Arista steps up beside Brekka, eyes drifting over the scattered stone fragments. “Could be we’ll find what’s left of that cult out here,” she remarks, letting the words hang without further detail. She nudges one of the broken road slabs with her boot. “Makes sense there was some path to the keep, but I wonder just how old this one is—and how long it’s been unused.”

Asariel will start banging out a rhythm on one of the stones as he discusses with the others. "The main question is, does this path lead to the keep, or to somewhere else? If it goes to the keep we can hopefully find more stones to make sure we stay on track. But if it predates the keep, or comes after the keep was abandoned, it could lead anywhere and we waste time following it."

Kaelen shrugs. "I see no need to follow it, nor to go out of our way to avoid it."

"Just a curiosity to take note of as we make our way to the keep.  If the path of the stones coincides with our path or not, so be it." the druid concedes, agreeing with the Shadar-kai ranger. 

From the information you were given, the weathering on the stones, the memories of a fair number of similar rocks you’ve seen along the trail, and other stories, you realize these paving stones are centuries old, from the era the keep was first established. You’ve been following them basically, but there have likely been times the overgrown path you’ve been on has diverged, or the stones were just gone from some sections.

Brekka looks back down the path from which they came and taps a thoughtful, clawed finger against his chin.

"I remember seeing some of these before, some ways back. It must lead to the keep itself," he surmises, finishing the last mouthful of his lunch. He crunches down on it with his powerful jaw, bone and all.

"Now we know, it will help keep us on track."

Arista rises, brushing off her hands and casting a quick glance at the scattered stones. “The keep’s not going to walk to us, no matter how old this road is,” she says dryly. With a nod toward the overgrown path, she hefts her pack and glances around at the group. “We ready to move on? Same tasks as before, or anyone want to change it up?”

Kaelen rises with quiet efficiency, slinging his pack over one shoulder and giving a faint nod in Arista’s direction. “I’ve no complaints hunting again." He glances briefly at the others, pale eyes steady. “But if someone else wants the task, I’m just as comfortable scouting ahead or taking watch."

Hearing that they will soon be setting off, Brekka takes meticulous care to ensure his armour is firmly secured and his shield is within easy reach. He slides his sword halfway out of its sheath, testing that it still slides freely should he need it urgently.

He lets it slide back into place as he says, "Ready. I will do as before and keep the way clear." The most perceptive of the group might notice a subtle, unconscious flex of his arms as he says this.

Before your group of intrepid heroes set off again, I’m going to request the honor of a perception check from everyone.

Kaelen Perception: 23

I want individual perception checks frequently m each member of the party Ill roll in he morning to keep things moving. What si autocorrect do? Too tired to fix

[[16 for Brekka.]]

Arista perception 5

Asariel perception: 22

Mathias Perception Check - 14

Kaelen and Asariel spot a small humanoid figure trying to climb down out of a tree about 60 feet away without being noticed.

Kaelen uses Blessing of the Raven Queen to teleport 30 ft closer, aiming at the figure with his longbow as he studies it more closely.

"Who are you? Why are you observing us?"

Brekka's focus is snapped from his preparations to leave by Kaelen's sudden disappearance and reappearance. It takes him a moment to realise what happened before he jogs toward Kaelen and whatever he has his bow trained upon.

"What is it?" he rumbles.

Arista snaps to attention the moment Kaelen’s bow comes up, the sudden alarm in his voice sharpening her senses. She mutters a brief word in druidic, and an earthy shimmer briefly courses through her staff before settling into a faint glow. With swift, practiced efficiency, she straps her shield onto her forearm, casting a questioning look toward Brekka and Kaelen to gauge what threat they’ve spotted.

Seeing Kaelen’s arrow trained on an unseen figure, Arista positions herself by the wagon, feet planted in a defensive stance. “I’ve got our supplies,” she calls quietly, eyes scanning the forest for any other signs of trouble. Though she’s clearly ready to fight if needed, her voice is steady—focused more on protecting the party’s gear and the mules than rushing blindly into danger.