-----Behind Lord Howrun's entourage, the adventurers walk out of the Herald's Inn and into the magnificent courtyard. Lovan sniffs the air and frowns at the gently floating clouds overhead.
-----Over by the temple, a long line has formed as Lord Howrun's troop donates to the temple. Just as the adventurers find their place in the line, Kylan runs up by Sol and Raven.
-----"My friends," the bard tells them, "If you seek the village of Gafa, you need only head to the southeast through the swamps from this place. Only five miles once you enter the marsh will you come upon a trail that will wind on and lead you onto the village."
-----"My thanks fer yer help." Sol glances at Raven and comments, "That makes it easy fer us I guess...Be well, Kylan."
-----Sarah nods to Kylan and waits to donate her coins and feathers. To Sol she says quietly, "You didn't want Mirian along did you?"
-----"I don't think we can provide th' same sort o' protection that a troop o' Howrun's elves can in their own demesne." Sol replies in low tones, "Things may well be hard enough heading int' Gafa without having t'protect everyone from that...bastard." Sol's fists grip tightly for a moment before releasing at the same time as the warrior sighs.
-----"Ah well, can't be helped. We will manage..." He smiles fondly at Sarah before looking to see if the line is moving at all.
-----Sarah smiles warmly at Sol and links her arm inside his, leaning up against his shoulder. "We always do." She says happily.
-----The line moves quickly. The adventurers make their offering and the small slight lady priest there gives them a blessing for their next journey.
-----The horses are brought forth to them in the courtyard and as they mount up, Roderon approaches them on horseback. "We go to the Town of Rushfen," he says looking at Sol and Raven before expressing a curious look on his face. He quickly adds, "But I feel as if you mean to part from us again."
-----Sol nods his reply before giving it verbally, "We intend t'head int' Gafa an' make sure everything is alright. We'll be in Rushfen as soon as we can. Safe journey, Roderun an' thanks fer yer help."
-----Raven chuckles, "You know us all too well Roderon. Keep your eyes open, these are dangerous times. Yes, safe journey."
-----The Lord's Ranger's face darkens with concern and surprise. "This is not wise counsel, my friends!" he says. "Lord Howrun awaits word from his troop, many of them sylvan elves and men of the woods!"
-----Leaning in and speaking lower, Roderon continues, "It is feared the swamps may have been taken by humanoids from Ravenhold. If their kind has crept through the marshes to the south, they may attempt to take Rushfen from the east and south while a main host assaults from the borders on the west! The Lord of Silvergard is distressed as he feels the call to the Hunt while answering the need to protect his people."
-----"So we shall be the hunters!" Rinda replies while maintaining the need for low voices.
-----Roderon pauses and looks about at the adventurers and their companions. At first he shakes his head, but then he glances about at his liege as he mounts and readies for the departure. With a bit of sadness, he turns back to the adventurers and says, "I would advise, let no one see you enter the marshes. Go as hunters, but be as scouts. If you find rumor of our troops alive or dead, do not tarry! Send word here if you find evil to the Herald's Inn, the Town of Rushfen and the village of Xyl, if you can! The people of the Silver Woods depend on you and I ride with hope that all fares well for you."
-----"Raven, ye can help us get int' th' marshes unseen can't ye. An' we will do what we can." Sol replies, realizing that the situation had escalated further that he had thought.
-----"Perhaps we should double back east an' north for a half hour..." The warrior then turns Thunder around to face the gates and waits for Raven to lead on.
-----Raven's mood turns more serious as the weight of Roderon's words sink in. Raven nods, "Your idea to double back sounds good."
-----Raven turns to Sarah, "Would you have some way to see if someone is following us after we leave the town? Maybe your little feathered friend could lend a hand?"
-----As Garrison mounts up, he catches Romney's eye. The guard from Oakwood is already on his steed with Mirian clinging on behind him. The dancer looks around at everyone with an expression that does not hide her fear.