Dead silence reigned in the hall, as the assembled warriors took in Signy's words and the offering of the outlander Miluyasha.  Gautirr's eyes wandered the room, and then he looked at Miluyasha, and spoke loudly, for all to hear.  "If it will protect the lands and people of Lord Rurik's place, then I would count my debt paid in full, and more so."  Several of his own people nodded and clasped his shoulders and arms.  He smiled at Miluyasha, as the warriors of the Holdt nodded approvingly.<br/><br/>Lord Rurik stood back up.<br/><br/>"<em>Though Signy is young, and has come from another village, no one has ever known her seeing to0 be false.  If the outlander will go, and Sabine and Rydis wish to go, and Signy will walk with them, then I still hold to my offer - they will have homesteads and animals and wealth to start families of their own, WHEN they return.</em>"  The men who served as his council stopped their feet, approving of the lord's words....and acting as witnesses, so that he could not be forsworn.  "<em>Come to my tents tonight, and i will speak with you four at length, and give you what I can to aid you on your travels.  The rest of our warriors will remain, and prepare for battle, should Hel stand in your way.</em>"  He spat into the fire, not in an insult, but to burn away any curse the words might bring.<br/><br/>Gautirr stepped closer to Miluyasha and lowered his voice.  "I too would have words with you, before you go, friend."  His expression was hard to read, but his tone was respectful for the lady warrior.  He and his warriors slipped out as Ruruk and the counselors spoke with other warriors, and not a few suspicious and disparaging glances were cast upon the young seer.  Naturally, Rurik's permission for Sabine to accompany the others overrode Rydis' suggestion she stay....<br/><br/>((You may split up, disccus among yourseves, or the like - I will respond to those speaking with NPCs or set up other situations for those not immediately involved with one depending on reactions to the Lord's words....))<br/><br/>