Aramil held out his sunrod at the mysterious forms as they lessened their hurried approach.
" We are part of this Pinedroi host; who comes into our light?!"

A tiny female voice called out in answer " Please put your weapons away. We come in peace and do not intend to harm you. I am Roslyn and I led the army to the southside of this fortress through the recesses of Nalmiar. With me is Krisaya; a friend also."

The ranger whispered to the mage " Watch behind them to make sure they aren't running from a horde of orcs."

Erelis requested aloud " The army you serve has now begun its' march westward. Why do you now stay behind without them? Deserters are you?"

Two women then appeared in the light circle shielding their eyes from the brilliance. A halfling of the tiniest sort, who had introduced herself first, gave a bow. She allowed her companion to proceed her and they stood with an easy stance facing the fellowship. Krisaya was human and she had long, red hair tied back into a ponytail. With a friendly smile, Roslyn replied " I overheard your mission and have convinced the Warmarshall that you may be under our watchful eyes." The halfling's orbs twinkled. " They think that we have served our purpose and have no designs on nonwarrior women being in this final battle. You are now free to do as you wish as long as we are with you. They must regard Bethlun men as nonthreatening as long as Loten Marks and a fellow hobbit carouse amongst you."

Aramil held the sunrod aloft with white, tight knuckles. " No disrespect to Nanith nor Loten, but your town and its leadership must come under some serious consideration." The mage's eyes narrow " First Telfar and I are considered great threats and now we are suddenly fine with Pinedrodian chaprones."

Loten however, less cautious, greeted the ladies with a bow of introduction. " I am pleased to have more people helping with our quest. With the addition of you both to our group, it seems that we are now free to pursue the shard without delay. I thank you for any part you had in freeing us from obligations. What skills do you have that you might help us on our quest? It will be dangerous; perhaps more than battling these foreign orcs."

The female hobbit explained that she could lead them without error or delay to any part of the Nalmiar if their quest led them through its formidable trees. The sorceress remained coy and played with a rat that peeked its head out from the woman's robe pocket every so often.

Sword still held out before him, Teflar glanced among his allies and spoke with guarded emphasis. " Loten, we traveled with the army and I don't recognize these women. We are on an important mission and there are those unknown who wish us to fail in our venture. Let's not make it any easier for them than it has been by carelessly taking on strangers."

Marks replied " Rest assured ranger, these ladies bear no ill will onto us for I sense inquistive & adventurous minds only. They bear the mark of serviced success and I see they have earned honors in the works thus spoken." With his sword, the paladin lightly tapped the armsleeves of the women where a beautifully embroidered stitching of a golden shield reflecting sunlight on a blue background shown with distinction.

With these threatening matters put aside by Loten, the group of nine were once together free to discuss their new direction. Unanimously, the team wanted to return to the fortress to continue serious exploration. And so, they filed back into the courtyard where their options were left open to them once again.