Stormraider Keep (A M.E.T.A.L. Campaign)

(Given Aurelius turning around fior a bit,  it's a bit more than 30 minutes for you to all meet up again.)

As Elyria and Flynt reach the top of the ridge she can see a glimpse of one of the elves a ways to the west.   Aelric scoutng above is easily able to spot the group.  They seem to be moving directly over the ridge, while your road appears to keep more to the ridgeline for a while.

Elyria desperately motions for Aurelius to turn and ride away from the direction of the hunting party while still coming closer to her and Flynt. "Hurry Flynt, we must converge with Aurelius and I will be able to cover our tracks." She shouts to Flynt, still running towards Aurelius but now diagonally away from the elven hunting party.

Recognizing the danger as well, Flynt runs along with Elyria. 

(Can Aurelius see Elyria's signals?)
(Also, I thought we were only 15 min apart before, and Aurelius had then slowed to a walk while Elyria and Flynt were catching up.. why did the time increase?)

(The 15 min. was before you made it to the border. Only then did you dismount and travel slower. You were double the speed mounted, so it increased during that time.)

(And yes, you see Elyria and her signals well before they get to you.)

When Flynt and Elyria are with in earshot of Aurelius, Flynt calls out to 6he man, "We have company. Keep moving. We'll catch up."

Upon seeing the signals, the paladin realizes something is amiss.  He will mount the steed once more, and pull down his visor,  readying his javelin.

"Let them come," he mutters, mostly to himself.  "I long to teach these wild elves some manners."

He scans the tree line watching, waiting for enemies to emerge.  He pats Lady's neck, whispering calming words while preparing her to charge toward danger.  He glances at the blink dog, giving a low whistle, and indicating with his hand the direction from which the pursuers approach.

In his mind, he reaches out to his patron, the Summer Queen, apologizing for causing her this trouble with her neighbors.

(Just as clarification, the direction Aelric reported the group of elves is moving is diverging from the direction of the road you are following.  So for the moment it seems they are getting farther away. Since Aelric came back to report you do not have further updates.) 

Eventually Elyria and Flynt make it to where Aurelius is mounted upon Lady.  Based on your understanding from your time in Alvalhollow, it is a bit after midday.  Although you had awoken rather early in comparison, you have had enough rest that you could likely continue for another half-day without needing rest.  At the moment you do not see any threats.  

"Aurelius, wait up!" Elyria shouts as she get's close enough. As soon as both Aurelius and Flynt are within speaking distance she continues, panting as she does so. "I need to go to a place called Gwyllinwald, not far away from here, to find an amulet and some mushrooms. If I do Lady Sylmare will help me make use of the amulet to free Rahkeshi. If you both will come with me I can use my forest magics to help us evade your pursuers Aurelius. I would have to return alone to Lady Sylmare but I believe this is the best way to free Rahkeshi. You two must of course decide for yoursleves how you best serve M.E.T.A.L, but my course is set." Elyria explains and looks to Flynt and Aurelius for their decision while still glancing around for threats.

Perception: 8 Aelric perception: 16

"Absolutely I will accompany you.  However, quickly, did you spy some of Sylmare's forces headed northward?  If they are not pursuing me, that can only mean one thing: that they are tasked to warn Leilatha.  Should we intercept them before they are out of our reach?  Lady and I could surely still catch up with them...."

Aurelius will remain mounted, ready to begin the chase at a moment's notice if the other party members agree.

"We can not be sure that Lady Sylmare would not want to warn Leilatha but if she wanted to I strongly doubt we would be able to prevent that. I would assume she would use other means than sending her servants if she would want to warn Leilatha. You do as you wish of course but I intend to travel to Gwyllinwald immediately so please decide if you are to come with me now." Elyria says and readies herself to continue, trying to plot a course to Gwyllinwald.

"Very well," says Aurelius, dismounting.  "I am not sure I trust Sylmare's motives in sending you west, but I do trust you.  Where you lead I will follow."

He heaves a sigh. "I'm really starting to miss the simplicity of fighting dragons and giants and impressing barmaids back in Drakewater, or whatever it was called... at least then we knew who the villains were.

"A thought... perhaps you could speak to Rahkeshi's companion here," (pointing to the blink dog), "and ask her to follow that group of elves and report back to us where they end up.  Hm, I forgot the language difficulty... well, at least she could guide us back to the spot when we are ready." 

"I'm not sure I trust her completely either Aurelius, she is a fey lady after all, but I feel I have to trust her now." Elyria says and uses her forest magics to help them evade any pursuers.
(Casting Pass without Trace on everyone present, including Lady and the Blink dogs.) Elyria then moves forth trying to find her way to Gwyllinwald while circumventing Lady Sylmares lands.

Stealth: 28 Perception: 27 Survival: 17 Aelric perception: 23

As Flynt follows along he replies to Aurelius' question, "Yes she sent some elves to pursue us but I believe it was more of a precaution to insure we actually left than as an alert to her rival. As for the amulet and mushrooms, trust doesn't matter. Of course she's sending us into danger. If it was easy she'd have already sent one or more of her followers. I think we should keep heading towards Leilatha but if you think this will serve us better then I will help"

Aurelius considers Flynt's words.  "Yes, that is possible.  Although if what you have described is accurate, the elves continued northward after ensuring our departure, rather than returning to their mistress.  They did not even follow the road towards my location, but headed into the wild towards the fortress.

"The path forward is not clear to me, I do not know the best choice.  But our friend Elyria has strong feelings on the matter, and I do not think it wise to divide ourselves at this point.  I suppose my concern is not so much that the quest for the mushrooms and amulet is dangerous, rather that it might be a ruse designed to eliminate us, or alternatively that we might be delivering a powerful magical item to a wicked ruler, which will strengthen her grasp on power."

"I agree, we should remain together. Once we find the amulet I'll contact Nesbin. Perhaps he can give us insight into what it does and we won't need Lady Sylmares help after all." states Flynt.

(In general for traveling, the person 'navigating' - i.e. making the Survival Check - cannot also keep watch for danger - i.e. making a Perception Check.  Everyone makes a Stealth Check - but it is a Group Check)

Aelric scouts a bit and reports back to Elyria. The five elves appeared to continue on their same trajectory until sight of them was lost.  If they continue, the terrain looks to become very steep with impassable cliffs if they are not going to divert further west.  (Or backtrack and head east.)

In contrast, the road is going more northeastward. It gains elevation following this ridge, and after some switchbacks it levels a bit into rockier high ground. 

But your path is neither of those - the Gwyllinwald is westward.  And probably a bit south.  This would take you across the path the elves took, but they seem to be well past where you would go. There is no road, so you are just picking your way through the forest and hills. 

(16)

Elyria sets off westwards towards Gwyllinwald.

Aurelius sets off westward towards Elyria.

He decides to mount up again, just in case an ambush appears, and directs Lady to proceed at a slow walking pace, keeping even with those on foot.

Flynt follows along checking his compass as they go.