Argon surged forward, attempting to strike at the beast, though his blade was turned aside by a massive horn. Argon did not let that stop him, however, and he dropped his flying blade to grab the Mantiraus by the horns, using his intense reptilian strength to keep the bucking beast at bay. The creature breathed in, and suddenly unleashed a bolt of lightning, but Alice's electrical shield held! The Lizardfolk bit the beast on the nose as he held it from bestial instinct on his part. 

Now, the fight was at an end. The large bolt shot by An-Hasst hit the Mantiraus in the neck, weakening it considerably now that his aim was true. Calanon landed on the opposite side of the clearing, an arrow flying into the beast's neck on the other side, peircing its hide and causing it to wheeze out lightning, before Nicadimus finished it with a valdium blow that sliced through its flank like a knife through butter. 

The spawn of the jungle spasmed and contorted, before whipping its head and then hitting the ground heavily. The dust billowed out into the brush, and they all had a minute or two to breathe. Calanon walked over to the fallen beast to retrieve the arrow he had shot. "I saw its tracks up ahead. I nearly did not get back in time." he said. 

Argon let go of the thing, and hissed. "I have never ssssseen its likessss before." 

"The Mantiraus doesn't go near swamps usually. They prefer hills and forests. But, if we're satisfied, should we go back or continue?" 
[hr] 

The barkeep smiled, setting down a freshly cleaned glass. "He didn't, but judging from the commotion and what I've heard of you and your companions, I believe you." He said, and nodded toward Geradin who was just now sitting down and giving a jovial wave at Settionne and the barkeep. "You and your friends, we're indebted to you. Not only for the baby, but protecting the town. EverGod willing, you came at a good time. High summer is when it's most dangerous." 

"Hey, I'm not out. I'm not out!" a man yelled, though it wasn't with malice. A few drinking buddies were playing card drinking games, an odd activity where it looked like if you received the right card and threw it in the right cup, you'd win. More than a few of the lads had shirts stained with ale and beer. 

Beren came out of the crowd and grabbed two drinks, one for he and Geradin, and greeted Settione. "Grab yourself something and sit with us." He offered to him, and then headed back to their seat. As he did, his monk reflexes helped him in keeping the drinks in the cup even as he dodged a thrown knife, ducking at the right time as if he was nonchalantly ducking an overhead branch. The tavern was warm, but the drinks were cold and kept them cooled off in the shade. 

Beren turned the corner just in time to see Aeryn attempting to sip her drink, and then curling her lip in disgust before pouting. He had to admit it was girlishly cute. He never thought he'd see someone being stingy and spoiled as attractive, but it worked for her, for some reason. 

"Oi, lad! So tell me, what have you and the she thief been doing while we were creating life?" Geradin joked, grabbing the drink Beren had gotten him and greedily gulping the mug's contents, staining his beard. Beren laughed and sat beside Aeryn. "Digging holes and making stakes." He replied casually, before seeing Aeryn's still dissatisfied look with her drink. Beren blinked, and held out his mug to her. "You want this? It's ice water." 

As they conversed, they could hear singing from outside, and it was quite the merry tune. 
[@Mortarion][@Gardevoiran][@BCTheEntity][@Fetzen][@Stormflyx][@The Fated Fallen]