After the man left, the others looked over their bowls at Endermon. She knew the answer, but it wasn't her place to say. So she told them as long as they were all searching for the treasure, they should stick together. As they could help each other out, should one find it before the others. That and traveling would be easier in a group.
Endermon told them as she was cleaning her bowl in the river that they should set up a permanent campsite until they had a better plan of what was to come. Sitting on a stump, she said she figured introductions were in order.
Endermon gave her name, what race she was, and her reasons for going after the treasure. She looked at Dresden and asked why he was there. He swallowed his last bite of food, and instead of cleaning his bowl. He tossed it towards the fire.
Without thinking about it, Endermon fell back on the lessons her mother would give her and chided him on his lack of manners. He paused, clearly surprised at being scolded. He recovered quickly and got his bowl and gave it a quick rinse in the river. He came back and sat down. He told them his name, reluctantly told them he was a shapeshifter, and wouldn't say or admit why he was looking for the treasure.
At this point Rutus stood up and went to the riverbank to wash her bowl. On the way back, she said she was the result of her mother's indiscretion with a charismatic stranger that got lost in the mountains. She stated it flatly, like it was a matter of no importance. She went on to say she was hoping to become a master blacksmith.
Satisfied they started making plans for setting up the camp when Dresden asked about Shiloh. Once again, Endermon knew a little more than they did, but it was not her story to tell. She simply said her name was Shiloh and that was about all she knew.
They worked steadily throughout the day and as evening fell, Endermon, with the help of the others, made a dinner that they could all agree on. As they ate, they talked about their plans for after getting the treasure.
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While they were talking, Endermon saw a fox a ways off and excused herself. She went to it and asked what she could do for it. The fox told her to await a messenger in the next couple days. She asked about her parents and the fox said they were doing fine and wondered how she was doing.
She told the fox all she could and asked if it needed anything else. With a wave of its bushy tail, said it should be off to get the report to her parents, and that she should get back to camp before things got awkward.
She got back just as Dresden and Rutus were having a knife throwing contest. And Rutus was thoroughly trouncing him. Endermon cleared her throat, and they stopped. They gathered their weapons and settled back by the fire.
Endermon settled in too, but was worried about how Shiloh was going to take it. Seeing them all together. She didn't have to wait long, because Shiloh strutted up and leaned against a tree by the roadside. She locked eyes with Endermon and asked if she was late to the party.
Endermon wanted to run up to Shiloh, but as far as the others were concerned, they weren't that close, and would look suspicious. So Endermon suggested she get closer to properly introduce herself. Shiloh shrugged her elegant shoulders and sat down a few feet away from the others.
She said her name was Shiloh Archeron and she simply said she was on a personal quest and would love to join them on their adventure. Everyone introduced themselves in turn and they sat talking throughout the night.
Soon Rutus and Dresden said their goodnights, and left Shiloh and Endermon alone. Breathing a sigh of relief, Endermon scooted over to where Shiloh was sitting and they sat there content.
They talked quietly until Endermon could no longer keep her eyes open, and with a kiss on the cheek went to her sleeping spot, and went to sleep content with the day's happenings.