Gavin's comment lowered the temperature in the tent a few degrees. Ruli glanced sidelong to Ysaryn, who wore a hard expression. After a while, she'd described how it felt to be assaulted and attacked by her own people, dismembered and mutilated by the dark magics. He knew it still haunted her sleep sometimes, but she would never let it show, here. Not in front of anyone who would think her weak for it. He looked away, not wanting to draw attention to her any further. 

"Thanks." Ruli said, tapping Ysaryn and Gavin's wrist. "You're with me." He led them both out, and when they were led into the tent that had been provided, he turned, getting a good look. "Ysaryn and I will go back and forth. Gavin, you'll be setting up in between. It should only be two trips between us. Push that table against the back there, we'll use it later, and keep everyone out. Save for Kire for now."

It didn't take long at all for them to Walk back to Daryll's home in the mountains, gather the already packed crates, than Daryll, and return. Between the first and second trip, Gavin had begun unpacking the crates containing the ward pieces, setting them up on the table in the order they'd be needed, as well as the map they'd borrowed. 
When they had it all ready, Ysaryn was sent to gather the [i]Wenches[/i] and anyone else who was free and willing to volunteer. Ruli counted them as they filed in, calculating once again in his head to divide equally between them. When he'd finished, he summoned them one by one, handing them the correct number of runes, -each one about the size of a pomegranate-, a paper listing the correct number to place them as well as the direction each one should face, and pointed to the map. After ensuring they understood where to place each one, Ruli told them that, upon their return, he would be using brief magic to see where they were placed, so he needed them to stand a few feet back and get a good look at the rune and the ground before covering it in foliage and moving on. 

When they were all handed out and each person understood their instructions, Ruli and Ysaryn grabbed all but the last of the runes, which they left under Gavin's protection, and they moved out to place them. It took the longest out of all the tasks, each volunteer moving stealthily along the grounds in a wide circle around the palace grounds. Ruli and Ysaryn had taken the pointed furthest out, so for the most part, they were able to pass everyone on the way and see that the instructions were followed. When Ruli placed his last, he Walked back to camp, counting the others as they trickled back in. 
After asking permission, Ruli took each of their hands individually and asked that relax while he used his Mind-Touch magic to ensure each was properly placed. Each one was, to his relief, and he dismissed them afterward. Sending Ysaryn to inform Kire the pieces were in place, Ruli turned to Gavin. 

"This is when I need your decision." Ruli said calmly. "If you decline, it will be okay. I can use my own blood to hide her. It will just make her seem ... well, like a nobody. Don't feel guilt if you're unsure."