Things were ‘real’ here. The land was stark and full of dangerous critters like rattlesnakes, boars, wolves, deer, antelope, bears and some very mean cattle with great horns. They were used to all these, except for the rattlesnakes. The Druid, Faolain and Lord Faiydh kept most of them in check, one way or another. “At least they give ye a warnin most o’ the time,” Faolain chuckled. “We hear them, but the humans might not,” Faiydh remarked. Faolain allowed as how that was probably truth. Maeve was not fond of the place. There weren't a lot of trees. The ones that were there were short, scrubby and twisted in unbelievable shapes. "Hey," he just grinned, "our ancestors managed it. Why can't we? Much nicer up north. We could have gone up there - if you want to deal with our wild-eyed Hyperborean brothers. No, no. There are already legends floating around up there about fierce creatures that haunt the woodland - things like men…manidoo. You know what that means." "We are not without our wolves, bears and dragons, Faolain," Maeve answered him curtly. "My Queen, but we are much better behaved." He flashed a toothy grin to make his point and winked. "I insist on it. So do the rest of the Council. Our dragons and wolves are only for the punishment of those who break the rules - and defense, of course. Are there others here?" she asked him. "Aye, my Lady. Little brown people like everywhere else I ever been." "We have to get along with them. We can't be pillaging and plundering. Your sailors know that don't they?" "We don't get cargo and make connections by pillagin and plunderin, my Lady. A bit o' debauchery maybe, but they're usually more than willin. They think we're gods.” "We are gods," Maeve corrected him humorlessly. "Are we not men? Do we not bleed?” he rolled his eyes. “They say we’re not human, because we know no fear and have no pity.” “Whatever. You and your Lord should speak to them all then, tonight. Tell them the rules. Lay 'em down right this now, my Lady," Faolain advised her. "Tis how I handle my crews. They know, better. I know Gryff won't hesitate," he added. Neither would Fayidh, or she. They spoke the rules to the people. They told them if they didn't like the rules they could leave. No one did. This place was too big and strange to many of them. Maeve spoke the rules, but then Faiydh stepped out before her. He looked across the crowd, his eyes like burning lamps in the dying light. "You WILL - as we have always attempted to do - merge with these people as we did in the place from which we came long ago. But remember, we live on the edge, not in the center. We are here to build our own lands, where we are not threatened constantly. There will be peace and we shall prosper in this place. If you do not follow these rules we have spoken, you WILL meet The Wolf. I don't care who you are. Has everyone got that, now?" It remained to be seen. Enjoy and thanks, as always! Rayvn