The elder's circle sat in stark contrast to the encroaching forest; the trees seemed to almost be leaning in to listen.  A naked patch of earth, perhaps 60 feet in circumference, it was ringed by 4 large, weather-worn stone spires.  Each was engraved with various sets of runes, symbols and other iconography.  In the center, a massive oak stump was used for the alter.  Candles, herbs, and various offerings litter the enormous surface.  Three concentric rings made from old logs, radiating outward from the alter, act as seating for those in attendance of any ceremonies or rituals.

The elder's lodge, a grand structure despite years of weathering, almost blends into the forest itself.  Situated several yards north of the circle, the lodge was built by the earliest Shay's using old world design (think early Nordic churches) while embracing the forest.  Constructed around the existing trees, the lodge is almost camouflaged with the forest as branches, lush with greenery, burst from every angle and surface.  Moss, wildflowers, and vines cling to every surface, giving the lodge an almost surreal quality, as if the woods themselves built a home for the Wild Huntress and her consort.

Maeryn followed down the path the young girl had pointed out.  Even before the circle was in sight she could here the heated exchange of words roaring through the trees.  Making her way down the final stretch, the crowd comes into view.  Several elders, shouting angrily and waving their arms about, had encircled a small group of people...clearly outsiders.  Ciniod and two of his goons stood face-to-face with the eldest, the veins in his neck clear even at a distance.  His face was calm but etched with anger.  In his right hand he clutched a pistol.  On the ground, just to his left, lay the body of what appeared to be another on of the lostys.  A large pool of blood already becoming visible beneath him.

Travis stood on the outskirts of the gathering, as per his usual demeanor and presence, and watched unobtrusively as things unfolded.

Maeryn pushed forward until she was standing at the edge of the elder's circle, perpendicular to the face off.  Her blade came readily to hand and she spun it idly in her fingers.  She flicked a glance at the group of lostys, then the elders, and finally Ciniod and his faithful.

"Who are they?" she asked the nearest elder, flick of her chin at the intruders.  "Why the ruckus?"   She was a nobody in the grand scheme of things, but no one else was asking the questions that need to be asked.

It takes Maeryn several attempts to get anyone's attention as most everyone present was, understandably, engrossed in the boisterous affair.  It would appear that the group was found within one of the sacred springs.  As to there exact intentions it was unclear; one cannot necessarily believe the words of a losty.  Before the elders even had a chance to dig deeper into the matter, Ciniod returned from the raid and was promptly informed of their presence.  Storming into the small group before the elders could intercede, he singled one out and attempted an interrogation.  When he didn't hear what he wanted, he executed the man.  The shouting continued from all sides...

"Screw them!  Shouldn't have been up here!"

"Damn fools!  They'll bring the law back up...remember last time that happened?!"

"We chased'em off last time and we'll do it again!"

"HEY!"  Maeryn shouted as loud as she could.  "DO YOU WANT TO JUST KILL THEM ALL?  OR DO YOU WANT INFORMATION?!"  Ciniod was a hothead.  That much she'd seen already.  It was evident in the way he'd handled himself in town, just as it was evident in the dead body that lay upon the blood-soaked earth.

"Let me through.  I won't harm them," she promised calmly to the elders as she tried to get closer to the strangers.

Moving through the small collective of elders, you find that indeed both groups are actually in agreement with you.  The problem appears to be the method of...interrogation.  The elders seem to offer no method other than to speak with them whereas Ciniod seems much more convinced of his approach at extracting information.

"And just what the hell business is this of yours anyway?", Ciniod snarls at Maeryn as she works her way towards the center.

Erbin pushes his way past those gathered around the circle. Thankfully the tea from Gwinny is still affecting him, but the sight he finds still makes him angry. Standing quietly at the edge of the circle he holds his tongue for the moment, his hand resting on the blade at his belt.