-----Abram's brow darkens as he recalls, "As we waited within the abandoned building, the werewolves attacked costing us a few men. Being one of the first relief forces sent to the south, our commander felt it necessary to take a defensive stance and not thin more of our number by fully engaging the monsters."
-----"At about that time," Bradley chimes in, "the thieves began causing trouble. They began demanding everything from trying to assault the werecreatures to bemoaning the fact they were wanted for their crimes. Finally, we were able to fight the werecreatures off enough to reach an uneasy stalemate until morning."
-----"When the day dawned, the Lady Paladin felt the need to press on to Redmarsh and released the thieves with the promise that they would turn themselves in once they reached the Town of Oakwood. That was the last that we saw of them. It can only be hoped that they have seen justice by the time we arrive back in Oakwood."
-----Sol nods sagely at the relayed information and the grins as he suggests, "Well, it seems like a good time t'investigate th' local tavern, an' have a meal, an' perhaps an ale or two. At least once I convince th' physician . . . an Rinda . . . That I'm not going t'fall on my feet." The warrior then looks to those around, to see whose willing.
-----Roderon smiles and hands Sol a special feather from a pouch he carries. "I've got to stay here for now, my friends," he says as he looks at Sol and Raven. "Present this feather to the barkeep and you and your noble friends order what you wish. Lord Howrun will pick up your tab for you."
-----Just before they leave, the ranger adds, "Oh, and plan on staying here for awhile in Rushfen. We need valiant heroes such as you!"
-----Raven smiles and turns toward Rinda. "This will give us a chance to rest in a place that is more like home," he says to the huntress.
-----"You're right, my love," she says in return smiling, "that will give us and all of our friends time to heal properly." She then gives Sol a cross look, although a twinkle is seen in her eyes. "And I mean I want you fully healed before we ride out again!" she scolds the young warrior.
-----Romney pats Sol on the shoulder and tells him with a slight smile, "I will buy first rounds." His expression then turns more serious as he also mentions, "Abram and Bradley are here to bring me back to Oakwood. I must return to my post."
-----Garrison sighs and limps toward the tavern. "An ale would suit me fine, just now," he mutters.
-----Lovan's face seems a bit dark as he utters, "Damn, another dragon flies by and not enough clouds in the sky. I bet I could have brought that one down too. . ."
-----As they enter the tavern, they hear a voice call to them from the bar, "Welcome to the Gold Leaf Tavern." There behind the bar is a young stocky man with thick dark sideburns down the sides of his smiling face.
-----The Gold Leaf Tavern seems to be a nice and well-kept establishment. Its bare wood walls are light in color and many windows admit the bright morning light. Colored stones make up the fireplace where a large kettle is cooking something good to the senses. Many animal heads and hides adorn the walls near the ceiling.
-----Striding up to the bar, returning the barkeep's friendly smile, Sol proceeds to hand over the feather from Roderon, explaining, "Lord Howrun was kind enough t'provide fer us. Could we all get a serving o' lunch an' a round o' ales?"
-----Once the group is all settled at one of the tables, the warrior looks over at the Oakwood guards and relents, "It will be a shame t'lose ye, especially after just meeting up wi' Abram an' Bradley again. Still, ye've got t'do what ye've got t'do, an' help o' yer sort is definitely needed."
-----"Aye, my friend," Garrison says to Romney while echoing Sol's thoughts. "I know your duty is important to you, but we're really going to miss you."
-----Bradley then chimes in, "Well, we must be leaving in the morn, . . . but we are not venturing any place else tonight." Abram gives him a good-natured thump on the shoulder as Bradley takes the first ale from the barmaid.
-----"Aye," Romney says as all the first drinks have been passed out, "here is to those in remembrance of why we defend that that is so important to us. To Shema and Mirian."
-----Everyone drinks up.
-----"Aye, . . . aye," Lovan says after a healthy pull from his mug, "remember that green dragon we slew just days ago." A concentrated reflective look comes over the storm priest. "I would say its head almost touched the clouds!"