Canopy

[Tintariel]

**Daela jumps from one branch to another. Staying there for a second before scampering up above all the leaves to see the view. She was at the eastern edge of the forest, and could see the plains. Those endless plains, and beyond that would be the dry desert. The desert where Amoukes lived. Daela had never understood amoukes. Such happy, care free beasts who smiled almost every second and almost never stopped talking. They could be so annoying, and why would they live in a desert? It is so dry there, so so dry. Daela sighed with contentment. Amoukes weren't here though. No one else was at the moment. A few minutes behind here was the main Squirbit village, and she, Daela, the leader was able to be alone and think in peace and quiet. A soft breeze rustled the tree's branches. She would have to go back to Pinad, the main village, soon. There was a big council meeting that Daela was not excited to attend. Then she would go up to the mountains and have to speak wit the Berrats about the current problem. Although Daela was not fond of other creatures, the Squirbits were starting to run low on some resources and Daela was going to have to lead some trading. She would go see the Berrats, and send two messengers. One to the Fraccas and one to the Amoukes. She fidgeted with her pale green tail fibbon thinking about who she could send.**

[Mistress of Maltkar]

**Trek hopped onto a branch. He was looking for Daela. The meeting was starting. The head guard had almost sent someone else, but he had volenteered to go instead, "So no one would hav to strain their muscles." was his excuse. The truth was, he loved Daela, but would never tell her. She'd just laugh.**
**He hopped to another branch and scanned the area. Trek was fixing to go somewhere else when he saw a female squirbit tail.** Daela. **He almost sighed. He hopped to the next branch till he was two branches away. He smooted out his tail and ear tuffs before he walked up.** Lady Daela. The meeting is starting... miss. **He gupled. He had almost said 'Love'.** The elders are waiting for you.

[Tintariel]

**Daela is a bit surprised at the sudden appearance of Trek. He was a good head guard, nice squirbit. One of the few squirbits Daela didn't mind being around.** Starting already?**she sighed.** Ah well, lets go then. **Hops two branches away, motioning Trek to follow.**

[Mistress of Maltkar]

**Trek sighed inward. He loved it when she went by him. He hopped to the next branch following after his leader.**

[Tintariel]

**Sees the squirbit village and turns to Trek.** Trek, would you be willing to go with me when I go to the Berrat's territory in a few days? And, would you pick one of your men to go to the Fraccas?

[Mistress of Maltkar]

**Trek smiled.** Anything for you, M'lady. **He bowed. She wanted him to go with her. She could use a guard like him when in distant country. This day was getting better all the time.**

[Tintariel]

**Nods efficently.** Good then, thank you. **Walks into Pinad some squirbits pause to stare at her before moving on with their dutys. Daela walks fast through the bustle of the village, trying to make the trip to the City Hall faster. She sees the Hall and slows down a bit. Quickly reviewing what she had to do. Speak loud, sit straight, be courteous, stop arguements... With that she squred her shoulders and opened the doors.**

[Mistress of Maltkar]

**Trek pushed throught the croud trying to keep up with Daela.** Forget this! **He climbed up onto a roof and chased after his leader. When she stopped, Trek climbed down and followed Daela into the building, acting as a guard.**

[Tintariel]

**Daela could see some of the elder squirbits scowling. She kept her head high and seated her self in the chair at the front of the hall. No one spoke, so Daela spoke first.** As you all know some of our resources are running terribly low. I suggest that we should send some messengers to the Amoukes, Berrats, and Fraccas to negotiate trade. I would go to the Berrats with the head guard Trek. **She paused to motion to Trek.** Trek would chose some of his men to go, and anyone else may go if they are first approved by the majoriy of the squirbits here. What say you?

[Mistress of Maltkar]

**Trek straightened up at his name. He mentally went through a list of guards he thought worthy. He came to one to come with him and Daela. He thought of others to go to the other two territories. Trek had long ago learned to plan your details while you could instead of thinking of them in front of the leader.**

[Tintariel]

**The elders whispered among themselves for a few moments, which annoyed Daela a bit. She tried not to show it. Finally one by one the elders stood up and agreed.** Wonderful! Trek who have you chosen to go where so this council may agree or disagree?

[Mistress of Maltkar]

**Trek chuckled to himself.** Once again, perfect timing. I do. Armeal to come with me. Harkeem and Aepen to go to the plains. And Torme and Chrismat to go to the desert.

[Tintariel]

**Smiled briefly then turned to the elders.** Any opposed to the spoken beasts? **The room was silent except for the shuffling of footpaws.** Any furthur business?

[Mistress of Maltkar]

**Trek waited in unsettling silence. Never, not once since he had become head guard, had he been questioned about his abilities. Those who did never repeated the expieriance. Trek was sharp of mind, toungue, and sword.**

[Tintariel]

Then this meeting is adjourned. Trek, Armeal and I will leave tomorrow morning. The others will leave in the afternoon. **Everybody either left or started talking to one another. Daela started walking towards the door anxious to get out of there. She motioned for Trek to follow again.** Can you have everybody ready for tomorrow?