The Wilderness

Business in the Friendly Arm concluded, and joined by the eladrin Calliope, the group sets out into the midmorning light to make their way to the town of Beregost, and from there, to Nashkel and its iron mine. They avoid the south road and make their way instead through the Wood of Sharp Teeth—a forest far less foreboding than the Cloakwood they touched on earlier. The trees here give some cover from the sun, thankfully, and the party feels that it makes good time.

There is plenty of wildlife to be seen and heard, though all are skittish of the party. Squirrels chitter in the trees, deer flit through the trees, and at one point a black bear sticks its head up from a cluster of berries and quickly trundles off into the forest’s depths.

The journey almost feels like a leisurely hike through the forest, until the clatter of armor reminds the group of the world’s dangers.

"We are civilians from journeying from Icewindale. I am Sheemish, a blacksmith by trade." He gestures to the group, We are simply passing through these parts."

The woman mercenary clears her throat. "Perhaps we should pay them for the shield, so that they may at least replace it upon reaching Beregost."

The woman nods stiffly. "Nothing is more important than what we stand for, sir."

Then she steps forward with her weapon sheathed, counts 10 gold coins out of a satchel, and offers them to Aiwë. "Go with peace, citizen."

"I am no one of consequence," she says as she accepts the shield. Her visor turns slightly towards her superior. "You should thank Officer Zodge for his understanding in this matter."

With that, she returns to the other soldiers and they resume their own trek through the forest.