[h2][color=af9d80][b]Roger Falkner and Shortclaw[/b][/color][/h2] As they returned to the base camp, Roger spotted something at the top of an approaching tree. It took him a moment to realize that it was Valmyra, a Lamia member of the Lions. It made sense that her serpentine lower body made her a good climber. As they passed her, she shouted a question, asking what those strange shapes in the disturbed ground were. The griffin rider couldn't blame her for wanting to know- after all, he had been curious about them, too. Unfortunately, she'd have to wait a few seconds for an answer while Shortclaw was making his landing. Once his mount was firmly on the ground, Roger took off his helmet and turned the snake woman. [color=af9d80]"They look like effigies or totems made of skulls and bones,"[/color] he answered her question. [color=af9d80]"I have no idea what they mean, though. Maybe the others will know."[/color] She was a curious sort. Her chimerical half-human-half snake body reminded him a little of the half-avian, half-leonine bodies of griffins. Roger knew little of her, other than that she was formerly with the patrol corps and that her primary weapon was a fine-looking spear. As a user of spears himself, Roger wondered if the lamia be willing to share weapon techniques some time. Roger dismounted the griffin and began to walk back to the main camp where the Steel Princess would be found. Shortclaw followed closely behind, holding its head low. Roger knew that this behavior wasn't a sign of submission or subservience- griffins were, after all, very proud creatures. On the contrary, this was a sign that the beast wanted its partner to preen his head feathers. [color=af9d80]"Later,"[/color] he softly spoke to Shortclaw. Even if Velvetica planned to not give them any rest, he could always do it while they were on the move. [@AzureKnight]