Jack doesn't initially respond to Beren. In fact, he doesn't even seem to have registered being addressed at all, even if albeit indirectly so by others. But then he began gripped both sides of the cart and a let out a chuckle that soon turned into full blown laugh that bordered on insanity in its intensity! "Am I to take this as a sign that I'm next? If not to court that pale rider, then to dance with them instead?!" He yells into the sky before another fit of laughter has him whipping his head back and holding his forehead. How he'd managed to keep from drowning in torrent of rain is anyone's guess. But eventually, whether it be from insistent voices of concern or by his own volition, a heaving Jack slowly but surely calms down clutching his sides and shaking his head.

"Sorry... sorry my friends..." He says in between breathes and bouts of chuckles. "We Eladrin... tend to be... heheh... It's nothing really. Just had the most funniest thought, and I... I just couldn't help myself!" Jack admits, turning fully to the others by then with the widest, toothiest smile. "But you were saying something about a stairwell and shelter? A risky venture still, if I do so say myself. But I wager it'll be easier said than done with those fellows still observing us." He gestures to the undead knights still probably steering at the group from the door.

"Who knows then what they might do. I >did<, however, realized that if we didn't mind appropriating this cart, casting aside the coffin as needed and could bear a bit of traveling slash find some, uh.. rope or whatever, I could become a fine steed to pull it and everyone along back down the road and too at least the cover of the trees closer to the crossroad." Jack nonchalantly suggests. 

(Also just now registered that it was not a cart and not a carriage. lol.)

As the group watches the undead watching them, they eventually turn around, closing the door with a slam, leaving you all outside, alone in the rain.

(Just waiting on confirmation of actions before proceeding)

(OOC: waiting on a response from Inferno so we don't leave him behind ;). But, I'll write a short post just because...)

Beren's mask shifts to Jack upon hearing the eladrin's laughter. It is impossible to tell his expression due to the mask, but the light behind it flickers a little. He stares for a moment, even if it isn't clear exactly what he is looking at, and is quiet for a long time. 

Letting out a frustratingly shaky breath he notes that the undead are gone from the doorway. Vaguely he remembers hearing the door slam, but with the rain and his spinning head it had taken longer than normal for him to register what was going on around him. Jack's laughter, the shouting undead, silence from both Noel and Savid... he shakes his head slowly, trying to clear his thoughts. With the undead gone, there was a possibility that they could use the stairwell, but... Jack was right, it might be an unnecessary risk. As much as he doesn't like the idea of riding in a cart, too wounded to be of use, while one of the people he is supposed to be protecting hauls him along... but then again, he has to remind himself that these two are not defenseless storytellers as he had first assumed. They have skills of their own that he just keeps forgetting about. Still, that doesn't take the sting out of the idea. But it also doesn't mean he should risk staying here and dragging them all into danger with him, just because he's to injured to travel on his own and too stubborn to take the help offered to him. No, that would be unacceptable. Though, he is sure he can walk just fine, if he can just get his vision back to normal... 

"If that is what you wish," he says finally. Then he looks to Noel and Savid, expecting opinions from them as well. 

As Beren remarks on if the two of them are ok, Noel simply responds "Friend, I think it is yourself you should be more worried about. After all, you are the one who was just attacked. You need to rest. Jack and I will be able to handle ourselves just fine". Even as he does though, he knows his glowing friend likely won't listen to him. From what he's seen of Beren so far, he's almost certain he won't be able to rest, even when seriously injured. In any case though, they need to find shelter, and fast.

"I doubt staying here would be a smart call", he contiunes "Those ghosts clearly cannot be reasoned with, and they might not be so merciful as to let us leave with our lives again if we attempt to stay the night. Besides, we have no clue what else lies in that place. It would be too much of a risk to try and shelter there"

Noel then looks out over the rainy landscape, trying to see as much as he can through the surrounding mists. If it gets dark out here before they find any shelter... well, he certaily isn't looking forward to wandering around essentially blind again. And if Beren continues to provide a light for him, they might attract more threats. At this point, nearly having exausted his magical capabilities, he's far more concerned about that than he was when they woke up two days ago now. Maybe it's best to avoid any new threats

He then turns to Savid and asks "About how far is Valakki from here? Might we able to make it there before... nightfall? Hard to call it that when it seems to be dark here regardless of what time of day it is. I doubt traveling is our best option given both you and Beren are quite injured, but if its close perhaps we risk it." He then turns to Jack, continuing: "If not, then I agree, friend, finding some cover under some trees farther from here is our best bet for the night"

Savid had been catching his breath, made harder by the downpour soaking him to his bones. He seemed relieved when the undead left, and as everyone began discussing whether to stay or go, and exactly how and where to do each... Well, it seems the stories were not entirely unfounded. Somethign does still haunt the halls - but those seemed like warriors of Argynvost, as opposed to Strahd's lackeys.. Or something else... I am glad I didn't wander in there when I first came here though.

