-----Turning to Kazel as she speaks her request, Sarius watches her intently. He rests his hand on his chin and his features soften momentarily. After a moment, he speaks as if thinking out loud, "Abandoned buildings . . . west side . . . yes, I believe I know what you speak of. I will look into it." He then gives the half-elven girl a look of reassurance.
-----Sarius graciously accepts the scribbled note from Gimplefwick. Looking it over, he hands it to one of the guards.
-----Turning to everyone else, the Lord Chamberlain asks, "How many steeds do we need to provide? Captain Wispybeard, I mean this with the utmost respect, I believe you would be most comfortable on a pony from our fine stables. Would you not agree, Sol Herron?"
-----Rinda stands beside Raven with her arms crossed. Her long brown hair is swept back from her face and her eyes shine a clear crystal blue. Her skin a light tan from the spring season sun presents a soft contrast to the tan leather armor she wears covering her greenish garments. "My hunter," she says to Raven in a strong voice, "how soon do we go? Sol will need some time to show them how to ride." She nods toward the Dread Pirate, Kazel, and Seth.
-----Sarah nods at Sarius' statement. "Another of my father’s tests, I'm sure." She says somewhat dourly.
-----Sarah turns to leave to speak to her father, but leans closer to Sol and puts her hand up on his shoulder. "I'm sorry," she says sadly, "I have to act this way because I have to take this seriously this time. You remember what happened the last time I got too careless. I mean that turned out all right, but...you know...what if it hadn't?" Sarah looks into Sol’s eyes for a brief, begging for understanding, then just as quickly she looks away and begins to leave the room.
-----"Raven," she says over her shoulder, "Come get me when everyone’s ready." And like that, she's gone!
-----"Hey Sol, when do you want to do the riding lessons, now ?" To the rest of the group, Seth says, "I am ready to leave as soon as the lesson is over. I just need an extra hour to put my household in order and say good bye. Oh, I guess I had better stock up on some herbs. I can see the Lavender pillows will come in handy!"
-----As Sarah disappears, Seth shakes his head, "Does she always run off like that? I really, really need to talk to her about those crystals!"
-----Sol's only reply to Sarah is a reassuring glance, "See ye soon." he murmurs.
-----He nods in agreement at Sarius' suggestion of a pony for the Dread Pirate, "Probably for the best, otherwise he'd need a ladder just to mount up. As fer numbers, Sarah should already have a horse and I do . . . " Sol trails off.
-----It can be seen quite clearly. The idea manifesting in Sol's mind shows plainly on his face. He starts backstepping towards the exit, and begins waggling his forefinger at the group, "Those of ye who want riding lessons, bring yer mounts to the fields south of Hearthorn. Just beyond the bridge. Be there in 'bout half an hour. Walk them if you have to." Almost to the door, he looks at Sarius, "Could ye please have whatever's organized be delivered there as soon as possible. All I'd like is a week's worth of rations." Now at the doorway, he quickly gives a quick bow and turns to dash out. A call can be heard echoing its way back, "Raven, If ye have time, can ye come with me!?"
-----Kazel smiles and quietly nods back at Lord Sarius, a grateful look on her face. She then hops off the bench, back into her cheery mood in a flash. "Meet y'all later, then!" she says to no one in particular as she strides out the town hall, only to suddenly stop and turn to speak with the Sun Lord...
-----Finally, she steps off into the streets and quickly disappears among the crowds.
-----The Dread Pirate, seeing his note passed on, adds the following out loud, "Aye, I'll be needin some rations as well. And some saddlebags for me pony. Maybe if the Sun Lord would see his way clear to throwing in a couple healing potions, we'd be even better supplied for this little jaunt. Anyways, thank ye for the time and consideration, I'd best be headin off to the south o' town." Gimplefwick turns and walk off.
-----Raven watches the chaos around him in silence. Raven then says, "Rinda, let’s help Sol teach the other about horse riding. I'm no expert, but at least I know how to keep from falling off." Raven then says to Rinda, "Do you need anything before we leave?"
-----Raven says to the group before they start to leave, "We should meet tomorrow morning and start our hunt. We can spend today learning to ride and collecting the items we need. The group can continue to improve their riding skills on the journey. I'd rather not delay here too long. Remember that every day we're here the evil there grows stronger. Does everyone agree to meet in front of this building tomorrow at the crack of dawn?"