Wearing his finest armour...all but that constricting helm ill-befitting Condor...Hoskar drops back through the group as the procession unfolds no need for a herald: I'll do the other thing and watch the path.

Sat erect upon Ram's broad back, he rides at the rear bearing the mighty shield of their captain Emesh-Ga and with it no weapon but the staff of the trader; carried horizontal like the bar across Issaries own rune. Expecting no problems he watches the rear formally, yet not without attention.

Guide is good but one must guard
Foemen oft come ininvited.
Path watch true for our homecoming.

Though the lower place is hard
Khan must not be left benighted.
Ward the joys of our homecoming.

Benison must not be marred
Nor the battle flame ignited.
Keep the peace of our homecoming.

Harmony for this homecoming.

Amara could feel the tingle on her skin as they crossed the threshold, into the realm where the Temple held sway and the green had returned. She'd assumed it was due to her new connection to the Earth. She raised her head proud as the group arrived back at the Giants finger holes, somewhat surprised the Red Thorns had not chosen to bar their path once more. She smiled at Ohanzee's compliment, but thought it detracted from Tada.

"We are guests of Tada and his bride to be, dear husband." she raised her voice to sound throughout the throng gathered to meet them. "The serpent prince and I have returned to bring life to this place, bringing the ancient guardians of the Earth, the harpies to protect this temple and guard it as they have stood watch for many years. Fear not these harpies as they are pure and untouched by chaos unlike their tainted brethren. Any who harms one of these harpies shall fall to the judgement of Tada."

She bowed her head towards the crowd "We are all priviliged to be present at Tada's marriage. Let this be a time for all to celebrate. Hail Tada and his wife to be."

Despite the magic of the event the Rangers can't help noticing the grimaces and ill feeling from part of the crowd. Older warriors mainly, showing distaste at such youth and mighty titles perhaps. Nevertheless no one interferes.

Yet.

Tada rides in silence as they approach the oasis, while others in his retinue might chatter.  Leading his retinue through the path that the inhabitants have made, he notes some smiles, some awe, some frowns.  It is ever like this in one's court.

Silent still, he waits until his heralds have spoken before he speaks himself.  A lord does not announce his own arrival.  When he speaks, it is loudly but calmly.

We return to this sacred ground
Borne by the Air
Genert our father
Earth our mother
Water our friend

Our Task is complete
Chaos is defeated
Old allies are found
Now we return
To greet our Consort

Tada leads the party towards the Earth Temple, but at the bounds, he turns and rides in a straight path along the boundary, before turning at right angles and riding straight down again, and again, and again, until he has completed riding a square around the stone circle of the Earth Temple.  Only then does Tada enter the temple bounds and head for the main entrance of the temple.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Wed 17 Feb 2016.

He eyes the older warriors and nervously fingers his axe, hoping no one will interrupt Tada. He follows Tada's lead around the Earth Temple and then without a backwards glance heads to the temple itself.

At the rear, as he senses hostility here and there - sees it even in some faces - the space between Hoskar's shoulder blades tingles as if in anticipation of an attack; but for the moment there is none.

Glad of this strong metal around me, but Issaries be praised: the peace holds somehow...it actually holds!

Glancing from face to face in the crowd, he sees a gamut of expressions: hope and wonder from some children here, impassive watching from a well-seasoned man wearing little but a loincloth with a huge club hanging by his thigh there, modest hearth-wives looking down yet glancing shyly at the passing party, and yes some scowls among the men. An eyebrow raised at talk of Tada from ones so young, a scarred face wrinkling in distaste, a young warrior smiling to see his elders left unable to act, and so it goes on; guide and guard watching, looking for a moment of alarm yet pouring out his heart silently to the god to keep harmony strong.

He is not sure, but thinks he sees Kolar the Blunt holding himself erect yet detached. Think that's him. Good man. Honest too. Speculatively, he lowers his head briefly, a visible mark of respect, but there is no response from the distant figure. Maybe not even looking.

Tracing the square for the earth, path-watch and rear-guard follows Kobal-Tada's lead.

Tada's entrance into the above ground confines of the Earth Temple draws a rousing cheer from the crowd of nomads waiting there, amongst the huge blocks of stone that thanks to the week's magical resonance shimmer back and forth between ruin and their once Golden Age splendour.

A tight knot of priestesses await the Rangers, the Earth Queen slightly to their fore where she stands somewhat bemused next to the Harpy Queen Hillman Musheen, who thanks to her glamour is somewhat stealing the show from the arrival of Tada and the Rangers as those nearest in the crowd switch their gaze back and forth continuously.

In the wake of the Rangers come the Vingans and the Morokanth, Broken Claw partially hidden by a cloud of darkness that had drawn strength from the ceremony. There are other Morokanth present and they move forward to greet their kinsfolk, a move followed by many of the crowd who surge forward to cover the new arrivals with garlands of flowers and to offer refreshments to the dusty travellers.

