[Farael]

They rode in an uncomfortable silence for the best part of an hour, until Fionn who had ran ahead to find a good place to stop came back with news that there was a small forest less than five minutes away. It might have been a forest a long time ago, yet this place had been cleared for the most part and not very recently. Moss grew on the withering stubs of what may have been great trees generations before. Osmod wondered absentmindedly if the rafts they were going to take had consumed this forest. It was not a pleasant thought but rafts were necessary, even more so for his quest.

They found a comfortable place, nearing the woods and yet with a few stubs they could sit on. The horses were unsaddled and set free to find some food for themselves, while the riders discussed their plans.

“I am concerned about Miss Eostre’s last comment. I did not think that making for the rafts before noon tomorrow would be much haste, but I’m not used to ride with other people’s company. Maybe you are not used to the same pace I am. I think we should all have a say on the pace of our group, we will do what ever most of us want to. Once that is settled maybe we could collect some wood for our meal. Soon it might be too dangerous to light a fire, but I think we are still safe enough.”

Having said that, Osmod grabbed a short branch that was laying nearby and drew a small pattern on the ground as the others considered their response. Whether the drawing was a name, a rune or a picture the riders could not tell. As the silence seemed to go on, Osmod looked up at them, finally making up his mind.

“Perhaps I am not the right person to lead us all. Miss Eostre, you seem to believe you know better while I doubt myself. I could not expect others to trust me when I have not the experience of being a leader. Maybe you should lead us.”