Lothar watched Calinder and Rhasa go about their tasks, unsure as to how he should approach the elf. Whenever the magician thought he had worked up enough courage to approach her, doubt crept into his mind and caused him to reconsider the attempt. It was a peculiar dance, a tentative step forward here, a hurried double step back there.
Of all the things that the Vudrani could experience, this uncertainty was perhaps the most crippling to him.
After a quick look through the mass of people Barnabus goes back to each individual family.
"Is anyone injured or you have something which is broken, I am a tinkerer one who mends things."
Having made their way here, the caravan of colonists under Samlor Hil-Sampt's leadership is already quite well organised. Younger men serve as outriders whilst older men and womenfolk drive the wagons. The shepherd has an open cart which tired sheep ride on, but most of them walk, herded by his 2 dogs and 3 sons. (His wife drives the cart.)
Rhasa meets with the outriders to determine their organization/methods so she can see where she can benefit the group most rather than making them change something that has been working thus far.
She also sketches in the dirt for them the route to the fort along with any places that she feels might be a concern - steep slopes, river crossings, low areas that might pose an issue after a rainstorm, etc.
Calinder seeing that the group is already fairly well organized and not in dire need of any assistance, just goes from one group to another chatting about this and that, and answering any questions that may arise.
He watches as Rhasa goes off to talk with the caravan outriders. Then hearing Barnabus ask if anyone needs healing or items repaired, turns and goes to join Barnabus.
"Hello Barnabus, these folks look pretty well prepared, but it is good of you, of us to make sure. Thank you for helping."
Turning to the folks that Barnabus was speaking with, he say, "Well my good folks what is you are most looking forward to in your new home?"
Once the business is done with finding suitable members for the ruling council, Gorguk looks to see what else is in need of doing before the group leaves. To that end however he sees that the rest of the Wardens have it well in hand. Rhasa was talking to the outriders about the safest path to take, Barnabus and Cal were tending to any hurts, ailments or concerns the people had. Lothar was present and quiet as he had been lately but seemed ready to help should the need arise. All in all it seemed the group was as set as possible to begin their next journey.
Barnabus nods at the travelers as each in turn requires no aid.
"Aye friend Caliendar it seems all is well organized here, mayhap we have time tah scribe a scroll or make other preparations."
"What name fer tha kingdom? I had thought a little, but people can not root to a place tha has no name."
Rhasadilara reports back to Gorguk and the others that the outriders know their tasks well and are ready to move out. "We've discussed the route and have one in mind. I'll take the lead with any of you that wish to join me. Just tell me when."
Hearing of the lads that want to learn to make use of the lake, Rhasa makes a mental note to see what she can do to help them do so safely. But the move comes first, so she says nothing yet.
Calinder smiles at the answers he receives from the good-wives of the farmers. "All in good time folks, all in good time. It will not be long before you are settling into your new homes, after they have been built first of course."
Barnabus nods at the travelers as each in turn requires no aid.
"Aye friend Caliendar it seems all is well organized here, mayhap we have time tah scribe a scroll or make other preparations."
"What name fer tha kingdom? I had thought a little, but people can not root to a place tha has no name."
"If we're leaving in the morning, it leaves not much time for scribing, unless it was a simple magical power. It may have to wait until we get back to the fort."
Perhaps Oleg has materials though for such an undertaking, Gorguk chimes in after the talk has quieted about leaving immediately and he can join his fellow wardens. For myself i am hoping to commission a new armor for myself or Durok once we have the materials and time.
Clapping the man on the back Gorguk nods that at least there will be the availability to craft armor for himself or Durok. If Gorguk does not have the time then he can hire the job done. That is yet to be decided tough as everyone has to arrive first. Once things quiet down, he goes to sleep and ride off in the morning with the group following Rhasa's outriders.
"True words"
Barnabus looks at the map at Oleg's, thunking that the evenings work would be in updating that map....
... and in the morning Gorguk follows Rhasa's lead. Items of being with the outriders though he maintains his position directly with the caravan ensuring that if something re to finds their way past the front guard he would be there waiting for it. Gorguk maintains this vigil until they reach the fort. If needed he will use his lay on hands to relieve the fatigue of those traveling.
Rhasa works with the lead rider, giving some suggestions for the route, but largely lets him lead. She will range out away from the caravan in hopes of spotting threats - or hunting opportunities - before the caravan comes to its attention. Periodically, she circles back around to ride with the lead and find out what he's seen from his position, especially when Sunset needs a rest.
She will drop back to apprise Gorguk of anything interesting she sees, but won't generally trouble him with details.
Barnabus keeps a vigil, riding nearer the wagons and settlers. He tries to keep a watch that allows his magic to maintain advantage over any sudden battles that erupts.
He tries to blend in with the settlers knowing that often spellcasters are the first targets of arrows and sling stones....
Calinder rides along with the wagons speaking encouraging words as they ride towards the fort. He also engages in any conversations that may strike up.
