Bigge seems in good spirits despite the encounter with the wyrmlings and the giant shark.

"We're making good time," Bigge says. "It's a good wind."

He looks at the horizon for a moment, following his gaze, you've all noticed that you can just, barely just, make out land to the east and west of you now. From what Bigge has explained, you're fully into The Easting Reach, a long narrow bay off of the Sea of Fallen Stars.

"We should make Uthmere tomorrow," Bigge adds.

From what you've gathered from Bigge and the other sailors, Uthemere is a small walled town with a protected port, straddling a narrow river.

Hammerdasher has commented, from an earlier visit he made here, that "Uthmere is a boring backwater full of contented emptyheads but aye, it's got strong walls, strong ale, and clean beds."

----------------------------------------------------

Feel free to wrap up any plans or conversation before arriving in the port. 

Some of Ethel's information is new to Marrin, particularly around Ethel's past and its connection to current events and needs to process that, and she waves away the whole prophecy non-sense, but does ask,

"Are we sure that Hargrove Junior has a connection to the dwarven spy/thief? It seems to be an odd coincidence that he and our good Hammerdasher here were on the same ship? Might he just be after the Djed and know she has it?"

To Bigge she'll ask,

"If we," She gestures at the PC group plus Ula, Hammerdasher and (maybe) Geffroi, "are heading north, what are you going to do? The ship is yours, and I certainly don't expect you to wait on us."

----

To Hammerdasher's comment she smiles,

"I'm ready for a bit of contentment and clean, high thread count, beds."

Bigge looks around the ship at Marrin's question.

"We didn't get all the repairs done we wanted to back in Spandeliyon. We had to leave in a bit of a hurry," Bigge says with a smile. "And that dragon smashed the hold up a bit. Could use with a good fixing there too."

He looks up at the sky.

"If the weather holds, Uthmere's a good spot to make the repairs," Bigge says. "Probably take a week to do a proper job of it. After that, if you're still not back from whatever it is you're doing, we'll probably do a few short runs back and forth around the Reach. If the owner of the Captain's Loft is still Jenny Mauberg, she can be trusted with messages."

Avaria stares at Ethel in amazement.  "How... how did you put all that together?  I thought my friend Cookie was smart, but she doesn't even compare to you.  As for Uthmere, I'm with Marrin, a rest sounds amazing right now."

She doesn't admit it out loud, but seeing land is quite a relief.

Marrin nods along with Bigge,

"Well Captain, it is your call. How much do you expect the repairs to cost?"

She also thinks about how long it would take to get to where that dwarven spy is at from Uthmere, and what kind of transit options they'll need. She'd confer with the rest on this as well.

"I've never been in the icy north, my family didn't like the cold either. Honestly, why does anyone live there?"

Intelligence check (?) on knowing the best countries/roads to take: 12

Bigge looks at the deck for a second and Marrin can see his fingers moving as he counts.

"We'll be doing the work ourselves, so unless they've a shortage of lumber, should only run us 130 to 150 gold," Bigge says. "But I can probably get that on credit and pay it off with one trip across the Reach."

He waves away any questions about what route to take overland, indicating he's never been outside the walls of Uthmere. Bigge then heads off to direct his small crew.

Hammerdasher chuckles at Marrin's complaint about the cold.

"It won't get really cold until we're on the other side of Rawlinswood, or what the younguns call Dunwood, then it's best to have some long underwear on or things can get a wee bit uncomfortable." Hammerdasher says. Then he adds "Best to ask around once we're there. There's a route I took last time by road through the Great Dale to Kront then headed north. The roads were in good shape, but it will take close to a week if the snows are already coming."

He shakes his head then continues "There are short cuts through the forest but we'd be wanting to find out how active the more dangerous residents are. Lots of elves and centaurs and the like but I heard rumors of demons, trees that can move and talk, and all sorts of other creatures that might not like visitors too much. But it can cut travel time in half."

Marrin wishes that what Hammerdasher was saying was just all superstition and folklore but she's pretty sure she's heard similar stories from reliable sources - long route along the roads, that may have bandits and the like but its biggest drawback is time. If the Hargroves did come this way, they'd be at Icelace Lake long before the party could get there. Or a few different routes through the forest, which could get the group there in much shorter time but exposes everyone to much more danger.

As discussions continue, land to the east becomes more and more visible. Thick forest can be seen coming right up to the shoreline, but eventually this gives way to farmland and dale.

As the sun begins to set, eventually the walls of a small town can be seen in the distance. A breakwater sticking out into the bay can just be made out, and on the northern edge of the town a small castle overlooks the sea and land from a cliff. Silt from a river flowing through the town colours the water in the bay a dirty brown that can be seen as the Wish approaches.

-------------------------------------------------------

Anything anyone needs to do before making port?

"Right... So are we sure we really need to do this?"

She looks around at the rest of the group,

"I mean, I get something needs to be done, but for we needing to be the ones doing it? Aren't there people that specialize in this kind of thing?"

She places a hand on her chest and continues,

"I want to ruin a Hargroves day, and I guess stop sand dragons, but I am an entertainer. Granted, an excellent entertainer."

