[Austen]

Maia slogged through the thick mud, one slow step at a time, appreciating the feel of the moist soil and rain against her damp pelt. She could have been enjoying herself, if she hadn't needed to stop, and choke in a breath of the moist, humid air whenever she reached the limit of her (considerable) breath control. Or take to the air to evade the occasionally nasty that tried to have her for breakfast.

Both problems seriously curtailed her ability to enjoy and appreciate the Baian swamp, despite the delicious dampness.

[Austen]

The hydrokuhna, sighed, and turned, presumably about to remark on something or anther to a travelling companion, who was not there. She noticed, in one long, slow, blink, as she assimilated the fact, and with a put upon sigh, turned to look for Bubble Spirit, Purine Kalamarei, and Blood Hydrolisk.

Little did she realise, while her attention upon the problems besetting her, she'd gotten seperated from everyone.

[Saroko]

A squishing sounded behind Maia followed behind an ominous shadow envelopingover her.  It swayed slowly back and forth like a pendelum.  No one said "What's wrong?" or "Who are you?"  All that came was an unnerving silence.

(Paladin 1/5)

[Austen]

Maia froze, staring at the dark shadow swinging slowly. Back and forth, back and forth, her orbs moved with the shadow. Had she been able to think, and react, she might have used her evasive reflexes to escape. But the surrounding shadow fell on her from above, removing from her that especial safety, one that she'd relied on, and taken for granted.

[Saroko]

(Sorry I'm late.  To be honest I thought you had left)

The shadow leaned closer.  A black and white hand touched Maia's shoulder.  Soft music could be heard playing from behind her, probably from an ipod or mp3, but it was too soft for the lyrics to be easily understood.  

(Paladin 2/5)