Something Strange is Happening in the South...

Tinwë nods at Rolana. "That would be a solid plan. If the bait does not take, I can draw them out myself." She grins and flourishes her cloak. "I am one of the quickest people alive, and have some skills even without the magical arts." Eager to begin the hunt, her foot begins to tap on its own. "Shall we begin?"

"Agreed. They had no issue leaving the anti-magic field, but we weren't ready. Now that we know we can make this plan work."

All right, then. How shall we proceed? Care to loan me your broom, Fah'lin?

Oma sits quietly next to Aetoris, waiting for someone to volunteer coming with her, but also very determined to just head out on her own if nobody does.
You can borrow my broom Sola, since I can't fly it at the moment... Just bring it back in one piece please, she's always been good to me. There's a hint of annoyance, followed by a very serious look as she points to her broom, leaning against the wall. She then smiles as she slides down to the ground, putting her hand on Aety's knee. You asked, that's all you could do. I'm going to walk to the edge and just do some simple tricks to test ny abilities. I'll try to stay hidden and not cause any explosions or anything. I don't really know how long it will take before I get back, but you know little old me, nothing can keep me away from you for too long, especially now you're the only one who can make my tea.

Thank you for the offer, Oma, Rolana says with a smile. I promise to take good care of it - especially since my life will likely depend on it.

Looking around at the rest of the party, she adds, We should probably discuss that we're proposing to send two groups - or if no one volunteers to go with Oma, one group and a separate individual - away from the fort at the same time. Both trips are necessary; we need better intelligence about what the crystals can do, and we need more information about the creatures that seem to be the primary weapons of assault and control being used by whoever is behind this plot. But do they need to be entirely separate endeavors?

What if we all traveled in a group to the edge of the anti-magic field? Oma could ride in a wagon and we could fly just out of the range of her crystal. If we are attacked along the way, we would all be able to support each other in a fight.

Once we make it to the edge of the field, we could split up as needed to pursue our separate missions. If all goes well, we could all then travel back together. If things go awry... She shrugs and grins crookedly. Then we improvise.

"I like the idea of starting out together and splitting. I am willing to go with either group, but have most interest in the effect of the crystal and will go with Oma if there are no objections."

Sounds good to me. Tinwe and I were prepared to take on the bug capture by ourselves originally anyway. Oma, does that meet with your approval?

A huge grin spreads across Oma's face and she winks at Aetoris before she walks over to Fah'lin, nudging her with her walking stick. How could I object to a fine woman like yourself joining me on this exciting mission? And any plan that saves me from long walks or riding on a horse's back is a good plan in my book!
She looks over at Aety then motions Fah'lin to come close so she can discuss something "in private".
Tell me Fah'lin, how much do you know about tea? And would you like to try something new?

"If you need, Kuz can be bait. You tie rope on Kuz, I grab one easy then you fly and pull Kuz"

All right, Rolana says, Kuz's plan is a good suggestion, and would certainly increase our ability to fight off any attacks we might face. But we should make sure this doesn't leave the fort and camp too exposed. If all of us leave on this mission, is there significant risk here? How likely is an attack on our forces here in our absence? And wouldn't any attacking party be coming from the direction we're heading?

"I think worrying about an attack is a moot point. If they've been planning that, we can't know. But you are right that the attack would be coming from the same direction we are heading, so we will intercept it. Given how long they have been waiting, or biding their time, or whatever, I doubt that is part of their plan. We can be on the look out, but our plan is solid. We should move forward."

I agree. Rolana looks at Aetoris. Any objections?

None. I'll remain here with the knights, and we will do our testing in camps around the fort. We can hold the fort until we can recall you. Aetoris says with a nod.

Perfect! Rolana stands. Then I suggest we all make ourselves ready for the adventure. We'll need a wagon for Oma to drive. Everyone else, procure whatever you will need. I'd like to be under way within the hour.

"Kuz is ready. I go back to digging. You get me when we go !"