Two horsemen ride up to a tavern...

Taking the utensils from Marianne Kou jots down the message and stows in his pouch. Still a bit embarrassed at his lack of preparation he looks & says "Thank you. I have no wish to bring war to the village, as you said we do not have the resources for it. This problem may be beyond our collective capabilities to handle, we should seek additional allies. The Heartlands government may have vested interest in assisting Fireblade, reaching out to them may bring the means to solve the Orc problem once and for all." 

Marianne winces at the mention of the authorities. "We have kept the Heartlands from interfering  around here for a long time," she says. "We pay our taxes and nothing more. There's no garrison here, there's no government here. We'd very much prefer to keep it that way. The Heartlands likes to..." She pauses thoughtfully for a moment, then continues. "...meddle." She gives a surreptitious glance over her shoulder to Na'arik. "We'd like to keep them out of this, if at all possible."  

Kou sighs and says "Then we will speak with the community leaders you mentioned.  Would your staff be able to send word to them?  It may be best to have a gathering at the tavern so we can hear all of the leader's voices at once." Pausing he looks back to Marianne "Though if your town already pays taxes to the Heartland it seems best to seek the protection that should provide. As you said we are not an army, the orcs we encountered seemed well armed if they truly have a city there could be many more. If it comes to it is your autonomy worth the destruction of Fireblade?"

After letting Kou take borrow his chalk, Cal quietly sat back and watched as the various members of the group congregated around to dole out their litany of solutions. He kept quite still in his seat, never raising his head more than a few inches to follow along as his eyes traced lines from one speaker to the next. Lower down, his gut twisted itself about as the spindly old wizard began musing over new ideas for threats of retribution on the orcs. He didn't even realize at first he'd started shaking his head. However, when the discussion turned to reaching out to the community leaders and of the orcs themselves, he perked up. Speaking up seemed rather futile, but Katrin's words from the night before echoed in his ears... "I know my views aren't exactly in line with many of y'alls but," he looks to the dwarven woman across the room, sitting next to another young girl, "I feel it's important to consider all angles." He stands up to his full height to look out over everyone and clears his throat, "Now I know there's a lotta bad blood between the folks here and the orcs, and people have every right to hate 'em and wanna see 'em killed and whatnot, I get that for sure! But Ms. Marianne just said something mighty important just now I fear is getting drowned out here so I figure it oughta be pointed out again: There's a real bad famine going on here, huh?" He glances over to Marianne, "Affecting farmers and fishermen and orcfolk too, yea? Well yesterday we recovered some wheat and goods stolen by those orcs we fought. And as has been pointed out they're prideful and desperate. They don't have enough food and feel already like their lands were taken. Makes sense to me they'd decide to ride out and attack to take what they see as their own." Pausing for a moment, he raises a hand to rub the back of his head, "Anyway all this is to say, I feel like we're all overlooking the simpler, more peaceful solution here: If we appeal to the Orcs with aid and help them get food in a way that doesn't involve raiding, they won't have any need to attack Fireblade!" His long spiel completed, he gives an awkward, uneven smile and looks around at the lot of them, hoping some may see his reasoning.

Rose shakes her head as Katrin slides back into her seat. "Dad would love to be of help. You know how he is." Katrin nods. A few minutes pass before Cal stands to speak. She watches him, listening, a smile growing on her face.  "I'll be right back." She walks over the tall Firbolg. "Glad to have you back, friend." She claps him on the back as she speaks, though due to the height difference, it's closer to his lower back than anything else. She turns to the group. "I may thirst for combat and blood, but I also know when to bow to peace. Perhaps Cal is right. It's not just the people of the Heartlands who are suffering. We are all a part of this, Orc or otherwise. And war is brewing. Every day, more and more are conscripted into the King's army to fight a war that will only make this famine worse." She looks Cal in the eyes. "My sister is facing conscription. And I don't want her to be dragged into a war."    

