The druid put a hand to his spear as he looked into the grim trees. The weight had yet to grow familiar or welcome, but its presence felt a little comforting in this menacing place. The growths weren't unnatural, and appearances had never bothered him much. What unnerved Geckle was the aura the trees and earth were exuding. The spirits here may hold malevolent intentions with regard to trespassers, and the temperment of the wildlife would probably reflect this. [i]Wildlife... Or un-life. Or goblins! Ugh...[/i] Geckle discarded the idea of trying to take on an alert, forest-suited form. There could be combat at hand. "Watch your step, friends..." Cautiously Geckle made the cross into the grim woods.

There were few animals to be seen here, but Geckle still felt watched. The decision not to take horses was a good one, he felt. [i]I could think more clearly if we had a lookout... I need a pair of more suited eyes.[/i] Hunching over the peeling bark of a dead branch, Geckle inflated his throat slightly and sounded a low ribbit. Immediately a large black moth with pale eyes emerged from the cracked timber. Its legs looked like rusty fishhooks. [i]"Come out, friend. You are called."[/i] Geckle croaked. 

The moth quivered and made a scratching sound. [i]"By what magic do you call me from sleep?"[/i]

[i]"A druid, who demands your aid. The spirits here are silent and full of menace to me. Be our lookout on the path, for harsh times are coming, even for these woods, and we must move quickly."[/i] The moth quivered again, then [url=http://orokos.com/roll/164704]took flight[/url], making a wide circle around the traveller's heads. Geckle straightened and hurried to catch up again, feeling a little less jittery. [i]Would the moth know what the goblins are? Perhaps they've convinced the dangers here to ally with them... Hm.[/i]