Back in Hopp’s house, Tyric stood addressing the party. All were seated comfortably inside Hopp’s main lounging room, with drinks of various natures (in Bolt’s case a rather potent nature) in abundance.
"Fellow adventurers," Tyric began. "Friends. What I am about to say will sound crazy. Suicidal, even. But, I feel as Hopp does. We have a moral obligation to go to the Empire, and try and put a stop to whomever or whatever is responsible for the recent events. Now, obviously, Hopp and I will be going." said Tyric, smiling at a beaming Hopp. "the decision on whether or not the rest of you all will join us, I leave to you. No one should feel ashamed at declining. All here have proven their worth, and have earned respect no matter what their reply. Friends, I leave it to you." With this, Tyric sat down.
Slowly, the companions looked at one another, quizzical glances and unspoken questions darting like fireflies on a summer’s evening. Bolt was the first to speak.
"Well... I haven’t come this far to quit now. And if I don’t come, who’s going to drag your unconscious body around the Empire, eh Tyric? I’m in," said Bolt.
"Me too!" burst out an excited Baele. "What?" she asked, when everyone looked startled at her enthusiasm. "It sounds fun!", Baele finished, sitting down next to Bolt.
Silverleaf was next. "Although I have no idea why at times, I’ve grown fond of the dwarf. He’ll need me when he runs out of crossbow bolts, as if that will happen", said Silverleaf, grinning. "I’m in." All eyes turned towards Merick, Alita, Erith, and Rhia, who had been carrying on their own discussion after Tyric had stated his intentions.
"Brave allies, what are your feelings on the matter?" queried Tyric.
Merick stood, the spokesperson for the group. "After discussing it with my fellows, we have decided to stay. This is for several reasons. First of all, the Empire will know us. Their mark is upon us, as we are their creation, of a sort. Consequently, once they find us, they will kill us for being traitors. Second, somebody needs to stay and watch over Hopp’s beautiful forest." Hopp smiled at this. "And having lived here, we know the paths pretty well. We can keep an eye on things until you get back." Merick finished. He looked almost apologetic, and somewhat expectant of the criticism to come.
Tyric stood, and clasped hands with Merick. "Thank you. It is a brave thing to do, and we respect you for it. I am honored to call you a friend." Merick smiled, relieved.
"Well!" said Hopp, jumping up from her seat. "Now that that’s settled, we should probably get some sleep. We can make our plans in the morning. I’m afraid I wasn’t expecting this many guests, so I don’t have enough beds... But some can sleep on the cushions down here. Tyric, Silverleaf, Bolt, and Merick can sleep in the beds upstairs. The rest of you, myself included, can claim a place down here."
Silverleaf stretched, joints popping. "Sounds great, Hopp. Goodnight all", finished the elf. A chorus of goodnights resounded throughout the house, as the battle weary companions separated and drifted into slumber.
The next morning, the scent of a very strange and surprisingly delicious breakfast aroused the spirits and stomachs of the Companions, as they had come to call themselves. "Hopp, I don’t know what this is, but it sure is great!" said a delighted Bolt, through a mouthful of something hopp called "scrambled eggs."
"Thanks. It’s my own creation," said a pleased Hopp.
After everyone had breakfasted, the Companions sat down around a circular table with nine chairs in a room that had been hastily named the Battle room. A map of the known world was spread out on the table, with markers showing their current location in Sifune Forest, the location of the Empire, and other major cities.
"Well," said Tyric. "It seems fairly straightforward. Hopp, Baele, Bolt, Silverleaf, and myself will make for the Empire, with Merick Alita, Erith and Rhia staying here to keep an eye on things, and prevent a resurgence of Weavers, should such a thing happen. Any questions?", Tyric finished, eyebrows arched.
"Annnyyy quueessttiiionnss..?" was the last Baele heard as her eyes slowly shut, and her consciousness disconnected itself from her body, traveling a great distance at an unknown summons.