Thrandimir sighs and grunts in barely contained irritation and frustration. He sees the sense in why they cannot simply take the fight to the orcs, but it flies in the face of his desire to see justice done - however bloody. "You really believe that these brutes can be reasoned with?" He asks Callahan with a raised eyebrow. The wizard cannot help but keep a hint of derision from colouring his tone. Nevertheless, the question is anything but rhetorical.

"I doubt they will listen, but it may buy the people here more time to prepare. I said before we are not an army, you won't stand out in front of their battle line to take their charge will you? I trust in the strength of my arm, the skills I have learnt and my courage is great, but I also am no fool. Look around, without help from elsewhere this small group of individuals could not stand against a city's worth of orcs, even if they all fought like heroes of old. There just arent enough of us. We need another plan. Allies, magic, assassination, but not just to goad them into a full on assault of the place we wish to remain unharmed ." Kaed seems to have shocked himself with his lengthy response. His hands push loose strands of hair from his face, as much for something to do as for appearances sake. "If we could take them in battle, I would be with you all the way, old one. But I do not wish to risk the lives of the villagers to sate my own lust for battle."

Marianne raises her eyebrows at the empowered speeches. "I have offered no reward for further services," she says. "The problem is handled for now, and if this city is as far away as you say it is, it will take two weeks or more for them to reach here with any sizeable force. I do not see a future where we can match them in terms of numbers. They are a whole nation rallied by a common goal. This country cannot decide if it should fight one war, much less another."  She ponders something for a moment. "But young Callahan may have a point...." she trails off, then says, "Give me a few hours."  She turns and walks from the table, pausing next to Na'arik. She rises up on her tip-toes to whisper into his ear, then heads through the kitchen door. 

Ascian listens to the back and forth, tiredly rubbing his eyes with his thumb and forefinger over the bridge of his nose. Marianne voices exactly what he’d been thinking - no further reward would insinuate his work here is done. And yet he still feels compelled to mutter,  “There’s barely enough food to feed the humans, much less orcs. They’ve been here. They know it. They’ll see the offer as a sign Fireblade is weak and now is the time to attack. This doesn’t buy time it loses it.” He glances at Thrandimir before back to the others, aware this again won’t be popular. “Orcs are militant. Might is right. Taking something is what gives it nobility. Not negotiating for it.”

Kou nods in agreement with Ascian & Kaed's points. They would need help, beyond the meager resources and knowledge the farmers of fireblade possessed. And the orcs would likely see any offering as weakness, but Marianne seems resourceful. "I have to agree with Ascian, the orcs are proud race with their own type of honor. They would view an offering as cowardice, and likely push them to take more." He pauses and looks at Marianne as she disappears through the kitchen door. "Though Marianne and Na'arik are very resourceful and powerful in their own right, they may have something that could change this equation. But if it comes to it, I believe we should convince the villagers that they need allies. And if they choose independence as is their right. I will honor their choice and will be forced to leave them to their fate."

Ascian nods, taken somewhat off guard by Kou’s agreement but not at all objecting.  “As will I.”

Katrin grinds her teeth silently at Kou's last statement. I will not leave Rose and her family to that fate. If it came down to it, she'd take Rose with her, far away from this little village, somewhere safe. But what was safe anymore? If the Orcs really were prepared to fight a war, the kingdom was fucked as far as she could see. Unless a peace between the Heartlands and Dragoncrest could be brokered, there was a potential for a war on two fronts. And the Heartlands would never survive that. Especially with a famine. She admired Cal for his determination and his integrity in staying true to his morals. But a part of her agreed with the wizard. And part of her wanted to run far away.   

Thrandimir nods emphatically while Ascian speaks. "I do not wish to provoke an invasion, but orcs respect only strength and now is the time show that. Fireblade must send a clear message that it is no easy target. If they see you as vulnerable, they will strike."

