-----Sarah sees the stronghold and sighs in relief. 'Thank god, I can finally get the toad slime off me.' She thinks to herself. "Where is everyone moving out to within an hour's time?" She asks Sol quietly, not wanting to let Roderon on to the fact that she forgot where they were going with all that went on in the ruins.
-----"Rushfen, love." Sol replies in a similar tone, "Where we should be able t'get an idea o' what we're doing next. An' meet Abram an' Bradley too, wi' any luck."
-----The warrior dismounts and helps Sarah do the same. From there he indicates that Roderun should lead them inside the stronghold.
-----The Lord's ranger does indeed lead everyone through the large gates and portcullis into a wide courtyard. Atop the towers and keep and along the inner walls, banners and flags of blue and white are displayed. Before Roderon begins to speak, the adventurers can see that this stronghold is in excellent condition and provides a calm relaxing atmosphere. A large fountain featuring statuary of winged creatures is located in the center of the courtyard. Smaller trees are scattered here and there providing comfortable shading for relaxation.
-----"This stronghold," Roderon begins, "is taken care of by those who follow the ways of the Harbinger. We have very few of these in Silvergard and it is a shame. Not only do the grounds serve as a temple but also an inn and fest hall. Though it is not usually my taste to stay in such a place, the Herald's Inn, as it is called, maintains the highest of standards in an inn. The entire keep is the actual inn and what's more is that the rooms are free to the wayfaring patrons."
-----Pointing out a long single story building along the inside of the north wall, Roderon explains, "That is their temple and all they ask is that everyone make a donation however large or small they see fit. Curiously, the faithful to their deity bring feathers for their offering."
-----Young men wearing tabards of blue race up to the adventurers and offer to escort their horses to the stables.
-----Leaning in so that Raven, Sarah, and Sol can hear, Roderon adds, "The Herald is also the patron of spies and bards. It is for this reason that Lord Howrun wishes to stop here when he is in this region. Much information passes through here and the troops of elves and men know that the place is secure and reliable."
-----Just then someone runs from the front steps of the large keep. Everyone can see it is Mirian; her arms flung wide as she runs. A large smile is on her face and she calls to Sarah as she approaches.
-----Romney descends the steps behind her. The guard from Oakwood appears to keep his dignity although he seems anxious to speak with his friends.
-----Sol allows the young man to take Thunder away, at least he does after promising the golden steed that he would visit soon. After offering Mirian a friendly smile, Sol moves forward to speak with Romney, his greeting words being, "Romney, how fair ye?"
-----Sarah walks quickly up to Mirian and the two embrace like old friends. "How have things been with you?"
-----Sarah asks, then realizes what she just did and steps back quickly, "Oh Destine, I'm sorry I shouldn't have...." And checks quickly to make sure she didn't get any toad slime on her friend. "I need to get cleaned up." She says apologetically.
-----To Roderon, Sarah asks, "Are feathers preferred to coins because I have a lot of feathers? I always keep Chessie's feathers when he sheds them." She says like a proud mother would.
-----Romney smiles, but then his face turns grim as he responds quickly to Sol, "Everyone in Lord Howrun's troop is faring well here. Lovan is inside speaking with a minstrel. Mirian and I were in the Fest Hall until we received word you were returning. Lord Howrun is speaking with the priestess of this place."
-----He then pauses long enough to take in Garrison's bandages. Looking around at the heroes, he exclaims, "By Joren! You have seen battle!"
-----Garrison in return snickers before saying, "Aye, we fought lizards, hobgoblins, and trolls. Raven killed some kind of gargoyle and we met another wandering group. They gave me a healing potion to use so my wounds are not as bad as they were."
-----Raising his eyebrows, Garrison looks at Raven and Sol. Laughing, he says, "In the short time I've been with you, there has been some good tales to tell!"
-----"Eewww!" Mirian squeals, rubbing at some slimy stuff on her arms, "I don't even want to know what that is!" The dancer smiles and giggles before widening her eyes and grasping Sarah's arms anew.
-----"Sarah!" she says, "You should see the Fest Hall here! And they have a bard here who plays the lute! We can dance again!"