It's then that the Rangers see close to the Priestesses their companion Melock, looking hale and hearty, standing with a small group of Black Shield Bison Riders, two of whom give off the golden glow of Sun Hawk Worshippers.

At the Wandering Rangers approach the Earth Witch steps forward

"All hail the mighty Tada, the River King and the Earth Queen", then turning to Emesh-Ga, the great Earth spirit who now fully corporeal, stands proud next to Kobal, towering over all those present "And my Lord Emesh-Ga, your palace awaits you as does your wife..."

"You return with the magic of fertile water, heralding the promise of cleansing to come. Daga trapped away by successful quests and in the company of winged guardians of times gone by. We salute you and ask that you accept our hospitality. Leave behind the darkness of this day and come below where your hall awaits, to prepare for the coming marriage, rituals and obligations of your faith..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:53, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

Tada nods in acknowledgment, then says, "We return with our task completed, Wise One.  And bring friends into the bargain.  I see you have already met the Queen of the Harpies."  Another nod, this time to Hillman Musheen, whose presence had made their own entrance easier.

He turns back and motions to Broken Claw.  "The morokanth who first sought your aid have accompanied us here."  Then to the Vingans, "The Thunder Girls had been en route to seek your aid as well."  And then to the rhino riders in their party, "While the Skywatcher clan continues to regroup."

Throughout all this, though, Tada's eyes often go back to the figure of Melock.  It is good that brave is healthy again.  He gives a nod to the Black Shield braves as well, out of politeness.  He dismounts and, fighting the urge to rush to Melock to hug/headbutt him, commences the descent into the temple, as protocol dictates.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:44, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

Henal approaching the temple follows the steps of Kobal and traces the square.

Seeing Melock he grins but stays in his place in the procession, his expression returning to a solemn look as they get ready to enter the temple. He lets the words of Tada pass for all the Wandering Rangers rather than replying to the Earth Witch's greeting. Then follows the groom into the temple.

Seeing Melock whole and hearty as he dismounts in the wake of Kobal-Tada, Hoskar breaks into a broad and joyful smile. While he too refrains from the exhibition of joy that is in his heart, he cannot resist catching the Raven brave's eye and winking, just once, with a small gesture to the two feathers in his hair, which Melock had seen only one before.

I've been there too, my friend. Must swap stories later.

With bows to those of power, as custome dictates, he continues to follow his leaders.

As he passes approaches the waiting Priestess and their surrounding crowd, Tarosh dismounts and helps Kinamasi dismount, he then lets them lead his high llama's away. He whispers in Kinamasi's ear, "That is the Earth Witch, who when things have settled down from our arrival, I'll introduce you to." He takes the offered drinks and passes one to Kinamasi, who is too busy looking around with a mixture of disbelief and awe at what happening to pay much attention to what Tarosh is saying and hushes him so she can enjoy all that is being said. He smiles at the look on her face and slowly guides her through the crowds so they keep up with Tada. As they pass the Earth Witch, he has to dig Kinamasi in the ribs to focus her attention enough so they can both pay their respects to her.

The statuesque Rhino rider, near naked, her copper hued skin gleaming from holy oil, returns the bows, a massive snake curled about her broad shoulders. She's surrounded by a cloud of holy smoke, incense and attended by a bevy of earth priestesses who have been drawn here by the magical pull of the ancient temple. Several of them are recognisable to the Rangers having met them here before.

Also there, is the Harpy Queen, in all her glory, on either side standing two of her more impressive attendants. She beams at her saviours, promising to each of them that she will receive them later that evening.

As they and the other Rangers walk past, the ground trembles and stirs as Gadesha the guardian moves around below their feet, the powerful earth elementaöl over joyed that her husband Emesh-Ga has returned.

As they head towards the small hold where they can descend into the depths via a steep gouge in the ground, the party is met by Kelab Besi the Red Thorn Khan and his entourage, strong warriors and elders of the clan.

"I have heard that you have destroyed the Harpies and for this I am grateful. We have set the date of the wedding on Earthday next week, when Truth is at it's most powerful. A binding day for your marriage Kobal to my Daughter."

