[h3][center][color=lightgreen]The Lothelonni[/color][/center][/h3]

For several days the rangers Celamon and Kato tracked the brute through the wilderness. As the land transformed from river-forest to grassland, Celamon noticed that everything was [i]larger[/i]. Rocks became boulders, grass soared above the tall elves and obscured their vision. Towering trees dwarfed the tiny rangers as they pressed on. Wary, and tired, the duo pressed on keeping a safe distance from the brute. 

After a hard journey, senses dulled from days tracking the creature, the rangers came upon a village with a pallisade wall, campfires and the sound of civilization. The walls were enormous, perhaps felled trees from the behomeths they had passed on the trek inland.  

And the smell...

Celamon shuddered. The overwhelming stench from the brutes settlement permeated his clothes and hair and clung to his nostrils. It was the smell of sweat, blood and meat. Beside him, crouched in the underbrush, Kato stared wide eyed. Celamon issued the order for retreat and the pair beat a path back to the river trail. 

Panting from exhaustion, Kato shook his head. "There must be 50 of those...those ogres in there. Gods what land have we found?" 

Celamon rested a hand on his companions shoulder. "A good one, Kato. We know not what these creatures intend. Perhaps they are friendly." Celamon cracked a smile. "Probably not!" 

Kato chuckled despite himself. "Let's get back. Lord Brightflower will want to hear this." Celamon nodded agreement and the rangers began the trek home to Cantivale. 

[hr]

Back at Cantivale, Lord Brightflower was consulting with his officers. Leena, a trusted retainer of house Brightflower was examining the ledgers. 

"It would be better to have a smaller, well trained force m'Lord," said Leena. "A few men and women handpicked, well trained and on alert at all times would be a better force than to rally a militia in times of crisis." Leena spoke the words with an emotionless certainty. Lord Brightflower nodded. 

"I agree Leena, you are my most trusted military advisor, let's begin immediately. I also wish to know of any dangers to our village. We should begin construction of concealed watch towers, high in the trees to evade detection by enemies," Lord Brightflower pointed to several locations on the crude map layed out before them. 

Leena suggested a few alternate locations and the elves agreed. "We will keep rocks and plenty of arrows in the towers as well m'Lord, just in case. I will begin the training immediately and consult with the craftsmen about these towers. As you please m'Lord." Leena bowed and Lord Brightflower returned to studying the map. 

"Where are you Celamon?" he whispered to himself. 

[b]C Improve Infrastructure[/b] Build camouflaged watchtowers and defensive points around the village up to 2 miles away and stock them with arrows and projectiles.