Shaking his head "This is not a poker game where a strong bluff, will let us pocket a few coins. Lives hang in the balance. If the orcs don't bend to the show of strength, we are not enough to defend the village from their fury." Looking to both Thrand and then Cal "We must find a path between provocation and appeasement. To insure that the village has the strength, resources, and allies to properly defend itself if need be."  Kou nods his head toward the kitchen door "That is unless Marianne can work a miracle  and find us another way.

A heavy sigh escapes from Cal’s lips as he listens to the ever-increasing calls for violence from the usual suspects among the group. It remains unclear to him still what lives they’d loved to spurn them on in such a way but he couldn’t help but feel a twang of sorrow for them. It reminded him of similar folk he’d sailed with, who saw the sea not as a force to be bend with  but stand firm against. Unfortunately for them, the crashing waves of a storm often cared little for any righteous shows of defiance. Quite the opposite in fact, it was the one who turned his back to the wave and embraced its strength that ventured furthest. ”I’m sorry fellas I think you may be misinterpreting what I meant.” Cal shrugged his shoulders slightly as he gestured to the wizard, “See I didn’t mean to say we oughta appease them or act all weak or anything like that, I meant to offer services. We could offer to join them in a hunt to find food that doesn’t involve theft. Oh! Or, since they do have all that pride, we could stage a fake  theft! Like one of your fancy illusions Mr. Thrandimir. Make ‘em think they proudly fought for and took some food when actually we’re basically just giving it to ‘em. Wouldn’t that be something?” He gives a hearty laugh and looks over to the man to await the next disapproving scowl.

Putting on a smile, that he prays to Tempest is free of any trace of condescension. He looks over to the Firbolg and says "I am glad you are feeling more like yourself again Cal. Your optimistic nature is uplifting, even if I feel the conclusions it creates may not always be the most practical. Though I do believe it inspired Marianne, so it may end up saving the day after all."

Cal chuckles and looks to Kou as he finishes speaking, "No more impractical than the seven of us declaring war against the entire Orc nation. Less exciting, I suppose though. Never was one for that level of flashiness, I guess."

Laughing himself Kou says "Now that is something I can wholeheartedly agree with."

Thrandimir paces up and down the common room as the group debate amongst one another, brooding on the matter at hand and throwing the occasional dark look or rolled eyes in Callahan's direction. "The good people of Fireblade cannot afford to simply give food away for the sake of a foolish ruse," he all but spits in the Firgbolg's direction, "and the orcs will not be satisfied until they have taken all that they perceive to be theirs." Turning to face Cal, Thrandimir slowly looks the druid up and down. "I am truly happy for you that you seem to have grown up in such a peaceful and benevolent environment that you can afford such naivety, Callahan," the wizard continues, his words laced with velvet venom, "but here and now it is neither helpful nor endearing. These people are fighting and dying for their livelihood and your platitudes  and ideals will not bring them back or save those that still live." Grabbing his pack and staff, Thrandimir stalks towards the door. "I am going to see Rose's father to work on a real solution. Anyone who cares to is welcome to join me."

The fury of the old man's words crash over Cal all at once. He'd expected some minor level of disagreement from the wizard, but the hatred and rage certainly threw Callahan for a loop. It'd taken him the better part of the night and morning to work back up the good spirit to be in the same room again as Thrandimir, let alone speak out to a group so keen on disregarding his every word. Cal simply blinks in stunned silence, mouth slightly agape, before swallowing hard and lowering his head as he retakes his seat. Sighing, he finally manages to smile a bit, "You know, I'm starting to get the feeling Mr. Thrandimir ain't exactly as friendly as I first thought."

Patting Cal on the back as he follows Thrand "Don't take it to heart Cal, the world would be a much better place if more people thought the way you do. "

Ascian glances back at Callahan before following Thrandimir through the door. The wizard has thus far been the only person who seems to acknowledge when something needs to be done, even if it be distasteful, and Ascian’s respect for that has him quick on Thrandimir’s heels. If the wizard wishes to speak to his shadow about the scene that just unfolded, Ascian is prepared for it, though he doesn’t ask. There’s a more pressing question on his mind. ”These aren’t your people,” he says to the wizard bluntly, attempting to understand far more than he is trying to judge. If anyone can make the others’ passion for unnecessary responsibility make sense to him, he thinks it might be Thrandimir.  “Why do you care.”  