Though from here, even if we took the shortest possible path, and did not encounter anything trying to kill us, it would take almost ... almost a full day (18 hours)  taking the road would make it a full day at the least. If we were to go in the rian with the other elf here.. Jack, being able to pull the cart, we could make it a few hours into nightfall if he hurried, barring something attacking us.

The undead seem content to let us be out here.. perhaps if we were to flip the cart over and  use it to keep the rain off us... it wouldn't be comfortable but I doubt any other foes would come near this place... We may be able to rest. 

I have two days worth of rations I can share, it will atleast stave off exhaustion.

But whatever you all decide. I need to return to Velakki soon anyway. And honestly, you will all be safer there - but we risk much by pressing on in our current state unless you are all capable of healing ... magically or medically... But we should make our decision soon. As for the time of day storyteller, it's.. he says looking up -  Around third bell.

(So, Use the cart as a makeshift shelter? Use Jack as a horse to go to velakki?? Go to the stairwell? Something else?)

Worry about himself? Beren lowers his head for a moment, sure, he was wounded but... He once more moves his hand to the wound, it wasn't bleeding anymore thanks to what little healing he'd been given between Jack and himself. But he could tell it would reopen given any sort of rough travel. After a moment, he lets out another breath and then grants himself a little more healing--if only to keep himself from reopening the wound while they find a place to shelter.

(Lay on Hands: 9hp)

Once that is done his vision stops swimming and he manages to move away from the statue without staggering. Finding his mind a bit clearer, he looks around to reassess the situation. Noel was probably right. Attempting to stay inside the chapel--even just in the stairwell--could be a death sentence. Part of him thought that, if he could get back to full strength and the power returned, that he might actually stand a chance against those undead...foolish. That blasted power would drive him to do anything where evil or undead were involved. Besides, if he hadn't exhausted the power in his fight with Strahd, he wasn't sure he would be able to hold back in this state. No, leaving this place was likely the best option. 

Yet Savid also had a good point as well. If they could create some sort of makeshift shelter here, and the undead leave them alone, they are likely safer than they would be in the forest. It might not be comfortable, but...well he wasn't accustomed to comfort anyways. If there isn't enough room beneath the cart for all of them, then he wouldn't be opposed to sleeping in the rain--it wouldn't be a first in any case. Either way, he will leave the decision to his companions. 

"What we do does not matter to me," he pauses, glancing back at the chapel. "Though perhaps heading directly to this...Vallaki would not be an ill decision. Much of my...power...is exhausted. But I can defend us with naught but my blade need be." He lifts his sword to rest it upon his shoulder. If not for the blood covering his front, he would appear as if nothing was wrong. He still has some power, in spite what he says, and has refrained from healing himself further to preserve some of that power in case of an emergency. 

"However, I will say this... I think it best if we either shelter here, away from whatever dangers are in the forest. Or head directly to Vallaki. While the forest may provide us more shelter, it also provides enemies with more cover. It would be harder to keep watch. If we can make shelter here, whatever creatures wish to attack us will have to leave the cover of the woods, thus exposing themselves, before they reach us." He scans the area again, but stays silent after that. 

Jack chuckled and for a second or two there it looked as if he might again erupt into another bout of full blown laughter. Fortunately this time, he retained enough composure as to let the rest of the strange energy filling him flow out in a misty breath. "Well, I still have plenty of rations myself left, and if able to get some proper rest, I could even try conjuring something to at least keep our stomachs from growling. But alas! A proper rest will have to wait for when we reach Vallaki." Jack said to the group, then turned to examine the cart.

