The group made their way out of town and into the jungle that surrounded the city. To their surprise, however, the rout to the glade where they had planted Marae's seed was no longer overgrown with foliage, but cut and trodden extensively; clearly, there had been some traffic going to and from the ruins. They also realized that they were hardly alone, as voices could be heard up ahead of them. Upon reaching the clearing, their eyes widened at how much had changed in the past week. Most notably, the area where they had planted Marae had been cordoned off by a circle of sheets and canvases held up by posts and clothes lines, forming a perimeter some thirty feet wide. All around this cloth wall, were a scattered assortment of tents and lean-tos as well as large number of Tel'Kara citizens going about the daily routine of camp life.
Most of the people milling about paused to offer slight bows and words of greetings as they neared the party, until a firm voice cut through the gentle murmur. "There you are!" The group turned to see Captain Urta heading their way with a squad of six troops behind her. Once more she was clad in the leather armor of the city guard, and had an impressive halberd strapped to her back. "Osric, and Cera, are already inside waiting. Follow me." she commanded, as she pulled aside one of the sheets that separated the inner ruin, and walked in. Inside, the party was met by an enchanting sight. There, standing in a shaft of sunlight, was tall, pale, sapling. Its thin trunk swayed gently in what little wind was able to reach it, and its brilliant green leaves shimmered in the light.
Gathered about the small tree were several people. Isaac was standing at attention, in uniform, while Gertrude made herself comfortable on a moss-covered stone. Standing in front of the sapling were Mayor Osric, and Guildmistress Cera. Gone were the black robes of judgment, however, replaced by more functional attire. Osric wore a simple pair of brown breeches and white linen shirt, while Cera had opted for a tight-fitting pair of black leather pants, and light blue blouse. Her hair also tumbled down her back, no longer confined to the bun she had worn it in the last time the party had seen her. As the party approached, they both turned to eye them, and Osric spoke, in his deep rumbling voice. "So, is it true what Isaac claims? Are you people the ones responsible for this?"