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-----"I hate to admit this," Sir Greene confides in Sol, "but the forces of the Dark Followers knew how to distract us. Their evil tactics were all too sufficient. With the dark evil growing in the town at the Holy Temple of Joren, their other forces began to gain a foothold nearer to the small villages. I was at a loss to know where to send my troops first. I can see how they also disrupted the lives of other races such as the sylvan elves." The Knight sadly nods his head in realization as he speaks.
-----Elandrin replies to Sarah, "By all means, I would be honored to confer with you after we dine. I must say that I can understand your father’s pride in you. You came away from what I can only imagine as a dreadful encounter with the Dark ones and yet, during the same day, you sit here beside me looking as beautiful and as regal . . . why, you would think this is one of the happiest days of your life." The wizard raises his glass to the young mage and slightly chuckles.
-----Sarah blushes and does her best not to giggle. "Please, sir, your compliments are beginning to make me nervous." Sarah smiles at the court wizard, clearly loving every minute of his praise. Her hand on the table creeps slowly towards Sol’s hand.
-----Sol nods in understanding and replies back to Sir Greene, "The conflict between th' elves and th' woodsmen was supposed to be a distraction. All part o' the Dark's plan o' stirring up trouble in yer fief. Same fer th' bandits an' th' ogres that are about. I think what's happened here in Oakwood, has happened down south in Redmarsh as well. Except maybe to an even greater degree." Sol considers for a moment more before returning to his meal. In turn, Sarah's hand is met halfway and taken by Sol's.
-----Raven motions to Rinda as Sol and Sarah hold hands. Raven smiles and then goes back to his conservation with a fellow guest. Rinda returns his smile and playfully grabs the hunter’s hand and holds it.
-----"All this amid the accusations against our Lord Lambert," muses Sir Greene in a very serious tone. Drawing his lips back from his teeth, the Knight shakes his head again and says to both Raven and Sol, "I am truly sorry I cannot spare any more of my forces to escort you to the south. Romney and the others have expressed their desire to accompany you and their leave is granted. I feel I must utilize the remainder of my troops to further weed out the lesser evil elements in the surrounding woods."
-----"You have done much to make my task easier," he continues as he sits back from the table, "I am frustrated in that I myself wish I could venture forth with brave and honorable souls as yourselves. For now, I am humbled in that I must remain here, although as a loyal ally if ever you need in Oakwood."
-----Sir Greene stands up and, as everyone is finished eating, orders the food and the plates cleared away. Sir Greene introduces Raven, Rinda, Sol and Sarah once more to the assembly briefly extending the heartfelt thanks and appreciation of the Court and the Fief.
-----After the applause dies down from the advisors and the guests, more drink is brought out and everyone continues to talk while the musicians play on. A few of the guests get up to dance or speak with others at the various tables. As the evening wears on, a few guests begin to give their farewells and leave for their chambers.
-----Sol dubiously watches the musicians play momentarily. After coming to a decision, the warrior stands up from his seat and turns to Sarah. "Would ye care t'dance?" He asks as he offers his hand, "Though I should warn ye...I have as much experience in dancing as I do spell-casting."
-----Sarah is all smiles as she takes Sol’s hand and lets him lead her to where the people are dancing. "I have danced about as often as I've swung a sword." Sarah says, giggling slightly back to Sol. "But it can't be that hard." Indeed, Sarah quickly picks up the flow of the dance.
-----"Don't let me lose track of time." She cautions Sol. "I really need to talk to Elandrin later tonight."
-----"O' course." Sol assures Sarah. "When ye dead off t'talk th' trade, I'll check up on some old information." Sol lets the dance flow for a while longer before confessing, "I could get used t'this."
-----"I could do this forever." Sarah says softly, leaning her head against Sol’s strong chest as the dance slows down. Sarah faces the other way for a few seconds to wait until a time when she thinks Raven and Rinda aren't looking and then kisses Sol briefly on the cheek.
-----Raven leans over and seems to ask Rinda a question. Rinda responds with a smile and the two are then seen walking toward the entrance leading outside.
-----Meanwhile Sol and Sarah continue their dance with Sarah moving as graceful as any dancer could while Sol strongly masks any hint of an occasional stumble. Many of the other nobles pause and smile as they watch the pair enjoy the evening.
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