"Unfortunately no form powerful that I could take is the most perceptive at night. So I suppose we will just have to make do with a little makeshift of a cart. A moment while I assume a more comfortable foooorrr--" Jack's words trail off into a deep hiss as he stepped back away from the party, his forming rapidly dissolving into a billowing cloud of green mist that soon grew and grew until until it nearly rivaled an Ogre height. The mist then reshapes and solidifies into the form of some kind of giant lizard, but with a furry, lion-like mane of dark emerald tone, light green scales with dark patterns stretching from snout to tail tip reminiscent of a tiger stripes, a thick tail with ridges that stretched from lower spine to tail, yellow eyes that shone brightly with intelligence, and perhaps most disturbingly of all are pearly white teeth that he happily showed in a cheshire smile. 

He looks to Beren and gestures with his head to the cart, before clamoring over to the coffin. Once again Jack grows still once more as he inspected the thing. But then with a shrug, he'd try to grasp it in his maw and pull the thing out and away from it, before assisting the group in topping the cart over with his new found strength.

Image Reference: (Couldn't find something that screamed more fey so went with this)

Noel turns to Savid and sighs before remarking "Well then, we'll have to rest here for now. We'll get you back to Valakki soon enough! Seems like the best location for us right now anyway if even this place here is so... hostile. Besides, it would be nice to see some real faces, hear some stories. Besides you, all we've met is undead and that wretched vampire"

When Beren remarks about his sword, Noel comments "I don't doubt your might dear friend, but as for myself, I'm not going to be able to be of much help if we continue to fight. Magic's a fickle thing sometimes and without a proper rest... I used quite a few resources trying to stop Strahd when he attacked us and threatened that child. All that for...." With that, he trails off, his eyes growing vacant for a bit, clearly on thinking on Strahd's brutality, the burning flames of the vampire's spell flickering in his eyes. After a short moment, he snaps back into it, saying "Nevermind. I could try to heal some of you more but... I think I'm going to need everything I can get to help defend us. And I don't doubt your strength Beren, you are clearly a mighty warrior, but..."

He takes a quick glance back at Arganvostholt, thinking on the undead that they encountered that were able to drop this otherwise incredibly formidable paladin so quickly before continuing. "...it seem some things here might be even stronger. You've clearly got some healing magic yourself, so you know its limitations. I would hate for any of us to end up in a situation where our abilities cannot help. We've got to be careful. Let's get some rest friends. If we wish to get to Valakki we'll have a long day, likely two really, of travel ahead of us"

With that, he heads to the cart and begins to help Jack in getting the cart flipped over so they can rest

Beren simply nods to Noel, and proceeds to sheathe his greatsword. He knows his limits, all to well, but regardless it mattered little to him what they did. He was here and for now all he could do was do his best to protect them... even if they don't need as much protecting as he'd initially thought. What else was he supposed to do? If he was alone...what would he do? The thought nagged at him. For so long he'd hoped to free himself from the church, but now he found himself out of his 'retainer's' reach and still he was doing what they expected of him. He had a long way to go before he was finally free of their influence.

When Jack transforms, he gives no outward reaction. However, he felt a twinge of jealousy, thinking about the freedom one could gain with such an ability. If Beren had the power to shapeshift, perhaps he would have freed himself long ago. Perhaps he would never have ended up here... or perhaps not. More then likely the power within him would have driven him here eventually. He couldn't help but shake the feeling that this evil was what had drawn him in the direction of the caravan in the first place. 

Without hesitation, he moves to help get the coffin out of the wagon, pausing only briefly to glance at the name...Jack's name, on its lid. So that was what had the elf up in laughter. He did not find it amusing in the slightest. Whatever this was, it was as much a threat as it could be a joke. Who put this cart here in the first place? Regardless of his thoughts, he helps to flip the cart over and lean it against the statue as a makeshift shelter. 

"I will take first watch," he says, positioning himself to where he can see both the door of the chapel and the woods as well--at least, as best he can through the downpour. 

Jack and Beren together, get the Coffin from its perch, and set it to the side, not really caring where but doing so carefully. Then, shifting the cart over after moving it some distance you all deemed 'safe enough' before actually turning it into an excessively heavy roof. Savid throughout it all clearly shows an apologetic face, but if he attempted to help it would likely reopen his wounds. The sound of the rain is like an army of marching mice pattering against it. The air is cool, but thanks to the season, not chill. The wind pushes the wheels, and throughout the night their constant rotations groan in agony.