At Thrandimir's outburst, Katrin stands. She glances at Rose and grabs her hand, marching out the door and practically pulling her girlfriend along. She appreciated the wizard's penchant for action, even if she disapproved of some of his methods. She could see the logic on both sides of the argument, but if it came down to it, Katrin knew in her heart that she would fight. She would destroy the orcs if she had to. She didn't want to, but it was one in a list of possible outcomes. She draws level with them, in time to hear the question that Ascian posed to Thrandimir. She crosses her arms, and gives the wizard a stern but curious look. "I've been wondering that myself. Why do you care?" She knew exactly why she was here. She would gladly give her life defending the woman she loves. But as far as she knew, this man had no connections in this place. Other than mere acquaintance. He has no mother, no sister, no lover, no child here. Perhaps he didn't. Perhaps this was just something to pass the time. Though the anger she'd seen in him told her that that was unlikely. She leans against Rose, waiting for his response.

Thrandimir stops walking for a moment to turn to look first at Katrin and then Ascian. The old man gives both a penetrating stare, his grey eyes examining them piercingly. "Have you ever been to Karnopolis?" The wizard queries aloud to neither in particular as he continues on his way towards the Westbrook farm. "They have everything that Fireblade doesn't. Security, technology," a wry smirk graces Thrandimir's lips and he adds, "culture..." to the list. "They stick their heads in the sand, go to work every day and do their assigned job. They're safe, provided for, but the one thing that they most certainly aren't is free . Not in the way that Wendell Westbrook is. Not in the way that Gary Hornsby was . Not one of them knows what it is like to be responsible for their own continued existence. To fight and struggle and how that makes you feel alive . They'd tell you the same as Callahan. Do the 'right thing'. Find 'common ground'. Fuck that.  That doesn't get you anywhere in life and it certainly doesn't bring you out on top. All it leaves you with is fatherless children."

" There may be some truth in that, old one." Kaed, walking alongside the wizard comments, "I still think the answer lies somewhere else, but I would not try and sit everyone around holding hands and thinking happy thoughts. Still l, this is not my home and I would like to hear from its residents. The Westbrook fellow may see with a clarity I do not have."

“I don’t know that involving yourself in the fight of others will get you out on top either. It never has for me,” Ascian remarks, long fingers shredding a roll he’d grabbed on his way out rather than eating it, absently trailing crumbs in the grass as they walk. The comment is made in as thoughtful a manner as his affectless voice seems to allow, which still doesn’t seem to be much. He shrugs. “But I’m clearly missing something. Everyone is very eager to help despite no promise of money.” 

Thrandimir eyes the crumbs trailing from Ascian's fingers. "You do realise that there's a food shortage? Fireblade is important to me, okay? I just don't want to see it wiped off the map by a bunch of orcish savages. This is as much my fight as theirs."

“Okay.”  He shrugs again, but the crumbling stops and the remainder of the roll disappears inside his pack. When he’d taken it, he’d assumed he’d get hungry eventually, but the desire to eat has never felt further. He hadn’t even realized his hands had been moving until Thrandimir’s rebuke. “Then hopefully they agree.” 

