Burrs head is on a swivel the entire trip, he breathes a sigh of relief as Vallaki comes into view.

He had regarded every ruin and structure they had passed with deep suspicion and the girls questions as background noise; knowing none of the answers himself.

As they approached the gate  and he took in the rather garish trophies he held his maul in both hands above his head, " Hullo?", called out softly.

Soren too is watchful throughout the trip, if not quite as suspicious as his warrior companion.  He points to the slow-turning windmill on a hill.

"Does that look like the one we saw a picture of in the haunted house?"  Since the concept of "owning" property is still fairly strange to him, he leaves unspoken the thought that the party might be able to claim ownership of the structure if they have the... deed (?).

At some point past the gates, Soren nuzzles Nettle once more and the owl slowly fades away, her large eyes disappearing last.  He is a little quieter after that, but his face does not turn truly grim until he sees all of the impaled wolf-heads outside Vallaki.  Sadness and anger render him speechless.  He understands that wolves and especially werewolves likely threaten the town, but the grisly and (in his mind) unnecessary display horrifies him.

Not trusting himself to speak, he silently brings up the rear of his newfound pack, trying to prevent his gorge from rising.

“It does.”  Giles answers Soren.  “Windmills…”  the image brings back the horrors of that house.  Giles is similarly relieved when they finally see the city walls of Vallaki.  When they nearer to the village and see the wolves heads on spikes, he walks closer to get a better look, to see if these are normal wolf heads, or something larger, more powerful.  He listens for any response to Burr.  “Hello there!  Please, there at the gates.  Is there anyone there?  Hello!”  Giles calls out as well, hoping all will be allowed to enter…

"Yeah, we should go sightseeing in the property we now own." Zefla says in a flat tone.  She was getting sick of the kid's attention and the mist and the fact she feared they would never leave this awful place.  What did she do to deserve this?  She wasn't a bad person, not exactly good... but there were so many worse than her, man she had stories... she smiled at the thought.

As they get to the gates of Vallaki, the wolf heads surprise her.  What kind of people were inside these walls?  And thinking back to how she has yet to see a single halfling and the people she has met so far seem to give her a second look, she looks up at Saskia when she thinks this, how are they going to welcome her here.

Needing to get out of her head, "Hello!  We've traveled quite a ways and are looking for safety and shelter."

[It's been 4 or 5 hours since you left the Vistani camp.  As best you can tell, its now early afternoon.]

The iron gate is mounted into a stone archway, with the wooden walls stretching out left and right from there.  Chiseled into the stone in bold letters above the entrance are the words 'Morning Gate.'  Above that, a canvas sign is tied above the gate.  In black painted letters it reads:

Welcome to Vallacki

All Will Be Well!

Beyond the gate, two shadowy figures step forward, revealing themselves to be guards or militia, a man and a woman, both human.  They are unarmored but for skull caps and heavy cloaks, but each is armed with a long pike.  Past them, you can just make out a narrow cobblestone street lined by steep-roofed wooden homes.  

"Safety and shelter we have, aye" says the woman guard, "but who's come seeking it?  We'll need your names and backgrounds, first."  The man ducks off to the right side and then returns quickly with some papers.

The guards proceed to question each of you:

1. Name and any aliases
2. Place of birth and name of your father
3. Reason for visiting Vallaki 
4. Anticipated length of stay

The man writes down your answers on different sheets of paper.  Meanwhile, the woman continues with another question.  "Do you serve the Darklord?"

Zefla walks up to the gate and looks at the two guards.  She finds them peculiar, but not exactly sure why and has no idea how to answer the questions.  

But they need to get in... so she may as well attempt it.

"Well, my name is Zefla Shadowquick.  I do not have any aliases, you can call me Zefla.  Well, my place of birth is quite far from here, you probably haven't heard of it.. Daggerford.  My father's name is Zenfice Shadowquick and we're here to seek safety from the Darklord and all the creatures of his as well.  As for anticipated length of stay?  Probably not long."

She then looks at the woman very seriously when she answers, "Serve the darklord?  That would be a no, ma'am."

Burr grimaces.

" Names Burr Holland, only one I have."

" Born in the woods of the Delimbiyr Vale, father unknown."

" Shelter. No idea how long."

" No. I don't serve your oppressor."

Soren's voice is quiet and his face pale from the presence of the impaled wolf's heads.  Is this town under attack?  And why the sign "All will be well"?

