-----The Lord of Silvergard smiles and answers, "Aye, I hear the Storm Ragers be scattered throughout Rushfen. There be three of their strongholds I know of betwixt here and the Town of Rushfen. I know of no trouble they bring to the Silver Woods though my elven troops keep a watch on all within the great forests."
-----Glancing at Lovan from the corner of his eyes, Howrun adds, "Judging from your companion, it may be wise for me to seek an alliance with them."
-----Remaining silent for most of this journey, Romney surveys the village before them with an uncertain look. His heavy brow furrows as if he tries to make sense of the place.
-----As they approach within a few yards of the first buildings, everyone can see that the village of Xyl boasts the same establishments that most village and towns do. A large long wooden building houses a busy trader's post. Just a few feet beyond, a large stables belonging to a teamster is located. Next a smaller home features a sign over its door with a painting of bows and arrows on it.
-----A slight hint of wood fires, leather and wet grass carries through the air with the steady drops of rain. Even though the weather is damp, many people are out and about traveling from place to place. Humans, as well as elves and half-elves seem to make up the citizenry here.
-----As the great entourage passes into the village, they are greeted by friendly waves by most who recognize Lord Howrun.
-----Two small elven girls giggle and wave after pointing excitedly at Sarah and Marlexana. The two girls wearing clothes of green tinged with violet stand under the porch of the trader's building. Quickly they leap off the porch and run behind the building, disappearing among the trees there, still giggling happily.
-----The hunters see many of the people clothed in woodland attire, reminding them of their own home in WilderHaven.
-----Sarah resists the urge to express how cute she thinks the little elven girls are, settling for merely waving back happily. "What a nice place this is." She says merrily, as usual in her own little world and paying no particular mind as to where the party is going.
-----Sol nods his thanks to Lord Howrun and slows Thunder's pace till he is with the party once more. He looks at both Raven and Sarah and says, "Did ye hear that, Raven, about the Stormlord's followers? As long as we are spending the next while in rest, it should be alright to drop in on one of these strongholds on the way to Rushfen." Slowly, he runs a hand over the wetness of the rainfall against his cheek as he regards the group.
-----Sarah glances at Lovan, then back at Sol with raised eyebrows, as if to question his desire to meet more people like Lovan. She has matured enough to know that she shouldn't whine out loud.
-----Being caught off guard Raven says, "What? Visit some of the Rager's strongholds?" Raven nods, "Aye, I don't see why not." Raven looks over at Lovan, "Should be interesting to say the least. They could also have helpful information about this area."
-----Sol agrees with Raven with a nod and turns to grin at Sarah's expression. "Should be interesting..." He echoes softly before pushing Thunder to once more catch up with the Lord of Silvergard.
-----Once he's by the man's side, Sol offers to him, "Lord Howrun, I'm not sure how serious ye were about some sort o' agreement wi' th' stormlord's followers, but it appears my companions are willing t'visit at least one o' these strongholds. If yer interested, I could take a message t'th' them fer ye."
-----"Nay!" Lord Howrun grunts, "Tis no need, the strongholds lie to the southwest of here. Our entire company will pass close by them without need of straying from our direction."
-----A clanging is heard off to the left as the party passes by the busy establishment of the village's blacksmith. The workplace is an open area with a roof structure that covers the forge and the worktables. At least two young men are seen hammering metal over shiny anvils.
-----To the right a wagon pulls up to the workhouse of a cooper where a stack of barrel is waiting to be loaded.
-----"Agooddaytoye,LordHowrunandthynoblecompany!" comes a small high voice speaking so quickly the words are hard to follow. Looking down everyone sees a trio of gnomes wearing the aprons and gloves of trade workers. Their ruddy brownish skin almost matches the dark wood that makes up most of the village. Their hoods of brown and tan droop a bit from the precipitation looking rather comical but the wide grins on their faces reflect a warm welcome.
-----Suddenly seeing Sarah, each gnome snatches off his hood and bows lowly. "Ablessingtoseeyeamongstus,MiLady!" one calls.
-----Garrison chuckles, saying, "I think I like the little people here better than those we met in Redmarsh."