Erelis sat down on a red oak root that crumbled out from beneath the soil. Looking towards the mountain range he speculated to the gnome.
" Your ancestors I presume, Timbra?"

The gnome shook his head " No, can't say anyone of my direct relation has been up in that direction. My race? That may be a different story all together."

10 AM: Erelis & Timbra scouted out and inspected the overpass while the others discussed who would gather the water. Many still wanted to rest and Roslyn was displeased at their willingness to delay progress. She seemed uneasy about something.
Gailwind, Timbra, and Roslyn volunteered to gather the drinking water for the others and collected canteens and waterjugs for their trip to the lake while the others dozed in the weeds.

The psionic reported that the condition of the bridge was in a fair state of decay, but passable as a last resort gamble.

NOON: Erelis woke with a start! Hours had passed since the others had left and, judging by the brightness of the grounds, it was midday. Bending forward from his casual nap against the tree, Meadows swung his head around quickly; he had heard a noise....somewhere. He grabbed his weapon that lay loyaly beside him and squinted through the shafts of daylight that broke through the canopy of leaves above. The contrasting light seemed to darken an already gloomy forest. " Aramil! Teflar! Nanith!" the psionic alerted as he slowly stood up. " The others aren't back yet!"

The hobbit awoke startled. " Where, wha-what!?� he replied disorientated. Nanith popped up unsheathing his shortsword and flickering his eyes around him. No imminent danger was evident; it seemed almost too cheery with the brightness of the day beaming down upon the wide channel.

The mage's eyes snapped open when his elven meditative sleep was broken. He jumped nimbly to his feet and gauged the sky for some sign of his bird. The ranger remained sleeping in the grass unmoved by any serious threat to his person.

" You gave me the jeepers!" Nanith squeaked at Erelis. " They're not back yet? Something must have happened." He kicked up some dirt and started muzzling his hair in frustration.

" I thought I heard something moving. I presumed it may have been them." Meadows drew his vision down to the ground slowly " Let's not be too nervous about this; if anyone can find their way around these parts, it is those three."

Something began crunching back within the trees! It was moving at a light, quick pace to the edge of the forestline about thirty yards west of the four heroes! Aramil told everyone that his falcon was out of his range of perception. They waited with bated breath for whatever it was to emerge.

Something small and black galloped on all fours from out of the bushes. A small bear cub wiggled its head around and tumbled itself forward like an awkward puppy let loose on a wild romp.

" Kick Teflar awake." ordered Erelis " As much as I hate to disturb the man....I don't like this situation at all."