-----A few people are observed who appear to be tradesmen and are perhaps employed here in this stronghold. Most of the other people are those wearing the blue and white tunics and tabards of the Herald. One notable exception is two crusty looking older men laughing heartily as they obtain flagon after flagon of drink from the attendants.
-----Rinda smiles at Raven's attention and returns a kiss to him. Lowly, she whispers to him.
-----Sol is seen speaking to the young bard and the storm priest. After a few moments, the Gorian leads Lovan and the minstrel over to the table.
-----The bard is a young man with light brown, not so much unlike a musician who the adventurers had once traveled with. The light traveling clothes of this man however are different hues of blue. Before introductions are made, the bard bows to those at the table and smiles broadly.
-----"Everyone, this is Kylan." Sol introduces the minstrel with a hand gesture, and then begins to point to his friends, "Kylan, here we have Sarah, Raven, Rinda, Romney, Garrison an' Mirian. If any o' ye have stories o' our journeys ye'd like t'share, Kylan would appreciate hearing them."
-----First making sure the smiling Herald has a seat, Sol then makes his way back to his own one by Sarah. Raven looks away from Rinda for moment to greet the minstrel. With slight smile Raven says, "How goes your story gathering today, Kylan?"
-----Kylan's smile fades a bit as he replies, "It is quite successful this day, though I fear all tidings do not bode well. The Esteemed Furious Master of Storms, Lovan of the Rager has spoken of your gallant journey from Hearthorn. You now accompany the noble troops of Lord Howrun to the Town of Rushfen, so with the hopes that the tongue of this minstrel is not speaking without leave, I will relate to you perhaps what Lord Howrun is learning from our Lady of the Herald."
-----The bard nods to where the Lord of Silvergard is sitting across the room intently listening to the woman identified as Alison Mercan.
-----Clearing his throat, the young man leans in toward the table gently placing his musical instrument carefully in front of him. His light blue eyes reflect warmth and alertness as he looks at the listeners about the table. For a moment, his expression changes to one of surprise and recognition as he focuses on Sarah. In the next instant, he apologizes to her saying, "Forgive my reaction, MiLady. You do so much resemble the Lady Overseer of Rushfen. Though I am honored to be in the presence of one so fair, I beg that you overlook my rudeness."
-----Relaxing, he then begins to tell the tidings that he knows, his voice taking on a pleasing and melodic quality as if he is putting his words to song.
-----"A mere four leagues to our southwest," Kylan begins, "lies the woodland town of Rushfen. Its solid wall of Amberwood protects a people numbering thirty-five score. Between the mounds of forested hills the town has been nestled safely. But many more leagues beyond its walls is the border of our foes."
-----"There it is said that orcs do march and other things of evil. From there they say the evil ones advance upon the Silver Woods. To here they stalk and steal by night and look to gain a foothold. And so it is, they use Rushfen to scurry to the northern lands.
-----"Now to the south and southeast," he continues, "the great marsh of Rushfen doth start. There within its depths, the village of Gafa is. One day hence, the Lord has sent his troop of elves and archers. But no word is heard, no scouts return and the swamps do not give answers."
-----"Village o' Gafa, eh?" Sol ponders out loud, "Perhaps after we have been t'Rushfen, we could offer t'Lord Howrun our services there."
-----"Swamps and marshes," Garrison says glumly. As he lets the thought mull around a few moments, he adds, "I suppose we might see more large lizards and hop toads."
-----"See what?" Mirian asks quickly. It is hard to tell if her voice reveals excitement or fright.
-----"Black Dragons are said to dwell in swamps," Lovan says sternly. An all too familiar fierce light begins to play in his eyes.
-----"Dragons?" Mirian exclaims in astonishment. She finds herself edging toward Romney as he sits close to her.
-----The guard from Oakwood simply narrows his eyes as if deep in thought.
-----Rinda speaks up, turning to Raven, though all at the table can hear her. "We watched Lord Howrun send his troop off yesterday before we came to Xyl. There were many elves and hunters among them. It does not sound good that hunters would be lost in their own woods."
-----Raven says, "If there has been no word from the troops sent to Gafa, that might be a sign that Gafa might need help sooner than later. Given there were hunters with the troop, they are not lost." Raven pauses and then lets out a low growl, "I know not their fate, but my gut tells me we should head to Gafa and help find the lost troops."