Rumble nods in agreement. "Perhaps aligning ourselves with allies will prove... beneficial. Magic users are quite strong." He says with a fluffed tail.

"Well we should drop Ireena and Ismark off first, before we began searching. Keep her safe is our top priority agreed?" After the meeting Allen will begin to get himself ready for the next stretch of the journey. 

Rumble nods in agreement.

Ooc: Our party is currently at a river outlet in form of a small lake. The nearest large lake would be Lake Zarovich. The tower Graeme mentioned is Lake Baratok. Here is also a better map with your current location marked.

"Judging based on the map... there a hidden trail close to here. We should take that and shorten the distance."

“Aye. Sounds like a plan then!” Graeme replies.

OOC: what’s our current commitment with Irena and Ismark again?

ooc: the party agreed to escort Ireena to Vallaki to ensure her safety.

" So Lake Baratok via Valaki?" Rumble suggests. "I'm gonna get some shuteye." He slinks off into the dark to set up his bedroom somewhere quiet 

The group takes a night of ease in the bright and welcoming encampment area and awake in the morning with a full night's rest. The gloomy pink-gray sunrise curses the day ahead, and the sound of the waterfront a foreboding splash and gulp with the tide. Starkly to the background, the gypsies are move about in their bright colours, making morning preparations. The central fire alight with a few individuals gathered. Ismark greets the group upon waking, clearly not have gotten a fair sleep. Ireena says morning greetings a great deal later, sleeping in as per her usual.

Yawning deeply, Ireena sleepily brushes her auburn hair as Ismark puts away their small tent and readies to go. Raen, the tanned ***** from the night prior offers the group a few freshly caught fish. They're salted, grilled, and skewered over a large leaf. Ireena glady accepts, eating daintily at first but succumbing to hunger after a few bites.

The darkened and humid morning is yours to take. The group decided to follow the dotted path of the map, and we can set out when the party is ready.

Eating his share Allen packs his gear ready to set off this humid morning.

Rumble can’t help his tail twisting and twirling in delight as he accepts a fish. He simply watches the others pack up, not offering to help at all, but unstead watches the camp go about it’s business with wide eyes, ready to move on.

Turning to Ismark "Well we're packed up if you're ready to move Ismark."

Ismark wipes his brow and gives a firm nod before replying, "Well, better sooner than later, I should think. Once Ireena is ready, we are ready to go." Ireena smoothes out her hair and clothes, shoulders her pack, and raises her chin slightly Ismark's way. The group leaves camp and follows the well worn map to the river's base into a large cavern. At the far end, a great waterfall spills into a crystal pool below, billowing forth clouds of cold mist. The chasm's walls are slippery and sheer, slick with moisture. The sides narrow further and further, to a point where it's single file only.

Ooc: What would be the preferred matching order? If we'd also like to do an implied order, that's cool too.

After a bit of a spiraling incline, a trek though the tunnel leads to a dirt road that clings to the mountainside. Straight ahead, on the opposite side of the road, stands the ancient forest. To the left is a winding road carved through a wide open countryside, sprawling tentacles of mist wafting to and fro above the ground. Directly on the road's right stands the large bridge that was seen from below.

[Allen would be riding g with Ireena if there's room as he is physically weak.]

As Allen watches the trees go by he will keep his eyes open for anything dangerous.

Perception: 19

[Rumble is happy to take point, scouting 15' ahead of the next party member.] 

Rumble fluffs up in the cold cavern.  He begins to sparkle as the fine water mist clings to the very tips of his fur. He makes good use of his climbing ability and helps the others where he can through the cavern.

 "Perhaps the path most travelled is the better way to go." Rumble suggests, seeing Allen looking at the forest. "I do not want to know what resides in those woods."

As the group makes way through the cavern, Rumble helps Allen maintain composure a time or two. Ismark drives the wagon, Ireena marvelling at the beautiful rock formations in the front seat. Seeing Allen being taxed, she hops off and motions for Allen to take her seat. "Mr. Allen, please. Take my place up front. I don't mind, honest", she offers with a lovely smile. "Besides," she looks with wonder at dew covered tabaxi, "there's so much beauty to see in here."

She makes way, following Rumble and giggling to herself. When the light hits just the right angle, small glimmers refract from the moisture on his fur. As the group exits the rocky terrain and back into the open, she falls back and hops in the wagon and lies slightly out to enjoy the light reminiscent of sunlight. After a few hours, Ismark pulls to the side, and the group breaks for a few next to a small pond. After lunch of rations, the group proceeds without incident.

The party worms their way down the beaten road into the countryside, besmirched by the cliff faces. Even here within the mountains, the surrounding forest and fog are inescapable. Ahead, the dirt road splits in two, widening towards the east. There you see patches of cobblestone, suggesting that the Eastern branch was once an important thoroughfare.

Allen, as you look to the forest as it goes by, you become aware of a raven in the sky. It follows the winding road, circling above the group. This bird did the same for some time, then eventually flies off to the West. 

"Have faith Rumble..."Allen mentions to Rumble as they travel.  Traveling, Allen takes Ireena's offer claming her seat "Sorry I was always a sickly person my physical prowess is not great." Allen chuckles he continues to watch the forest as he spots the Raven."West... we should head west. The Raven Queen's influence is weak but it's  there...,"

Rumble nods quietly as he waits for the cart to catch up at the fork in the road. The panther decides to resume his spot on the back of the wagon, watching the trees fade out of view as they pass slowly. Perception: 21

Graeme has been uncharacteristically silent since they left the gypsies. He hadn’t realized how much he had missed the company of people. There was something about them that reminded him of his homeland.

The thoughts resurrect long lost memories. Graeme begins to whistle a melancholy tune as he walks.

Performance: 11