He draws on Silvanus' wild grace to help him see things clearly.

"I am Soren Thornpaw, son of Crannoc.  From Neverwinter Wood, far from here as with some of my friends.  We seek shelter and safety in Vallaki, though like my companions, I cannot be sure for how long.  Likely no more than a few days.  I do not serve any dark lord."

Soren Insight plus Guidance:  17 + 2 = 19

(He is trying to guess at the mindset and circumstance behind the guards' demeanor.  Is the town under attack?  Is there a specific situation afoot that warrants caution?  Paranoia?  Are the questions hostile, or just routine?)

Giles walks forward and nods, his head low initially then lifts his face up to arc his voice up to the pair.  He has his hands gathered together with his index fingers pointed upward, like a temple, resting under his chin.  

“Hello, my name is Father Giles Serpentflower.  I am known as Giles, or Father Giles.  I grew up in Daggerford as well, my father was Horvig Serpentflower, not that I ever saw him much.  He left town when I was young, seeking his fortune in Baldur’s Gate.  Really Corran Corvalin was as much of a father to me as anyone.  Our purpose here in Vallaki is shelter, and as they say, we will probably only be here for a few days.  And I assure you, I do not serve the dark lord.”  Giles makes a face as he says those words and he spits on the ground.

”By the way, what is the story with these wolf heads on spikes?”  Giles motions to them, asking with curiosity.

Soren, the guards seem alert and vigilant, but the questioning they put you through feels rote, as though they have done this many times before.  There does not appear to be a sense of urgency, nor do you get the impression you are getting unusually harsh treatment.  You get the feeling this is just the way they handle security here.

Without looking up from his notetaking, the guard replies to Giles, "Leftovers from the Wolves Head Jamboree last week.  Figured they might be some use out here 'fore they rot away completely.  Maybe convince the odd wolf or two to slink off to more welcoming environments."

No longer willing or seeing a need to hide, Ireena steps forward.  "My name is Ireena Kolyana.  My father is... was... Dirov Kolyana, late the Burgomaster of the Village of Barovia."  This gets an eyebrow raise from both guards.  "As the others have said, we have come here seeking safety and shelter.  As for myself, I do not yet know how long I will be staying.  Indefinitely, would be my answer.  As for Strahd, I...".

She is interrupted by the female guard, raises a hand firmly.  "Do not speak that name.  If you must refer to that indidual, use the terms 'darklord' or 'the devil'."

"I see.  In that case, I do not serve the darklord."  She hesitates, as if considering saying more, but does not volunteer anything else.  Instead she lifts the little girl up.  "Her name is Saskia...".

Again she is interrupted, this time by the male guard.  "No need.  I'm not gonna fill out more forms just for kids."

As you all answer, the male guard continues scribbling down the answers on pieces of paper.  To no one in particular, he says, "Just gonna put down 'three days'...".  Then he nods to the woman, who pushes open the heavy iron gate.  The gates swings outward, requiring all of you to take a quick step back.  The gate open, the woman steps forward and blocks the way with her body, pike planted in the ground, though she stands with a somewhat relaxed posture.  The male guard steps outside to join you shuffling papers before finding the one he is looking for, then clears his throat.  "Ahem...."  

"Be it known that by order of his Eminence, Baron Vargas Vallakovich, torch-barer for the ancient and noble House Vallakovich, Burgomaster of Vallaki, in order to ensure the continued peace and prosperity of the Great and Joyous town of Vallaki and the security of its fine citizens, all visitors and residents shall comply with these laws.  Be it further known that these laws stand in addition to, and do not supercede or replace, those observed by common custom within Barovia:

"Article One.  Referring to a certain tyrannical individual, who lairs within Castle Ravenloft, by his given name is forbidden within Vallaki walls. None shall speak this name aloud or carry written documents bearing this name. If this individual must be mentioned, he shall be referred to simply as The Devil.  Should circumstances further require a more formal or less vulgar descriptor, the term Darklord shall suffice."

