Subject Coincedence

Salix and Mund are almost the last two to arrive in the conference room. The others are all eating and Angelwing waves them over to a table laden with food. Salix represses his eagerness to be gone, knowing that MountainSister Sephira is waiting for him out at the willow grove. He piles his plate full of fruits and cheese and bread, while Mund fills his with meatier fare. In fact Mund's plate is so full he has to use a hand to keep everything on. When Salix looks at him askance, Mund mumbles "Hey, you don't know when we're going to be eatin next, so a fella's got to fill up when he can." Salix shakes his head and chuckles to himself.

Everyone talks amongst themselves quietly. The room goes silent when Kal enters the room. His long brown hair has been cut back almost to the scalp. His face is fatigued and his eyes have dark circles under them. He looks like he has aged years just over night. However tired he looks though, his face is serene and he moves with a calm grace. He wares a simple white tabard of the Silver Swords and sits next to Angelwing, not talking much with the others.

After about 20 minutes, when most every one has finished eating, Angelwing stands and moves to the front of the room. "Friends, I want to thank you for coming here today. I have good news. With the clue that Lothnar supplied we think we have deciphered where the next gem is." He looks ready to continue when Salix holds up his hand. Angelwing stops for a second, not used to being uninterrupted while speaking. "Yes Salix?" Salix stands, slightly embarrassed to have the whole room looking at him.

"Commander, before you go much further, I must inform you that I have been called back to the Great North Woods. Late yesterday I received a message from the StormFather. He has requested my assistance in a mission of some importance and I must make all haste. Another druid awaits me and we must leave before the day is done." Mund interrupts Salix "Yeah, and I'm goin with him." Salix grimaces at Mund's announcement, having hoped to ease the telling to the others. "Mund is going with me, as I have asked him if he would. My order has asked me to bring any who would be willing. I understand that many in our group will be going on a mission to get the next gem, but I, nor Mund, will be on that mission."

"I also extend my invitation to those not already committed: Ranthir and Surin. I would be honored if you would travel with me." The two mentioned look a bit stunned at the offer. Angelwing looks a bit stunned at this news but for some reason a smile spreads across his face. "Friend Salix, there is no problem. It is the StormFather that we need to see. I do not have the clues here, but Brother Orlpar says that the prophecy clearly states that the head druid of the Great North Woods was entrusted with the knowledge of where one of the gems is. It's location was supposed to be handed down from one to the next, so we need to go there as well."

"Sword Sergent Harp, Brother Ragnar, Allistair and Kal will accompany you, by your leave. They will return with the gem once the StormFather has given it to them. Since this will be in the Great North Woods, I will put them under your command, as long as it does not violate any of the oaths that they have already sworn. I would ask you to educate them on the ways of nature and how things work in the Great North Woods. As the StormFather asked me to allow you to accompany Harp's mission, now I ask you to allow our followers to accompany you on your mission."

Salix hesitates. He did not want command, but who better in the group if they were going into the North Woods. Maybe he could get that Kal to see that there were other ways to view the world. And it wasn't like they were going to do anything dangerous. They just had to find the StormFather and he would give the gem to Harp and the others and this would be done. "I am thankful for the help."

"Good, it's settled them. When do leave?" "Today, with in the hour." There are a few coughs from around the table as people sputter their lunch. "Angelwing laughs. "Sergeant Harp, get your people ready. You have 45 minutes to meet Salix in the courtyard or you loose your promotion." Chairs bang on the ground as Harp, Ragnar and Allistair leave the room to ready themselves for the trip. Anglewing turns to Kal. "My first command to you is that you go with the others from the Order. Harp will be your commanding officer, but you will also listen to Salix. Use this time to learn, to grow. Watch Harp. See how he deals with the challenges he faces. Now go." Kal stands and bows stiffly to Angelwing. The elf heads out of the room and bows to Salix as he leaves.

"Well, I guess I had better go get packed up as well" Mund mutters to himself. "Me too" Salix says and they are off with Surin and Ranthir to get ready for the trip.

OODM: If you want to have any other discussion before everyone gets ready to leave go ahead.

Subject Coincedence

OOC: I can just hear the DM going "Muahahahah!!!" when I read that. :)

question: How is it that Anglewing has authority to order Alistair what to do?