Chance rolls:

1 - 14

2 - 12

Beren Perception: 5

For some reason, this last day has been particularly hard. Perhaps Beren is too focused on his past, or other troubles related to it, but he simply can't focus as much as he'd like to on his job: Guard Duty. The poor man had had it hard but these last few days were just razor sharp. Though the storm may have muffled things otherwise heard, nothing happens during his shift, and as before, he swaps out with Jack after some time. 

By this point, the storm has petered out mostly, and has become a calm drizzle, though flashes of lightning still fill the sky. Ultimately, Jacks shift doesn't go much differently. Aside from the storm, nothing else happens and by the morning, you're all damp - but not wet. The undead you met didn't leave the chapel. 

Savid sleeps longer than the rest of you, but not by much. This was likely the first truly restful sleep he's had in days. But once up, aside from the everpresent fog, and exceptionally light drizzle - the day is a 'good' day... by this places standards.

After your morning rituals (whatever they may be) including eating atleast part of a ration, unless you chose not to. You all feel slightly refreshed, despite the other discomforts (Short rest benefits) and Savid speaks to you all. 

So, we may take the quick way... assuming you're still desiring to go to Vallaki, or the longer way. But cutting through the woods runs risks of its own... the monsters of this land are everywhere but they do tend to stick more into the brush.... easier to ambush you that way. I'm fine with either Ngg..  he says, clutching his side for a moment. Rubbing it before pushing through. 

But the road will take longer and there is still no guaruntee...

(lol, Beren can't get good perception even when the DM rolls :'D)

Once everyone is asleep, Beren takes the opportunity to eat some of his rations. He doesn't eat much, just enough to stave off the hunger that was setting in. He always seemed to notice that more when the power was exhausted. He never bothered to wonder why. 

When his shift is over, he reluctantly gives up his watch to Jack. At this point he's pretty aware at how poor of a job he is doing, what with his blurry eyes and the pounding headache that had set in, it was a blessing that nothing had taken advantage of his lack of vigilance. He has a feeling he won't get much rest, but he might as well try. He won't be much use to anyone if he can't replenish some of his lost energy. 

Hit Die: 5

When they wake the following morning, Beren is feeling rather stiff. His wound ached, but it was well on its way to healing if only thanks to the combined efforts of Jack's magic paired with his own. Nevertheless, it was enough. He's dealt with battle wounds before. He is no stranger to coping. Pushing himself to his feet, he twists experimentally, both to loosen the stiffness in his back from sleeping in his chainmail and to test how well the wound was holding up. Once satisfied, he turns to listen to Savid. Seeing that the elf was still in pain, he would have offered more healing, but as it is he decides it best to hold off on that. Without a good long rest, he won't be able to replenish his other healing spells so he found it vital to keep this one in case of an emergency. 

Personally, he would rather take the short route. He doesn't doubt that they can handle more of those... twig blights, if they needed to. If the road was no guarantee, then why bother wasting the time? However, Savid was still very wounded, and as much as he hated to admit it he himself still wasn't near his full strength. So, if the other three prefer the road, then the road they shall take. He turns his mask to Jack and Noel, waiting to see what they wish to do. 

Following his morning rituals, which largely hadn't consisted of anything too out the ordinary even by typical human standards, Jack eventually found himself seated atop the overturned cart munching on some jerky as Savid once more addressed the group. To which Jack responded initially with a few polite nods and a thoughtful appearing question. But even before the Eladrin began to speak, Noel at least would get the sense Jack had already made up his mind and was simply playing along for politeness sake. And what was to follow was to merely put a voice to unspoken words that needed to be heard.

"As much as I like frolocking in the woods as much as the next elf, I would be lying if I said a tight timing on our arrival to Vallaki is... frankly -that- much of a turn off in comparison to the dangers of the forest, dear Savid. Sure, the roads aren't liable to be that much safe, BUT at least we're more likely to see danger coming while taking them. And, not to jinx things as well, but if -you-, dear Savid, were to die in transit taking this shortcut as well, well-" He smirks. "-we'd be right up poop creek without a paddle now wouldn't we?" He said nonchalantly.

