Yet Another Leader to See (plot)

[Skittlebug]

Sunflower eye the Beast clan curiously as she and Sunder are lead to meet the Packleader. Everything about the place is just so exotic and interesting. But she can't let herself get too distracted, no.

Since Ilyamen, and all of the leaders that had already known about the rings, their journey had become a whirlwind instead of a crawl. She's getting so much closer to handing out the rings, and excited about it.

[Kender Bard]

Sunder was looking around with some amazement as well. "It reminds me a lot of Celentia," he remarked suddenly. "But with more land, obviously. And the animals and trees look different and funny. But Celentia also had a high population of Beasts."

The Beast escorting them seemed amused by his rambling but didn't comment. Instead they came to the Packleader's home. Inside, Thavan was chasing his daughter around, clearly having fun just playing with her. The Beast, grinning, cleared his throat noisily.

Thavan paused still then glanced up. Flushing, he stood a bit straighter. "Welcome," he greeted. "I'm Packleader Thavan."

[Skittlebug]

Sunflower can't help but gush at the little fox toddler, who of course notices and makes a time of acting like a big scary fox for the visitors. Unable to keep from grinning a little, Sunflower curtseys to Thavan. "Packleader, I'm Sunflower, and I've got a ring for you as I'm sure you've been told by now."

[Kender Bard]

Thavan looked considerably surprised. "I... Actually I wasn't aware that I would be a recipient for a ring."

"A lot of Leaders are," Sunder put in lightly since Thavan didn't seem to know what to think and it showed on his face. "We bear the rings of Worg.'

A tiny smile lit upon Thavan. "Yes... That would be appropriate." He reached back and touched the Beast sign on the back of his neck in memory. Squaring his shoulders he gave a nod. "Very well." He held out a hand to Sunflower.

[Skittlebug]

All seriousness now, Sunflower pulls out a ring for Thavan. "I also have a ring for someone named Masego, do you know where we could find her?"

[Kender Bard]

Thavan took the ring but paused, frowning. "The name is very familiar," he replied. "Why don't you stay as my guests today while I investigate the matter for you?"

[Skittlebug]

It doesn't take long for Thavan to track down Masego. Since she's returned from the disaster on the island, she's been training hard and long each day with her men. She's determined not to let the loss of an eye diminish her worth. Her companion, who she'd been overjoyed to find still alive and waiting for her, has taken to perching on her left shoulder and acting as a second set of eyes.

She greets Sunflower and Sunder with a nod, while Ashra peers at them from her shoulder. "I'm told you were looking for me?"

Sunflower is relieved that it didn't take long to find Masego, this trip to the Beastlands would be short after all. "Yes, I'm Sunflower. Worg herself has tasked me with delivering rings to her chosen, who will help to stop the demon threat." She pulls out a ring for Masego. "You are one of them."

Masego is a bit surprised, to say the least, but the Packleader himself had sent for her so there must be truth to it. She feels a rush of pride that she is still good enough to be chosen, despite everything. "I cannot refuse the Huntress, I accept." She takes the ring and slips it on and grins, a touch ferally, when it shifts and changes on her finger. "What do I do now?"

Sunflower shakes her head, "Not much. All I know is you need to keep the ring until you hear from Worg."

Masego seems a bit disappointed, but nods.

"We do need help with one more thing." Sunflower turns back to Thavan. "The next chosen is in Aluvar and we have no idea how to get there."

[Kender Bard]

Thavan looked briefly surprised and then chagrined. "Of course. I don't have the way memorized of course, but if you'll wait a short while, I can have a map made or perhaps a guide could be arranged. But, for now, rest and relax."

"That does sound really good," Sunder said with heartfelt enthusiasm and a longing look of hope for Sunflower. "Can we?"

[Skittlebug]

Sunflower smiles and nods. "That would be nice, thank you."

Masego speaks up before Thavan leaves. "Packleader, I would like to volunteer to escort them to Aluvar, with a few of my men perhaps."

[Kender Bard]

Thavan blinked at that but then smiled. "A wonderful idea," he said firmly. It'd give Masego a chance to do something and burn off some of her restless energy. Not to mention that as one of the other chosen of Worg, no doubt she was well qualified to escort the ring bearer. "That is, if they don't mind?" He glanced at Sunflower inquiringly.

[Skittlebug]

Well, if Masego is good enough for Worg, she's good enough for Sunflower. "Of course! It would help a lot to have a guide."

Masego nods, "I'll see about preparations then."

[Kender Bard]

"Guest quarters will be prepared for you," Thavan announced. "In the meanwhile, rest at your leisure."

"Want to look around?" Sunder asked Sunflower, grinning widely.

[Skittlebug]

"Oh yes!" Sunflower takes Sunders hand and thanks Thavan before heading outside.

Aurelia catches sight of the two leaving and takes it as an invitation. Squealing happily, the toddler, well, toddles after them.

[Kender Bard]

"Are you leaving Daddy?" Thavan chuckled, scooping his daughter up before she could get far.

Outside, Sunder looked around wide-eyed with the possibilities. "I don't even know where to begin. Say! What kinds of things do you suppose they eat?" One nice thing about all the recent traveling was that he was getting to eat a lot more and different foods for free.