Chapter 2: Winnowing Reach

As the group enters the magistrate's office they can see the busy Walden Crane working at his desk. Mumbling something about a nuisance.

As you enter he then stands up and looks expectantly at you.

Waltzting in first, Sherry glares with distate at the magistrates office and looks out for signs of luxary and decadence to be offeneded by. The talking she leaves to Charun for the moment. Thumbs hooked in her weapon belt, the mapach radiates an aura of antagonism. The sooner they leave this birdfolk's office, and are back on the road the better.

Ushering Kenna Brightspark forward Charun looks to Krane and says If the slime are always as aggressive as the ones we encountered you should station at least 3 others to watch and guard and researchers or workers. Regardless I hope you will now honor you side of the agreement and write the council on behalf of Meadowfen. If there is anything else you can do to aid us and your neighboring town we're wild appreciate any help you offer.

Leif crossed his arms and nodded along as Charun spoke, and looked expectantly at Krane afterwards.

She follows the others while being somewhat fascinated by her new view of the world and taking her own notes about how she feels and the way her magic is working. Perhaps others have performed this task but, she still wants to get some of her own insights onto paper so that she can compare when next she's reading a book on the Ley Lines.

Kenna! We were so worried about you...Thank you adventurers for bringing her back safely. He flashes her a stern look. She should know not to go out like that alone. He then turns his gaze on the adventurers.

As for the letter here it is. He holds up a sealed envelope with a red wax seal of a feather on it. I am not sure what else I can do for you other than express our gratitude. He then puts the letter on his desk and stairs at the group intently. However...if you are leaving Winnowing Reach toward Alderheart I do wish to ask of you one thing.

There has been a witch living in the woods just north east of here, she has been scaring the townsfolk of late and if you could perhaps... He looks at Kenna sternly and lowers his voice ...end the problem for us. We would much appreciate it and it would do the townsfolk a great deed.

It isn't far out of your way when going to Alderheart, in fact some of the roads there could even be considered a short cut of sorts. what do you say?

"What's she done that's got her labeled as a witch? Has she caused anyone actual harm?" Leif asked. He tightened his crossed arms. "Or are these scared townsfolk just fearful of those who are different than them?"

There have been rumors swirling around of her doing arcane magic of some sort. talking to bugs and sometimes even to herself.

No harm has come to any townsfolk yet...but the incidents being reported are increasing. it is only a matter of time before they escalate

It sounds more like simple rumors and a possible misunderstanding. If they have done no wrong I see no need to persecute them. However I also understand the townsfolk concerns. Can you send an envoy with us to negotiate with the so called witch? If the witch attacks then we can deffeb your envoy, but if we can come to an understanding with the person in question then your representative can act on your behalf then return and report on the events. Perhaps there will be a way to avoid unnecessary troubles.

You see Kenna step forward.

Uncle Walden, I don't know how many times I have had to tell you this same thing... but these people are right! She takes a hard step on the ground.

Let me go with you and I will help prove my dear uncle the "Magistrate" wrong and that his narrowminded views are the only thing wrong with the situation

Walden just stands there seething.

Leif sighed, but the last thing he wanted was for some misunderstood "witch" to be persecuted by a mob on account of being different. He didn't like it, but if it was on the way...

"Fine with me since it's on the way, as long as the group's also alright with it. I'll approach it with an open mind, but if this turns out to be nothing, it would not look good for you and your small town here." He frowned at the birdfolk, and then looked at the others to see what they thought.

Scylla points out, "Research indicates that soon after people begin calling someone a witch there is a high likelihood they will then bring the accused to a large log in the middle of the town square upon which they will attempt to burn the accused. With that in mind it behooves any arcane caster who is called a witch for their arcane practices to consider being rather belligerent with the people using the term."

It’s quite the scholarly argument from Scylla but, there is a clear growl in her normally reserved tone.

Nodding along as her friends decide to take a closer look at this woman and not to deem her guilty from hearsay alone, Sherry checks the fit of her mantle and hat. Satisfied, she deftly picks up the letter from Walden Krane, sniffs it for curiosity reasons, before placing it in a nice, secure pocket.

"Ready when you are." the mapach proclaims with a gesture that seems to say: let's get out of this town and on our way.

Walden does not look happy but he consents to Kenna going with the party. He gives general directions to the group as well to the where the witch lives.

As you leave his office, the sun is beginning to set and the sky is reddish-orange of sunset.

Sigh Shall we set out in the morning? Frustrated by the continual delays Charun debates between speed and safety

Leif also sighed, but agreed with Charun. It was bad enough to travel in the dark as a party, but having a guest along is absolutely a no-no in the dark.

Charun asks Kenna where she would suggest the party sleep for the night. He has not problem sleeping in the woods but knows most villages discourage such behavior within their borders. And a fresh meal can do us some good

"I can see in the dark, but I have found that my neighbors didn’t like it when I would come by at night to ask questions. So, maybe the morning is better." If her allies are imagining Scylla asking weird questions at midnight they probably aren’t too far off.

A nice warm bed, if one could be found, sounds much better than the hard and wet forest floor to Sherry. So äshe isn't hard to persuade to stay a night longer. They are in a hurry. But nobody profits from a might of bad sleep. "Early we rise and continue our journey. " the mapach girl proclaims.

if it is lodging you are looking for the Inn and Tavern is fairly popular for travelers. Its name is the Wranglers Roost