She smiles broadly and lifts her brows, before getting serious again,

"Prophecy, fighting dragons, the undead... killing people. None of those are desirable to me, I don't want to keep having to fight."

"Sounds like one hell of a ballad.", Jan says, not unkindly.

Avaria listens to Hammerdasher and Bigge as they describe their current situation.  She doesn't even question it, but tries to make mental notes as things are mentioned.  

When Marrin does actually question it, it surprises her.  She walks over to her as they look out at the approaching city.  Putting her hairy arm around her friend, "Excellent entertainer indeed.  But do you want to sing about someone elses achievements or your own?  Those are the truly amazing and influential bards from what I hear.  And you're well on your way there, why stop now?"

"Yes, prophecy, fighting dragons, the undead," Ava shivers at that last part, "I'll try to do the heavy lifting when it comes to fighting, ok?"

"It does certainly sound like a ballad."

Marrin grants and then pats Ava's arm and sighs.

"I want my achievements to be that of a great artist not as an adventurer. I'm not sure how much anyone can believe of those warrior bards' self proclaimed achievements, but they certainly can hold a crowd."

She deflates a bit,

"But I guess if you,"

She looks over to Ava first and then to the rest of the group before saying with a heavy share of resignation,

"Are sure this is something that you need to do, I guess I need to come along to make sure you don't do anything too crazy."

With that she gives a less than enthusiastic smile and gestures towards the town,

"I guess to the Captain's Loft tonight and then on to a week's hard riding."

The Wish slips around the breakwater and tucks in neatly against an empty dock. Bigge and the crew have it tied off in a matter of moments. Before he goes to have a chat with the harbormaster about keeping the berth and getting supplies, he gives you directions to the “Captain’s Loft” and reminds you again that the owner is named Jenny Mauberg.

He starts off, but then stops and looks back. “But if you want to really let loose, the Bloody Hook has left more than a few hardened sailors with fuzzy memories.”

Once you leave the ship, it takes only a few minutes to navigate along the cobble stone streets through the dock warehouses. Street lamps are just being lit as you turn the corner that Bigge indicated and you see a wooden sign about half way down the block “Captain’s Loft”.

From the outside it looks folksy, clean and homey. Small stones and hardwood pillars make up most of the building's outer structure. It's difficult to see through the closed windows, but the excitement from within can be felt outside.

As you enter the tavern through the old, wooden door, you're welcomed by laughing voices and a sense of home brought about by warmth from a fire and enticing smells from the kitchen.

The bartender, a burly bald human with a stomach the size of beer keg, is quite busy, but still manages to welcome you with a smile.

It's as engaging inside as it is on the outside. Squared, stone beams support the upper floor and the lights attached to them. Windows, high above, let in light from the setting sun, and show off the loft above. The walls are covered in paintings. And, judging by the style, they're all done by one person.

The tavern itself is packed. Traders, ships’ crews, and adventurers seem to be the primary clientele here, which may mean interesting company, and if not that, perhaps knowledgeable company. Several long tables are occupied by, what seems to be one large group of people. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who seem to be on first name basis with the bartender. Even though most of the stools at the bar are occupied, nobody seems to mind more company.

A half-elven minstrel sits on a stool on a small stage near the fireplace, tuning their lute.

Marrin chuckles at Bigge's suggestion,

"I think I will skip the Hook, have fun though!"

At the Loft she takes in building's exterior and interior and comments,

"Jenny's got a good eye, not my style, but still."

On spotting the minstral she'll say,

"I'm going to talk to the entertainment, be right back."

She'll approach the half elf and waves to get his attention. With a small bow she'll introduce herself,

"Marrin Eversong, formerly of the Silverstad troupe. How's the crowd? You have a permanent gig here or just passing through?"

The half elf pauses in their tuning and looks at Marrin. He nods a greeting, giving a small bow in return.

"Soren Lark," he says in a melodious voice. After a hint of an extra pause. "Can't say that I've heard of the Silverstad. Are they from down south?"

He finishes tuning as he speaks.

"This crowd? They've been good. They just want to be entertained. For the most part they're all only here for a few days between being somewhere else."

Soren looks out over the crowd and smiles.

"With the drinks flowing, they're good tippers. But no, this isn't permanent, but I stop in every time I come through Uthmere." Soren says then looks back to Marrin. "And what about you, Marrin Eversong. What brings you to the Captain's Loft? And more importantly, what do you have to play?"

---------------------------------------------------

As Marrin goes off to talk to the minstrel on the stage, the others can see plates of food coming out of the kitchen and getting dropped off at the tables, and a steady flow of mugs and cups getting doled out at the bar.

A few eyes from different tables glance your way but none appear to linger.

After a moment, an avalanche of red hair, plates, and cursing comes past. The chaos stops for a moment and resolves into the warm face of a very large firbolg woman with a shock of red hair, some shaggy and some in large plaits. She smiles when she sees the group and takes a breath.

