((
Scene setting music brought to you by amateur Jackben & windows movie maker))
((Also, zombified Rand
sounds like the safest bet, but would he still be of use to us in that state?))
After laying Rand down near in the mud under the watchful gaze of Jack, Tarkus helps the others gather what little dry driftwood they can find to set up camp. The muck, smell and noise don't bother Tarkus much as long as he doesn't have to march far in it. Though the air is damp and thick with an oppressive warmth, there is something about the rhythmic sounds of the frogs and crickets in the bayou that the Half-Orc finds calming.
Cupping his hands, he scoops up a handful of moss and smears it over his arms and neck. "Insect not bite if cannot smell sweat." Offering some to the others, he quickly lowers his hand, noting the disgruntled faces in response to his perhaps unpleasant survival techniques. Noting that the hovering insects seem to not linger around Quintus, he asks earnestly whether the mage learned any such techniques in his time at the Academy. Before Quin can answer, Tarkus frowns and says "Nevermind..." as he shamefully realizes why insects might fear to near his dark aura.
- - -
As the croaking frogs begin to quiet down and the sun reaches its bed beyond the view of the swampy foliage, Tarkus spots Val heading his way and turns from his methodical stare into the fire to hear what he has to say. Having spent quite some time now with the dashing Fierno, he grunts in agreement with what the man has to say. "Is true not understand much of time change or magicks..." while silently reflecting upon the fact that he has come to know a few things more about Val that a stranger may not.
'Val use words as weapon...and ego as armor.'
Curling his lips in a slight smile as the man continues to pitch him his story of their escapades, Tarkus only nods sagely and adds "Sacrifices and leadership not go unnoticed." Despite his reflections and levity toward Val's roguish ways, something in the man's eyes speaks to Tarkus on a deeper level when he mentions his sorrow and regret should everything fall apart.
He places his arm on Val's shoulder and looks him unerringly in the eyes. "Not always agree in method...more of late than before, but...like think some of Sarm rub off on us all." His eyes close a moment on thought of the cleric and of Suvne. "Like to think they know our trial. And if...
when we succeed...they see it and smile."
- - -
Tarkus steps away from the fire and heads towards the east side of camp, where he lays his bedroll over a sturdy tree stump and sits next to the Muun. Spotting him in counsel with his animal companion, Tarkus busies himself clearing a space for himself before turning to respond to the ranger's query about the night's watch.
"Not need much sleep now...'cus of magick ring." He twists the faintly glowing silver band around the knuckle of his left hand, feeling the ring work its mysterious magicks to nourish him with energy enabling little eating or drinking and unnaturally short sleep cycles.
"But extra eyes most welcome tonight" the fighter nods, removing the straps on his armor and pulling the plates off his body one by one. He cleans and repairs each plate as best he can before setting each on his pack. He turns his attention back to Muun and asks "Leg doing OK?" as he watches the ranger methodically whittle away arrows for his quiver.
As the last vestiges of light slowly fall out of view, Tarkus slips into his bedroll for the small amount of sleep he requires ((3 hours)) before waking to rejoin the outworlder and Warforged construct in watching and listening to the ambiance of the swamps.