Although Calinder is talking to the settlers, he is also keeping watch and listening for anything unusual.
Barnabus watches the outriders as well seeing how they scan the area ahead sometimes flanking left and other times flanking right, as the outriders cover more distance and scout the best route ahead.
He knows that Rhasha will ensure the wagons do not get stuck in mud, nor will they travel over harsh ground.
Barnabus watches the outriders as well seeing how they scan the area ahead sometimes flanking left and other times flanking right, as the outriders cover more distance and scout the best route ahead.
He knows that Rhasha will ensure the wagons do not get stuck in mud, nor will they travel over harsh ground.
When the caravan is still several hours out, Rhasadilara will ride out ahead to warn the fort of their imminent arrival. "Your new neighbors are almost here, gentlemen, if you had plans to make a good first impression, now's the time."
"Tha men hast been afield, let us confir wit tha hunters o any sightins err tracks seen in tha wilds."
Barnabus feels a bit sad for the riders, and the mounts that carry them that they can not become light like a breeze upon neither the animal nor their own backsides during the long trek.
With a sigh of relief Gorguk sees the fort's walls in the distance. Announcing to the group that their destination was almost realized they broke into smiles. The sense of energy was palpable as they seemed to rush to finish the final leg. As they got closer Gorguk approached the sheep herder, I think these hills would be a good place for your flock. I talked it over with the rest of the Wardens and they agree. Good luck here and I hope to see how ll you do.
Likewise, Gorguk approaches the smith, Your services are going to be needed soon. To that end, the Wardens have decided to make sure you are up and running quickly. May Erastil bless you and your forge. Good luck.
Gorguk will continue to talk to individuals and give them reassurances or blessings as needed.
Calinder smiles as Gorguk speaks with each group of settlers and makes suggestions to them for as to where they could settle. Calinder also takes a moment to speak with each of the groups and leave Erastil's blessings with them.
He then turns toward the fort and looks forward to be home once again.
That sounds good then. It will be good to know who is where and what they plan on doing to help make this fledgling community a thriving city. I am even thinking about having some people farm nearby and possibly getting a mill going to cut the trees from the forest nearby. That way we will have the resources available for future buildings.
After the return and the settlers are getting themselves established, Gorguk will ask the Wardens what the next step they should take is. Continue to explore the areas around here or resolve some of the problems we have already come across?
Better to solve any problems we may have now than to leave and allow them to fester into something much worse.
Barnabus assists the tent city in ensuring the area of the tents is began with the removal of grass, brush and ensuring a respectable distance is maintained between any two tents.
Using the hidden tunnel, Lothar slipped into the fort. The magician avoided many of its occupants in his search for one individual.
Dovan. I would have words with you.
Once he was done discussing the ex-bandit's plans regarding the future, the magician made his way to the central tower. Lothar regarded it with a critical eye. He hadn't settled on a place to call his own within the fortification, but something about this structure appealed to Lothar. He would talk to Gorguk and the others to see what would need to be done to lay claim to this for his very own.
But before he could do that, there was one other thing that Lothar needed to do. And in his mind, it was perhaps the hardest task of all.
He made his way to the main gate and after calling for it to be open, the Vudrani set out to locate Rhasadilara. Before anything else could done, Lothar needed to settle up with her first.
Barnabus looks to the fort and then again to the wagons and tents, at the moment he is not certain which area would be the best to spend the evening in or even near. Perhaps he will spend the evening away from the fort, but then again his aid in repairs might be needed.
Barnabus thinks about the possibilities and decides a meal within the fort, a quick check on the progress and then a flight through the night air would be the best thing.
Rhasadilara visits with the new arrivals, trying to get a feel for their needs and expectations (adjusting them if she feels it necessary) and making plans to travel with those that might need to see a specific area and whether it suits their needs - such as those that intend to farm, log, raise sheep; the folks that will need something in particular from the land.
She's easy to find.
Gorguk spends the time back getting the new settlers acclimated to the former bandits and vice versa. Once introductions are done Gorguk let's the people get on with their lives the best way they know how. Less interference from him would allow greater freedom. He lets them all know though that if help is needed to not be afraid to ask.
Barnabus reports to the others...
"Tha dry grass was raked afore tha tents went up an all err further apart, with a bucket o water fer each fire. Tha latrines was set tah be dug, not too far afield."
Barnabus stables his horse and oils the saddle....
"I intend tah be out tha evenin right after dinner."
Enjoy your evening foray Barnabus. Keep an eye out on anything unusual. It hasn't been that long since we have cleared this area and who knows what may still be out there. If you need me I will be here checking up on what the group has been doing since we left. I am sure Akiros will have a good report. Besides I need to ask him if Hess willing to help our cause further by being on the council.
To that end Gorguk will find Akiros and talk to him about his future and the possibility of being with the Wardens.
Rhasadilara checks to be certain that Sunset's settled back into the stable and goes up on the walkway where she can stare out into the darkness surrounding the fort and where she can consider the tents of the individuals wanting to start their new lives here.