[The X Phial]

The rangers had retrieved the body of their fallen leader and freed Borgand and Calumdril to return to camp. The Ithilien had found him soon afterwards with news that he had spoken to both Illith and the new leader of the rangers, Tane. They had come up with an idea that might help solidify the relationship between the two groups, even in the wake of tragedy. Borgand had quickly agreed and was now headed to a hastily assembled settlement meeting.

He looked at his assembled people. So many were chatting amiably with each other. He was proud that, despite the hard conditions and harder work, they were building a community of people as well as of wood and stone. Of course, many were sitting without speaking, tired and cranky from long days and little reward. Borgand hoped that today's announcements would snap people about of their feeling of drudgery. He did not relish telling of the death of Thorgil. Whether they said so or not, the settlers all felt the rangers were standing between them and the worst of the dangers. With the death of a ranger, and the leader at that, fears would rise. Hopefully, the second announcement would temper that fear and give people something to look forward to.

Borgand stepped in front of the assembly, mindful of the need to keep things brief and to the point. A hush slowly fell as people noticed him. One advantage of the wooden leg was that he stood out from the general crowd and was almost instantly recognizable. He cleared his throat and glanced at the group, cheered to see Illith and Calumdril standing near the back.

"Hello my friends!" he began. "We have been working hard and the settlement is starting to take shape before our eyes. You should all be very proud of your accomplishments here. I know that I am proud of all of you. We stand at the edge of civilization, and through our efforts we bring order to the chaos of the wild around us.

"Part of this endeavor, of course, is hard work, which we have all been contributing. Another aspect, however, is loss. I am saddened to announce that Thorgil, one of the northern rangers here, has been slain in an encounter with the hillmen. It looks as though this incident was accidental. We must, however, be vigilant in our watch. The leader of the rangers, a man known as Tane, is both efficient and dedicated to the safety of his people and our settlement."

He paused, gauging the reaction. There was anxiety in the faces looking back at him, and the murmur of fear had not yet died down. As anticipated, the death of the ranger was a difficult bit of news to process. Taking a deep breath, he forged on.

"The rangers will be taking a few days to mourn the loss of Thorgil. When they return, we should have finished the building of the town hall." Borgand gestured to the frame slowly being erected behind him.

"Tane and I have discussed a fitting way to do honor to the dead while celebrating a new beginning. We think a feast is in order." He smiled at the crowd. The tone had changed slightly from anxiety to a lighter mood.

"And so, in two days time, we will have a contest. A hunting contest, to be exact. A team of settlers and a team of rangers will go looking for game. Whichever team finds the herds first will be honoured at the feast. Prizes will also be given for the team and the man who brings in the most game. The stores of wine shall be opened, and our first celebration as a community will truly take place. Now, are there any questions?"

Borgand smiled to Illith at Calumdril as the excited chatter started. The people hadn't forgotten the threat, but they had a goal now, something to bring them together. He hoped the hunt would produce more than just good will, though. A good hunt would provide a much-needed supplement to their stores. He promised himself he would treat Illith to a bath he hauled up from the lake and heated himself for this idea. She really was a gem.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 5:27 PM December 14, 2003: Message edited by: The X Phial ]