"Not that we wouldn't do everything in our power to protect you of course. Nor am I -- at the very least -- so lacking in the woodsman arts that I couldn't navigate us out of them as needed. But life is full of uncertainties! Which is always a joy of mines; but alas, best we play things... ugh... a little safer for now." He explained before rolling his eyes towards the end. "So the only question is if we mind taking the cart with us or not. I -think- if we're careful enough about overturning it again it should be fine. And with you and Beren so injured it'll probably be the swifter choice. I can retain my animal forms for about.. hmm.. 2 hours or so? And with an hours break in between -- which less face it, we were bound to need anyhow, we should make decent enough time! So... any objections?"

As they wake in the morning, Noel takes a moment to organize his belongings. The high quality of so many of his garments and other items seems... rather silly at this point. He'd always taken pride in having so many nice, colorful fabrics and garments, each a different accesory to one of his many stories. Besides, the nicer clothes certainly helped others take him a bit more seriously. Can't tell a story if the others won't even let you sit down at their table. Here though, he doubts that kind of flashyness will do him any good. He'll have to see once they get to this Valakki if he can properly blend in or if he needs to change it up a bit

As they all discuss their planned route, Noel chimes in and says "It's probably best if we stick to the road. It may be longer, but I'll take safety over expediency. No use in going faster if we won't make it there alive afterall. Let's not strain our already limited resources too much. Travel the safe way, and avoid conflict wherever possible. And Jack, if you think you can pull the cart, then I see no issue with that! Let's just hope we don't run into any threat that forces us to abandon it"

With that, he sits down next to the cart, placing the candle in front of him once again, the flame lighting and beginning to dance as he says "Before we leave though, a story! Best to have all my resources prepared before we have a chance of running into something dangerous". 

Determine Tale: 2

"The tale of Qinmaris Azuremight, the Renowed Duelist!", he remarks with an unusally exuberant tone compared to how he's been the past few days, "This fighter was known across the Forgotten Realms for his prowess in battle, undefeated in combats staged and deadly alike. His techniques were so advanced that many assumed they were magical, so impossible they were for many who tried to replicate them. His tecniques were apparently so legendary that many elven armies claim to have learned their styles of fighting entirely from his teachings! Even the relatively reclusive group of wood elves I learned this story from adapted some of his techniques into their own combat. Today, any foe that challenges us will feel his might". As he says this, the flame displays the image of a young elven man, brandishing a rapier in a series of increasingly intricate manuevers. This image flickers from what seems to be him utterly crushing his opponent in some sort of fencing match to a battlefield where he is cutting down hordes of oncoming goblins. The flame then sharpens into a fierce point, jumping and jolting as if it is itching to lunge at somone, though Noel simply puts the candle back at his side and the fiery image remains, prepared for whenever Noel is ready to weild it. "Saving this one for later", he says before making a quick hand motion towards the road, standing up, dusting off his jacket, and saying "Let's get going friends. We've got a lot of distance to cover"

You all discuss the pro's and cons of each option, with the deciding vote apparently going to Savid. And he looks long at the cart, then generally in the direction of north-east, and after a ponderously long time, and with a reluctant sigh, he chooses the road. As much as I would like to save time, half of us are injured.. so with reluctance.. let us take the cart. he says, deciding it. Though once Noel begins to tell his story, though the elf listens, interested - his face has a confused tone to it. And he speaks his mind as Beren and Jack flip the cart over. 

You choose the strangest times to tell stories. I - don't see the point. Perhaps if we were in safety... but, right now? he asks, clearly trying not to offend bt he also seems put off, likely due to a lack of understanding, as he hadn't felt the effects before, and was clearly unfamiliar with whatever it was. 

Regardless, the cart was flipped over by then, and Jack transforming into his creature of choice, setting the stock about whatever it would fit on, and trying some ropes for extra measure, Beren, Noel, and Savid enter the cart, leaving the coffin behind as Noel answered (or didnt) Savid's inqiry. 

Once moving, Jack was able to roughly double the normal pace, through the ground did occasionally stick in his [assumed animal forms foot-type], reducing his overall speed, leaving it at an average pace.

Chance Roll 1: 12

Chance Roll 2: 10

During the first hour, the soft drizzle continued as the familiar, up-angled path back up the 45* hill, but during that time, nothing was encountered, nor even heard in the distance aside from whatever noises or conversation you all had. During this time, Savid gave you all the general idea of where you were all heading.