"That's because it's the right thing to do." Erika piped up. She had silently finished her breakfast and had been following the group. "Even if you do it for self-satisfying reasons, helping someone is better than not helping. I think questioning Thrandimir's motivation for helping is a waste of our time. The rest of you are helping and aren't questioning each others' reasons, why should you question Thrandimir's?" She looked at Ascian, a little annoyed.  "And on money, money doesn't mean a damn thing if there's no place to spend it. I've been helping out around here for a few weeks for nothing but a bed and some hot meals, and the village has been better off for it. I wish more adventurer types would help for such little things."  She adjusted her sling, mumbling something under her breath before continuing. "To be quite frank, I'm sorry for not interjecting earlier on the conversation of 'peace' and such with the orcs. Peace was never an option with them. They're willing to kill on sight. No matter how noble their reasons, they've turned themselves into monsters over this." 

“I questioned to understand. Gathering information is never a waste of time. And no one else surprised me. He did.” Ascian looks back at Erika, unperturbed. “Money can be spent many places other than here. I’ve only been here a day and am trying to see what makes Fireblade more worth defending than any other dozen villages under threat of attack. If it’s because people think it’s the right thing, then so be it. It’s an answer.” 

Katrin can feel Rose's hand tighten in her own. She wasn't sure how Rose felt about her new-found 'friends,' She realized that she had never asked her. She wasn't too sure that Rose cared, but in hindsight, it would seem the courteous thing to do. "If you want to hear from a resident..." Rose's soft voice echoes in the morning sunlight. She looks around at Katrin's companions. "The orcs have only been a problem for a few weeks now. We're very appreciative to Marianne and Na'arik, but they can only do so much. And my dad's a farmer. Closest thing to a weapon he's ever used is a pitchfork. Though he does keep a bow to ward off pesky crows." She shrugs. "Mr. Hornsby died fighting for his family. I know there's more than a few in this town who'd do the same." She looks at Thrandamir, sorrow on her face. "In my experience, holding on to what we are is the most courageous thing we can do. Mocking that goes against everything I have ever believed in. You don't have to agree. But I think you'll find that respect is the most valuable currency around here." Rose's grip on Katrin's hand becomes vice-like, and this time it's Rose doing the pulling.  Katrin glances back at everyone as she's pulled along, gesturing for them to follow.         

Kou nods towards Ascian  "There is truth to that, we have been thrown together and know little about each other skills and backgrounds. Learning more about what drives and motivates our group will hopefully insure that we don't get into a situation where the group pulls itself apart with each member trying to go their own way." Looking at the trail of crumbs behind the man  "The famine and increased tensions have sparked conflicts across the world. The reason that I have personally chosen to defend Fireblade is rather mundane. I am here and they need help, to me there is nothing else to ask. I have dedicated my life to service first through the Citadel and now on my own. And as long as the continue to help themselves and take decisive action, they will have my aid. Gold or no gold."  

The morning air is cool and the sun warms the backs of the group as they travel towards the Westbrook farm. Wendell is found out back, tending to the two oxen he keeps for pulling the plow. He smiles as he sees Rose and Katrin, and his eyes widen as he sees the rest of the group approach. "Well, I'll be damned," he says, and throws his hands in the air in a fashion reminiscent of his celebration the previous evening. "If it ain't the heroes of the whole damn realm, come to help me with chorin'. What can I do ya for?"

Ascian considers Kou, and the answer. The lack of defensiveness or derision accompanying it gives him further respect for the man that he indicates with a short incline of his head.  “That makes sense. Thanks.” He looks up at the farmer as they arrive, more than content to let the others do the talking, and well aware they’d likely prefer the same.

Thrandimir watches Rose carefully as she speaks, but does little more than nod, before continuing towards the Westbrook farm. "Good morning, Wendell," Thrandimir replies when they arrive, taking the lead with a congenial smile. "How are the fields?"

"G'morning. Thrandimir, isn't it?" He smiles and gestures away from the house toward the fields. While not barren, the stalks of wheat are short and stubby, the heads barely longer than two inches. "'Bout as well as I can expect these days. The ground's dryer than my late wife's sense of humor no matter how much it rains. S'pposed to be a few months left 'till harvest, but the wheat's stopped growin' and is dryin' out. Gonna have to start soon." He sighs. "Well, it ain't too good."

