[center][h3][color=lightgreen]The Lothelonni[/color][/h3][/center][center][sub]An expedition led by Ranger Celamon Jeroomi, 12th son of Lord Pella Jeroomi, Eastern Branch of the River Cantivale[/sub][/center][hr]

[i]For several days a dozen rangers led by Celamon tread a wary path along the eastern branch of the river Cantivale. Armed with bows, spears and the hunting sword of the Brightflower clan, Celamon took care with his rangers lives and pressed on at a wary pace.[/i]

The rocky banks of the river were soon overgrown with thick foliage and tall, softly swaying poplars, birch and willows. Celamon left two rangers to guard the high-keeled boats several miles back, but continued the expedition on foot, albeit at a slower pace. As the sun disappeared and the shadows of twilight engulfed the rangers, Celamon spotted a clearing and a hulking form within it. 

"Hold rangers!" he hissed at the sight before him. A massive creature, bearded and fierce was methodically butchering a great beast-a bull. For a moment, Celamon watched slack-jawed at the sight of the creature-which was easily thrice the size of himself. A mixture of fear and awe took hold of the head ranger and for a fleeting moment he knew not what to do. 

As the beast drew a long blade across the bulls corpse, Celamon ordered a swift retreat to regroup. Taking shelter behind some large boulders, and well away from the monster in the clearing, Celamon delivered his orders:

Turning to his lieutenant, a swift elf named Ella, he said, "Take eight men and return to Lord Brightflower, tell him of our encounter. [b]Kato and I will attempt to track the beast, and see if their are others, or perhaps where it lives[/b]. If we do not return in a few days, expect the worst. A safe journey upon you sister." Ella nodded without a word and her and her cadre disappeared into the woods. 

Celamon and Kato were left staring at one another. Kato was a few years Celamons senior, a fine and able ranger, but of little social standing in the clan. "Ready Kato?" asked Celamon. Kato nodded and the two set about their work. 

[hr]

At Cantivale, Lord Brightflower awaited the return of his expedition, and when it returned with Ella in command Elaris feared the worst. Ella told him of their encounter with the beast in the forest, and Celamons intentions. Elaris thanked Ella for her service and pondered his next action. Consulting with his rangers, they decided that a standing militia would have to be conscripted. The fate of Celamon and Kato was yet to be known. 

[b]H) Expand military[/b] (about 20%)