"Article Two.  A Festival is to be held each week in the town square to celebrate the continued prosperity and security of our Great and Joyous town, and to show our continued support and appreciation for his Eminence the Baron Vargas Vallakovich, whose wise decrees have kept The Devil at bay and whose efforts and guidance shall return our lands into the graces of the Morninglord so that we shall once again feel the warmth of the sun. Attendance at all festivals is mandatory.  None may speak ill of any festivals held within Vallaki, nor hold any documents that present them in an ill light.  Happiness of the citizens and community is the key to Vallaki’s safety, and any resident or visitor that threatens to harm morale also threatens to harm Vallaki as a whole, and may weaken our defenses against The Devil and his minions.  All residents and visitors, irrespective of length of stay, shall attend all festivals.  All residents shall assist with all festivals within Vallaki, such assistance including but not limited to preparations and clean-up. These duties shall rotate through the general public on a basis to be determined at the necessary time.  All visitors, irrespective of length of stay, shall attend all festivals and may be conscripted to assist as necessary by the town guard."

"Article Three.  All visitors to and residents of the Great and Joyous town of Vallaki are required to register with the town guard, and registration papers must be kept on one’s person, at all times, while within Vallaki walls. Persons found without registration papers are subject to immediate arrest and a fine of no less than one (1) gold piece.  All Packs, Packages, Wagons and Transports are subject to search at random.  All weapons must be declared to the town guard upon entry to the Great and Joyous town of Vallaki, under the name and identity of the possessor.  No entry will be granted to any individual to the Great and Joyous town of Vallaki during the night hours, except upon a showing of exigent circumstances and clear and convincing evidence that said individual is neither agent of, nor spawn of, nor in league in any fashion with, The Devil.  Under no circumstances shall entry into the Great and Joyous town of Vallaki be granted to known agents and retainers of The Devil, including those folk who refer to themselves as Vistani.  Knowingly granting entry into Vallaki to said individuals, smuggling trade goods on their behalf, sharing or possessing written communications from said individuals, or vocalizing support for such minions of The Devil, is strictly prohibited."

"Article Four.  Public brawling, disorderliness, and disruptions to the common peace, including but not limited to public drunkenness, vagrancy, outbursts of profanity, vocalizations of despair, criticism of the Baron or his wise policies, criticism of the noble classes, harassment of shopkeepers or peddlers, leering at women, aggressive posture, and arson, are prohibited."

"Any Vallakian or visitor who violates these articles shall be charged with Malicious Unhappiness, which bears a punishment of no less than two, and no more than twelve days of public humiliation in the stocks, and/or a fine not to exceed five gold pieces.  Repeated offenses of Malicious Unhappiness are subject to enhanced punishments at the discretion of his Eminence the Baron Vargas Vallakovich."

"Addendum One.  Without further altering the common law prohibitions against assault, false imprisonment, and murder, be it known that the punishment for such violations within the walls of Vallaki may be waived and all charges dropped if it can be proven that the victim was an agent of The Devil."

"By the Grace of the Morninglord and the wisdom of His Eminence the Baron VargasVallakovich, Burgomaster, All Will Be Well."*

The guard pauses once he has finished reading to look all of you over.  Then he rolls up that paper.  "All right then.  Last thing.  As you all just heard, weapons are permitted but must be registered.  It looks as though most of you are carrying.  That's all well and good but I need to ask you to present all weapons at this time for inspection and registration."

[Please indicate if you willingly present all the weapons on your person.  If you attempt to conceal anything, and the weapon is currently equipped, make a Sleight of Hand check.  No check is necessary if the item is currently packed away in a backpack... though you are free to be a good guest and voluntarily disclose those weapons too.]

"Great and Joyous Town," echoes Soren faintly, gazing at the impaled wolves' heads and feeling queasy.

'Malicious Unhappiness' a crime punishable by two to twelve days confined in the stocks?  Compulsory attendance of and assistance with festivals?  'Criticism of the Baron or his wise policies' forbidden?  Some animals organize themselves so, but they have never been the ones I have been closest with.  Nor ones that ever seem particularly 'joyous'.  Ants come to mind.  Perhaps termites.  And yet, all have a place in Silvanus' wild balance of life.  Hmmm...

Soren keeps his thoughts to himself looks around at the others, especially Ireena to gauge how they are taking the lengthy proclamation.  He wants to ask if all of this is normal, but he suspects that now is not the time to reveal his own ignorance of city ways.  Deep down, he suspects it is decidedly not normal, but likely yet another way this tyrant, the darklord Strahd, has corrupted the land its denizens, even in their opposition to him.