Vallaki is generally a safe place. You cannot see Strahds castle from there, nor can he see it from even his highest tower - though that doesn't stop him from simply coming.... but the evils of the wood do not attack, or at-least they have yet to.

If ... my time has been kept properly, there will be a festival in Vallaki soon. Though I cannot guarantee you will be welcomed there. But I will do my best to put a word in for you all. I'm sure if you found or helped someone find his little girl, he would welcome you with open arms.

Even with the increased speed, this hour of travel only just barely gets you halfway or so up the path. This is roughly when Jacks transformation ceases. (Do you rest, or continue? Based on jacks post, I can't assume to just proceed.)

As they all come to a consensus as to which route to take, Beren gives a curt nod as if he was expecting that answer. He does what he can to help flip the cart over and hitch it to whatever form Jack decides to take, carefully arranging the ropes into a harness which he tied on over a blanket rather then letting the rope lay directly across the skin. It may be hotter that way, but it would help keep the ropes from digging in and chaffing. He couldn't help but feel... awkward, hitching an animal he knew to be Jack to the cart, but he doesn't show it. Once that is done, he reluctantly gets into the cart with Noel and Savid. 

He sits rather stiffly as they travel, clearly unused to riding in a cart. Most of his travels have been on foot, as he trusts his own legs far more than he trusts any animal or cart for that matter. Most mounts disliked what he could only assume was the aura he let off, and he couldn't really blame them. He would ride given the chance, but found himself walking more often then not. So here, riding in a cart with two other men, he found himself rather uncomfortable. Sitting still while traversing a bumpy road felt like it helped his wounds less than walking would have, and if not for the extra speed it granted them, he would have gotten out long ago. As it is, he keeps his complaints to himself and sits quietly even as the stiffness in his limbs and back returns. 

He listens quietly as Savid describes this... Vallaki, and the light behind the mask flickers a little when the elf mentions the child again. "Who is looking for this little girl?" He asks, realizing that the elf said 'he' but hadn't said who that 'he' was. He assumed it was the girl's father, but it would be good to know who this father is if they are to help find the child. "I would also like to know what happened to this child. She is missing, but do you know why? Was she kidnapped? Did she wander away and get lost? Or did she simply disappear and no one knows what became of her." He asks all this in a level tone, clearly trying to gain intel. He will do what he can for this child, not wanting to see another innocent youth destroyed when he is around to do something about it. 

When Jack stops, presumably to revert to his elf form, Beren quickly descends from the cart to remove the makeshift harness so that the druid doesn't revert only to become tangled in the length of rope. Once Jack is himself again, Beren asks, "So, do we continue. We may be able to pull the cart along if we so wish, or would you prefer a break." His last words are aimed towards Jack, who has done the walking for all of them up to now. Even if Beren and the others don't need to rest, Jack deserves the opportunity. 

Savid realized his folley, and clears his throat. That would be our Bergomaster; Luvash. My head must not have been all with me, but I'm sure you can understand why. As for her dissappearance, she simply vanished the other day. No ransom has been demanded, no screams were heard. As if she were simply ghosted from this place. But there is no creature here we know of that wouldn't make a noise, and if it were Stahd himself... he would make a ..show of it. he said as he adjusted his position to be more comfortable before continuing, drawing his eyes to the sky as the cart began to stop, Jacks transformation at an end. That is why we simply sent out search parties in all directions... it was the only way we could think of to find her, and my kin owe the Vistani of Vallaki for allowing us to shelter in the camp outside the town itself.

Rarely one to hold back laughter -- let alone a bit of chuckling -- whenever something amused the Eladrin, Savid's remark in response to Noel's story is certainly no exception that would go without at least a chortle. With his spirits thus raised, Jack is able to find the strength to truly give his all in aiding in hauling the cart right side, though the effort would leave him shaky, muddy, and breathless for at least a minute or so. But afterwards, he'd assume the form of your typical dark furred Clysdale horse for maximum pulling power as he'd make his way around to be set up for the journey by others.

An almost longing look is spared the coffin's general direction before Jack focuses up and presses on for the next couple of hours. As far as the whole process of being hitched up, the Eladrin showed little signs of discomfort over it, but rather seemed to neigh in what sounded almost like... amusement in seeing Beren so uncomfortable.

