-----The burning anger is extinguished by the cold, calm water that washes over Thalog's face. Now, once again it turns to ice. "I suggest we find a less 'hostile' place to make introductions," he says as he regains control of his horse and mounts.
-----Raven nods back to the man and then while scanning the area for trouble Raven says, "Well, you found us. How is Arliss doing? Since you know who we are, what's your name?" Raven looks over to the girl to make sure she's okay.
-----Obviously annoyed at Thalog's demeanor, the man gives a shrug and turns and walks back to his horse, also returning his blade back to his scabbard. The three men hear him say, "We are just going to go somewhere safer to talk", to the elf.
-----"Thank you, kind sirs," the elven girl suddenly says to the four men, "but I must return to my own home. Before you go, I found something here among the stones before the rabbits interrupted me." With that, she holds up a small shiny black stone no bigger than a man's fingernail. "I also saw a set of stone stairs leading beneath this stone foundation." She points to a spot slightly covered with dead tall grass on the eastern side of the foundation. "The sun sets in an hour. Could you please escort me to the trail road just on the other side of these ruins?" Here she points to the west. "I will walk south to the village of Tru."
-----The rider mounts his horse and replies a simple, "Of course", to the girl's question.
-----Rand rides quickly towards the elven girl and says, "You are heading to Tru, you say? Perhaps you know of a man that lives there by the name of 'Heiros'?"
-----"Why . . . yes," the girl hesitates, revealing beautiful violet eyes, "I know of him." A surprised, but cautious tone is in her voice.
-----Rand bows deeply in return to the man in the surcoat and says, "May I inquire as to whom you might be, good sir?
-----Raven says, "Bah! Here is as safe as anywhere." He rides closer to the girl. "Sure, we'll escort you. If you like, we can follow you all the way home. You can never be too safe in these times. Up to you."
-----He then leans toward the girl, "Thank you for the letting us know about the ruins."
-----"My thanks to you again," she says, flashing a radiant smile. "I would be most appreciative if you would take me to the river-bridge. From there, it would be safe enough for me to walk into the village." Then a starry look crosses her face as she looks at the small black stone she holds. Softly, she says in a silky voice, "The key is in an ancient place." She shakes off her inner thoughts and holds the small stone out for Raven to take.
-----The man wearing the green surcoat turns his head to Rand and answers, "My name is Sol Herron and I was just a merchant guard till Arliss asked me to join you."
-----Raven rides closer to Sol, "'Just a merchant guard?' It sounds like a very dangerous job. Where has your travels brought you?" Raven seems honestly interested.
-----Thalog turns to Sol and says, "My name is Thalog. Tell me, how is it you came to know Arliss and to be here?"
-----Sol smiles at Raven as he answers, "Over the past two years, I have traveled with one merchant caravan or another, usually regular trips from Goria with gold, silver or ore merchants to different Altorian estates. Though this is my first time in Hearthorn."
-----He gives a slight grimace and continues, "As for dangerous, all I can say is I have not had cause to draw my blade more than once while at work, and that turned out to be a harmless event anyway. The reason for the lack of danger is that Nor barbarians always pose a threat in Goria, so the merchants usually hire plenty of guards, which doesn't bother them, because their profits are usually disgustingly large."
-----After clearing his throat he turns his head to Thalog and continues, "As for Arliss and my being here...well that's more coincidence than anything else. A merchant caravan I was with was on its way to Hearthorn city when Arliss intercepted us leading an orcish prisoner. He spoke with my employers and made some deal with them, for he then came to me and asked if I could come and give any aid I can to you."
-----Sol's expression betrays some uncertainty for a moment before he finishes, "I don't really know why I was the guard Arliss approached, for I admit, I was nowhere near being the most experienced among them."
-----"So....ah.....what exactly are we doing here?", Sol asks the group.