As for weapons, Soren immediately thinks of his silver-tipped arrows and the silvered weapons of his three companions from the Daggerford militia, given Ireena's revelation earlier that Silvered weapons are outlawed in Barovia.  Did she mean outlawed in the town of Barovia or in the entire land?

Too late to hide anything now, he duly reveals and attempts to register his shortsword, spear and dagger, along with his longbow and two mostly-full quivers, one with 18 ordinary arrows and another with 19 silvered ones.

Zefla's head is swimming with all the information that the man just read out to them.  Mandatory festivals?  What the hell was this place?  Sounded like a bunch of lemmings to her.  Thank goodness they weren't staying there.  She gave quick glances to her companions hoping she was right and that they weren't planning on staying.  She hoped they were gone before the next festival rolled around.  Mandatory her ass.

"So.. just registering our weapons, correct?  Not confiscating them?  I mean, I have no intention of using any of these, obviously need them on the road and like we said, we don't plan on staying here long."

Zefla starts pulling out her repertoire of weapons and gets a kick out of the amount she has somehow packed away.  The little halflings starts naming them as she pulls them out...

"Let's see here, ready at hand I have my rapier, my silvered shortsword, my shortbow, and a dagger."  She then starts digging into her pack pulling things out and letting them clatter to the ground, "I am also carrying a crossbow, a longsword, a spear, ooh another dagger, oh and this crowbar can be used in a pinch."  She looks up at the man smiling and says, "And I have the ammunition for the bow and crossbow but well, I didn't want them to spill all over the place." 

" Thats a lot of rules.", Burr said plainly as he doled out his weapons, keeping none hidden.

" Still, I'll take mandatory happiness over violent disembowelment....so let me in."

Ireena presents her own longsword to the guards, without complaint.

[This is an excellent opportunity to draw a mental picture of what you all look like, carrying your gear.  

Ireena - in her red elven chainmail, carrying a single longsword belted to her hip.

Burr - a salvaged breastplate over his dusty travelers clothes, a heavy crossbow on his back, twin handaxes on his belt and a maul, probably carried?  His backpack is overflowing with torches and rations.

Soren - studded leather armor and wooden shield donned, spear on his back and shortsword on his hip, with two quivers and a longbow hung over one shoulder.

Father Giles - in light leather armor with his priestly attire just visible.  A shield on one arm and a crossbow on the other shoulder, his backpack stretched and straining at the seams, nearly overflowing with gear.

Zefla - and somehow, the halfling rogue has become a walking armory.  She wears studded leathers over her simple clothes.  On one hip, there is a rapier and a silvered shortword, on the other, the longsword with the windmill hilt.  The hilts of a pair of daggers poke out from pockets, belts, or the top of her boots and she carries a hand crossbow.  Over one shoulder is a shortbow and a quiver of arrows, and a spear is strapped to her back.  And like Father Giles and Burr, she too has a backpack stuffed past its capacity.

I don't mean to step out of line in how I describe how your items are carried.  If anything is worn differently please correct me.  It just seemed like a good spot to update what you all look like at this point in the story.]

The guards don't seem put off by the presence of your weapons, noting everything on your papers.  They do pay special attention to the silvered arrows, shortsword and handaxe.  They make no attempt to confiscate them, but do have a quick sidebar with each other.  Then the man says to Burr, Soren and Zefla, "Silver blades and arrows are in short supply.  The commander, Izek, may want to speak with you once he hears about this.  If you're willing to part with them, the town guard will put them to excellent use."

[Now we just need Giles' response to the weapon inspection.]

Giles keeps his expression hidden and flat as he hears the long, extensive list of rules.  He sneaks a side glance from time to time at Zefla, Burr and Soren, even checking Ireena’s response from time to time.  He is glad that they can dispense with the Rita disguise.  

“Ok, if these are the rules, so be it.  We are thankful for shelter in your good town and I’m sure… I’m sure that all will be well.”  When in Barovia…

Giles has a lot of his routine equipment, rations, torches, rope, etc in two bulging sacks that he carries.  The backpack on his back contains a bedroll and other equipment.  He shows the guards his dagger at his side, and his light crossbow.  His leather armor is covered by a cloak, and he has a shield strapped across his back, with a four leaf clover on it.  He has thick, greasy tousled black hair, and several days of stubble on his cheeks and chin.  He looks in need of a bath and cleaning from the sweat, grime and mud from the road.  He tries to put his best foot forward, seeing that they need to get Ireena into town and not seeing many other options.  

