-----His awkward stance would make uncoiling into action slightly more difficult, but he needed to remove the spears so he could move more easily. As he settled into the half-crouch, he began to carefully lift the makeshift strap with which he had secured the three spears on his back.
-----If he could but silently place them on the ground, he could try to move around the stone building, and see if he could catch sight of what lay within through any windows.
-----As quietly as he could manage, Whisper lowered the spears to the ground. He clinched his teeth as they made a soft sharp noise as they settled by his feet.
-----With as much care now, Whisper carefully moved around the building looking for the other windows. As he came around the corner of the building, the elf sees another window with its shutter slightly ajar. A small dark space perhaps a couple of inches wide is all the opening that is offered. Again just for a moment, Whisper could have sworn that he heard the sound of a footstep taken within the building.
-----Whisper continued ghosting on, now aiming a path at the ajar shutter. With luck he would get a glimpse of what was moving within.
-----Carefully the wood elf pushed forward; his eyes focused on the small narrow opening. The darkness beyond played at his curiosity while his senses urged caution. Just as he came within breathing distance from the opening, and he edged himself up to peek, he heard his own footing scuff the stone that made up the surrounding pavement by the foundation.
-----As he started to peer in, he heard a voice utter a quick short phrase. Just then he was struck twice by two golden flaring orbs that darted forth from the opening and impacted into his face. The sensation that he felt was that he had been heavily scratched across his nose and cheeks.
-----The shock of the sudden assault surprised Whisper and he momentarily staggered backward. Quickly regaining his balance, he heard motion to his left. Turning, there stood a dwarf dressed in leather armor aiming a hand crossbow at him. The dwarf’s black hair was pulled back and his beard was plaited and tucked into his vest. The dwarf glared at Whisper with bright eyes.
-----“Drop yer weapons,” the dwarf said quickly, before adding a question. “Are there any more of you out here?”
-----Whisper can now see a back door that the dwarf had exited through. Standing in the doorway was a young human woman with short black hair. She was dressed in simple traveling clothes over which she wore a cloak.
-----Slowly, Whisper let out a breath. His eyes narrowed as they flickered between the dwarf and human girl. The girl he judged the originator of what he knew to be the spell that had surprised him. The dwarf's accoutrements marked him as a rogue.
-----Expedience dictated that he eliminate these two. Aside from the dweomer, and the quarrel aimed in his direction, it did not seem likely that these two were members of the armies of Ravenhold, but appearances could be deceptive.
-----Very well. A median solution presented itself.
-----Whisper deliberately flicked his gaze to behind the dwarf, and then quickly back. He wondered if the old trick would work, for it was still quite dark, and he knew not if dwarves had vision as superior as that of elves.
-----Still, it was gamble, and he tensed to complete the maneuver he had in mind.
-----A grim smile suddenly crossed the dwarf’s face at Whisper’s head motion. “Jules,” he then said calmly referring to the young woman behind him, “keep an eye out. This one’s either got company or he’s using the biggest trick in th’ book.” The dwarf continued to keep the crossbow trained on Whisper and he took one step further from the building. Even though his eyes looked steely, there was a bit of uncertainty in his movement and expression.
-----The woman then stepped out and glanced around at the dim surroundings. “Crane,” she spoke with an edgy voice, “I don’t see anything, but that doesn’t mean . . . ”
-----“I know,” the dwarf answered with eyes still trained on the wood elf. “Just keep looking. I still think this one’s tryin’ t’be cagey. Hey . . .!” the dwarf suddenly exclaims as he took his eye off Whisper for a moment. Just long enough for Whisper to go into his tumbling motion.
-----With appeared to be one continuous graceful motion, Whisper cartwheeled using one hand. The other hand immediately found his shortsword and smoothly drew it forth. With the extra shoulder roll, Whisper put some space between him and the pair. He then came to a complete stop, weapon held casually and unthreateningly at his side, while he slowly wagged a finger at the dwarf and girl.
-----“Well now,” the dwarf hisses through his teeth, “aren’t we in a stew ready for the fire.” He continues to keep his weapon trained on Whisper and not making any kind of move. The girl firms her own stance and expression. She reaches for some of her pouches while taking a step back within the door. They both continue to stare at Whisper.
-----Were Whisper given over to public displays, he would have snorted. Mentally, he categorized these two as refugees from the Hordes which now controlled Ravenhold. He sighed slightly, then visibly shook his head.
-----Deliberately, he held up his shortsword, flashing the blade sideways, before returning it to his scabbard. The Wood Elf crossed his arms, and pointed at the crossbow with his chin.