-----"I think we're due to reach Rushfen by nightfall," Garrison says, "Do we want to tramp through the swamps after the sun goes down?"
-----"Then again," he continues as if thinking aloud, "Sarah's father said he'd meet us in Rushfen. At least if we don't show up, he may come looking for us."
-----"My fellow guardsmen are to be in Rushfen tomorrow," Romney adds. "If we journey into the swamps today we could make it to Rushfen by tomorrow, but that would not allow for much time for rest."
-----"Plus," Garrison says lowering his voice, "we may have that elven assassin on our tail."
-----"I think Raven's right. We SHOULD go today, if only for the villagers' sake." Sol affirms before looking at Romney, "Because of that very assassin, Romney, I'd appreciate it if ye continue on t'Rushfen wi' Mirian, under th' extra protection o' Lord Howrun's troop."
-----Sol pauses a moment, seeing first if Romney is alright with that, "Make sure she's set up wi' a decent guard till we get back. I've no doubt th' assassin is still on our trail, so wi' any luck he'll follow th' rest o' us down t'Gafa."
-----His smile then turns somewhat grim as he still looks at Romney, though he speaks to everyone, "Besides, we've gone this long wi'out decent rest...another day won't make that much difference."
-----"Well an' good then, unless anyone has further objections, once Lord Howrun has finished here, we'll let him know we're parting fer now." The Gorian leans back in his chair and awaits any possible objections or comments.
-----"All due respect to you, Sol," Romney replies, "but Garrison looks as though he could use more rest than any of us. If for healing than for anything else. Perhaps he could escort Mirian and Lord Howrun's troop to Rushfen while I accompany you this time."
-----"What foolishness you say?!" Garrison erupts, "I'm not that badly hurt and I've had tending and a healing potion. I know how to sidestep those lizards now!" The woodsman smiles as he adds his last statement. "You don't need to leave me behind."
-----"Ah!" Lovan says with a wild light in his eyes, "I sense a fury! A storm that calls us hence!"
-----Garrison and Romney both look oddly at the storm priest.
-----"No," Mirian says tearfully. Placing a hand on Sarah's arm, the dancer says, "You all can't leave me!"
-----"Romney, If ye'd prefer t'come wi' us this time, then I have no problem with that. Garrison, I know yer eager t'come wi' us, but perhaps this time ye can avoid th' swamps ye don't seem t'like an' protect Mirian. Could ye keep Mirian safe fer us?" Sol's eyebrow raises slightly and his smile seems to be friendly, though it seems to hold a tinge of amusement.
-----Whatever the case, the smile drops as he looks at Mirian, "As much as we' prefer t'keep yer company, fer this short while we're heading into an unknown situation, probably dangerous. More t'th' point, the assassin is still about, an' yer safety is too important t'risk. We will be back soon."
-----Once again, Sol looks around at the group. Sarah's eyes flicker back and forth at everyone and their words. She smiles warmly as Mirian clutches her dress. She cups a hand under the dancers face, "Don't cry dear, I just had this dress cleaned." She says smiling to show she's just poking good-natured fun. She reflects on how Mirian has probably been the only real new friend she's had the past couple weeks and also realizes that she'll miss her if the group splits up.
-----"Well, I see a few things here, I for one don't mind trekking through every swamp in the world if it means we get to people who need our help faster. But on the other hand if I don't sleep tonight I won't be able to cast any spells tomorrow. Which would limit my effectiveness quite dramatically." She shrugs apologetically. "As for the issue of the assassin..." Sarah gets a wicked gleam in her eyes. "I think maybe forcing him to follow us through a swamp may be just the thing to throw him off guard. He's clearly at home in the elven cities. Maybe in the wilderness Raven, Rinda and Garrison's expertise can help us catch him or her. I can cast a spell on myself to make me look quite similar to Mirian. That would make it even more confusing for him."
-----Sarah realizes that some people may not think this is the best course, "Look, all I'm saying is that we can protect Mirian a lot better if she's with us. Let's rest here tonight and then take her through the swamps to Gafa tomorrow." Sarah glances around. "And I think my father can find us wherever we go, we can head to Rushfen after we check on Gafa."
-----"Well, as close t'Rushfen as we are, we'd best be resting there fer tonight if rest is what we chose to do. But as you mentioned Sarah, if the people of Gafa could use our help now..." Sol looks thoughtful for a moment before continuing, "Raven, what say ye? Rinda? Sarah has mentioned one possible course o' action, I another. We'll need t'decide soon."