<blockquote class="uncited"><div>Although the Grandmaster was filled with shame for not keeping an open ear towards all his members, he look Ithilnaur in the eyes and whispered, <span style="color: #FFFF00">"Go forth, Son of Celestial Fire. Requite us."</span></div></blockquote><br/><br/>Son of Celestial Fire...it was, he supposed, an apt description of himself from the Grandmaster.  To requite, though, was not a word he heard often, and it added to the solemn pause he had once the portal had vanished.  Tears continued to threaten his eyes, but Ithilnaur blinked them away savagely.  There would be time for tears later.  And, there would time to further discern the Grandmaster's words.  For the moment, they were hurt, tired, hungry, and their morale had taken a huge beating.  Authryn had mentioned finding a tavern, but Ithilnaur did not like the feel of that...though food was certainly important.  He never remembered feeling so tired as he did at that very moment.  So many had died...so much was lost, and more death was still to come.  Others had suggested something similar in agreement, but Ithilnaur said nothing as yet.  Tired as he was; his senses were still taking in the scene he now found himself in...the remaining Rangers gathered together thanks to the sacrifice of their Grandmaster.  The question of leadership came up from Turge, and it was one more thing Ithilnaur took into himself...for the question was valid.<br/><br/>'Requite us,' the Grandmaster had told him.  In some context, it might mean to return the Rangers to their former glory...or even to the tower from whence many of them came.  In other context, it could just have easily meant for Ithilnaur to avenge that which had taken place this day....the death of so many Rangers.  Coming from the Grandmaster; it could even mean both things.  It would be something he would need to consider.<br/><br/>For the moment, greater things needed his immediate attention.  It did not escape the youngest Ranger's attention how Triarc was giving extra consideration to Authryn and Astraia, and Astraia was agreed with Authryn about rest and food.  It seemed to be the general consensus, but still Ithilnaur did not speak up...not yet.  Even as exhausted as he was; there was still something wrong with the plan of a tavern.  It nagged at him...like an annoying mosquito that wouldn't leave him alone.  His emerald eyes took in the rest of the Rangers before moving directly towards Authryn and Astraia.  Only once he was before these two did he salute them with his Elven blade, Elthalion, and then bowed his head to them in respect.<br/><br/>"I agree with the general consensus.  We must find food and rest, and then we must warn the various realms of this impending threat.  However, I do not think a tavern would suit us right now.  The Enemy force we faced was well organized.  It is possible they have spies waiting for us at the nearest tavern...if not to catch any survivors...then to listen for news so they may better act against the realms.  I do not believe in our current condition that we can take such a chance.  I suggest we come up with a course of action that is less obvious to our foes.  The last thing we need to do is give them another chance at us so soon," the youngest Ranger explained his thoughts.  "All of us know this land...far more than they do.  It would not be hard for us to rapidly find a natural refuge for us to rest, eat, and mend.  From there, we can decide better our next course of action on how to best warn the realms of what is coming, and other such things that need discussing."<br/><br/>Though he was facing Authryn and Astraia...he was speaking to them all....his voice weary with battle fatigue and grief barely held in check.