[dragon wench]

Tashara hesitated, thoughts and impulses swirling about her mind like multi-coloured confetti in a windstorm. It was apparent that this human male shape shifter suspected she was no wolf. She also guessed that his commands and communications to the surrounding pack were intended to ward them away from attacking. Equally, she felt certain that just one wrong move on her part would result in a very different command.

She tensed, wondering about her options, finally concluding that if the group proved hostile she was far better able to defend herself in human form.

Of course... there was one minor potentially embarrassing factor. The human on the ground before her was entirely unclothed. Then, her human form starting to take greater hold, she inwardly shrugged again. If nothing else, the stranger would be even more vulnerable with neither clothing nor armor.

The transformation was nearly instinctual, it did not require the same concentration as spell casting. Slowly, yet smoothly, pointed, furry ears gave way to rounded, slightly tanned, human ones. Paws and black legs became brownish cloth and bare arms.
Moments later, the metamorphosis was complete, and, trying to avert her eyes, she gazed down at the figure on the ground.

It was difficult to know how to begin.

She paused and then simply held out her hand and said, “Well met. I am Tashara. I have lived with an elven community some half a day's journey from here for several years, and now I am on my way Northwest. And you are?”

A bit awkwardly, the man attempted to stand again. Nearby, a sturdy branch lay upon the ground. He grasped it, and with it's aid, finally managed to prop himself to his feet.

He raised an eyebrow and considered how to respond. Other than a name, the woman had not provided much more information than he already knew, and no doubt she was aware of this, everything about her suggested uneasy wariness. “What if she is a bounty hunter... and even if not, we know nearly nothing.” As if reading his thoughts, the largest of the wolves emitted a low growl in Tashara's direction.

Finally, he reached a decision.

“Well met I am Pharis, and this,” he gestured around him, “is my pack.”

He continued, sensing a direct approach would be best. “Why are you traveling Northwest, and why alone?” He studied her while awaiting a reply.

Tashara realized that she needed to be forthcoming in her answer. She suspected Pharis would immediately detect any attempt at evasion...as would the pack, who eyed her warily, ready to pounce the moment they were given leave to do so. Also, her instincts, both human and wolf, informed her that he did not seem to intend malice, at least not for the moment.

She relaxed slightly and met his eye directly. “Recently scouts brought reports that a legion of orcs, 500 hundred strong, were marching towards the settlement in which I have been living. We decided to turn their surprise attack back upon them, and we ambushed the orcs before they could launch their assault. “

“Because I am not an elf, and therefore am unlikely to be suspected, they sent me to investigate. Also.. I am familiar with those lands.”

Pharis almost grinned, “You can provide information I see, I had almost thought you mute.”

Tashara glared, “Not a good thing to say to an armed spellcaster when you yourself are wearing nothing.” But, the slight smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth betrayed her benign intent.

Momentarily taken aback, Pharis paused, and then replied. “Indeed lady, and I must remedy that situation. I would appreciate aid in gathering my gear, it is in that clearing just over yonder.”

She hesitated. Though the tension had been broken with their exchange, she was still cautious, but it seemed there was little choice. Tashara offered her arm to Pharis, and he leaned on it while continuing to steady himself with the branch.

He stopped at a small opening at the base of a grassy knoll. “This is our den. I will return shortly”

Not quite knowing what to say she just nodded and watched Pharis crawl into snaking branches and mounds of soft earth.

He soon reappeared, this time clothed with the suggestion of a weapon concealed beneath the nondescript cloak thrown rakishly about his shoulders. The shapeshifter also carried a set of armor. Tashara had never seen anything like it...so dark it actually seemed to absorb light. As far as she could tell no straps appeared to adorn the piece and a translucent hexagonal gem seemed to nearly pulsate upon the same area that would cover the heart. She moved to look closer, but instinct made her stop. Pharis' eyes had darkened perceptibly upon noticing her scrutiny.

Tashara decided it was time to ask some questions of her own. “I take it you have been living as a wolf for a long time, judging by your..erm..condition... when we met, and your trouble standing.”
It was more a statement than a question.

Pharis acknowledged her carefully, and paused. “It is a long story, and we have far more pressing matters to deal with. Those orcs I mentioned are not far behind.”