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Dmitri's own furry head was starting to become grey with soot and he sighed a bit then rested his chin on Kotaru's shoulder.

"We've got a few hours to reach the forest yet." Velan chuckled and gave Hotaru a knowing smile. "It can't hurt to rest your eyes a short while."

Leith rolled his eyes then shook his head quickly before he pulled his hood on,"well that must have been a sight..,"he mumbled and rested forward on his horses neck.

Hotaru blushes, surprised her little fit was noticed. "I wouldn't want to make Dmitri uncomfortable," the cat explained. Her expression was one made up of sheepishness and drowsiness. "I'll be alright," She yawns.

Slowly the group progressed, and the hours ticked by. The road became somewhat clearer when the trees began to grow in size, and their branches began to stretch across the road. The ash collected on the branches above, and only fell through when jostled by wind or the occasional squirrel.

The further the party traveled, the thicker the trees became, and the darker the path grew, until one could barely tell that the sun was approaching its noontime stance overhead. Velan had straightened up and lost his casual traveling attitude by now, as the gates of the Black Forest were close at hand, as were the dangers that went with it. Here was where they couldn't afford to let down their guard.

"Don't worry dear, you couldn't make me uncomfortable... I like to cuddle," he said with a blush, rather openly admitting he was also a big softy.

Leith slowly lowered his hood as they approached the gate. The trees stopping most of the ash that was still continuing to fall. The rogue decided to take precautions and sent out a few minor clones to stay on either side of the group, patrolling for any signs of aggression. He glanced to Hatoru and decided he would keep an eye on her.

Finally, Hotaru cant stay wake any longer. Yawning,Hotaru settles into Dmitri's chest. "Thank you, Dmitri...," she murmers, before finally falling asleep.

"Stay alert from here on out." Thalia advised the group without turning around. Velan made a face, but chose not to wake Hotaru. Better she sleep now and stay silent than fight to stay awake. "Until we reach the trader's outpost, this road will not be secure." The Paladin continued. "If you hear or see anything, speak up."

((I need to hop off for the night. Sorry y'all...))

Dmitri smiled and wished that he wasn't wearing his armor. Bones weren't exactly comfortable to lean on, but he was glad she could feel safe enough with him to fall asleep.
Dmitri himself, although relaxed with his head resting on the neko's shoulder, was very alert. His ears were pricked forwards, whisker twitching and eyes darting around in search of any hostility.

Hotaru awakens early the next morning, momentarily unsure of her surroundings. As Hotaru blinks and looks around. As she does this, the soft hoof beats of the horses, began to pull her back into reality. Reaching out, she Touches Leith's hand, in an attempt to see if he was awake. Glancing up at Dmitri, the cat smiles, and offers a whispered "good morning" to the man. "Dmitri, you may have your helmet back, it you like...", she mumbles.

(How can she touch Lieth's hand if they're on different horses?)

Dmitri returned her smile and shook his head, "You can keep it until we get into a fight. It might throw you off balance since you have nothing on the rest of your body to counter it's weight."

Hotaru nods. "Okay. Thank you Dmitri." Feeling the warmth of his arm on her bare belt, she blushes, before glancing quickly in to the surrounding trees. Just as she thought, Jason was lurking in the shadows, a monstrous white wolf. Hotaru's eyes meet his, and he growls, loud enough for only her to hear. She can her his voice in her head, shouting a volley of angry insults at Dmitri and directing - no ordering - her to get off of Dmitri's horse. Hotaru smirks "Calm down, Jace, before Thalia hears you and makes you calm down," She mumbles. Today is the begging of a good day, she decided thoughtfully.

((Wow, you guys are running like a speed train. I had to do a lot of reading to keep up!))

Rougart disliked this town. It seemed the place was inhabited by mainly Humans. Humans who liked staring at the green hulking Orc riding an armored Dire Boar. The sight of this heavily armored creature in a time as desperate as this was a bad omen to most of these miners, and Rougart could tell. Giving stink eyes to staring folk he took notice of the amount of people here. He could smell it on them; fire. These were refugees. That didn't look good at all.

Rougart had always wanted to see the crystal castle from the moment King Many-Arrows dismissed him. It was a wonderful sight to behold, he was told. But after checking the notice board, it would seem fate slapped him across the face once more. These people needed help fighting a pyromaniac. Question was, did Rougart want to spend his time helping folk who would rather throw rocks at his face than take them in as a guest?

The answer was yes. At least he'd be useful this way. Plus, it had been a while since he had used his axe in combat. It longed for bloodshed, and so did Rougart. The Orc entered the tavern and attempted NOT to step on some refugee on his way to the innkeep.

They just left!? Oh, that was bad luck. Rougart had hoped to meet the people who wrote up the notice in the tavern. Though perhaps it was better to catch up on the group. At least he wouldn't have to sit through so many damnable staring eyes. The Orc stepped out of the inn and right back onto his Dire Boar. He soon charged into the direction this group of adventurers went.

Later on

It took a while for him to catch up to these people, though they were easily recognized. Not because the innkeeper gave an accurate description of the armored woman and her colorful companions, but they were the only ones going towards the ashes while everyone tried to get away from them.

"Scream, Barghest." The Orc spoke in a heavy tone as he tapped the flank of his boar.

The Dire Boar roared a loud pig like squeel that could send a chill through even the bravest warrior. It was a good way to get someone's attention at least. As soon as he got their attention the Orc walked closer, holding his plated fist raised up as to say he meant no harm.

Once he was close, Rougart could see what kind of people he was dealing with. A few humans and a few cat people. Odd. One of them even hardly wore anything. This clearly confused the Orc as he looked at Hotaru with a look that said "what were you thinking, wearing that?". It was then he realized how ill prepared they looked. These were younglings. Hardly battle capable in Rougart's eyes. But he was not here to tell them they were incapable.

"The name is Rougart of the former Bo'rrador clan, loyal subject of king Many-Arrows of the Many-Arrows kingdom." He introduced himself formally in that grungy Orc voice of his."I have read the notice, and I come offer my aid. I take it you folk aren't picky on who accompanies you to fight this culprit? I have military experience. Trust me when I say I can help a great deal." For an Orc, he sounded quite civil. A rare trait indeed.

The rogue raised an eyebrow to the large Orc who was quite formaly introducing himself. A large grin spread across his lips. He had always enjoyed watching orcs go berserk, slashing through anything in their way, ignoring any and all pain. Leith turned to face him, offering a simple smile,"Hello, I am Leith Knell. I didn't think anyone else would be joining us."he glanced to Thalia, the women at the front of the group.

Hotaru stares right back at the new comer, resisting the urge to laugh at the look on his face, knowing exactly what he was thinking. A confident smirk plays on her lips. "Hello. My name is Hotaru. You may call me Hota if you wish." She smiles, her tail swishing back and forth. She hand no issue with him... Yet. And if he wished to make an issue, she was sure Thalia would handle that. Grinning, she leans back into Dmitri's chest.

"Greetings, comrade. I am Dmitri Yashklov," he gave the Orc a curt nod and smiled down at Hotaru. He was surprised at how comfortable she was getting with her bare back against the rough dragon bone plate on his chest, but who was he to complain? He enjoyed how close she was.

Jason eyes the Orc, and lumbers out of the woods, a giant black wolf. He knew Hotaru would say something to him, but he continued anyway, not stopping until he was a yard away from the man, catching his sent. Jason narrows his eyes, and stares at the Orc, snarling slightly.

(You said he was white before... Is he white or black?)