a slowly rising panic.  In the back of her thoughts, the never-far-from-her-mind fear that she will wake up beside her partially decayed horse once again runs its claws through her heart.  Or perhaps this time it's the Dragon, the weight of it rippling the universe as it approaches.  Or perhaps her beloved Uncle Corwin's will is stretching out from his misbegotten Pattern.  Or perhaps she has wandered back into that painted Realm of Incipience without noticing.  Or... or... or...
            Too many choices.  Robin doesn't know which way to jump.
            So the girl does what she can.  Time to learn a new set of rules.
            While the guys work behind her, Robin begins to experiment with the falling of the leaves.  When they fall, how they fall... like learning to run underwater, Robin is trying to figure out the best way to use her heritage and her will in this changed environment.

[OOC - We're trying to coordinate how to handle the next bits of plot with you and Steve without stepping on either of you. It would help us a lot if you gave us a general outline of what Robin's going to try to do over the next day or two, particularly if there's any trump use involved. That way we can avoid putting either one of you in a situation where you might undesirably meta-interfere with each other. We've asked the same thing of Steve for the same reasons.
            Thanks in advance for your help.

Oh, hey.  That makes sense. I was wondering how you were going to handle that.  :)
            K.  Robin's plans for the next day or so --

#1)  Hunker down.  She wants to make this little cave series as defensible and covert as possible.  I'm not sure how much she can do about tracks as she doesn't want to get too far from the caves.

#2)  Make sure her men are clear of Dragon spoor.  At least as much as she can detect.  She'll conjure new clothing as needed.  Spattered stuff to be burned as smokelessly or smoke-baffled as possible.  Make sure everyone -- especially Avid, Levet and herself -- are thoroughly scrubbed, etc.  Horses checked thoroughly for green bits as well.  ;)

#3)  Have a tete-a-tete with Luke and the injured to try and get a feel for what the little fracas she invited herself in on was all about.  Robin will lay some of her will on both Luke and the injured, just to make sure they are suitably impressed and don't try to wander out of the cave or attack her Rangers.

#4)  Doctorin' for the injured, Avid and her own arm.  She wants back on Archery detail as quick as possible.

#4)  Moon helplessly seaward, wondering what Vere is up to and how he is.  ;)

#5)  Check in with her guys to see how their feeling about things and holding up.

#6)  Keep trying to get a taste for just *what* is going on with the Universe.  Robin's not sure whether a lot of actual time has passed while she was arguing with Adonis.... or if the seasons have changed because her new baby sister and brother have been born.  And the path of least resistance change has her worried as well.

I've thought about really carefully -- trying to keep OOC knowledge out of it -- and I think that, unless there is a sudden crisis, Robin wouldn't make any Trump calls at this time.  She sees that as an emergency pull-out option, not a report back option.  'Sides there's always the chance that if she calls Julian, he'll recall her.  So best not to risk it unless necessary.  ;)
            I know that's a lot, so I've arranged it by priority (#1 = most important).  Whatever she can get done in the next few days is cool.  But yep.  Robin is planning on hanging here for two nights, leaving late afternoon on the third day to get back to the clearing by dusk.  Such a trusting soul she is.  ;) ]

Robin invests some time, less than a watch, on this task.  She learns that things still follow rules, but that those rules are slightly different.  It is like learning to play a familiar song on a whistle tuned to a new key.  The near-familiarity of it tends to trip Robin up at first.  Eventually she feels that she can get basically what she wants through her talents at will, even if she needs to concentrate more at first.
            Levet comes up to Robin as she's finishing her exercises.  "I, um.  We know one of the prisoners.  His name is Foresight and he's from Garnath."

Julian's daughter raises an eyebrow.  "Really?"  She sounds more interested than anything else.  "Huhn."  The little blow of breath that lifts the hair off her forehead, though, *that's* all Robin.
            With one last look outside, Robin gestures for Levet to lead the way.  And, with a little shudder that all healthy-minded Rangers have learned to ignore, strides back into the caves towards the wounded.

