Following the pick up of Erreaminin by the city watch, those in the kitchen go back out ot the lobby to find Tomanta and the others still in heated discussion as to where and when they should leave the city. Tyler Du'Orien believes they should wait until morning so that they can all get one last night of quality rest before taking off to the north, whereas Tomanta wishes them to leave immediately while the trail of the Emerald Claw might still be hot.
'Assuming our friend believes we are leaving in the morning, and assuming his friends will speak with him at some point in the near future, it would be best to leave as soon as possible. Anything to give us a time advantage. Surprise them before ambushes can be set up, or just beat them to the goal.'
Tyler shakes his head and disagrees.
'A 16 hour delay to get some food in our stomachs, a good night's rest, plus a full restocking of our supplies should not be out of the question, however. It will be a long and hard trip into the Ashen Spires. In addition... I'm sure the city guard will have further questions for us regarding the waiter and we shouldn't all blow out of town so suddenly. But I'll tell you what... if House Tharashk believes leaving immediately is in the group's best interest, House Orien will not stand in it's way. This mission is on behalf on both Houses, so each should get an equal say.'
The dragonmarked member turns to the rest of the group.
'It would probably not be a bad idea actually to split up for right now. Send a scouting mission forward tonight to pick up the trail of Zola Ko and Horik Laan... and the rest can follow along tomorrow morning at dawn. How does that sound? Tomanta, is that acceptable to you?'
The House Tharashk member nods in agreement.
'All right then. Who is willing to head out tonight? Luthal... you are our tracker... you might be best served hitting the trail this evening, agreed?'
The large gnoll smiles, showing off his sharp teeth... and rubs his paws together in anticipation.
'Fine. I'll start rounding up some supplies, if ya like. What do you all like to eat?'
He gets a couple quick responses, then heads to the kitchen to pick up some stores. Tyler nods as the gnoll walks off.
'Very good. That will help. Anyone else ready to leave this evening as well?'
Kolarred and Zook both speak up...
'Time is currently on our side. If we wait until tomorrow we will lose that advantage.'
'Well I'm all set. I can leave right now.'
'Wonderful. So Tomanta, Luthal, Kolarred and Zook will hit the road tonight heading north... Lyran, Kort, Lynx, Margan and myself will follow you along tomorrow at dawn. Good luck gentlemen. We will hopefully catch up with you in the coming days, as I'm sure your speed will be hindered by needing to find and follow the trails. Good evening to you all.'
And thus... Tyler, Lyran, Kort, Lynx and Margan go back up the stairs into the Golden Embers to prepare for the evening's rest, while Tomanta, Luthal, Kolarred and Zook head outside the inn and get back on the street. Zook gives the group a thumbs up and heads across the street to the stables to gather the horses together, and the Tharashk investigator, the paladin, and the ranger all stand to quickly discuss things before heading out north.
**********
OOC: We have now essentially split the group. The four of you heading out tonight are the ones still playing in the game, the other five look to be done. I'll stick with the four of you for now and will see how things go before deciding if a fifth player would be helpful (if either one of the other group wants to return or if I find a new player that I think would add to the game). But for now, it's the four of you.
Because of the slight stutterstep we have had, I'd recommend everyone go back and re-read some of the older posts to refamiliarize yourselves with what the plan is, who the major NPCs and villains are, and where and what you are going for. I know I'm going to go back and re-read it, cause I'm having a difficult time remembering everything I've written thus far. 
Thanx guys! Let's have fun as we continue along!