As she bows to the Earth Witch, she watch's Tarosh's eyes to make sure they don't stay to long on the Harpy Queen, and when they do she returns the nudge in the ribs, having to do it a couple of time to get his attention, she whispers harshly in his ear, "You're not going to see her without me." He blushes at how easily he is distracted and lets Kinamasi drag him away. When the earth itself starts shaking, she can barely hold back a scream and clutches at Tarosh's arm and hurries him towards the temple entrance.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:57, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

Ohanzee is glad to see Melock looking so well, especially when last he lay eyes on his fellow Raven conspirator he was looking so dead! The portion of himself that is Ohanzee Blue Arm grins at the Bison rider, but before he says anything to the brave Earth Witch formally greets them. He dismounts and bows to her and then to the Harpy Queen before responding to the Earth Witch "Quest upon quest. Ancient ways remembered and ancient ones awoken. Promises made and promises fulfilled. So much more to do but the first steps are made." he frowns and looks like he has no idea why he just said what he said.

Then he pauses, turning back to his rhino before it is taken away and removes a sack from it and as Kobal begins his decent the young brave moves over to Melock "Here. It'll not take a finger, it'll not loose you a fiend and it's more likely to keep you out of trouble than get you into it!" and with a grin he hands over the sack that wriggles slightly.

Walking briskly he catches up to Kobal and walks alongside Amara accepting garlands and offerings from the onlookers with the pride of Ohanzee and the dignity of the River King.

Standing with the new comers from the Black Shield clan, Melock makes sure he's on the opposite side of the group to the Sunhawks. As Tada's party approaches the outer boundary of the temple grounds, he see's the River King flowing at his side, Melock takes an involuntary step backwards and starts to shake. He starts taking deep breaths to try and calm himself down, "It must be an illusion, why.. how.. would they bring a serpent here?" he nods, agreeing with himself, "Yes that's it, its not real." He gulps and steps back to where he was standing still shaking slightly. His eyes follow the procession as it marks an Earth rune round the temple only turning when they go behind him. By the time they near the Earth Witch, Melock has managed to stop shaking and starts peering through the illusion looking for his friends. Wondering who is Tada, he stares until he can make out Kobal through the magic, when he makes eye contact he smiles and bows his head as a sign of respect. He flicks his eyes from one person to the next, raising a hand in salute to Henal, he catches Hoskar's wink and returns it, though a puzzled look darts across his face when he see's he has gained another feather.
He starts shaking again as the River King swirls past him, but manages to calm down when he greets the Earth Witch and is just starting to smile again, when he turns and flows towards Melock, He takes a few steps backwards and raises his hands to ward him off. When he hears Ohanzee's voice he lowers his hands and stands his ground, but it isn't enough to stop him trembling, "STAY AWAY...." Not meaning to shout, he claps his hand over his mouth. He tries to focus on the bag not the River King, and chokes out a whispered, "Just put it on the ground and leave"

He bows to the Kelab Besi, Kobal again, now that they have entered the Earth Temple grounds.  "Khan, we destroyed only those harpies who consorted with Chaos.  Those harpies untainted by Chaos, lead by Queen Hillmaz Mushen," he nods again to the Harpy Queen, "have accompanied us back to this Temple."

"I look forward to my wedding; and am honoured that it has been set on an auspicious day.  If you will excuse us, however, Khan, first we must report to the Earth Witch."  With another bow, Kobal makes to continue down into the Temple.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

As the Wandering Rangers and their many varied companions flow past Voras and Sehana, the two braves can see as the magic shifts and flows about the Rangers, that like them each one has a coloured feather in their hair, more than likely given in their own recent adult initiation rites.

The hero bands' youth stands out, just as much as their hodgepodge collection of metal weapons and armour: Lead, Copper, Gold and Bronze and their equipment radiates it's own special magic. So rich beyond their years and the two Sun Hawk braves had already been shown earlier the collection of nearly one hundred herd beasts, each bearing the bands' brand.

Amongst the passing braves, atop packs, backs of mounts and in some cases shoulders are an array of Manul cats: the sturdy cats of the Wastes, Bats, Dog and one Jerboa, each one containing a bound spirit. There's a barrage of information swapped between them and both Black Shields' own familiars, in Sehana's case a Cowpecker hiding amongst a small flock of the birds that swirl about the young woman's head.

Caught up in the procession they find themselves led along the northern lip of the largest hole and around a smaller hole, a dimly lit pool far below, mirroring the stagnant lake in the former. Then down a steep tear in the ground, past the small pool, along a cool stone passage and then back out in to the sunshine, this time at the base of the largest hole. Looking up they see that stood around, looking down are a sea of spectators who cheer at the processions' appearance, the noise continuing as they wind along the lake's stinking shore to enter into another tunnel in the western wall.

Here the crowd thins, leaving only the Wandering Rangers, the Earth Witch, her assistants and the two Black Shield braves who have found themselves in the company of two Sun Hawk worshipping Rangers. Introducing themselves on the walk, one a High Llama brave named Gloaming, a stern looking brave, with a death rune on his face and the other, resembling the one called Kobal and named Tarnessh Listens to Silence, link arms with the new comers, ready to answer questions and aid them in settling in....