“When is your next festival planned, and what are you celebrating then?  Also, do you have any stores here in town?  Do you enjoy working here?”  Giles plies his questions slowly and with enthusiasm, trying to assure them that he will be a good and compliant citizen.  Don’t tell them anything of substance….  “I should also like to speak with your local clergymen of course…”

As he completes the paperwork, the male guard absent-mindedly answers Father Giles. 

"Festival of the Blazing Sun.  To be held in the town square, three days hence."

"Of course we've got shops.  This is a proper town, not some backwater burg."  He looks up, glancing at Ireena as though he fears he may have spoken out of line.  "Ahem.  Begging pardons."

"I help protect the town.  No better calling than to serve my loved ones and people."

"You'll be wanting to see Father Lucian at St. Andral's.  He's a good egg, that one."

His note taking complete, the male guard separates copies of the papers while the woman guard looks on impatiently.  He hands a sheet to each of you.  It lists your names, birthplace, reason for visiting and length of stay.  It also includes a short list of your weapons.  Confirming all the details are correct [They are correct] he has you sign your copy and his copy, then he signs them both as well and seals both copies with a bit of yellow wax.  He puts his copies in a leather pouch on his belt while you receive your own copies. "You'll be keeping these on you at all times.  The guard may ask you to produce your papers at any time.  Lack of papers or noncompliance is a violation and can result in punishment up to and including expulsion from town.  Understood?" 

Assuming no disagreements, he steps back and nods to his counterpart.  She steps back at last, allowing you to pass into the town through the gates.  You step from the muddy road outside onto loosely spaced cobblestones.  Arranged as they are, they seem to make more of a trip hazard than a solid roadway.  The homes and buildings on this side of town are small and tightly packed, with narrow alleyways running between one-story wood-framed homes.  Immediately the smells of the wild Barovian countryside are replaced by the thick odor of a medieval town.  Mixed in is the earthy scent of livestock, and from the gate you can see the wooden walls of a stockyard nearby.  Deeper into the town you can see larger buildings of wood and stone, with steeped rooftops and brick chimneys. 

Unlike the tiny Village of Barovia, where 6 in 10 buildings appeared empty, Vallaki feels lived in.  Though there are few people visible in the streets, there is smoke rising from many chimneys and the muddy streets and alleys are full of tracks and boot prints. As the gates close behind you, there is a modicum of comfort knowing something as thick and sturdy as these walls now stands between you and the dangers outside.  Yet the people you see don't bring you a sense of overwhelming encouragement.  Most shuffle through the streets with their heads down, their demeanor a match for the grey sunless skies ahead.  The few that take notice of you quickly move indoors or peek out from partly closed shutters.

Immediately inside the gate, you see a number of notices plastered to the inside of the palisade wall, not visible from the outside.  Most advertise festivals - the top layer of notices mention a Festival of the Blazing Sun, but below them you can see older notices... Wolves Head Jamboree... Potato Pie Bake-Off... Vallaki's Got Talent....  There is also a large wooden map of the town, its details etched by a wood-burner.  Below and alongside are notices from shops and services.  You're able to put together a rough idea of the layout of Vallaki and orient yourself to your surroundings.

Gates:  You stand just inside the easternmost gate, the Morning Gate.  The northernmost gate is known as the Lake Gate and the westernmost gate is the Sunset Gate.  There were two smaller gates in the south of the town, known as the Farmer's Gate and the Mud Gate, but notices indicate these have been permanently closed.

Red Star:  St. Andral's Cathedral.  This church is dedicated to the Morninglord and is the largest - and possibly the oldest - building in Vallaki.

Blue Star:  Blue Water Inn.  Another of the oldest buildings in town, this three story inn is advertised as serving the best wine in town, as well as hosting the cleanest beds.

Yellow Star:  The Town Square.  Signs indicate this is where the weekly festivals are held.  It is also the main commerce district, with several shops and a tavern:

• The Cracked Anvil/Dagomir's Tools
• Barovian Nights Clothiers
• Blinsky's Toys
• Dufty's Roadhouse

Brown Star:  Stockyards.  This fenced and gated compound holds parked wagons and carts as well as a small compliment of oxen.  It also has a few shops nestled outside its gates:

• Lukresh Tannery
• Nimir's Used Goods
• Clocks, Coffins and Carpentry

Green Star:  Witches Grove.  The name seems tongue-in-cheek, though its hard to be sure in this grim land.  Based on the signs and flyers, this seems to be a fortified community outside the western gate, comprised of apothecaries, midwifes and butchers.

