Heavenfall

The call to watch had gone out, so the silent wind of the Crane clan was perched outside of the firelight, keeping a careful eye and a sharp ear out for danger. As the shadows lengthened, why, it almost felt like being back home.

Ninube was not to far from the Crane. She gave him a nod of acknowledgement. They were partners tonight.

A few paces away, Ko kept watch in another direction, making sure the light of the fires was always behind her so her night vision stayed sharp. Kaze and Ninube had both had her back in different ways recently, but she already knew Kaze Quick-spear wasn't tough in a fight, and she had a similar suspicion about the slim Ninube. Best to have somebody around who could protect the two of them while they did their thing.

Ko nibbled a sliver of dried fish while she watched the shifting darkness.

Wu was sure not to stay still for too long, making round in a way that would limit blind spots and not ruining his night vision.

Dawei has found himself a concealed location (Stealth 40). He does not speak, but keeps an eye out for motion and an eye out for strange signs (Hunting 22).

''Does anyone knows if there is a specific thing we should be on the lookout for?'' the dragon ventured to ask

The rasp from beyond the firelight whispered "Trouble."

Wu would have rolled his eyes if they were not occupied watching out.

A raspy chuckle echoes around the quiet place. "No, Dragon-sama, there is nothing specific that I was told of. But any sound is a potential threat, and the ones we know well are the only ones to be permitted inside the camp. If we are wise, anyway."

Ninube gives a soft whisper of a voice for Wu to hear. "The swamp had a lot of weird things. They probably just decided we needed more caution."

Wu took Ninube's information quite seriously and whispered back

''I see...natural predators or the beasts of the corrupted realm?''

"Something like that. I mean a swamp appeared from no where. Who knows what a whole realm of evil has waiting for us."

He nodded ''So the swamp is not natural...''

He shook his head

''How are you jade-wise?''

"I've enjoyed shiny, pretty things long before I knew it was useful." She assumed he would figure it out. Then she asked. 'Umm... are you good?"

He seemed relieved and indicated that yes, he was

''Jade can be used to protect yourseld but also to attack, it burns the spawns of the realm of evil. The skin of the most dangerous beasts can only be pierced by it, I am told."

Ninube for her part seemed relieved that Wu had some jade. "That's good to know, but I don't know how much piercing this rock can do. What if we made one of the monsters eat it? Could we poison it?" It did seem like a high risk maneuver.

''He could...choke on it?'' the spearman wondered ''The nezumi grinds the stones to a fine dust then turn it into a paste to coat blades.''

"Ah. I see. That would work. I wonder if there is anything.... What does crystal do? Anything?

"I haven't handled this green stone yet." Ko held up a hand, shielding her eyes from the light as she glanced back over her shoulder to murmur this to the others. "But if the grain is right, of course you can make a blade of it. Not as strong as the shining-stuff you people use, but just as sharp."

She pulled something knife-shaped from her waist belt, protective sheath and all, and tossed it in Wu and Ninube's direction, flicking her wrist so it flew lazily end-over-end and would be easy to catch.

There was no doubt in Wu's mind that Ninube could catch the dagger easily but, from his estimation, he was a bit closer so he reached out first.

''Stone knife?'' he ventured by the weight of the implement