Dust to Dust

[Lesingnon]

Rick is the first to follow the toy Automaton into the Hedge; stepping once more into that land of twisted dreams, twisted wilderness, and endless danger. Normally just after crossing over in a situation like this he'd have paused and waited for the rest of the participants to come through and group up. Unfortunately, that wasn't a feasible option in this instance. His gaze finds their impromptu guide and he sets off to follow it immediately, careful not to lose it amongst the brambles. His own form, highlighted in lightning, would be easy enough for everyone else to spot and follow.

[Forn Clakes]

Stepping through and Terri crouched low, hand reflexively heading towards the slingshot. However, she didn't remove it quite yet as she listened to the Hedge and any signs of anything untowards.

Oh, and she blows Rick a kiss. For good luck.

[Rust Mane]

Rust steps through after, his first action is to make sure the group has plenty of light to see by. If not he is prepared to invoke Summer again.

As they walk Rust pulls out a short bladed Machete from his bag, holding it in one hand with the bag over his shoulder. Bladed tail helping the King stay low as he follows After Rick and their guide.

[Lesingnon]

Realized I forgot to mention it earlier, but Rick'll also spend one glamour to activate his Kith Blessing for Initiative.

[Phoenix]

Kathleen follows the rest of the group into the hedge, which incidently reminded her of her escape from arcadia and her meeting with Corwin.
The difference was that Corwin was much experienced in the contract of element than she is, being a fireheart and all.

She takes care not to touch any other member of their group to avoid hurting them.

[Xerxia]

Xerxia also steps through, her Mantle ablaze and blurring the backdrop of the Hedge behind her, the sounds of a sizzling blacktop emanating beneath her feet as she steps for a little while before she realizes what she is doing.

Calm down, girl. You can go get some fresh motes of anger once this Ash Run is over. Don't be the one to attract the Gentry or Tickle's guards.

From then on, she makes a more conscious effort to tone down her Mantle, but she can't help but still be bothered by the initially failed activation of a Contract she has known for a long time.

[Sam Barkley]

Barkley's beady eyes instinctually scan the landscape of the Hedge for danger as he emerges on the Other side of the Gate. When his initial investigation is satisfied, he falls to the back of the party, to satisfy his paranoia of ambush from without or treachery within, as well as keep his bark from the sparks and flames the Elementals are sputterin' every which way. The only sound the former Hunter makes is that of his staff butt stamping into the foreign earth with each short step he takes behind Tickle's toy.

[Marcus Evan]

Marcus falls into step with Sam after he crosses over. They both recognize this path from the last time they had traveled it. The Metalflesh looks down at his over-eager friend.

"Don't worry Sam, we'll sort this out."

Up ahead, the others follow the toy soldier as it marches resolutely down the path. There is plenty of light to see by, as an unseen sun shines through the thick canopy overhead. The light is filtered by the dense leaves into an almost greenish hue. As they follow the path, the Thorns and Briars on either side seem agitated. They almost appear to clench and unclench, twisting back and forth along the edges of the Trod. As he walks, Brock manages to spot a rather stout and sturdy-looking branch, however it is a bit off the path, nestled in a tangle of Brambles. Unseen by the others, Sam is the only one who notices that the Thorns appear to wilt and pull back somewhat as Marcus passes by them.

"So, Sam... what's this whole Dusk thing all about, anyway?"