Walking along.

Makato walked alongside the river and dipped a stick in the water like it was a children's game and watched the delicate ripples of the water as he tossed the rock gently. This was so peaceful. No one to bother him, no one to hurt him. Makato did see a camp site farther away. Guess he wasn't alone.

Makato sighed and began to walk the opposite direction when something caught his eye. He pulled his sword out and began to go forth, slowly. What was this that scared him so much?

Valent sat by the side of the river, his feet cooling in the water. Small whirlpools twisted around his ankles as he disrupted the water's path. It was a moment to relax, as he kept watch on the river for any trouble. It was already late in the day, and the ferry to a nearby Wood elf town would not be by again until tomorrow.

A small covered cart rested less than fifty feet away, and it's owner was patting down a thirsty horse a bit further down the bank. She was a tough woman, a trader that frequented between achron and xell, and she had hired the well traveled Valent as protection from any of the many dangers that often stalked the way into the forest. The job was almost completed; it would end once the she safely boarded the ferry. Valent was stuck watching her and her cargo until that time. If not for the relaxing area they were waiting, Valent would almost have cursed their lack of timing.

But as it was, he Probably should have not been resting. There were at least sixteen hours between them and the ferry and that was more than enough of an opening for trouble. Valent lifted his feet out of the water and dried them. Fastening his boots tightly, he got up.

The traveling merchant woman - tabitha, her name was - noticed him stand. She had hired him quite a few times before and knew his habits.

"I knew you wouldn't be there for long;" she chuckled. "don't spend too long scouting the area. I'd feel better knowing you get enough rest to stay alert over night."

Valent nodded, although he did not plan on sacrificing thoroughness for speediness. He needed little sleep, anyway, so much was he used to the migratory life.

It was not far he had gone in scouting the perimeter before he heard footsteps. This was not automatically a threat; they were not far from the ferry's dock and the road, after all. He spotted a man not far away. From the look of his steps, the man was being very wary of his surroundings. That was only sewhat suspicious. After all, was not Valent doing the same thing? And he meant no malice to this stranger.

Suddenly, the stranger halted and turned in Valent's general direction. A sword appeared in the strangers hand, a cruel hooked looking thing.

Valent kept his blade sheathed, although his hand was not far from it. He stood, not threateningly, and then stepped closer to the stranger and well within his sights.

"State your intentions," he said. His voice, although not loud, was commanding in tone.

The dust went through his feet as Makato stood there with his sword. A man came up to him. Makato did what was told, and wanted to say back, "Who are you?" But, Makato was a man of few words. You're lucky to even get a "hello" from him. But, this time was different. This thing seemed as a threat to Makato. Maybe it was the way he looked, or maybe it was his presence.

Even though he wasn't a people-person, Makato was willing to do something about this thing. He put his sword back and laid a finger on it as if this person would do anything threatening.

"Who are you?" He said as he laid his pointer finger on the sword. Makato could see that this "thing" could see, as far as it was, that Makato was being threatened. This thing would not move.

"Who are you? I thought I was alone." Why was Makato so curious?

The man stated that he thought he was alone and asked who Valent was. It seemed like an absurd statement, for anyone to think that they were alone this close to a road that was worn down with many footsteps.

"I am just a traveler." Valent shook his head. "And there are many travelers on this road. I would suggest you sheath your blade before anyone thinks you dangerous."

Despite his warning, Valent was ready to attack this man at a moment's notice. The man's movements told him that he had some intention to fight, although his intentions were still a mystery. They were not far from the place where Tabitha had set up the small camp and if this stranger was in any way going to harm her or the camp, Valent would stop him plain and simple. Hopefully this interaction would end and he could get back to watching the camp directly.

So far, however, this interaction did let him know something. The fact that this stranger had thought himself alone meant that there were no other travelers out here that would want their presence openly know, at least none that were less skilled at hiding actions than this stranger. That meant he would have to keep an eye out for people who were intending to hide themselves; if there were anyone out here who didn't care, it was likely this man would have run into them already.