Several of the prisoners are awake.  The rangers seem to have them all quiet, although it's clear that there is mutual dislike at best between the riders and the one Adonis called 'Luke'.  Levet indicates one, a blond haired man, as the aforementioned Foresight.  Robin doesn't think of any of them as leaders.  Perhaps their leader was one of the ones who didn't make it.  Or one who escaped.  They look at her expectantly.  So does Luke.

Seeing all those expectant eyes brings a wry cock to Robin's lips.  But she lets her authority as one of Arden's pre-eminent Rangers give her shoulders a certain line and her posture a certain bearing that goes right along with that smile.
            "I'm not going to have any trouble with you boys, am I?"  It's not so much a question.  Daeon's kill or not, any of them steps out of line and heads will be broken.

Foresight waits a moment, and then speaks.  "Lady Ranger, I don't know if I should laugh or cry.  We've been looking for Arden Rangers for the last 3 years.  Don't trust that one, " he says, indicating 'Luke', "he's got the green madness."

"Liars!  I have met the Forest God and repented of my evil ways and these worse-than-beasts-in-man-form would tell you of my madness when they have evil in their souls?"  Luke seems somewhat upset.  "Trust me in all things before trusting them in the least!"

"Right then."  Robin lowers herself to a comfortable crouch.  "Taking turns is good.  Keep it up."  And boy howdy does she mean that.
            She looks over at the others.  "This one speak for you all?"

They look at each other, then another one says "yes."  A moment later he adds "ma'am."

[OOC - Was this a disrespectful delay, a forgetful one or something else?]

[Forgetful or nervous.  "Oh, crap!  What do I say now?  Oh, yeah." seems to be unused to words of respect.]

Back to Foresight.  "Rangers you wanted.  Rangers you got.  Now what?"

The girl's green eyes turn to Luke and she taps herself on the chest.  "Forest God's sister.  Listening to everything.  Especially souls."

Luke's eyes get wide and he bows his head, waiting.

"Lady Ranger, this forest is full of people.  Some as came from Amber, some as were here.  Some who left Amber didn't mean to and others followed them, and we've been alone for a while.  Years, maybe longer.  Now some places is bad and some is worse, and a lot of people didn't want to be in Amber, but the forest ain't so good right now, either.
            "Past few weeks, people like him," he says, nodding towards Luke, "have been coming through.  They're mad, they attack at random, and they can infect others.  We're losing people just like Amber lost us, but they come back and attack us.
            "I know we're not supposed to be here.  We all know that.  But we're in trouble, and folks would welcome rangers, Lady."
   
Luke's head is bowed, but he looks as if he would say something if given permission.

"Uh-hunh."  Robin blows a little breath out as she considers Foresight's words (and his soul) for a moment.  Thoughts dance behind her green eyes and she unconsciously chews on one corner of her lower lip for a moment.
            Then those eyes snap back into focus. On Luke.  "K.  Your turn."

"I was a criminal, as they are now.  I was a slaver, and a murderer, until the forest God appeared to me.  He slew my companion, who had a wicked heart, and sent him to hell.  He spared me and he spared my brother in his mercy, so that we might spread his word.  These evil men are allies to the slavers and fight the good men of the forest.  In the name of your brother, the god of the forest who has twice saved my life, I beg thee strike their tongues from their mouths ere their lies work their evil on your companions!"

"I told my brother that I would return them to him whole and hale.  So no striking for now."  Robin chides gently before looking back and forth between the men.
            "Hunh."  Her bangs lift off her forehead after a thoughtful breath as Robin
stands.  The Ranger leans back against the stone, crossing her arms, brow furrowing in thought.  A stray wish for Vere's presence and insight gets loose from the girl before Robin drags herself back to the damned thinkin'-&-talkin' job once more.
            "Foresight.  You said folks would welcome Arden's rangers.  To what purpose?"

He shrugs, as best he can.  "What they expect from rangers.  To protect 'em from the wild folk, and to take those that will back to civilization.  Not all of 'em want to go back, but they're learning that the forest isn't safe."
            He clears his throat.  "Even the ones who came here looking to leave Amber didn't realize it was a one-way trip."