"We won't bite dearies," she looks around the room and points over in one corner. "There's half a table there you can fit at. The group there are polite. Oh and it looks like Soren might have brought another performer in."

Her larger frame then sways back towards the bar and entrance to the kitchen.

 Marrin snorts in amusement at his lack of recognition,

"Nah, we were all over the place. Nobody remembering us is a part of the reason I decided to move on. Small dreams, not enough motivation."

She scans the crowd,

"Just here on tips then, fair enough. They look like they are ready to tip. Especially that table in the corner, he's barely managing to keep from tipping over!"

She sighs at his first question,

"Just here for a night then back on the road. You heard anything about the roads to the north? I am in a hurry to get to another job before a rival."

As she talks she pulls around her lute,

"Flute, lute and lyre. Above average singer too, if I might be so bold."

She winks at him.

"You looking for for some accompaniment?"

"It would be nice to give the voice a rest for a bit," Soren says inviting Marrin up on stage.

He finishes tuning and looks out over the crowd then back to Marrin.

"The snows have come early," Soren adds. "I've heard the road from N'Jast to Jiyyd it already icy. A messenger lost a horse and almost her own life. Whereabouts are you headed? I know a few other routes."

-------------------------------------------------

From the doorway, the rest of the group can see the party at the big table looks to be a mix of traders and adventurers but they all seem to know each other.

Ula leads Hammerdasher and Geffroi over to the table that was indicated, Ula giving the other patrons already at the table a greeting.

Avaria, Jan and Ethel stand by the door.

Avaria grins as her friend immediately heads over to the singer and starts up a conversation.  She shakes her head and then follows Ula over to the half table.  She wonders if the firbolg was the Jenny that Bigge mentioned or not.  She looks around and enjoys the atmosphere and finds Uthmere a great welcome after all that they have been through.  She also wonders how cold cold is when they start heading up north.

Turning to the person next to her, she asks, "What's good here?"

Avaria looks to the person beside her and takes in that their are four people in the group sitting at the other half of the table.

The one Ava talks to has long sandy blonde hair, and very intense brown eyes with what Ava is sure are flecks of gold. She looks very much human but there's something about her that suggests somewhere in the past her ancestry might be a bit more diverse. Simple clothing, but clean and in good condition. Avaria can't help but notice a long curved knife in the woman's belt.

"The entertainment, the food, and the drink," the woman responds to Ava with a smile. "But if you want the best, stick to the vegetarian options."

The woman nods at the large board behind the bar that shows the food menu and a list of ales.

"Jenny only keeps a few meat items on there for those that can't stomach her specialties."

The woman then wipes her hands on her napkin and smiles again.

"Where are my manners," she says as she holds out her hand to shake Avaria's. "I'm Tas Lighthair."

She leans in and whispers to Ava.

"I'd introduce you to these three, but I just met them this morning and I honestly can't keep their names straight. I imagine I'll learn them on the road. I always do."

The crowd notices Marrin has joined Soren on the stage and starts to rumble with anticipation.

((Where exactly are we going again? Is it Kront? Otherwise just assume Marrin says something in that direction but further on.))

Marrin nods to the singing and sets her lute and bag beside her on the stage and starts clearing her throat and humming to warm up a bit.

She interrupts this to groan on hearing the snows have come early.

"And why wouldn't they have. Just my luck to drag myself through the cold, but I guess they do say revenge is best when served cold. Can't think of a better way to get that then to leave him out of luck and in the ice."

She shakes off the negative vibes and says,

"I'm heading to <place name>. Shortcuts would be appreciated."

Then asking,

"What does this crowd usually like? Shanties? They don't look like the ballad types. Well that one over there does, but mostly it feels like they would appreciate something with a bit more romp than pomp."

She'll wave at Ava as she listens.

Marrin eventually remembers the names Peltarch and Icelace Lake. Peltarch on the shores of Icelace Lake is the closest settlement to the prison that Hammerdasher has described to them.

When she mentions Peltarch, Soren laughs and shivers. "Must be quite the commission to be racing to Peltarch this time of year. My unmentionables are freezing just thinking about it."

He thinks for a moment then adds "You could head down the Great Road to Benzentil then cut north through the Dunwood. It's at its narrowest there. It's getting late in the year, which gives the bandits a bit more bravery then they ought rightly have. Better to hook up with a group, or even a caravan headed that way."

He waves at the crowd and holds up a finger to them indicating it will be just second more.

"Or if you've more bravery than you should have, you could head up Forest Blood River. That's hard work and you'll hit rapids and have to portage a waterfall but no bandits will bother you. But you do go through some awfully dark parts of the forest."

He strums a couple of notes and smiles.

"Now, if the pay day in Peltarch is really that good, maybe you'd cut me in for some of it and I can show you the way from Benzentil."

He starts playing a little more lively now.

"Anything to make them dance and sing."

-------------------------------------------------

Performance roll if you like, adjusted if Marrin wants to add any actual lyrics or music in.

Jan will have altered her appearance before leaving the ship, appearing as a human woman on the young side of middle age. She'll join Ava at the table, sitting across from her friend and giving a pleasant nod to the person beside her.