Katrin hears a slight smack, and looks over to see Rose's hand pressed to her forehead. "And his sense of humor is still just as charming as ever," Rose whispers over to Katrin, with a slight groan.

Thrandimir nods patiently in understanding. "I wanted to talk to you about the future of the orc threat and Fireblade's response. The raiding party that we fought yesterday has been wiped out, but there are more orcs to the south and, in time, it is likely that others will come. The orcs are starving. This famine is affecting everyone and they are desperate. They also respect only strength. We have a way to magically communicate with who we believe to be the orcish leader and I would like to make it clear to them that Fireblade is protected and not an easy target. However," at this, Thrandimir glances about at some of his other companions, "we are not entirely in agreement that this is the best approach. Your opinon on the matter would be appreciated."

Wendell wipes his brow and stabs the pitchfork he was using to move straw into the ground. "If it were me, I'd call 'em up and tell them to stay the hell away," he says, all bluster and bravado. After a few moments, the machismo fades and he quietly continues. "Unless you think that would make them all the more likely to attack."

If Kou is honest with himself it rankled him a bit to have to be taking their direction from farmers who had never fought a battle or had little to no education. But this was their homes, their lives, their families. Allowing their voice to lead was the only reasonable path. Nodding towards Wendell "That is what I believe will occur. The orcs are proud warriors, they could take the  declaration  as a challenge, potentially causing them to attack Fireblade in force vs just raiding it's stores. They have an entire city, we do not have the resources to properly defend the town on our own. Which is why I advise that we seek additional allies to bolster the towns defenses. Reaching out the Heartland government or other major powers to see if they would be willing to aid us in dealing with the problem the orcs pose. But this is your home, we wanted you and the other leaders of the town to lend your voice to the decision."

Wendell's brow furrows at the mention of the government. "I'd be surprised if they'd even come,"  he says. "Seems like they've got plenty to do with them startin' wars left and right."

Walking up from the rear of the group, Cal pulls each finger of the glove on his hand, loosening it before removing it entirely. The cool blue skin of his hand seems to shimmer in the morning sunlight as Cal listens with one ear to the conversation with Mr. Wendell. He isn't looking, but he knows who Thrandimir is alluding to with talk of disagreement within the group.  "The orcs are indeed, as my friend Kou put it, a proud race of warriors." Cal calls out, pitching his voice higher than he's often wont to do. As he strides towards the farmer and the men at the front of the group, he runs his hand over a few of the wheat stalks. Instantly, the stalks begin to extend, rising higher and higher as if unfolding from within themselves.  "Any attempt to challenge their perceived authority, well-intentioned as it may be, would only bring devastation and ruin on your people and your lands. That is why I would encourage you to consider an alternative path."  The heads that had failed to even rise to Cal's knees had suddenly crested at a point just above his midsection, their dull color replaced with a vibrant coat of gold. "The orcs are not what afflict your people. As Mr. Thrandimir wisely noted, it is the famine that tears at both of your communities." Coming to a stop in front of Wendell Westbrook, Cal gives a broad smile and bows his head before continuing, "I know it may sound silly, Mr. Wendell, sir, but my personal belief remains in the goodness of folks, regardless of their background. The orcs have been violent and they have done wrong in ways that ain't so forgivable. Of this I know. But they want for their families what you want for yours I reckon - community and shelter and most importantly food for the ones they love. This famine is a blight, but its one that I believe can be stopped in its path! If you see what I can do for some stalks of wheat with just a touch, you oughta know there exist magics in this world capable of a great deal more. And if you thought it wise as well, I would very much like to find it and bring that magic to bear on this land's forsaken farms. And I know just where to find such magic, too."

