Something Strange is Happening in the South...

Even if he was never great with animals, Kuz tries to calm his horse before going in the portal but it clearly doesn't want to. Not wanting to delay the group, Kuz firmly takes the reins and just drags the horse with him, waiting just a few seconds to see if anybody else has trouble with theirs...

Murmuring soft encouragement to Feyborn, Rolana approaches the portal with the reins in hand.Feeding the horse a couple of treats as a reward for her good comportment, Rolana nods at the fort commander and introduces herself as Sola Kraen, diplomatic and logistics attaché to the king. The rest of the party are aware that this is her cover identity for this mission.

Leaving it to someone else to assume command of the fort, Rolana asks for someone to care for their horses, and a thorough account of the appearance of the pyramid and an update on what's happened since.

Pyrrha holds open the door within the tree long enough to get everyone through, including some stubborn mounts. As everyone begins to mount their horses and brooms, she seems to grip something intangible in the air, then transforms into the nightingale again in a swirl and puff of white smoke. She perches herself on the cantle of Fah'lin's saddle. As they reach the fort, she observes the commander but does not return to her normal form.

Whispering soothing words to her mount, Fah'lin leads the beast to the portal.

Once though, and after the commander has handed over command to the group, Fah'lin says, "Sounds like your territory, Princess, however...would you care to explain, Commander Tristram, WHY you are simply turning command over to us?"

Oma pokes the commander with her walking cane to get his attention. Commander, that bird and I need to see your mages, please tell me where to find them. Also, one of our group decided to not travel with us and is still quite a way back, perhaps someone with the ability to transport back here could travel north to meet him so he can get here faster? We can't move forward without him, well, I don't think he would like it very much if we did. She rolls her eyes, clearly still not happy with the way Ryestro left the group.

Tinwë skips lightly through the portal, enjoying the marvel of tree travel. "Pyrrha, that is a most delightful trick!"

I'd like to see it. The king will want me to provide him with as thorough a description as possible. Has it had any ill effects since it appeared?

"Yes, good idea. Let's see the pyramid while the commander gives us his report. Please include any updates you might have. Also, we encountered a huge beast on the road here. Have there been any sightings of strange creatures reported?"

Aetoris rides through the portal easily and gallops near the front as they get through. When they arrive, he listens, hoping for any of the other members to officially take command of the fort. Seeing no one immediately jump up, he walks over, stiffening to attention in front of the commander.

Commander Tristram, you stand relieved. I hereby assume command of Fort Naleth. Thank you for your attention to orders, you bring honor to your banners. Aetoris offers, bowing slightly at the waist.

There, now that the change of command is out of the way, could you point me towards your guard captain Commander? I trust the others can gather the required reports, I want to check on some operational things and make an official entry in your logbooks that I have assumed command.

After getting a direction, he will walk closely to Fah'lin and lean in to whisper. Remember, the lass travels with us under secrecy. In private, she can provide information appropriately, however, at no time is her name to appear in any official documentation for this outing.

Rolana at some point falls into step beside Aetoris and says in a low voice, Sorry to put you into the position of taking command, but I could hardly be the one to do it. Can't adequately observe and analyze the situation if people are constantly expecting me to give them orders . And you know how much I enjoy watching you be all military.