[Desmodus]

Timestamp: 40 Ioannes, Era XIV PF

Latherin had told the group from Natura to expect a call from a Ranger that evening some time after pracenda. The summer brightenings were long, and it was only just starting to get dark when a young ranger named Ethilde Falconeye showed up at the Sooty Cavern and started to ask Mila a question. She had barely opened her mouth when the Innkeeper, with a knowing smirk, pointed out table 3, Drega, party of four.

Actually, even that mute exchange was largely superfluous; the four were the only strangers there, and didn't look like ruffled caravan survivors. Approaching their table politely, Ethilde said: "Serale, and Vedui. I am Ethilde Falconeye of the Acumin Rangers. I take it you are the four come from Natura to help us? If so, then please make ready to accompany me. I am to take you to meet your next contact."

Her bright, cool grey eyes went around to each of the visitors. She had a hunch that Venn was the leader, but she also knew it would be impolite to fail to treat them all as equals. "You won't be departing Acumin directly, so you don't have to take all your things with you right now. I apologize in advance for this process being a bit indirect, but the reasons will become clear in a bit."

Ethilde would wait for as long as it took Venn, Avrie, Austin, and Jade to get ready. She would talk to them and answer what questions she could, but she was not there for the beer or the company, and the Naturans would not find her to be much of one for banter.