It's pre dawn Clayday, Truth week of Earth Season, a day that couldn't be more symbolic for those about to take oaths to join the Wandering Rangers, soldiers of Tada and defenders of the Earth.

The passages of the Cavern complex glow with the magic of the day, as the Rangers troop through them, leading the way for the two newest recruits Voras and Sehana of the Black Shield clan; the clouds of incense swirling from their passage in intricate patterns of Earth and Movement.

Everyone is daubed in Ochre, with runes of power adorning their naked flesh, their weapons and square shields held proudly as each brave pushes their way through the crowd that has come to listen to the rites.

Drums beat steadily, played by a group of Agimori men and one woman, the Ten Tall men, who had arrived late the previous evening in time to join the last of Kobal's wild celebrations that had run all day. They had spoken little, except to Tarnessh, who spent several hours in close conversation with the odd group.

Now passed the expectant crowd, the braves enter their room of Oaths, the rock walls painted with an interlocking pattern of Earth Runes and where a choice selection of materials and loots from the exploits lie before a rough square block.

Before it stands Emesh-Ga his spectral head brushing the roof as he stares down at each of the Rangers as they file in to take their positions about the room.

"There are those present who wish to join our sacred ranks?" queries his deep bass voice "Who will vouch for them and announce their presence?"

Ohanzee steps to the fore smiling A Raven to Vouch for Sun Hawks, that's a thing! "I Ohanzee Shappa, Blue Arm, River King present Voras of the Black Shield Clan and Sehana also of the Black Shield Clan and I vouch for them."

Remaining in place, not speaking first Seems unfitting to presume here, Hoskar waits till another has spoken before adding his word in measured tones.

Two-Feather for Condor, honoured to be shield-bearer, assents. Already the spirit moves. Sehana heals the warriors for their task, Voras adds his voice to theirs earth-speaking in truth. In the trust for the green, I believe these are Rangers in heart.

He inclines his head in respect, but his eyes belie his formality; twinkling happily as he glances at Voras and Sehana.

"I am Amara Brightsky, of the Skywatcher clan and the Earth Queen. Voras and Sehana have proven themselves and I vouch for them to become wandering rangers like ourselves. May the Green be restored." Amara nodded to the new arrivals, wondering if there were any others that might choose to take part.

"I, Melock Gor, much as it pains me," he smiles at the Sun Hawks to show he's jesting, vouch for Sehana and Voras. Between them, they have battled chaos and healed those hurt by it. With their strength added to the Wandering Rangers, we will bring the Green back faster."

Tarnessh walks forward to stand between both of the Black Shields.

"I, a Sun Hawk, speak the truth about these two....That they are stout braves, truth tellers and law keepers like me and will be nothing but a welcome benefit to our band of braves. They will bring light to the darkness and honesty to the boasts and will ensure that our way is always strong and true."

The ancient guardian spirit seems content with what has been said and lowers his gaze to stare at Voras and Sehana

"You have been vouched for, now stand before us and tell us your worth and your lineage..."

Voras takes a small step forward, making eye contact with each person in the room in turn before speaking.

"I am Voras of the Black Shields, son of Surrak.  Though I am young, I have faced down powerful enemies, whether raiders from another clan or beasts of Chaos, and I have not been cowed, though I would not be so foolish as to claim that I do not know fear.  I protect those who are my friends and punish those who are my foes, but it is best to reveal the truth through action rather than boast.  Suffice it to say that I am a skilled scout, a capable warrior, and a faithful ally."

Voras steps back and gestures to Sehana to come forward.

Standing to one side Salen quietly watched proceedings, saying nothing. More words of support were an irrelevance now, let the new recruits be judged or found wanting.

Henal stands back silently as the new Rangers take their oaths, remembering how little time it had been that he had been in their place and how much had happened in the intervening time.

The ancient Guardian speaks, his deep voice reverberating about the packed room, which suddenly is filled with the smell of warm loam and flowers.

"Welcome Voras, warrior, both brave and just. I am Emesh-Ga guardian and one time Captain of the Wandering Rangers, warriors of the Earth who served great Tada himself.

Do you promise to not let chaos live?

To nurture the land we stand on?

And to strive to make it whole once more?

To stand with your Brothers and Sisters, through good and bad?

If so you are Us. You walk the walk and talk the talk and shall be protected by me in times of strife and peace…."

Voras kneels before he responds to Emesh-Ga.

"These things I promise.  I stand united with the Rangers."

Kobal nods at Voras' response, and steps forward from his place among the Rangers, who had formed a square around the inductees.

In his hand a knife and a ceramic bowl.

"Look around you," he says to the two Black Shields braves.  "We Rangers are from different tribes.  Different clans.  Even rival clans.  We follow different spirits and gods.  Yet all of us have sworn ourselves to Emesha-Ga and his mission.  By joining us, you must stand with your brother and sister Rangers, no matter their tribe, clan or god."

Crouching down next to Voras, he takes the brave's right arm, and with four strokes cuts a square into the bicep.  As the incisions weep with blood, he takes some clay from the bowl - the best clay he could find in these caves - and smears it into the cuts, so that a square scar will remain after the bicep heals.  Offering a hand to Voras, he draws the Black Shield to his feet and takes him in a hug.  "Welcome among us, Ranger."

Stepping back, he waits for Sehana.

It's not an auspicious day for oath taking and the magics of the ceremony would be weak, but the Rangers had no time to spare.

The cave put aside for the purpose of the bands' ceremonies and meetings had been decorated and improved since the last visit, with  the floor covered with skins and the simple square altar adorned with offerings and slick with gifted oil. The walls with their interlocking runes now had murals depicting the adventures of the Wandering Rangers, painted not only as a memorial but as an incentive to those about to join...

Cones of incense smouldered in small copper dishes whilst fat lamps gave off a weak light, their strength increased slightly by the arrival of Sun Hawk followers.From deeper within the caves comes the deep beat of drums being played by the women of the Earth, who were lending their magic to help force back the darkness.

"So we wait for big green guy to start thing, yes?" Temush whispers to Henal.