Quote from Vedar >>

"I wonder if we'll get through the forest unchallenged this time?"

"I dunno, I could use the exercise" said Titus, using a tone that was only halfway joking.

While the snow is unusual, the forest is peaceful. You don't see anything off.

"The snow is serene is it not? If you listen, you can hear the trees creak under the pressure of the snow, birds migrating away to warmer weather, and the crunch of things walking...I find a calm in snow, but do not get me wrong....I do not like the cold" Thrudor continues to ride along with his traveling companions

Jakus snaps out of his thoughts (he has completely forgotten to look out for anything) as he hears Thrudor speak. He listens for a moment, and then replies, “I don’t hear much, but I guess it’s because I do not know what to look for. I’ve never been an outdoorsy kind of guy, I much prefer living in a city.”

Thrudor smiles at Jakus "Indeed, it seems we are opposites. I find cities to be a bit overwhelming. I understand the need for folks to live together in walled off areas but cities seem to take more than provide in terms of harmony with nature."

Titus raised an eyebrow at Thrudor's words, but held his tongue. He had no fondness for the bigger cities himself, but it seemed as if his companion had no respect for civilization. How would law and order be maintained without the organizations and structures it provided?

A thought came to him then, and he started looking around for the wyrmling. "So," he said to the others, "what exactly was that little dragon saying was at that Twilight's Waters? I almost get the feeling we're being led into another side job, to be honest."

“Liaka told us that Twilight Waters haven’t frozen over,” Jakus tells Titus. “And there’s something there that we need to see of ourselves. On a different note, the kobolds wanted to see if we were worthy of awakening something, possibly an adult dragon according to Liaka.” He sighs, rubbing his forehead. “We’ve been thrust into something big, something that may affect the world itself. I’m not sure what yet, but this is probably our best chance to find out what is being the winter.” 

Cunning listens to the conversation. "So, if I understand correctly.... We're going back to Adenguard to report our mission successful, and then we're heading off to the Twilight Waters. Or have I missed something?"

“Don’t think so,” Jakus comments. He takes another look around, making sure they aren’t being followed or heard by something hiding.

Perception: 22

Jakus Perception:

I'm going to fast-forward time a bit.

You arrive at the Gates of Adenguard and enter the palace where the king is waiting. "My heroes! Welcome back to my castle."

Jakus bows to the king. “We have completed your task, your majesty. However, I am afraid that we are unable to stay for long. We’ve heard rumors about something mysterious, and we’re going to investigate it.”

"It is, of course, tied to this creeping winter that is the primary concern," added Titus, trying to impress upon the king the value of the mission. "Hopefully it'll provide a clue to help us with addressing that."

(A lot of work came up from multiple sources at once and I didn't realize I hadn't posted in a week. I'm back now though.)

"Yes, I've been meaning to send you into the north. Be careful. I received word the storms are moving in a wide, circular pattern. They're circling something, but we can't tell what yet. If you find anything strange in the north, investigate it. No need to come back here unless there is something important you have to announce."

Tell me when you're ready to travel, and we'll begin the journey into the north.

Cunning looks to Titus. "Are we ready, or do we need to restock the cart?"

Thrudor stood be silently and listened. He wondered if the king would provide aid in this next leg of their mission for him. "Your majesty, could you lend aid to us? Perhaps winter clothing, some food, potions of healing, things of that nature before we set out?"

"Due to the effect this storm has on magical crops, we're rationing potions. But take as many rashions as you want, and winter clothes too. And keep on eye out for giant owls, they're native to the north."

“Thank you,” Jakus says. He gets some winter furs and wraps them around his body, shivering a little. Jakus also gets some clothes for the other members of the party.

Quote from Vedar >>

Cunning looks to Titus. "Are we ready, or do we need to restock the cart?"

Titus gave a slight grin as his companions moved to gather rations and winter clothing. "We'll be restocking, apparently!" he chuckled in response to Cunning. "Which is fine. We don't really know what we'll face, so anything that might be of value, we may as well take. Better to have and not need, and all that."

The fighter nodded graciously as Jakus handed him a fur-lined cloak, then also bowed and thanked the king.

"I'll be at the wagon," he said to the others after having been dismissed, "just let me know when you're all ready and we'll take off."

Thrudor bows thanking the king. He takes the warm clothes and wraps up food in cloth and pouches. He moves out following Titus

"Follow me..." A voice rings in the party's ears from the direction of the north. You don't see anyone that could have said that. "Follow me..." You feel a chill run down your spine as your vision fogs over for just a second, a faint image of 2 violet eyes in the distance before the speaking stops and everything becomes normal. Everyone else in the palace seems unaffected.

(Yes, every party member experiences this.)