The Wildwood Commander presses forward, seeking support
Posted by Zahri on June 12 2014 21:01:42
Not to be deterred, Commander Dorne rested his men only long enough to make sure exhaustion would not be the death of them along the journey. He accepted Lord Audis' offer of fresh horses with a slight begrudging - but knew enough to keep his mouth shut.
A few hours before the break of dawn, they left the Villa and rode back northward. It was foolish to ride in near darkness, especially near the forest, but there was no way to get to his destination without taking the southwest trail around Midgaard. Hence, the cover of darkness.
One shortcut they could take, however - through the untamed lands of Heather Flats. One glare at the gathering Orcs sent them scurrying - for now. He declined the halflings' offer to have his men rest at Cottage Row, however, preferring instead to keep riding and hope his men could seek shelter for the night further on.
And then - there they stood - their feet solidly on the fabled 'Dwarven Trade Route'. For most of his men, this road was an unknown place, entirely new. The Willow Bridge stretches out before them, unmoving in the breeze. They bow to a watching Willow guard, and ask for an audience.
Amid the boughs of the Willow Tree, traveling downward to the Elven gardens, north through a clearing - the Spiriel Hall. The keeper of Elven knowledge and history...
Extended News
The Grand Duchess of the High Elves rises, greeting them warmly.
A soft smile teases on her lips, her white hair falling across her shoulders as she moves towards the party. The Commander bows. "Welcome." she replies. "There is much to discuss. How can we support your cause against the Rogues?" At Dorne's shocked look, she tilts her head.
"This has been prophesied for some time - the Elf who resided in the Midgaardian noble quarters saw visions of a burning Midgaard - and that has has not yet come to pass. But you, you Commander - you shall lead the charge that will bring Midgaard its knees - and I shall lead the efforts to rebuild it." She pauses, running her finger on the throne.
"For weeks the Elves and I have discussed what must occur - for we have begun to realize that our inattention, our inward-facing actions, our covering ourselves in the cloak of the past - that does not serve us well. It does not serve our benefactors well - you came through Heather Flats. You saw the halflings' struggles." Silence envelopes the hall.
The sun had just begun to rise above the boughs of the Willow Tree when Commander Dorne and the Duchess Saerba broke their discussion to eat.
"So... What do YOU want?" Saerba inquires, turning her gaze towards him. "Me?" he asks. "I do not want the throne, if that is what you are asking."
"But what I do need is men. Not just men for this cause, no - but builders to repair our Wall, guards to patrol it and watch our for signs of activity from Wildwood and the warped land beyond. You know that Tannah's appetite for destruction was awoken with the overtaking of Ofcol..." He pauses, a clear image of the now deceased Marshall Diana in his mind.
"It is not enough to take Midgaard. We then must hold it." Saerba nods, pondering.
"Perhaps we might ask the mortals for help to support our cause - neither of us have enough supplies at the moment, even pooled."
"Agreed. And then we shall draw up plans on how to best approach Midgaard and attack" Dorne concludes as he stands. He bows, exiting the room - leaving Saerba behind, lost in her thoughts.