Chapter 1: The Adventure Begins

Huron has always felt at home in the forest. With Hath for guidance, he’s made it through many difficult and sometimes dangerous situations.

I agree, we don’t know how quick the Grove is spreading. We should go with haste, though I’m afraid most of my traveling experience is by road.

The woods just out Meadowfen don't start out as woods. Grasslands with small groves of trees, splotches the countryside of your first day of travel. You see the usual creatures on this trek. Leif leads the way but the others familiar with the area and wilderness travel are able provide some guidance as you go.

This is going to be a fine adventure. You have all spend the night in the woods before, right? I know that Leif and Sherry has, but I don't know about you Charun and Hurin?

Leif always enjoyed a trek through the woods, and he had to force himself to stay focused on the task at hand instead of being distracted by the beautiful blue sky and the flutter of the butterflies. The thought of bandits nearby kept him in check easily enough—when his mind didn’t wander away from such thoughts. Besides, he had four wonderful companions! He snapped a long fern and chewed on it.

Bow and arrow out, and his trusty sickles always nearby, Leif made a good showing of his skills. He was glad to be carrying his weight on this seemingly momentous task.

"I think you’re right, Cyrus. This will be a grand adventure. Perhaps they’ll write a wonderful play about us! Ooh, I wonder who would play my part…"

The bright daylight is enough to make Hurin uncomfortable. Pulling his hood up further, he moves purposely through the shadows of the trees, pausing briefly to listen.

"I find the forest around Alderheart comforting, especially at night. Most of my daytime travel, however, is spent on the roads."

Calming down Charun takes the hint from the others and begins moving cautiously. He will occasionally launch himself into the air to survey the area, even hopping from branch to higher branch when possible to scan even further.

As you are traveling on that first day and night approaches Cyrus notices a large rock just off in the distance. This rock, covered in Moss and overgrowth is larger than most natural rocks or boulders in the area and has a shape, almost that of a bird looking at the right angle.

Lets make camp. Tomorrow I would like to visit that rock formation up there
Cyrus gathers supplies for a one-night-bedding

Charun agrees and begins looking around for what he considers a good camp sight. Preferably one with a nearby tree to perch in while on guard or resting.
He checks his plans with the others. Mostly confident they make sense but a bit inside as he usually travels with larger caravans or squads of the Perch. I suggest we buy have any large flames or just do without a fire. It may keep away beats but also announced it presence to any bandits in the area. We should also have a two hour watch rotation. I can go first.

Leif peered over at the rock formation that Cyrus pointed out. He shrugged, unsure what to make of it. "I'll take last watch. I'm tired of looking out as it is."

He set up his camp and ate rations, trading stories as he prepared for bed. There was danger on the horizon, or perhaps behind them, but for now, things still seemed promising, and the adventure was just starting. It was an exciting time.

"The midwatch suits me."

Huron lays out his bedroll and takes a moment to reflect, leaving himself open for the presence of Hath. With the day winding down, he has a bite of rations while offering some of his own stories.

Charun gives an additional suggestion. Whomever does not take a shift is the first to be awoken any time the person on watch detects trouble or requires assistance. This position can be rotated each night as needed or desired

The night draws to a close without incident.

When you awake, the rock that you were near casts a long shadow over the spot you are camped. The low sun in the south east hitting the rock in such a way that your group is in its shadow. The moss covers the rock fairly thoroughly. Birds chirp happily as morning dawns.

PARAN: What a beautiful morning, even the birds sing of our adventure!

GORGI: What’s got you all chirpy?

PARAN: Hoards of gold, a beautiful princess, and glory all await us!

GORGI: Monsters chasing us, blades at our necks, danger at every turn!

PARAN: What’s got you all grumpy?

GORGI: Death, Paran! Death! We’re literally going into a place called Mount Death!

—The Last Quest

Leif woke up for the last watch, the sleep in his eyes pretty much nonexistent, so excited he was at their undertaking. He sat and watched as the sun rose over the horizon, and quietly packed up while the others rose.

The birds’ chirps reminded him of a scene from one of his favorite plays and brought a smile to his face. The strange rock in the distance couldn’t dampen his spirit the way it dampened their spot with its shadow.

"Everyone ready for another day of traveling?" One could hear the smile in his voice.

Whisteling a jaunty tune about "Uncle Sandro" and the devastating example he gave with his life, Sherry springs up ealry and has her things packed up in no time. Bright eyed and bushy tailed the mapach girl seemed to have enjoyed the night under the stars. As there is no fire, her breakfast consists of an apple and a bite out of the bread she so cleverly got hold of yesterday. If anyone asks she would share some.

Finally controlling the buckels of her armor, belt and bagpack, Sherry seems to be waiting impatiently for the others. "The road leads on, leads on." she smilingly replies in an old way to Leif's question.

Charun wakes and chats with the others as he quickly dons his armor before eating and packing his bedroll then helping clear their camp traces and is ready to move on.

When everyone is ready Charun sets off for the stone, humming a cheerful tune softly

"Let us hope for a day as peaceful as the night."

After packing his bedroll, Hurin will take a stretch and follow the others to the stone. He loosens his hood a bit, feeling comfortable in the long shadow.

As the group approaches the stone you can start making out carvings in the stone. This has been altered to signify something