Wendell smiles sadly at Callahan. "I know what you're talking about," he says. "And look, I don't hate orcs. I'm smart enough to know that it ain't all of them that have come and raided our stores. They've got families too, I know. I don't know what a good answer is. But the magic?" He points back at the stalks of grain that Callahan had rejuvenated with his spell. "That's already done been tried." As Cal turns to look, he sees the vibrant gold coloring of the rejuvenated stalks begin to fade back to the yellow pallor they had previously maintained. The stalks shrink back to their previous size. Wendell shrugs. "We had druids from the citadels come through last year and try something. Wheat sprang up for about a day, but when I came back out the next morning, it was all back to the way it was."

Cal frowns. It's not something he's used to doing, and the action itself comes across as rather awkward and unnatural on his usually cheery face. "Well that's a darn shame. I figured the folk at the Verdant Citadel surely would be able to get this sorted out in no time. Was heading there myself 'fore I stopped in at the fireblade for a spell." He chuckles at the turn of phrase, the cheerful demeanor returning no sooner than it had left. "Spell. Like magic. Ha, I didn't even mean to do that. Uh, but peculiar as that is that may just be the best thing you could've told me, mister. See, way I see it, that don't seem all that natural to me. And I know a thing-or-two about stuff that's natural, y'know?" He casts a glance over the withering field of crops, "No that means something or maybe even some one  is responsible here, yea? Would you happen to know anything about it, if you don't mind me asking? Because if magic has been cast to cause this, then it can just as well be undone, I reckon."

Katrin takes a few steps over to Wendell, leaning on the pitchfork he stuck in the ground. "I don't know if it's going to be that simple. I've been here a long time, and I've traveled across Teydun for much of my adult life. If it can be undone, it's going to take time. And time may be running out." She takes a breath and looks Cal in the eye. "Don't mistake this for despair. But famine and war do not make for good bedfellows. If something is going to be done, it needs to happen soon. We don't have the luxury of waiting." Her voice softens as her eyes grow sad, watching the kind Firbolg's face. "And we may not have the luxury of staying true to ourselves."  

"It seems that as guards of the town we would be next to useless if anything more than another scouting party came to see what befell the group we killed. We cannot take the fight to them, even if we fought from the shadows like demons we would die quickly enough. But.." Kaed pauses for dramatic effect "If this is unnatural then who is benefitting, if we knew that we could try and find a way to stop them. Who is gaining from this drought, the threat of war. The orcs are not our enemy here, somebody has willed this into creation for their own gains, I would not doubt that, not for a second. The greatest problem with that is that they must be mighty indeed to be able to make their wish a reality."

Wendell puts his hands on his hips and lets out a long exhale. "Tell ya the truth, I ain't got a clue," he says. "Haven't heard of any orcs casting magic like that , but you probably know more than I do." He shrugs. "Tell you the truth, it's not something I've given much thought to."

Cal gives a slightly incredulous look, “You mean you saw the druids of the citadel fail in their magic as the plants reverted to this and didn’t suspect something unnatural or magic may be afoot?” He chuckles, “Well I don’t have it in my head the orcs did something like this, but someone  did, and that person would be the real problem here, not the orcs, y’know? Anyway I don’t mean to trouble you about it no more then, I think this has been mighty illuminating as is. We’ll continue asking around though, ‘case anyone does happen to know a thing or two. Thank you Mr. Wendell for your hospitality!”

"They weren't exactly the talkative type," Wendell says returning Callahan's incredulous look with one of impatience. "All the citadel types I know are all high and mighty. I do appreciate y'all stopping by. I hope you find what you're lookin' for."

As the group leaves, Katrin and Rose linger behind. Katrin gives Wendall a grimace. "Sorry about that. They can be a little... … ."  "High and mighty?" Rose chimes in. Katrin turns to stare at her. Rose shrugs. "Some of 'em talk with a lot of unnecessary dramatics . Not exactly the kind of thing you hear around here." "Eager, is what I was going to say." Katrin turns back to Wendall. "Whatever ends up happening, I'm going with them." She takes Rose's hand. "See if I can't help this place a little more." She gives Rose a peck on the cheek and Wendall a nod, before turning and following.