I return the bolt to my quiver, and mount up again.
As the group sets out back to the settlement, I keep to the right and behind of Rachel and the strangers.
This is partly as a precaution, but the real reason is I want to avoid notice. My hands are shaking, and I feel dizzy and nauseous.
Adrenaline overload, has to be. Breathing, have to control the breathing. Steady, slow. In, out, in, and out.
"Pardon me Mistress of Nature. I am Gwthratha of a tribe of nomad elves that sometimes pass through these regions. Our elders felt a great magic come from this area and then the smell of worked stone was strong in this direction according to our seer. She sent me to investigate this along with these two guard. My brother Fratrant and his friend Kralotheck. (She did not slap her brother). I am an apprentice to the seer and I have the working knowledge as one of our clans healers. I also have a gift for learning languages when they are spoken around me. You do notice her eyes are almond shaped and are a bright light grey almost silver.
I smile at Gwthratha. " It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Rachel. I am sorry about the misunderstanding. This is Den and Jason is back there " as I indicate who they are. " I hope that this short journey will alleviate any concerns that you and your people might have. The ruler of this area is very protective of nature as are we. You will see that for yourselves. "
As you get closer to the stronghold Den rides ahead and alerts the guards of some visitors. You hear the sergeant yelling orders and guards moving into positions quickly. One guard goes to inform Douglas of this event.
As the rest of the party catches up to where Den is at the guards are on high alert with those on the walls armed with bows and those by the main gate Ready with shields. Soon you see a small retinue coming out of the strongholds gates. You can see Lord Douglas in the lead with his wife on his arm. Behind them is Lywenta and the guard captain Lwethiala on her right and a fully armed man on her left that you have not seen before. They come to a stop not far from you and the ones you are leading.
"Lord, Lady" I say, bowing slightly for this formal occasion and thanking God for my time at the Texas Renfaire. "We found these visitors to the north. They came this way to parlay with you. The Lady Rachel will introduce them."
I step aside and let our Druid take the lead.
I step forward a little nervously. I want this to look proper. . Bowing before Lord Douglass and his lady wife I nod towards the newcomers. " My lord, my Lady, I present to you Gwthratha. She was sent here along with her brother Fratrant and his friend Kralotheck. They were sent by their tribal elders. We told them that we would escort them here to speak with you so no possible misunderstanding might occur. " I bow again and step to the side to observe what happens. My heart is pounding as an introduction of strangers to a lord and lady isn't something that I do every day.