"So you in?" Spring said as the mostly white Tsabhua causally pointed out the many packages that were haphazardly thrown together on the docks. It was a wonder none of them had fallen in the water below. In the distance he could see the ship silhouetted against a darkening sky as the suns started to dip below the horizons.

Kel grimaced as a small package slipped from its precarious place and slid down the small mountain of packages. "I can see why you might need help carrying all this. And you say the merchant that hired you said you would have helped when you got here?"

"Yep. And did they show? Nope. I've been waiting here all day while Floofer went to get a map. He should be back soon."

Kel watched as Moon Stone quickly grabbed Toffee before she could add to the mess on the docks.

"I have the map!" Floofer exclaimed. Kel turned toward the sound and saw a Draconic Tark'ee slithering across the docks. Kel watched as he dodged the dock workers as they scrambled around lighting the lamps that hung from the posts.

"I got the map! You would not believe what I had to do to get it!" The Tark'ee held up a tube that Kel was sure held the map.

"You have fur!" Toffee said out of the blue. She wriggled out of Moon Stone's grasp and bounded over to the brown spotted Tark'ee. "That is so cool!"

Floofer barks a laugh. "Where did you get this lot, Spring? These aren't the ones I hired. "

"The ones you hired - They never showed. I came across this group on the docks and they have agreed to help carry your wares. For a price of course. " Spring said.

"Of course, of course." Floofer said. "We shall discuss the price while we start packing the packs. We should get this mess cleaned up and off the decks."

Just then the dark clouds above them finally released the water that they were storing and it started raining. The rain was cold despite how warm the air was and Kel knew that it was not long before this rain turned to snow and if they were to get the merchant to the nearest village they would need to leave as soon as possible. Which meant walking at night. Not exactly something that Kel was wanting to do. Kel knew that there would not be any place to put up so many colonists here in the docks. Luckily he was familiar with the closest village and they would be able to accommodate all five of them.

"All right, let's get busy. " Spring said as he started handing out very large satchels that would fit over the body. First he helped cinch the first two satchels onto Kel. Then he did Moon Stone and he found a smaller one to put on Toffee. Then he tied on the last small satchel. Floofer and Kel started to pack. Spring sat and managed. They were able to find some small packages for Toffee to carry. In the end Moon Stone and Kel were carrying the most. Their packs budging at the seams. Toffee's bags weren't so full and she started running around until Kel scolded her. Floofer even had a couple of bags tied to his upper body full of packages.

"There is one package left. Anyone have any room?" Kel called out. He eyed Springs near empty bag.

Spring saw him look his way. "I might have room. " Spring opened his satchel and Kel nestled the package he was holding next to the lone package that was already inside.

"I am going to lead with Toffee up front with me. Her eyesight is better then mine and her glowing tail will help keep everyone together. Moon Stone, you take the rear. As you also see better in the night. Spring and Floofer will be in the middle. "

All five of them walked up the docks, past all the closed shops and past the lone Inn before entering the very dark forest of evergreen trees. Kel could barely see the path but Toffee kept on marching along like she knew where she was going. Toffee's glowing tail bobbed and swayed to her steps and the glow of her paws would disappear and reappear with each step she took.

The forest grew darker and strange clicking and hissing noises started when the various insects came out. The rain had turned to sleet as the temperature fell.

"Is it always this wet and cold here?" Spring asked from behind Kel.

"Usually by this time we have snow on the ground but it's been unusually warm. I expect it will snow tonight though." Kel asked. He dared not turn to answer Spring. He had to keep an eye on Toffee.

"Snow is at least pretty to look at." Floofer said. "This wet gets into everything and makes one just miserable. Remind me to only come here in the summer. " Floofer said to Spring.

"Less talk and more walk." Moon Stone said from the back of the line. "We need to get somewhere dry and warm before we all get sick."

After that they all walked as quickly as they could. Always following the bit of glow from their guide.

"I see something!" Toffee shouted.

"Don't run off and leave us!" Kel scolded.

They soon made it to the village. Some one must have been expecting them because a lantern was hanging in one of the windows and the door to the house opened quickly to let them all in.

"I was worried you had decided not to come after all." Said a red and white Belemoid. She quickly helped them unbuckle the satchels where they then left them by the door. She led them into the inner room where a fire was crackling in the fireplace.

"Ah, thank you!" Floofer said as he settled down by the fire. His wet fur dripped puddles on the floor.

Toffee lay next to Kel and Moon Stone. Her eyes were already closed in sleep.

Spring also was surprisingly quiet. Kel glanced over at him. He was also already fast asleep.