Meanwhile, in the Westwoods...

Sir Amnarel, at breakfast with you, says, "The Great Council has its meeting on the night of the new moon.  That's in only two days.  I didn't think you could possibly get there in time, but if you can fly part of the way, and travel during the night as well, you might just make it. That would be your best chance to spread your news as far as possible, and to hear the news from every corner of the Westwoods.  Some of the courts keep a presence at the hall at all times, but many more only send a representative for meetings. The Court of Whispers rarely sends a representative, but perhaps, if you can get them there in time, this time we should."

"I was thinking the same." Lady Resarra enters with Prince Lintelér, who takes a seat next to Quentin with a smile.

"In fact, Miss Raven Blackblade, since you are heading that way in any case, I wondered whether you might be willing to carry news of the Fens and send us back what you learn at the meeting. In exchange, I would grant you land in the Fens, one hundred acres including the portal to the Arch Witch's retreat.  Someone needs to keep soldiers there, and have an eye on the place, and it is near your father's lands. He should be able to thoroughly investigate and secure the place, if you leave him your keys. Your father's land allotment is also being increased, and I am raising him to the rank of Baronet.  I am placing two hundred of our soldiers at his command for the task, and for keeping a more constant patrol of the wilderness."

A servant bows and hands you the rolled-up tapestry, and a ring of new keys...one for each cell, and one for the new lock on the front door.

"I'd prefer to travel by mount as much as possible. We should make it in plenty of time with us flying." Quentin says as they enter smiling at Linteler. 

We have the big ring of keys retrieved from the hag bodies, Sir Amnarel (bart)., and, oh, hey, a bracelet of jade skulls we forgot to sell, oh well. Del will make a quick trip to the weavers and casemaker for his order whenever convenient, and help lay in rations bedding, silage etc. Sound advice sir, in response to Sir A In fact we should fly at night when possible, to avoid nocturnal encounters and make it easier to navigate. Other than when it is useful to fly over obstacles. 

"Oh I do love flying," Mindartis says, practically bouncing in his seat. He'll skip along as he goes to acquire feed and rations for their portable dungeon.

That ain't just a crush, friends Del corrects Q and E Our Feylord has gone feyish - hopefully the seasonality he told us about last night. Del is going to do a little Countercharm playing - it isn't intrusive and no harm - just in case

Del's order is ready.  The case is dark brown, sturdy, well padded, and has a strange, blocky grain to the leather.  The leatherworker tells him it is crocodile hide.  The strap is woven in brown and green, in a leaf pattern.

Mindartis doesn't seem to change, purchasing a weeks worth of feed for their five horses, along with a week of standard rations.

"If it is your wish, then it will be done."  Raven says as humbly as possible, kneeling and bowing her head inn respect.  "I will do my best to see that I do not let you down in this."

Elwin tagged along behind the others, thoroughly enjoying Mindartis' new mood.

Mindartis takes the bundles of feed in his arms and continues skipping along, his new boots keeping a spring in his step even with all the extra weight he was carrying. "Who has the dungeon right now?"

We should lay in more than a week of rations Del is happy to contribute, making it 30 days They keep, and if we have more than five rescued - which I sincerely hope - we want to feed them on the journey back. The horses, 5 days probably sufficient, they will likely graze most days, only if we have a couple days unable to be let out do they need the fodder.

Del tries out his new fittings, how they fit before his pack, drawing crwth and bow in one motion, how the strap holds Ziia for easy fiddling. Like the kid in a western practicing quick-draw in the mirror

You need a new song Feylord my friend? Maybe a little Oh Yeah...Eyum Bowmp Bowmp Chikka Chikka.

Soon we ride out? Probably with R in front as usual?

"Oh, you're right. Don't know why I didn't think about that," Mindartis says, laughing. He takes on the extra load easily enough, laughing when Del plays the new song, "You've always know the best songs Del."

Before they leave Quentin takes the Prince to the side for a quick chat telling him, “Now this time I’m serious. Be safe. If I have to save you from another sugar cube I’m going to manacle you to me so you can’t leave my sights.” He smiles and blushes some saving, “The rumor mill is probably already going about us, hopefully your Dad says yes and well I guess do this a little more out in the open.” Quentin then looks nervous as he says, “I’ll....I’ll send a letter once we’re at the Council and let you know what’s happening.” Taking a deep breath a gathering some courage Quentin gives the Prince a private quick kiss before they return to the others. 

"Don't worry about me," Lintelér says. "I know I've said that before, but I will be going back to Blackblade Manor with Sir Amnarel and probably at least a part of those two hundred soldiers. Then I will be sitting there a few days while Master Talos restores the rest of the freeholders, then I will be taken straight home by the High Druid's magic. I doubt I could get into trouble even if I wanted to. And I will certainly speak to my father."

"When you arrive at the Hall of Courts, please say hello to my sister,  Princess Anarórë.  She and Captain Kibble were on their way to the Hall, the last I heard, and I assume that if something terrible had happened to prevent their arrival, Master Talos would have told me so.  Although,"  Lintelér added, "he can be very vague at times."

He wishes Quentin the best of luck, and he definitely kisses back.

Quote from BaconExpert982 >>

"You've always know the best songs Del."

"Yes, he does," laughed Elwin, improvising a matching jig for a few steps.

(( Lol, never realized that was actually a full song ))

Del explains The fastest beast I can summon is Giant Eagle - I can get two of those for an hour. With all my highest spells I can do that four times a day. Del proposes a plan: ride all day; Del and someone slip into Hotel Tapestry to nap near the end. When it's nearing dark, most of y'all bed down in HT, Del and someone else ride eagles for 4 hours ((speed 80 = 8 mph / 10.3 at fast pace ~ 42 miles)) then Del and watchpartner take their long rest in the morning while the party continues on. Do it again the next day For a change, if you want, one of those four hours could be Polymorph instead - Lord Mindartis could be a Quetzalcoatlus

"Oh that does sound like great fun!" Mindartis exclaims.

"Lady Resarra , may I speak with you privately?"  Raven asks as the others start leaving.

Lady Resarra waves her followers away, and steps aside with Raven.

When they get the portable dungeon set up, Mindartis takes all their feed and rations and stores them inside, whistling while he works. "We might have to spend some time teaching our horses how to go up and down stairs," he says as he climbs back up them.