Chapter 1: The Adventure Begins

Leif looks at the carvings on the stone, unsure what to make of it. He walks up and clears off the moss covering it.

As you remove the moss coverings you see that there is a carving of Four arrows, in a circle of ivy, forming a compass like shape. You can tell by the orientation that the compass is facing correctly.

This is a shrine to the Amaranthine Reya, The Explorer.

My stomach hurts. You guys go ahead without me.
Cyrus is not looking well, but he will manage and urge you on your mission.

"Well, looks like we're heading in the right direction." Leif closed his eyes and paid a moment of silence out of respect, and then urged everyone to move on.

He looked at Cyrus worryingly, but nodded his understanding.

As the groups starts out from camp Cyrus will smile at the group.

As the party leaves and begin to travel, a gust of wind comes through the trees and around the rock. The leaves wistfully flow around the rocks and through the trees. Some of the leaves blow past Leif and circle him twice before blowing off into the distance.

Leif reaches out his hand at the fluttering leaves. A profound calmness envelops his whole being as the leaves blow off into the distance. "I have been blessed..." He said, as if in awe.

After a moment, he dusts himself off and takes the vanguard, scouting ahead as the previous day. His mind fears for Cyrus, hoping nothing but the best for his oldest of friend. They've just recently been reacquainted, and Leif hopes to see him again soon. He wipes away the momentary gloominess, cheered up by another beautiful day. He hopes it remains that way.

Charun will work to clear the stone of moss a bit more then flaps his wings to create gusts of wind to further clear the shrine. Then he ofers a prayer for their quick and successful arival to where they need to be.Charun will march at the back to bring up the rear. He will continue his efforts to get an ariel perspective as opportunity arises to allow him to launch from a higher starting point He keeps a watchful eye on their back trail as they move along

Sorry to see her friend staying behind, Sherry pats Cyrus on the shoulder and whispers: "It was good meeting you again black beak. Maybe we share tales over a cold one next time, we cross paths?" and winks at him grinning. Perhaps this could cheer him up a little? For birdfolk Cyrus has always been good company.

Cleaning away the bushes with the others, the mapbach is pleasantly surprised to recognize the sign of Reya, the Amaranthine of wind. The one she feels closest to herself.

Standing next to Leif, the white furred girl stays a bit longer than everybody else in uncharacteristic, quiet contemplation. This journey may not offer much of outward exploration. Traveling on well trodden paths back to the place she came from. But ... on the other hand? She is a different person now from the girl that ran away. And still lost. So this forgotten shrine could be a sign of a new journey. A new beginning. That would be ... nice?

What serious thoughts! - Sherry chides herself and briskly turns away to follow behind the others with her swift feet. Passing the nosey luma, she shows him her pink tongue in a display of defiance: "You bring up the rear - I know, I know."

The wind and leaves that surrounded Leif also swirl around Sherry and Charun in this moment with a single flower landing at each of their feet.

Knowing that no all are as close to the Amaranthine Charun accepts the blessing with a smile. As they set out he struggles not to tease Sherry to lighten her mood. Growing up with several siblings he often got himself into trouble this way. Luckily the Perch guard taught him to control this impulse and realize that not all could find joy in the chaotic play that often got the Luma into trouble with others. Sighing he goes back to humming a song in his head absentmindedly as he takes car to do a good job and not get distracted, again. Luckily the simple task is not too odious and the occasional opportunity to stretch his wings keeps him engaged, mostly.
Focus, scan, liste, . . . I love the sound of the wind in the leaves . . . Look back, wow have we already come that far, what time is it, I wonder how much longer, . . Focus

Leif continues on, happy to be carrying his weight. He daydreamed of fulfilling a grand mission, and having plays made based on his accounts. He’d then realize he hadn’t been paying attention for a while, and focused to the task at hand again.

Hurin walks in silence focusing on the dancing shadows of tree branches. His mood lightens as they travel further, recalling his memories as a child. Even the noise of the forest, nearly deafening in contrast to the peace of the night, is welcome. As they trek further he takes out a crude chunk of wood that looks to be the beginnings of a star.

"I've spent little time in Winnowing Reach, just a few brief stops here and there. My father dealt little with the slime industry but I hear it has been quite the boon for the area."

As the group is traveling through the woods a part of your path will intersect the main road. A little faster travel here while still taking the most direct path.

As you go some rain clouds appear overhead but you continue forward. You hear voices up ahead...

Four hooded figures are gesturing violently at a crumpled body on the ground, while another is leaning against a nearby tree. A small hand-cart stacked high with bags and boxes of various sizes stands nearby. One of the hooded figures goes to the cart and unceremoniously sifts through the packages, leaving fallen bundles strewn on the road.

As you approach the four strangers who were gesturing at the body, you can see the pointed faces of mapach under the hoods. Two male and two female mapach, each wearing worn leather armor and a short sword on their belt. The one leaning against the tree, an intimidating vulpin female, is lightly armored and wears an ornate sword on her hip. She seems to be hanging back, letting her subordinates do all the work.

You hear a whimpered "Help me" from the creature laying on the road, but you can’t make out their features. The mapach female, still standing near the fallen body, puts her hands on her hips and says to the party, "All right folks, nothing to see. Move along if you know what’s good for ya."

Charun sighs as this distraction from their important mission but replies cheerfully But he asked for help. As a servant of the Amaranthine I am bound to give aid. Surely you can have no qualms about me helping a fellow traveler.
Let me talk with him and then we can discuss any further what to do next. as he walks over casually, spear in hand. Move to G6, held action to attack any one who moves to attack him.