In spite of his best efforts, and Jack just about his all throughout the journey, even he could do little about the mud and incline without running far too many risk. And though they hadn't exactly worked out a signal for when his 2 hour limit was up, Jack makes a point of stopping his trek on what he felt was stable enough ground that the cart wouldn't go sliding back, and look back to the others as his way of forewarning them of the reversion.

Back in his elf form before long, Jack takes a moment to stretch out his arms and then the rest his whole body, before letting out a satisfied sigh of relief and brushing some of the mud from his hands. "I haven't had quite that level of a workout in sooooo long!" He mused aloud. "But what's this about pulling it further? You're not-" He pauses to squint at Beren, and then let out a chuckle. "Oh who am I kidding, of course you're serious. But even so, I would really not want you all to exhaust yourselves now or reopen old wounds as that would somewhat defeat the point now wouldn't it? And besides, it's only an hours break. A touch longer than the usual 15 or so minutes one is supposed to give their, eh... equine...er... servants. Let's say servants. But nonetheless, not nearly so bad a break now is it?" He assured the group, and if there were no further complaints, he'd step off the road searching for a sizeable stone to roll into place behind the wheels to help keep the cart from rolling off on its own back down the incline, gradual though it was. After which, he'd happily climb into the back to lay down and listen idly to any ongoing conversations.

(OOC: lol, okay, I was under the impression that this cart was something that could be pulled by hand, but perhaps I misunderstood that. ...oh well.)

"I see," Beren replies to Savid. "You said we would be welcomed after locating this child. Are you suggesting that we do not head directly to this town, and instead try to find the girl?" The idea seemed rather foolish, considering they were heading to the town in order to recover their strength. They would do little good trying to find the kid in their current conditions. They needed a place of safety before they could recover and be ready to head out again. "I believe it best that we simply state our willingness to help, and if that is not enough to convince him to welcome us..." He falls silent for a moment, deciding it best to keep that comment to himself. It wasn't as if he would simply abandon this child if her father was unwilling to aid them, but... well he also has other things on his mind. If the girl simply vanished, there was no telling what truly happened to her, and if it wasn't Strahd's doing... Then this burgomaster has some other powerful enemies. Of course, it matters little to Beren. Evil is evil, and the power doesn't care what his personal reasons are for wiping it out. 

Once they are down from the cart, he speaks up again, "You say the girl simply vanished. Was she taken from her room? Or was she elsewhere." He pauses, turning his mask to face Savid, "If the taker was not Strahd, then who else could it have been? What kind of person is this Luvash? Does he have many enemies?" 

He turns his attention away for a moment as he helps get the ropes off Jack, and then asks about whether or not to continue. When Jack decides on resting, he simply nods and helps chock the wheels of the cart. Once that is finished, he turns his attention back to Savid, "If this girl was taken by magic, I doubt search parties will be enough to find her. If she just vanished...there is no telling where she vanished to. It would be best if you had someone searching with magic, preferably starting at the location where she vanished from. How long ago did she disappear? Perhaps...Given time to prepare, I may be able to investigate that. Still, if the trail is cold, then there is little that can be done for her. I also do not know if the spell I have access to can be used for such an investigation. Such things are not what I was...trained for. I am willing to try, though I suspect finding her will be entirely up to chance." 

(OOC: not sure if detect magic can be used to detect magical 'residues' for lack of a better word. But that is what I am hoping for. Of course, it will take a long break to prepare that spell anyways.)

(After consideration, I've realized Inferno hasn't posted in a little while, so I'll give him some more time before proceeding, lest we get too far from the point)

Noel laughs as Savid comments on his story before simply remarking "Aplogies my friend! I should have explained more directly. I've collected these stories from around the world, from various groups of various races, but when I tell you one of the tales, I'm not just telling you simple story. I've added something to each of them - a charm, capable of manifesting some magical power. The boon relates directly to the tale itself. So, the tale I told yesterday blessed Beren and Jack with health, one I told before we met bet Beren with speed, and this one is a weapon to unleash on our foes! The tale must be told to harness the effects"

With all the dicussion of the girl he says "I'm not sure we'll be able to find her, but I can assure you, I certaily can't without replenishing my magic. I'm worried enough as-is about getting to Valakki without serious harm. Let's be on our way and hope all goes well. I'm sure the people of this city would let us is, at least for the night. If we've got to prove our worth to stay longer, so be it"