Orange Star:  The Burgomaster's Mansion.  

Grey Star:  St. Penelope's Orphanage and Reformatory.  

Purple Star:  Shrine of Ezra.  Another church, apparently, though their flyer seems a touch more... esoteric.  

Black Star:  Vistani Encampment.  Multiple signs warn against trafficking with the Vistani, smuggling goods for them, or even speaking favorably about them.  Citizens are reminded that they are THE DEVIL'S servants, one and all.

Standing beside you as you look over the map and take in the town, Ireena sets down Saskia and takes her by the hand, then removes her half-helm with the other hand.  She looks troubled, despite her delivery to the supposed refuge of Vallaki.  "You have completed what my brother asked of you, and I thank you for the company and for your protection.  For now, I will see Lady Saskia to St. Penelope's and see about her welfare.  After that, I suppose I shall have to speak to the Burgomaster here about setting up a temporary residence for myself."

"When I speak to my brother next, I will let him know he was right to trust you."  She smiles, but still looks faintly ill at ease, then turns to lead Saskia away.

Burr looks uncomfortable, " Will she be safe at this St Penelopes?  Are orphans sent to workhouses or hired out as cheap labour here....or worse?"

" Father Giles, who is your god on best terms with?  The Sun God or this Ezra?"

" Soren? The witches grove sounds like your sort of people."

" We need more coin I think if we are to live here long enough to make a move against this Devil....not that that will go well for us, but it seems its either that or resign ourselves to becoming morose bastards like this mob", he said waving his hands at the townsfolk.

" Not a lot of cheer for a place where happiness is mandatory..."

Giles steps in before she leaves, answering Burr’s question at the same time.  “Ireena.  Please, a moment.  Perhaps we should take you to visit with Father Lucian, at St. Andral’s Cathedral.  He might know the best way to keep you safe, to keep you … protected… from Strah .. The Devil.  Don’t you think we should go there first?  And with Saskia, too.  That would be my advice, dear child.”  Giles looks to others for support and opinions.  

Festival of the Blazing Sun?  Soren has trouble believing his ears.  What blazing sun?  Is everything about this town a false pretense of happiness and normalcy to mask its overly harsh rules and suspicion?  Strahd, their darklord, has darkened Vallaki in so many ways without having to do any of it himself!

Once out of earshot of the guards, Soren growls in a low voice, his hackles seemingly up.

"Great and Joyous Town.  Malicious Unhappiness punished.  Mandatory attendance at a festival for a sun which never shines here, and no speaking ill of it or the Baron.  I do not know city ways, and Ireena, you will make your own choice as all free creatures must.  But I agree with Burr and Giles.  I think we should sniff out the territory before deciding this is the right place for any of us or Saskia to make our lairs.  Perhaps the orphanage is the best option, but the town seems to have closed itself into rigid denial and lack of freedom to stave off the darklord, which in a way, is another victory for him."

He shakes his head, like a canine trying to rid his mouth of a bad taste, then composes himself.

"Yes, perhaps St. Andral's Cathedral first.  I know little of the Morninglord, but perhaps this Father Lucian can shed some light.  He may even have children, unlike you, not-Father!  I do not know about the Witches' Grove either, Burr.  There were no apothecaries or butchers in Neverwinter Wood, though there was one herbalist in the village of Thundertree at the forest's edge who also served as a midwife before the volcano covered it all in ash."

"Lairs?  Not for me buddy!"  Zefla studies the map in front of them and as the few people strode by morosely, she takes note.  "What an awful place to take refuge.  I thought we'd finally find a place that wasn't so... down.  Shoot, the Vistani have been the best thing we've come across!"  She doesn't mention the delicious bread maker though she thinks it.  Even if she did go bat-shit crazy on them.

"Ok, I don't think its the best idea to split up, at least not yet.  Let's start with this Father Lucian if we must, hopefully get a few answers.  Then visit a few shops, try and get anything we might need.  I'm hoping we can leave in the morning?  We're heading towards the Myrmidon first correct?  Man, wouldn't it be nice if it was this direction?"  she points to where it says To Lake Zarovich, "But with our luck, the lake within the mountains is probably this other one past Forest of the Wolves."