Inside the short tunnel opens into a long cavern, lit by scores of spluttering fat lamps, the floor covered with rushes and tanned hides of all the beasts of the Wastes. Several passages lead off into darkness, two to the north, just visible behind the many stone columns, stalagmites and stalactites that litter the cave, and two to the south, one of which gives off a feeling of coldness and dread.

Tarnessh leans over to Voras and Sehana, whispering "I was told that this place was filled with ghouls, eaters of the dead. Impala braves turned undead by the magics of an outlaw shaman...A Red Thorn before ejected from his clan."

The magic of the welcome home ceremony now begins to dwindle and the Earth Witch turns to the assembled braves.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:06, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

"You must all be tired, sit and we shall eat, whilst you tell me of your success against the Harpies." For the moment the Queen and her companions have remained outside, settling in to the trees to rest.

Indicating the main cavern, the altar now scrubbed clean behind her, the Earth Witch continues

"This cavern complex is now yours, this and the store rooms behind me, one of which I believe is your oath room." She looks directly at Melock as she says this.

You are the protectors of the Ghost Hole and as warriors of the Earth, myself, Gadesha and Emesh-Ga have decided that this should be your home...If you so wish."

Having taken a moment to compose himself and pick up the bag Ohanzee gave him before entering the temple, Melock is at the back of the group brushing some mud off of his armour when the Earth Witch makes eye contact and he grins, seemingly back to his old self, "Yes it is," Aware that some of the newer rangers might not understand the priestess, he translates for her, "When you join us, we have a room deeper in the caves to do the ritual, I'll happily show you around when we get a free moment." He stays at the back, eager to hear what the others have been up to, but knowing it will be a while before he gets chance to catch up.

Amara greeted Melock with a hug, looking over him to make sure he was still as she remembered before making her excuses to go down into the depths of the temple. "I am glad to see you fully recovered Melock." in tone that implied she was reassured that he hadn't managed to mess up getting better. "I would be eager to hear your news."

As the band assembled in the oath room, Amara glanced around, pleased to see some new faces. The life of a wandering ranger was most assuredly a dangerous one, and she was pleased to see some more had chosen to join their number. The fact the feathered rivals had picked them out too, meant they were destined for great things along with all the rest. She greeted the new arrivals with a quick, but warm smile, and as the magic started fading and her elegance as the Earth Queen slowly dissipated, Amara was somewhat relieved to be herself again, although she kept one hand clasped around the gift Ohanzee had given to her.

She inclined her head to show thanks to the Earth Witch. "I may only speak for myself, but I thank you to have a warm home in this place both to share with all other rangers and to be close to the Temple. I would accept this most precious gift, as we all stand as one, to restore the green and bring back the earth. Any ranger should be proud of our accomplishments, yet much remains to do. We will stand guard at this place for as long as we are here, but our work calls us to other places for the glory of the Earth and restoration of the garden." Amara wondered if the Earth witch would see the change that had taken place in her during their expedition to slay the chaos harpies.

Not being one for formalities, unless circumstance and ceremony dictated so, Salen moved along with the rest of the procession, not looking at anyone in particular or speaking at all and merely bowing or nodding as required. Once they were finally down below he looked somewhat cheerier and in the moment, smiles as greetings to the new would-be Rangers. It was pleasing to see Noita again, for the Earth Witch always made him smile. And there was an old friend here again, renewed...

"Hey Melock! How's your swimming coming along?!"

Sehana steps forward, her tanned form contrasting with her lighter, green garments of a shaman's apprentice. She speaks in fluent earth speech to the Earth Witch: "Thank you... for your hospitality." She bows her head.

She then turns to Tarnessh Listens to Silence and says, "You should be more mindful of rumors."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Fri 19 Feb 2016.

Kobal nods at Amara's words, which sum exactly his thinking, although more diplomatically than he might have put it.

"Our thanks, Wise One.  It is an honour to have a room for ourselves within the complex of the Temple."  He speaks in Praxian as he's not sure whether the two guests with them can understand the Earthspeech.

Wiping the clay from his face, he goes to the back of the group, to Melock.  "Brother!"  Grabbing the brave by both arms, he gives Melock a firm but not too hard - he's not sure how well recovered the brave is - headbutt.  "It's good to see you with us again.  You have missed much of the fun and glory!  And who are these two with you?  Managed to find new recruits for us?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Fri 19 Feb 2016.

"Not rumours, they were killed by some of the braves here. The one talking to Melock is my brother Kobal. He is getting married next week to the Red Thorn Chieftain's daughter.

So what's news from back at the grasslands, your clan has joined ours there haven't they? We travelled with some Black Shields last season. Led by a man called Long Cast. Several of his braves joined us afterwards....They fell in battle though."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Fri 19 Feb 2016.