Expertly, Robin hides the sigh that ripples through her.  Rescuing misguided settlers, pfui.  Definitely *not* her favorite duty.  But yes -- one of her duties.  The Ranger's interior tongue sticks out in disgust.  None of which makes it to the daughter of Julian's face or mien.
             Instead she just nods.
            And turns to Luke.
            "Luke.  A man of *mine* is missing.  A man of good heart who may have been led astray.  His name is Breeze.  Do you know anything of him or his fate?"

"No, Sister of The God.  If he is lucky, he will escape the slavers.  If he is exceptionally lucky, he will escape them and live."

"I'm gonna make you lucky, you lunatic!  That's what you people do is take people!"  It's one of the other prisoners, a man named Vale.  He lunges against his restraints and Robin's rangers suddenly become less casual.

"Heel!"  Robin's command to Vale is immediate and direct, as is the force of her personality upon him.  The personality of a trained leader of men and creatures, and the personality of a scion of Amber and a grandchild of Oberon.
            But since she is also a practical girl, Robin steps between Vale and Luke, looking perfectly willing to break a man or two if necessary.

Vale looks rebellious, but quiets down.
            Foresight speaks up again.  "Vale doesn't like the wild men.  His family was taken in one of their raids."

"Ah." Robin nods, a flicker of sympathy running behind her eyes.  "Well, I reckon I can see as how that might make a man a bit... stupid!"  The flicker changes to a flash of lightning.
            The girl looks back and forth between Vale, Foresight and Luke, her brow furrowed in thought.  Her expressions flicker as various thoughts whirl away until a 'oohhh' look comes over her.  She crouches down comfortably and talks to all of the wounded in the cave.
            "Okay.  Look guys.  I think we got a couple'a possible ways of doing things here.  One possibility is that you heal under the care of concerned and dutiful Rangers of Arden who protect and provide for you while we are here in this unknown place facing unknown dangers.  Another possibility is that you become prisoners of a dangerous and powerful psychopath who will take the most expedient route and mutilate anyone who gives her even the tiniest amount of shit."
            "Nooowww... the way I figure it, if everyone plays nice.  No violence."  A pointed glance to Vale.  "No provocation."  A similar glance to Luke.  "Quiet conversation and a sharing of knowledge and resources.  And we all get to go with option one."
            "Push me?  Give me or my men any trouble?"  Robin tchhs her tongue.  "Option two.  So fast you won't have time to count how many body parts you have left.  Have I made myself clear?"  The girl smiles sweetly to her audience.

The party that had been hunting Luke nods.
            Luke lowers his head, but maintains eye contact.
            [They seem to be under control, what does Robin do next?]

"Good."  Robin nods and stands, dusting her hands off on the thighs of her trousers.
            "K.  Avid?"  She looks over to the man.  "You're first on clean-up.  Get yourself as scrubbed as you can.  Burn your clothes.  I got another few sets in my pack."

[OOC - We can go to summary-mode if you'd like, GMs.  Robin basically wants to get Avid, Levet and herself -- in that order -- free of whatever scum may still be sticking to them.  And then call a conference with Avid and Totter to see what they're thinking of the situation.]

Avid, Levet, and Robin all strip and clean off the remnants of the battle.  A small fire disposes of their garb and they don their replacements, which fit strangely well considering that the three are not all the same size.
            Vale and his friends on the one hand and Luke on the other remain well-behaved while the Rangers bathe.
            Afterwards, Robin is able to gather Avid and Totter up privately.

"Soooo..." the girl drawls nonchalantly, though there is a twinkle in her eye.  "Opinions?  Suggestions?  Robin-you're-a-damn-fools?"
            Robin's tone indicates that she would certainly welcome the thoughts of Rangers of Totter and Avid's experience.

Avid smiles at the last.
            Totter shrugs.  "Given what you promised, I don't know what else to do.  I can't say as I like Luke, but I didn't recall the other ones denying being slavers.  There may be places where that's acceptable, but I don't like it."  Totter looks over his shoulder at the lot.  "We didn't win no prizes here.  What do we want to do with 'em, anyway?"

"Hold 'em for three days.  And hope that Adonis guy can find Breeze," is Robin's short-form answer.  "Nope, no prizes."  Robin gazes back at the cave-full of men with a flat line to her lips.
            Then she sighs and shrugs.  "Iiiiiii'm thinking that it might be best to keep 'em busy.  So they don't get to thinkin' to killin' each other again.  But I'm not sure what kind of work to come up with.  Annnnnddd I definitely want more intel on *both* contingents' places and peoples.  If there *are* ex-Amber-citizens wantin' outta this mess... I reckon we can at least pass the word along...."  The girl's still mulling things over in her mind.

Avid says, "I can't figure why *anyone* would want to go back to that place now, but you're right, Robin--we've got to let them know at least. But what are we going to do if we get a whole horde of them wanting to come under the Warden's protection?"

Totter shakes his head. "We'll cross that ford when we come to it. Let's worry about keeping them from killing each other right now. Maybe we can make 'em set snares and such to help keep us fed."

"What happens if Adonis there can't find Breeze?" Avid asks.

"Avid, is your waterskin ever more than half-empty? We gotta get a break somewhere." Totter shakes again, this time somewhat disgustedly. "My worry is that the days will go strange here and we'll miss him, or the lady."

"Lady?"  Robin raises an eyebrow for Totter to clarify.

"From the trees.  Weren't we supposed to meet her?"  Totter looks confused.

"Uh, Totter?"  Robin asks quietly.  "After we traded fire with these guys," she gestures to the no-prizes, "and we were securing the clearing, you took out-position annnnnddd..."
            Robin rolls her wrist for the Ranger to pick up the story from his point of view.  No real concern in her eyes.  Yet.

"And got grabbed like I'd been trained by Sticks.  She said she couldn't come out until you all got rid of the ashes, but that her sister's son would eventually figure it out.  She also said she was working some sort of working to keep the guys with the horns from coming back."
            Totter scratches his head.  "I thought we arranged to meet up with her.  Or am I confused?  Damn.  No more drinking before breakfast."  He grins.

Robin chuckles back.  "Naw.  I don't think you're confused.  And there ain't *any* reason good enough to give up drinking before breakfast."  She winks to Totter.
            "I just don't want to take more from that Lady than she cares to give.  And I think she had given about all she wanted to right then."  The Ranger wrinkles her nose at her own atrocious behavior.  "Cool down period might be in order."
            "'Sides I have a feeling that she won't have any trouble finding us, if she has anything further to say."  A wry smile dances along the girl's lips.

Avid speaks up.  "I trust the dumb ones to be smart enough to get cowed and stay cowed.  That religious one?  He'd tell us whatever it took to make us happy, and then happily kill us in our sleep if the voices in his head told him to.  I've got a cousin in the Navy who told me about some of those places that are all religious.  They're freaky."

The Sister of the God nods with pursed lips.  "Too right.  But I don't feel too good about keeping him starry-eyed for the whole three days.  I just... ain't in the market for followers.  I will," she looks to Avid and Totter for advice, "if it's necessary to keep us from haffin' to kill him.  But I'd like to find another way."

Totter sucks air through his teeth and replies.  "Well, if 'shot while attempting to escape from Ranger custody' won't do, and we don't have manacles, we'll either have to watch 'em day and night or we'll need to lock 'em up or we'll need to figure out a way to get 'em to obey us.  If we had any friends in the area, that'd be easy, or at least let us share the burden.  I don't have any brilliant ideas, at least not any that'll work." He shrugs.

"Dung," Robin murmurs ruefully and a chuckle shakes her form.
            "K.  Let's make sure we got at least two others 'sides me on watch for the next three days.  One outside, one in."  Robin cocks a wry smile.  She knows she's being a little overcontrolling but that's the way she gets when looking at a long period of doing nothing.
            "Avid?  If either you or Levet could get the no-prizes started on the snares and stuff, we'll start with that good idea and see if we can come up with a few more on the fly." 
            "Totter?  If you or Rain could see about rasslin' up fresh dinner, I'd appreciate it."
            "Me?"  Robin heaves a big long-suffering sigh.  "Back to Foresight and Luke."  The girl stands muttering to herself.  "Fuckin' talkin' jobs.  I hate this shit."

Totter and Avid leave on their assigned chores, leaving Robin behind, lost in Uffish Thought.